MOTIONPHICS STUDIOS, Inc.

THIS IS ONLY A TEST!

2011-05-06T02:09:00.000-04:00

MICROPHONE CHECK 1-2-1-2... IS THIS THING ON? TURN ME UP ON THE HEADSET.

Community Uplifting and Networking

2010-10-27T23:25:00.002-04:00

Motionphics Studios would like to congratulate Trina Kendricks-Jacobs on her newest venture, The Bakery on the Corner. With this opening, Motionphics Studios is partnering with The Bakery on the Corner to help promote locally owned African American businesses through its Wind Down Wednesdays at the bakery located on W. Airline Hwy. in Garyville, LA.

Tonight was the second networking event held at the bakery and as with the first there was great conversation and each business owner took the time to encourage one another and give advice on growing a profitable business. Although successful, I was still somewhat disappointed in the turnout of what I think should be a well attended event for the African American community as a whole. In this season of economic turndown it is imperative that we as business owners, hobbyists, pastors and community leaders learn to pull our communities up by its own bootstraps and learn to network and support one another.

Many times we, as African Americans are quick to complain about the disparities, lack of resources and the lack of African American businesses in our communities. If this is our cry as individuals and a community then why is it that when a solution is put forward, we fail to support. Why is it the case that African Americans in many of our communities are not available to support and cheer on African Americans entrepreneurs as they step out on faith and attempt something new? Why is it that when one attempts to offer a solution to the lack and despair it is met with silence?

By no means is it easy to start and operate a business. The dream of your fellow citizen/ brother takes a mighty courage to fulfill. Many of us dream. It takes a little something extra to put that dream into motion. As a community, it is our duty to support and uplift our brothers and sisters as they move forward in faith. This is why it baffles me to no end that some African Americans not only would rather prefer to skip promoting a community business, but would also not be, in the least bit, interested in what may be going on at a particular event. Many times we miss out on our blessings because we lack information that may be vital to our survival or the survival of our own dreams by not supporting another's dream. It also has appeared to me that, in our communities, if you do not carry a certain surname or position, it is more than likely that you will not be supported. For this reason, many are not able to overcome obstacles that have held them down in the past. You answer, believe it or not, just may lie within the person(s) or business(es) you are "boycotting."

As new businesses are built and new community grounds (i.e. churches, congregations, social clubs/organizations etc.) arise from new fertile grounds, I charge each of you in the community to back these new ventures. I charge you newly and re-elected politicians to show your face. It is not enough to just be seen at your post when campaigning. We the business owners and community backbone would love to, in return for our support, have your support as we attempt to better a economically battered community. As a lover of the "networking game" will continue to support the people of our community that have it in their hearts to support others. This is the ONLY way that our communities can overcome in these trying economic times.

In the spirit of Gospel Fridays Live..."GO UP!!!"

Derron C. Cook

Sean Combs MArketing Tips

2009-11-21T13:28:00.001-05:00

Shout Outs:Sonia Sanchez

2009-10-29T20:36:00.000-04:00

Black Planet and and Motionphics Studios covers the Thurgood Marshall Front Row Red Carpet and Fashion Show

2009-10-26T07:11:00.010-04:00

Black Planet and and Motionphics Studios covers the Thurgood Marshall Front Row Red Carpet and Fashion Show

Motionphics Studios, LLC teamed up with Black Planet Universe's own Hello Beautiful at the 4th annual Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund's Front Row Fashion and Red Carpet at the Roseland Ballroom in the Big Apple with Hello Beautiful's own Seven Brown. This event took place on Saturday, Oct. 24th and included appearances by celebs such as Sheri Shepard, Naomi Campbell, Sam Fine, Atlanta Housewife Sheree, Alyson Williams and many more. The fashion show covered designs by Montgomery and Walmart amongst others with a special performance by Nuttin But Stringz.

Check out our video coverage of the event.

Motionphics In Action Bowling for Change

2009-10-18T19:09:00.002-04:00

Motionphics Studios is excited our youth and believes that guidance is important to their success. This is why we want you to join us for a night of fun as we, once again, put our youth first. Motionphics In Action is returning to South Africa to teach, inspire and empower students.

