Fundraising 101

Fundraising has to be the most nerve wrecking responsibility in the world. I have been putting my hand to the plow in different fundraising techniques from having a talent show, to now being on Indiegogo encouraging folks to donate to our campaign.  I believe it takes a certain kind of strength to ask and get money from strangers not to mention folks you know.  For a week now I posted for people to donate on facebook and unfortunately folks don't donate they just like the page. Come on people is what I want to scream this is our history!
My next attenpt is ask for a donation through all the emails and send out an email to at last thirty people asking for support for the project not including other big potential investors. I'm ready to ask ellen (TV SHOW) since she gives a lot of money away on her show if she can assist.
It seems like my crew keeps falling short of responsibilities that they are tasked to handle.  I am thoroughly aggravated about folks attitude about the project. Actions speak louder than words and I always give folks room to hang themselves.   It has finally come to a head that some people just need to go back to their hole and stay there because they are dragging me down and having me fall behind schedule when they decide not to do their part.
Tomorrow I am meeting with Jamal Joseph and pretty excited about that meeting. I will be giving him the up-to-date status of the project and what goals we have next to tackle. I really feel all alone out here with no help, like I'm swimming in place.  Not sure if I should stop go find a job and pay for the crew myself.  Just frustrated with folks with the same old bullshyt story I'm gonna help and they never follow through always an excuse.


My goals are to mainatin a positive attitude even when folks let you down. I know at the end of the day my name is on this project and I have to put my best foot forward.
Today is a great day and I will continue to have faith my ancestors aren't gonna let me down!

Live from Filmstress Row...This is the Filmstress!

Malcolm The Next Step, Bringing Conscious Back

This year will be the 48th year of the passing of Malcolm X and Last Poets 45th Anniversary!

I have been moved this year to want to pay homage to Malcolm and the Last Poets because I think we should re-examine what the next step was if Malcolm was living for people of color.  Many of our youth are infected with the illusion that its all about the benjamins which really points towards an individualized way of thinking.  Dr. Jeffries has pointed out out on many occasions that its a western way of thinking and that we as Black people have to think collectively as a community.  I strongly believe that Dr. Jeffries has a good point because as I interact with the youth that is their main ideology of thinking.  How much money and materialistic shyt can I obtain to let folks know I have arrived. I ask them over and over arrived at what?  Even my own Sun, Versace is smitten by this same type of propaganda which I will challenge everyday of my life till he gets it.

My friends and colleagues also believe that there should be some type of panel discussion around the issue of what do we now as people of color? How do we move forward and progress and leave all the stigmas behind.  What is our responsibility to our community? How do we survive in a failing economy? 

I think most folks who want change have the issue of how do we make money in our community and also be conscious. How does the revolution put food on my table? That is a great question.

I think what people fail to realize is that they can't conquer without having a plan and a team.  I believe that in the 70's made the LAST POETS so strong is that had a voice that encouraged people to think and be unique to think outside of the box.  They were revolutionaries by using their voice and music to inspire and get the message out there for revolution.  The issue today is what revolution are we fighting is the 99% occupy against corporate banks, is it against the NRA for gun control?   It seems to me we have so many issues but if we go back in history just thirty years back they had a reason for revolution. Where did Malcolm leave off? Can we as a community pick up where Malcolm left off?

"Usually when people are sad, they don't do anything.  They just cry over their condition. But when they get angry, they bring about change".                                                   Malcolm X, Malcom X Speaks 1965

The LAST POETS featuring Bootsy Collins

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