GBMNews - Articles -

Transforming Pain to Power: The C. Mark Ealy Way

no@spam.com (Wyatt O'Brian Evans) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 16:07:40 CST

“I suppose my writing is different than that of a lot of people because ‘I do not own the words.’ The words come through me, not from me. I only write when I’m inspired by the Holy Spirit. The purpose of all my writing is to help people on their spiritual journey. “

Those rather weighty words provide keen insight into C. Mark Ealy, author of the new book, The Making of a Preacher: Naked in the Pulpit. Largely autobiographical, it’s the saga of a minister (“Larry”) who “bares all in his journey to find truth.”

After overcoming nearly impossible odds—growing up poverty-stricken and hopeless, being trapped in an all-Black ghetto in South Central Los Angeles (L.A.)--Ealy become an ordained Baptist minister.

Over the past 27 years, he has held major positions of leadership in the secular and church worlds. Currently, Ealy serves as a consultant for various churches. And, he is the founder of The Institute for Living, an organization whose mission is to assist individuals in their spiritual growth.

The Boldness of Stanley Bennett Clay

no@spam.com (Wyatt O'Brian Evans) — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 15:41:37 CDT

“I have little tolerance for small minds. If people hate others because they are different, that’s their problem.” The outspoken and articulate Stanley Bennett Clay, the renowned actor, writer, producer, director, composer and author, spoke those rather emphatic words.

It was his response when this journalist asked him if he felt that some individuals would be offended by his upcoming musical album, which is the companion piece to his new novel, Looker. This music project is described as having “unapologetic gay sensibilities, with progressive lyrics and content that are ‘straight-up-in-your-face’ gay.” The cuts are inspired by passages from the novel. And, various artists will perform on the album.

Rhythms: The Poetry Connoisseur’s Gourmet Meal

no@spam.com (Wyatt O'Brian Evans) — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 20:03:01 CDT

“Well, we, collectively—gay, straight, bi, transgender, leather, black, white, brown, rich, poor, middle class, old, young or somewhere in between all of this—are all in a new renaissance period of expression, whether it’s rap music, homo-rap, new age, poetry, spoken word, jazz, socio-political, or a combination of all of the above. There is no time like now to have a say, express yourself, and record it in history.”

That’s part of author Leo Shelton’s response to the question of, “what’s your perspective regarding the state of Black gay lit?” Mr. Shelton is the founder of Tugson Press, which has just released Rhythms, his new book of poetry. Rhythms truly is a gourmet meal for the poetry connoisseur.

Shelton added, “The state of gay black literature is stronger, and more varied and braver than ever. But it has to keep growing: not through what is commercially viable necessarily, but through what is good and truthful--and even sometimes nasty-- but still noteworthy.”

Nothing Can Tear Us Apart - Excerpt Five

no@spam.com (Wyatt O'Brian Evans) — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 17:10:18 CDT

Our story thus far: Wes and ‘Tonio have declared their love for one another, and have become a monogamous couple. However, as it always happens, the honeymoon eventually fades away. And, this is no exception for the “Dynamic Duo.” The bruh and the papi confront tough and daunting obstacles and challenges, not the least of which is a vicious, duplicitous thug and drug lord by the name of “Ruffkut.” Yeah, Ruffkut. Ya see, this nefarious character has a serious score to settle with Wes. After exploiting ‘Tonio’s deep insecurity issues, Ruffkut sets up the celeb to make it appear that he’s been unfaithful. As a result, the ‘Rican bodyguard grossly and explosively overreacts, and…Well, join the final excerpt of “Nothing Can Tear Us Apart” to find out more.

Nothing Can Tear Us Apart: Exerpt Four

no@spam.com (Wyatt O'Brian Evans) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 16:04:50 CDT

Our story thus far: After a dangerous robbery attempt in which Wes is nearly killed, the bruh and the papi bond even further, and become closer than ever. And soon, they can no longer deny their true feelings for one another. As a result, they become a monogamous couple.