In celebration of this new journey, we want to invite you to "Strike Out 4 Africa," a series of bowling events dedicated to fundraising for Africa's youth. To join us for a night of bowling email us at motionphics@gmail.com. In the subject line insert Bowl Africa and include your name/contact and, if applicable, the name of your teammates .

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon,

Motionphics Studios

Poetry Delight NY

2009-03-16T15:06:00.000-04:00

Poetry Delight NY

For additional information contact Ayana Wyse at
awyse@motionphics.com

New Site and blog coming soon!

2009-03-16T14:54:00.000-04:00

Motionphics Studios would like to invite you to visit our web relaunch party.

For additional information contact Ayana Wyse at
awyse@motionphics.com

Motionphics Studios Honors...

2009-01-17T15:43:00.001-05:00

Motionphics Studios is pleased to honor our 44th President of the United States, President Barack Hussein Obama. In honor of our first African-American president and our current recession status granted to us by our most gracious exiting leader, we are pleased to offer you our Stimulus Package to jump start your economy. Motionphics has plans to fit any budget and any size production.

Inquire today!!!

Motionphics In Action Student Media Drive

2009-01-08T04:41:00.000-05:00

Motionphics In Action is at it again. We will be returning to the students of Cape Town and would love to equip the students with state-of- the-art equipment. We are on our continued mission to make the world just a little smaller through leadership, empowerment and media.

Motionphics is in now introducing a media drive to fund this outreach for the students of South Africa and abroad. We are committed to expanding our scope of educating students through media driven, globally charged and environmentally friendly exercises that will lead youth to make changes in their communities and changing their worlds.

Currently, Motionphics Studios is looking for old and slightly used cameras and camcorders to continue this mission. Your donation will allow youth to document their environments and share their problems and solutions globally.

To donate or for more info please contact us at info@motionphics.com. In your email please state Media Drive in the subject line.

Thanks,

Derron C. Cook
President, Motionphics Studios

2008-08-11T20:38:00.000-04:00

Dapper D and Motionphics in Action

Below are my new business cards and postcards featuring one of my students, Aviwe Gwanya, from Cape Town, South Africa. The postcards are a fundraising campaign and encouragement to the students back in Cape Town, South Africa. Each purchase not only supports the works these kids produce, but each time you purchase one a card is sent to these students with a personalized message from you the buyer. What better a great gift to give in the name of your child or someone you love? Each card cost two dollars each. More designs will be posted soon.

VISIT OUR HOME

2008-07-21T18:53:00.000-04:00

Motionphics In Action/ Studio 7D

2008-07-13T18:34:00.000-04:00

Motiophics In Action and Studio 7D Gets Recognition

click on the images to read article

ATL TALENT AND CREW CALL!!!

2008-06-15T14:20:00.001-04:00

Motionphics Studios Talent and Crew Call

2008-06-15T13:34:00.001-04:00

Motionphics In Action has a new home...

2008-06-14T14:04:00.000-04:00

Visit our new home at
www.motionphicsinaction.org

Motionphics TV

2008-05-29T18:09:00.002-04:00

Motionphics TV
welcome to diversity university

www.youtube.com/motionphics

FOOD FOR THOUGHT!!! YOU ARE THE CHANGE NEEDED IN THIS WORLD!

2008-05-05T10:11:00.000-04:00

Help Support Motionphics Studios and its work to enhance the lives of youth around the world. By utilizing services from Motionphics Studios you are making contributions to many kids, who might not other wise have the opportunity afforded by many others, speak the language of many of their peers around the world. Give a child a voice that resounds globally!

Thank You!

2008-04-30T05:46:00.000-04:00

Motionphics Studios Kicks it with Twenty 6th Graders for Camping Educo Style

Motionphics Studios and Motionphics In Action teams up with EducoAfrica to film a promotional campaign and hiking in the South African wilderness with 20 sixth graders from Observatory Junior School.

(Hiking through the mountains)

(A little swim time with the kids in a river)

2008-04-20T07:17:00.001-04:00

The Dream Lives...
Motionphics Studios
A Diverse Business Serving a Diverse Community

2008-04-18T09:38:00.000-04:00

SUPPORT MOTIONPHICS IN ACTION!!!

YOUR DONATIONS GO TO ASSISTING OTHERS STUDENTS IN DEVELOPING AND UNDERPRIVILEGED COMMUNITIES FIND A VOICE THROUGH THE ARTS.

