Events, Opportunities, and Resources
Gladys Books & WIne - Grand Opening Announcement!
Gladys Books & Wine celebrated its grand opening on September 6th, 2025. This Black owned, Queer book store/wine bar is already a hot spot in Brooklyn, having served hundreds of members of the community on its first official day of business! Come enjoy great vibes, books, coffee, community driven events, and a wide array of exceptional wines. Follow Gladys Books & Wine on Instagram @gladysbooksbk and keep an eye out for postings that will bring culturally relevant programming, authors, and creatives to the space.
For more information, reach out to Gladys Books & WInes at, hello@gladysbooksandwine.com
Gladys Books & Wine
306 Malcolm X Boulevard
Brooklyn, NY 11223
The Free Black Women’s Library is a social art project that features a collection of over five thousand books written by Black women and Black non-binary writers, a free store, a period pantry, a virtual Reading Club, a weekly book swap, and a wide array of workshops and free public programs.
The Free Black Women’s Library, is located at
226 Marcus Garvey Boulevard
Brooklyn, NYC
Spotlight:
Mira Gandy
Mira Gandy, a distinguished visual artist, explores the intricate interplay of women, beauty, self-identity, and their convergence in media and culture through her captivating mixed media paintings, collages, photographs, and short films. Raised in the vibrant heart of New York City's Greenwich Village, Mira's artistic journey took her to the American University in Paris, France, and culminated in a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Southern California Roski School of Art and Design. Beyond her artistic creations, Mira has contributed significantly to the art discourse, authoring over 20 articles for the New York Beacon Newspaper spotlighting contemporary artists of color. In 2020, she ventured into filmmaking with "The First Time," a stop-motion animation film set in 1980s NYC, inspired by her youth, which garnered recognition at IndieFest Film Awards, Damn These Heels Queer Film Festival, and the Quest: International LGBTQ Film Festival. Mira's artistic endeavors extend to fostering accessibility and inclusivity in the arts. Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 Pandemic in May 2020, she established "The Gandy Art House," a non-profit providing free and low-cost visual, performance, and healing arts programs for Queer youth, families, and young artists of color. Notably, she collaborated with the Debbie Allen Dance Academy to offer the "Free to Be" program for Queer Youth. Her dedication to art as a therapeutic outlet has been spotlighted on WABC-TV’s “Here Now,” NY1, Sirius XM Radio, and Fox 5 TV, Good Day - Street Talk. A member of The LA Collective, Mira's art finds a home at the UCLA Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies and the University of Southern California Office of Black Alumni Association.Mira Gandy, an out and proud lesbian, draws inspiration from her legendary Tony award-winning Broadway producer mother, Irene Gandy. “As a young woman embracing my identity as a lesbian, aspiring to be a visual artist, and finding solace in practicing SGI Nichiren Buddhism, having the unwavering support of my mother was pivotal. Her embrace of my authentic self empowered me. We must support the journey of our young people, empowering them to flourish in their truth and authenticity."
"Joyous Land" by Mira Gandy
24x24 oil and collage on canvas
Astrology
for the Divine feminine
Virgo
Virgo woman, now more than ever you must invest your focus and energy into what you want to grow in your life. There are many things trying to distract you from moving forward because your progress spells disaster to energies that plot against you. Do not feed into the negativity as it will drain precious energy required to make much needed changes. Anything or anyone who refuses to honor your walk can take a walk! Let them go and reclaim your power.
Feature Story:
J. Moses Harper
In addition to being a 21 degree creative, specializing in art, dance, music, and literature, J. Moses Harper is the CEO of Rock Leadership Consulting, a company which provides coaching, outreach, and professional development services for a wide range of at risk youth, professionals, agencies, and community members. Originally from Harlem, Moses grew up in the South Bronx and began performing as a Michael Jackson tribute artist as a student at Bronx H.S. of Science. She later earned a BA in Music from SUNY Purchase, and has appeared on The Today Show, 106&Park, Madison Square Garden, B.B. King’s, as well as the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, where she earned the Super Top Dog champion title in 2011. She's done outreach as a motivational speaker, mentor and performer in NYC public schools, within the LGBTQ community’s faith based settings, as well as prison populations. In 2014 she released her memoir, “Call Me Moses”, and worked directly with incarcerated young adults in the NYC jail system for over 3 years during the COVID 19 pandemic. She's one of 12 artists featured at BLICK Art in Harlem during their 2021 “12 Art Beats” installation. Her artwork has been seen on Pix 11, NY1, NBC, CBS, ABC, and Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives. In 2021, Harper published her first calendar, “Celebrate Black 365”. Her second book, the first of a five book LGBT novel series entitled, "Wesley House Book 1 : Remington and Charmaine", was released in August 2022. "The Book of Love: Confessions of Love By Black Lesbians", a stage play she wrote, has been performed at The WOW Café Theater as well as in off broadway venues. Her stage play, "The Shoulders of Black Girls", is in early production stages.
Visit www.mosesharper.com
"Queen of The Knight"
by Moses Harper
30"X40" oil on canvas
""Women In Heavenly Love"
by Moses Harper
30"X40" oil on canvas
