Bringing Conscious Back in February

Join us February 17th

The Band Droidz 4/25/15 @ The Shrine

The Band Droidz have been rocking stages for years and have the energy of a cyclone.  

We are honored to have the Band Droidz to be a part of our movement of change.
They infuse rock with reggae and promoting conscious music.

Band Droidz are an amazing group check them out.

THE BAND DROIDZ

Wolf = Drummer, Monk = Guitarist, QMaxx = Bass

Videography by Maurice Bolden

Today Was A Good Day!

Feel free to make a conscious donation.

This Place Ain't Big Enough 4 Me

Well, last week at my jail workshop I read to the group of about twenty men who Dr. Leonard Jeffries was and why he was a threat to the education system. I had a print out that I handed around for some of them to read. I realized that some of the men may not have knew how to read, so I read some of the material so they can get a gist of who Dr. Jeffries is and why he was so hated. I screened some trailers of mine for the life of me, my feature had no sound. I had a few white brothers in the group and they nodded they head a few times to the knowledge I was kicking.  It was good to go back and have my spoken word/black history workshop as I call it.  The holidays it was cold and this was the first time back.   I feel if ain't nobody gonna pay me I might as well give freely of my time to some people who appreciate my time and films.  At least I can always say I screened my films with a captive audience.  I use to know a person that said to me "Go where your celebrated, not where your tolerated".  Now it's not my desire to be hanging around a jail, but it is my responsibility as an artist to educate and inspire where I can. Perhaps when they do get released they will give back to the community to make it a better place then when they left.  That is what Bringing Conscious Back is all about, bringing awareness to one's self and environment to inspire and educate others in your journey of life.

"This Place Ain't Big Enough For Me"

By Mike Holloman 

This place ain't big enough for me,

I don't really like the company.  The food is lousy...I got places to go and people to see

This place ain't big enough for one of my thoughts,

cause while I'm thinking...

that same thought that I'm thinking needs room to grow.

They can imprison my body, but hey can't touch my mind or soul.

Inside my mind exist a creative essence essential to become a connoisseur of extraordinary expressions lyrics that exist inside my mind idle are spasmodic gravitational pull transcends them to paper.  Effortlessly written out drama or static...

When I feeling the flavor of the swag in my flow... my lyrical rhythm and rhymes start to bubble again.

Exclusively opponents of my art were two crabs one was a Jew the other was a Republican.  But my deepness survives in rhythm of rhymes poetic in nature...

Jewels dropped are captured and retained in consciousness of the true participator...

Realness is hard but understanding is free so I tell you for the second time. 

That this place ain't big enough for me!

They thought I was crazy, so they sent in a shrink. I let him inside, took him on a journey through my mind...

He started to get dizzy then...

Ho got sick, his name was Dr. Nero now he's in a state of comatazation...Hook to a brain scan her...with understanding zero...

Everyday I remain in here these devils prey. I loose a little more...They spike my food with kryptonite yesterday and the  day before.  I feel as if I'm sidelined...In the middle of the game. It's 3rd & 25 and my fam and I can't calla play. Deep down I know it's on me, I know I'm the blame...

Life keeps turning, inside I'm bumming wife is missing me, money is short...Problems quickly rise. I'm sitting here stuck, out of the fight, can;t throw a punch forgive me I apologize.

But in consolation, you don't have to be a genius or understand Einstein's theory of relativity or that Pie = Y times I = 3

Cause the reality that these devils can't hold me for long...and if you were listening when I said 

"This place ain't big enough for me".

DISCLAIMER: THIS IS A POEM FROM AN INMATE THIS IS NOT THE BLOGGERS VIEWS OR OPINIONS THIS IS AN EXPRESSION OF ART

So next week I am going to cover Nelson Mandela and speak about his journey.  I always need printing for my workshops so if you  donate financially to assist my printing costs, please feel free to donate.

Natural Light in Life

The five blessings in life are:

health, longevity, virtuous behavior, prosperity and a natural death.  The five constant virtues are:

propriety, benevolence, righteousness, wisdom and faith.  

Those who live in accord with the universal subtle law are preserved.

