NY Public Library LGBT And Financial Programming in Harlem

The New York Public Library (NYPL) and Souleo Enterprises LLC, an event/media production company, have formed a partnership to provide adult library patrons with an exciting line-up of artistic/cultural, LGBT and financial literacy summer programming, beginning June 2012. Highlighting the evolving role of libraries as educational culture hubs, programming includes improv performances by the National Comedy Theater; make-up makeovers by NYC’s top drag queens such as Hedda Lettuce; a panel on LGBT hip-hop; celebrity impersonators discussing diva worship; music industry veterans Meli’sa Morgan, Greg Tate (pictured) Full Force and Christopher “Play” Martin discussing overcoming financial struggles; a master class in career reinvention by George C. Fraser; interactive workshops featuring the iconic drag entertainer John Epperson (Lypsinka’s Maid); a fashion reinvention design workshop with Beau McCall;and much more.

“This season of adult programs aim to present a diverse, entertaining and enriching line-up of programming that represents a range of cultures and experiences as reflected in our collections,” said New York Public Library Adult Programming Specialist Kelly Yim. “These programs allow us to demonstrate to the community how libraries are transforming into educational culture hubs.”

“We are thrilled to work closely with the NYPL and to have the opportunity to create and produce a part of their summer adult programming,” said Souleo, Founder and President of Souleo Enterprises, LLC, who is a producer of events and content for a variety of media and nonprofit institutions. “In this digital age, libraries must continuously seek creative programming to remain relevant. We are confident that these programs will fulfill that goal and help to attract new and diverse audiences.”

The ambitious series of 28 events includes “A Moment of…LOUD,” pop-up performances and workshops in the normally quiet library, ranging from a lip-syncing class to a gong concert. LGBT programming will consist of a series of fun workshops and provocative panels celebrating the spirit of the community and analyzing some of its current challenges. Financial literacy presentations will work to empower individuals and communities with key tools and resources, while life stories from celebrities of triumphing over financial obstacles will aim to inspire. Events will take place in Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island from June 2 through August 25.

For details on the events, visit: http://www.nypl.org or http://www.souleouniverse.com.

SUMMER ADULT PROGRAMS AT THE NYPL

Saturday, June 2, 2:00 p.m.

A Moment of…Loud: Growing Up Gonzalez

Inwood Library, 4790 Broadway (near Dyckman St.), New York, NY

The critically acclaimed hit off-Broadway play Growing Up Gonzalez arrives at the New York Public Library for a special pop-up performance. Hailed by the New York Times and the New York Daily News, the play is a bittersweet comedy of two brothers growing up in the Puerto Rican section of the Bronx, whose coming of age is marked by the untimely death of their father. The performance will be followed by a talkback with writer, director, producer and founder of Reel Players and Poets Club, Felix Rojas and performer, Andres Chulisi Rodriguez.

Saturday, June 16, 2:00 p.m.

The Last Taboo: LGBT Hip-Hop

Riverside Library, 127 Amsterdam Avenue (at W. 65th St.), New York, NY

VIBE Senior Editor, Clover Hope, and Kathy Iandoli (Music Editor of HipHopDX and writer for MTV, MSN Music, VIBE and The Source) will join LGBT hip-hop artists Foxxjazell and Soce The Elemental Wizard to discuss the challenges faced by the LGBT community as they aim to rebel against stereotypes, challenge gender norms and expand the hip-hop genre. The panel will conclude with a hip-hop freestyle presentation featuring select LGBT rappers. The performance will be recorded live and available for free download online at SouleoUniverse.com. DJ Baker, creator/producer/host of Da Doo-Dirty Show, currently the longest running LGBT-geared daily urban syndicated radio program, will moderate the conversation.

Wednesday, June 20, 5:30 p.m.

I Love You, Now Marry Me: Marriage in the LGBT Community

Mulberry Street Library, 10 Jersey Street (Between Lafayette & Mulberry Streets),
New York, NY

Before you walk down the aisle heed the words of Charlie The Matchmaker, Huffington Post blogger, professional matchmaker and relationship exert. Charlie The Matchmaker will provide patrons with expert advice on how to know when it’s the right time to marry, what to prepare for and how to make it last after the honeymoon.

Saturday, June 23^rd, 2:00 p.m.

