SANKOFA

HEARD AROUND TOWN

2012-02-15T09:56:00.000-05:00

HEARD AROUND TOWN:

* Senate Democrats are beginning a concerted push today for passage of the DREAM Act, which would provide state education funding and scholarships to undocumented immigrants. The issue will be a main focus of the annual Black, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus Conference this weekend. Sen. Bill Perkins is featured in a video the Dems will roll out today that highlights the benefits of passing the DREAM Act and calls on Senate Republicans to bring it to the floor. "As a state with one of the largest immigrant populations, we should be on the forefront of progressive immigration policies and push back on the tide of national and local anti-immigrant policies," Perkins says in the video, adding, "I would hope that my colleagues on the Republican side of the aisle would join us in supporting the New York DREAM Act."

* Rep. Ed Towns has three excuses for why he didn't attend a candidates' forum held in Canarsie last week: he wasn't invited; he had a death in the family; he was at a fundraiser at a Washington Wizards basketball game. Al Wiltshire, a spokesman for the Brooklyn congressman's re-election campaign, said some combination of those three things prevented Towns from attending the Feb. 10 event, hosted by the South Canarsie Civic Association. "We never received any notification about any debate or candidates' forum," Wiltshire said. Not so, says the forum's moderator, Mark Furtig, who contends Towns was invited along with Councilman Charles Barron and Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, both of whom attended. "You'd figure, if he couldn't make it, he'd send a representative," Furtig said. "Because of the fact that he disrespected everyone there by not coming and not sending someone, I found it important to inform the audience the reason why, even though an invitation was extended."

* Who says there isn't anything fashionable about the state comptroller's office? Last week, the office approved a contract between Marc Jacobs International and the state Division of Military and Naval Services for Jacobs' annual Fashion Week shows to be held at the Lexington Avenue Armory. Jacobs pays the state $130,000 a year for use of the space, which is his venue of choice. But that preference landed Jacobs' company in hot water several years ago, when it paid $1 million as part of a settlement in a case brought by then-Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo's office showed the company bribed an armory employee for rights to the building, a coveted space for shows during fashion week.

New Trend? Detroit Residents Arm Themselves

2012-02-14T17:19:00.001-05:00

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New Trend? Detroit Residents Arm Themselves, Say Police Won't Protect Them, But Is It Wise?

Via Clutch Magazine by Britni Danielle on 2/9/12

Retired cop James Jackson, left, and Keith Hines are citizen-patrol partners in Jefferson-Chalmers, Detroit. Photo via The Daily

The days of the wild, wild west when citizens would take up arms and protect their families from bandits seems like a theme of the past, but a growing trend among Detroit residents finds that many are turning to Second Amendment solutions to counteract a lack of police assistance.

According to a new article by the online newspaper, The Daily, justifiable homicide rates in Detroit increased by 79 percent in 2011 (from 19 people killed in 2010 to 34 people in 2011) as many residents have armed themselves to make up for a lack of police protection. Unable to rely on a police force stricken by budget cuts and layoffs (there are just 3000 officers to protect a city of 700,000), self-defense killings in the city are at an all-time high and are 2,200 percent higher than the national average.

One resident, Julia Brown, likened the uptick in armed residents to the Old West.

"We got to have a little Old West up here in Detroit. That's what it's gonna take," Brown informed The Daily. The 73-year-old woman told the paper the last time she called the police, they didn't show up until the next day. After that, she applied for a permit to carry a gun, vowing not to be a victim of the troublemakers who are terrorizing her neighborhood.

"I don't intend to be one of their victims," she said. "I'm planning on taking one out."

Brown isn't the only one thinking of taking the law into her own hands.

The Daily reports:

One high-ranking official in the county legal system, speaking to The Daily, said the rise in justifiable homicides mirrors a local court system that's increasingly lenient of the practice.

"It's a lot more acceptable now to get your own retribution," the official said. "And the justice system in the city is a lot more understanding if people do that. It's becoming a part of the culture."

Detroiters are arming themselves with shotguns and handguns and buying guard dogs. Anything to take care of their own. And privately, residents say neighborhood watch groups in Detroit are widely armed.

"It's like the militiamen who stepped up way back when. That's where the neighborhood folks are," said James "Jackrabbit" Jackson, a 63-year-old retired Detroit cop who has patrolled the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood for years.

"They're ready to fight," Jackson said. "We don't hardly see police anymore."

The city's wealthier enclaves have hired private security firms. Intimidating men in armored trucks patrol streets lined with gracious old homes in a scene more likely seen in Mexico City than the United States.

While some residents have armed themselves and set up citizen patrols, others have decided it's safer to move. After being robbed a gunpoint in his upper-middle class neighborhood, Kevin Earlythe director of the criminal justice studies program at the University of Michigan's Dearborn campusdecided to move.

Detroit has had it rough over the years: unemployment, mismanaged city funds, and layoffs have continued to plague the city. Despite this, however, the residents of the D have been resilient, working hard to not only protect what they've built over the years, but working to rebuild the city they love.

What do you think about people taking the law into their own hands?

Harlem - News

2012-02-14T17:08:00.000-05:00

Harlem - News February 14, 2012

Testimonios: Works by largely self-taught artists color the galleries at El Museo (Art Daily)
Ejlat Feuer, Catano, East 110th Street, East Harlem, Manhattan, 1966, C-print, 29 x 20, inches, Collection El Museo del Barrio, NY, Anonymous gift, 2007.

Houston Remembered by Stars in NYC (NBC New York)
Harlem's 125th Street became an impromptu memorial site for Whitney Houston Monday, a destination not just for New Yorkers to mourn the death of a pop superstar but to celebrate the music that touched so many.

Touro College Honors C. Virginia Fields on National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (Harlem World)
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine honored former Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields, president & CEO of the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, Inc.

One Shot: Ice Skating Models at Moncler Grenoble Fashion Show (NBC New York)
For Moncler Grenoble's Fall 2012 fashion show, the brand recruited dozens of ice skaters from the Ice Theatre of New York to perform a series of synchronized routines at Central Park's Wollman Rink.

African-American - News

2012-02-14T11:43:00.001-05:00

African-American - News February 14, 2012

Our History Makers: Fredrick Douglass (WTLC-AM Indianapolis)
Black history, our history, American history is a complicated matter riddled with facts that make us proud and others that make us cringe.

Stokes: An American Dream (KISU-TV Pocatello)
STOKES: AN AMERICAN DREAM profiles two African-American brothers who changed the course of American politics - Louis and Carl Stokes.

Black ministers leading voter ID effort in Chattanooga (WATE-TV Knoxville)
Joe Rowe is vice president of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County NAACP. He told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that nearly two-dozen ministers from different denominations already are involved.

Afro-American Historical Society files complaint with Attorney General (Delaware Online)
Afro-American Historical Society files complaint w...: Members of the Afro-American Historical Society filed a complaint with the state Attorney General's Office accusing Mayor James M. Baker of wrongly awarding $1 million to the Delaware Historical Society to establish a black heritage center.

I Will Always Love You (Patch)
If I close my eyes, I can hear the music. I can almost feel as if I'm driving up to college in my used 1981 white-and-turquoise Buick Regal, cassette tape blaring, and me singing along at the top of my lungsa¦ "Ooooh, I wanna dance with somebodya¦" Circa late '80s, sugar-sweet pop songs and soulful, sweeping love ballads.

The Career and Impact of Whitney Houston: Still "The Greatest Love of All" (Blogcritics)
How does the world comprehend a loss of such magnitude as Whitney Houston? There's no denying that we've lost a multitude of legendary musical talents over the last decade. Somehow, though, losing Whitney Houston feels like the first huge loss of an artist whose music I grew up with.

A photo album rescued from the trash turns out to be a historical treasure (LoHud)
With some 770,000 New Yorkers out of work - at least 8 percent of our workforce - the last thing we... It is with both pride and sadness that I am about to deploy again to a combat zone, this time... Fatima Johnson, left, holds a book with her mother, Valoree Nelson, containing World War II-era snapshots of African-Americans that she found in the ... (more)

NEW THIS MORNING

2012-02-14T11:41:00.000-05:00

SAMPSON SPENDS CAMPAIGN CASH TO COVER LEGAL FEES: Tucked deep into an obscure campaign finance report for Senate Minority Leader John Sampson is a $5,000 expense for a top white shoe law firm, which is representing Sampson in the ongoing Aqueduct Entertainment Group probe: http://bit.ly/A8vY7d

NEW THIS MORNING:

*A federal judge, citing lawmakers' "current state of inaction" in redrawing New York's political map, recommended that the state's redistricting process be turned over to a court-appointed special master, the New York Times reports: http://nyti.ms/wlXXCX

* Police say they do not believe any crime was committed during a weekend brawl at a Niagara Falls casino involving Sen. Mark Grisanti, but a new controversy arose over accusations that Grisanti yelled racial epithets at a black security officer, the Buffalo News says: http://bit.ly/zJeFEi

* New York City police officers stopped and questioned 684,330 people last year, a record number since the department started producing yearly tallies of the tactic and a 14 percent increase over 2010, the Wall Street Journal writes: http://on.wsj.com/yF0Re4

* Council Speaker Christine Quinn is working on a deal to expand the number of workers who would be paid prevailing wages on city-subsidized private development projects, the New York Post reports: http://nyp.st/ABMPoC

* Though new MTA chairman Joe Lhota was known as the "rat czar" for his work on rodent problems during the Guiliani years, he still opposes a bill in Albany to ban eating food on the subway, the Times says: http://nyti.ms/xYOx2w

* A compromise bill to allow religious groups to hold worship services in city schools will have to wait until an ongoing federal lawsuit over the issue is resolved, the Daily News reports: http://nydn.us/yV8KLr

* Michael Bloomberg who at 70 years old, is the eldest New York City mayor in more than a decade has aged well during his decade at City Hall, the Journal writes: http://on.wsj.com/y83mKG

Celebrating Puerto Rican Women: Today, Tomorrow and Always!

2012-02-13T18:49:00.001-05:00

Harlem - News

2012-02-13T18:15:00.000-05:00

Harlem - News February 13, 2012

See Harlem Weather

Harry Belafonte gets fired up at St. Sabina (Chicago Sun-Times)
It was both a walk down memory lane and a call to action when singer, actor, civil rights activist and international humanitarian Harry Belafonte spoke at St.

Investigators seek answers to Houston's death (Connecticut Post)
In this Sept. 1, 2009 file photo, singer Whitney Houston, right, sings with her daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown during a performance on 'Good Morning America' in Central Park in New York.

The Apollo and NYC Remembers Whitney Houston (WBAV-FM Charlotte)
The world famous APOLLO Theater in Harlem and New Yorkers paid respect last night to Whitney Houston's passing.

Fw: Events Calendar Alert: State of Our City 2/23

2012-02-13T18:12:00.001-05:00

Thursday, February 23, 2012
Baruch College - 55 Lexington Ave.
Newman Vertical Conference Ctr, 14th Fl.