SERVICES@MOTIONPHICS.COM

Uncle Derron and the Community Kids

2008-04-11T06:22:00.000-04:00

Uncle Derron and the Community Kids

Meet some of the community kids. Pictured here are some of the children in the community where i teach. They come on campus when school is out and we play with spinning tops, golf and take lots of photos. They even started calling me uncle.

More pics and vids to come soon!

Easter In Alice

2008-04-11T06:13:00.000-04:00

Easter in Alice, South Africa

Welcome to Alice, a small farming community located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Here in Alice,I followed my host from Cape Town as he returned to his roots for a traditional, ancestral celebration. As the cameras rolled, I found myself being pulled into the celebration and subsequently becoming apart of the community.

Tune in for more of Easter in Alice!

Long road to Alice!

While everyone was celebrating the Lord's resurrection, I made a trip to the Eastern Cape of South Africa. All I have to say is "Countraaaaaaaaaaaaay, Country!" Dirt roads and cattle roaming the streets as if it was just a normal day in New York. The road above was just about of a forth of what we traveled to get to the house.

Just behind me is a riverbank. My first day here the black bull over my left shoulder chased me into the riverbank as he tried to pass. Thank God it is summer and dried out!

I love this pic! The hut behind me was the old clinic in the community. Here they tended to sick children.

More pics and vids to come soon!

Week one of my return to Cape Town

2008-02-25T14:33:00.000-05:00

Guess Who's Back...Motionphics Returns to Cape Town

2008-02-22T11:26:00.000-05:00

It's been one week since I arrived back in Cape Town and the feeling is great. I have returned for a second tour of my volunteer partnership with Nathan Seven Scott as Studio 7D. Stay Tuned for more updates and images from our three month visit to the motherland.

2007-12-23T23:23:00.001-05:00

New Photo Journal Available @ Dapper Photos

2007-12-13T16:20:00.000-05:00

visit www.dapperphotos.blogspot.com
to see what I am now up to

"Uneqly" Styled: Motionphics join forces with Uneq Magazine

2007-11-16T13:18:00.000-05:00

see the video at http://www.uneqmagazine.com/news.htm

PHOTO SLIDESHOW FROM CAPE TOWN:STUDENTS

2007-11-12T13:12:00.000-05:00

Enjoy the slide show! Look for more to come!

2007-10-30T21:41:00.000-04:00

Thanks for the Support!!!

2007-10-16T13:40:00.000-04:00

To all the Sponsors and Supporters of Motionphics and the Studio 7D
Project,

We are currently in post-production with the products created in South Africa. Please feel free to continue to check for updates and posts about these and upcoming projects.

Thanks,

Derron (Dapper D)

The Class Photo 2007

2007-10-01T15:11:00.001-04:00

Meet the Leadership Class of 2007

The Hope Tour Movie Announced

2007-09-29T10:48:00.001-04:00

Studio 7D proudly announces the upcoming release of The Hope Tour Movie: Making The Grade. Premiering in Cape Town, South Africa on Thurs. Oct 4, 2007.

Motionphics+"Seven"= Studio 7D

2007-09-28T07:44:00.000-04:00

Motionphics Studios partners with Nathan Seven Scott to build leadership programs in the arts.
Look for more information regarding the partnership.

Derron "Dapper D" teaching students broadcast in Cape Town, South Africa

Forgive Me, but it's worth it!!!

2007-09-25T18:40:00.000-04:00

I know that some of you had been looking for posts but the reality is that great things are happening. Events are so fast and time is so short that I have not had time to to post like I wanted. To give you a sneak peak of my project, take a look at a photo shoot that was taken with my kids at the high school. Here are my students through my eyes. Enjoy!

Planning, Planning and More Planning...Day 8

2007-09-16T20:02:00.000-04:00

It has been a wonderful trip thus far and we are pushing the envelope daily to provide the school with the best experience possible. Nate and I have been working around the clock to get this program executed as precise as possible. We are looking at extending our stay for another week to make it one solid month. This extension is to give the school a look at the final product, as a whole, especially since we are being buzzed about on the yard by students and teachers. Although I must admit that there was one snag in the program when a teacher called the program that i am volunteering with because they were concerned about the cameras on campus along with the subject matter, being that we were talking sex, drugs and gangsterism. The other reason for me staying would be to gather more info and research on poverty and aids along with the education system here.

