Deadline Extended: Interviewing the Caribbean (IC)

Interviewing the Caribbean (IC)—has been founded by Jamaican poet and educator Opal Palmer Adisa. IC seeks poems, stories, creative non-fiction, and visual art in all media that celebrate Caribbean life. Caribbean artists at home and in the Diaspora are invited to participate. Submit by September 5, 2015u, to be included in the inaugural issue along with Junot Diaz, Leroy Clarke, Tamara Natalie Madden, and others. The topic for the inaugural issue is “Intellectual Property” (IP).

Description: “All too often, when it comes to intellectual property, black artists are the ones who lose the rights to their work (The Root, LaToya Peterson, May 15, 2011). Who owns your work? Does it matter? Many are the black creators who have not reaped the monetary benefits of their success. How do you, as a creative voice, ensure that ownership of your work—and the royalties that go with it—accrues to you? In recent years, prominent black artists—and their estates—have challenged intellectual property misappropriation in the courts.

Some well-known cases: The artist formerly known as Prince did battle with Warner Bros. Records for years before winning back ownership of the master tapes for his hit albums. Just this year, Marvin Gaye’s estate challenged Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke on the similarity of their song “Blurred Lines” and Gaye’s “Got to Give it Up”—and won.

Some possibilities to consider: How is the concept of IP experienced by Caribbean artists—writers, visual artists, musicians, and others? How are ideas about IP evolving in Caribbean society at large? What is the future for intellectual property rights for artists in the Caribbean context? (Works that cover other, but related, themes will be considered.)

Please send submissions of writing as Word documents. Visual artists, please send photographs as jpegs at 300 dpi resolution. 

Submit via email to interviewingthecaribbean@gmail.com.

sx salon 14: Now Online

Our fall issue of sx salon exhibits the variety of Caribbean cultural production. Our discussion section features an essay by poet and author Kei Miller on dub poetry and the “sort of life” it may continue to have in the diasporas. With an eye toward the element of home in the Caribbean diaspora, choreographer Chris Walker and poet Danez Smith blend word and dance as they ask what it means when home is no longer a safe place. Our third essay continues with the question of diaspora as Bernard James examines the tenuous and often fraught connections between Caribbean Americans and African Americans.

Our reviews in this issue are split between fiction and what we may sometimes wish to be fiction. Sandy Alenxandre introduces us to the first novel from Haitian American author Elsie Augustave, while Maja Horn reviews Junot Díaz’s return to Yunior in This Is How You Lose Her. Garfield Ellis reflects on “master storyteller” Anthony Winkler’s turn to historical fiction, with his signature humor. We also consider nonfictional narratives of history with Suzanne Uzilla’s review of Sugar in the Blood, by Andrea Stuart, and Abolition and Plantation Management in Jamaica, 1807–1838, by Dave St. Aubyn Gosse. Bringing that narrative into the present, Taurean Webb discusses Britain’s Black Debt: Reparations for Caribbean Slavery and Native Genocide by Hilary Beckles, to whom Geoffrey Philp dedicates his poem in this issue, “Busha Day Done.” We also feature poetry from emerging poets Kevin Browne and Enzo Silon Surin, as well as from well-known poet, writer, and activist Patrick Sylvain.

In our Poetry & Prose section we also announce the short list and winners for each category of the 2013 Small Axe Literary Competition. The winners of the 2013 competition:

• In the Short Fiction category, first prize goes to Ruel Johnson and second prize to Lesley-Ann Wanliss.
• In the Poetry category, first prize goes to Vladimir Lucien and second prize to Ruel Johnson.

Please join us in congratulating the writers and poets on our short list as well as our winners. We wish you all the best for the coming holidays and hope you enjoy this fall issue of sx salon (table of contents below).

Kelly Baker Josephs

sx salon 14 (November 2013)

Introduction and Table of Contents—Kelly Baker Josephs

Reviews

God Carlos and The Family Mansion, by Anthony Winkler—Garfield Ellis

The Roving Tree, by Elsie Augustave—Sandy Alexandre

This Is How You Lose Her, by Junot Díaz—Maja Horn

Britain’s Black Debt: Reparations for Caribbean Slavery and Native Genocide, by Hilary Beckles—Taurean Webb

Sugar in the Blood: A Family’s Story of Slavery and Empire, by Andrea Stuart, and

Abolition and Plantation Management in Jamaica, 1807–1838, by Dave St Aubyn Gosse—Suzanne Uzzilia

Discussion articles

A Smaller Sound, a Lesser Fury: A Eulogy for Dub Poetry—Kei Miller

Facing Home, a Phobia: A Reflection on “In My Shadow”—Chris Walker, with Danez Smith

Fortifications for a Wobbly Bridge—Bernard James

Poetry

Patrick Sylvain

Kevin A. Browne

Enzo Silon Surin        

Geoffrey Philp

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Program and Posters for 2012 Miami Book Fair International Unveiled

Details for this year’s Miami Book Fair International, presented by The Center for Literature and Theatre @ Miami Dade College (MDC), were announced today at the Fair’s annual poster unveiling ceremony, and patrons can once again expect an exciting line-up of authors that will please every interest, from current events to biographies, from health and wellness to fiction.

