CBS What’s trending signal’s a new direction in  Programming! The key words  that guided me to  this was Participatory  TV… needless to say Ii expected to see some type of Participation elements., granted i was watching  the recorded version so I am not sure how  “Participatory” the live version  was!  Tthen again the point of extended the web  experience is flexibility  in time!there were social media links and the obligatory  You tube twitter Facebook… but not  sure how theuy related to teh last  episode…

I guess i’m  judging them harder because they came under CBS  I expected more!

This was billed as a news program and Frankly  I was disappointed… I was caught  between  buttoning them  up so they were more “Newsy” or loosening their wardrobe so they were more natural!  It was a cal between buying them a round of  beers or bringing in a green screen!  In short they are pioneers and have not yet  found their voice!  Halfway through  I almost reached fro  my Skype to share my screen  and dish  with  one of my  friends! i needed  something more… so hence this post!

This gave me a chance to critique “what I’d Do Better”! Not  a good sign!…

• Set The ladies looked like Alice  in wonderland… that furniture is TOO big! Makes them look like they are playing at  Reporting!
• Wardrobe…  See my note above… Something’s off… either loosen up  or Button  Down… Stop  pretending
• Lighting  Cool… open
• Host I was distracted by  the  guys hair… I cannot remember anything else (I shut the  tab down  so I could write on my  impressions…  pink shoes! The Lady with the tablet  (who’s feet did not reach the floor had hot pink  shoes!  Topic Gay ” Girl in Damascus” and”  Internet in a Suitcase”… they were actually interesting  stories butI was distracted!
• Ads… Very  unobtrusive… I like that!  Can’t  remember what they were … buit  I LIKED that!

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How do you  really want  to show your style! More importantly is it helping you sell!

We recently researched the background of   Fashion Presentations and we pull some together to share with  you next week simply sign up for BkStylist to join us from whichever part of the globe you are! we continue to explore options for presentation and sales!

Today I  find the group showings tiring, they deflect  from the designers story and present a monotonous view on life . Fashion Weeks in it’s current form dates back to 1993 though it is reputed to have started in NY  in 1943… via Wikipedia

In 1943, the first New York Fashion Week was held, with one main purpose: to distract attention from French fashion during WWII, when workers in the fashion industry were unable to travel to Paris. This was an opportune moment – as for centuries designers in America were thought to be reliant on the French for inspiration. The fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert organized an event she called ‘Press Week’ to showcase American designers for fashion journalists, who had previously ignored their works. The Press Week was a success, and, as a result, magazines like Vogue (which were normally filled with French designs) began to feature more and more American innovations. Until 1994, shows were held in different locations, such as hotels, or lofts. Eventually, after a structural accident at a Michael Kors show, the event moved to Bryant Park,…

Due to increasing pressure from Bryant Park management, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will be hosted in Damrosch Park at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts starting in 2010.

See more on Presentation styles..

For the average Indie designer cost  is a factor, but the investment is also one of time and (limited) resources. At Demarketplace  we explore how technology can  help and have been able do do twice as much with half as much effort and resources!

Having identified areas of concern and solutions the challenge is now one of sharing that info and knowledge! First we’re completing the documentation of that info with subsequent editing so please bare with us!  It’s an exciting time to say the least! Sign up for BkStylist for more info!

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I’m in the middle of pulling 28 Squared together… then as I usually do got distracted and followed a link and found NINA SIMONE VIDEOS… A digital breather.. your have to click the link to the post if your are reading this on one of my various “outpost!

But that “OUTFIT”

BTW I’m Looking for sellers or collectors of Vintage black or/and African clothing.. (1920-1980)

But again, check the Jumpsuit out .. Ms Wyche you can do this! You already have a top.

I finally realize what I’m missing, one place that you can just find great clothing on a regular basis! Not the cheap poorly constructed stuff but a great boutique that has a selection of creative top class designers! I’m not speaking the “one Designer” store either! they are no fun… NY and especially Brooklyn used to be about great boutiques… now we have many “Fast Fashion” “Spots” with little ambiance, the worst store clerks, who have no sense of style, trying to hustle… shopping should be well fun!

I am willing to be corrected if you know of a great boutique please share and you cannot nominate your self! If your customers can’t vouch for you… you’re not doing something right!