I promise, this trip is as if the mother has unrolled her red carpet and has given us all access to her powers and resources. One of the teachers here invited us to be on his radio show to do an interview and hang out. So this Friday we will be on radio in South Africa...who knew!

AIDS AWARENESS

2007-09-10T21:18:00.000-04:00

Here is a safe sex ad in Cape Town, South Africa. It is great to see that the word is getting around, no matter how funny the concept. This is an ad in the community where I placed to work. The area is very heavily populated, yet the HIV/Aids rate is an unbelievable high. In this community the rate is at 33% infected with the disease. It will only spread more if there is not more advocacy done to make the people feel that it is important to think about safe sex to be around for their kids.

It is interesting to note that children, here in Cape Town and surrounding areas, as young as 9 yrs old are often abandoned, forced to live alone when a parent or both parents pass from the disease.

More to come...

Thanks

2007-09-10T20:57:00.000-04:00

I would like to thanks Lenora Hines and Wendy Hoyte for their special contributions to my dream. Your contributions Assisted me in purchasing an extra battery for my trip, with which I will be able to document beautiful and longer video footage.

Also a special to my Brother Derrick and his family, wife Kim and Daughter Raven. Your contributions put money in my pockets, without which I would be flat busted.

To my mother and sisters for their contributions in money and encouragement.

Thank you very much

Power of the Dream 2

2007-09-10T19:56:00.000-04:00

As I prepared for my trip to Cape Town, I found myself listening to MLK speeches on my Ipod as I showered and did various chores around the house. Although I did not live during his time, I found myself engulfed by his dream of equality for all. Moved by his words I began to think and realize that this one man, a single man had a dream, a vision that not only lived in his mind, but in his consciousness. This dream manifested itself and became a planted seed in the lives of all that embraced his ideas. An ordinary man, bound by the laws of the land and stumbling blocks of his time, thought beyond his limitations to dream and put this dream into action.

There IS power in dreaming! Kellyanne, once again refering to the movie Opal Dream, convinced her family and community that her imaginary friends once lived. In return, again, there were two coffins, a hole, a gathering, flowers, a speech and two headstones marking marking that the dream once lived. ALL OF THIS FROM A DREAM!!!

In the case of King, there was a vision that was moved upon and snowballed into a movement. Although seeing some of the benefits of his dream , the dreamer was for what lived in him. The powerplay comes in at the point where you have others engaged into that dream. No longer around to lead his vision, his passion for what he dreamed lived long beyond his years. Note that we, to this day, ate still using his words and teachings to further his dream.

As with a mother and child, it is my belief that once a dream starts to live it becomes independent of the dreamer and takes on a life if its own, thus outliving the dreamer.

"When you believe in something that is when it is real. That is what makes a person real too. How they dream and how they share their dream. When they are with you or even after they they are gone, because a dream is forever...We are all dreaming together and thats what is real forever." -Opal Dream

...Breathe life into your dreams

Now that is Dapper!

Power of the Dream 1

2007-09-08T20:28:00.000-04:00

"Everyone dreams all the time...Opal shines like stars, but it's underneath. You can't see it. You can't see it, but you can dream about it. The more you dream , the more you wanna dig for it. But, if you dig too deep you may never wake up..."

The quote above came from the movie Opal Dreamwhich I had seen in route to Cape Town. Opal Dream is a movie about a young girl, "Kellyann Williamson" (played by Sapphire Boyce) in an opal mining community who has the imaginary friends that she plays with and keeps her company on a daily basis.

As with many kids, with vivid imaginations, the adults would role play and feed into the young girl's fantasy. She would receive lolly pops for "Pobby and Dingan," because as her imagination would have it, it was their favorite. As the story develops, her imaginary friends one day, being watched by her father and becomes lost in a mining field. Upon the father's return to the home, Kellyanne, not seeing her friends, starts to panic and worry about their safety. Worrying so that she would not let it rest, she causes her father to go out in the middle of the night with a flash light to look for them. A hunt which got him in trouble for "ratting," a term used for miners who were accused of stealing from other miners. Her constant worries also employed her brother to post missing flyers around the town for two imaginary people.