Presented by:	Hosted by:

Session 1: Infrastructure & Development
(9:00 AM – 10:15 AM)

Panel Information:

Moderator: David Birdsell, Dean of Baruch's School of Public Affairs

• Seth Pinsky, President of New York City Economic Development Corporation
• Dick Anderson, President of the New York Building Congress
• Joe Lhota, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the MTA

Session 2: City Livability
(10:30 AM – 11:45 AM )

Panel Information:

Moderator: Jonathan Bowles, Executive Director of Center for Urban Future

• Cas Halloway, New York City Deputy Mayor of Operations
• Marcia Bystryn, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters
• Ronda Wist, Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the Municipal Art Society

Session 3: Higher Education
(12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)

Panel Information:

Moderator: Andrew Hawkins, Managing Editor of City & State

• Shael Polakow-Suransky, Chief Academic Officer and Deputy Chancellor at NYC Dept. of Education
• John Mogulescu, Senior University Dean for Academic Affairs at CUNY and the Dean of the CUNY School of Professional Studies
• Additional Panelists TBA

For additional information and sponsorship opportunities, you can contact us HERE.

WHO WON? WHO LOST?

Not all of New York's winners were showered with ticker tape on Broadway this week, but not all of the losers are as sore as Tom Brady...or Gisele Bundchen.

Here's who's won and who lost last week in New York politics: bit.ly/xwOEDh

THE NOTEBOOK:

Witness: Video Will Show Grisanti "Smacking" Couple

Three Seneca Eye-Witnesses Say Grisanti Instigated Casino Brawl

Adolfo Carrion Mulling Run For "Latino" Congressional Seat

UPCOMING:
STATE OF OUR STATE FORUM

Date: April 25, 2012
Location: Albany Hotel

Details to follow in the coming weeks.

Fw: [TheBlackList] Why Tom Joyner is GLAAD

2012-02-13T18:08:00.000-05:00

Why Tom Joyner is GLAAD

February 13, 2012

Raynard Jackson

Last week I wrote a column entitled, "Roland Martin Is Not GLAAD." In that column, I discussed the unfair treatment of TV personality, Roland Martin.

I thought I was finished writing about this issue and was prepared to move on. But, after receiving tons of phone calls, voicemails, and emails about Tom Joyner's "Letter to Roland: Make It Right," I feel compelled to make another comment about the Martin affair (http://www.blackamericaweb.com/?q=blog_inner/37029/1573138/The%20Fly%20Jock).

There are so many more important things we should be discussing, but I can't let Roland be thrown under the bus alone.

In his letter to Roland, Joyner states in part, "his radio show's goal is to entertain and empower black people."

Oh, really? Joyner is the same person who wrote in his blog on July 1. 2011, "About a month ago, I wrote a blog about Tavis Smiley and decided to table it because I said some things I didn't want to publish. You're probably thinking I went too hard on him, but no. In reality, I hadn't gone hard enough - and I knew it. I said I'd wait until something pissed me off so bad that I would have the words harsh enough to express what I was really feeling about him and his side piece[emphasis added]- I mean side kick - Cornel West. Let me explain this to my non Black readers.

Remember, in my column last week I quoted linguist, S.I. Hayakaw as saying, "meanings are in people, not in words."

When Joyner called Cornel West Tavis' "side piece," it meant they were sexual partners, in other words, they were gay! GLAAD didn't utter one word when Joyner made this statement. Joyner was implying that there was something wrong with this. Where was the gay outrage at this insinuation?

Let's cut through all the clutter and get to what this debate is really all about. This has little to do with Roland Martinhe is just a convenient punching bag. This is about gays trying to force their views on society. They have not been able to do it through the law, so they just use good ole fashioned extortion and fear.

They have snookered Black ministers like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton into equating gay rights with civil rights. They have groups like the NAACP spending more time fighting for gay rights than they do for civil rights.

If this is about understanding, why do we hear so much silence? Liberal groups like the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) went so far as to issue a press release asking CNN to hire one of their members while Roland is on suspension! Yes, you heard right! Roland is a two time national board member and a life member of the group and as opposed to trying to support one of their own, they seek to replace Roland with one of their other members. According to NABJ's press release, "In lieu of his presence on CNN, until this matter is resolved, we encourage the network to continue to present a diverse offering of voices in its programming." Roland, with friends like these, you definitely don't need any enemies.

So, in the spirit of understanding, I have a few questions for Joyner and CNN.

Tom, in your letter, you said you were "head of the family." So, as head of the family, have you had a direct conversation with Roland since this issue surfaced? Why would you put out your statement on Friday, when Roland had already apologized and agreed to meet with GLAAD? What was the purpose of the letter after 5 days of silence? Did it really take you that long to think of a statement, or did GLAAD force your hand like the rest of the liberal Black community? You further state that Roland should make "a sincere apology." Can you tell me what that looks like? Who will decide if Roland is "sincere?" I am having a difficult time finding your apology to Tavis and Cornel for calling them gay. Can you post that on your site for us to read? Remember, you said in your letter to Roland, "the job of the offender is simply to apologize and learn a lesson about what to say or do going forward."

CNN, especially Mark Whitaker I have a few questions for you also. Whitaker is Executive Vice President and managing editor for CNN Worldwide (and is also the highest ranking Black in the network). In your statement you say, "language that demeans is inconsistent with the values and culture of our organization." Can you tell me exactly who Roland demeaned and how? Can you define for me what the values and culture of your organization is? Have you given Roland the courtesy of a direct conversation with you before the suspension? Now that Roland has agreed to meet with GLAAD, can you tell me what will determine when you put Roland back on the air?

Tom's letter to Roland was signed, "Tom Joyner." I wonder if he left the word uncle off on purpose, or maybe he just thought it would be redundant!

In many ways, Joyner and GLAAD are very similar. Both claim to seek understanding and promote equality among people, but, neither gave it to Roland Martin. So, in a way, Tom Joyner is GLAAD.

If you want to show your love and support for Roland, I encourage each of you to make three calls and send three emails. Tom Joyner's phone number is: 972-789-1058; Mark Whitaker's number and email are: 212-275-7800 (markwhitaker@turner.com); Jim Walton (president of CNN world wide) 404-827-1500 (jim.walton@turner.com).

Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. He is also a contributing editor for ExcellStyle Magazine (www.excellstyle.com), Freedom's Journal Magazine (www.freedomsjournal.net), and U.S. Africa Magazine (www.usafricaonline.com).

African-American - News

2012-02-13T09:49:00.001-05:00

African-American - News February 13, 2012

Plan for Athens Walmart divisive in Athens (11 Alive)
Some advocates are supporting the new project because they hope it will bring more jobs to the northeast Georgia city.

Ku Klux Klan: Extraordinary images from a divisive era capture a day... (Daily Mail)
The eerie ghost-like hordes boldly parade on the country's most illustrious avenue in a performance that feels unthinkable in today's world.

Diversity increasing in NJ, and more residents comfortable with it, poll finds (Daily Record)
The Garden State has grown racially and ethnically in the last decade, and according to the results of a Monmouth University/NJ Press Media Poll, New Jerseyans are showing an increased level of comfort with that diversity.

'Not just for black people: for everybody' (Star-Press)
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Gary Chenault, president and CEO of the United Way of Delaware County; Eddie Bell, Muncie fire chief; Yvonne Thompson, director of Muncie's Human Rights Commission; Jason Walker, Delaware County Sheriff's Department chief deputy; and Terry Whitt Bailey, director of the Community Development office.

Black, Female And An Inspirational Modern Artist (National Public Radio)
Just in the last year, 96-year-old American artist Elizabeth Catlett has had her work featured in exhibitions from Istanbul to Mexico to New York.

Black History Month essay: The history of black dance (LoHud)
To hear Dori Berinstein tell it, all she had to do was mention that she was making a film about... Marcus Charles of Suffern High School is participating in a Black History Month essay program Jan.

Stationery by ©Cloudeight. Click here for more.

NEW THIS MORNING

2012-02-13T09:46:00.001-05:00

KNAPP COUNSEL SAYS RAY KELLY KEEPS NYPD CLEAN: The best defense against systematic police corruption in New York City is strong leadership, and that's exactly what the NYPD has in Commissioner Ray Kelly, the head of the Mayor's Commission to Combat Police Corruption said: http://bit.ly/wMQNco

NEW THIS MORNING:

*Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office temporarily halted 1,755 contracts sought by various state agencies over the past year, at a time when the Cuomo administration is trying to relax some of his oversight abilities, the Buffalo News writes: http://bit.ly/yrPkIO

* Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver reportedly slipped a "poison pill" into teacher evaluation legislation that is facing a Thursday deadline, in order to derail the bill for his teachers union allies, the New York Post's Fred Dicker writes: http://nyp.st/x4KQaS

* The proposed new legislative lines would likely increase the Republican majority in the Senate and the Democratic majority in the Assembly, the New York World reports: http://bit.ly/znekSn

* The number of workers earning minimum wage in New York has increased sharply since the start of the recession, the Wall Street Journal writes: http://on.wsj.com/xe8GCa

*Public sector unions are pushing for a series of pension sweeteners even as Gov. Andrew Cuomo tries to implement a leaner new pension tier, the Post says: http://nyp.st/yey63C

* A new study finds that hospitals routinely flout rules meant to curb aggressive debt collection, the New York Times reports: http://nyti.ms/yFDJbk

* Two years after the measure failed, Senate Democrats are reintroducing gun microstampting legislation, which is strongly backed by Senate GOP ally Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the Daily News says: http://nydn.us/wK8KHE

Stationery by ©Cloudeight. Click here for more.

African-American - News

2012-02-12T09:54:00.001-05:00

African-American - News February 12, 2012

NAACP pays tribute to Black History Month with State Theatre concert (MLive)
NAACP Bay City Branch Vice President Darold Newton, left, and WNEM TV 5 reporter Tia Ewing, center, listen to KISS 107.1 DJ Vicki Hill talk about Oprah Winfrey as an inspiration for her career during the 3rd Annual Continuing a Historical Celebration Through Magic at the State Theater in Bay City on Saturday evening.

Noted US Latino scholar 'forgotten' in birthplace (Alamogordo Daily News)
A son of an Arizona miner, the Albuquerque-born Sanchez worked his way out of poverty as a rural public school teacher in New Mexico to become a pioneer scholar and education activist.

Sharpton Shocks Md. Same Sex Marriage Debate (The Afro American Newspaper)
Given the recent controversy between Roland Martin and the gay rights group, Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation , surrounding some statements and Tweet postings of Roland Martin during the recent Super Bowl game; in your opinion the response of GLAAD to Martins' statements is: B: a justifiable, vigorous and vocal objection to a national ... (more)

Tributes as Mass. Marks Black History Month (Boston)
Gov. Deval Patrick's administration is marking the Black History Month by celebrating the contribution of African-American leaders working within the administration.

Colored Frames: A Visual Art Documentary (2007) Looks at Art and Racism (Silcon Valley Moms)
A startlingly impressive collection of art work by African American artists is interwoven with the memories of artists who experienced discrimination throughout their lives and their careers in a documentary relevant to Black History, filmmaker Lerone D. Wilson's Colored Frames .

New edition of a oeA History of African Americans in North Carolinaa now available (Mountain Xpress)
A new, revised edition of "A History of African Americans in North Carolina" is now available from the Historical Publications Section of the N.C. Office of Archives and History.

Black History Month

2012-02-11T11:08:00.000-05:00

US Census Bureau Black History Month Feature for February 11
MarketWatch (press release)
The name Virginia Dare, the first child born to English settlers in America in 1587, is well known. The name William Tucker has much less recognition. He was the first African-American child born in the American Colonies and was baptized on January 3, ...

