Louis Cameron & Ledelle Moe Opening Reception @ G Fine Art Gallery TONIGHT

In conjunction with the LOUIS CAMERON's Severe, High, Elevated, Guarded, Low Exhibition which will be on display from 9 September thru 7 October an opening reception tonight, 16 September 2006, from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the G Fine Art Gallery, located at 1515 14th Street, in NW, will also bring attention to LEDELLE MOE's special offsite exhibtion Memorial (Collapse) at 1520 14th Street which has been on display since July.

PS24 @ Busboys & Poets and Black LUV Fest this weekend

When photographing the 21st Annual NCNW Black Family Reunion Celebration on the National Mall on Saturday, 9 September I'd happen upon the Folk-Hop group, PS24 which I had not heard of before but wish now to bring attention to.

PS24 is a group that is creating a sound truly unique in contemporary music. This acoustic trio consisting of guitarist Waldo, percussionist Jali-D, and singer /songwriter Psalm, is electrifying crowds at every performance. Their potent lyrics and collective sound give birth to an authentic urban folk music, Folk-Hop, that is consistently referred to as beautiful and refreshing.

If you get the opportunity, check them out this weekend on Saturday night beginning at 9 PM at Busboys and Poets and on Sunday afternnon at the 8th Annual National Black L.U.V. Festival which will take place from 12 noon until 7 pm on Pennsylvania Avenue at 4th Street in NW WDC.

15 September 2006 Friday's Photo of the Week

Though not always NAKED and, yet, certainly sometimes in the nude and often in the street or at work, in a studio or at their home, NAKED TRUTH, is an ongoing documentary project that sheds light on the individual from a different perspective.

Artist Cherif Mamadou whom I did not know nor had ever heard of until happening upon him during my documentation of the 2006 Adams Morgan Day Festival represents the first subject in my NAKED TRUTH Fall 2006 Campaign.

And in an attempt to kill two birds with one stone this image also represents my 15 September 2006 Friday Photo of the Week.

MPDC's 16 September 'GUN-BUY-BACK'

Between August 1999 and December 2000, the MPDC conducted three separate gun buy-backs, in which more than 6,200 firearms were recovered. Through the first eight months of this year, the MPDC had already recovered 1,616 firearms, a 3 percent increase from the same period of 2005.

With funding provided by the DC Council and support from ROOT Inc and the DC Chapter of NOBLE the Metropolitan Police Department is conducting a gun buy-back on Saturday, 16 September 2006.

The gun buy-back will take place on September 16, 2006, from 9 am to 7 pm, at three locations: First District Station, 415 4th St., SW; Sixth District Station, 100 42nd St., NE, and Seventh District Station, 2455 Alabama Ave., SE.

Only residents of the District of Columbia, as well as Prince George’s and Montgomery counties in Maryland, and Arlington County and the city of Alexandria in Virginia, are eligible to participate in the program. All participants must display proof that they reside in one of the eligible jurisdictions. Absolutely no payments will be made to gun dealers from any jurisdiction.

Payments will be based on the type and operational condition of the weapon surrendered, as follows:

$100 for assault-style rifles and automatic/semi-automatic pistols
$50 for revolvers, Derringers, rifles and shotguns
$10 for air/BB/pellet guns

No payments will be made for firearms that are inoperable. Payments will be limited to no more than 10 weapons per individual.

DC Cowboys Friday After-Rodeo Party at Remingtons!

On Friday, September 15th 2006, 10PM to Midnight bring a friend or two, and join the DC Cowboys for some fun at their monthly "Friday Hoe-down Party" at Remingtons. Hoe-down Party Info is as follows:
What's New? Party Activities Auction Items Free Give-away Prizes Upcoming Performances and Appearances Join our Patrons Club Our Mission Get Your Free Admission Coupon Here DC Cowboys In the News Auditions

Latino GLBT History Project launches at DC Center

In 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim a week in September as National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a month long celebration, 15 September - 15 October.

In celebration of the 2006 Hispanic GLBT Heritage Month, D.C. resident Jose Gutierrez has curated an historic exhibition that focuses on the contributions made by gay Latinos to the history of Washington DC.

The Latino GLBT History Project opens with a reception at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15. Eight large panels full of documents, banners and photographs chronicling the history of D.C.’s gay Latino population will be available to the public for the first time, integrated with newsletters and documents of LLEGO, a national organization for gay Latinos that ceased operating in 2004.

“This is one of the most important exhibits in the country,” says Jose Gutierrez, the founder of the Latino GLBT History Project and organizer of the event. “I have been receiving emails from everywhere — San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Texas — from people who are coming to see the exhibit.”

The Center, located at 1111 14th St., NW, became involved after Gutierrez approached the board about hosting the exhibit, which runs until October 15 as the focus of Hispanic GLBT Heritage Month.