Aim at human and spiritual nobility.  There is one word that we can can use as a motto for our entire life: reciprocity.

  What we do not want to be done to ourselves, we must not do to others.

The more we give others. the more abundant our lives become.  In helping people and caring for  life, our own lives will be very rewarding.

In life we meet all type of people some folks may claim they need help but when confronted with assistance they lock up. Is it because they aren't sincere with their need? Lately I have been keeping busy with organizing events and staying positive.  We will have our haters and we will have our supporters, taking everything in stride is the key.

We look forward to you joining us

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

 5-7 P.M.

The Phillis Wheatley Library

33 Dr. Samuel McCree Way

Rochester, NY

JOIN US MLK DAY

J. Cole: "Be Free" - David Letterman

Namaste

J.Cole is 

Bringing Conscious Back

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Conscious Events

Bringing Conscious Back 

is a grassroots movement of artists that collaborate with their talents of spoken word, film & music to inspire communities to have open dialogue for social change.  We invite non-profit organizations every month to bring awareness to issues rarely heard in the media.  Non-Profit please contact filmstressfilmz@gmail.com to speak at our 

future engagements.

February 25th, 2015

5- 7 P.M.

Phillis Wheatley Library

33 Dr. Samuel McCree Way

Rochester, NY 14608

Free film screening, music, spoken word 

and community discussion.

February 28, 2015

6-8 P.M.

The Shrine

2271 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.

New York, NY 10031

Free film screening, music, spoken word 

and community discussion.

March 25, 2015

5- 7 P.M.

Phillis Wheatley Library

33 Dr. Samuel McCree Way

Rochester, NY 14608

Free film screening, music, spoken word 

and community discussion.

National Poetry Month

Erin Johnson

"Dune Pledge"

excerpt

March 28, 2015

6-8 P.M.

The Shrine

2271 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.

New York, NY 10031

Free film screening, music, spoken word 

and community discussion.

April 22, 2015

5- 7 P.M.

Phillis Wheatley Library

Journalist,
 Arthur Ryan Brooks

33 Dr. Samuel McCree Way

Rochester, NY 14608

Free film screening, music, spoken word 

and community discussion.

April 25th, 2015

The Shrine

6-8 P.M.

2271 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.

New York, NY 10031

Free film screening, music, spoken word 

and community discussion.

Sponsored by Filmstress Filmz

Bringing Conscious Back 2 The Jailz

So, we finished up our public engagements and have partnered with Just Us Inc. a non-profit organization in Rochester, NY that has been helping incarcerated individuals in the system and upon release helping them with housing, employment and education.  James Caldwell has a had few people come in and out to help in the jails but from my observance most people who donate time are the church people trying to indoctrine their beliefs on individuals in a compromising position.

I didn't give up my events but I will be writing to get money from investors and online funding to keep doing what I have been doing and that's inspiring audiences artistically with a message.

So I have been working with the inmates for about a month.  We have had some technical issues as far as my DVD playing for the inmates. I have changed the format 2x and still to no avail they have the oldest DVd players it's not even funny. So we are still moving forward with our discussions and mentoring time. I look forward to the next DVD working this weel,

 

So please help donate if you can as we need to print some materials for the holidays for the inmates. We have raised $70 thusfar and still have a long way to go.

Have a great day and remember to keep a positive mind. Because a positive mind cannot be denied.

Conscious Inmates...

We had our last joyous occasion at "The Shrine" last month it was fabulous. 

We screened "Living Legendz" that featured Dr. Leonard Jeffries, Jamal Joseph and Abiodun Oyewole. We had outrageous girl talent that rock the joint.  Marc Polite did his thing on the mic such a brilliant writer and humble gentleman. 

As we came to a close this year many folks kept asking when is the next event. To be honest it will be in the spring of 2015.  We have to revamp our mission and make it more health conscious.  