Even On teh web as we’re putting together the designer online sale for later this month… there are so many great designers of African Heritage! You Can’t find them… unless you know them and their web address! Even Then their websites remain the same year after year…. PLEASE STOP USING FLASH! Get a platform with RSS, some sharing features and if you must then add Flash “widgets”!

Back to great design… and I’m not speaking costume, the dramatic stage effects we see. so often. I’m speaking great wearable, well designed clothing! That would still look good 40 years from now.

Maybe what we need are better events to wear fabulous clothing… promoters can you help… maybe get back to promoting events and stop trying to pimp … I mean Prostitute, I mean present… Fashion Shows!!

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Now that I have your attention, what are you  – - – - ing  4  RELIEF

its time to take action.  You do not need to head over to our 28 Squared Site and sign up…just click this link or

If you are on one of our web  pages you can sign up below. if Your are reading a feed (we even brought it to you) You’ll need to head over to sign up!!

If you need some explanation read on but at the end YOU NEED TO DO SOMETHING!

I  can ask you and even send you various emails of various length  but frankly I do not have the time… your community needs you to get of  your behind and DO…

We are good at waiting  at putting on a show at appearing busy! The truth is  most of you have the time! We have the desire. I cannot say this enough you’re an adult stop waiting for motivation get up and do something for your community

WHAT,  HOW?

As project lead I design solutions to create change!

This project from the inception has been about using technology to create solutions! The process of design  “creating to solve problems or add pleasure” , to problem and/or situations as defined, can be a hobby or a business. I chose it as an art project!  Along the way however we have helped many!

So what are the problems and the solutions.

The recent tragedy in Haiti.. Affected us all and everyone I know wants to do something,  all our communities are hurting!

Giving of oneself is a gift with it’s own rewards! We run this project in Brooklyn but for the last two years we’ve included a designer in France who has the same problems that local designers have…  and no it is not marketing, There is a lot to do before “exposure”!

If all we have is time, talent or even the ability to communicate that can go so far in helping others since accepting this challenge on October 28th last year,  I had set as a mandate to help locals needing to find a way to support themselves and their family and the team had in September decided to  use group project to help community organizations!  At Web 2.0,  I met a two women both with projects outside the US, One I have promised to help in her quest to help artisans in Senegal, the other is helping us with her technology companies technology!

Europe,  US, Africa the Caribbean..  There is more that connects us than separates us!

Ultimately the core projects help utilize natural “resources”, time talent, community to create and build change! We know it works the challenge issues in October was to take it national in the US and in then adapt it to the Caribbean region!

Fortunately we are able to communicate in real time across oceans, with little difficulty and even less cost! There is so much need how can we use distance technology to get the information out there, what do we  as leader  need to do …  how do we get individuals to to put aside fears and preconceived notions and yes work together!

We usually have had a group of young people from various backgrounds volunteer as models. They work together even when culturally it was not the  norm! It may seem simple, but there contributions have helped feed many families! Images sell and a small designer often cannot afford to cover these! Some use their knowledge of technology or their ability to post and text to share news and information, they use their networks! In a digital divide that is a great help! So yes giving of self time and talent is important!

What is significant they were giving what they had and doing what they loved!

Which is what I see has the most effect… Give what you have, doing what  you love! So if you love to sew and have the time to, sew! If you have space and it can be used donate it! If you can cook have a taste party!

We are in the design field we either love to DESIGN or SEW,  and  yes some of us  LOVE TO SHOP.. and some love  to show off  or perform! I now have to take the raw component and create something that people would LIKE! I am a connector … I love design as solution! So Sew Social one of the aspects of 28squared will focus on design for change!

Pulling The components together

One of the designers from our African Heritage Month celebration has created  two designs, that we will be use on merchandise ! He too is Haitian, giving of talent! Any non profit needing to use the logo that type of service or merchandise can contact us!

I am already working on getting designers to donate clothing that will be resold or auctioned. I have a sign up page http://www.28squared.com/support

We’re donating some of our great images and photos to a Print auction online, that Flickr is hosting!

So yes photographers and artist can donate images! Performers, if you can’t do it alone get together with others!

From  my friend in the tech community. We need individuals with tech skills to sign up for a one or two day type Tech initiative with Haitian organization, who know and understand what is needed…  our goal is simple turn our talents time and efforts into cash for relief!