__ excerpts from the Washington Blade dated Friday, 8 September 2006 by By GREG MARZULLO

Schwartz endorses Cropp. And I could not agree more!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, September 11, 2006
Contact: John Abbot, 202-550-0042

* * * SCWARTZ ENDORSES CROPP FOR MAYOR * * *

"Tomorrow there is an important election in D.C. and I could no longer sit by without letting my opinion be known. We need Linda Cropp as our mayor. She offers proven capability and stability, as well as a proven record of getting the job done. As I've closely watched this election, I've often wondered, what are we doing here? Are we electing a mayor or are we selecting a track and field star? Okay, maybe Linda won't lead in the 50-yard dash. But remember, just a few years ago this was a city on its knees, and Linda Cropp helped lead us out of those dark days. We are at a critical juncture and now is not the time to take a risk when it comes to filling the most powerful position in our government. This city is fortunate to have such a seasoned and experienced leader as Linda Cropp. The biggest victory for D.C. tomorrow would be to continue to have Adrian Fenty's energetic service on the council, and to have Linda Cropp elected as our mayor, leading us to greater prosperity and compassion for all our citizens."

-- D.C. Councilmember Carol Schwartz (R - At-Large)

Adam Joseph's "How I Seem to Be"

Adam Joseph-Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Engineer...debut release...neo-soul. Combines catchy writing style with personal heartfelt lyrics and tops it off with skillful vocals. This 9 track debut showcases his supreme talent and depth as a musician and songwriter. Taking influence from Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill he takes ideas and forms them into his own unique style. Don't let the picture fool you....this aint no ordinary white boy.

COLORLINES - Remembers 9/11, Five Years Later

To mark the five years since 9/11, ColorLines offers a special online exclusive from the upcoming Fall 2006 issue featuring two original stories and a complete catalog of our coverage.

To mark the anniversary, they’ve chosen two stories that reflect the good and the bad of these times. One is about the federal government’s ongoing targeting of Islamic social service agencies and charity foundations. The other story is of a Muslim community leader who’s now a newspaper publisher taking on racism in Texas and across the country.

ColorLines.com Exclusives - September/October 2006 Issue on Newsstands 9/15/06

I AM GAY Billboards Challenge Black NYC

In the August 24-30, 2006 issue of Gay City News journalist Duncan Osborne reports that in an effort to counter anti-gay bias in the African-American community on 22 August the New York State Black Gay Network launched the I AM GAY ad campaign which as part of the ongoing www.WeArePartOfYou.org campaign was funded by DOHMH and designed by Better World Advertising

08 September 2006 Friday's Photo of the Week

Little Tavern Hamburger Documentary Project

M Street . Georgetown WDC . 4 September 2006

Friday's Photo of the Week

22nd NCNW Black Family Reunion Celebration

Founded by Dr. Dorothy I Height, this weekend marks the 22nd National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Annual Black Family Reunion on the National Mall which as a two-day cultural event, from 12 noon until 8 pm each day, celebrates the enduring strengths and traditional values of the African American family. Admission is FREE.

Some packing tips from TSA before flying

This was found at a fellow flickrite's, El Dave, posting.

Before packing for your next flight you may wish to read this. Unfortunately, for me a black male, and long before there was a 11 September 2001, it was the ritual for colleagues whom I worked with in catering to secretly inspect my bags when I worked with them at museums, in offices or at the homes of clients.

It is something that they simply would do without my concent nor knowledge of. One of the reasons that I never liked flying, long before September 2001, was because when I had flown years before, it was not uncommon for my bacggage and luggage to have been inspected.

Immigrant 2006 May Day Boycott Photos Never Before Seen

PHOTOGRAPHS NEVER BEFORE SEEN

"A DAY WITHOUT IMMIGRANTS"

May Day Boycott . The March . WDC

Monday, 1 May 2006

Mel White's "Religion Gone Bad" Book Tour

After 12 years of writing and research Mel White has finished Religion Gone Bad: Hidden Dangers from the Christian Right. Launching a month long nationwide book tour at 7 PM tonight, 5 September, at Barnes & Noble in Lynchburg which is where he and his partner, Gary Nixon, resides it is his hope that his sequel to Stranger at the Gate will sound a clear warning (just before the November elections) that the rise of fundamentalist Christianity is a threat not just to LGBT people but to all Americans.

On Thursday, 7 September, Mel White will promote Religion Gone Bad in Washingon DC at Olsson's (Dupont Circle South) located at 1307 19th Street.

Springsteen's BORN TO RUN: The Unseen Photos

Though I've always liked not only his music but the man himself, as well, in recent years, I have become more fascinated with Bruce Springsteen than ever before. I strongly believe that the man is light years ahead of most of us, spiritually speaking.

