Get To Know Mark G.
The RBM: How long have you been writing?
Mark G: First off, thank you very much for the privilege of being interviewed on such a beautiful
site with so many gifted and talented poets. I've been writing poetry since the early 90's. There were
two events that really started my pen moving. One was the Rodney king rebellion, and the other was
hearing min. Louis Farrakhan speak for the first time. Both events had a tremendous impact on me
and started my pen moving in a revolutionary direction.
The RBM: What does writing do for you?
Mark G: For me writing allows me to express myself since I don't have a tangible platform to do it
in. I have a lot to say as I'm very opinionated and writing frees up some of the pent-up anger and
frustration caused by the hell of just being a black man in white Amerikkka.
The RBM: Who are some of your favorite authors? Why?
Mark G: My favorite authors are: Anthony T. Browder, Dr. Na'im Akbar, Dr. Frances Cress
Welsing, Dr. Asa Hilliard, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, J.A. Rogers, Dr. Josef Ben-Jochannon, Dr.
Cheikh Anta Diop, and those like these I just mentioned because they teach knowledge of self and
provide a true historical picture of world history and the black man's significant contributions to it.
They also provide powerful information on the psychological effects these world events have had on
us as a people. For any brother reading this, I would recommend a book by Dr. Na'im Akbar called
"Visions For Black Men", and for anybody reading I would also recommend another book by Dr.
Akbar called, "Chains And Images Of Psychological Slavery." both are must-read books. And they're
easy to read as well.
The RBM: Growing up, who inspired you as a person? Who does now? How?
Mark G: Growing up my inspiration came from sports figures. I was a sports fanatic because my
father was one. So my dad was probably my biggest inspiration but my heroes were O.J. Simpson,
Muhammad Ali, Hank Aaron, and Pete Rose. Today my primary inspiration is the Honorable Minister
Louis Farrakhan because I love the way he teaches from both the Bible and the Qu'ran and how he
makes both books relevant to things going on in the present day. His boldness and defiance has had
a profound effect on me and has literally freed me from the fear of speaking out with truth in the
midst of those in so-called power. So I've lost a job or two due to my lack of fear in speaking out,
but I've had a job or two pay settlements as well due to their insatiable desire to get rid of me as
well. So all in all I've benefited from those teachings.
The RBM: Are you married? Any children? If yes, can you tell those reading this interview a
bit about how they influence you?
Mark G: I'm happily married for a little over 3 years now and have 4 children (1 I married into) I
have 3 boys and a daddy's girl. My job outside of providing for their physical needs is to feed them
emotionally and spiritually as well. My children and I worked together to create a black history
scrapbook that contains pictures and brief information on black historical figures in America, Africa,
and the Caribbean. So even though my daughter is the oldest at 11 years old, most of them can tell
identify the pictures with the names and vice-versa. If you ask them, "what are black people fighting
for?", they'll respond with 'freedom, justice, and equality.' and if you ask, "and when do we want
it?", they'll respond with "RIGHT NOW!!!".
The RBM: You are the founder of TheBlackPoetryCafe.com, tell those who may not know
about it yet, what the BPC is all about and it's goals.
Mark G: The Black Poetry Café was designed to be an expressive outlet where even non-poets
could come and express themselves on whatever subjects they so desired. I was never interested in
just creating a poetry site. I was always interested in it being an edutaining type of place where we
had fun and entertainment mixed with an Afrocentric form of education. So I emphasize black
history, past and present, and i like to see the discussions take-off and read the variety of different
views on different subjects. Dialogue is healthy and we need to discuss the things that affect us as a
people and formulate plans to act on our needs. That goal has not, and will not change, because if
we don't teach each other and learn from each other, then we'll never know what we need to know
to advance the struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. The oppressor never provides the
oppressed with the tools necessary to overcome their oppression.
The RBM: What was the motivation behind it? Have the goals of the BPC changed since it
began?
Mark G: The motivation behind the BPC is to reach out and affect as many people as possible and
afford them a free forum of expression. Hopefully it will lead to various projects and plans of action
in the social, political, and economic realm. We've signed petitions at the site on behalf of death row
inmates like Tookie Williams, we've registered members to vote on-line. We've protested against
various things on-line and we've created an "Africa" section designed to allow us to donate to an
organization called, 'TRANS-AFRICA."
The RBM: What separates the BPC from other writing websites?
Mark G: I think what separates the BPC from some sites is our degree of activity, our freedoms in
terms of having fewer rules, and the fact that we're a free non-profit site that also has a monthly $25
cash poetry contest which I usually pay from my own pocket. Furthermore, we have the members
nominate poets for awards in a wide variety of categories and the members also vote on the winners
at year's end. We award trophies at the annual BPC POETRYFEST/REUNION each summer during
our spoken word show. This past august it was held in Atlanta, Georgia and this may it'll be in
Myrtle Beach, SC so we try our best to bring the poets together in foster a camaraderie and allow
the poets the opportunity to personally meet those they communicate with on a daily with on the site.
