Press Release

NYC-BASED KIDS COMIC CON ROADSHOW INVITED TO SENEGAL, AFRICA FINANCIAL SUPER-HEROES NEEDED TO RAISE MONEY TO GET KCC TO AFRICA

For almost five years now, Alex Simmons and his Kids Comics Con have brought kid-friendly comics and their creators together with New York City kids who otherwise might never see them. Doing so has encouraged a love of reading, improved literacy, and, most importantly, given kids license to imagine, to think, and to create. After being invited to spread the positive wonder of KCC to the north and south of the US, Simmons has been invited to bring KCC to the children of Senegal, Africa, as a sort of Ambassador of Creativity, and he and the Kids Comic Con need help to get there.

Simmons, a writer, creator, and traveling teaching artist who has dedicated his life to bringing a positive message to readers in general, and young readers in particular, has long worked to improve literacy and free kids’ minds to create, think, and believe, especially in themselves. One of the most notable ways he’s achieved these goals is by creating the Kids Comic Con, an annual event at Bronx Community College where comic industry professionals give their time, talents, and products to local kids to increase literacy, expose them to age-appropriate comics, foster a love of reading, explore possible career goals, and launch their imaginative minds in dynamic new directions.

After four years of growing success of the KCC, Simmons was asked in 2009 to take his show on the road, and that’s what he did, bringing the KCC Road Show to the snowy hills of Buffalo, New York, and blazing beaches of Miami, Florida. Both events were great successes. Additionally, Simmons created the Color of Comics, an exhibition of the characters, talent, and influences of people of color in comics, and the comics industry. This too has garnered him kudos in the industry and general public.

Simmons, typically humble, points to the artists, writers, and publishers who volunteer their time to draw for kids, teach workshops, sit on panels, and generally give kids the time they need to know they are important, as the real success stories. “I may facilitate, but the creative people who sit and draw for our kids, meet with them, offer their knowledge to benefit our kids, and make our kids the primary focus of KCC and CoC days, they are the lifeblood of what we do,” he said.

This has only made him more loved in the profession.
But Simmons isn’t one to rest. “Recently we’ve been offered the opportunity to be part of a really fantastic experience. We’ve been asked to bring the Color of Comics exhibition (www.ColorOfComics.wordpress.com) and our KCC ROAD SHOW to the Senegalese American Bilingual School in Senegal, Africa on December 3rd, 2010,” he said.

Simmons wants to deliver to Africa what he’s done for American kids. “Over 700 students, their families, and other members of that community would have a chance to see the artwork of, as well as meet, professional writers and artists from the US, Europe, and Africa. Many of the students would create, write and illustrate their own comic art reflecting their views of their world,” he said.

“Our exhibition, workshops and panels would take place at the same time as the FESMAN, a major international arts festival in that region – introducing even more people to the experience, and allowing the artists as well as the children to shine for an even larger audience,” Simmons explained. “This would be a phenomenal meeting of the minds, both artistically and educationally, on a remarkably global level.”

As with almost all things in these days, Simmons has been forced to confront the Dr. Doom of today’s economy: finding the financing needed to make this worthwhile, positive experience happen. To accomplish this, Simmons has setup an online fundraiser on a web site called Kickstarter.com. Simmons reports this project will be funded, but only if he and his team can raise at least $19,616 by 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16.

“Like one of those old Batman death traps, the clock is ticking, and the rope holding the deadly blade above this project’s head is starting to fray,” Simmons said.

So the Kids Comic Con is calling all financial super-heroes to assemble, ride to the rescue, swing in at the nick of time, and save the day by helping to fund a worthwhile international exchange of ideas.

Simmons promises contributors won’t walk away with only a “who was that check-booked hero” as a thank you. Backers at any level will receive various gifts, from comics and event T-Shirts, to original signed comic art, to full blown creating comic workshops in their communities. And the amount of pledges start and $1 and go as high as you want (see fundraiser web site for full details).
           

Simmons is hoping some Hometown Heroes from The Bronx will lead the charge. “The Bronx is where KCC began, where it grew, and where it flourishes,” he said. “It just seems right that this is the place where we can start generating enthusiasm and support to export one of The Bronx’s own creations out to the world.”
           

To make a pledge go to the KCC web site at: www.KidsComicCon.com, and click on the Kickstarter link on their home page.  Or go to www.Kickstarter.com and type “Kids color” in the SEARCH PROJECTS box.  You can also find links on the KCC Facebook Page.  And for additional information please contact Alex Simmons at:  Alex@KidsComicCon.com.

KCC and COC is thrilled to announce that CANSON PAPER PRODUCT has just come onboard to help support this project!  More on that in future updates.

For more information contact: Alex Simmons at Darkjack@aol.com
Keep an eye on this spot for future news regarding the upcoming schedule.