African-American - News

2012-02-11T10:53:00.001-05:00

African-American - News February 11, 2012

Florida State Fair once held ''Negro Day'' (WTSP-TV Saint Petersburg)
Tampa, Florida - Imagine if there was only one day out of the year where you could take in the sights of the sounds of the Florida State Fair due to the color of your skin.

Sweet African-American spirituals to soar at Sunday show (The Asheville Citizen-Times)
Julie Jemerson, foreground, and other members of the St. John 'A' Baptist Church rehearse for a concert of African-American spirituals Sunday at St.

Poll: Change How Black History Month Is Observed in West County/Hercules Schools? (Patch)
It's Black History Month again, a time when schools celebrate African-American contributions and heroes.

Cardiff University scientists reveal the role race plays in finding a partner (IcNetwork)
But it seems that your race could at least give you a little head start - or hold you back - in the quest to turn the heads of the opposite sex.

Report: Illinois kids caught in 'budget crossfire' (ABC7 Chicago)
Illinois children are caught in a "budget crossfire," hit hard by state budget cuts and a recession that left one in five of them living in poverty and 33,000 students homeless in 2010, a children's advocacy organization said in a report released Thursday.

Illinois museum expands exhibit on black soldiers (KWQC-TV Davenport)
The Illinois State Military Museum has expanded its exhibit on the history of African American soldiers in the Illinois National Guard.

Fw: Notify NYC - Silver Alert Cancelled

2012-02-10T18:12:00.001-05:00

Notification issued 2/10/12 at 4:55 PM. The Silver Alert issued for Lloyd Hall has been cancelled.

The sender provided the following contact information.

Sender's Name: Notify NYC

Sender's Email: notifynyc@oem.nyc.gov

Sender's Contact Phone: 212-639-9675

Fw: Events at Indian Road, 2/19-2/15

2012-02-10T18:06:00.001-05:00

600 West 218th Street, New York, NY 10034

EVENTS AT INDIAN ROAD 2/10-2/15

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10th

8PM, LIVE MUSIC: Thieves and Poets

Thieves and Poets is a metro NYC based instrumental trio with a wide ranging repertoire. They play jazz, latin, rock, blues, pop, world, chill and ambient grooves. About half of their material is original and the rest is made up of things they like to interpret through their own crazy and

complex filter.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11th

8PM, LIVE MUSIC: Alternative lyrical tunes with Evanescent

Vocalist Bliss Blood and guitarist Al Street formed the band Evanescent to write original songs in the summer of 2010. Bliss began her career as vocalist/songwriter in the band Pain Teens in Houston and continued to write music and perform with The Moonlighters and Delta Dreambox, among other bands, in New York City since 1995. Guitarist Al Street is a master of style and of the guitar itself. He has played at the world's top festivals, and can be heard on the Major Motion Picture "American Gangster" soundtrack, as well as "Three Days of Rain" with Grammy winner Bob Belden.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12th

12 - 2PM, Will Teez Bike Club

The Inwood Cycling Club meets every Sunday outside of the Indian Road Café. Show up any time after 11am. We'll head out a bit after noon, leaving plenty of time to get properly caffeinated, hydrated and schmooze. Meet your neighbors, Rep Your Hood and get your ride on. Everybody's welcome, come one come all.

1 - 3:30PM, Sunday Songs with Steve Murphy
Now in his third year at IRC, the Cafés longest running musical act plays piano medleys from The Beatles, Gershwin, Joel, Porter, Ragtime, Rogers and Hart, Broadway and a bit of opera. Impromptu solos of all styles receive a free drink or dessert.

MONDAY thru FRIDAY

4 - 7PM, Happy Hour at the bar

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13th

8PM, OPEN MIC WITH ORVILLE DAVIS

For 12 years in Inwood, Monday nights have seen serious singer-songwriters performing originals and covers; country, rock, folk, jazz, gospel, and alt whatever; electric and acoustic guitars, fiddles, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, accordions, harmonicas, flutes, keyboards, trombones, saxophones, basses (standup, electric, and acoustic) drums, a cello, and even a berimbau (you can look it up). Everyone is welcome to perform anything--including stand up and spoken word.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14th- VALENTINE'S DAY

5 - 10PM, Special Valentine's Day menu

(reservations are highly recommended)

7 - 10PM, LIVE MUSIC: Love songs of the 30's and 40's with

Djangos and Tangos

7PM, Indian Road Knitting Circle

Come on in, have a glass of wine, and knit. Come on in, have a glass of wine, and knit. This week-Hairy Valentine's Day Hearts!

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15th

8 - 10PM, Trivia Night with the Dr. Jordan, The Evil Mr. Phil &

OJ the Imposter

Dr. Jordan is back! Come on out and join up with your friends and neighbors for a night of raucous fun and great prizes, including tickets to Broadway and sporting events.

Hendrick's Beer of the Week

ON DRAUGHT

Ommegang Aphrodite

Cooperstown, New York 6oz 8.9%abv $8

"Funky pear & raspberry aroma. Cloudy red body with thin reddish hue head. Flavor begins sweet with notes of raspberry, pear and yeast; followed by a dominant tart, sour finish. Very dry and crisp. Served in a champagne flute."

Bronx Brewery Pale Ale

Bronx, New York 16oz 6.3%abv $7

"This is a deep amber, American-style pale ale. Cascade and Centennial hops provide a gentle, pleasant bitterness with an intense floral and citrus aroma. It is dry-hopped, unfiltered and unpasteurized."

Wolaver's Organic Alta Gracia Coffee Porter

Middlebury, Vermont 16oz 5%abv $6

"Brewed with organic roasted barley and chocolate malts for a rich, dark and robust flavor with an infusion of organic vanilla beans and coffee from the Dominican Republic farm community Alta Gracia."

Narragansett Lager

Providence, Rhode Island 16oz 5%abv $5

"A very clean aroma, as expected with the style, faint bready pale malt scent with hints of mineral and lemon. The taste is excellently crisp with a light body for easy drinking. Cereal grain flavor throughout with soft bread crust and a semi sweet finish."

THE BOTTLE

Anderson Valley Hop Ottin IPA

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Fw: [B-C-C] White History Month

2012-02-10T09:27:00.000-05:00

White History Month

via Abagond by abagond on 2/8/12

White History Month, unlike Black History Month, is the month that never ends. From Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death" to "manifest destiny" to America as "the great melting pot", American history is not merely taught from a white point of view, it is taught as if blacks, Mexicans and Native Americans do not truly count as people.

White American slave owners, like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry, are held up as heroes of freedom. Meanwhile John Brown, who gave his life trying to free the slaves, is seen as what? A madman.

White racism is downplayed, so much so that whites say stuff like, "The Irish made it. What is wrong with blacks?" or sometimes even, "Jim Crow? What's that?"

Lies are told about Native Americans and Africans so that the crimes committed against them by whites seem to be "not so bad".

The achievements of whites, like the light bulb, are played up as wonders of invention while the achievements of people of colour – you know, like civilization, writing, iron, geometry, or like even clothing – are played down, taken for granted or just never get brought up for some reason. Egyptians, Middle Easterners and early man, meanwhile, become honorary whites for particular periods of history.

Consider:

Vested interests: White Americans come from a violently racist past and still benefit from the racist set-up of society that comes out of that past.
Point of view: Most writers and teachers of the American history are white.
Money: Way more money has been poured into researching, writing and teaching white history than black history.

Yet we are supposed to believe that the history we were taught at school is somehow Magically Unaffected by all that.

History as taught at school (as opposed to university) is such an utterly self-serving whitewash that it should, at best, be called White American Studies. Add English literature to that.

Yet white people still say stuff like, "Why is there a Black History Month but not a White History Month?"

That is called being blind to white privilege.

It is called being so used to how society favours whites that you do not even notice it and think of it as just "normal" and even "fair".

So fair that any change from it, like Black History Month or affirmative action, is seen as unfair, even racist.

But there is more: a misunderstanding of ethnic or racial pride.

Most White Americans were taught to "not see race", to be raceless. Unfortunately that failed to end racism. So for people of colour pride in one's race becomes a necessary and even healthy self-defence.

But the sort of pride most whites have in their race is so unhealthy, false and narcissistic that it needs to put down others to seem good by comparison and to play down evils like slavery to maintain the idea of whites as Basically Good. Their broken self-image leads to broken history and round and round it goes, hurting everyone.

See also:

__._,_.___

__,_._,___

Fw: Notify NYC - Silver Alert

2012-02-10T09:18:00.000-05:00

Silver Alert issued 2/09/2012 at 9:55 PM. The NYPD has issued a Silver Alert for Lloyd Hall, age 69. Mr. Hall is described as a black male, 5'8" tall, 160lbs, clean-shaven and was last seen wearing a black sweater, black pants, black shoes and a wool coat. Mr. Hall suffers from Alzheimer's and dementia and was last seen today at his residence near King's Highway and Flatbush Avenue, in the Flatlands section of Brooklyn. If you see this individual please call 9-1-1.

The sender included the following attachment:

https://attachments.sendwordnow.com/Attachments.aspx?token=6aa6bcfc-4bdb-4b00-b72e-67976055f1de

The sender provided the following contact information.

Sender's Name: Notify NYC

Sender's Email: notifynyc@oem.nyc.gov

Sender's Contact Phone: 212-639-9675

African-American - News

2012-02-10T08:52:00.000-05:00

African-American - News February 10, 2012

Black Chicago Teachers Accuse City School System Of Racism (WTLC-AM Indianapolis)
The Chicago Teachers Union has accused the Chicago Public Schools system of racism.A On Wednesday, the Teachers Union filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission office, alleging that while 29 percent of the CPS system teachers were African American, 43 percent of those teachers were subject to a massive 2011 layoff spree.

Obama: Whites can effectively represent blacks (WTAG-AM Paxton)
Barack in July of 2001 discussing whether a white Chicago Alderman, who represent a large African-American district, should be allowed into the Black Caucus.

Dallas ISD girls excluded from field trip to see movie about Tuskegee Airmen (Dallas Morning News)
The Dallas school district took about 5,700 fifth-grade boys this morning to see a new movie about African-American fighter pilots in World War II, but female students were excluded.

Black High School Basketball Players Mocked With Banana Suits, Monkey Chants (WTLC-AM Indianapolis)
Pittsburgh Brentwood High School officials are in hot water for allegedly allowing three students to run on to the court during half-time in full-bodied banana suits, mocking the other team who is mostly African American, according to Yahoo News .

Making history: Joanne Griffith's 'Redefining Black Power' project comes to the Bay (SFBG Politics Blog)
"Joanne [Griffith]'s work is centered on one theme: not to offer information as a point of journalistic fact, but to act as a conduit for debate and conversation, especially around issues relating to the African Diaspora experience." So writes Brian Shazor, director of the Pacifica Radio Archives, in the foreward to Griffith's new book Redefining ... (more)

CSULB reaches out to churches to recruit African-American students (Press-Telegram)
Hoping to attract more ethnic diversity, California State University officials will again visit more than 100 predominantly black churches across the state.

African-American - News

2012-02-09T13:24:00.001-05:00

African-American - News February 9, 2012

Sharpton: Cornel West's Attacks On Me, Harris-Perry Are "Arrogant" (WTLC-AM Indianapolis)
In a recent interview with Diverse magazine, Professor Cornel West attacked his former Princeton colleague and newly minted MSNBC host Professor Melissa Harris-Perry . West called Harris-Perry a "liar" and said that, "[s]he's become the momentary darling of liberals, but I pray for her because she's in over her head.

