Brave Soul Collective articles by this author:
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTIONS
January 10, 2010
The beginning of a year is always a time of reflection for me. While many others are declaring resolutions, I always find myself thinking back on the previous year and... 
Workin With TRUST
November 10, 2009
There is much to be said about trust. I've felt it's presence. I've been in the absence of it. I've prayed for it and I have abandoned it. I'm immediately...
THE F WORD
August 9, 2009
When was the last time you thought about it? When was the last time you did it? If you did do it, how did it make you feel? I think...
Trial & Error
April 19, 2009
Snapshot: I'm sitting in my bedroom with lots of stuff around me. Everything, most of the things that are here I've placed around me for a reason. My collection of...
Doing The Work
February 8, 2009
I'm complicated. I'm passionate. I'm long winded. I'm emotional. I'm guarded & defensive. I'm sensitive. I'm abrasive. I'm neurotic about lots of things. I'm compassionate. I wear my heart on...
The Thoughts Behind The Thought
December 14, 2008
I thought I knew what I wanted to write about this month, to round out the year 2008 about a month ago when I returned from a much needed vacation....
Resolution
October 9, 2008
Over the past year I've paid much closer attention than ever before to the election process and especially, the candidates. That leads me to where we are now...I'm in a...
Subject To Change
September 13, 2008
1. Seasons, circumstances, feelins, people...winds all do it Even still I have the hardest time adaptin to it Unconcerned with what I want or how it makes me feel Cant...
Deserving(HumanSpirit)
April 19, 2008
What it does to one's heart and one's spirit when they've seen and been told and they hear it unlovingly repeatedly like a prayer or a chant should be that...
Mission Accomplished
January 14, 2008
When the impulse hit me back in September of 2007 to address The Chase...4Money/Power/Respect, I was very clear about the 'point' I was seeking to make. Now, today as I...
lineage
December 5, 2007
So here we are again I meet with you daily infact you are ingrained in me only one of us in the room... You are working in as thru despite...
She...
March 15, 2007
As a same gender loving/gay black man, the issue of femininity is just as controversial as it's opposite, masculinity. It was of no coincidence that we decided to make...
What I Know About Love...
February 12, 2007
Image, "monte & his music" photograph by Emile Benjamin love=music=god=love thas the way the equation is for me.... This is how I've learned, or remembered (depending on your school...
Letting Go of...
January 11, 2007
It's something rarely if ever talked about, but it wreaks havoc in the lives of all it comes in contact with. It has nestled itself in the hearts, minds and...
Retrospect
December 13, 2006
With the month of December always comes an anniversary of sorts for me, a neverending series of thoughts. Triumphs, accomplishments, fears, happiness, blues, but above all else--- thoughts of joy,...
Waves
September 12, 2006
Wave ONE. (Friday August 18th, 2006) Today I cried..... I cried for myself, I cried for my friends, I cried for all those I don't even know, but I know...
Brave Souls Sound Off: D&R
August 6, 2006
When looking at the lives of black men who love men, where do you stand on relationships? Do they, can they, have they worked for you? What is your...
Sometimes I Forget
July 1, 2006
And so this Brave Soul....He comes with a fold.... Of flesh , of skin, of baggage.... A layer of stuff ...that he's still cleanin' up Yet he's anything BUT damaged....
how do I spell relief
May 25, 2006
...TAKE OFF THE MASK AND BREATHE... ...what mask shall I dawn today/what role shall I play today... ...who will I fool today/tell me which fool will fall prey... ...all dressed...
N'Dambi
November 10, 2009
Photography credit: Jason Clark Our Brave Soul Artist for the month of November personifies what it means to be SOULFUL...in every sense of the word. For the last 10 years,...
James Earl Hardy
August 4, 2009
This month's artist feature is an author whose groundbreaking work has paved the way for many of today's black gay writers and continues to entertain legions of readers at...
Keith Barbee
April 22, 2009
Our Brave Soul artist feature for April 2009 is an author, journalist, poet, and all around renaissance man who currently resides in our very own Washington, DC area. KEITH...
baron.
October 9, 2008
This month's artist feature is an amazing talent whose music, and art speaks for itself. baron. is an award winning poet/spokenword artist turned electro hip-hop, rock, lyricist/singer-songwriter/producer on his...
LIFE ON THE INSIDE...
April 21, 2008
written Monday April 21st, 2008 I got some good news today... I felt it would be not only irresponsible, but downright foolish if I didn't share this quickly. About 6...
