Jessica Care Moore and Moore Black Press will host literary events celebrating the release of More Than An Athlete: Poems by Etan Thomas, the first work of poetry by the NBA Washington Wizard, in Washington, D.C., Harlem, N.Y. and Atlanta in March.
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) March 3, 2005 -- Jessica Care Moore and Moore Black Press will host literary events celebrating the release of More Than An Athlete: Poems by Etan Thomas, the first work of poetry by the NBA Washington Wizard, on Thursday, March 3 in Washington, D.C., Monday, March 7 in Harlem, N.Y. and Tuesday, March 15th in Atlanta. Details below.
In January, Moore Black Press announced the March 2005 release of More Than An Athlete: Poems by Etan Thomas, a literary work and an accompanying music CD, produced by Kenyatta Poole, a songwriter and producer, who's worked as a ghost writer hip-hop and R&B artists with Sony Music for ten years.
The poetry of Thomas, the aggressive center, power-forward for the Washington Wizards who recently taped a segment for the new season of HBO's Def Poetry Jam, is a refreshing voice of consciousness and insight from the courts of the National Basketball Association. Without hesitation, Thomas poetry goes one-on-one with issues such as racism, the war in Iraq, the death penalty, education, poverty and politics, which has garnered him engagements with such organizations as the Congressional Black Caucus and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
The wisdom-laced verses of the Syracuse University graduate reflect his early exposure to books, theater, the Black Arts and Civil Rights Movements. Thomas shares his perspective on historical figures and events, such as, the death of Emmett Till, the Tulsa riots, and Malcolm X. But, he doesnt stop there. His passion for young people has inspired him to write certain poems that will reach them directly. Using rhyme and pop culture terminology, he finds a way to engage young people through poems like Sesame Street, Toys ‘R Us Kids, and The Know It All. In the intro to his first published book, Thomas writes:
I use poetry as a channel to connect me to the youth of the world. I don't tell them anything that their parents, teachers, preachers, etc haven't been telling them probably all of their lives. The people who kids usually pay the most attention to are athletes, entertainers, rappers, actors, etc. I don't care what Charles Barkley says, I am a role model whether I want to be or not. I use my position as an athlete as a platform."
His appreciation for the written word and social conditions of the world has been well received. Author and cultural critic Kevin Powell states: Etan Thomas is a gifted young wordsmith, one who samples the rhythmic boom-shots of the Last Poets, Sonia Sanchez and Amiri Baraka, as well as the oral graffiti of post-September 11 America, producing a literary mixtape for the masses breastfed on hip-hop, basketball, reality TV, media soundbytes, the war on Iraq, and the high tech gadget.
Moore Black Press is honored to be working with such a raw talent like Etan. He has so much to say. Hes not a gimmick, hes a real person, a real poet. The book and the music CD are a great accomplishment for all of us. Im looking forward to being a part of the history we are making," says Publisher jessica Care moore-Poole. This is only the beginning."
More Than An Athlete: Poems by Etan Thomas
ISBN 0-9658308-9-6
Paperback with CD $19.95; 96 pages, poetry
For Media Inquires Please Contact:
Moore Black Press
404-209-9021
powerflow@mooreblackpress.com
www.mooreblackpress.com
2005 Moore Black Press Releases: The Subtle Art of Breathing by former Essence Managing Editor Asha Bandele (May), Black Girls Love Hard by activist Ras Baraka (2nd Quarter), The Poetry of Emcees (4th Quarter) and God Is Not An American by jessica Care moore-Poole (4th Quarter)
Moore Black Press Presents NBA Washington Wizard Etan Thomas' More Than an Athlete Book Tour
February 18th - Denver
NBA All Star Weekend Official Book Release Party for Etan Thomas, More Than an Athlete!
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Theater
119 Park Avenue West, corner of 20th St.
Doors open at 7 p.m. Show 8 p.m.
DJ MUSA spins Hip-Hop and Classics. Co-sponsors: Roadside Profits Productions and Cafe Nuba. Etan Thomas reading, surprise guests and dessert reception. Free
303-295-1759
February 24th - Chicago
Reading, Signing and Reception
Spoken Word Cafe
4655 S. King Dr.
Doors open at 6 p.m.
Reading by local poets and Etan Thomas. Signing and reception at Afrocentrics Bookstore
773-373-2233
March 1 – Bowie, Maryland
Appearance and Signing
Karibu Books, Bowie Town Center
15624 Emerald Way
Event begins at 7 p.m.
800-208-6144 or karibubooks.com
March 3rd - Washington, D.C.
Moore Black Press Official Washington DC More Than an Athlete Book Launch
Cada Vez, 1438 U St. NW
Doors open at 6 p.m. Performances by Etan Thomas, Q-da poet and Olu Butterfly. Hosted by jessica Care moore. Live Music and DJ. Co-sponsors: Full Circle -Network of Professionals. Book signing follows performance. Free
202-667-0785
March 7th - Harlem, New York City
Appearance and Signing
Nubian Heritage Bookstore
2037 5th Ave., corner of 126th St.
Event starts at 6:30 p.m.
Hosted by jessica Care moore. Appearances from Abiodun Oyewole of The Last Poets and more
212-427-8999
March 15th – Atlanta
Moore Black Press – Etan Thomas Literary Event
Hammonds House Art Gallery
503 Peeples St., SW
Doors open at 6 p.m. Hosted by jessica Care moore. Performances by Atlanta poets and Etan Thomas. Book signing and reception. Free
404-752-8730
# # #
|
