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I MESSENGER NO 1 ISSUE 15

DEC 23, 2011

Check out CHERYL’S WORLD on Blogtalkradio

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MERRY CHRISTMAS HAPPY KWANZAA

MEL WAITERS Ringing in the New Year!

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Brought to you by Harwood 609 Restaurant and Jazz Club

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

IMESSENGER

609 North Harwood Street, Dallas, TX 214.740.0609

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What’s Happening!

and NOLEN, singer, songwriter and producer

Sunday December 25, 6 p.m.

UNCF/Brinker International Scholarship

'Support A Daughter of Our Community'

Calling all future food nutritionists, chefs, hotel manager and restaurateurs!!!

Apply NOW for the UNCF/Brinker International Scholarship

Hamilton Park Class of 1977 Holiday Party is this Friday, December 23, 2011 at 609 Harwood in beautiful downtown Dallas!

"This Film Shares a Lesson and a Blessing"

Party will start at 7pm..Cover charge will start at 8pm so please come early.

Unwind from the hustle and bustle for a Movie with a Mission. 'Fundraiser'

Deadline extended to December 29

Everyone is invited..

Food will be provided. $10 donation for the non-profit organization.

Saturday December 24, 3 p.m.

Pre-Kwanzaa Celebration Viewing of the Documentary 'The Black Candle'

DEC 23, 2011 deDecember 26

In the Spirit of Kwanzaa Principal Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) The National Black United Front (NBUF) Dallas Chapter presents’

A Discussion: “The F.B.I. War on Tupac Shakur & Black Leaders”

Tuesday, December 27, 2011 7:00-9:30 PM Spring Plaza (ICDC) 4907 Spring Avenue Dallas, Texas 75210

Eligible majors that qualify for this scholarship include: Culinary, Food & Beverage, Food Nutrition, Food Science, Food Service, Hospitality Administration, Hotel Management, Restaurant Management.

The Brinker International scholarship is designed to help cover the gap between college expenses and financial aid packages for minority students majoring in the food service/hospitality field attending any fully accredited 4-year college or university that have food service/hospitality/culinary academic courses. Students must complete an essay on the subject: Why I am passionate about pursuing a career in the foodservice/hospitality industry, include a resume and one or more letters of recommendation.

For more information and to apply, visit www.uncf.org and select the “For Students tab and click on “Scholarships”

Moderator: Thomas Muhammad, Chairman National Black United Front-Dallas

Don't miss this landmark, vibrant documentary that uses Kwanzaa as a vehicle to explore and celebrate the experience and culture of African people living in America and around the world. Narrated by Maya Angelou, and filmed across the United States, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean, “The Black Candle” is a timely illumination on why the seven principles of Kwanzaa are so important to African people in American today. It traces the holiday’s growth out of the Black Power Movement in the 1960s to its present-day reality as a global, PanAfrican Holiday embraced by over 40 million celebrants.

Bring the entire family for an afternoon of fun, and cultural education.

Refreshments served The Pan-African Connection Bookstore Art Gallery and Resource Center 828 4th Ave., Dallas Texas 75226 (Across from Fair Park Music Hall) 214-943-8262-Email: panafric@airmail.net

Panel: Robert Ashley, KHVN-AM (Heaven 97’Radio) Talk Show Host/News Dir Silk Littlejohn-Gamble, President Arlington Branch NAACP Aaron Michaels, Founder New Black Panther Party Nayrok Badu, Singer/Hip Hop Artist Gordon Jackson, Editor - Dallas Weekly Newspaper Born to Black Panther parents Tupac Amaru Shakur went on to become what Rolling Stones Magazine called the “86th Greatest Artist of All Time” selling over 75 million albums worldwide. Many are aware of his East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry and his turn to violent gangster rap. But most would be surprised to learn that these events and his death was indeed a product of an FBI Counter Intelligence Program aka Cointelpro. This documentary made from a famous book written by John Potash on Tupac proves the plot and exposes hits on other high profiled blacks of nasty things the Feds are capable of doing when people refuse to play along.

To order Potash’s book visit Amazon http:// www.amazon.com/Tupac-Shakur-BlackLeaders-Intelligences/dp/0979146909.”

Event is FREE/OPEN to PUBLIC for more 214-460-7672 or nbufdallas@gmail.com Celebrate God's New Day and New Year at New Light Saturday, December 31, 2011 10 PM to 12 AM Special Guests: Marvelous Light Church, Sr., Pastor Eugene Young

Tune in to Cheryl’s World on Blogtalkradio.com weekdays at 9a.m.

Monday, December 26

UMOJA

Tuesday, December 27 Wednesday, December 28 Thursday, December 29

KUJICHAGULIA

UJIMA

UJAMAA

Friday, December 30

Cheryl Smith, Publisher 2011 -

NIA

and Phyllis J o i n C h e r y l a n d P h y l l i s Join Cheryl and Phyllis Join Cheryl and Phyllis Join Cheryl and Phyllis Join Cheryl Alphabet.