Love Thy Diva: Whitney Houston & Beyonce

Riverside Library, 127 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY (at W. 65th St), New York, NY

Whitney Houston impersonator, Tyra Ross, Beyonce impersonator, Charley Marie, and Edward Wyckoff Williams, political analyst (MSNBC, TheGrio.com & Huffington Post) critique, analyze and celebrate diva worshipping in the LGBT community. Clay Cane, radio host of Clay Cane Live on WWRL 1600AM and entertainment editor at BET.com, moderates the discussion.

Saturday, June 30^th, 2:00 p.m.

A Moment of…LOUD: A Fashion Reinvention w/Beau McCall

Riverside Library, 127 Amsterdam Avenue (at W. 65th St.), New York, NY

Reinvent your old and worn T-shirts in this interactive fashion workshop led by creative artist, stylist and fashion designer, Beau McCall (featured in Women’s Wear Daily). Patrons are advised to bring their favorite large sized T-shirt, a pair of scissors and a seam ripper. T-shirts will be made available for sale to those that wish to purchase ready-to-wear items.

Tuesday, July 10^th, 1:00 p.m.

A Moment of…Loud: Cirque du Monde w/The POINT

Macomb’s Bridge Library, 2650 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. (between W. 152nd & 153rd Sts.), New York, NY

The circus arrives at the New York Public Library for this special outdoor workshop designed to teach circus tricks. With tight wire, diablos, juggling balls, plate spinners and more, this event promises to bring out the clown in you.

Thursday, July 12^th, 11:30 a.m.

Live Like a Millionaire on $7.25/Hour

George Bruce Library, 518 West 125th Street (at Amsterdam Ave.), New York, NY

You can still live fabulously while being fabulously broke, especially in the Big Apple. Joyce Moy, award-winning financial expert, will inform patrons on how they can get the most out of their meager wages when it comes to entertainment, shopping, travel, and more. Who says living like a millionaire actually requires a million dollars in the bank?

Thursday, July 12^th, 1:00 p.m.

A Moment of…Loud: Harlem Arts Alliance TBD

Countee Cullen Library, 104 West 136th Street (near Lenox Ave.), New York, NY

Thursday, July 19^th, 2:00 p.m.

Fame & (Mis)Fortune: Full Force

Mott Haven Library, 321 East 140th Street (at Alexander Ave.), Bronx, NY

Iconic production team and recording artists Full Force has received many gold and platinum record plaques resulting from their work with superstars such as Rihanna, Britney Spears, the Black Eyed Peas, and others. Still, they faced financial challenges and managed to overcome those odds. Now Full Force members Bowlegged Lou, B-Fine and Paul Anthony are ready to reveal their journey through fame and (mis)fortune. Event/media content producer and founder of Souleo Enterprises, LLC, Souleo will lead the discussion.

Thursday, August 2^nd, 11:30 a.m.

Love & Money

George Bruce Library, 518 West 125th Street (at Amsterdam Ave.), New York, NY

Demetria Lucas, author and relationships/lifestyle editor (The Root, Essence.com, Clutch magazine, A Belle in Brooklyn) will provide public counseling services to couples and singles dealing with financial issues that are affecting their romantic relationships or lack thereof. When it comes to love and money everyone deserves an abundance, so don’t shortchange yourself.

Wednesday, August 8^th, 5:30 p.m.

A Moment of…Loud: From Ink to Juice w/Brandi Kowalski

Hamilton Grange Library, 503 West 145th Street, New York, NY

Take inspiration from your favorite literary works of art and transform it into refreshing summer drinks in this interactive juice-making workshop. Expert mixologist, Brandi Kowalski, leads this event where patrons will learn how to make healthy drinks. Samples of the drinks are available on a first come, first served basis.

Thursday, August 16^th, 2:00 p.m.

Expre$$ Yourself: Reinventing Yourself for Financial Stability

Mott Haven Library, 321 East 140th Street (at Alexander Ave.), Bronx, NY

It takes the skill of reinvention to stay alive financially in a city where competition is stiff. In this presentation, George C. Fraser, Chairman & CEO of FraserNet, Inc. and one of the foremost authorities on networking and building effective relationships, will help patrons discover the best ways to reinvent themselves and transfer skills into other sectors for extra income.

Saturday, August 25^th, 2:00 p.m.

A Moment of…Loud: Get Gong’d w/Rashu Aten

George Bruce Library, 518 West 125th Street (at Amsterdam Ave.), New York, NY

Gong master, Rashu Aten, brings this sacred instrument into the library for an interactive workshop where patrons will create their own healing sound vibrations using gongs.