I actually have another young woman who lost 3 family members; her organization is the Haiti’s Hungry Task Force and has teamed up with Haitian
American Care, Inc. out of Boston. (operating for 2 years in
Haiti with 2 mobile clinics they supply.www.haitianamericancare.org. they need help!

I  myself am donating all the profits from Sew Social and would love to work with any models designers or photographers who want to volunteer! Our photographer has volunteered his photography services! We have artwork and media services!

We can get volunteers.

We can Create , we need to sell relief … it should be easy  but have you bought anything with Haiti in mind have you gone to local events supporting local causes, have you packed up your products, and I’m not speaking of sending the clothing you do not want…

Yes they need clothing but what type… where will they wash these,   how appropriate is the relief!

Intentions are great, selling relief is HARD especially as memory of  disaster fade.

so what will i do how do I Design Relief…  I’ve done a brief  inventory of what i  have access to. I’m researching what I need; I have ideas. The process of bringing an idea to fruition is what actually  Sew Social is about…

The reason there is no change is because

1. we do not know how to design change
2. We do not know how to implement change
3. we are waiting for someone else to do it

So back to my main concept I want people to do what they love for relief  but NIKE got “Just DO IT™”.. Probably the best slogan ever…

Let’s focus on the individual and taking responsibility “I AM”

AM Artist Mosaic the First phase of this project is still around, it’s about artist working together for change

“I am Brooklyn” did not seem right Brooklyn is everything! I AM not doing everything!  “I am 28 Squared”, we wanted this to expand beyond the confines of  “I AM (@$#^&)ing  4  RELIEF™” .

” I am —-ing 4 RELIEF™

I Like It… I’ll keep it but, will it work

Most,   working in or on RELIEF, are Moms and Faith based organization, Imagine the Rabbi or Pastor with that shirt! So maybe, I need to modify the statement! That is just the start of the design process… we need to stop waiting and design for change!
www.demarketplace.com/blog

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Or did not use the best strategy they could think of.

Please excuse the candor of this post.  Two recent conversations have brought me to one of those rants that many will agree with but few will say out loud!  The Journalist and Media outlets in our community are failing themselves and our community,

I cannot understand anyone in the 18 -40 age group serious about employment not wanting to learn or making extra efforts to beef up their technology skills…but someone from a local paper telling me they could not download and open a PNG file sent via Gmail was the last straw!

Why do we refuse to be ready for life as it is today…

Few speak honestly of the issues within our community… looking good especially in a public setting is a cultural obsession and we go out of our way not to air issues in public…

We have an issue with local communications and media centers as represented by local press!

The local press is a vital link, be it micro radio (underground radio) or print formats.  If you want to access our community, they are vital. Yet, pick up the papers or tune into the local stations.  For the most part articles are of little substance; they are the white bread in the media menu… filling but of no nutritional value!

These outlets  are often lucrative money makers for the individuals in charge! In some, even articles are often secured when you take an ad! Expect that from newsletters, which are more about fetes than about issues!

I, like most, pick up the local papers hoping for information on our community.  To be honest I find the style of journalism – dated, articles and images are focused on individuals not issues.. the result – an ill-informed community that is years behind in progress!

Yet, I still pick up the latest issue hoping for change…

I opened my email this morning to find a note from a freelance journalist stating that the local paper needed an image to go along with an article or the information would not be printed!

Do not let the name fool you – Caribbean Life is a major access point to the local readers in Brooklyn! If you want to get information into the hands of the Brooklyn Community this and it’s sister publications are key!

I have not seen the article I am just hoping it is focused on technology and the work I do to help businesses rather than on me as an individual!

As it was, I was in meetings with project sponsors for 28Squared… (more on that later) which will allow us to access some of the latest tools from tech companies. I came home to have an early morning conversation with a young woman … on why she was not ready nor had not attended the free seminars, and discovered on opening my mailbox today an email  telling me that the local paper could not download a .png file…

As I See It that’s pure BS!

.PNG is available in the paint program that comes pre-installed with any computer today… it is one of the most basic file formats!

So I fired off an email… which may illicit some comment from the 28Squared PR team but… addressing the “Digital Divide” is a platform I am intent on taking on this year!

A Copy of my Letter To Kenton Kirby Editor at Caribbean Life Newspaper
PNG comes in the paint program that is on each computer.  It is ONE of the basic file formats. Have whoever cannot download this call me… I will come in and show them how to  do their job!