Alphabet.

Alphabet.

Alphabet.

Alphabet.

• Black Economic History • Black Economic History • Black Economic History • Black Economic History • Black Economic History Fact of the Day Fact of the Day Fact of the Day Fact of the Day Fact of the Day Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

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Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

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Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

I Messenger

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER MAGNIFIED!

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IMessenger is a tribute to Le Messager, founded by Cameroonian journalist Pius N j a w e a n d T h e M e s s e n g e r, a n independent magazine, founded by labor activist A . Philip Randolph and economist Chandler Owen.

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IMESSENGER

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DEC 23, 2011

SWAGGER MAGNIFIED! September 1 - December 31 -- I am picking the men I think have serious swagger. These men are intelligent, strong, sharp, fierce, competitive, charismatic, spiritual, hard, caring, handsome, smooth, creative, energetic and so much more! Without any NOW...

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Sporting News Editor-in-Chief Garry D. Howard, Fort Worth Star-Telegram Columnist Bob Ray Sanders, Min. Robert Muhammad, NFL Great Emmitt Smith, business mogul Daymond John, noted psychologist Nai’m Akbar, publisher Danny Bakewell Sr., NBA great and business mogul Earvin “Magic” Johnson, singer Charlie Wilson, journalist George E. Curry, former NAACP head and U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, rapper, author Chuck D., Coach Doug Williams, businessman Charles O’Neal, comedian David A. Arnold, rapper Kool Moe Dee, businessman Jonathan Rodgers, Sports anchor Stephen A. Smith, basketball great Michael Jordan, Rev. Zan Wesley Holmes Jr., actor Billy Dee Williams, comedian and actor Chris Rock, FAMU President James Ammons, singer Nicholas Caldwell, actor/singer Leon, singer Morris Day, actor/rapper Will Smith, business mogul Sean Combs, journalist Ed Gordon, comedian/activist Dick Gregory, NBA great Allen Iverson, Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan, journalist/historian Lerone Bennett, Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III, Ambassador Ron Kirk, Hon. Nelson Mandela, Rap mogul Jay Z, actor James Earl Jones, actor/director Denzel Washington, NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, actor/author Don Shield, Hon. Willie Brown, Hon. Marc Morial, CEO Oscar Joyner, Journalist Acel Moore, rapper/actor Treach, journalist Dewayne Wickham, businessman Walter Williams, Sen. Royce West, media guru/activist Tavis Smiley, journalist T.J. Holmes, artist/singer Miles Jaye, journalist Roland Martin, singer Hon. Jerry Butler, actor Sidney Poitier, actor Jeffery Wright, Muhammad Ali, entertainer/ activist Harry Belafonte, businessman Comer Cottrell, actor Fred Williamson, Dr. Steve Perry, actor Malik Farrakhan, Gen. Colin Powell, Hon. Dwaine Caraway actor Jim Kelly, educator Dr. Frederick Humphrey, Doug E. Fresh, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., Snoop, the Rev. Joseph Lowery, the Honorable President Barack Obama, actor Samuel L. Jackson, reggae artist Alpha Blondy, businessman and publisher Earl Graves, photographer Jesse Hornbuckle, actor/philanthropist Dr. Bill Cosby, journalist Brian Custer, LL Cool J, Dr. Ben Carson, Hon. John Wiley Price, Rev. Michael Eric Dyson, actor/author Hill Harper..

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consideration or input from anyone, I am choosing the men who through personal experiences or history, I find to have so much going on. Stay tuned - I think it’s a great list! What do you think?

THEN...

Singer Marvin Gaye, actor Calvin Lockhart, singer Teddy Pendergrass and Nat King Cole, comic/ actor Bernie Mac, journalist Lawrence E. Young, entertainer Isaac Hayes, singer Gerald Levert, African activist and publisher Pius Njawe, attorney/media mogul Percy Sutton, Publisher extraordinaire John H. Johnson, atty. Johnnie Cochran, music great Curtis Mayfield, maestro Barry White, orator, writer and statesman Frederick Douglass, humanist Malcolm X, singer Johnnie Taylor, entertainer Lou Rawls, singer Rick James, Coach A.D. Jake Gaither, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Hon. Mickey Leland, entertainer Sammie Davis Jr., the Chief Rocker Frankie Crocker, Tupac Shakur, Hon. Marcus Garvey, Hon. Al Lipscomb, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, journalist Ed Bradley, Hon. Arthur E. Teele, Jr., actor/comedian Richard Pryor, singer/songwriter Nickolas Ashford. Historian Ivan Van Sertima, musician Donny Hathaway, Hon. Adam Clayton Powell, businessman Alfred Huntsberry, Ossie Davis, actor extraordinaire Paul Robeson, journalist Vernon Jarrett, NFL Great Ron Springs, journalist Gerald Boyd, educator/ inventor George Washington Carver, activist Huey Newton, educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson, NBA Great Maurice Lucas, activist Stokely Carmichael, entertainer Langston Hughes, Gospel great Pop Staples, entertainer Duke Ellington, entertainer Heavy D, Hon. Kwame Nkrumah, entertainer Miles Davis, actor Adolph Caesar, Dr. Percy Julian, musician Grover Washington Jr., activist A. Philip Randolph, activist Denmark Vesey, Nat Turner, singer Tyrone Davis, writer, journalist Paul Lawrence Dunbar, actor Paul Winfield, entertainer Ray Charles, Carl Brashear, journalist Max Robinson, musician Billy Preston, entertainer Cab Calloway, artist Ernie Barnes, Iceberg Slim, businessman Reginald Lewis, businessman Don Barden, THE MAN Joseph Smith, Sam Cooke, boxing great Joe Louis, educator Dr. Asa Hilliard, singer Levi Stubbs, activist Ben Hooks, tennis great Arthur Ashe, Hon. Ron Brown, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Gil Scott Heron, Major Robert Lawrence, Godfather James Brown ...