With the stories development, the brother began to find clues that the two friends died in a mining accident. Skeptical to the belief before, the brother now employed by his sister's dream, is now tasked to plan a public funeral for Pobby and Dingan. A funeral for two imaginary friends, planned in a town full of skeptics, complete with coffins, flowers, headstones...the works. In the end, the townspeople attends the funeral. Although skeptics of the existence of Pobby and Dingan before, the funeral caused them to become real in their hearts and minds.

Not thinking I would like this movie, I could not help but find myself being drawn into Kellyanne's world of imagination. Like Kellyanne, I also dream. There are times when I dream so, I sometimes believe that I am out of my mind. Knowing that not every dream that comes to consciousness becomes a reality, I do dream of being successful at whatever I set my mind to doing.

As with Kellyanne's imagination, not only were her friends a thought, to her they actually lived. They lived so, that when they became lost or misplaced she could not rest. For all who dream or hope to dream, our dreams should reside not only in our minds, but also in our hearts. Your dream should live so much to the point that they manifest and become real to others as well.

Emotional

2007-09-05T11:11:00.001-04:00

To answer your question Soldier, I am on such a high right now, I can't even describe it. My heart is full with many currents of emotions. I awoke this morning feeling as if I could fly. My morning has been filled with praise. For some reason all of my songs this morning were about Gods protection and his promise to keep and sustain me. They just flowed one into another. Once again, is is difficult to describe. There is such a peace in my body amidst the struggle and rush to prepare. I believe that God is going to move on this trip and in my project in such a way that I will never be the same. Therefore I praise Him for his works and constant watch and protection on my mind and life. A grand Hallelujah is in order.

Artist Spotlight

2007-09-05T09:42:00.000-04:00

Taking a quick break from my trip, I would like to turn the spotlight on an amazing doc. artist and editor, Luis Salas. Mr. Salas has signed on to assist me in the post production of my footage. I have had the pleasure of working with Luis for sometime now and can say that this brother has a passion and drive to get the job done. Son of a Cuban exile, Mr. Salas takes his heritage and the uplift of his people to heart and it is proven in his thought provoking documentary, Lejos de la Isla(Far from the Island). For more info on his projects you can visit his site at http://ashemedia.com.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=26460405

Parting ways

2007-09-05T07:07:00.000-04:00

Today is the last day of my employment at this media company that have designing with for the past several months. Born out of the idea that I could achieve more and I need to take risks in order to succeed at my goals, I am leaving my job for this trip to South Africa. I am very excited and content with the decisions that I have made for self exploration. Self exploration in the sense that this trip is not only about volunteering and giving back, but it is also about proving to myself that i can achieve my goals by pushing the envelope just a little, or in this case a lot. So with this being said, I bid my job a fond ADIEU!

Thank you Q.

2007-09-04T18:29:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure when your leaving. I just wanted to say have a safe fun trip take lots of pictures and remember me :). I'm proud of you man. When I said get your passport and travel, I didn't think it would be like this. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big smile hugs and kisses until you get back.

Take care and love you,

Q

While working at BET Q inspired me with here travels to Spain and France. She knew of my desire to travel and encouraged me to get my passport and just go. So I must say thanks to Q for the encouragement and passion to inspire others.

Q is Dapper

Dedication

2007-09-03T16:33:00.000-04:00

I would like to dedicate this journey to a great friend and lover of all kids.

Dance the dance of life my brother.

The Excitement Intensifies

2007-08-30T14:22:00.000-04:00

Today I received an email with my assignment for South Africa. I am being placed in a high school drama department where i am being asked to help the children produce a skit and some video pieces. I see this a grand opportunity to work in some PSAs about the local region and community at large. I see the opportunity as a blessed one and look forward to returning home with a whole new perspective and outlook on life. I am so excited, I can barely contain myself here on the job.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH,

Dapper D

It's offical

2007-08-29T20:59:00.000-04:00

Today my phone was shut all the way off. No more incoming calls until only God knows when. lol. Yet, I am still content.

It's Just One of Life's Little Lessons!

2007-08-27T08:23:00.000-04:00

It has occurred to me that I have received little to no traffic on this page,if so I received no proof of it activity. It has also been revealed to me that when it comes to this trip, many doubt and other make or made fun of my dream and vision to travel to Africa from its inception. Loving to laugh and to joke, I believe, I come off to some as a total joke and to others as just a mouth and a bunch of words with no action behind them. Whatever the case may be, one tends to learn a little more about himself, and others, as he set out and accomplishes goals and overcome obstacles, which other may deem impossible for you to accomplish.

