Friday, December 19, 2008
Going HOME to My FAMILY & FRIENDS
This is, indeed, one of the Classic, Archive Reels that I can watch Repeatedly. Previously released HERE, as well as on MySpace; prior to the premiere of, Young Black & GAY in America, this footage has never been viewed by the Xem VanAdams YouTube or Facebook communities.
As I ready to board my plane, en route to Baltimore City, I once again pay HOMAGE to those whose prayers, sacrifice and struggle, has aided in delivering me to and through this Moment In Time. I give ALL PRAISE to the almighty, for presenting me with an array of Friendships and Family Love that is eternal, unyielding and unconditional of many sorts.
GIFTS, MONEY, FAME, POWER nor PSUEDO CELEBRITY STATUS can replace the raw essence of a Family and Friendship Unit that knows No Costs or Bounds.
THANKYOU GOD for allowing me to see the End of Another Year.
COUNT Your BLESSINGS.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Coming Soon: The Syrai VanAdams Project
ALL of these Photos of SYRAI have been PREVIOUSLY ReleasedSHOT-DIGITIZED and EDITED
by
XEM VanAdams-Lumumba
>between November 2005 and May 2008<





CONTACT Information for SYRAI Will be Posted with The OFFICIAL Release of his YOUNG, BLACK & GAY in AMERICA Photos & Video Footage.
'Knowledge and Artistry ABOVE My own VANITY' [Xem; July 2008]
'Im Drenched in Love and Showered by Support'[Xem; April 2008]
'Life Without Photographs are Moments that Never Happened'[Xem; August, 2007]
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Introducing Our Newest Leading Lady
Ladies and Gentlemen, Socialites and CelebuTantes, it brings Me GREAT and DISTINCT pleasures in Introducing the Newest Leading Lady of My Emerald Planet;
Miss. Maliyah Nicole
I met this Beautiful young woman at the dawn of the New Year. Since then, she has become one of my most poignant Supporters, as she has also become one of my Supreme, nurturing Spirits. Maliyah embodies a young woman whose Strength and Genuine Character stands aligned with the Class and Sophistication of her physical embodiment. I am so PLEASED to have her presence, graced amongst the other young women who exist in my INSANE, everyday life. She and I dont get to see one another often, but I know that her Prayers and Love are ALWAYS here.
PLEASE Send this Grecian Barbie Doll a Lil LOVE. You MUST let her know that ANY Friend, Supporter or Fan of Mine, is a Friend, Supporter and Fan of Hers as well. ADD her on MySpace NOW, for the coming months are about to transcend this Gorgeous Darling into a WorldWind of SuperStardom.
Click HERE to Experience the Essence of Maliyah Nicole
'Knowledge and Artistry ABOVE My own VANITY' [Xem; July 2008]
'Im Drenched in Love and Showered by Support'[Xem; April 2008]
'Life Without Photographs are Moments that Never Happened'[Xem; August, 2007]
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The DL Chronicles
ActorsTerrell Tilford
and
Kareem Ferguson
Last night, I had the opportunity to meet Christopher V. Sergi, a 27 year old, Los Angeles based producer who has worked with everyone on the Circuit from Patrick Ian Polk and his Tall Black Skinny Boy Production company, to Maurice Jamal, the Writer and Director of Dirty Laundry and The Ski Trip. As Chris and I were discussing the current state of Black, Gay male characters, and their representation, or lack thereof, on mainstream, network television, we began discussing the soon to be released, NOAH'S ARC, feature film. The conversation quickly turned into a positive trade and sharing of theories, philosophies, and ideas regarding why the Black and Latino community do NOT support Gay oriented projects. Chris and I were able to make an exception for programming or projects that are geared towards the existence of this current, marketable 'Trend' regarding Black Men and the 'DL[Down-Low]' LifeStyle.
Filmmakers, Deondray Gossett and Quincy LeNear, partners of the past 11 years, have created a Made-for-Television series, The DL CHRONICLES, which delves into the lives of Black men; all stemming from various socioeconomic backgrounds, who are each dealing with internal and external factors regarding their sexuality. Forcing each of the four, central characters to lead lives of infidelity, fear, self detriment, disloyalty, self loathing and struggle, the dual and secret relationships that these men carry on, eventually create modes of silent hysteria.
As Ive been aware of the creation and existence of The DL CHRONICLES, for over a years time, I hadnt seen anything more than footage stills and character profile photographs. Last night, however, Christopher was gracious enough to allow me to hold his studio copy of the series. I took time this morning to preview all four of the first season episodes, highlighting the man vs. man, man vs. nature and man vs. himself plot lines for the central charcters of WES THOMAS, ROBERT, MARK and the local Thug, BOO. Each story is chronicled by an Up and Coming journalist, Chadwick Williams, who is writing his tales of men who have crossed his path and entered his life through the years. These chronicles are executed in episodes involving different characters, whose parallel lives do not necessarily intertwine.