The RBM: I know for me, Mecca isn't about the number of Community Members or the
number of posts we have, but about the relationships built. Is the satisfaction you receive
when you sit back and see how the BPC has grown along the same lines? What else defines
the "success" of the BPC for you?
Mark G: BPC is both members and relationships oriented. All moderators are told to warmly
welcome any and all newcomers and to encourage the poets and their pieces no matter what stage
of development they may be in as a writer. So, with me recognizing the great pain in the black
community, I wanted to create a place where many, many people could come and release their
poetic energies and find some solace in a community of like members. So the more people we
touch, the merrier as long as they are being affected in a positive way.
The RBM: In five words, describe your writing style to the readers?
Mark G: In 5 words my writing is: revolutionary rhyming combining rap and poetry
The RBM: What separates your writing from others?
Mark G: I think my willingness to tackle the more controversial subjects and to take a bold stance
on those subjects such as homosexuality, racism, terrorism, and the doctrine of white supremacy.
Many writers wanna sugar-coat their works on these subjects or avoid them altogether, but I don't
mind putting my true feelings on paper and I try to always speak from an informed perspective. If I
don't know the answer to a thing, I will tell you that instead of tryin' to BS you.
The RBM: Finally, to the visitors and other Community Members reading this interview,
what would you like to say to them?
Mark G: Lastly, I would like to say thank you to the Mecca Lounge community and all those I've
been privileged to meet or work with. I enjoy reading your works although I don't get here as much
as I'd like to. I think this site has the best overall atmosphere I've seen of any site I've been to
(including my own) and I think that is a testament to the quality of writers and people here at the
Mecca Lounge. Please don't let anyone tear this Community apart. Always beware of those who
have ulterior motives and those who are envious of the what you've built here. Wherever a beautiful
spirit is, Satan is also. So always be on guard, and always, always, always, leave your heart on the
page in all of your writings. That way you'll never have any regrets about a piece you've written
because you laid out how you felt about something at a particular time. Thanx so much RBM for the
depth of the questions you asked and thanx to all those who took the time to read these words.
wishin' you all the best of success and happiness.
You can join Mark and the other writers of the BPC at TheBlackPoetryCafe.com
Mark G: First off, thank you very much for the privilege of being interviewed on such a beautiful
site with so many gifted and talented poets. I've been writing poetry since the early 90's. There were
two events that really started my pen moving. One was the Rodney king rebellion, and the other was
hearing min. Louis Farrakhan speak for the first time. Both events had a tremendous impact on me
and started my pen moving in a revolutionary direction.
The RBM: What does writing do for you?
Mark G: For me writing allows me to express myself since I don't have a tangible platform to do it
in. I have a lot to say as I'm very opinionated and writing frees up some of the pent-up anger and
frustration caused by the hell of just being a black man in white Amerikkka.
The RBM: Who are some of your favorite authors? Why?
Mark G: My favorite authors are: Anthony T. Browder, Dr. Na'im Akbar, Dr. Frances Cress
Welsing, Dr. Asa Hilliard, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, J.A. Rogers, Dr. Josef Ben-Jochannon, Dr.
Cheikh Anta Diop, and those like these I just mentioned because they teach knowledge of self and
provide a true historical picture of world history and the black man's significant contributions to it.
They also provide powerful information on the psychological effects these world events have had on
us as a people. For any brother reading this, I would recommend a book by Dr. Na'im Akbar called
"Visions For Black Men", and for anybody reading I would also recommend another book by Dr.
Akbar called, "Chains And Images Of Psychological Slavery." both are must-read books. And they're
easy to read as well.
The RBM: Growing up, who inspired you as a person? Who does now? How?
Mark G: Growing up my inspiration came from sports figures. I was a sports fanatic because my
father was one. So my dad was probably my biggest inspiration but my heroes were O.J. Simpson,
Muhammad Ali, Hank Aaron, and Pete Rose. Today my primary inspiration is the Honorable Minister
Louis Farrakhan because I love the way he teaches from both the Bible and the Qu'ran and how he
makes both books relevant to things going on in the present day. His boldness and defiance has had
a profound effect on me and has literally freed me from the fear of speaking out with truth in the
midst of those in so-called power. So I've lost a job or two due to my lack of fear in speaking out,
but I've had a job or two pay settlements as well due to their insatiable desire to get rid of me as
well. So all in all I've benefited from those teachings.
The RBM: Are you married? Any children? If yes, can you tell those reading this interview a
bit about how they influence you?
Mark G: I'm happily married for a little over 3 years now and have 4 children (1 I married into) I
have 3 boys and a daddy's girl. My job outside of providing for their physical needs is to feed them
emotionally and spiritually as well. My children and I worked together to create a black history
scrapbook that contains pictures and brief information on black historical figures in America, Africa,
and the Caribbean. So even though my daughter is the oldest at 11 years old, most of them can tell
identify the pictures with the names and vice-versa. If you ask them, "what are black people fighting
for?", they'll respond with 'freedom, justice, and equality.' and if you ask, "and when do we want
it?", they'll respond with "RIGHT NOW!!!".
