Monthly Archive for January, 2009

Planning for Success

Published on January 13, 2009. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Almah @ Planning RetreatThis past weekend, January 9-11, 2009, we held our first-ever Fire & Ink Board & Planning Retreat at Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change. Some wonderful pictures are posted below, and on Facebook Group. We got together to review some of the most amazing abstract proposals we’ve ever received or seen.

The full proposal deadline is March 30, 2009, but already the exciting ideas are pouring forth, including the engagement of visual artists and literary artists dialoguing about how we support each other in the work.

Stay tuned for more information, coming in March, about registration, our host hotel, and the beautiful conference site. Many thanks to everyone in the Austin community who came together to support our efforts, especially to Stephanie Lang and Johnathan Fleming at the University of Texas’ John L. Warfield Center for African & African American Studies.
Continue reading ‘Planning for Success’

Artists + Writers = Dopeness

Published on January 11, 2009. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , .

This video, submitted to us by the uncomparable talents of visual artist Torkwase Dyson and writer/editor/publisher Tisa Bryant, about why they are coming to Fire & Ink III: Cotillion showcases not only the genius on its way to Austin, but the hilarious and loving spirit as well. How about you? Submit your video here.

The words are coming thick and fast …

Published on January 7, 2009. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

anthony_jano_2002The planning for Fire & Ink III: Cotillion has been well under way for over a year — but now that planning is hitting full steam.

We’ve just received a bucketful of abstracts on topics so fierce we’re going to make you wait on bated breath for a minute before we drop it on ya.

Fire & Ink’s Board of Directors is getting together with a group of our extended planning team for a Fire & Ink 2009 Board Retreat in Austin, Texas, from January 9-11th. We’ll be reviewing submissions, enjoying the scenery at Alma de Mujer Center for Social Change, and checking out Sharon Bridgforth’s production of delta dandi, her newest performance piece happening in Austin, Texas, that same weekend.

Our plates will certainly be full all weekend and, just like this October, it will be well worth the trip.
Continue reading ‘The words are coming thick and fast …’

Happy New Year from Fire & Ink

Published on January 1, 2009. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

Looking for Change?
National Coming Out Day may never be the same.


A new year is upon us and some black LGBT writers (you know who you are our media darlings) are letting us know that it’s all about change.

Fire & Ink III: Cotillion is all over it. Hundreds of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer writers of African descent are already making plans to head on down to Austin, Texas, from Oct. 8 to Oct. 11, 2009 for Fire & Ink III: Cotillion.

Since our first event in Chicago in 2002 through our upcoming national festival, Fire & Ink, Inc. has been recognized as the most influential supporter and advocate for LGBTQ writers of African descent.

We’ve asked people all over why they are coming to The Cotillion. Writer and UT Professor Dr. Matt Richardson will be there. “So much happens at Fire & Ink,” said Dr. Richardson. “You’re going to be really sad if you miss it.”

The theme of Cotillion was conceived to acknowledge that some of the best creative and cultural work being produced today is created, supported, and/or inspired by LGBT writers and artists of African descent.
Continue reading ‘Happy New Year from Fire & Ink’