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As KCK artist is being discovered, his sight is failing.

As KCK artist is being discovered, his sight is failing.

By ROBERT A. CRONKLETON

The Kansas City Star


In February, at the age of 70, Robert J. Reed Sr. had his first art show at the state Capitol in Topeka.Drawings by Robert Reed were in a show at the Kansas State Capitol during Black History Month. He received a letter of recognition from Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

About a month later, the self-taught Kansas City, Kan., artist stopped drawing, no longer seeing well enough to continue, he said.

For most of his life Reed, who is now 71, created his art in relative anonymity, sharing his work mostly with family and friends. Numerous chalk drawings on black paper of African-American men and women are piled in his home, reminders of a talent that diabetes rendered useless just as his artwork was being discovered.

�I really miss my artwork,� he said. �Even in my mind today, I got some pictures that will sell. But I�m hoping every day that I wake up that the Lord will restore my sight. Every day that I wake up I am thinking, �Is this the day?��

�A kind of peace�

Reed was born in 1936 in Topeka. At the age of 5, he began drawing sketches of �Li�l Abner� and other comics from the newspaper.

�My parents thought it was really good, especially my dad,� Reed recalled. �I started out with that, and it seemed like I got better and better.�

His artistic ability surprised people while he was growing up, he said.

�I was the only one who drew, and they wondered how I had the talent and no one else had the talent in the family,� Reed said. �I just said it was a gift from God.�

Tragedy caused Reed put that gift aside after his father was killed during a robbery in 1957. Reed married later that year, but the grief overshadowed his life.

�That kind of threw me, and I started drinking,� Reed said. �I didn�t know I needed to talk to somebody and that I needed some help.�

Eventually his wife, Louise, left him, taking their children. They remained separated for about seven years. Then in the 1970s, he quit drinking.

�It seemed like one day I drank and the next day I was sober,� said Reed, who began attending church and reunited with his wife and family. He also started drawing again.

With primarily black paper and chalk as his medium, most of his work focuses on portraits of people who pop into his mind, composites of people he had seen practically every day, many of whom are African-American. Reed also has drawn celebrities, politicians and rap artists.

Reed�s vision problems began with cataracts, but surgery helped restore some of his vision. Gradually, though, he lost his sight because of diabetes. He is blind in one eye. In the other eye, everything is mostly dark to him, but he can see flashes of light. Reed takes medicine for that eye, which he said wasn�t going to do any good until the Lord fixed it.

�Even if he don�t, he is still able,� he said.

Reed said he missed drawing more than anything.

�For one thing, I love it,� Reed said. �A lot of people, water kind of calms them down. They get to thinking in the water. When I�m drawing, I get to doing the same thing. It gives me a kind of peace.�

�The work was beautiful�

Reed�s drawings caught the eye of an art dealer during a chance encounter last year.

In the summer of 2006, Richard Mabion, a community organizer in Kansas City, Kan., was on his way to an appointment when he ran across Reed outside the artist�s home. Nearby was a contraption that was best described as two bicycles welded together. Reed had it built, and he was filling the tires for a short ride. Reed was in his yard catching his breath when Mabion stopped.

Mabion asked Reed if he could take photographs of the unusual creation.

The two struck up a conversation, and Mabion mentioned that he sold African art.

�I ran into the house and grabbed a whole handful of pictures and came out,� Reed said. �And as I showed it to him, I was watching his eyes, and his eyes kind of got big.�

Mabion was surprised by what he saw.

�I was totally knocked off my feet, so to speak,� Mabion said. �The work was beautiful. I just couldn�t believe this man at his age was as talented as he was.�

An inspiration

Mabion started to publish information about Reed on his Web site: www.africanartwholesale.com.

He also looked for an art show for Reed, who at the time was going blind.

He spoke to the Kansas African American Affairs Commission, part of the governor�s office, which agreed to use Reed�s drawings in a show at the state Capitol during Black History Month.

Danielle Dempsey-Swopes, executive director of the commission, said the realism of the people in the portraits appealed to her.

�The faces of the people he has drawn remind me of people in my own family,� Dempsey-Swopes said.