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Jenkins gives Cowboys tickets to war veteran

Search intensifies for serial rapist

Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins recently offered four (4) Cowboy game tickets to a Veteran returning from war and three (3) family members to attend the Cowboys Christmas Eve game against the Atlanta Falcons.

In partnership with “Operation Healthy Reunions (OHR)” and the Veterans Hospital, Dallas County sought a Veteran returning from war to sit on the 30-yard-line near the field and watch the Dallas Cowboys vie for a win against the Falcons!

Judge Jenkins says, “our veterans have given so much in the service of our country; because of them we are safe and remain proud – this is our way of welcoming home a service member for the holidays and saying we honor your service.”

Report from State Rep. Stefani Carter I hope everyone had a happy and safe Thanksgiving. This has been an incredibly eventful month. This issue will fill you in on all of the House District 102 happenings, as well as provide you with the latest news on redistricting, an update on which constitutional amendments passed, an overview regarding what's happening in the House Criminal Jurisprudence committee and will highlight a specific piece of legislation I am working on during the interim.

district court in San Antonio from imposing unlawful redistricting maps upon the State of Texas. The Supreme Court reviewed General Abbott's appeal and granted the stay. As a result of the stay, the candidate filing deadline was extended until December 19, 2011. In addition, an order was filed and approved to have an April 3rd primary with runoffs being June 5.

The State's appeal requested that the Supreme Court review the redistricting case on an expedited basis, reverse the federal district court's unlawful decision and prohibit the district court's interim map from being implemented. Oral argument will be conducted before the Supreme Court at 1 p.m. (ET), January 9th on the interim-map appeal.

REDISTRICTING UPDATE

As you may know, several weeks ago a panel of federal judges in San Antonio sided with the U.S. Department of Justice and ruled that the Texas Legislature's redistricting plans for Congress and the Texas House of Representatives violated the Voting Rights Act.

Recently, Attorney General Greg Abbott asked the U.S. Supreme Court to grant an emergency stay to stop the federal

As a result, the court had to draw the interim redistricting maps because the Legislature's redistricting plans cannot

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DEC 23, 2011

Over a year ago, this man began assaulting women in the north Texas area. It was later determined that he was targeting members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Crime Stoppers has offered a $5,000 reward and the story was chronicled on America’s Most Wanted in early December.

According to officials, there have been a number of tips related to the case but none have resulted in the capture of “Pookie.”

Most recently, in NBC 5‘s Randy McIlwain reported: “Investigators say most of the leads have come from individuals in North Texas where the man has been active. Since November 2010, the man has been accused of breaking into the homes of four women, all members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Of those, the man is accused of raping three.

"If we don't get this guy caught and the media attention winds up dropping down on this there's going to be a lot more opportunity for him to actually commit the offense because a lot of people will be letting their guard down," said Tilley.

As many as five months have passed without an attack, and Plano police are concerned that the man's target might have changed. They believe that he may already have his next target under surveillance.

A task force consisting of three departments is working around the clock to identify and arrest the man, but police know the clock is ticking.

"We don't want anymore victims on this deal so we're trying to make everybody as alert as possible on this and this doesn't limit it to just even being sorority it could be anybody," said Tilley.

If you have any information, call 1-877-373-8477 so that we can get this man off the streets. legally exist until a federal court in Washington, D.C., certifies that they comply with several aspects of the Voting Rights Act. The court-ordered map created additional minority opportunity districts in the state. The biggest differences between the court-drawn map and the one drawn by the Legislature can be seen in South Texas. However, in Dallas County the biggest change was the creation of a minority opportunity district, House District 107.

My district was marginally effected by the court's decision. In the HD 102 map passed by the Legislature, the new district would include a more significant portion of Richardson, as well as Addison. In the court-ordered map, HD 102 loses Addison but picks up an even greater portion of Richardson.

ALREADY GEARING UP FOR NEXT SESSION On November 22, the first of several interim hearings of the House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence was held in Austin. The hearing focused on DNA testing and our criminal justice system. !