The RBM: You are the founder of TheBlackPoetryCafe.com, tell those who may not know
about it yet, what the BPC is all about and it's goals.
Mark G: The Black Poetry Café was designed to be an expressive outlet where even non-poets
could come and express themselves on whatever subjects they so desired. I was never interested in
just creating a poetry site. I was always interested in it being an edutaining type of place where we
had fun and entertainment mixed with an Afrocentric form of education. So I emphasize black
history, past and present, and i like to see the discussions take-off and read the variety of different
views on different subjects. Dialogue is healthy and we need to discuss the things that affect us as a
people and formulate plans to act on our needs. That goal has not, and will not change, because if
we don't teach each other and learn from each other, then we'll never know what we need to know
to advance the struggle for freedom, justice, and equality. The oppressor never provides the
oppressed with the tools necessary to overcome their oppression.
The RBM: What was the motivation behind it? Have the goals of the BPC changed since it
began?
Mark G: The motivation behind the BPC is to reach out and affect as many people as possible and
afford them a free forum of expression. Hopefully it will lead to various projects and plans of action
in the social, political, and economic realm. We've signed petitions at the site on behalf of death row
inmates like Tookie Williams, we've registered members to vote on-line. We've protested against
various things on-line and we've created an "Africa" section designed to allow us to donate to an
organization called, 'TRANS-AFRICA."
The RBM: What separates the BPC from other writing websites?
Mark G: I think what separates the BPC from some sites is our degree of activity, our freedoms in
terms of having fewer rules, and the fact that we're a free non-profit site that also has a monthly $25
cash poetry contest which I usually pay from my own pocket. Furthermore, we have the members
nominate poets for awards in a wide variety of categories and the members also vote on the winners
at year's end. We award trophies at the annual BPC POETRYFEST/REUNION each summer during
our spoken word show. This past august it was held in Atlanta, Georgia and this may it'll be in
Myrtle Beach, SC so we try our best to bring the poets together in foster a camaraderie and allow
the poets the opportunity to personally meet those they communicate with on a daily with on the site.
The RBM: I know for me, Mecca isn't about the number of Community Members or the
number of posts we have, but about the relationships built. Is the satisfaction you receive
when you sit back and see how the BPC has grown along the same lines? What else defines
the "success" of the BPC for you?
Mark G: BPC is both members and relationships oriented. All moderators are told to warmly
welcome any and all newcomers and to encourage the poets and their pieces no matter what stage
of development they may be in as a writer. So, with me recognizing the great pain in the black
community, I wanted to create a place where many, many people could come and release their
poetic energies and find some solace in a community of like members. So the more people we
touch, the merrier as long as they are being affected in a positive way.
The RBM: In five words, describe your writing style to the readers?
Mark G: In 5 words my writing is: revolutionary rhyming combining rap and poetry
The RBM: What separates your writing from others?
Mark G: I think my willingness to tackle the more controversial subjects and to take a bold stance
on those subjects such as homosexuality, racism, terrorism, and the doctrine of white supremacy.
Many writers wanna sugar-coat their works on these subjects or avoid them altogether, but I don't
mind putting my true feelings on paper and I try to always speak from an informed perspective. If I
don't know the answer to a thing, I will tell you that instead of tryin' to BS you.
The RBM: Finally, to the visitors and other Community Members reading this interview,
what would you like to say to them?
Mark G: Lastly, I would like to say thank you to the Mecca Lounge community and all those I've
been privileged to meet or work with. I enjoy reading your works although I don't get here as much
as I'd like to. I think this site has the best overall atmosphere I've seen of any site I've been to
(including my own) and I think that is a testament to the quality of writers and people here at the
Mecca Lounge. Please don't let anyone tear this Community apart. Always beware of those who
have ulterior motives and those who are envious of the what you've built here. Wherever a beautiful
spirit is, Satan is also. So always be on guard, and always, always, always, leave your heart on the
page in all of your writings. That way you'll never have any regrets about a piece you've written
because you laid out how you felt about something at a particular time. Thanx so much RBM for the
depth of the questions you asked and thanx to all those who took the time to read these words.
wishin' you all the best of success and happiness.
You can join Mark and the other writers of the BPC at TheBlackPoetryCafe.com
"Get To Know" Other
Community Members
Murfftown
Lyrical Diva
Yetmon
Sleepless Beauty
SincereKnowledge
MPLS Writer
Synapticalist
Sparky
Rhyme Cypha
Shala
Reeses
IroquoisEclipse
Toledo Sweetness
Married2God
MelodiChoas
Bahiya
MarkG
Jaxx1108
KC3Angel
Undefeated
Resonance
The RBM
Cold August
Community Members
Murfftown
Lyrical Diva
Yetmon
Sleepless Beauty
SincereKnowledge
MPLS Writer
Synapticalist
Sparky
Rhyme Cypha
Shala
Reeses
IroquoisEclipse
Toledo Sweetness
Married2God
MelodiChoas
Bahiya
MarkG
Jaxx1108
KC3Angel
Undefeated
Resonance
The RBM
Cold August
THEMECCALOUNGE.COM
The Community FOR Writers BY Writers
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