Whats so intriguing about this project is the depths and artistry of each storyline, every shot, and the overall content of the varying episodes. The characters, though dealing with internal struggles and outward demons of despair, exude the confidence, strength and decorum that is seldom portrayed in the mainstream media of Black, Gay men. It's rare to find a showcase of this calibur, where the majority of the characters arent glossed and glitzed in spray gel, polish, tights, extensions, and an over-the-top, 'Sashay-Shaunte' attitude. I was very pleased to see male sexuality, portrayed on screen, in a less than grotesque, raunchy, offensive manner. Every sex scene was shot and filmed like moving portraiture; exposing the natural sensuality and connection between two men, who happen to be attracted to one another, and in love, as well.
Rahsaan Patterson, one of my favorite, underrated, Male R&B singers, contributes his vocals to the series' soundtrack; offering a mood melody that easily transcends one scene of chaos, to another scene of conviction. The dialogue is written and performed in an effortless manner; one that is easily enveloped by any audience who has ever experienced the feeling of being torn between themselves and society, or anyone who has ever known the feeling of fear paired against desire. I am extremely impressed with Deondray and Quincy's ability to create storylines that reflect the DL lifestyle on levels that extend beyond the conventional 'Thug Type'; prowling around for the next piece of Ass to beat open. The execution of these stories are reflective of a realistic phenomenon.
In one of the most emotional stories, Robert, a talent agent, falls in love with a young, health food store manager, 20 years his junior. Though their initial meeting, behind closed doors, was 'suppose' to result in a one night stand romp, at the request of the youngest man, the relationship takes a slower journey. This interaction leads to a union that grows into a special bond. Robert fights his love, as he battles with having to divulge his sexuality to his college aged daughter, Rhonda. Eventually, after realizing that Love is stronger than Lies, Robert is able to face the truth of his existence and his heart. With the strength of Rhonda's love for him, Robert makes the decision to stand proud, alongside his new Soulmate.
In another gripping plotline, one that aesthetically reminded me of two good friends in my life, Mark and Donte(above) are a couple who have maintained a strong commitment during the past three years. As the time has approached for Mark to fully commit to Donte by turning their fake, 'We're Roommates' bedroom, into a Study, Mark gets cold feet. As Donte becomes extremely excited about no longer having to pretend that his relationship with Mark isnt simply a homeboi-style situation, the couple is surprised by an unexpected house guest. Mark's wild, young, and irresponsible cousin, shows up at his front door, with nowhere to stay, and very little money to his name. Smashed between a rock and a hard place, as Mark relishes in the fact that he is looked upon and admired as the 'Golden Boy' of his family, he decides to not confess the truth of his three year relationship, with Donte. Instead, Mark asks Donte to continue their 'We're Roommates' routine; opening the book for a page turner of ironic, comedic events.
The men and creators of The DL CHRONICLES should be commended for their Dare-to-Do presentation of LIFE; which so happens to involve Gay, Black men, battling the demons of their present and past. I spent 2-Hours of my morning, engulfed in a visual movement. I know, more than ever, that there DOES exist a haven on American television, for a series that reflects the reality of Gay, Black men. Though we are considered to be a sub-culture, of the already Gay Minority, our stories, our struggles and our triumphs, are just as significant as those portayed in QUEER AS FOLK, DANTE'S COVE, WILL & GRACE, and the other series that showcase the relationships and lifestyles of Gay, White men. The DL CHRONICLES delves into places and situations that NOAH'S ARC almost reached. Its saddening that LOGO did not have the financing and/or good sense to continue another season of the groundbreaking series. However, with talent and exposition as refined and realistic as The DL CHRONICLES, there's hope for even more positive reflections....
Who Knows?...Maybe the Next One, which actually receives Mainstream, Crossover Support, will be Written and Directed by Me.Friday, May 2, 2008
Happy Birthday!... To My STARS of MAY
...Since 1987
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY!...May 2nd
My FATHER The One and Only...
LOCY IMANI LUMUMBA
A Warrior for The Struggle
May 23rd
LOURN
May 24th
My DARIEL
May 29th Happy BirthDay Socialites and Celeb.u.Tantes
from
Prince Xem VanAdams
and the Illustrious Editorial Staff
of
EMERALD EYE ENTERTAINMENT
'Life Without Photographs are Moments that Never Happened'~{Xem; August, 2007}~
Monday, January 14, 2008
Breaking NEWS: Prince Xems OFFICIAL BirthDay Party!
Federal Hill, Baltimore
An XCLusive Birthday Bash!
COCKTAILS.
LifeLong Friends.






