The committee heard invited testimony from a number of experts in the field of DNA evidence and testing. The topics of discussion included testing technology, the integrity of evidence testing, testing centers and crime labs, the practicality of not destroying but retaining and storing evidence, and the cost of testing.

The committee also discussed wrongful convictions, exonerations, the death penalty and criminal laws, all of which may be affected by changing technology in DNA testing and the handling of DNA evidence.

Additional interim hearings for the Criminal Jurisprudence committee will be held after the new year. These hearings will examine subjects such as sentencing practices for defendants suffering from mental illness and criminal penalties for the failure of a parent or guardian to report a missing child or the death of a child. The latter of these two subjects was inspired by the Casey Anthony trial this summer. As a tough-on-crime former prosecutor who supports legislation that will hold parents more accountable for their illegal actions toward children, I am looking forward to discussing this issue in greater detail. !

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DEC 23, 2011

Wells Conference views presents from Heaven with children ages 6-14. Their day will be filled with activities such as painting, dancing, singing and acting as they learn about Jesus.

You can sign up on line for both conferences at www.tinyurl.com/ PresentsFromHeaven and find out more information at http:// www.thelmawells.com/rtw-jan-2012 "We are excited about this third annual Ready to Win Conference, 'Presents from Heaven'. We're hoping to fill every seat since it's the Martin Luther King Holiday," said Thelma Wells. "We are asking corporate and business sponsors to purchase groups of 10 tickets to give to local charities like the Salvation Army, The Uptown Women's Center and the Dallas Life Foundation."

For more information on sponsorship, contact Vikki Wells, VP Marketing & Conferences, at 800-843-5622 x 2.

Thelma Wells

Don Piper

International speaker Thelma Wells is hosting a double conference, "Presents from Heaven" on Monday January 16, 2012 (Martin Luther King Holiday). The adult session will be held from 9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. at the Palace Arts Center 300 S. Main Street in Grapevine, Texas.

The "Super Kids" session will be held at the same time in the same building.

Baptist Minister Don Piper will be talking about his 90-minute experience after being pronounced dead at the scene

of an accident. He wrote the book "90 Minutes in Heaven" to describe the peace he felt being greeted by people in heaven who had influenced him spiritually.

Tamara Laroux will teach another session on her view of Heaven and Hell after she tried to commit suicide. Her story is told in her book "Delivered-A Death-defying Journey into Heaven and Hell.

Thelma Wells will deliver a session on the theme, "Presents from Heaven."

Tamara Laroux

Lynda Randle

She'll focus on our blessings, our mission, our passions and our emotions.

Her message is intended to raise the enthusiasm and excitement in attendees to look at each day as a present from God. Recording artist Lynda Randle will minister through music during the conference. Randle is mostly known for her vocal recordings and appearance with the Gaithers.

Children are welcome too. Last year the "Super Kids" session was a big hit

Ticket information: Adult tickets are $20 but if you buy two buddy tickets the price is $36 for two tickets. There are group rates including six tickets for the price of five and also a popular Book Club ticket that entitles you to three books - one for each of the key speakers.

The Superkids tickets are only $10 per child, but families with more than three children will pay a maximum of $30.00.

Children's tickets include lunch.

Homeless veterans find help and housing year round at Urban League "Veterans are among the largest groups of homeless here in Dallas," said Treva McDaniel, Urban League Project Director of Residential Services. "They are mostly male, but we are now seeing the number of homeless Veteran females definitely increasing."

The Urban League of Greater Dallas, the Veterans Administration and Dallas Metrocare have partnered to address the large numbers of homeless veterans in Dallas County through the League's Efficiency Apartment Supportive Housing Program (EASH).

They also partner with the Catholic Charities of Fort Worth to implement the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) which provide supportive services to veterans and their families.

These programs serve at risk, recently homeless and chronically homeless veterans populations who were honorably discharged.

If you are an unaccompanied homeless veteran with a disability and at least 18 years or older, have been either continuously homeless for one year or more, or if you had at least four episodes of homelessness in the part three years, EASH will help you secure housing and case management services.

The SSVF Program, in partnership with the Fort Worth Catholic Charities and the VA provides supportive services to very low-income Veteran families residing in or transitioning to permanent housing.

Carol Rose was discharged from the United States Army in 1987 after serving six years to take care of her sick mother. She held a steady job for years and was laid off in 2008.

In March 2011 she found part-time jobs at FedEX and Duncanville ISD. During her long period of unemployment she also became homeless.

"I didn't have enough money to maintain an apartment," she said. Carol was referred to the Urban League of Greater Dallas Supportive Services for Veteran Families after contacting many agencies for help.

She was immediately assigned a case manager, Robert Walton, on November 7, 2011. She moved into her apartment on November 21, 2011.

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If you know of any high school or college students interested in sharpening their communications skills or pursuing a career in journalism, there’s still time to apply for the DFW/ABJ Urban Journalism Workshop.

www.dfwabj.org !

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Senator Ellis responds to Morton exoneration O n M o n d a y, December 19, the murder charges against Michael Morton were officially dismissed and a judge declared him innocent of the crime that imprisoned him for 2 5 y e a r s . M r.