Speaking with a friend yesterday, he was bothered by the fact that he just released his second book and no one that he considered to be his friends in the black gay community and those whom he has supported all the while, didn't show up to his event. Although a complete success, as far as numbers and revenue was concerned, it bothered him more so to not see folks from his community. While seeing this as a disgrace and a pity on those who represents themselves as his friends, I made it known to him that "his book release" was not "their book release." In terms of passion, the passion, drive and commitment that he placed into writing the books and releasing is not the same passion that others will receive or offer back to him in knowing that he has accomplished this goal. Therefore, it is just one of life's little lessons to learn and know that your goals are strictly that, "YOUR GOALS."

In the same day, I received a visit from another friend who purpose was to come to my place and chat. As I was cleaning my room and chatting with him, he began to as me about my trip and how it came about that I was going. He stated that he remembered just on last year that i mentioned in my blog and to him that I wanted to go to Africa and now I am doing it on next Friday. I began to give him the rundown of how things played and how excited I was to be going. In the same instance that I am telling him about my happiness, he turns around and "buts" me. Butting me as in, "but, how are you going to do this" and "but, how will you survive when you return now that you left your job for this trip. I made it known that I would be paying my bills before I leave for leave for this trip and that, it just works out that, when I return from this trip, I was contacted to return to an editing job I tend to freelance around this time of year through the opening months of the following year. He in turn "buts" me again, stating that I have come too far to be leaving a job to follow a whim. Another of life's lessons came into play at that moment. People in most cases are likely "but your dreams and goals.

My goals and dreams are mine. I can't expect everyone to be as passionate nor as supportive as I am about my desires. In the case of the friend with the book release, I made it known that their has to be a re-evaluation of friends and those whom you surround yourself. It is necessary to, at times, drop old friends and surroundings in order to live your dreams and goals. Never in this life time, did I think that by stepping back and examining the things, I thought, I would be able to accomplish and forsaking other for even a moment, could these dreams be possible. As for the other "butting friend," I have come the the conclusion that people are successful in business because they took a risk. A risk in following their dreams and having others to work their dreams into a reality, constantly. So as I stated to this friend, and my boss, I am following my dreams. The realization is that if I lose out on any physical property, there is only one me.One heart, body, mind and soul. everything else is a replica and is mas produced. All of which could be regained. I would never know if I could accomplish a goal or task if I could not step out on the faith that I could achieve more.

Life is Dapper

It Just Amazes Me How Things Work Out

2007-08-26T20:30:00.000-04:00

On last year, while working at this media company, I ran across a magazine with the cover shown above. The cover intrigued me so much I ripped it off of the magazine. Could this have been the beginning of my voyage to Africa, as the laws of attraction would apply in this instance?

Not long after, I remember running errands and stopping at a travel agency to inquire about the cost of a trip to Africa or Paris and picked up travel brochures for both places. Would this also be the law at work?

A Taste of Culture

2007-08-26T19:43:00.000-04:00

Last Sunday I went out with the "Africa Crew" for a taste of South African Cuisine in the East Village to become further acquainted with one another. Unfortunately, the South African Restaurant was closed, but keeping in the spirit and theme of Africa we decided on this Ethiopian Restaurant, Awash. It was quite the experience hand feeding ourselves vegetables with lamb and chicken as our main dish. We share in many a laughs, over the some of there sweetest honey wine on the shelf. (Mahari, don't worry, theirs didn't make me pass out as yours often does.)

Hand feeding is Dapper

Sacrifices Made for the Mother Continent

2007-08-26T09:29:00.000-04:00

For the past few days my phone has been off, only accepting incoming calls, until I can pay the bill. Am I worried? No, I am going to Africa though.

Do you think it is possible that I could run into this guy and he would share his minutes for the cause? That would be so dapper!