Let’s take a peek at one of their blistering hot “sexcapades,” which takes place right after Thanksgiving dinner at the home of ‘Tonio’s parents. YOWZA.

Nothing Can Tear Us Apart Excerpt Three

no@spam.com (Wyatt O'Brian Evans) — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 18:47:22 CDT

The story thus far: Wes hires ‘Tonio as his Chief of Security and Numero Uno Bodyguard. The hot and hunky guys discover they have lots in common. And soon, they begin to form a deep connection and forge a strong bond. And needless to say, their sexual attraction for one another is flying off the chart! However, they’re too afraid to act on what they’re feeling for one another.

So, one Saturday, Wes is promoting his new comedy album at a record store in the metro Washington area. ‘Tonio and another bodyguard, Rock, accompany him.

However, without warning, two young, brawny brothas take everyone hostage in a stick-up attempt. Now, let’s jump right into “Nothing Can Tear Us Apart.”

Nothing Can Tear Us Apart - Excerpt two

no@spam.com (Wyatt O'Brian Evans) — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 21:11:25 CDT

Now, let’s go back in time to when the couple first meet….

At 9:45 a.m., the phone’s ringing interrupted my bittersweet memories. It was Mrs. Jackson, my house manager. “Mr. Kelly,” she announced, “Mr. Rios, Jr., your 10 o’clock, is here to see you.” Rios would be the fourth applicant for my Chief of Security position.

Rios was minutes early. A good sign. I liked that. Promptness was one of my pet peeves.

Rios had impeccable credentials: college educated. Clients included corporate execs and government officials. Skilled in the martial arts. Bodybuilder/boxer.

I decided to take the winding staircase instead of the elevator to the first floor. Rios and Mrs. Jackson were sitting in the foyer, waiting. When they caught sight of me, they rose. And when I first saw Rios, something in my pants rose to full attention. Throbbed, in fact. (Do you know what I’m talkin’ about? It was “Mr. Woody,” doggone it!)

D.C. BLACK PRIDE

no@spam.com (Wyatt O'Brian Evans) — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 22:44:26 CDT

The theme for the 17^th annual D.C. Black Pride over the Memorial Day weekend was “Black All Over: Liberty, Unity and Strength.” It fully embraced and demonstrated the spirit of renewal for this celebration, which bubbled over with the three “E’s”--energy, excitement, and enthusiasm.

Excerpt 1: Nothing Can Tear Us Apart

no@spam.com (Wyatt O'Brian Evans) — Tue, 29 May 2007 18:03:04 CDT

First, the “411:” Wesley (Wes) Laurence Kelly is a desirable, wealthy gay African-American superstar, who hires deliciously muscular Puerto Rican Antonio (‘Tonio) Miguel Rios, Jr. as his Chief of Security and Numero Uno Bodyguard. Immediately, they are attracted to and drawn to each other on various levels. However, having both been severely burned in the love department more than once, Wes and ‘Tonio valiantly fight their feelings. However, these emotions are like a raging inferno-- threatening to consume them, and then totally sweep them away. Finally, they give in: they declare their love for one another, and form a monogamous relationship. However, the honeymoon doesn’t last forever—Wes and ‘Tonio confront serious trials and tribulations which put their union in jeopardy. And then enters “Ruffkut,” a badass, ruthless gangsta who has a score to settle with the celeb. The thug sets up Wes to make it look like he’s cheatin’ on ‘Tonio, who, because of serious issues, physically batters his partner. Soon, the couple discovers that the gangsta is behind the duplicity! Devastated, Wes kicks ‘Tonio to the curb. But, do the bruh and the papi find their way back to one another? And what about Ruffkut? Does this psycho nut job have other nasty, diabolical plans in store for our “Dynamic Duo?” Well, why not visit “Nothing Can Tear Us Apart”…and find out.