Morton now seeks an investigation of

his case.

Senator Rodney Ellis released the following statement: “I offer my condolences to Michael Morton for the years he was forced to suffer in prison for a crime he did not commit.

“It would be disturbing enough if Mr. Morton's case was an isolated incident. But the unfortunate reality is the discovery of

wrongful convictions has become far too common in a state that already leads the nation in this shameful statistic.

Mr. Morton's case adds to the already clear and convincing evidence that our criminal justice system is broken, and it's time we implemented the meaningful reforms needed to fix it to ensure the innocent are protected and the guilty brought to justice.”

DEC 23, 2011

Center for Nonprofit Management January 2012 Events Register online at www.cnmdallas.org or call 214-826-3470, ext. 239.

Lunch & Learn: Developing Your Marketing Plan Each year is an opportunity to have a fresh outlook, consider what worked well last year and what new ideas can be implemented to reach your goals. And, a great way to stay focused and achieve your goals is to work from a plan. This discussion will walk through the steps in planning your marketing strategy including target audiences, marketing channels and messaging.

Instructor: Fee: Date: Location:

Tina Young, founder of TechCom Partners, LLC $25 members/ $35 non-members Wednesday, January 18, 11:30 am to 1 pm Center for Nonprofit Management, 2902 Floyd Street, Dallas

InDesign: Get Creative Adobe InDesign is the industry standard in print publishing and is used to create as posters, flyers, brochures, newsletters, books and so much more. Learn how to get the most out of this "do it yourself" software and produce your own professional marketing materials.

The Center has a limited number of laptops available, if you would like to bring your own laptop, please email education@cnmdallas.org and we will make arrangements.

Instructor: Fee: Date: Location:

Defae Weaver, Principal, Precision Type $65 members/ $115 non-members Thursday, January 19, 9 am to 12:30 pm Center for Nonprofit Management, 2902 Floyd Street, Dallas

QuickBooks for Nonprofit Success – Level I Session This session will discuss the selection of QuickBooks software and the features included; illustrate how to navigate the software and perform common tasks; and offer a basic understanding of how to use QuickBooks accounting software in a nonprofit environment.

Attendees will learn how to navigate the software and perform common types of transactions such as: - process accounts receivable and payable - reconcile a bank statement - prepare common reports - modify reports Instructor: Fee: Date: Location:

Chad Rosen, CPA, MBA, MS, managing member of CMRosen, LLC $65 members/ $115 non-members Tuesday, January 24, 9 am to 12 pm Center for Nonprofit Management, 2902 Floyd Street, Dallas

Leading Teams to Success Most of us got into the non-profit world to solve the world’s problems…yet the higher you go in your agency, the more you realize you are solving personnel problems. Today’s nonprofits are simply too short-staffed to micro-manage staff. Non-profits may not be able to use the incentive of bonuses or higher salary, but you don’t have to ´get what you pay for’ if your leadership is inspirational, mission-driven, relationship based, and uses and nurtures talents wisely. This class will teach you how to infuse your program with high morale and a standard of excellence that will allow you to focus on the true mission of your work.

Instructor: Kristen Howell, Director of Development for Salesmanship Club Youth & Family Centers Fee: $25 members/ $35 non-members Date: Wednesday, January 25, 11:30 am to 1 pm Location: Center for Nonprofit Management, 2902 Floyd Street, Dallas Introduction to Grantwriting New to writing grants or need a refresher?

Introduction to Grant Writing is valuable for both beginners and for anyone who would like a refresher on the fundamentals of identifying funders and writing grants.

This practical class covers types of foundations and grants, the basics of public and private sector research and grant seeking, checklist of information you'll need for most proposals, and tips and tricks to write an effective grant. By the end of the class, you’ll have the necessary information to research and submit proposals.

Instructor: Kristina Jones, President of Stronger Organizations, LLC Fee: $45 members/ $95 non-members Date: Thursday, January 26, 9 am to 12 pm Location: Center for Nonprofit Management, 2902 Floyd Street, Dallas

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DEC 23, 2011

Ringing in the new year with the great Mel Waiters!

As another year comes to an end, Harwood 609 Restaurant and Jazz Club is ensuring that its customers ring in the new year in style with the legendary Mel Waiters in concert.

Known for its exquisite decor and great food, Harwood 609 has brought some of the country’s top acts to the stage, including The Temptations with Dennis Edwards, violinist/singer Miles Jaye, comedians Dick Gregory and David A. Arnold, and local favorite, Natural Change.

Doors open at 6:00p.m. for dinner, party favors and much more as the evening progresses.

Then Mel takes to the stage and the dance floor is open for business!

No New Year’s Eve celebration would be complete without the champagne toast. Harwood 609 has it all, including complimentary valet parking!

You’ll enjoy the festive decorations and cozy atmosphere, leading up to an explosive performance by Southern Soul star Mel Waiters.