I do not mean to offend anyone, however, if our community and businesses are to remain competitive; poor tools, policies, and usage by employees need to be addressed. Our press is a vital link in that information chain and I keep getting these basic questions and suggestions that a mid-school student would be able to do!

I was at meetings for our Black History Month special on “Bridging the Digital Divide” yesterday! While a piece in Caribbean Life would be great, the agenda is getting our community up to date with technology… it is more than an event, it is a platform and mission and I stand firmly behind it! That said, I have to address Caribbean Life and the lack of understanding of technology and what seems to be outdated knowledge and protocols!

It bothers me when those in charge with informing are not up to date with the basics. Far more, what is on the horizon, as far as developments in new media tools, formatting, protocols and practices.

These .png files very basic.  Many media companies, actually prefer these  because they are easier to work with.  .Jpegs are lower quality! .Pngs are also transparent, so text can work around them!

The problem is most likely at YOUR end.
The download is basic and opening .png files could be done even in the public library by a 7 year old!

It is either the System Administrator for whatever reason has blocked certain file types.
The staff is unfamiliar with basic media formats and protocol in use today.
The individual downloading does not recognize that this is a basic file format in any image editing software (yes even the pre-installed paint program).
I would suggest that a Gmail Google APPS account be set up that would allow (company name) to access these. There seems to be a need in this office to understand new media and its manipulation.

You would be surprised the number of media companies and businesses taking advantage of Google apps for their business! www.google.com/a

I would also suggest that a review of the company’s policies as they relate to the latest trends and usage of media, for use by both it’s online and offline publications.
If for whatever reason the company chooses to accept media in a particular format that should be stated with any request!

Here are some links to articles.

I am sorry if this affects the inclusion of your article, but I cannot be silent on this situation!

I will gladly come in and show whoever cannot download this file how to do this simple task and/or give a presentation on where media and technology stands today !
Please feel free to share these links with any interested  journalist.
http://podcamptoronto.pbworks.com/MediaArchive2009
Please note this  Upcoming event http://2010.podcamptoronto.com/
Closer to home – FashionCamp NY; the technology unconference will be at
Parsons that weekend.

http://www.journalism20.com/
http://www.publish2.com/ PLEASE CHECK
http://publishing2.com/
the anatomy of a web 2.0 page and conversation or
What can your web page do for you?

The Caribbean Life is not the only paper whose dedication to it’s role I am looking at… they like many are getting the trappings on web 2.0 on their sites!

Not to be able to download a PNG … leave little hope for how these brands  and papers conforms to the social and collaborative aspects of  web 2.0 technology! When print space is limited how are they using the rss feeds or even exploring 2d codes to extend articles!

Let’s not even speak on the issue of business models and content and audience monetization as a part of that picture.

In 2004, I sat with the editor from another local paper who validated not covering Fashion, one of the largest  local employers in our community as there was no valid, commercial value … So the paper still employs a connection, with a serious lack of industry knowledge to cover local and regional fashion! I can just imagine what else is happening in other sectors, health, business, real estate!

When will we get decent business and technology columns?  Ones that are focused on current events and happenings, not pulled from generic online articles or simply press releases reformatted – articles  that are researched or vetted. Articles that are not hidden behind walls or paid for by ad placements! When will our features not be glorified press releases from local companies with the correct connections!

If I cannot hope for the local press to be leaders in covering local news, I have little faith that they would educate the next generation of leaders!!

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Next Month Is 28 Squared,
28 Fashion Designers from Africa, Europe, Caribbean and the Us connect to showcase, Sell, Inspire and celebrate their African Heritage while taking on New Media and Technology! Above all though 28 squared seeks to “BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

The goal is simple to get the 28 designers to sell to a global audience from their show rooms in various countries. Connecting them to Buyers and each other! The concept will put to test many of the theories, New media and technology tools! The ability to connect with,  show and conclude a sale in real time has existed to various degrees to be able to pull together a system that would make it accessible to small businesses at what amounts to a fraction of the cost would have far reaching impact! There are many exploring this, getting these designers to the start line is a challenge, that these are tangibles actual good,s not digital fare , is even more amazing!

