I was honored and glad to be asked to participate in last year's festival, and I'm looking forward to what will make up the next installment of the festival.

But before then, New Yorkers are encouraged to attend a workshop series of upcoming events in support of the next festival; and likely of most interest to S&A readers will be the Creators & Curators part of the workshop series, with Armond White. 

As Rob Fields, the founder of the New Black Imagination Festival says, the November 10 with Armond White, is designed for both those actively working in film criticism, and those who consider themselves cineastes and want to be able to discuss film more critically.

The workshop will take place on Saturday, November 10, from 10 AM to 1 PM, at University Settlement, Houston Street Center, 273 Bowery (corner of Houston), in NYC.

Here's how the workshop is described:

Whether you want to respond critically to film on your own platform or through traditional outlets, or you’re a cineaste who just wants to discuss film critically, this workshop is not to be missed. Join one of the country’s leading film critics who will teach you how he views and contextualizes film. Take this seminar and learn: How film speaks to our shared humanity; What it means to understanding film in the context of both contemporary culture and film history; How to critique films beyond the thumbs up/thumbs down approach; And how to increase your fluency in the language of visual media.

The 3-hour workshop, which I think I'll attend myself, will cost you $49; you can purchase your tickets HERE. It might sound like plenty, but consider what you're getting in return (3 hours up-close and personal with one of the most read, polarizing, and respected film critics today, in Armond White, who also happens to be black), as well as the fact that you'll be supporting the advancement of a exciting, fresh new black thought festival.

Visit the New Black Imagination Festival website, HERE, for more info about the initiative, and, again, you can purchase your tickets HERE.