Mel was born and raised in San Antonio, TX, where in 1974 he began his performing career at local teen clubs.

After a stint as a radio DJ, he was awarded a government contract to entertain at military bases across the Southwest.

With the exception of sax Waiters produced, played and wrote all the material for his first CD release in 1996.

The slick "Hit It & Quit It" and "Whatever It Took" gave Mel his first Southern hits. He followed this up with his second for the Serious Sounds with "Suki Suki Man" that got his biggest song to date with the title track.

Mel was next snatched up by Malaco Records's Waldoxy imprint in 1997 and an even bigger hit was produced by the single, "Got My Whiskey" featuring a very polished dance sound he would continue with.

Despite increasing popularity up to this point, in 1999 he jumped to the top of the Soul/Blues heap with the smash "Hole In The Wall," one of those undeniable hits that guarantee you'll work in the Chitlin Circuit for years to come.

The single, which also featured a remix

by Bigg Robb, managed to hit Billboard's Hot Dance Music/MaxiSingles Sales chart at #24 and also gave Mel his first placing on Billboard's Top Blues Albums chart (#5) and the Top R & B/Hip Hop Albums chart at #83.

Since that time Mel has scored with a string of similar sounding dance songs

about drinking whiskey and partying at the "hole in the wall."

His most recent disc, "Throwback Days," dented Billboard Top 100 R & B/ Hip Hop Albums chart at #93 proving longevity for the artist.

If you know of any high school or college students interested in sharpening their communications skills or pursuing a career in journalism, there’s still time to apply for the DFW/ABJ Urban Journalism Workshop.

www.dfwabj.org

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DEC 23, 2011

African American Film Critics select Tree of Life as Top Film of 2011 Los Angeles, CA – The AfricanAmerican Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has named “The Tree of Life” as the Best Picture of 2011. Directed by Terrence Malick, the Fox Searchlight release captured a majority vote by the organization, which is comprised of African-American media professionals from across the nation.

The organization will formally present this year’s honors during a private dinner on Sunday, January 8, 2012 at the Light Space Studio at the historic Helms

The organization’s Top Ten list of films includes “The Descendants,” “Drive,” “My Week With Marilyn” and “The Help.” “The film industry should be applauded for the ‘real stories’ brought to the screen,” says AAFCA’s East Coast V.P. Daryle Lockhart, owner of Black Box Office.com. “Hopefully through these stories will come a greater empathy and understanding for life changes that we all may experience.”

The African-American Film Critics Association’s Top Ten Films of 2011 are as follows in order of distinction: “The Tree of Life” “Drive” “Pariah” “Rampart” “Shame” “Money Ball” “The Descendants” “A Better Life” “My Week With Marilyn” “The Help”

Bakery.

Woody Harrelson was selected as Best Actor 2011 for “Rampart.” Viola Davis earned AAFCA recognition as Best Actress 2011, and her co-star Octavia Spencer was selected as Best Supporting Actress 2011. Albert Brooks earned Best Supporting Actor 2011 recognition for his performance in “Drive.” Steve McQueen was named Best Director for “Shame,” and “I Will Follow” by Ava DuVernay was selected for Best Screenplay. “Pariah” was named Best Independent Film, with “Kinyarwanda” named Best Foreign Film. Adepero Oduye was honored for Break-Out Performance for “Pariah.”

“Displays of the fragile nature of humanity are on big display among the film titles that we selected for 2011,” says Gil Robertson IV, AAFCA, President and Founder. “If you closely examine the films that AAFCA has selected this year, you will find stories about people who are wrestling with their own humanity in all its forms. From the loss of a cherished loved one, to sexual addiction and social corruption, our selections this year individually and collectively make a strong statement on life’s challenges that all of us may face.”

AAFCA’s Special Achievement Awards for career achievement went to Richard Roundtree, Hattie Winston, George Lucas and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

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Best Actor Woody Harrelson, “Rampart” (Millennium Entertainment) Best Actress Viola Davis, “The Help” (Dream Works Pictures) Best Supporting Actress Octavia Spencer, “The Help” (Dream Works Pictures) Best Supporting Actor Albert Brooks, “Drive” (Film District) Best Foreign Film Alrick Brown, “Kinyarwanda” (AFFRM)

The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is the only organization of African American film media professional. Founded in 2003, A A F C A’s m e m b e r s r e p r e s e n t a geographically diverse cross-section of media covering the cinematic arts. The organization honors excellence in cinema by creating awareness for films with universal appeal to black communities, while emphasizing film about the black experience and those produced written, directed and starring performers of African descent. The association actively reviews the quality and standard of black talent, content and media coverage. AAFCA also supports the development of future black film critics and filmmakers. AAFCA is based in Los Angeles.