NAACP Concerned About Churches Partnering With Banks (CBS Local)
Alliance , Bishop G.H. Bruden , David L. Lowery Jr. , Midwest Bank , Mike Krauser , Ministers Conference of South Suburban County , NAACP , Workshop HARVEY, Ill.

Nearly half of all Fla. Grads take an AP exam (WWSB)
An annual report released by the College Board Wednesday says 47 percent of Florida seniors took an AP exam in high school.

5 African American Icons Your Kids Can Write Black History Month Projects On (WIBX-AM Whitesboro)
If you are the parent of a school-age child you know the month of February means its time for a Black History Month project.

Black Teacher Calls Haitian Student "Little Chocolate Boy" (WTLC-AM Indianapolis)
Leslie Ranier , a Black Broward County, Fla., high school teacher who was reportedly accused of pretending to throw holy water on an atheist colleague last May, now faces possible suspension forA telling a Haitian student that he "looks [like a] little chocolate boy," a "chocolate that nobody wanted." Ranier's off-color remarks were captured on ... (more)

NEW LITERACY TEST TURNS BLACK HISTORY MONTH INTO A TEACHING/LEARNING PROJECT

2012-02-09T13:22:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2012

CONTACT:
Eugene Walton
dreugenewalton@verizon.net
www.EWEmedia.com

NEW LITERACY TEST TURNS BLACK HISTORY MONTH INTO A TEACHING/LEARNING PROJECT

Eugene Walton, CEO of EWEmedia.com

Washington, DC (BlackNews.com) -- A new Black History Literacy Test developed and published by EWEmedia aims to turn Black History Month into a dynamic teaching/learning project for everyone using its question-and-answer lesson plan. The Test is not for evaluative purposes, but rather to get attention and challenge users to expand what they already know by teaching/learning more about the historical context of their responses to the Test and change their thinking about the issues in a new way.

The Black History Literacy Test is a 100 item question-and-answer Kindle eBook distributed by Amazon.com for $2.99 per download to Kindle, iPad, Nook mobile devices AND to desktop and laptop computers. The short Black History Literacy Test Lesson Plan can be downloaded for FREE at www.EWEmedia.com.

The Test covers 8 topic/time periods:

1492-1618: Africans To The Americas -Explorers and Slaves;
1619-1774: Blacks in Colonial America;
1775-1789: Black Participation in Revolutionary War;
1790-1860: Black Resistance to Slavery;
1866-1877: Blacks and the Reconstruction;
1878-1954: Struggle and Triumph Over Jim Crow "Separate But Equal;"
1955-1968: The Civil Rights Movement;
1969-2012: Thrusting Toward the New Millennium.

For more details, visit www.EWEmedia.com

NEW THIS MORNING

2012-02-09T13:15:00.001-05:00

RACE FOR QUINN'S SEAT REFLECTS SPLIT IN LGBT COMMUNITY: In the Council race to replace Council Speaker Christine Quinn, four likely LGBT candidates are straddling the line between their more moderate political allies and the liberal activist LGBT community a line that Quinn has herself straddled. http://bit.ly/z0qtc0

NEW THIS MORNING:

* Despite a wave of criticism and scandal, support for NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly remains strong, a new Quinnipiac poll shows. Gov. Andrew Cuomo's casino and convention center plans also scored high marks: http://bit.ly/AcGpTo

* Long Island Rep. Carolyn McCarthy's district will be one of the two congressional districts eliminated this year, as state legislators look to merge her district with that of neighboring Rep. Gary Ackerman, the Daily News reports: http://nydn.us/wFICrA

* New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has signaled a willingness to sign on to a $26 billion mortgage settlement between government authorities and the nation's five largest banks late Wednesday night, after holding out for a more narrow immunity for the banks, the New York Times says: http://nyti.ms/yBR0Po

* Sources told the New York Post that Schneiderman's consent hinged on keeping alive his lawsuit against the banks over their misuse of the electronic mortgage database MERS: http://nyp.st/AeBrJ7

* Seven months after sponsoring legislation to run a natural gas pipeline under Queens, Rep. Michael Grimm accepted $3,000 in campaign contributions to its backers, the News reports: http://nydn.us/wkHSfs

* City officials have not backed off plans to build a convention center at the redeveloped Willets Point, despite Cuomo's announcement that another, larger convention center would be cited nearby at the Aqueduct racetrack, the Times says: http://nyti.ms/xXipzS

* Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver helped former Staten Island Assemblywoman Janelle Hyer-Spencer land a high-paying job at the State Education Department after she lost her re-election in 2010, the Post says: http://nyp.st/yGEIna

Fw: [CSH - News | 154] EVENT: 10AM-1PM | Sat - Feb. 18, 2012 | Your Community Clinic 4 Math

2012-02-08T09:50:00.000-05:00

FYI!
EVENT: Your Community Clinic 4 Math

TIME: 10 AM - 1 PM
DAY & DATE: Saturday, February 18, 2012

LOCATION:
American Legion Post #398
298 West 132nd Street
New York, NY 10027

CONTACT: 917-859-5257

SPONSOR:
The Colonel Charles Young Saturday Math Clinic

Peace,

K
--
Coordinating Member / FriendsOfMacombs.com
Tele: 646-714-3221
EMail: FOMBBL@GMail.com
Twitter: @MacombsInHarlem
Web Site: http://www.FriendsOfMacombs.com
Download & Read: LOST OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE CHILDREN OF NORTH HARLEM
http://www.box.net/shared/r6p3dyg8qf
Podcast: http://friendsofmacombs.podomatic.com/
Mailing List: http://groups.google.com/group/friends-of-macombs-news
*Struggle for New Library & State of the Art Multifunction Facility for the
Youth in "The Valley" North Harlem above West 152nd St.*
===
This transmission is intended only for the use of the individual or entity
named. It may contain information that is privileged, confidential and
exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended
recipient of these documents then you should notify the sender immediately
and delete this email.

BLACK HISTORY

2012-02-08T09:47:00.000-05:00

African-American - News

2012-02-08T09:43:00.000-05:00

African-American - News February 8, 2012

1968 Olympian to recount iconic moment at CAU (Athens Banner-Herald)
One of two black athletes who called attention to the plight of African Americans at the 1968 Olympics will recount the iconic moment at Clark Atlanta University.

The Josephine Baker Story (EDGE)
In the excellently filmed, dynamic telefilm "The Josephine Baker Story" developed by HBO - and now on a Blu- ray disc-- we follow the life of the incomparable African American celebrity .

Health officials mark Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (KTNV-TV Las Vegas)
Officials are marking the 12th National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day by urging Nevadans to get tested for the diseases.

New state voting laws focus of Selma, Ala. March (The Las Vegas Sun)
Single Sign-On: You can use Facebook account to log in to LasVegasSun.com. Civil rights, labor and immigration activists say they are returning to Selma, Ala.

Michael Steele Blasts John Heilemann For Comparing Same-Sex Marriage To Interracial Marriage (Mediaite)
On Tuesday's edition of Now with Alex Wagner , gay rights activist Lt. Dan Choi spoke about a federal appeals court weighing in on whether California's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriages is unconstitutional.

Film about Shirley Chisholm to be screened by Alameda Multicultural Center (Inside Bay Area)
A documentary about Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress, will be screened at a Black History Month Film Event sponsored by the Alameda Multicultural Community Center The 30-minute film, "Shirley Chisholm: The Leader," will be shown from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb.

The Black-Gay Divide: A Clash of Race, Religion & Rights (EDGE)
As public opinion moves toward supporting gay rights, especially marriage equality, the African-American community has been slower to get on board.

Fairfield Native Makes CPA History (Herald Independent)
This past fall, Robert Charles made history in our state by becoming the youngest and first minority CPA to be employed by one of the largest regional accounting firms in the state of South Carolina.

NEW THIS MORNING

2012-02-08T09:41:00.001-05:00

NEW THIS MORNING:

* While New Yorkers overwhelming support Mayor Michael Bloomberg's effort to give bonuses to good teachers and more easily fire bad ones, they trust the teachers union more than the mayor to protect the interest of students, a new Quinnipiac poll finds: http://bit.ly/waJzBR

* A 60-second radio ad running in Western New York in support of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's bid to legalize casino gambling is the opening salvo in what is expected to be an onslaught of commercials and newspaper ads promoting the effort, the New York Times says: http://nyti.ms/wHiO8l

* The last-minute canceling of a conference call with reporters by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has led to speculation that he is closer to reaching a deal with other state AGs on a mortgage fraud settlement, the New York Post says: http://nyp.st/we6d5c

* Council Speaker Christine Quinn issued her sharpest criticism of the NYPD's controversial stop-and-frisk policy to date in a letter to Commissioner Ray Kelly, the Wall Street Journal reports: http://on.wsj.com/y2N5kw

* Of the 10 elected officials invited by Mayor Michael Bloomberg to ride in the parade honoring the New York Giants, only Comptroller John Liu took him up on the offer, the Post says: http://nyp.st/zRJYnU

* Manhattan prosecutors will not seek rape charges against Greg Kelly, TV host and son to NYPD's Ray Kelly, with sources telling the Post that text messages sent by the 29-year-old accuser gave the impression the attraction was mutual: http://nyp.st/zvsmDS

* Hotel operators and employees agreed to a new labor contract that includes pay raises, full health coverage, larger pension contributions and reflecting a post-DSK world panic buttons for housekeepers, the Times reports: http://nyti.ms/zGcPkd

Fw: Health Department Announces 41% Drop in HIV/AIDS Related Deaths Among Black New Yorkers

2012-02-07T18:32:00.001-05:00

Health E-News

February 7, 2012

Health Department Announces 41% Drop in HIV/AIDS Related Deaths Among Black New Yorkers

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, February 7th, reminds New Yorkers to get tested, take steps to prevent HIV

The Health Department announced that new HIV data shows a 41% drop in deaths among black persons living with HIV/AIDS between 2001 and 2010. Despite this progress, black New Yorkers - representing 25% of the New York City population - disproportionately accounted for almost half of all new HIV diagnoses (48%) in 2010, a proportion that has remained almost unchanged for the past 5 years. Blacks were, however, more likely than all other racial/ethnic groups in the City to have had an HIV test in the past 12 months. To commemorate the 12th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day today, the Health Department reminds all New Yorkers who do not know their HIV status to get tested for HIV, take the necessary precautions to stay negative and protect their partners, and get into treatment if they are positive.

Learn more

To sign up for more e-mail updates, or to unsubscribe from this list, simply go to www.nyc.gov/health/email and select the Health Department updates you'd like to receive.

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Bronx Woman Margaret Brooks Disappears in East Harlem

2012-02-06T20:21:00.000-05:00

Bronx Woman Margaret Brooks Disappears in East Harlem

February 5, 2012 10:57am

Margaret Brooks, 24, has been missing since Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012. (DCPI)

By Sarah Tan

DNAinfo Reporter

BRONX Police are searching for a young Bronx woman who vanished in East Harlem last week.

Margaret Brooks, 24, of Soundview, was last seen around noon on Jan. 31 in front of a Pathmark on East 125th Street in East Harlem.

