Conversations * Memphis

Conversations * Memphis
Meet us every 2nd Saturday beginning in February 2008 @ Borders Books & Music (6685 Poplar Pike) in Memphis, TN.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

THIS WEEK: Should Blacks vote for Obama? Discussions explore the topic

Shadow Play Entertainment, the Hiphop and Books Literacy Initiative and their partners* are pleased to introduce their most intriguing panel discussion to date:

 "Blacks and Obama:

Vote of Conscience, Conviction or Color?"

Moderated by Cyrus A. Webb, the Founder of the Hiphop and Books literacy project, the public as well as select panelists take an in-depth look at the man who wants to be the President of the United States.

 

Questions to be addressed include:

*     Nearly ½ of all convicted felons are Black. Should their voting rights be restored after serving time?

*     Why is Obama worthy of the Black Vote?

*     Is the talk of change enough to make a difference?

*     Is a vote for Obama just a vote against McCain?

*     In November what will impact your vote the most?

 

 

*     Tuesday, August 26, 2008 @ 11a.m. (Pearl, MS) ---         

        PEARL PUBLIC LIBRARY (Old Brandon Rd.)

Town Hall-Style meeting designed to get people of all beliefs and backgrounds together to discuss what a vote for Obama really means.

 

 

*     Thursday, August 28, 2008 @ 6p.m.  (Jackson, MS) ---

        JACKSON ENTERPRISE CENTER (931 HWY 80W)

 Panelists recording artists Eddie Wright, Big Pap and Jokah the General, radio talk show host Berlinda White and Jackson Advocate Newspaper Asst. Editor Deanna Tisdale discuss Obama and what his nomination means for the country and Black America. Also joining the discussions will be community activist Valencia Robinson.

 

*     Additional sponsors for the event include Naked Conversations Radio Show, The 'N' Word Is Out organization, The Hip-Hop Chronicle, Crunk Magazine, YoRaps.com, Hype Magazine, The Drew Reports, Prohiphop.com, Kevin Weeks and The Street Life Series.

 

For more information contact Eddie Wright at 601.212.3207 or Cyrus A. Webb at 601.896.5616. Webb can also be reached via email at cawebb4@juno.com. Additional information will be posted at http://www.hiphopandbooks.com.     

 

Monday, August 11, 2008

20,000 hits and counting: Conversations Book Club says Thank You!

Hello, I am Cyrus A. Webb, President and Founder of Conversations Book
Club, and I want to take this opportunity to say Thank You to everyone
for your support.

When Conversations Book Club was formed in November 2006, it was with the
idea of bringing readers and authors together to discuss what they all
love: books! This was a goal I looked forward to because I was a lover of
books myself. At the time I was already writing book reviews and
interviewing authors for various publications so I had a ready arsenal to
start with in making the book club a success.

Since then we have hosted events in several states, formed partnerships
with organizations that now welcome authors and gives new authors the
same opportunities as more seasoned ones. Alot of work has gone into what
Conversations has done, and in the past I have been reluctant to reveal
all of the details about how Conversations has been able to accomplish
what it has. I think it is time, though, that you are given a look
inside.

The driving force behind Conversations has been me, the founder. We have
members "in spirit" because none of those who attend our events pay dues.
I am the one that arranges the schedules of authors. I am the one who
secures transportation for the authors. I am the one in most situations
that secures housing for the authors when they come to town---and I do
all of this for FREE. That's right, the authors pay nothing for this
service, nor or they asked to. There is no grant or salary given to me
for any of the things that I do with the book club. So why do I give up
so much of my time and money for something that I don't directly benefit
from? Again, I am a book lover and by connection a lover of authors who
give us great books. Since November 2006, I have given my all in order
for readers to have an opportunity to meet and greet with authors from
all over the country---and I don't regret any of it.

There are some things, however, that I do regret when it comes to dealing
with people---something that we all encounter from time to time, and that
is lack of appreciation. I have seen it come from other book clubs, even
though all of our events are open to the public, and I have seen it from
authors as well. Now, there was time when things that people say about
work I do or me personally would have shut me down; but I am here to tell
you that those days are long gone. The results of what Conversations has
done in less than 2 years can't be denied. We have hosted more authors
than any other book club (59 to date), had more conference call
discussions than any other book club, made it possible for authors that
were only known in certain circles to sit next to bestselling authors in
Wal-Mart, and we have made it clear that our organization is designed for
all: black, white, young and old. We are truly made for the people.

Days ago our main website http://www.thebesbookclub.info crossed the
20,000 hits mark and over the weekend that number continued to grow.
I have another 26 authors that I will be working with in person this
year, over double that number who will be guests on my online radio show
and 11 authors already booked for 2009.

The point? Regardless of what you hear, no matter what others say,
Conversations has made its mark and will continued to do so. The proof is
in the pudding. As for those who flaunder around us, just remember that
as in most groups the good always rises to the top. Those who were in it
for themselves will be weeded out. The readers and authors in the
literary game may change, but the game remains the same and goes on.

Again, thank you again for your continued support. This journey has been
one of experiences I will never forget---and it is only just beginning.

Enjoy your day. Enjoy your life. Enjoy your world. Enjoy BOOKS!
http://www.thebestbookclub.info
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