Roland Laird '82 co-authored Still I Rise: A Graphic History of African Americans, a critically acclaimed work with an impressive scope: the entire history of Black America, told in an accessible 216 page graphic-novel form. Originally published in 1997, it was recently updated and now extends from the arrival of the first Africans in 1619 right through to Senator Barack Obama’s groundbreaking presidential campaign. Compared by many to Art Spiegelman’s Maus, Still I Rise is a breathtaking achievement that celebrates the collective African-American memory, imagination, and spirit and the book has been embraced by colleges and schools throughout the country.
View details of his book signing at Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem on Tuesday, March 17th: http://www.inmanpagenyc.org/events/upcoming
In addition to his role as CEO at Posro Media, the country's leading convergent entertainment company specializing in African American culture, Roland is the co-founder and managing director of My Image Studios (MIST), a ten million dollar entertainment venue based in Harlem and scheduled to open in late 2009. This multifaceted 20,000 square foot venue will feature the art and culture of the African, Latino Diaspora and include 3 screening rooms, a restaurant, cafe and post-production facility. MIST is located in the Kalahari Condominiums, a 250 unit mixed income LEED certified "green" building.
A graduate of Brown University, Roland co-founded the NY Chapter of Brown University's Inman Page Black Alumni Council and its affiliate the Ethel Tremaine Robinson Foundation. He is also the former president of the board of the I Am Trenton (NJ) Community Foundation. An active advocate for his community, Roland has played many roles working on the behalf of the people of Trenton, Harlem, and other underserved neighborhoods.