AAFCA President Gil Robertson and actress Salli Richardson

Breakout Performance Adepero Oduye, “Pariah” (Focus) Best Director Steve McQueen, “Shame” (Fox Searchlight) Best Screenplay Av a D u Ve r n a y , “ I W i l l Follow” (AFFRM) Best Song Jason Reeves & Lenka Kripac, writers, “The Show” from “Money Ball” (Sony Pictures) Best Independent Film “Pariah” (Focus) Best Documentary “The Black Power Mix Tape” Special Achievement: George Lucas, (Cinema Vanguard); Richard Roundtree, (AAFCA Legacy); Hattie Winston (AAFCA Horizon) and Institution, Sony Pictures Entertainment

THE AAAFCA AWARDS SHOW SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 6 – 9PM Light Space Studios 8675 Washington Blvd (at Helms Bakery) Please RSVP by Jan. 5 at 323-878-2399 Visit www.aafca.com AAFCA winners Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer !

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DEC 23, 2011

ENTER TODAY! Seasons Greetings DFWABJers!

"We have negotiated a special discount to one of the most exciting upscale New Year's Eve events to take place in DFW. The tickets are normally $100 each. However, for a limited time, you can purchase a ticket for only $75 or two tickets for $150. So, you can bring your husband or wife, significant other, or adult child. The event will take place at the luxurious all-new Omni Hotel in downtown Dallas. It will feature a live band, DJ's, a Vegas-style casino, outstanding food selections, silent auction, karaoke, a champagne toast and a red carpet entrance.

There will be two ballrooms for the event, one for the Grown Folks and another for the Young at heart.

This event benefits the American Heart Association and will be attended by an A-List of DFW leaders, celebrities, business leaders, etc. It is sponsored by The CAAPCO Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is engaged in projects geared towards education, health research, community service, and career development in the North Texas area, principally for African Americans.

In the past, CAAPCO has been a part of projects benefiting our local middle schools and high schools by exposing them to different career paths and making hundreds of colleges available to them. CAAPCO has also raised money and awareness for breast cancer research, sickle cell anemia research, kidney disease research and much more. As you know, members of DFWABJ helped establish CAAPCO. More information on the event can be found by visiting www.NewYearsEveDFW.com. Once you have logged onto that site, you will see an option to purchase tickets.

Make your ticket selection and click the link that says "Enter Discount Code." Then, enter DFWABJ as the discount code. Purchase your discounted tickets fast!

This offer will expire soon so HURRY.

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in OUR library Reviewed by Cheryl Smith cheryl@cherylsmithonline.com

Sisters and Husbands

By Connie Briscoe Fans of Connie Briscoe are familiar with Beverly, Charmaine and Evelyn, in this sequel to her bestseller, Sisters & Lovers.

In Sisters & Husbands, there’s just too much drama. Beverly is set to get married, for the third time, but for many reasons she finds herself ditching her man just before she gets to the altar.

This time will surely be different, everyone is hoping. She’s set to marry a man who it seems that everyone considers an ideal mate, but then Beverly gets cold feet again.

Now in a day and age when Black women outnumber by double digits the number of available men, readers might not feel too good about this story line.

Julian is smart, sensitive, sensible, sensual, established, charming and so much more. So many will want to know, what is Beverly’s problem?

Others won’t care. If she can’t see a good thing when he has pledged his love to her, then she should just move out of the way and let someone else have a chance!

Beverly is carrying around some serious issues and then she is watching relationships around her that appear to be going bad.

Failing to realize that into each relationship problems will enter, Beverly does not seem to have the strength or desire to work through an issue that arises. Instead it appears she wants everything to be perfect without any discord at all.

Ms. Briscoe delves into the lives and relationships of the three sisters as the wedding day gets closer and closer and yes, Charmaine and Evelyn are dealing with marital strife. We’re talking about sisters and husbands here--couldn’t

possibly be drama free!

Still the lack of maturity on Beverly’s part, which has been costly for her parents during the two previous failed attempts at marital bliss, does not make Beverly an endearing character. Does she care? It does not appear so as she lets Julian know the deal.

Lady Jasmine

By Victoria Christopher Murray Jasmine Cox Larsen Bush is no joke.

She’s back again and it is clear that she has not learned her lesson. The woman can lie at the bat of an eyelid, skillfully weaving a little truth into every lie to make her stories seem credible.

It appears in Lady Jasmine that Jasmine, who becomes the First Lady of City of Lights at Riverside Church, is about to get her comeuppance, finally.

After years of deceitful, immoral, blasphemous behavior, she is happy, truly happy with her husband and beautiful two-year-old daughter. Everything is going well, until her father-in-law is shot and remains comatose as the drama unfolds. Lo and behold, a blast from the past is ready to turn her life upside down. Sure she has promised to tell her husband the truth, but if you know Jasmine, you know she couldn’t tell the WHOLE truth!

Although she is the First Lady, there’s so much work that has to be done with Jasmine. She isn’t even a member of her husband and father-in-law’s church!

That doesn’t stop her from big ideas and even bigger plans as she tries to cement her legacy, wanting to become revered by all.

As always Ms. Murray provides an interesting story as Jasmine searches for her blackmailer. She is determined to keep her sordid past a secret and the clock is ticking.

