User:JoslynHousley/DraftNeoRen

The Neo Renaissance Movement (aka “Tha Movement”) began in 2007 as a collection of like-minded artists (particularly those in the music industry) with an emphasis on excellence in craft and spirituality. Conceived and founded by Steve Wallace, the movement began in a conference area in the Brooklyn Music School near downtown Brooklyn with twenty-some attendees.

The group holds quarterly meetings in various locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn to discuss matters pertinent to independent artists, offer support and exchange ideas. The meetings also present special guest artists speakers. Featured artists have been Grammy Award winning producer/songwriter Gordon Chambers (Whitney Houston, Anita Baker), trumpeter and multimedia performer Olu Dara, jazz pianist Onaje Allen Gumbs and Sony executive Ron Grant.

In 2008, the Neo Renaissance Movement applied for 501c3 tax exempt status in order to expand it’s ability to offer services to emerging artists living in the New York area.

Mission Statement
The Neo-Renaissance Movement is a collection of like-minded artists with an emphasis on excellence in artistry to the glory of the Most-High God, Creator of the universe.

We feel that by working at our fullest potential we reflect the glory of God, so I invite experts and industry veterans to our meetings to further encourage us to be our personal best and to give our utmost. In turn I believe that this will have a rippling effect on our lives, our communities, and the entertainment industry, leading more fulfilling lives, destroying jealousy and envy and teaching and having the faith that God will finish his work in us and through us. --Steve Wallace

History
Inspired by the famous 1958 Art Kane photograph “A Great Day in Harlem”, Steve Wallace envisioned a chance to bring together all his artists friends “who may not have known each other but were of the same spirit and mind.” He believed that introducing these people to one another would foster a spirit of community that has been lost since the time of Kane’s photograph. He dubbed this movement The Neo Renaissance and has worked to facilitate positive change “in our lives, in this industry, in this world.”

The First Meeting
Originally called the Take the Music Back Meeting, the first Neo Renaissance gathering took place in the basement of the Brooklyn Music School in January 2007 and was documented in video and photos. Steve Wallace spoke at length about the purpose of the Movement and maintaining a healthy mind and heart while working in an often dispiriting profession.

The Second Meeting
The second quarterly meeting was also held at the Brooklyn Music School and featured Gordon Chambers as the guest speaker.

The Third Meeting
Meeting number three was a jam session which was held at Tribal Spears in Harlem with appearances by core members of Tha Movement and the following: keyboardist Ray Angry, bassist Nate Jones, singer/songwriter Chandler, and MC Isa Star.

The Fourth Meeting
The fourth meeting was held April 2007 at the Langston Hughes House in Harlem. Trumpeter/Actor/Bon Vivant Olu Dara was the headlining artists.

The Fifth and Sixth Meetings
The fifth and sixth meetings were held again at the Brooklyn Music School and featured Sony music executive Ron Grant and musician Onaje Allen Gumbs respectively.

The Seventh Meeting
The seventh quarterly meeting took place at The Learning Center of Rosa Parks Condominiums August 2008 in Harlem and featured Kevin Harewood, music manager and author of the indie music guide Make Your Move.

Core Members
Steve Wallace, Royal, Mahasin, Lindsey Orr, Rahc-El, Sofia Loren Coffee, Dominique Elise, Farrah Burns, Ricky Derose, Chandlar, Chis Rob, Chester Gregory, Letha, Lenora Jaye, Josey Flyte, J.Keys, Kofi Barnes, Rudolph Vernaz-Colas, Charmaine Dacosta, Mistik, Keinan Spann, Liz Roche, LZ Beats aka Laban Reeves.

Others associated with the Movement
Jeremiah, Gail Ward, Wilma Ann, Nate Jones, Ray Angry, J Ivey, Tarrey Torae, ASA, Darien.

Neo Renaissance in the News
Steve Wallace and his Neo Renaissance Movement will be featured on the BETJ program Chronicles from the Underground the fall of 2008.

Extras
Two Neo Renaissance blogs have been launched featuring news and photos about the meetings and members. The original Neo Renaissance magazine, Lush Life: A Neo Renaissance Rag was retired in 2007. A second blog, A Great Day – A Neo Renaissance Journal was created in summer of 2008.

Poetry
Musician Warriors by Neo Renaissance Member Rahc-El

References and External Links
[www.stevewallacemusic.com]

[www.neorenaissancejournal.wordpress.com] [www.theneorenaissance.wordpress.com]

--JoslynHousley (talk) 20:08, 6 August 2008 (UTC)