Rodney “Randy” Rhodes wears many hats. He is a poet, a filmmaker, motivational speaker, novelist and the founder/CEO of a community organization, Blackified, LLC. In spite of the different skill sets involved in mastering each of these different crafts, Rhodes says his work is unified by a desire to give back to the community.
He published his first book of poetry, “Black Man’s Society,” in 1989, which led to an opportunity for him to share the stage with Dr. Maulana Karenga, founder of Kwanzaa, in 1991. The characters — their beauty, their struggles — inspired by Rhodes’ experiences in Highland Park, continue to permeate his work and have inspired his first feature film, “The Souls of Black Men.”
On May 31, Rhodes will take his work off the page and screen, and bring it to the street. Blackified, LLC’s Live Community showcase will feature R&B and Jazz artists, poets and singers, such as Cornell Franklin, Lyrik and Larry Stewart and the Music Makers Band.
The family-friendly event is free and open to all communities. Organizers ask that attendees bring one or more cans of food to donate to local homeless shelters. The outdoor event held at 63 North Ave., Highland Park, from 5-9 p.m.
To reserve a table in order to sell your community driven products during the event, contact Rhodes at 313.758.8228 or via email at blackifiedllc@yahoo.com. Learn more at www.rodneyrrhodes.com.