blackgirl on mars: notes on a life in copenhagen (or how my alienation brings me closer to people).

Today I saw someone who looked just like Brook Stephenson (February 21st, 1974- August 29, 2015) at the busiest train station in Copenhagen, Nørreport Station. He looked so much like Brook, I considered asking him if I could take a picture with him. I decided not to - but seeing this doppelgänger reminded me how much I missed this friend, supporter and literary peer. I found some pictures of Brook today - from when I returned to the States, just to be at his Rhode Island Writer's Colony - an act that fortified me in ways I am still unpacking.

upcoming panelists talk it out! It had been my intention to retire this blog - I mean, I've been blogging for a minute now. But then folks from all walks of life reach out to me - coming upon my blog through a variety of ways and a friend passes away and reminds me that there's something to the power of keep on keepin' on. I really wanted Brook Stephenson to see my latest piece for NBCBLK about Jason Reynolds .  Brook Stephenson was one of the brainchilds behind The Rhode Island Writer's Colony  and this is where I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Jason Reynolds. It was just Brook, Jason and myself most of the time and  I could not have asked for a better homecoming (return to the States) than to land in house with them both.  It was like I received a crash-course in what has been happening in the States (literarily speaking), and getting into politics from a global perspective.  It was like landing a refuge where I had the best companions/brothers/ca...

Brook Stephenson, Jason Reynolds Rhode Island September 2014 Jason Reynolds, Brook Stephenson and John Stephenson Harlem 2007 with the All-Star Cast at Marie D. Brown's Harlem Haven of Hope. I don't know what "death" is - but I learned a lot about Living from  Brook Stephenson - someone whose recent exit has left the world and my life, a lot poorer. I am thankful to have crossed paths with a soul who showed me laughter, positivity and an indomintable commitment to success - if even just by being there. Brook Stephenson was a true friend who not only talked the talk, but walked it. He was a champion of Blackgirl on Mars and Bandit Queen Press and knew how to pick hi s friends up and support them. I learned a lot from having his spirit in my life and I if there is one priceless gift he has left me with is a commitment to be half a good a friend as he had shown me. Many times when I was sad, feeling defeated, lonely - far away from home - it was Brook wh...

my evening with Marie D. Brown at Cave Canum to see Terrance Hayes  is definitely one of my recent highlights.  I settled in into my Norwegian flight from JFK, New York to Copenhagen, Denmark. It was the perfect flight: 9:30pm and arriving the following day, at 11:30 am. Kai had agreed to meet me at the airport and I was ready to get home and take care of business.  I managed to get all my things in my suitcase, and I risked taking a beautiful vintage, semi-acoustics guitar that Marie had bequeathed me. I crossed my fingers and hoped that I would be allowed on the flight with it as carry on luggage. I know it was a risk, but I really wanted to have it with me, feeling that it's presence would help with my inspiration for my show. It's a Vox Challenger, cherry sunburst in color. When I saw it for the first time, I thought it would be a great guitar to incorporate into my show. I've been playing with the guitar a few years now; with the intention of using it in so...

Brook Stephenson, Jason Reynolds  and Lesley-AnnBrown john & mary's garden Well, I'm all done with the Rhode Island Writers' Colony, or should I say I've just started? I had an amazing and productive two weeks there. I met some pretty intelligent and creative souls. There was Brook Stephenson , co-founder of the  Colony and his constant, unwavering optimism and encouragement.   Jason Reynolds who is an old soul-definitely doing his work to heal the world through the power of STORY and discovering his book When I was the Greatest , which I read and can't wait to pass on to my son. There was Charles Vincent Burwell whose quiet strength and enthusiasm for life (not to mention multi-talent) was inspiring to be around. Then there was John, Brook's gregarious and witty big brother (Pirate Buddha Master Storyteller anyone?) and also co-founder of the Rhode Island Writers' Colony, who also bemoaned the fact that the Humanities as a subject has been ...

allison newsome's lion @ her studio The past two weeks have offered a plethora of experiences and the opportunity to meet up and connect with some fantastic folks. All I could say for the past couple of weeks was, "Rhode Island? Who'd a-thunk it?"Aside from having time and an incredible town and space to write in, there were the people - from Brook Stephenson co-founder of The Rhode Island Writers Colony, his brother John (the other founder) who is like a walking Encyclopedia with the soul of a pirate, his partner Marie whose hospitality is much appreciated, to Jason Reynolds writer extraordinaire, Malundo Jones and Charles Vincent Burwell of the Clever Agency.  The host of characters include many citizens of Warren, Rhode Island who went out of their way to make us feel welcome. There was Angelo who frequented the local coffee shop everyday, to staff of the Coffee Depot. There was also the day Brook and I went over to Alisson Newsome's studio, here are so...

two of the coolest brothers this sister had the opportunity to work, talk and geek with.  and from the heavens? a bird's nest came tumbling down from the tree... right down the street there is 160 year old tree. the small ones are her babies... every one needs support. bless the human who so lovingly propped up this limb with this  from mars to home & 3 very cool, inspiring, progressive brothers... geeking out on cars, books and dr. who special thanks to alison & kids for a true new england evening brook's bistro is not only nurturing for the stomach, but for the soul!  preparing an artist's dinner tomatoes from the garden.