I am continuing the campaign through the winter months I have started screening my films at a jail nearby.  Which was my goal to reach individuals in the system so that I can inspire them and in some way stop recidivism.  Always wanted to work in the jails because it's such a depressed atmosphere that needs attention.  I feel that many of the individuals that are in lock up facilites wanted attention and used criminal activity to get that attention, but then again that is my opinion.  Recently I have made some strides with meeting men and women inmates introducing myself and who I am.  The women were a bit harder than the men from what I observed.  One lady who was very masculine came up to me and said "yo, you really touched my heart" that meant a lot to me.  That someone that looked that hard actually could relate to my story.  I shared with the ladies my life and how I came to be here.  I realized that "Bringing Conscious Back" had to keep going for the folks who are going to return back into our society.  The jail is not going to rehabilitate these individuals it's obvious.  That leaves programs from the community or the state which are doing the best they can on a shoe string budget.  Most programs are GED, or religious activity to keep the inmates mind of the mayheim I suppose.  While I was there some of the inmates spoke about wish they could get some college credit while they were sitting in there.  I tend to agree with them, why not let them read and educate their mind it's not like it's going to do any harm.  Most of the felons that return already have that stigma they have a felony record so with that strike agaunst them with no education society is forcing them to make another unconscious decision.  

I will be screening "110 Morningside" this weeks visit to the jail.  I am looking forward to feedback and inspiring individuals for change.  My goal is to make it to 2 prisons this holiday season so the campaign will touch more people.  It is my goal to also have MCC MVP (Mentors in Violence Prevention) program graduates to assist me in this campaign.  My contact for the progam has been sick so looking to link up wth them the end of the month.

We will be putting an online fundraiser for gas and administrative expenses for our jail visits.  So if you would like to help us financially on our journey you will be able to be a part of the solution.

THE BEST 2014 Interns
Shamar & Flix 

I thank all of the artists that came out this year and showed love, you are deeply appreciated.

Conscious Event coming.

Feel Free to join us as our Bringing Conscious Back motivational speaker Jake Simmons holds a fundraiser for his upcoming autobiographical film he is independently producing.  If your in Rochester please support this campaign on May 9th and 10th.

Suggested Donation $5.00 for a plate 

The essence of work is diligence. A successful life depends on doing the right thing at the right time and obeying the cosmic law. Blessings come in many ways...

Thanks for showing your conscious support.

Consciousness as Power

The state of being conscious  refers to attainment & maintenance of a level of physiological arousal or alertness which permits the conscious being aware of, to remember, to recall both past & contemporary, internal and external events.  The state of being conscious essentially refers to a state of wakefulness & knowingness.  Today a young woman reached out and found what I had posted a while ago  I wanted to share it again today.

It's been said, people can only be as good as their thoughts, as successful as mental patterns, as progressive as their ideas.  In today's society being conscious is to listen to our thoughts, praying for divine guidance and following the intuitive urging.  Globally many unconscious individuals believe education, money, fame & notoriety are instrumental to their success.  If you are aware of the misconceptions of success you realize they are as useful as dirty dishwater without a clear firm, focused mind.   The process is quite simple to be conscious of who you are as individual.  When you develop a strong faith and connection to the Creator.  Demonstrate a healthy love and respect for your ancestors and parents, being committed and dedicated to your family traditions.  And a trusting relationship  to the spirit of your soul.  Trust your conscious and your first thought regardless of what others may say.  You own conscious takes you to the places you need to be...

With that being said let's all work collectively in making our neighborhood and communities more fruitful and inspiring.

Have a terrific day and may the Creator guide your journey to be successful. 

Blessingz

Check out the new Blogtalk Radio show "Bringing Conscious Back" 

I will be explaining my message behind the grassroots movement.  Looking forward to inspiring and motivating others about conscious thinking and eating healthy.

March 20th, Thursday morning at 10:00 A.M. (EST)

Join me on air or just listen in.

Namaste

Bringing Conscious Back Upcoming EVENTS

Bringing Conscious Back 
Spring Schedule

Saturday, March 15, 2014

Noon- 2 P.M.

The Phillis Wheatley Library

33 Dr. Samuel McCree Way

Rochester, NY 14608

Saturday, March 29, 2014

6 - 8 P.M.

Shrine World Music Venue

2271 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard

between 133rd & 134th Streets

New York, NY 10027

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Noon - 2 P.M.

The Phillis Wheatley Library
33 Dr. Samuel McCree Way

Rochester, NY 14608

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Noon - 2 P.M.

