NIA press releases. NIA press releases. NEW(S) FROM CORSTONE
A New Kind of Comic Book. A New Kind of Character. NIA.
Although the series is basically humorous, NIA will be dealing with a variety of "hot-button" issues that affect teens. The stories speak from their point of view, and never preach. Basically, NIA and all her friends reflect the desires of today's teen-agers living in a complex world: they want respect, to be accepted, and most of all, to be loved.
The goal here is to create a product that specifically speaks to teenagers, to give them real-life characters that mirror their experiences, and to show they are not so "weird" after all," states creator Len Gillams. "As a youth minister at my local church, I have worked with teenagers for over 15 years. My desire is to give a voice to those who don't have one. I never believed in the adage, 'Children should be seen, and not heard'".
NIA" makes her TV debut!
MOUNT VERNON After the triumphant debut of her pilot issue, "NIA" (KNEE uh) made her first time appearance on television. Ms. Marlene Furtick, host of the Mount Vernon cable access show "Eye on Mount Vernon Youth", invited "NIA" creator Leonard Gillams for an interview upon seeing the premiere issue at a Kwanzaa festival. Ironically, the taping of the program took place at Mt. Vernon High School, a setting where Mr. Gillams and his creation fit in perfectly. The interview began with a discussion of the authoršs background, where he spoke of his experience as a Christian educator and youth leader in his local church and Assembly. Ms. Furtick used this to segue into a discussion of "NIA", where he described her as a city teen that is "intelligent, aggressive and active in sports". He also spoke of her desire to understand God better, which drives many of the stories.
During the interview, Mr. Gillams stressed how this comic book gives positive images of not only teens, but of fathers as well. "Fathers have been portrayed as buffoons" stated Mr. Gillams;" I wanted to help break this stereotype by showing a father who is intelligent, and truly a loving role model for his family". "NIAšs" relationship with her mother was also discussed. "As you read the stories, youšll find the two donšt always get along," stated Mr. Gillams. "But that is real life," stated Ms. Furtick. She added; "and itšs important that the two are communicating." The author related that the characters of both parents would be explored in future stories.
The half-hour interview closed with a message of hope to the youth."If you have a dream, go for it, work as hard as you can, and push until it gives", said Mr. Gillams. He announced that "NIA" would be appearing next at the Big Apple Comic Book Convention, January 20, in New York City. Ms. Furtick praised Mr. Gillams for his vision, and for" NIA", saying, "this is just what we need".
"NIA rounding up fans at the Jamaica Heritage Rodeo."
You wouldn't expect to see an urban teenage comic book appearing at a cowboy rodeo, but NIA certainly found herself in green pastures. At the Jamaica Heritage Rodeo, which celebrates the contributions African Americans made to the western rodeo culture, NIA was among the vendors at this family oriented event. Creator Len Gillams greeted a variety of visitors at the booth, particularly parents, who are concerned about the image of urban teens. They all responded enthusiastically to NIA, as the issues of the book sold out. In addition, NIA's booth was ironically situated next to the Mint Green Ribbon Campaign, which promotes child abuse awareness.
As both concerns had mutual concerns with today's youth, Mr. Gillams struck an immediate rapport with Mint Green's Coordinator, Ms. Jean Kraus. The two may pair at a future venture. Mr. Gillams states he is looking forward to returning to the next Jamaica Heritage event coming this fall. NIA's booth stood out, with a full color poster, and a table that was decorated with a collage of pages from the first issue, and full color character profiles.
In other news, NIA will be appearing at the General Assembly Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ in Maryland on May 26. Mr. Gillams will also be appearing at the Mt. Vernon After School Program, where he will be speaking on how NIA was created, and to answer questions from the children.
Nia" stays after school
As mentioned in our previous release, Creator Len Gillams had the pleasure of appearing at an after school program at the Public Library in Mt. Vernon, N.Y. There, Mr. Gillams entertained group of 15 children, whom had a variety of questions concerning Nia. Many were curious on how NIA originated, where I get my ideas, requesting advice on writing (one 8-year old girl just completed her first short story!), and suggestions on what to include in the next issue. Much to the author's surprise, the children, with cooperation from the center's counselors, read and conducted a survey on NIA. On a scale from 1 to 6 (6 being the best), the children rated the book. Out of 27 surveys, NIA received 25 excellent ratings!
The discussion was informal, as Mr. Gillams sat in a circle with the participants, and the NIA poster hanging on an adjacent wall. In addition, Mr. Gillams was accompanied by one of his former students, Nicole Greene, one of the many children NIA was derived from. The session lasted 2 hours, ending at 6:00 P.M. The director was grateful Mr. Gillams and Ms. Greene came, and the children expressed and interest in him returning over the summer. Most of all, Mr. Gillams was touched by the openness and honesty of the children, and how he was welcomed by them.
It is important to observe that NIA, in the comic book format, also inspires the children to read. More in the educational field are responding to NIA as a possible reading tool in the class. Mr. Gillams will definitely bear this in mind as future issues are developed.
NIA appears at Nyack College
As this turbulent year comes to a close, Nia creator Len Gillams made his final appearance of the year at the Nyack College Forum, located at the Bernard Christian Center in Brooklyn, New York. Mr. Gillams made an impression on the many pastors and teachers who attended the conference and parents eagerly flocked over to the table, as they were enthusiastic about the overall vision of Nia. In addition, a theatrical presentation involving the children took place at the conclusion of the event. It was indeed uplifting.
Up next for Nia will be the premiere of the long awaited second issue. It will contain two stories, one co-written by one of Mr. Gillams' former students; a short illustrated story, order form, and a question and answer session. As we look to the new year, Nia will be appearing at junior high school assemblies throughout the city, and creator Len Gillams will be there to speak to the children on achieving their dreams and goals. Nia also looks to expand its distribution nationally, and work will shortly begin on the third issue, in which new characters will be inserted into the Nia universe.
Mr. Gillams wishes to thank the vendors, teachers, parents, and school administrators who've patronized and supported Nia during her first year. It is hoped that Nia will be reaching to an even wider audience in the very near future.
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