She is described as being 4-foot-9.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS.

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

Fw: Notify NYC - Notification

2012-02-06T20:18:00.001-05:00

Notification issued 2/6/12 at 6:10 PM. There will be multiple road closures and mass transportation service changes in support of tomorrow's parade honoring the New York Giants. For the latest information visit: http://www.mta.info and http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/motorist/trafalrt.shtml

The sender provided the following contact information.

Sender's Name: Notify NYC

Sender's Email: notifynyc@oem.nyc.gov

Sender's Contact Phone: 212-639-9675

First Ever National Pretty Brown Girl Day

2012-02-06T09:35:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2012

CONTACT:
Damali Hill
Director of Publicity
888-594-5507
damali@prettybrowngirl.com

FIRST-EVER NATIONAL PRETTY BROWN GIRL DAY TO BE RECOGNIZED ON FEB 25

Laila and Aliya Crawley with their Pretty Brown Girl Dolls are ready for Pretty Brown Girl Day, Feb. 25th

Nationwide (BlackNews.com) -- Empower a girl, empower a world. During Black History Month, a Detroit Metro based company is pushing for a national movement. Pretty Brown Girl is asking all girls and women across the United States and around the world to celebrate themselves, families and friends. This is a great way for brown girls of all ages, cultures and ethnicities to empower themselves and boost their self-confidence.

On Saturday, February 25, 2012, Pretty Brown Girl (PBG) is encouraging families, youth mentoring groups, civic organizations and churches locally and nationally to embrace the differences among their youth. It is important for girls to understand that no matter what their skin tone they are beautiful inside and out.

The Pretty Brown Girl collection includes the book, My First Day of School and the PGB pledge; which encourages girls to Dream Big. There are also T-shirts, bags, other accessories and the anticipated Pretty Brown Girl Doll; available this Spring. Now girls and women are proudly describing themselves and others as pretty brown girls with this simple but powerful message.

In August 2011, Sheri and Corey Crawley launched Pretty Brown Girl, LLC in Detroit at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History. The couple was inspired to start the company by their daughters Lailia and Aliya. When the family relocated to a Detroit suburb, Sheri observed changes in her oldest daughter's behavior. Laila lost her bubbly personality and became more withdrawn and timid during school hours. She began to make comments that she wanted her hair to look like that of her classmates as opposed to her own beautifully textured hair. When Sheri began sharing her observations with other moms, she realized that different families were having similar experiences. Those incidents combined with a news report, that showed children of all ages and backgrounds still have negative connotations of people with darker skin tones, made Sheri and Corey realized there is a need for positive messaging to girls around the world.

The Pretty Brown Girl collection can be purchased online at www.prettybrowngirl.com.

To request an interview or for more information, please contact Damali Hill, Director of Publicity at (888) 594-5507.

-END-

This information has been distributed through BlackPR.com and BlackNews.com, properties owned by Diversity City Media, but the content or opinions expressed within are those of the author and/or represented company or organization.

Need A Black Expert to Interview? Visit www.BlackExperts.com



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African-American - News

2012-02-06T09:03:00.000-05:00

African-American - News February 6, 2012

Anna May Wong Did It Right (Time)
I'm Anna May Wong. I come from old Hong Kong. But now I'm a Hollywood star. -from a song she performed in her cabaret act This week, the Oscar nominations were announced, and five of the 20 slots in the acting categories went to Africans or African-Americans. That number, the most in the 77-year of the Academy Awards, heartens those who know how ... (more)

17 people honored at African/African-American Love Feast (York Dispatch)
But the York City man was after being honored during the African/African-American Love Feast and Recognition Dinner at the Holiday Inn Holidome in West Manchester Township.

On Republican concern for the poor (Daily Kos)
Mitt Romney stepped in it the other day. Normally, this would be news in the same way that the sun rising would be news: in other words, not at all.

GOP 'dog-whistlers' (PittsburghLive)
Here are some things you could learn about black Americans from the recent statements and insinuations of Republican presidential candidates, Republican congressmen and Republican-friendly radio personalities: * And the pathologies afflicting black Americans are caused partly by the Democratic Party, which has created in them a dependency on ... (more)

Brown U. Student uncovers lost Malcolm X speech (Sunherald)
The recording was forgotten, and so, too, was the odd twist of history that brought together Malcolm X and a bespectacled Ivy Leaguer fated to become one of America's top diplomats.

Chicago marks Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (KFVS12)
The Chicago Department of Public Health will participate in a national observance aimed at raising HIV/AIDS awareness among African Americans.

African-American - News

2012-02-05T09:45:00.001-05:00

African-American - News February 5, 2012

Women's Cancer Resource Center marks 25 years of service (San Jose Mercury News)
By March 2008, after two years of dieting and exercise, Shyanne Reese had shed a whopping 101 pounds from her 5-foot-10 frame and was feeling better than ever.

Ill. Report alleges discrimination at German firm (WHBF-TV Rock Island)
The state's human rights department has found "substantial evidence of discrimination" at the Chicago office of a German industrial conglomerate.

#10 - Plans for amphitheater on Crownsville farm advance (Hometown Annapolis)
Graciela Blackstone, who's leading plans to build the Amphitheater for Humanity on her family farm in Crownsville, kneels on the property.

Some Blacks Insist: 'I'm Not African-American' (OfficialWire)
The labels used to describe Americans of African descent mark the movement of a people from the slave house to the White House.

'I want one in BROWN!' African American psychologist attacks bra... (Daily Mail)
The lingerie industry has been attacked by an African American psychologist who says it has been ignoring the diversity of its consumers.

Man turns home into museum on segregation (WTSP-TV Saint Petersburg)
Plant City, Florida - Can you imagine going on a road trip and being away from home overnight but you're not able stop and use the bathroom, get a hotel room or even eat a hot meal where you'd like because of the color of your skin? That's what life was like for African-Americans during segregation.

A Response to the New York Daily News Perpetuating False Charges on the 1975 Fraunces Tavern Bombing

2012-02-04T09:55:00.001-05:00

A Response to the New York Daily News
Perpetuating False Charges on the 1975 Fraunces Tavern Bombing

By Jan Susler (January 26, 2012)
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=hlnfsnbab&v=001vd12ggE3Xa5vYwDEWfeyATO7XReN7sXEto32Bdxm0ueRIJ0KGqbYYoN7QrFSVmblEbSDvKhwrGT2gWYMchca_7HVeAOPPSij-jtLAYNE-fHeHr_oNr6ijQ%3D%3D

Oscar López Rivera, a 69-year-old decorated Vietnam veteran, has spent 31 years in U.S. Prison for his commitment to the independence of Puerto Rico. He has the dubious distinction of being the longest held pro-independence prisoner in Puerto Rico's history of seeking self-determination - and thousands preceded him. Convicted of seditious conspiracy in Chicago, he is serving a sentence of 70 years, although he was not convicted of harming or killing anyone.

If you read the New York Daily News article published this year on January 24th, on the 37th anniversary of the bombing of Fraunces Tavern, you wouldn't know this . . . And you would be left with the impression that López Rivera should remain in prison because he is somehow responsible for that tragic action. That is, sadly, what the FBI has led the victims to believe, and it is most certainly the weapon wielded by the FBI in its unceasing efforts to convince the public, the U.S. Parole Commission, and the President, that López Rivera should remain in prison.

López Rivera has denied participation in the 1975 tragedy at Fraunces Tavern. There is no evidence to connect him to it. If the FBI had such evidence, it would surely prosecute him - but in the 37 years since, it has not. Instead, it has waged a campaign of guilt by association, using its bully pulpit to prolong his imprisonment, and thereby punish him for his commitment to the independence of Puerto Rico.

In fact, during his 1981 trial for seditious conspiracy, López Rivera presented no defense in court. Prosecutors risked little, if anything, in charging him on this case. They did not charge him - again, because there simply is not a shred of evidence that could even remotely link him to the Fraunces Tavern event. The New York Daily News has done its readers - and more importantly, truth and justice - a great disservice by implying there is somehow some kind of link between López Rivera and this case, a link that somehow has mysteriously eluded prosecutors, the courts and the FBI for more than 31 years.

A campaign for the release of López Rivera and his co-defendants, which enjoyed broad support throughout Puerto Rican civil society and among the international human rights and faith community, resulted in President Clinton's 1999 offer to commute the sentences of most of them. Most were offered immediate release, but López Rivera would have to serve an additional 10 years behind bars. The others accepted the president's offer, were welcomed as returning heroes in Puerto Rico and Puerto Rican communities in the U.S., and for the past 12 years have lived productive, law-abiding lives. Out of concern that the President's offer did not include all those in prison for their commitment to independence , López Rivera rejected the offer. Had he accepted, he would have been released in September of 2009. Those excluded from the president's offer have since been released - López Rivera is now the only one still in prison from the Chicago seditious conspiracy cases of the 1980s.

That campaign continues to advocate for López Rivera's release from prison. Recent activities in Puerto Rico include mass demonstrations during President Obama's June visit to the Island, calling for his release - and elected officials personally asking the President to release him - ; on the occasion of López Rivera's 69th birthday, the Catholic Archbishop presiding over a mass, and a gathering of representatives from every sector of civil society calling for his release; and students painting murals featuring his face and the message "Freedom Now!" for López Rivera.

In the proud United States tradition of exercising the constitutional power of pardon, three U.S. Presidents have commuted the sentences of Puerto Rican political prisoners: President Truman in 1952, President Carter in 1979, and President Clinton in 1999. President Obama should not be fooled by the FBI's campaign of untruths.

For more information about the campaign for Oscar Lopez Rivera's release, contact the National Boricua Human Rights Network at www.boricuahumanrights.org.

Jan Susler, a partner at the People's Law Office in Chicago and member of the National Lawyers Guild, has been working as attorney for the Puerto Rican political prisoners for the past 30 years, and was lead counsel in the campaign leading to the 1999 presidential commutation. She continues to work with those who remain in prison. She can be reached at 773-235-0070 x 118 and jsusler@aol.com.

URGENT ACTION: Daily News launches Political Attack On Oscar Lopez Rivera!

On Saturday January 21st, the Daily News published an article by Mara Bovsun titled, "Justice Story: FALN bomb kills 4 at Fraunces Tavern, where George Washington said farewell to troops"[1] in which she details the history of the armed action organized by the FALN at Fraunces Tavern on January 24th, 1975.

At the end of the article, she mentions that Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Oscar Lopez Rivera, who was a member of the FALN, was denied parole last year and quoted John Connor, the son of one of the Fraunces Tavern victims, 'Finallysome justice forour father, Frank Connor, and other victims of the FALN."'

This article is a one-sided hit piece that attempts to portray Oscar as a terrorist who is getting his "just deserts." The Daily News must be held accountable for reporting the facts of Oscar's case.

For example: In a highly unorthodox and controversial move, John Connor and other family members of the Fraunces Tavern bombing were allowed to give testimony at Oscar's parole hearing to prejudice the parole board. Oscar's defense team protested their attendance and asked for them to leave; there request was denied.

Oscar was never charged with or convicted of the Fraunces Tavern action, therefore can't be held responsible for it; their testimonials against him should not have had any bearing on his parole hearing and should not have been allowed.

While incarcerated, Oscar's behavior has been exemplary and support for his parole has come from religious leaders, academics, union leaders and elected officials throughout Puerto Rico and the United States. In fact, thousands of letters, telephone calls and emails have been made and continue today calling for Oscar's release.