Reed received a letter of recognition from Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and was introduced on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Mabion arranged for a second show in mid-August at the Q Brew coffee shop on Quindaro Boulevard.

Mabion is gathering funds so he can scan the artwork onto a disk and have prints made so that Reed�s art can be sold.

Although losing his sight hasn�t been easy to deal with, Reed hopes his artwork will be inspiration for others, especially his family, to never give up and to do something positive.

�It made me feel real good,� said Reed of the attention he is getting. �And I was thinking about it that I almost quit.�

Go here for full article and to leave a comment: http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/378151-p2.html


Go to KansasCity.com to hear Robert J. Reed Sr. talk and see a photo slideshow of his artwork.


Numerous chalk drawings on black paper by Robert Reed are of African-American men and women.   

�A lot of people, water kind of calms them down. They get to thinking in the water. When I�m drawing, I get to doing the same thing. It gives me a kind of peace,� Robert Reed said.  

Drawings by Robert Reed were in a show at the Kansas state Capitol during Black History Month. He received a letter of recognition from Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

Drawings by Robert Reed were in a show at the Kansas State Capitol during Black History Month. He received a letter of recognition from Gov. Kathleen Sebelius.

See interview and article prepared Ms. Dana Davis of Channel 49 News (Topeka) regarding the Art Exhibit at the Capitol: Local artist makes debut at 71 http://www.49abcnews.com/news/2007/feb/22/art_debut_71/

Note: Richard Mabion was introduced to Mrs. Danielle Dempsey-Swopes by Lazone Grays of IBSA; which led to the art showing at the Kansas State Capitol and recognition by Governor Kathleen Sebelius and the state legislature.













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November 27, 2007 | 9:11 AM Comments  0 comments

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Ephren Taylor, II - Featured Youth Leader
Related to country: United States

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Ephren W. Taylor II is the youngest African-American CEO of any publicly traded company ever—City Capital Corporation (OTCBB:CCCN). Described as “walking black history” by popular radio show host Tom Joyner, Taylor started his first business venture at age 12, when he began making videogames. By age 17, he built a multi-million dollar technology company; GoFerretGo.com.

At City Capital Corporation, Taylor oversees over $250 million in assets, serving a diverse client list ranging from Wall Street investors, top executives, professional athletes and even entertainment icons. His concepts on empowering local communities with both profitable and socially-conscious investing and development have made him a frequently requested speaker and panelist for events such as the Wall Street Economic Summit and the Congressional Black Caucus. Taylor is also a well-known guest expert broadcasting to millions of households on local and national television and radio shows including CNBC’s Big Idea, FOX News' Your World with Neil Cavuto, Bulls & Bears and the Doug Bank’s Morning Show. He currently hosts the "Soul of Success" radio show now airing on XM Satellite Radio Station on Family Talk 170XM. Taylor’s appeal stretches beyond the United States borders, as he frequently receives interview and appearance requests from international entities, such as the London-based Wealth Monitor and BBC.

http://www.ephren.com

November 26, 2007 | 1:48 PM Comments  0 comments



Illai Kenney: Featured Youth Leader
Related to country: United States

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

Illai Kenney is an internationally recognized environmental and social justice youth activist. Her first public speech was at the Million Youth Movement Rally when she was nine and she founded the Georgia Kids Against Pollution when she was 12. She is a Brower award winner and has contributed to numerous environmental campaigns. She is widely recognized for challenging Coca-Cola over water practices in India and for speaking up about poverty at the UN Summit on Sustainability. An outspoken critic of the lack of government response to Katrina, Illai also works with Black Youth Vote to promote youth civic engagement. A senior at Jonesboro High School in Clayton County, Georgia, Illai has experienced the negative impact of attending a school on the No Child Left Behind list. Determined to advance environmental justice, Illai has traveled to many states in the US and visited Europe, Africa and South America. Known for promoting corporate accountability and speaking truth to power, Illai Kenney is an emerging New Leader.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/illai-kenney

November 26, 2007 | 1:39 PM Comments  0 comments



CreateSpace on Demand Publishing

CreateSpace on Demand Publishing is simple: we manufacture physical products when customers order so no pre-built inventory is needed. Through our service, you can sell DVDs, CDs, and books, for a fraction of the cost of traditional manufacturing, while maintaining more control over your materials.