This year, fairgoers are invited to “Discover Paraguay” as the Fair celebrates Paraguay’s unique literature and culture and will present some of its most recognized authors, as well as theater, music, and crafts.

The Inauguration Ceremonies will start at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, followed by a reception. Tom Wolfe will open the Fair at 6 p.m. with a presentation of his latest work, Back to Blood: A Novel, and will be followed by a related documentary at 8 p.m. At 7 p.m., the Fair will also present haute couture power couple, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, in conversation about their unique collaboration and Isabel’s memoir, Roots of Style: Weaving Together Life, Love, and Fashion. The talk will be followed by a tour of TOLEDO/TOLEDO: Full Circle, an exhibition of her designs and his artworks at the MDC Museum of Art + Design.

The popular Evenings With series will bring some of today’s biggest names, including Junot Diaz (This is How You Lose Her), Sandra Cisneros (Have You Seen Marie?), Robert Caro (The Passage of Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson) and Adam Gopnik (The Table Comes First: Family, France, and the Meaning of Food). Other authors scheduled to attend the Fair include Bill O’Reilly (Killing Kennedy), R.L. Stein (Red Rain), (Camille Paglia (Glittering Images: A Journey Through Art From Egypt to Star Wars) and Anne Lamott (Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers). 

Children’s literacy is very much at the heart of the Fair’s mission. Among the many events for the under-18’s this year, is a very special appearance by Lemony Snicket on Monday, Nov. 12 (Veteran’s Day holiday is observed by schools and others—but the Book Fair is open!). Children and parents are invited to bring lists of wrong questions to this fun event celebrating the first book in Snicket’s brand new series, All the Wrong Questions: Who Could That Be at This Hour? Snicket is best known for his series, A Series of Unfortunate Events, which was made into a movie of the same title. Fair organizers are also proud to host bestselling author James Patterson on Sunday, Nov. 18, for a rally for literacy. Families with children of all ages are invited. Mr. Patterson will speak, read and take questions before the book signing.

The 29th edition of the Book Fair, the nation’s finest and largest literary gathering, will take place November 11 – 18, 2012, at Miami Dade MDC’s Wolfson Campus, 300 NE Second Ave., in downtown Miami. The always-popular Street Fair runs Friday through Sunday, November 16 – 18, with more than 200 exhibitors from around the country selling books in a festive atmosphere.

The official posters also were unveiled. The first poster, which aims to capture the overall spirit of the Fair, was created by RosaNaday Garmendia. A native of Havana, Cuba, Naday Garmendia is a professional artist and educator. She is an artist-in-residence at the Miami Art Museum and at the ArtCenter/South Florida. She was also an artist-in-residence at the Miami Children’s Museum for two consecutive terms. Garmendia had a working studio at the Bakehouse Art Complex for several years and in the course of developing as an artist has done several residencies at Parsons School of Design and Vermont School of Design.

The second official poster is dedicated to the Center’s Generation Genius programs for children, tweens and teens at the Fair, including the beloved Children’s Alley, an area featuring pop-up venues where kids play and create, learn and read!. The poster was designed by renowned American author and artist Daniel Kirk, who has written and illustrated more than 21 bestselling books for children, including the Library Mouse series, Cat Power; Dogs Rule!, Hush, Little Alien, Lunchroom Lizard, and Snow Dude.  His more recent work includes Elf Realm, a series of young-adult fantasy. 

MIAMI BOOK FAIR INTERNATIONAL AND THE CENTER FOR LITERATURE AND THEATRE @ MIAMI DADE COLLEGE

Miami Book Fair International is the largest and finest literary gathering in America. It is the premier event of The Center for Literature and Theatre @ Miami Dade College. The Centerpromotes reading, writing and theater at locations throughout South Florida by consistently presenting activities open to all. Its Generation Genius programs for children and teens promote literacy and learning. Its creative writing program has national appeal, and courses are taught by local and visiting authors. It is also home to Prometeo Theatre, the nation's leading Spanish language, conservatory-style program offering training for actors, and featuring performances throughout the year. In 2012, the Center celebrates its tenth year with a renewed commitment to the advancement of literary and theater arts.

Miami Book Fair International is made possible through the generous support of the State of Florida and the National Endowment for the Arts; the City of Miami; Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; Miami-Dade County Public Schools; the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau; the Miami Downtown Development; and the Friends of the Fair; as well as many corporate partners.

ABOUT MIAMI DADE COLLEGE

Miami Dade College has a long and rich history of involvement in the cultural arts, providing South Florida with a vast array of artistic and literary offerings including the Miami Book Fair International, the Center @ MDC, the Miami International Film Festival, the MDC Live Performing Arts Series, the Cuban Cinema Series, the Miami Leadership Roundtable speakers’ series, numerous renowned campus art galleries and theaters, and the nationally recognized School of Entertainment and Design Technology. With an enrollment of more than 170,000 students, MDC is the largest institution of higher education in the country and is a national model for many of its programs. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer more than 300 distinct degree programs including baccalaureate, associate in arts and science degrees and numerous career training certificates leading to in-demand jobs. MDC has served nearly 2,000,000 students since it opened its doors in 1960.