The Phillis Wheatley Library
33 Dr. Samuel McCree Way

Rochester, NY 14608

TORONTO 
DATES TBA

Please feel free to make a donation online so we can keep our movement going. Thank you!

2014 Ready or Not!

Happy New Year

Blessingz to all we are excited to start a new year with no apologies.

We are excited about our venues and the many folks who will be on stage sharing their talent.

Please be aware that we work off of donations from the public until we can get a grant to assist us.

We are currently looking for a fiscal sponsor so we can apply for funding that will allow us to concentrate on our artistic expression.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday

January 11, 2014

3-5 P.M.

Countee Cullen Library
New York, NY 

FREE TICKET

Tuesday

January 14, 2014

6-9 P.M.

THE SHRINE
New York, NY

FREE TICKET

Saturday

February 22, 2014

3-5 P.M.

Phillis Wheatley Library
Rochester, NY

FREE TICKET

If you can't make any of our events please feel free to support us via internet and make a conscious donation here. Thank you for your support.

Bringing Conscious Back for 2014...

We are super excited we have great goals for this year and we are on our way to a great start. Our movement started this year on May 19th,  Malcolm X's birthday.  It happens to be the same day the "Last Poets" were born.  Started with three of us, at the end of the day folks excused themselves and I kept on pushing what I believed in which was to bring art to communities by using art, spoken word and media.  I came out of my pocket for dinners, transportation and food for the events just to make each event special along the way.  I can't help to say I felt frustrated because with all I was doing folks just wanted to get paid then to see the  movement succeed.

I now know that this movement will have to be taught to our youth so that they can carry the torch. Sometimes when we work with adults there are to many egos or agendas in the way.  Though I still look up to the creator for guidance that the right individuals will come on board this journey with the rest of us that stayed on board. So I started at home and grabbed my own children and the kids I mentor.

Our first event we had spoken word, a performance by IMPACT Repetory, a discussion on how Malcolm effected our lives with Jamal Joseph, Abiodun Oyewole and myself.   The Shabazz Center allowed me to show my trailer "Living Legendz" which featured both men and Dr. Leonard Jeffries.  Because we collaborated made the flyers and organized our talent, the executive director Mark agreed there was no overhead.  Most of you are aware to have any type of function in NYC there is great price to pay when it comes to a venue. I went to folks I knew and to the public library asking for space to keep inspiring communities. Monique (manager) from Nicholas Brooklyn offered space but I had to charge so I could pay for the space. 

Still looking for venues a Harlem writer, Marc Polite invited me to an event at the Countee Cullen Library to be a speaker at his event.   While I was at the Countee Cullen I spoke with an employee and they guided me on how to rent a room at the library. Since then I have had events at the Countee Cullen Library. 

The rest of the year we had events in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Rochester, New York.   We have made our events free though we do ask for donations so we can keep doing what we do which is inspiring communities.  

BCB Musician
Matthew Corey

BCB Spoken Word Poet
Shana King

Our last events for the year have been inspiring and motivating. We rapped up our last event for the year at the M.K. Gandhi Institute for NonViolence where youth came out to support and watch a free film. 

It was snowing like crazy and bitter cold but we packed the room at the Gandhi Institute.  The Gandhi Institute was awesome they had refreshments and allowed us time to discuss the films we watched.  My intern Shamar asked me to play 110 Morningside,  I did and the youth loved it. 

Bringing Conscious Back Youtube Channel

click on link to view our channel

We also released four episodes on youtube that highlight the positive actions of what folks in the community are doing to make it better.  So much negative everyday we rarely hear about the good in the world, that is what prompted us to make a channel and dedicate it to positive energy.

We are looking forward to a great New Year and the opportunities are limitless.

Upcoming Engagements

Saturday

January 11, 2014

3-5 P.M.

Countee Cullen Library

FREE TICKET

Tuesday

January 14, 2014

6-9 P.M.

THE SHRINE

FREE TICKET

Saturday

February 22, 2014

3-5 P.M.

Phillis Wheatley Library

FREE TICKET

If you can't make any of our events please feel free to support us via internet and make a conscious donation here. Thank you for your support.

