Open Letter

Hi, I'm Shawn Alleyne, founder of The Xion Comic Book Network Group (you can just call it Xion, we all do), and I want to welcome you to the new face of this organization. Xion 3.0 as it were.

I started this group waayyy back in November of 2008 because I've always been a lover of comic books. I'm an artist who loves meeting new people..and oh..I almost forgot, I also black! Why is that important? It isn't...but I once had a very ignorant person declare to me that The Xion Network was for black people. This very ignorant person had never even been to a meeting, plus, was talking to me for the very first time mind you, but yet felt they had some inside knowledge on the designs of Xion.

Well, I want to take this time to exorcise that statement from my brain and say to the world that Xion is here for EVERYONE! Xion is a non-denominational, non-judgemental, non-descriminatory community. The only criteria to being a part of Xion is that you must like comics, must want to create comics, and/or must be breathing. 

Yet, a lot of people ask me about the name "Xion". I tell them the name of the group and they immediately try to stare at anything BUT me, suddenly making nervous sounds. I'm sure it has to do with the popularity of the name within Rastafarian culture, and I can only assume from the beads of sweat that begin to form on their brows that Rastas must be evil. But the word "Zion" in that context symbolizes a utopian place of unity, peace and freedom. That sounds pretty plesant to me.
Now,I don't know their exact reasons for those awkward moments, nor do I care. I choose the name because of the many interpretations  it can present: A place of strength as referenced in some religious tomes; the spiritual point from which reality emerges as described in some cultures; the sci-fi element with connections to The Matrix and the cyberpunk novel Nueromancer; the "X" at the beginning representing the unknown, or X-Factor, both a mathmatical equation and comic book reference simultaneously.  And yes, a  utopian place of unity, peace and freedom. So you can take you pick of whatever reason you want, it will not change what The Xion Network stands for.
For those of you can look beyond a name and want to read more about who we are and what we do, simply glance to the left of this post with the aptly named columns, where you'll find more than enough information.

Then, to become an active part of what we are doing here at Xion, simply send a message to our email: thexionnetwork@gmail.com , where you can request to be added to the mailing list.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook for daily updates:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/TheXionNetwork
For those of you who have been following us on and are members of Meetup.com, that site will be closed as of January 1st. That means THIS is the spot to find out about the monthly meetings. I repeat: NO MORE MEETUP SITE!!!

And make sure you come out to our first meeting of the New Year, which will serve as the launchpad for the new direction of Xion, as well as an open network mixer, next Saturday, January 7th, from 1-3pm, at Triumph Brewery, located @ 117 Chestnut St.

Thanks to all the members of Xion who have contributed to the growth of this idea over the years, and welcome to all future members.

HAPPY NEW YEARS TO ALL!

Cheers,
Shawn Alleyne
Xion Founder and President