Filmmaker Janks Morton, recently featured on C-SPAN, Michael Baisden, Russ Parr, and Tony Brown's Journal, takes an in-depth view of how myths, stereotypes and misrepresentations render black men non-necessities in their communities and families. Proclaimed as the most provocative Black film since "ROOTS", Morton examines the role that myths, stereotypes and misperceptions have played in Black relationships, and how misinformation is perpetuated and further marginalizes the role of Black men in society. Click here or visit WhatBlackMenThink.com for more on Morton and his work.
You saw the trailer that started the hype. Now comes the long-awaited controversial screening of Diary of A Tired Black Man. Filmmaker Tim Alexander will be on hand to discuss his film.
Special Celebrity Guest Appearance, Book-Signing and Discussion - AS SEEN IN ESSENCE AND THIS MONTH'S COVER OF EBONY Author and gender analyst, Jewel Woods is America's top new black author. Recently featured in Essence and on the May 2008 cover of Ebony magazine, Woods, makes a Special Guest Appearance to take questions, present and SIGN his new book that blew the top off America's best kept secret. Click here or visit JewelWoods.com to learn more about Woods and his Renassaince Male Project, a midWest multi-cultural & multi-issue progressive men's organization.
Just Added - Special Guest Panelist for D.C. and Baltimore Programs - Keith Mungin Host of Philly's popular Child Support Court Talk Show, Mungin delivers a message about saving children by sharing stories, emotions and concerns about real issues to break communication barriers and vicious custody battles. "I decided to get parents together, get them to stop fighting and get them to communicate for sake of their children," says Mungin.
Having had some experience with the child-support court system, Mungin is happily raising two of his own even though, at first, connecting with their mothers did not come easy. Click here to learn more about Mungin's Family Support TV Show.
Just Added - Special Guest Panelist for D.C. Program - Dana Ross Click here or visit Dana-Ross.com to learn more about her work with Black fathers.
Important Advisory: Rules of Conduct for Men at The
Male Exhale
Generally. Since this program is a "Father's Day Weekend" program, some men may get things twisted and forget that when the weekend is over, THEIR TIME is over, which may require some POST-EVENT ADJUSTMENT. These rules should help you maintain peace and enjoyment in the house and in the car/train/bus/plane when you leave the theatre (you on your own making it down the theatre hall).
The Cause. Now, if "setting the record straight" gets you interested, fine with us. Really though, the main goals are to raise funds for Next Generation Awareness Foundation's upcoming Childrens Film and Education Fest and Health and Welness Fest, to begin a process of helping men feel more comfortable expressing themselves to better their relationships rather than losing hope in quiet angst, and to shed SOME light on how men may feel and how SOME men are affected by SOME circumstances. You will have great laughs and eye awakening moments. This is an EduTainment Fundraiser, ENJOY!!!
Tickets. They will go fast and yes, the event is open to both men and women. The last time, this program was a double sell-out in 4 days notice with people traveling two states to get there (click here to see the review), so we picked larger venues to allow for more attendees. Fellas, Do not Let the Sistas Snatch all the Seats. This is your ONE CHANCE to have your mind spoken for you and we get blamed for it, not you.
By Special Request. Ladies, we humbly ask that you treat your significant other, father, or the men in your life to this great event that has been brought back by popular demand.
Verbals. Yes, we know this seems to be the time for that or those conversations that we as a community need to address. However, please make sure you get enough popcorn, hot dogs (chips for the veggies) and drinks to keep your mouth busy and tied up. All that - "I told you" and "Ahhh Haahhh..." and "See That" and "See What You Gone Make Me Do" and "Yesss... yesss... yess," will NOT BE ALLOWED. We promise you, the sistas aint going for it. Now, an occassionally hummed "ummm... hmmm" will be okay. An occasional move of the eyes to the side where your significant other is sitting is also allowed, so long as you keep your head still when you are peeking.
Non-Verbals. No finger pointing, or flailing ya palms up like "what you expect me to say." Remember: Outside of the film, you are still "wrong" and "guilty" of something. Also, keep your elbows tight to the side, in case your ribs are overly exposed.
Event Schedule. The event will flow like this: What Black Men Think (30 minute version), Jewel Woods presentation, panel, and Q&A (30 minutes, and please submit your questions in advance for consideration to us at maleexhale @ urbanfilmseries.com), and Diary of A Tired Black Man (feature length). Throughout the evening, the filmmakers will be available with copies of their works to autograph for you. Click Here or visit JewelWoods.com or visit your local bookstore to get a copy of Woods' book so he can sign it for you at the event. Additional book-signings and panel discussion topics will be announced soon (so sign-up below).
Discussion Time Rules. During the discussion, shut up and let all the blame fall on the filmmakers or author for tellin it like you hear it in your dreams, but can not say in life. Refer to Verbal and Non-Verbal rules above for further instruction. Discussion/Q&A Topics
Why are men going to Brazil? What is unique about the Brazil experience, as compared to what men experience at home? How has going to Brazil affected relationships?
Are there key differences between male and female expression? If so, what are they? Why?
What is responsibility? When is this ideal negatively affected in African-American boys and men?
What is fatherhood and what are the top issues affecting fatherhood in the African-American community?
Are there self-esteem issues unique to African-American boys and men?
At what point is the child support court system okay and not okay as an appropriate path to resolution?
Interracial dating: What da fuss?
How have statistics and stereotypes interfered with the development of African-American boys and African-American men, and their relationships with women?
Fringe Benefits. Follow these Rules for THIS program, and the rest of your EVENING will go much better. Now, visit the Lyric Opera House or Lincoln Theatre box offices, ticketmaster.com or any local ticketmaster location today and get your tickets.
Author and gender analyst, Jewel Woods is America's top new black author. Recently featured in Essence and on the May 2008 cover of Ebony magazine, Woods, makes a Special Guest Appearance to take questions, present and SIGN his new book that blew the top off America's best kept secret. 
