aprilisms

the APRIL R. SILVER blog
Established 2008

Far Rockaway and the NYC Marathon

November 2, 2012

If you are having trouble reading this email, you may view the online version [NOTE: This originally posted via Put On BLAST! (R) and was written the same day the NYC Marathon was called off, but before it was announced.] Oh Sandy, Dear Sandra (Part 1) Far Rockaway and The …

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Be Persistent, Yes But…

November 11, 2011

It is important to be persistent and squarely focused on achieving one’s goals but it is more important to have faith while pursuing those goals. Work motivated by faith is void of anxiety. Nothing kills a well-intentioned plan or idea quite like anxious energy. And it’s annoying.

We got nuttin’ but love for you, Heavy!

November 9, 2011

Since last night and through this morning I’ve been contemplating the words, “I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe.” Reportedly, those were the last words of the iconic Heavy D. It is said that he was in distress before he died yesterday afternoon. My heart is filled with sadness for his …

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“And if you cannot work with love…”

September 26, 2011

We’re in the last quarter of 2011 and I can’t believe how turbulent it’s been. In this 9th month, I’m looking back at months of loss, death, fatigue, mistakes, and worst of all betrayal by people who I thought were compassionate human beings. I feel as though I was born …

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NYPD’s Ferocious Appetite for Black and Brown Men

September 6, 2011

[originally posted September 6, 2011 via Put On BLAST! ®] Good morning, This email blast was scheduled days ago, simply to remind my POB! subscribers about the upcoming court date for the Monumental 5 [www.monumental5.bucktownusa.com]. But the New York Police Department (NYPD) is at it again and I need to …

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The Monumental 5 Still Need Our Support

September 6, 2011

AS OF TODAY, THE CHARGES AGAINST THE MONUMENTAL 5 HAVE NOT BEEN DROPPED! Join Us in Supporting the Monumental 5 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2011 at 9:30 am NYS Supreme Court 100 Centre Street Part F, 2nd Floor New York, NY 10013 [click HERE for directions] How It Works: If you …

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I’m Keynoting at San Jose State University

August 25, 2011

social entrepreneur, activist, writer/editor APRIL R. SILVER Founder and President, AKILA WORKSONGS, Inc. Will give the keynote address to incoming freshman at  SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY     THIS MONDAY AUGUST 29,2011 12 – 2pm Martin Luther King Library One Washington Square San Jose, CA 95192 TOPIC: “Redefining Success: Essential …

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“Psychology Today: Stop Publishing Racist & Sexist Articles” (from Change.org)

May 19, 2011

The following is from Change.org. Go to this link to SIGN THE PETITION. On May 15, 2011, Psychology Today contributor, Satoshi Kanazawa posted an article entitled “Why Are Black Women Less Physically Attractive Than Other Women?” (now removed from their website, but reblogged here). We demand that the Psychology Today …

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“Sing Your Song”: Harry Belafonte on Art & Politics, Civil Rights & His Critique of President Obama

May 17, 2011

A Family Watches “Freedom Riders” by Stanley Nelson

May 16, 2011

I went to my brother and sister-in-law’s home in Virginia two weeks ago for Mother’s Day. Jenny B. Silver had wished for an extended Mother’s Day weekend with her children so we obliged. It was a sweet weekend of enjoying each other’s company and playing with Hoshi (my brother and …

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Get Rid of “Communication Debt”

April 25, 2011

Get out of what I call “communication debt.” If you owe someone a return phone call or email, set aside time (every day if you have to) to get ride of those debts. Even if your reply email is to say “It’s going to take a little extra time for …

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Why I Don’t Use The Term “Brand”

April 10, 2011

Words are not simple. Maya Angelou said they are things. They are absorbed by people, they fill up rooms, they settle on furniture. Maybe. Like dust. Further, I believe that words carry spirits and intentions. They are magic in that they have the ability to transform, be it for creative …

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I’m Speaking Here > “Remixed and Remastered: Defining and Distributing the Black Image in the Era of Globalization”

April 4, 2011

This Saturday (April 9, 2011), I will be speaking at the Remixed and Remastered: Defining and Distributing The Black Image in the Era of Globalization conference at the New School in New York City. The panel I’m on is entitled “Developing Brand Identity and Audience with Social Media.” It’s from …

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Rev. Al Sharpton and April R. Silver Endorse Rhymefest for Alderman

March 29, 2011

“We are asking them to get involved and give back.  Che is doing that. I am here today because I support Che “Rhymefest” Smith. If he was a negative force, I would not be here today.”  ~ Rev. Al Sharpton “Hip hop culture at its best teaches us love of self, …

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I Host a Screening of “I Will Follow” THIS SATURDAY

March 18, 2011

I am happy to make this special announcement about the film “I Will Follow” and the fact that I’m hosting a screening THIS SATURDAY in New York City at 6pm (all details below). Shout out to ImageNation for doing great work and for helping to market the hell out of …

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Walter Mosley, A Discussion, Reanding & Book Signing (Free in Brooklyn)

March 12, 2011

An Afternoon with Walter Mosley Discussion, Reading and Book Signing Sunday, March 20, 2011 1:30 p.m. Dweck Center at the Brooklyn Public Library 10 Grand Army Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11228 FREE & OPEN to the public. Best-selling author Walter Mosley, creator of the Easy Rawlins mystery series, and the novels …

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April R. Silver Waives Speaking Fees

March 10, 2011

Social Entrepreneur • Activist • Writer/Editor APRIL R. SILVER Waives Honorarium through April 3, 2011 * For Women’s History Month and beyond, social entrepreneur, activist, and writer/editor April R. Silver announces that she will waive her speaking fee for select engagements, regardless of location, through April 3, 2011. Silver is …

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Technology/Facebook at its Worst!

March 2, 2011

I missed this one folks. Here’s yet another example of why you should use social media sites, like Facebook, as your back up presence on the Internet. If being recognized in the public arena is an objective of yours, then invest your resources into developing and growing your own email …

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Imhotep Gary Byrd Honored as Black Media Legend

February 28, 2011

From Put On BLAST During the final hours of Black History Month, I send you this wonderful announcement about Imhotep Gary Byrd. I’m thrilled to share the news that he was honored earlier this month by McDonald’s. I’m even more excited to share a few things about this legendary person …

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4 Deaths, 11 Days: In Memoriam…

February 6, 2011

In memoriam: I’m praying for the souls of my cousin Bubba (from Mattie Mabry’s side of my family); of the grandmother of Lumumba Bandele, of the mother of Wm. Jelani Cobb, and of the grandmother of Marcella Runell Hall…all who passed between January 23 and Feb. 2, 2011 (an 11 …

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