Looking Back PT.1

2007-08-25T10:17:00.000-04:00

DJ RENEE HEWITT (shown above)

Ok, so with less than a week to go, I sit amazed looking back at how this trip has played out. Just last week I purchased my tickets, with the help of family friends. I was lent the money to purchase the flight so the ticket price would not jump at the last minute. As I was to be paid my mere $700 weekly for a graphics freelance job that I have, for the next two weeks I would have to take that money and pay it out to my lenders, leaving me flat busted. With that being said, I was fortunate to run into some friends at the point when I had twenty dollars to my name. They advised me to go shopping and how to stretch my dollar and at which store I could get the most for my money. Just before parting, I was told to save my food for later, that night they (Renee and his neighbor Walter)would cook for me so I would not use up my resources.

During the same week, all of my money was gone. I broke into my pink piggy bank and robbed it of all it contents...all pennies I would like to add. Laugh now, but let me tell you how God stretched those pennies to work in my favor. The entire week i took the bus to work and a few day to return home, a majority of the time the bus driver would stop be at half the fare and tell me that was enough. I paid the discounted senior rate the entire week. I must say that the laws of attraction are definitely at work.

Could It Be Possible?

2007-08-24T13:07:00.000-04:00

Could it be possible that I am sitting here at work hungry, with not a dime to my name? Yes it is very much so possible. For the past few weeks since signing on for this trip, I believed that I have been blessed beyond my considering. I have sacrificed meals and time with friends to achieve my goal of getting this trip done. At the present moment, I am also without a phone and have no idea when it will be back on. Now Hold on to you hats because this is my "Color Purple" moment. I may be poor, black and hungry, but dear God I am so there. And I bow, bow, bow...fade to black...close curtain.

Lights up!

While sitting here at work i received a call from Thain who asked me to meet up with him so he could give me pointers about Cape Town, being that he is from the area. So, I suppose some good came out of me staying behind on my lunch break. I also started looking for friends in the area to possibly have a few drinks with while there. ( I know be careful, blah blah blah)

Just another update...14 days to go

2007-08-23T13:35:00.000-04:00

Not much time left on my lunch break, but just thought i would update you on how things are going with my trip. I am currently working myself to the bone to get spending money while I travel throughout Cape Town. Last night, I worked with my partner for this trip until 11 p.m. creating a packaged look for his online show, after which I went to another friend's place to complete another design project. I was so tired I crashed there on the couch.

I returned home this morning just in time to get ready for work. Upon checking the mail, from the previous day, I noticed that my e-ticket stup had arrived for my flight. I know that to some this may not seem to be much to write about, however if you knew the amount of faith and work that it took for me to pull this trip off, you would be overjoyed also.

Getting shot for the cause!

2007-08-21T18:03:00.000-04:00

Feeling great, just took my shots for my trip. Two more and some pills to go. YAY!
Thanks to the folks at Horizons clinic for treating me like a king. Special thanks goes out to
Nurse Eva and Dr. Ventura for hooking a brother up with those needles. Now these shots were only half of what I would like to take before this trip. Looking back on how this trip has manifest, I have no doubts that everything will work out just fine.

Now that is just Dapper D!

The Connection Project

2007-08-11T09:18:00.000-04:00

Social Consciousness Piece " The Connection Project"

The Connection Project is about showing the connection of people living with HIV/AIDS to one another.The plight of HIV/AIDS and its awareness in the African American community is one of great concern and care to me personally. Having lost a friend to this dreadful disease and knowing, and not knowing, countless others that are affected and infected, it is my personal goal to raise a social awareness of our connection to one another, HIV and Non-HIV persons alike.

Through the power of video and photographic mediums, The Connection Project is ready to take flight and show our connection and commitment to each other. The Connection Project utilizes still and video imagery to tell a story of someone living with HIV/AIDS in the United States and couples them with a like story of someone in South Africa dealing with the same issue. Through Photography, the metaphysical connection will be revealed in a way that the person in South Africa get to see and touch their connected partner here in the United States and vice versa. This project will include photos and video testimonials of 10-15 people at various age ranges infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

I am looking for volunteers to who don't mind answering basic, non-threatening question about how and when they contracted HIV/AIDS and how they are maintaining with this disease. This session will be video and audio recorded.

I will be traveling to Cape Town South Africa and will be there for three weeks volunteering from Sept.8-28, 2007. While there will be volunteering in HIV/AIDS awareness, dealing with patients if the disease. It is my goal to start the video process here in the States and wrap up in South Africa with testimonials of patients. As a part of this project, I would like to show ways that we all are connected and raise the consciousness levels of the viewer.