With our services, you can make your books, music and video available to millions of customers by selling on Amazon.com, the CreateSpace Shop, and on your own website with a customized eStore.

Key Features

  • No setup fees, no minimums, no inventory
  • You set your price and earn monthly royalties
  • Non-exclusive agreement preserves your rights
  • One of the easiest ways to sell on Amazon.com
  • Order bulk units at volume discounts

How it works

Get started by creating a member account. This account allows you to create and update your products, choose your sales channels, and view your sales reports. Also use your account to order copies of your own products at volume discounts.

During the setup process, you enter information about your product, such as title name, description, list price, etc. and upload your artwork. Book files are uploaded online through your account. For DVD or CD, mail us a copy of your master disc and we'll load it.

As part of the setup process, you will order a proof copy. Once you've reviewed and approved your proof, your title will become immediately available on your CreateSpace eStore and the CreateSpace Shop, and your Amazon.com listing will usually go live within fifteen business days.

When customers order, we manufacture and ship directly to them. You earn royalties based on the list price you set. When your royalties exceed $20, you are paid monthly by direct deposit or you may opt for a physical check or wire transfer for an additional fee.

============================================

On-Demand Publishing
Inventory Free Fulfillment

Free Self-Publishing plus On-Demand Distribution for Authors, Filmmakers and Musicians through CreateSpace

CreateSpace, part of the Amazon group of families, now offers free self-publishing for books, DVDs, digital content, and CDs as well as on-demand distribution services. Make your media available to millions of Amazon.com customers and through other channels. Forget mass production of units and expensive inventory. The CreateSpace "just in time" service produces and ships units as customers order them, so no inventory is needed. This means you can get started for a fraction of the traditional cost.

An Amazon.com company

http://www.amazon.com/b/ref=sv_hp_7/104-6739235-2289530?ie=UTF8&node=15347561


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November 26, 2007 | 11:11 AM Comments  0 comments

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Press Release

Reminder!

Forum Will Highlight Promising Business Opportunities For Small, Women and Minority Businesses

(Topeka) -- On Saturday, December 1, 2007 at 10:00am, IBSA, Inc. will sponsor a public forum, �OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Doing business on Fort Riley and in Junction City,� to explain immediate opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses interested in becoming a vendor, supplier or contractor of products and services on Ft. Riley and other Kansas military bases. Officials representing the Army Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES), Picerne Military Housing and Junction City Division of Economic Development will provide information on requirements for routine procurement activities, special opportunities created by construction projects in the area of housing and commercial developments, and incentives available for businesses looking to expand operation in Junction City-Geary County.

IBSA and Co-Sponsor La Carib Catering & Event Planning invites small, women and minority-owned businesses to learn about opportunities surrounding the growth of Ft. Riley Military base and in Junction City, including, but not limited to, information on the following:

  • How do small businesses go about getting their products into stores on military bases in Kansas?
  • What type of products and services are a good fit for military personnel and the families?
  • What incentives are available for businesses wanting to expand their presence to Junction City?
  • What supplier diversity initiatives exist for small, women, minority, veteran and disadvantaged businesses?
  • What type of construction contracts are immediately available on Ft. Riley and in the immediate area?

Ms. Dodie Greenwalt of AAFES, Josh McKim with Junction City-Geary County Economic Development, and Guin Lewis from Picerne Military Housing will discuss their respective opportunities and answer questions about vending, concession services and contracting opportunities available for women and minority-owned businesses at a December 1 workshop at the Topeka/Shawnee County Public Library. Handouts will be provided to attendees. The Big Red One is coming back to Ft. Riley after being headquartered in Germany for 10 years. The additional soldiers heading to the area is sparking a region wide development that isn't expected to slow anytime soon. After the transition, the region will accommodate nearly 30,000 soldiers, support staff and family members and will have an enormous economic impact as this base continues to grow. Fort Riley was expected to see $1 billion in construction starting in 2006 whereas housing is growing in Junction City, Manhattan, St. George, Chapman, White City, Milford and Pottawatomie County.