Since the first anniversary of the 11 September 2001 terrorists attack on America, in 2002, I have contemplated the creation of a WITH THESE HANDS Documentary Project and Ad Campaign that would integrate my law enforcement hand images with Springsteen's song 'My City of Ruins". My first demo was uploaded to Yahoo Video in August 2006.

In the process of developing several 2006 Rolling Thunder Photo-Video Projects it was on last Saturday that I would purchase a cd of Bruce Springsteen's first album, BORN TO RUN from Borders at 18th and L Streets, in NW. As well as the recently released collaborative project WE SHALL OVERCOME - THE SEEGER SESSIONS.

I was not at all prepared for what would happen, less than an hour later, when listening to BORN TO RUN at home. From the first sound of Thunder Road to the final note of Jungleland I'd remember fall of 1975 when living in a basement apartment in Chillum Maryland that I would listen to the album over and over and over again. Backstreets and Jungleland brought tears to my eyes as wonderful memories of my first partner, Rick Allamong, would come to mind. The music still resonates through my soul.

Rhythmically speaking.

While I did not know about the new book, last Saturday, when I purchased BORN TO RUN, moments ago, I received an email alert from Bruce Springsteen that read:

New Book Reveals The Unseen Photos of Born To Run

It has been more than thirty years since Bruce Springsteen's album Born to Run was released, but now a new book reveals the unseen photographs of that album photo shoot.

BORN TO RUN: The Unseen Photos delivers over 100 black-and-white photographs drawn from the more than 700 that photographer Eric Meola took that day including the cover shot which has been deemed "iconic" by Rolling Stone magazine.

For more information, visit brucespringsteen.net. To pre-order your copy now, visit www.barnesandnoble.com, or www.amazon.com,

Busby begins his Hometown Invasion Tour

The summer before his fifth and final year at college Justin Sailor kept asking himself, "What in the world am I going to do with my life?". He had one year to figure it all out. There were five things that Justin knew. With degrees in advertising and in sociology and passions for photography, web design and writing, clearly, a dream job would incorporate all five of these. But since finding a job like that certainly would be difficut Justin whose nickname is Busby decided to ... take a road trip across the United States and stay with different families in each state, documenting hometown life through photography, interviews, and journal writing. And, as you will soon see, have the entire project online so people can follow his adventures across the country.

With the launching of the HIT Newsletter on 21 August 2006, from Baraga, MI, Busby's Hometown Invasion Tour has officially begun.

A new Jeep, home, photos, and 500 miles down.

A New Jeep
The news is here... I've been waiting to announce it for a long time. I'll be driving a brand new Jeep Compass across the nation. In the last 23 years I've probably taken over 100 trips between Baraga and East Lansing. Yesterday was the last one for a while, and it was the most comfortable trip I've ever had. A smooth ride, some great sounding tunes, and even a few interesting looks with the amazing graphics on the car. There are a few photos of the Jeep here, and trust me, it's much more impressive in person.

Website Updates
After a long wait there are finally photos on the site. I snapped a few on my way home, but was mostly anxious to get home, since it had been eight months. Also, Daily Fruit is now launched on the site.

The journey has officially begun, as I spend some time at home it is the only familiar place I'll see in the next year. Everything else is new territory. I'm excited to go in and talk to students at my old elementary and high school this week. Some of them will be following me in a weekly "Where in the country is Bugsy?" lesson. It'll be a great opportunity to share some of my experiences.

On Friday I head to Milwaukee, WI. I'm looking forward to hitting the road again, and seeing some brand new scenery. Be looking for many more blogs and photos, and much more frequently now. As the journey begins, it would be great to hear from you, so don't hesitate, as I really look forward to keeping in touch. Until next time... here's to the open road! *tips hat*

Best regards, Bugsy
_______________________________
Email me: newsletter@hometowninvasion.com
Visit the site: www.hometowninvasion.com

DJ Hex Hector @ Sunday's WHIRLD / ATLAS Labor Day Event

2 Photography Exhibits @ Port City Java - Eastern Market

Speaking of Eastern Market, though I'm not sure how long it has been there it certainly was not across the street from the Eastern Market Complex a few months ago when I'd pass through the area. However, on Sunday, 27 August, when in the beginning stages of my Fall 2006 Eastern Market project that I'd observe a new coffeehouse at the corner of 7th Street and North Carolina Avenue, NE, remembering the old antique shop that had been there for many years which I had sometimes photographed I'd step inside to take note of how the space had been renovated.

