Join-In

Destination Broadway, but first things first, the theater production of Back in the Day will hit the stage in New Jersey at Symphony Hall sometime in the winter of 2014.  Inspired by the poem; What Happened to the Revolution, Back in the Day is a one act play that offers comedy, poetic expressions, dance, audience participation and fitting musical arrangements. As seen through the eyes of an African American family the play brings attention to the people and events that shaped turbulent times of the sixties and early seventies. The play centers around the fictional Hopkins family. The parents, Frank & Grace, seek to teach their teenage children a civics and history lesson through a variety of stories that are reenacted, (with a diverse cast) throughout the play. Some of the stories include Ali addressing the media, Nixon trying to tap dance around the Watergate scandal and the Patti Hearst drama. The family's interactions are humorous as they deal with common everyday issues, but the civil rights and the anti Vietnam War movements are the main topics of the play. Through inspiring music, powerful poetic expressions and rhythmic dancing, the play captures the imagination and brings the audience back in time. Back in the Day pushes boundaries, has a strong vision, voice and perspective with a compelling uniqueness. The play is sure to educate as will as entertain.  

This production provides an opportunity for young aspiring actors to showcase their talents within a professional setting and may well be the starting point that launches them off to a successful career. But as with everything, it takes money to put on a production. Regrettably corporate sponsors and major producers won't give the time of day to an independent production without a reference from the "right people". Not to be deterred, we're seeking start-up funding through Kickstarter.com. If you're a friend of the arts or just want to chip in, we urge you to visit the web site. [clickhere] We realize that not everyone can contribute financially, but everyone can help out by spreading the word with friends & family. Be part of the revolution, help kichstart, Back in the Day.  

History

 

Irenas Johnson Palmer: was born on February 20, 1842 in Hinsdale, New York. In 1863, at the age of 21 he went to Boston, Mass. to join the Fifth Regiment Massachusetts Colored Volunteer Cavalry .On December 26, 1863 he was commissioned First Sergeant.

The Fifth Regiment was involved in numerous Civil War battles at Fort Monroe, Appomattox, and Petersburg. In 1864 they were assigned to Point Lookout in Maryland where they guarded Confederate Prisoners. In 1865 they were sent to Texas because there was anticipation of trouble with Mexico.

After the Civil War in November 1865 Mr. Palmer returned to Western New York and settled in Olean, NY where he took up his trade as an Architect and Builder. Mr. Palmer was active in the AME Church, and the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). He was also one of the many unknown civil rights pioneers who spoke out against injustice and the despicable criminal act of lynching's that were imposed upon countless African Americans during his lifetime. This shadow of shame inspired him to write the book, "The Black Man's Burden" in Feb. 1902.

A quote from the book, "In this country it is unsafe to be black or be president. In this great country they burn colored men at the stake, and one-third of our presidents are murdered by assassins."

There were three presidents assassinated between 1865 and 1901, (Abrahan Lincoln, James A Garfield and William McKinley)

Irenas Johnson Palmer died on June 17, 1919. He was buried at the Mount View Cemetery in Olean, NY. He is still honored each year dunning Black History Month by the Olean Historical Society.

The Black Man's Burden provides an insightful look into the dark side of America’s history. It's the history that the schools don't or won't teach. A must read for everyone.

See our links for a copy of the paperback or ebook.

Vending

Hey Indie authors and artist, spring is here and that means getting out and promoting yourself, books & art work. MQW suggest that you explore your local community for flea markets and arts & craft shows that are nominal. Don't be fooled by prestigious street festivals that charge outrageous fees that benefit the sponsor, but leave you far short of making a profit. When selecting a venue it's important that you're realistic about the expense and profit margin. For example; a book fair charges $300 for you to setup your display. Based on the cost of your books, how many would you need to sell in order to make a profit?  This should be the first question asked and answered.

   A good option might be to coordinate with an independent book or art store to setup a venue which would promote local artist and authors. This should be a win, win for all. The promoting of literacy and the arts within your community is always a positive step for everyone. So get out there and make it happen!    

Update

At this time MQW is not currently reviewing books, as per our blog back in May, anyone who is listed as a follower of MQW may write and submit their personal review of any books that they have read. MQW will post the review on our site, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Reviews should be sent via email and must include the book title, author name, sales channel link and the name of the reviewer and a rating between 1 and 5. We reserve the right not to post any reviews for books that are socially unacceptably, (pornographic, racist or hateful material). We discourage authors from writing their own reviews and we will not post or will pull any reviews that have been written by the books author. We encourage our followers to support each other through the purchase and or swapping of books. Give a review to get a review.