Along with small business owners, officials representing small business lending institutions, business development agencies and women & minority business associations are invited to attend so that business owners can identify resources to take advantage of the opportunities to be discussed.

To find out more information about the "Open for Business" forum, please call Dawn Kirton in advance at 785-215-5123.

###

About IBSA, Inc.
IBSA is a nonprofit organization that provides direct employment and career counseling, microenterprise training & development and facilitates courses involving specialized training and certification. Since 1993, the agency has provided effective advocacy and comprehensive services to youth offenders, low-income parents and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to start or expand a business.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lazone Grays,
785-232-4272

EVENT CONTACT:

Dawn Kirton,
Forum Coordinator
785-215-5123



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November 23, 2007 | 8:11 AM Comments  0 comments

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Racial progress?
Related to country: United States

Translations available in: English (original) | French | Spanish | Italian | German | Portuguese | Swedish | Russian | Dutch | Arabic

The recent editorial posted by the Capital-Journal in reference to new evidence that racial progress is not up to par is really not new, but rather an indicator of how many simply refuse to acknowledge the truth. The fact that similar socioeconomic conditions remain for Black American today, just as they have before the historic Brown v. Topeka Board ruling suggests that one side still wants equal justice and conditions under the law and the other side would rather keep things the way they are. I can look to people from both political parties and racial lines and find many sitting on the same sides of the issue, but it is noteable that the editorial ends by giving examples of Black Topekans pleading for bi-racial community involvement or addressing the issue surrounding the Topeka police officers; and did not note any cadre of whites; or individuals willing to be consistent in speaking out against what we already know.

I am not as concerned with the evidence that intolerance, inequities or lack of progress still exists, I am concerned that I can't look to a band of the priviledged, affluent and influencial willing to be vocal and use their abilities to make a real difference. Meeting out a few bucks for organizations and programs operated by Black folks is no answer. It can make a difference in the same manner a wound needing a tournequet gets a bandaide. What is discouraging is the lack of support the very government that receives the tax dollars of Black folks, fails to redistributes them for the benefit these very folks that pay for 'our' streets, bridges, school buildings, etc. I'm taling about the 'other' people who buy and pay sales, property and income taxes. That the very corporations that reap profits from product sales to these folks, give in a manner of handouts rather than investing in their abilities to play a significant role in community revitalization. Those who must rely on the good will or good politic of those who never shop in their businesses, volunteer in their organizations or donate equitable to their programs that make the real difference in the lives of those left behind, voiceless, or vulnerable.

We all know where this issues will end up. It will end as the article began. All talk and no action.

Like Brown, Civil Rights, Affirmative Action, and Voting Rights, or the local sales tax initiative,, looking for change by waiting for the priviledged to blink begets nothing; only legislating policies that force the priviledged to share resources equitably will make progress a reality. I have come to the conclusion that those in positions of power or influence either don't have the will/courage to make change, or don't want change to occur. They either need more time to debate/discuss the issue among themselves (to the ommission of those who they need at the table to make a realistic conclusion) or they do not have it within themselves to state 'they don't have a clue of what needs to be done. They either throw money at any ol' suggestion or dole out a few pence to programs and minority institutions that need more than they are willing to give. When the editorial says 'we're not done', I wonder what 'we' they are talking about, because it seems only Black voices are consistently heard. As a young kid told me a few years ago, America needs more John Browns.

Americans on both sides of the issue are missing the moment in which they can build off of previous legislation and policies aimed at addressing the problem. Blacks got pacified and Whites let out a sigh of relief; others just sat on the sidelines and watched. Workplace diversity; which is woefully inadequate, became the target and economic diversity was never given consideration. Only when Whites and other racial minorities give time, buy products, volunteer effort and contribute to the Black cause in a 'meaningful way will the economies of scale begin to move into a balancing point of progress. When govt administrators stop playing politics while being civilian employees, they will stop ignoring those who are not as influencial or rich as those they help that are seeking help for their own selfish interest or that of their constituent base. Expecting anything else from the system we have in place is merely wishful thinking.

W. Lazone Grays
Topeka