I can remember the exact day I committed to technology…  I was watching my son then 12 play on his game-boy and I wanted my fashion on that toy… or something like it! that was Over five years ago! I wanted video, images text. When I started the technology did not exist at an affordable rate at least in the west! Thanks to my brother I was streaming taped video late 2005

Which brings another reason for this… Blacks in Technology, we are not adapting and adopting most importantly maximizing  the technology.

We’ve found that by first identifying your goals , you are better able to make choice… and evaluate whether or not it is WORKING for you!

The gateway  site is in what we call pre alpha www.28squared.com over the next two weeks we will add an online trade capability, as well as video and media features! We are excited , it is safe to say that none of the designers currently have access to the technology!

As I speak to designers It is clear we have more in common than we are different! We launch Feb 1st and run through February 28th… hence the limerick!

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The wonders of Modern day technology and blogging platforms is the ability to look back and reflect! But what if you lost your database! Thanks to the way back machine I was able to save this from on of the earlier post on Brooklyn Fashion Gallery! As I make plans for African Heritage Month I am a bit Nostalgic! The many stories that are lost or rewritten!

photo Courtesy Kwame Braithwaite. AJASS members and Grandassa Models pose in front of some of the circulars from their multitude of productions up to 1968, the year that this was taken. Artists and photographers, they designed and wrote their own magazines, books and brochures.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF  ARTIST

HISTORY OF THE BLACK ARTS MOVEMENT

More on the Movement

The principle of Sankofa Suggest that is it is not until we revisit the past that we can move towards the future. This past January marked  the 45th anniversary of the “Naturally You” series. “Naturally ’62: The Original African Coiffure and Fashion Extravaganza Designed to Restore Our Racial Pride and Standards ”, with the first show held at Harlem’s Purple Manor on January 28, 1962. The goal of the show was to prove to the world that “Black Is Beautiful.” That first show starred Abbey Lincoln as guest singer and commentator for the show, and famed jazz drummer, Max Roach as Abbey’s accompanist on piano, As we celebrate Black history month and prepare for the Jazz of Fashion 2007.  We will be hosting photographer, advocate and historian Kwame Braithwaite, as ell as other who have been part of The last half Century of African Style and the Black Fashion Industry!   The first step one place to access info on our independent business.

Then a quick and the articles from Calabar Magazine (print edition) are now being  uploaded to their new site!

Brooklyn’s Fashion Melting Pot: Who are the African, Caribbean, Asian and Latino Fashion Designers in Brooklyn?

Now I can link to article and share (via the button on the bottom of the pages) them! I am passionate about  creativity and culture and it’s preservation! Sadly many of the business I interviewed are gone! a cultural lost!

These two reminders came at exactly the right time, even as I question why the hell do  I bother! I remember…  things happen because, and, when people “do”.  To those who make things happen…  The Kwame Braithwaite and the Grandassa models, and Atim Otons and Osun, Bayyinah Sabur, … Thank You

For those who sit by wondering what went wrong and Why thing wont “happen”. I’d Like to introduce you To Bayyinah Sabur! I have been sewing since I was very young , 12, 13! As a child I would accompany My mother to the stores and look Through pattern books…  Suddenly one day their were pattern that represented Africa and the many ways magazines tend to describe them! I was young enough to be impressed! During My years oat FIT I spent  Hours in the costume lab, and libraries,little reference or documentation of African fashion and style could be found!  Years later i would meet Bayinnah Sabur On of he First African American To Hav e her patterns carried By a major pattern company! The patterns That spoke to me as a child!

I can ask any young African American designer today about these individuals and they will not know that history! We cannot move forward without first looking Back! Sankofa!

I have completely  redesigned the Brooklyn Fashion Gallery

All our sites were about researching Functionality of technology! Along the way we developed great search ranking and discovered Niche value!  After  five years, it is still a lead search result for any search on Brooklyn Fashion! Rather than let that go I have decided to redefine the Gallery aspect! For now though that will have to wait first February!

Please click on the links and read these segments! The project I undertake next month is more than technology it is more than commerce it is a responsibility to our legacy!

Thinks Happen when we do!

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This is the last of the Kwanzaa musings( I promise) we’ll wrap it up later this week with, what does this have to To It IT (technology) check out the others!