Gandhi Institute is Conscious...

Our new sponsor for "Bringing Conscious Back" 

The M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence

The M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence is a nonprofit that works to realize the vision of its historic namesake by helping individuals and communities create public awareness of nonviolence as knowledge critical to human thriving. The M.K. Gandhi Institute collaborates with local organizations, academic institutions, students and committed peacemakers in the following areas: nonviolence education,sustainability and environmental conservation, and the promotion ofrestorative justice. The Institute continuously offers groups and individuals trainings in skills such as nonviolent communication (NVC), self- reflection, meditation and experiential interconnectedness, and fosters sustainability practices in the Rochester area such as community gardening, urban agriculture and restorative approaches to conflict.

We are pleased to announce our next event will be at the 

M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence

December 12, 2013

7 - 9 P.M.

929 South Plymouth Avenue

Rochester, New York 14608

EDUCATE

To create public awareness of nonviolence critical for humans and the planet

EMBODY

training individuals in skills such as non violent communication, self reflection, and meditation.

SERVE

Fostering practices such as community gardening, urban agriculture & restorative justice projects

Bringing Conscious Back 

mission

Our purpose is to engage individuals in the principles and benefits of conscious living, by adding value and meaning to their lives, careers and communities. The arts professionals offer an opportunity to breathe new life into communities and build bridges to improve brotherhood regardless of race, creed or religion.

Being conscious can really change your perspective on the world.

 But don’t expect the world itself to change without a contribution from you.

FREE FILM SCREENING 
of
MILLENNIUM SLAVE!

Bringing Conscious Back in November

Raising Conscious Children

Raising Conscious Children

Photography by Johnnie Lee Smith

Folks always say that character and education start at home. Nowadays we have children having children, many young women really don't want the responsibility. Some see children as toys or something cute rather than an individual.  Living in the hood you see the effects of children who have beed discarded and society not recognizing these individuals until they hit the judicial system.

There are so many cases today of child molestation, child murders, child slavery and the stories continue.  The older folks blame the young folks and the young folks blame the old folks for not having backbone.  The old folks pick at the young folks in what they ain;t doing right and the young folks look at there elders as cowards because many have given up, they fail to show leadership and that's where the young folks do have a point. 

As I have experienced life and have witnessed many who claim to be loving parents but spend more time on facebook, twitter, instagram and google+ than folks who work in the field of social networking.  I have witnessed many mothers and fathers claiming to be a parent but you see no mention or pictures of their beloved children, it's like they don't exist. You do see pictures and mentions of them with their friends and celebrities and what they claim thety are doing.  We can laugh about this but what is so sad is the amount of selfishness that is displayed virally on these platforms.  Are you really a professional or are you just being distracted? I know for me it's a distraction unless I am promoting an event or film.

I know for a fact when I am on the phone or facebook while my daughter is home it's a rap.  Little Momma tells me immediately excuse me but I need your attention.  As parents sometimes we ignore our children and then we realize this little person is asking for some time.  I have been guilty myself recognizing that technology has my mind I have to make time in my schedule to do me.  Now don't get me wrong a little checking your tumblr while your at the playground while your child is being entertained is fine.  

I want to share today a Pledge from my film 

"110 Morningside" that my mentor Abiodun Oyewole chants.  

Dune's Pledge

I want to be

what I can be

To be proud

healthy and free

I want to say 

what I know

To help my Bruthas and Sisters grow

I want to feel

good about me

and blame no one for my misery

'Cause I'll be strong

to turn it around

I want go up

I'm not going down

I want to do 

what I can do

to make all my dreams come true.

Remember my past

the good and bad

How I made it art

even when it was sad

I want to share 

whatever my gift

and when your feeling low 

I'll give you a lift

I want to live without fear

and know that I'm blessed for being here!

and know that I'm blessed for being here!

and know that I'm blessed!

I encourage all parents to teach this to the youth that frequent your life or to your own children. May this inspiration inspire you and your family it has inspired my family for years and still continues to this day. My five year old daughter now recites this and yes they do understand the powers of these words. Try it, print and recite and see how your kids eat this up.

Blessings...

Live from Filmstress row...this is the Filmstress