The ProLibertad Freedom Campaign is asking our supporters to call the Daily News' News Department and demand that an article be published on the international movement for Oscar Lopez Rivera's parole! Demand that the News Department speak with Oscar Lopez Rivera's legal representatives, his supporters and family members! Demand a stop to this yellow journalism and fairness in the news reporting!

Call the Daily News 212-210-1585 and ask for the News Department! Let them know ProLibertad is available for any interviews on Oscar at 718-601-4751 or ProLibertad@hotmail.com

Email the news department: news@nydailynews.com

[1] Daily News: "Justice Story: FALN bomb kills 4 at Fraunces Tavern, where George Washington said farewell to troops"
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/justice-story-faln-bomb-kills-4-fraunces-tavern-george-washington-farewell-troops-article-1.1008711

African-American - News

2012-02-04T09:19:00.000-05:00

African-American - News February 4, 2012

NAACP Ceo Ben Jealous speaks to York students (Monterey County Herald)
The York School graduate who ascended to become president and CEO of the NAACP returned home to the Peninsula this week, bringing with him an optimistic but pragmatic view of the state of our union.

Year-over-year Jobs Data By Race And Education (OfficialWire)
Hard-hit African-Americans and the most-educated Americans enjoyed the most improved job prospects in the 12 months ending in January.

Report Shows Large Drop in African-American Unemployment (KSFO AM 560)
The unemployment rate among African-Americans dropped by more than two percentage points from December to January, according to the labor department's report released Friday.

Nia Norfleet Strives To Become Nascars First Black Female Driver (thegrio)
In 2012, despite the myriad of records and firsts for African-Americans in sports, one franchise has yet to see its first African-American female member: NASCAR drivers. Twenty-four-year-old Tia Norfleet, as the daughter of professional racecar driver Bobby Norfleet, is determined to take that historic drive one day soon. Tia Norfleet is making history as... The first and only woman to be issued a NASCAR license in the organization's 63-year history. While that is a huge accomplishment, Norfleet continues to work toward her goal of becoming the first black female driver.

US Rep Jackson Faces First Democratic Challenge (OfficialWire)
The former congresswoman and one-time Mary Kay saleswoman dashed up to the pulpit of the black megachurch and offered stories of growing up poor and raising two children on her own as she tried to win the congregation's support for her bid to unseat Rep.

Will racism hinder Obama's re-election? (The Washington Post)
The role of race in that election, they argue, was similar to the impact religion had in the 1960 presidential race when many voters rejected John F. Kennedy simply because he was Catholic.

Out & about (Journal Gazette)
All weekend - 'TRENCH ART: PRODUCTIVE PASTIMES FROM THE DEBRIS OF WAR' - Ends Feb.

Nearly 700 women donate breast tissue for research (Washington Examiner)
Nearly 700 women have donated healthy breast tissue to the nation's only facility to collect, catalog and analyze tissue for breast cancer research.

No Black people need apply

2012-02-03T17:57:00.000-05:00

Black workers in the restaurant industry are routinely kept from the highest-paying jobs in the highest-paying restaurants.¹ They're told their appearance isn't the right fit. They're relegated to fast food while their White peers climb the ranks to earn upwards of $50,000 a year.²

One of the industry's serial offenders is Darden Restaurants, the company that owns and operates Olive Garden, Red Lobster, LongHorn Steakhouse and the high-end Capital Grille.

Black applicants are rarely hired at the Capital Grille, the only place within the company where workers can earn a living wage. And there's no clear pipeline for workers to get from jobs at Red Lobster and Olive Garden to that higher-paid work.³

Darden is now facing a lawsuit because of its employment practices.⁴ Tell the company to respond to its workers' demands and institute a promotions policy that allows Black workers to advance to liveable wage positions at the Capital Grille. It only takes a moment:

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/restaurants

Black workers in the restaurant industry earn on average $4 less per hour than White workers, according to a report from Restaurant Opportunities Centers United (ROC-United).⁵ The reason lies in both the types of jobs and the types of restaurants that tend to be open to workers of color. For example, fine-dining bartenders are more than three times more likely to be White than Black, and servers at expensive restaurants are almost four times more likely to be White.

This level of discrimination is happening in one of the few industries that's growing, even during our current recession. Restaurants account for one of every 12 private sector jobs.⁶ But despite the growth in this sector, Blacks are routinely pushed into the industry's poverty-wage jobs.

It's a problem nationwide. A study of expensive restaurants in Manhattan found that White applicants were twice as likely to get a job offer than applicants of color, who were less likely to even land an interview. The study also found that prospective employers were more likely to scrutinize the work experience of applicants of color.⁷

The problem with Darden

Darden runs nearly 2,000 restaurants nationwide and boasts annual sales of $7.5 billion.^8,⁹ But the few Black workers who make it into the big leagues there often don't stay very long. According to reports from two Black servers who worked at Darden's Capital Grille in DC -- a restaurant patronized by politicians, lobbyists, and others in the Washington elite -- Black front-of-the-house staff were let go en masse within a short period of time because they "didn't fit the company image." They were all replaced by White workers.¹⁰

Despite the pattern of racial discrimination, Darden -- the world's largest full-service restaurant company -- ranks in the "Top 100 Places to Work," an annual list published by Fortune Magazine.¹¹ The company gets high marks for a diverse workforce (of course, there's no mention of who works which jobs) and for generating the third-most job growth of all the companies on the 2011 list.¹²

The company's CEO is Clarence Otis Jr., an African-American businessman. In an interview with USA Today, Otis boasts about his company's "talent evaluation process" and practice of providing employees with "advanced training and development."¹³ But that's not the story that's reveals itself if you talk to the company's Black employees, as our partners at ROC-United have done.¹⁴

At a time when Black unemployment is nearly twice the national average and the private sector is being heralded as our greatest hope, Darden's pattern of relegating Black workers to the lowest-wage work is unconscionable.

Please join us in calling on Darden to respond to its workers demands and institute a promotions policy that allows Black workers to advance to liveable wage positions at the Capital Grille. And when you do, please ask your family and friends to do the same. When we win with this company, we'll have a huge impact on the rest of the restaurant industry:

http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/restaurants

Thanks and Peace,

-- Rashad, Gabriel, Dani, Matt, Natasha, Kim and the rest of the ColorOfChange.org team
February 3rd, 2012

Help support our work. ColorOfChange.org is powered by YOU—your energy and dollars. We take no money from lobbyists or large corporations that don't share our values, and our tiny staff ensures your contributions go a long way. You can contribute here:

http://www.colorofchange.org/donate

References

1. "Blacks in the Restaurant Industry," Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, 01-31-12
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1169?akid=2354.129851.jlW6CP&t=7

2. "Racial Bias Seen in Hiring of Waiters," The New York Times, 03-31-09
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1080?akid=2354.129851.jlW6CP&t=9

3. See reference 1.

4. Litigation filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, Dignity at Darden website, 1-31-12
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1168?akid=2354.129851.jlW6CP&t=11

5. See reference 1.

6. See reference 1.

7. See reference 2.

8. "Tired of Backing Biased Restaurants? Finally, a Zagat's for Racial Justice," Colorlines, 12-01-11
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1078?akid=2354.129851.jlW6CP&t=13

9. "Frequently Asked Questions," Darden website
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1171?akid=2354.129851.jlW6CP&t=15

10. See reference 1.

11. "100 Best Companies to Work For 2011," Fortune, 01-20-11
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1081?akid=2354.129851.jlW6CP&t=17

12. "Darden Restaurants Named to FORTUNE's '100 Best Companies to Work For' List," Darden press release, 01-20-11
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1082?akid=2354.129851.jlW6CP&t=19

13. "Darden Restaurants CEO has tips on surviving recession," USA Today, 08-17-09
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1083?akid=2354.129851.jlW6CP&t=21

14. "Jay and Marcus's Story," Dignity at Darden website
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/1170?akid=2354.129851.jlW6CP&t=23

Fw: [CSH - News | 151] EVENT: Presentation of the Red Tails movie

2012-02-03T09:56:00.001-05:00

FYI!

EVENT: Presentation of the Red Tails movie
AAEF Black History Month Celebration

FLYER: ATTACHED

TIME: 12:00 PM
DAY & DATE: Saturday, February 11, 2012

LOCATION:
Convent Avenue Baptist Church
420 West 145th Street, Lecture Hall
New York, NY 10031

CONTACT: 212-234-6767

TRANSPORTATION: Trains - A, B, C or D to 145th Street.

SPONSOR:
Convent Avenue Baptist Church
www.ConventChurch.org

Peace,

K
--
Coordinating Member / FriendsOfMacombs.com
Tele: 646-714-3221
EMail: FOMBBL@GMail.com
Twitter: @MacombsInHarlem
Web Site: http://www.FriendsOfMacombs.com
Download & Read: LOST OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE CHILDREN OF NORTH HARLEM
http://www.box.net/shared/r6p3dyg8qf
Podcast: http://friendsofmacombs.podomatic.com/
Mailing List: http://groups.google.com/group/friends-of-macombs-news
*Struggle for New Library & State of the Art Multifunction Facility for the
Youth in "The Valley" North Harlem above West 152nd St.*

African-American - News

2012-02-03T09:50:00.001-05:00

African-American - News February 3, 2012

Underground Railroad Freedom Center battling tough times (Wausau Daily Herald)
Robert Cooley teaches his daughter Cree Rayford, 7, about a slave house Dec. 2. / By Jeff Swinger, The Cincinnati Enquirer, via Gannett CINCINNATI - It opened to great fanfare and promise in 2004.

Music Legends Pay Tribute to the Late Don Cornelius (WORC-FM Worcester)
Some of the world's biggest soul and R&B stars have come forward to remember and pay tribute to Soul Train legend Don Cornelius , who died Wednesday morning of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at age 75.

Highline School Board member Tyrone Curry on List of 100 African Americans Making History (The Highline Times)
Highline School Board Member Tyrone Curry has been named to a list of "100 History Makers in the Making" by theGrio.com. The list "honors Black History Month by highlighting the next generation of African-American history makers and industry leaders who have the potential to make a difference in the lives of all Americans," according to a press ... (more)

Al Sharpton Checks Gingrich Supporter Over Racism (WDBZ-AM Cincinnati)
During the Florida primary coverage last night on MSNBC , Rev. Al Sharpton and Rick Tyler , a strategist for the Gingrich-backing super-PAC , Winning Our Future, entered into a heated exchange that covered topics from food stamps to black role models to the president singing.

Annual Love Feast will honor community leaders (York Dispatch)
Tickets are on sale for the African/African-American Love Feast and Recognition Dinner, which is scheduled for 2 to 5 p.m. At the Holiday Inn Holidome near the West Manchester Mall.

SPOTLIGHT: Tuskegee Airmen spent time in Rantoul (Deseret News)
On March 22, 1941, the 99th Pursuit Squadron - the first unit of the Tuskegee Airmen - was activated not in Tuskegee, Ala., but at an Army Air Corps training facility in Illinois known as Chanute Field.