• Kuumba Go Ahead Try Something New today
• It’s 2010 Do You Know Where Your Purpose Is
• UJAMAA Anyone
• UJIMA Is The Only Solution
• Kujichagulia the quest to Define Self-Determination
• Umoja is a Verb
• culture + creativity+ community+ collaboration= COMMERCE

Imani (Faith): To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

As I read new Years greetings It struck me:- It has been a long time since I have seen so many people so genuinely hopeful! How fitting that this principle is observed at the dawn of a new year and in this instance a new decade! I once heard I believe it was Les Brown say of Faith:-

Faith is stepping off the cliff believing you’ll grow wings on your way down!

That is a powerful statement, stepping forward not knowing if the ground below is solid and cushioned or hard and jagged. Simply believing that you will have the will to safely guide your landing or swerve and avoid disaster! Faith is an act! Faith affects how we act!

On a personal level faith is the engine that propels a lot of what I do and I do a lot! In a recent interview I was asked,

“what are you afraid of?”, “what do you fear?”

“Afraid”, “Fear”,

I have not used those words in six years….

That is not to say there have not been challenges! When I undertake a project I am very aware of the pros and cons. The fact is that I believe that what is to be will be. I take precautions and yes careful notes! The next time around I tackle those things that could not be done the first time! Each project is an opportunity to learn… Each obstacle an opportunity for change! More importantly each time we undertook a project we helped a community artist or business!

Only Two artist have asked how they can help and how I can afford this! This Has Been Totally Unfunded! The truth is that we practice the principles of culture! We do not wait till the end of the year to utter and call them “phases’!                  Living the principles of Faith is a 24/7 process 365(6) days a year!

First of all nothing is free and many have come and accepted the help without  asking how is this possible! At Mobile camp someone from one of the largest online recruitment services asked ..  “How do you make this happen…? How can a little project in Brooklyn tests and sit in on discussions that large companies are challenged by’.”

How can we… COMMUNITY!

Yes there is a ‘we’, I am an instigator, but this has been a community project that is made possible by community! First of all the models; a group of young women who stepped forward, beginning in 2000,  now each has or runs, community projects of their own or helping individual businesses, Stacia, Solo, Nnenko, Tasha, Kellie, Tacha, Max and her sisters, Draysia, to name a few. Many of the images designers use will not be possible but for these ladies or the photographers, Collin, Chris, Lem, Darryl… on behalf of the local  designers…Thank you!

It is Faith that allows me to call on local Businesses to help… Phil from Streets of New York and www.NYRealt411.Com , Atim and her partner from www.calabarimports.com, and www.Calabarmag.com! Moshood Ms Selma www.4wcircle.org Glen from www.DeluxHairGallery.com .  Community Leaders Jitu Weusi, Horace L Morancie and Ms Alma Carrol and Skip Rosebaum! It is with their help that I have been able to access and utilize many of the facilities and services that exist!

Then there are my cohorts Barbara from Sohe Designs, Tacha, Fabian  Who would be there whatever crazy scheme I cooked up to test new technology and challenge theories!

If I act as though I expect their support, I did, and do; faith tells me that the right people will pull through! Faith allows me to speak up when transgressed and apologize when I offend! BTW if I have offended you, I am sorry!

There have been hundreds of artist and designers who I have had the pleasure of working with and discussing, the issues, Will From www.tbaclothing.com , Carla from www.CCW1453.info , Bweela , Michi and Earth! I have known they would pull through despite grumblings or hesitancy. I have faith in them not just as designers but as members of a community! I also understand and expect that designers will each find their niche and in turn affect their community like many have! So whenever I can I willingly share  the news of what others are doing! Sue mission of art, yarn and her domestic violence program, Temitayo’s work in her local community and Ngozi’s events with other artist! They’re just a few and please do not get offended if I did not mention you I only have bit so much space! If you’d like to share what you do contact me via this form with  your email details!

Has my Faith been tested… yes, countless times!

Faith does not guarantee the result you want but rather the result you need!

Sometimes we’re so focused on what we want, we fail to see the message right in front of us! When I decided that a fashion and technology “unconference” was needed I had nothing but faith! At BarcampNYC, Jonathan Berger stepped forward Tony from NWC stepped forward  as did several others,  by September We had a two day event at NYC ITP department!

Faith moves mountains, Opens doors and solves problems!

This year The FashionCamp community is spreading from NY, with FashionCamp LA led by Macala! Faith has a way of expanding your circle, Faith attracts faith! The Barcamp Methodology is a model of Faith that who ever is to be, their will be there.  It is a belief system that has spawned thousands of  gatherings exposing thousands more to technology at a fraction of the cost!