Heidi Martin
April 19, 2008
In February 2007, I attended The Front Porch, a monthly open mic/artist showcase produced by Brave Soul co-founder Tim'm West. On this particular night, one of the featured artists...
LIFE ON THE INSIDE...
March 19, 2008
(Originally written on Sunday, March 16th) One Week ago, yet another chapter was started in the novel that is my life. Another layer revealed and forced to deal with. Last...
Rodney Lofton
February 11, 2008
Our Brave Soul Artist for February is a man whose travels both personally and professionally have led him literally back to himself. Rodney Lofton is a writer, HIV/AIDS activist,...
Ra-Re Valverde
January 14, 2008
"..Normality don't exist for me...Mostly I live on the other side....Fine with me. I'm cream filled with such complexity. See love in unordinary things... ....I'm right where I am...
Frederick Smith
December 4, 2007
Our December Brave Soul Artist is dynamic writer whose work not only entertains, but propels readers to think and FEEL something. Frederick Smith, originally from Detroit, Michigan, is a...
Maurice Jamal
October 17, 2007
This month's Brave Soul Artist is an extremely talented young man by the name of Maurice Jamal. He is a DIRECTOR-WRITER-PRODUCER, who's groundbreaking work can be seen in both...
Janelle Monáe
July 9, 2007
Our Brave Soul artist for the months of July & August is a young woman whose work as an artist is nothing short of amazing. She is far too...
Unplugged Chicago Cast
June 25, 2007
baron. Born December 7, 1978, is a Man by maturity, an Artist by heart, and a Poet from experience. Growing up with his grandmother in Newark, NJ, baron.'s life has...
Home Of The Brave
May 9, 2007
Be sure to check out Brave Soul Collective in the latest issue of POZ Magazine (See scan of article below)...
A Day in the Life of....
May 8, 2007
What you are about to read is a personal testimony from a same gender loving brother who is an inspiration to any of us who have a dream and have...
Michael-Christopher
May 8, 2007
In honor of May being a kickoff of sorts in terms of Black [Gay] Pride celebrations that take place over the summer months, we've decided to feature Michael-Christopher, who...
Choklate
April 9, 2007
Our subject for April's Brave Soul Artist feature is a dynamic young woman whose approach is not powerful or pop-polished, but rich, mature, and effortless. She's also a great...
It's About Time...
March 14, 2007
The 2007 National African American MSM Conference on HIV/AIDS (January 25th -28th) in Charlotte, NC proved to be a success and served not only as a platform to discuss...
Queen Aishah
March 14, 2007
Our Brave Soul Artist for March is a woman who is a very close friend of mine, and lifetime Brave Soul family member. Comedienne Queen Aishah is not only...
Eric Roberson
February 12, 2007
Our Brave Soul Artist for February is an innovator and most definitely personifies what it means to be a 'brave soul'. Blue Erro Soul vocalist, songwriter, producer, and CEO...
Briian Dargon
January 10, 2007
Our premiere Brave Soul Artist feature for 2007 and the month of January is a young man who is living life on his own terms as an artist. Briian...
Ashley Phillips
December 12, 2006
Our Brave Soul Artist for the month of December is a young lady who is truly in a league of her own. Hers is a name you will want...
Sheryl Lee Ralph
October 10, 2006
Our Brave Soul Artist Feature for October is not only a Broadway legend, television & film star, but a humanitarian in her own right. You know, for me truth...
Lee Hayes
September 9, 2006
This month, we at Brave Soul Collective decided to highlight a brilliant brother whose literary works have firmly established him as one of today's most talented black gay authors....
Patrik-Ian Polk
August 6, 2006
Photo by Anthony Nouri CaravanFor the month of August, we decided to spotlight the incredibly talented artist, Patrik-Ian Polk. About a month into BSC's premiere, we contacted Patrik to...
Frenchie Davis
July 1, 2006
Photo by Stan SchaferWhen we were trying to determine who our next Brave Soul Artist Feature would be, Frenchie was a no-brainer. She has a personal connection and relationship...
Lalah Hathaway
May 26, 2006
Our premiere Brave Soul Featured Artist is a woman who personifies what it means to be an artist. Music is in her genes, as she is the eldest daughter...
LIVING OUT LOUD
May 26, 2006
There's something to be said for individuals who make the choice to open up, to tell their truth completely. Whether in music, literature, poetry, or even in portrayal of a...