One of the most unique coffeehouse that I've come across, in recent months, is the Ebenezers Coffeehouse which, located at the corner 2nd and and F Streets, in NE, is just a block east of Union Station. While its products are not unlike most other coffeehouses what makes Ebenezers unique is an auditorium and lounge area located in its basement and the fact that is has a connection the the National Community Church. While I'm not into the church thing I certainly may would like to photograph bands, musicians and other performers there. And, perhaps, exhibit some of some of my June 1997 and October 1997 Promise Keeeper rallies photographs at Ebenezer. Some which have never before been seen, since the negatives have not yet been processed.

Though I had photographed the construction process of the Ebenezers Coffeehouse since June of last year it has been since my Memorial Day 2006 visit to the Just Shoot Me opening I have compared any and all coffee shops to Ebenezer.

Let me say this, which may shed light on why I was more interested in how the space at 701 North Carolina Avenue had been renovated. Firstly, I have never had nor will I ever have any interest nor taste for coffee. Or Java. Nor expresso or whatever it is that most people find interesting, fasinating or addictive about jamoca. Secondly, and as I have expressed many times before not only do I have more than a passing interest in architecture but also in history and archeology. Which explains why I wanted to see how the old antique shop had been renovated. Such things have always been of interest to me. As such things have been of interest to many of the gay men that I have known and, in many casses, associated with.

Which is why in October 1978 I befriended and formed a relationship with Herb Lehner whom I made mentioned of in my previous posting pertaining to my beginnings on Capitol Hill.

In fact, when I'd post an image to flickr, some months back, of the then closed antique shop, a friend who alternates between living in Rehoboth and Fort Lauderdale would email me saying that one of his dearest friends had owned and operated the shop for years.

The third reason that I stepped inside of Port City Java on Sunday afternoon, 27 August, was to determine the logistics for a possible future photographic exhibition.

Before entering its front entrance situated at the corner of 7th Street and North Carolina Avenue, I'd snap a few photos of customers sitting out front on the spacious patio. Once inside, I'd observe that there were, at least, two distinct photography exhibitions displayed on the walls throughout Port City Java at Eastern Market.

The first that would catch my attention was that of Stephanie Zito entitled Portraits of Darfur. Who, in her statement, says "My hope hope is that the photos will introduce you to some [the] beauty - the colorful women, the playful children, the smiles of its people ..." which is in sharp contrast to the images that, in recent years, have been displayed throughout the world of the people of Darfur. To learn more about Stephanie Zito, the Wanderer, visit her website. Or contact her wanderingzito@yahoo.com.

The second is the work Barbara Johnson whose exhibition features portraits and landscapes of her travels throughout Europe and the SW United States. Her email is at contact@barbarajohnsonphotography.com.

01 September 2006 Friday's Photo of the Week

x

Eastern Market, SE WDC . Sunday, 27 August 2006

"Man In The Mirror"

Elvert Xavier Barnes Photography . Writings . Ads

_______________________________________

If my memory serves me correctly I firsted visit Eastern Market in the fall of 1978 when after breaking up with Rick Allamong, my first partner, in late July of early August of that year that I met real estate developer Herb Lehner. And, as a result, have since taken more than a passing interest in Capitol Hill. By January 1, 1979, I had terminated my employment with the federal government and would join Herb Lehner Enterprises.

Though, at first, I kept my apartment on Queens Chapel Road in West Hyattsville by March of 1979 I relocated to Herb's house at 928 Maryland Avenue in NE. Which is where I managed the business and assisted with the renovation and redevlopment of several of his projects.

By June of 1979, I would attempt to purchase 1260 Holbrook Terrace, in the Trinidad area of NE WDC, from Mr. Lehner, which is where I move to and stayed until the fall of that year which was when I learned that the sewage system in the building was in need of such great repair that it was to my advantage that I resell the building to Isiah Foskey, a builder and bricklayer, also, based in the Captilol Hill area.

Shortly after our meeting, in the fall of 1978, Herb invited me to join him and his friends, Roger Tiemann and Al Mizer who were partners, at Eastern Market. In fact, to this day, I still have two African wood carvings and 3 large pictures that I purchased from Eastern Market in the fall of that year.

While I have often visited Eastern Market since then, whenever I have visited the compkex in the fall of the year, as was the case last October I will reflect on that Saturday or Sunday afternoon when Herb, Roger, Al and I meandered through Eastern Market which, for the first time, I would contemplate moving to Capitol Hill.

Built in 1873 and designed by architect Adolf Cluss, Eastern Market is the last of Washington's 19th century markets to remain in continuous operation. It is easily accessible by Metro and adjacent to numerous restaurants and shops in the picturesque Capitol Hill neighborhood.

The South Hall is the last remaining traditional market in Washington. Weekends are enlivened by an outdoor Farmers Market, the Market Festival, an Arts & Crafts Fair on Saturdays and The Flea Market at Eastern Market on Sundays. With all these attractions, Eastern Market has become an Internationally recognized destination.