There is no harm in emulating that type of Faith!

Someone once saw Will, Moshood, myself and another designers simply hanging…  you guys “Hang” yes we know each other and enjoy each others company! The reason  you don’t often “see’ us together is simple . We’re really very busy! Each local business is an active part of their community, their Church, school-board and support, local businesses, churches, school-boards! Faith in Community is the common thread that binds us! It is why you will see our businesses in the community, despite the many drawbacks and challenges!

If Nothing Else this community HAS FAITH

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Kuumba (Creativity): To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

So what is creativity and how do we honor and celebrate it!

It’s a little after 12 midnight, we’re into 2010, I have been pondering this all day. More importantly I have been trying to find a tactful way to address how I feel on the issue….  too many of us have stopped exercising and nurturing our creativity!

2010 Let’s kiss Apathy goodbye

KISS (Keep It stupid Simple)

I’ve heard that said at countless community and even business meetings! It’s  time to rethink that. Anything with “Stupid” attached to  it need not be a part of any mantra!

It actually takes a lot of creativity and smarts to keep things simple and effective! Creativity requires thought…  it demands deconstructing and restructuring patterns and theories! To do so we need to ask questions! They may be silently expressed to ourselves or discussed with others; but  asking questions is a crucial part of creative process!

So why is the process of questioning now “taboo”. I’ve heard “sorry” so often when someone has a question… why do we apologize for seeking to expand our perception and knowledge!

I’m moving towards 2010 with a mission of nurturing creativity, so I’ll probably touch this topic some more, but I’d start with a simple exercise! Every day, be conscious of something you are doing! From brushing your teeth to your travel route ask yourself…

1. … is there another way to do this?
2. Can I make it better?
3. Can I make it more fun?
4. How can I change this,
5. can I make it more pleasurable or solve a problem?

Creativity is not just about artistic expression, so you do not need to be an artist to exercise your creativity!

Go Ahead

TRY something new each day!

Kuumba

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It’s the eve of 2010 do you know where your purpose is?

Nia (Purpose): To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

There is a design line whose tag line .is .”It’s time to get back to greatness” Louis Narcisse, who will be one of the designers in our February Lineup, Has over 10 years in the fashion Industry! I recently met Lucy his wife whose purpose and desire is to be a photographer in conflict zones! I have not been able to get this woman out my mind! How does one come to decide that that’s your purpose! Her passion is photography.  Her parents are from areas of conflict, as a mother, she identifies with the challenges of conflict and their effect on children, her compassion has directed her.

What’s your purpose!                                                                                                                 Seeking and finding our individual purpose in life!

I think too much… that’s the danger of being creative…  I think too much. Sometimes you really do not need any other “company” you mind keeps you occupied! I am also critical, and stubborn. I never quite fit in… I worked in a lot of place… for about a year and then moved on! I get bored easily.. I am good with my hands and creative. I am satisfied with who I am, I am not really competitive! I have a temper and a tongue that according to one individual can “cut like a two edge sword”

The point Is who I am my qualities suits my purpose… once I came around to embracing it!

I am not speaking on the purpose you ( or society pressure)  decided you should pursue.  I am speaking about calling life purpose, mission! We all have one! We now it… deep in the moment when we can be true to ourselves we can define it! Instead we focus on “something to fall back on.” I need the insurance ( and yes we do but taking that job that ties your stomach in knots every day will send you to the hospital faster than you can spell relief!

I think therefore I can solve problems other may not even see…I am happy working in solitary confinement; so long hours do not bother me! I am paid to critique products and services before money is wasted on them! My moving from job to job gave me unique skill-sets I never thought I’d need…Ever!, I’m an excellent researcher thanks to a job in field research and understand organizing information thanks to my days at the court of Appeal Library! I am a great teacher, 14 year old can school you in patience and prepare you to deal with adults! I have seen and touched more female bodies than I care to admit! I understand their needs and their anguish! My point is that even when we seem not to be on our path to  purpose we are exactly where we need to be!

When speaking of purpose it is all about a force grater than self! There comes a time when we have to either surrender to it or we fall and fall hard and fail! It is the same for collective purpose as outlined above! We as a community are either going to have to surrender to it or fail!

It’s 2010

Do you know where your purpose is?

NIA!

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