NEW THIS MORNING

2012-02-03T09:47:00.001-05:00

NEW THIS MORNING:

* Ellen Biben was chosen to run New York's new ethics commission only after a search committee member appointed by Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos switched his vote in her favor, the Wall Street Journal reports: http://on.wsj.com/yP7xoO

* David Grandeau, the state's former top lobbying regulator who has regularly criticized Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration, was hired as an ethics consultant to the Port Authority, the Journal says: http://on.wsj.com/w65Sax

* A proposal to limit the size of chain stores and banks on the Upper West Side aims to preserve locally-owned businesses, but critics say chains are booming because customers want them, the New York Times reports: http://nyti.ms/wYDrdo

* The company that built parking garages at the new Yankee Stadium is facing default on $237 million in tax-exempt bonds arranged by the Bloomberg administration, writes the Daily News' Juan Gonzalez: http://nydn.us/wHzOTJ

* The Times' Jim Dwyer says the New York City budget relies heavily on fines through traps like a bus lane in lower Manhattan, where "one senior official in state government" was caught but not ticketed: http://nyti.ms/wHv9CD

* While Mayor Michael Bloomberg will take his private jet to the Super Bowl and a TV appearance with Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels on Sunday, Cuomo will hold a party for 150 people at Bill's Bar and Burger in Rockefeller Center, the Post says: http://nyp.st/z6YjJx

Fw: Daily Plant: Parks Celebrates Black History Month With Gallery Show

2012-02-02T09:55:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, February 1, 2012Volume XXVII, Number 5551

Parks Celebrates Black History Month With Gallery Show"Faith, Courage

& Purpose: Artists of the Diaspora"

On Display Through February 28, 2012

The New York City Department of Parks & Recreation is pleased to

announce Faith, Courage & Purpose: Artists of the Diaspora, an

exhibition of seven artists with more than twenty artworks on view at

the Arsenal Gallery in Central Park.

On display through February 28, 2012, visitors to the Arsenal can view

this rich tradition of Diaspora artists whose faith and courage have

enabled them to continue on course in spite of racial adversity and

exclusion.

Curated by Karen and Sharon Mackey, founders of Mackey Twins Art

Gallery, the exhibition includes: internationally renowned artist

James Denmark's captivating signature collages; co-founder of the

Studio Museum in Harlem and Children's Art Carnival Betty Blayton's

noted circular canvases of "spiritual abstracts"; Leroy Campbell's

captivating images of rural and urban life on backdrops of old

newspaper prints, fabrics and objects; Charly Palmer's complex

collaged images make use of stenciled patterns and textured mixed

media; Stacey Brown's watercolors of serene and peaceful getaways;

works by Essud Fungcap, the "composer of color, mediums, and

emotions," and April Harrison's tapestry-like images of love.

Located in Mount Vernon, New York, the Mackey Twins Art Gallery was

founded in 2005 by twin sisters Karen and Sharon Mackey. Dedicated to

supporting artists of color, who are not sufficiently represented in

larger art venues, they remain true to cultivating communities of

collectors. Artworks from this exhibition are available for purchase.

This exhibition is organized by Parks & Recreation's Art & Antiquities

division in conjunction with Parks' Ebony Society Black History

Committee, which has helped to organize an annual Black History Month

exhibition in the Arsenal Gallery since 1991.

The Arsenal Gallery is dedicated to examining themes of nature, urban

space, wildlife, New York City parks and park history. It is located

on the third floor of the Parks Department Headquarters, in Central

Park, on Fifth Avenue at 64th Street. Gallery hours are Monday -

Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., excluding holidays. Admission is free. For

more information on the Arsenal Gallery, please call 212-360-8163.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"Pregressive art can assist people to learn not only about the

objective forces at work in the socity in which they live, but also

about the intensity social character of their interior lives.

Ultimately, it can propel people toward social emancipation."

Angela Davis

(1944 - )

African-American - News

2012-02-02T09:45:00.000-05:00

African-American - News February 2, 2012

Maya Angelou hosts Black History Month special (Washington Examiner)
In this Jan. 14, 2012, file photo, Maya Angelou speaks after receiving the Literary Arts Award during the BET Honors at the Warner Theatre in Washington.

Rep. Jim Moran (D): Rep. Allen West 'Not Representative Of African-American Community' (Gateway Pundit)
Last year, Anti-Semite A Jim Moran blamed a majority of racist Americans forA the Republican victories in the 2010 mid-term election.A Now Moran is comparing Governor Jan Brewer and Rep.

Obama Targets Black Voters in New Campaign (WAPI-AM Birmingham)
President Obama on Wednesday launched an aggressive, targeted effort aimed at engaging African-American supporters for his 2012 campaign.

Rev. Joe Neal a big part of county's history, and he's still busy (Douglas County Sentinel)
Rev. Joe Neal relaxes in his Carrollton home Tuesday. Neal knew Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Maddow Brands Gingrichs Attack On Obamas... (Free Republic)
MSNBC's Rachel Maddow lambasted Newt Gingrich's speech in Florida tonight, criticizing him for singling out President Obama's singing.

'Soul Train' Creator Don Cornelius Dead of Apparent Suicide (Boulder Weekly)
Don Cornelius, who created the long-running R&B and dance-music showcase Soul Train , was found dead in his home in Sherman Oaks, Clifornia, early this morning.

Okla. Health Dept. Targets blacks for AIDS effort (KRMG-AM Tulsa)
According to the Health Department, African Americans have the highest rate of new HIV/AIDS cases in the state, with a rate nearly five times higher than for other racial or ethnic groups.

WHOS HIRING

2012-02-02T09:43:00.000-05:00

WHO'S HIRING: Today's selection of political, government, business and advocacy groups looking to employ the best and brightest.

Government Affairs/Communications Professional for Boutique Public Affairs Firm
Salary: Commensurate with experience.
Description: Boutique NYC/NYS public affairs firm seeking Account Executive with strong writing/communications skills and at least three years' governmental/non-profit/political experience. Firm represents diverse range of not-for-profits, institutions and land use clients, so ideal candidate knows City/State budgets, grassroots campaigns, and public relations/marketing. Bachelor's degree a minimum, graduate degree a plus. New York City-based, but periodic travel to Albany.
Please email resume and representative writing samples to: govaffairsprofessional@gmail.com

Special Counsel, NYC Civilian Complaint Review Board
Salary: ($54,740 $105,000)
Description: The Special Counsel is responsible for prosecuting designated disciplinary trials against members of the NYPD through the CCRB's Administrative Prosecution Unit. Responsibilities include: developing and maintaining a system for monitoring the APU's progress; managing legal and administrative staff assigned to the APU; coordinating with the NYPD Department Advocate's Office; overseeing all aspects of the prosecution of the designated cases.
To see full job description visit: http://www.nyc.gov/html/ccrb/pdf/Special_Counsel.pdf

Vice President Public Affairs/Grassroots Global Strategy Group
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Description: Global Strategy Group seeks to hire a motivated, organized and goal-oriented individual to fill a challenging position in our growing Public Affairs and Grassroots practice, specializing in campaign management, coalition building, community engagement and grassroots advocacy for non-profit and corporate clients.
To view the full job description and to submit an application please go to: http://www.globalstrategygroup.com/jobs

NEW THIS MORNING

2012-02-02T09:39:00.000-05:00

NEW THIS MORNING:

* City Council Speaker Christine Quinn's close friendship with one of the city's most prominent lobbyists, Emily Giske, draws scrutiny from the New York Times of Quinn's decisions in office that have helped Giske's clients: http://nyti.ms/zS5Jha

* NYU professor Pedro Noguera resigned from the SUNY board of trustees, which approves charter schools, because he said many are now rivals to traditional public schools, the Wall Street Journal says: http://on.wsj.com/xWtzhp

* The MTA has agreed in contract talks to give subway operators three paid days off if their train hits someone who survives, while the old contract only gives paid time off if the victim dies, the Post says: http://nyp.st/AC1ZVe

* More than 600,000 New York City homeowners received a tax rebate up to $60 higher than they should have because of a late change to state tax law last year, and will have to repay it on their next property tax bill, the Post reports: http://nyp.st/wDUppa

* More than 50,000 members of eight state unions are still without a contract even after Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration booked $450 million in savings from labor, the Times Union says: http://bit.ly/AmXipd

* Southern Tier families are still struggling with the loss of 167 nursing home beds in Tropical Storm Lee, forcing some patients into long-term care more than 50 miles from home, the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin reports: http://press.sn/xsjytN

African-American - News

2012-02-01T11:28:00.000-05:00

African-American - News February 1, 2012

Remembering a oeRootsa : The Series that Inspired a Nation (Sag Harbor Online)
Thirty five years ago last week, ABC aired a groundbreaking mini-series that kept millions of Americans glued to their television sets over eight consecutive nights.

Black leaders criticize Va GOP voter bills (The Daily Times)
RICHMOND, Va. - A bitter partisan dispute over Republican bills that place new burdens on voters is taking on passionate references from black leaders to Jim Crow, poll taxes and alleged conservative efforts to "lynch democracy." About 300 people on the Capitol lawn applauded passionate speeches Tuesday.

Black History Month fun facts 2012 (WXIX-TV Cincinnati)
To commemorate and celebrate the contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week.

The Racialist Dog and Pony Show (Moonbattery)
The Obama family took in an art exhibit on Sunday at a museum that is practically in their backyard: The Corcoran Gallery of Art.

Segregation Hits Historic Low (Wall Street Journal)
An exodus of African-Americans from struggling industrial cities such as Detroit and the growth of Sunbelt states have pushed racial segregation in U.S. Metropolitan areas to its lowest level in a century, according to a new study.

NJ Governor Chris Christie, in Hot Water Over Civil Rights Remarks, Calls Gay Lawmaker 'Numbnuts' (Towleroad)
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, facing criticism over remarks he made last week after calling for a voter referendum on same-sex marriage, in which he suggested African-Americans pursuing their civil rights would have wanted a voter referendum, sought to clarify those remarks in a press conference today.

NEW THIS MORNING

2012-02-01T11:27:00.000-05:00

NEW THIS MORNING:

* Leonard Litwin, the 97-year-old billionaire apartment building owner, was the biggest donor to state political campaigns last year with $700,000 in donations, including $436,500 to Senate Republicans, a New York Public Interest Research Group study found, the Post says: http://nyp.st/A61JH0

* New York City's welfare agency is hiring more than 200 workers to handle the crush of people applying for food stamps, housing aid and job services, the Daily News reports: http://nydn.us/xZyfuL

* The Indian Point nuclear plant must update its study of earthquake risk after a new federal report showed a greater likelihood of ground movement in the central and eastern United States, the Journal News says: http://lohud.us/AeL5Xd

* Former Rep. Anthony Weiner used $13,290 in campaign donations last year to hire private detectives to prove his Twitter account was hacked, before admitting he sent an X-rated photo himself, the Daily News says: http://nydn.us/yg0gxx

* Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz used his State of the Borough address last night to call for a contest using city land and cash to lure a high-tech manufacturer to the Brownsville or East New York areas, the Daily News reports: http://nydn.us/yE1777

* City Council Speaker Christine Quinn has returned two more $1,000 donations, from fraudsters Kenneth Starr and Hassan Nemazee, but will keep $11,000 more from people associated with them, the Post says: http://nyp.st/whrNAB

Fw: PR: NYC Photographer Highlights Black Women's Beauty

2012-01-31T11:10:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2012

CONTACT:
Paul Phillips
(917) 312-2511
paul@whatseatingharlem.com

HARLEM-BASED PHOTOGRAPHER TO HIGHLIGHT THE BEAUTY IN AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN WITH NEW "BEAUTY IN BLACK" PROJECT

One of many photos to be featured in the project

New York, NY (BlackNews.com) -- Professional photographer Paul Phillips plans to provide artistic proof of the beauty in African American women with his "Beauty in Black" project recently launched on Kickstarter.com. The idea was inspired by a disturbing blog post in 2010 written by evolutionary psychologist, Satoshi Kanazawa who argued that black women are less physically attractive than other women. The post created a firestorm of angry comments across the web and was quickly removed from the website.