MOTHER IS CALLING: The Journey

2007-08-10T00:40:00.000-04:00

THE MOTHER IS CALLING

2007-08-08T19:24:00.001-04:00

TUNE IN FOR MORE ON SOUTH AFRICA
Sponsorship and donations are still being accepted!!!

Thanks to the following patrons:

Lorraine B. Cook "Momma"(believing and encouraging my vision)
Nathan "Seven" Scott Duran Williams
Ms. Vivian Baitey & Kenyatta (for aiding me with purchase of plane ticket)
Laurence Pickney (aiding me with my vision)
Warren "Uncle Ajamu"Sims (the long talks from illusion to reality)
DJ Renee Hewitt (for providing dinner so I wouldn't have to purchase a meal)

Walter Clark (for the care package of food)
Nurse Eva and Dr. Ventura (Horizons clinic)

for info and address regarding donations
email me at derroncook_1@hotmail.com

Can you recall this blog?

Posted Tuesday, September 19, 2006

My Goal to have a Life Altering Experience Through Travel

Okay, here I am at 5am looking for a job that will make an impact in my working, spiritual and cultural experience. While looking on the site I ran across a volunteer/intern program that allows one to travel to various countries to work in various ways. I have decided over the past few months that I wanted to travel abroad and here was my answer to my longing for this experience. I have decided to take the experience in the Motherland. My works would include HIV/AIDS awareness, conservation or local orphanages in Kenya or South Africa. This would also serve as a great opportunity to create a documentary on my travels. The great thing about this program is that it is year round and is a great way to vacation with a purpose. It is my plan to produce various fundraiser to fund my trip(s) back home to the first home that God built, AFRICA.

If there are an ideas concerning fundraising please feel free to give input. Also it would be dapper to have a group of friends with similar interest to travel together back to Africa.

Look forward to the Dapper productions for my educational experience. Also accepting donations from Mini DV tapes to cash gifts.

Speaking this thing as though it is,

Dapper D

__________________________________________

Well my friends, that time has come. Sept 7-28. Almost one full year later the laws of attraction (the Secret and Landmark. For those in the dark its a book and a course in attracting the things you want out of life) has brought my vision and coupled it with like minds and we are on our way to Cape Town. This trip is all about giving back to people in need. Volunteering in HIV/AIDS Awareness, sitting with the elderly and orphan care. This voyage is about changing my life and the lives of others. It is also my plan to give you my friends, family and fellow bloggers details from the mother of creation.

As stated in my previous blog, I am looking for assistance with a few things that can aid in making the most out of this trip. Cash donations are always helpful, but whatever you can give will be greatly appreciated. Below is a list of items that will be helpful during the 21 days that I will be there.

Mini-DV tapes (Panasonic) Link listed below
http://www.tapestockonline.com/pan60minmin.html

New or used Lighting equipment for the camera (Litepanels Flood Mini)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/487073-REG/Litepanels_LP50_Flood_Mini_LED_Fixture.html

Camera Batteries for Panasonic DVX100A
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/3results/controller/home?O=search&A=search&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;
amp;Q=&ci=9541&sb=bs%2Cupper%28ds%29&sq=asc&atl=%7EBrand_Panasonic

Slate and Clap Board
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=207888&is=REG

G-TECH Hard Drive
hhttp://www.tekserve.com/sales/products/storage/g-tech/

Operating in the realm of possibilities,

Dapper D

Just Being Dapper D

2006-12-04T01:36:00.000-05:00

Just Being Dapper D

World Aids Day

Let us all take time to remember all of the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters and babies that pass daily from this horrible disease. Pray that God would bless with a global breakthrough in fighting this epidemic. As we pause, let us pause in sorrow and praise in faith.

God bless,

Dapper D

THE ARTS BABY!

2006-05-01T01:00:00.000-04:00

Hello all,

I am so excited in setting up this blog. It had been my wish to create a world wherein artist and aspiring artist can come together and comment on the happenings in art and film. It is my desire to create atmosphere where information of the vast yet intimate world of media and art can flow freely. I am truly looking to networking with the many talented artist here in the blogging community. Until next time, THE ARTS BABY!

Dapper D