Junot Diaz Wins Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

Junot Diaz has won the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction for The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.

The citation:

For distinguished fiction by an American author, preferably dealing with American life, Ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

Awarded to The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz (Riverhead Books).

Also nominated as finalists in this category were: Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson (Farrar, Straus and Giroux), and Shakespeare's Kitchen by Lore Segal (The New Press).

For more information, please follow this link: The Pulitzer Prize.

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Edwidge Danticat and Junot Diaz: NBCC 2007 Awardees

In a bountiful year of remarkable books, two Caribbean-born writers, Edwidge Danticat and Junot Diaz won National Book Critics Circle Awards for Autobiography and Fiction at the New School's Tischman Auditorium on March 6, 2008.

The competition in both areas was intense, yet Edwidge and Junot emerged as awardees from among these other fine authors:

Autobiography

Joshua Clark, Heart Like Water: Surviving Katrina and Life in Its Disaster Zone (Free Press)
Edwidge Danticat, Brother, I'm Dying (Knopf)
Joyce Carol Oates, The Journals of Joyce Carol Oates, 1973–1982 (Ecco Press)
Sara Paretsky, Writing in an Age of Silence (Verso)
Anna Politkovskaya, Russian Diary: A Journalist's Final Account of Life, Corruption and Death in Putin's Russia (Random House)

Fiction

Vikram Chandra, Sacred Games (HarperCollins)
Junot Díaz, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (Riverhead Books)
Hisham Matar, In the Country of Men (Dial Press)
Joyce Carol Oates, The Gravedigger’s Daughter (Ecco Press)
Marianne Wiggins, The Shadow Catcher (Simon & Schuster)

Congratulations, Edwidge and Junot!

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(Via Critical Mass)
Pictured above: NBCC member Miriam Berkley shot this group portrait of the winners of the NBCC 2007 awards. From left,Tim Jeal, NBCC award winner in biography for "Stanley: The Impossible Life of Africa's Greatest Explorer" (Yale University Press), Mary Jo Bang, NBCC award winner in poetry for "Elegy" (Gray Wolf PresS), Alex Ross,NBCC award winner in criticism for "The Rest Is Noise" (Farrar, Straus & Giroux), Edwidge Danticat,NBCC award winner in autobiography (Knopf), Emilie Buchwald of Milkweed Press, winner of the Ivan Sandrof Lifetime Achievement Award; Sam Anderson,winner of the Nona Balakian Citation for Excellence in Reviewing, and Margaret Washington, NBCC award winner in nonfiction for "Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present (Doubleday). Not pictured, NBCC award winner in fiction, Junot Diaz, author of "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" (Riverhead Books).

For the complete list of winners, please follow this link to Critical Mass: 2007 NBCC Winners Announced

Junot Diaz @ Books and Books, Miami

Junot Diaz seemed relaxed last night as he flipped through the pages of his long awaited novel, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, and began his reading to a capacity audience at Books and Books with two simple questions, "How have you guys been? It's been like what, ten years?"

Junot laughed and the audience enjoyed his light banter with a group of University of Miami graduate students, seated in the two front rows, as he talked about the craft of writing, influences, inspiration and rewriting, "I realized I was really going to be a writer when I found out that that this book was going to take at least ten years." When he was pressed by a member of the audience about the intervening time span, he responded, "Some books come easily and some books come hard. This one was carved out of me."

The first excerpt that he read was from the "Wildwood" section of the book, written in second person, about Yola, the protagonist's twelve year old sister, and her relationship with their mother, Belicia. After giving the audience a few minutes to recover, Diaz entertained a few more questions.

Many in the audience were well-acquainted with the novel and one reader admitted to having read it through in one night. She said she came to the reading to get an explanation about the many footnotes in the book. Junot attributed the use of footnotes to the influence of Martinican author Patrick Chamoiseau, and when he faltered with the pronunciation of Chamoiseau's name, he called upon his friend, Edwidge Danticat, to help him and she obliged. He explained the use of the footnotes this way: "The idea of writing footnotes was to create a counterpoint to the coherent authoritative story. The novel frequently falls into the trap of the persuasive story without opposition. The footnotes by undermining the narrative become the opposition."

Diaz then read an excerpt from the first chapter which lays the groundwork of one of the themes of the novel--a counter-history that challenges the conceit of the authoritative text and a challenge to the "official" narratives based on Antillean insights and the mysterious Fuku: "They say it came first from Africa, carried in the screams of the enslaved; that it was the death bane of the Tainos, uttered just as one world perished and another began…Fuku americanus, or more colloquially fuku--generally a curse of doom of some kind."

The reading, which felt more like a homecoming, drew a capacity audience in the larger east wing of Books and Books, which is celebrating its twenty-fifth year as an independent book seller in Miami.

For more pictures of the event, please follow this link: Junot Diaz in Miami.

Ariel Gonzalez (Miami Herald) reviews The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao.
Vamos! article on Junot Diaz
(via Counter Balance)
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junot diaz