The "Beauty in Black" project will be a coffee table book filled with 30 to 40 high quality black & white and color photographs celebrating the beauty and spirit of black women. Phillips explains, "As a black man who is married to a beautiful black woman, I didn't get mad I got busy. I am creating a photo essay that will portray the beauty of African American women of all shades, shapes and sizes." The call for "models" will go out by word of mouth, over the internet, and in the media. The themes will deal with the hair, skin tone and body images of black women and girls from all walks of life from the celebrity to the everyday.

Kickstarter.com is the world's largest online funding platform for creative projects. Phillips explains why he created the project on kickstarter.com, "As a professional photographer, I own all of the equipment to create the book. I plan to photograph women from all over the country. In addition to raising funds for travel and printing, I plan to hire makeup artists and wardrobe stylists to work with my models." He plans to finish the book this year and publish by March 2013.

To learn more about "Beauty in Black", watch the video, and/or make a donation, visit his KickStarter page at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1657641638/beauty-in-black. Each project is required to offer rewards for donations and must reach the stated funding goal before time runs out or no money changes hands. Donations start as low as $5 and rewards includes items such as a screen saver, a set of note cards, and a desk calendar featuring images from the collection.

Although Kanazawa's post was removed from the website, screen shots of excerpts appeared in the Huffington Post "Style" section: "What accounts for the markedly lower average level of physical attractiveness among black women? Black women are on average much heavier than nonblack women. [...] However, this is not the reason black women are less physically attractive than nonblack women."

About Paul Phillips
Paul Phillips' background is in broadcast production (WPIX-TV, NBA TV, CNN), video development and professional photography. He worked under the legendary photographer Irving Penn. Paul has his own distinctive style and created two best-selling photography calendars. He has appeared in myriad newspaper and magazine articles. Paul is a member of Harlem's 100 Black Men and lives in a beautiful brownstone on Harlem's Sugar Hill with his wife. He is currently in production for a new lifestyle website and television show about Harlem. Learn more at www.whatseatingharlem.com.

-END-

Need A Black Expert to Interview? Visit www.BlackExperts.com



Diversity City Media \| 750-Q Cross Pointe Road \| Columbus \| OH \| 43230

African-American - News

2012-01-31T11:07:00.000-05:00

African-American - News January 31, 2012

Charles Murray does it again (Salon)
People wait in line at the 2011 Maximum Connections Job and Career Fair Thursday, Sept.

Our History Makers: Martin Luther King Jr. (WDBZ-AM Cincinnati)
Northerners often depict the South as backwards and racist. During the Civil Rights Movement, the South gave the North plenty of reasons to feel superiors.

Black History Month: Shrines (KFMB-am)
The National Park Service maintains a number of historic sites associated with black history.

Black History (WBAY-TV Green Bay)
On the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal Holiday, we celebrate the man who fought for the America he knew was possible.

Historic designation for Black school puts $23 million project in limbo (WLOX-TV Biloxi)
TV and WLOX.com - The News for South MississippiHistoric designation for Black school puts $23 million project in limbo The $23 million question is whether or not a former high school for African Americans is a historic building.

Producer Langmann holds Uggie the dog aloft in the photo room in Beverly Hills (WHTC)
Civil rights drama "The Help" got a leg up in the Oscar race on Sunday when the movie won three awards from the Screen Actors Guild, including best cast in a surprise over silent movie romance "The Artist." "The Help," which came into the show with four nominations, more than any other film, also earned its star Viola Davis the SAG award for best ... (more)

NEW THIS MORNING

2012-01-31T11:05:00.000-05:00

SCANDAL BOOSTS UNIONS' BID TO OPEN HOUSING CONTRACTS: The arrest of a New York City housing official has spurred a union-backed bill to require more disclosure of affordable housing contracts, over the concerns of the city housing commissioner: http://bit.ly/zwpFMn

NEW THIS MORNING:

* The state is considering selling its Shirley Chisolm State Office Building in Brooklyn because a private developer talked about buying it, but Sen. Velmanette Montgomery vows to fight the move, the Daily News says: http://nydn.us/zEY5ct

* Mayor Michael Bloomberg's administration wants Gov. Andrew Cuomo to scrap the 2010 teacher evaluation law by putting new language in the state budget making it easier to fire bad teachers, the Wall Street Journal reports: http://on.wsj.com/zAhUUM

* Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver went along with what Cuomo wanted in his freshman year as governor, but the speaker is now staking out his own agenda as the budget cycle progresses, the Gannett Albany bureau writes: http://on.rocne.ws/w5F23f

* The Port Authority will spend tens of millions of dollars to build a temporary loading dock for 1 World Trade Center because the permanent one won't be ready when tenants move in, the Post's Steve Cuozzo writes: http://nyp.st/wYTZrz

* City Council Speaker Christine Quinn will return a $4,950 donation made in 2007 by Suzanne Raffaelli, an actress and model who was a straw donor for convicted fraudster Norman Hsu, the Post says: http://nyp.st/xTHjsk

* Julian Schreibman stepped down as head of the Ulster County Democratic Committee to run for retiring Rep. Maurice Hinchey's seat, but acknowledged the seat could be redistricted out of existence, the Daily Freeman reports: http://bit.ly/A3K4Lm

Harlem - News

2012-01-30T15:18:00.000-05:00

Harlem - News January 30, 2012

When New York was New Amsterdam; and other Dutch things (Examiner)
Ever watch the movie Gangs of New York ? It is about the different immigrants coming to the New World, preferably, the area of the Five Points in Lower Manhattan.

The National Conference of Artists Conference 2012 at the Schomburg in Harlem (Harlem World)
The National Conference of Artists founded in 1959, is the oldest African American visual arts organization in the United States.

OVO's insects egg on the love bug in a most spectacular way (Examiner)
The bugs are busy in Cirque du Soleil 's "OVO" playing now through March 11th under the Big Top at the Santa Monica Pier.

NEW THIS MORNING

2012-01-30T09:37:00.000-05:00

DOES THE IDC HAVE A PAC PROBLEM?: The four-member Independent Democratic Conference has raised $224,000 for its PAC, but unlike the Democratic and Republican conferences, it may not be able to spend it freely for its members: http://bit.ly/yxrFT1

NEW THIS MORNING:

* Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver's plan to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $8.50 emerged last night, with the Daily News saying Senate Republicans were noncommittal (http://nydn.us/zT8Inu ) while the Post said they would block it (http://nyp.St/x0hcRK).

* The New York Times notes how Gov. Andrew Cuomo's new Department of Financial Services is encroaching on Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's traditional turf: http://nyti.ms/wzjZFf

* Cuomo's budget seeks to overhaul 19th-century civil service rules to make it easier to hire and transfer state workers, which union leaders say would open the door to patronage abuses, the Wall Street Journal says: http://on.wsj.com/waE0fs

* New York Republican leaders worry that a Newt Gingrich win over Mitt Romney in Florida's Republican presidential primary would hurt the party slate here, prompting talk of sending an uncommitted slate of delegates to the national convention, the Post's Fred Dicker writes: http://nyp.st/ACSRFB

* As MTA contract talks hit a stalemate, the Daily News finds a union flyer urging subway operators to enter stations "with extra care" as a potential slowdown (http://nydn.us/A0zgDR), while the Post finds an MTA email ordering supervisors to write up five workers each month for discipline (http://nyp.St/x5bbik).

* Mayor Michael Bloomberg is enamored of high tech, but New York City is seeking bids to replace 1,172 typewriters at agencies that still use the old machines for filling out forms, the Post says: http://nyp.st/A6VCzh

Viola Plummer 75th Birthday Party - Friday, February 17th

2012-01-30T09:34:00.000-05:00

Vi @ 75

Come celebrate

Viola Plummer's

75th birthday

With dinner & dancing

Wearing your finest attire

Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 - 7 PM

Robert Ross Johnson

Family Life Center

172-17 Linden Blvd.

St. Albans (corner Linden Blvd. & Merrick Blvd.)

RSVP (718) 398-1766

Support Viola Plummers work

$75.00 donation to:

Renaissance Women - 394 Putnam Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11216

SANKOFA

HEARD AROUND TOWN

New Trend? Detroit Residents Arm Themselves

Harlem - News

Harlem - News February 14, 2012

African-American - News

African-American - News February 14, 2012

NEW THIS MORNING

Celebrating Puerto Rican Women: Today, Tomorrow and Always!

Harlem - News

Harlem - News February 13, 2012

Fw: Events Calendar Alert: State of Our City 2/23

Fw: [TheBlackList] Why Tom Joyner is GLAAD

African-American - News

African-American - News February 13, 2012

NEW THIS MORNING

African-American - News

African-American - News February 12, 2012

Black History Month

African-American - News

African-American - News February 11, 2012

Fw: Notify NYC - Silver Alert Cancelled

Fw: Events at Indian Road, 2/19-2/15

Fw: [B-C-C] White History Month

White History Month

Fw: Notify NYC - Silver Alert

African-American - News

African-American - News February 10, 2012

African-American - News

African-American - News February 9, 2012

NEW LITERACY TEST TURNS BLACK HISTORY MONTH INTO A TEACHING/LEARNING PROJECT

NEW THIS MORNING

Fw: [CSH - News | 154] EVENT: 10AM-1PM | Sat - Feb. 18, 2012 | Your Community Clinic 4 Math

BLACK HISTORY

African-American - News

African-American - News February 8, 2012

NEW THIS MORNING

Fw: Health Department Announces 41% Drop in HIV/AIDS Related Deaths Among Black New Yorkers

Bronx Woman Margaret Brooks Disappears in East Harlem

Bronx Woman Margaret Brooks Disappears in East Harlem

Margaret Brooks, 24, has been missing since Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012. (DCPI)

Fw: Notify NYC - Notification

First Ever National Pretty Brown Girl Day

African-American - News

African-American - News February 6, 2012

African-American - News

African-American - News February 5, 2012

A Response to the New York Daily News Perpetuating False Charges on the 1975 Fraunces Tavern Bombing

African-American - News

African-American - News February 4, 2012

No Black people need apply

Fw: [CSH - News | 151] EVENT: Presentation of the Red Tails movie

African-American - News

African-American - News February 3, 2012

NEW THIS MORNING

Fw: Daily Plant: Parks Celebrates Black History Month With Gallery Show

African-American - News

African-American - News February 2, 2012

WHOS HIRING

NEW THIS MORNING

African-American - News

African-American - News February 1, 2012

NEW THIS MORNING

Fw: PR: NYC Photographer Highlights Black Women's Beauty

African-American - News

African-American - News January 31, 2012

NEW THIS MORNING

Harlem - News

Harlem - News January 30, 2012

NEW THIS MORNING

Viola Plummer 75th Birthday Party - Friday, February 17th

WHOS HIRING