Through it all, remnants of the “old” Jasmine continue to resurface. She is a habitual liar and she’s always plotting and scheming.

Jasmine is determined to find those

who want to harm her family by bringing up the past. Some people don’t realize just how low she can go.

She’ll show everyone!

Jealousy - A Strange Company Keeper

By Marsha D. Jenkins-Sanders Early on you make think this story is about Dakota North, a very interesting and intriguing woman who is beautiful, smart and always seems to bounce back from adversity.

Author Marsha D. Jenkins-Sanders has more in store for readers in Jealousy-A Strange Company Keeper.

Enter Rochelle Jackson, Dakota’s not so pretty cousin. In fact at times she was mistaken for being a transvestite because of her manly characteristics.

While Dakota has always been kind to her cousin, Rochelle has deep-seeded problems and eventually becomes hellbent on destroying her cousin.

As Ms. Jenkins-Sanders exposes more and more of Rochelle to readers, it is interesting how she weaves in all of the dysfunctional characteristics that help destroy relationships.

Rochelle lives for her “prima donna” cousin.

She hangs on to her every movement and relishes hearing about any misfortune that comes to Dakota.

Readers will realize that Rochelle is sick, as will others who she has unwittingly wove into her deceitful, destructive lifestyle.

Readers will marvel at how cunning Rochelle is as she wreaks havoc on the lives of everyone she knows. Some are just casualties of war because her focus is on Dakota, the one person who really tried to be her friend and provided her with positive reinforcement.

Intense and sometimes frightening best describes Jealousy as readers will discern just how easily and quickly the most innocent gestures can be interpreted into something that is twisted and ugly. The author gives readers an opportunity to explore everything from sexuality and deception

DEC 23, 2011

to unconditional love and abuse.

The Pride

By Wallace Ford Author Wallace Ford introduces readers to the elite, the chosen--African Americans who have made it! Some might call them the nuevo rich, new money, or new kids on the block. They are The Pride.

Readers are introduced to Sture Jorgenson, who hails from Norway but has become quite successful since arriving in New York City.

He shares an interesting perspective about the members of The Pride, namely Paul, Diedre, Jerome and Gordon. All successful, smart and financially well off, these were the members of The Pride of New York, although there are members all over the country.

Who are The Pride? A select group of black investment bankers, corporate executives, government officials, lawyers, entrepreneurs and assorted professionals who were determined to make it in America.

According to Paul, the members of The Pride, “stalked the majestic canyons of Wall Street and prowled the murderous halls and treacherous boardrooms of corporate America.”

Although these men and women travel in the same circles and operate on the same level, to say they are all friends would be a stretch as shown through the eyes of members as they attend the funeral of one of their own.

Mr. Ford provides a novel full of intrigue, at The Pride focuses on key figures who decide to do business together and how their personal lives are handled. He provides violence, sex, abuse and much more as Paul, Diedre and Jerome form what could have been a mutually beneficial relationship. Sadly deception is not uncommon among the group and you would think that they would be a little more cautious before joining one another.

There will be some interesting developments throughout and the end will be a total surprise.

www.dallasweekly.com

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DEC 23, 2011

HUD AWARDS $64.7 MILLION TO 240 HOMELESS PROGRAMS IN TEXAS Funding supports Obama Administration strategy to prevent and end homelessness FORT WORTH– U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan today awarded $64,731,964 to renew funding to 240 homeless programs operating in Texas. The funding announced today will ensure these housing and service programs remain operating in 2012 and are a critical part of the Obama Administration’s strategic plan to prevent and end homelessness.

HUD is renewing funding through its Continuum of Care (CoC) programs to existing local programs as quickly as possible to prevent any interruption in federal assistance and will award funds to new projects in early 2012.

“The grants we’re awarding today will literally keep the doors of our shelters open and will help those on the front lines of ending homelessness do what they do best,” said Donovan. “It’s incredible that as we work to recover from the greatest economic decline since the Great Depression, the total number of homeless Americans is declining, in large part because of these funds.”

Last week, HUD announced its 2011 “point in time” estimate of the number of homeless persons in America. Approximately 3,000 cities and counties reported 636,000 homeless persons on a single night in January of 2011, a 2.1 percent decline from the year before. This documented reduction in homelessness was noticed among all population groups including individuals, families, and those experiencing long-term or chronic homeless. In addition, HUD’s estimate reveals a 12 percent reduction in homelessness among veterans.

HUD’s Continuum of Care grants announced today provide permanent and transitional housing to homeless persons as well as services including job training, health care, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment and child care. Continuum of Care grants are awarded competitively to local programs to meet the needs of their homeless clients. These grants fund a wide variety of programs from street outreach and assessment programs to transitional and permanent housing for homeless persons and families.

Black Girls Rock! always!

POLICE have not apprehended Pookie the serial rapist.

If you have information, call Crime Stoppers at

877.373.8477 Also, if you want extra protection, check out Street Safe at www.streetsafe.peopleguard.com PAGE 12

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DEC 23, 2011

An open letter and request to the media Re: PSU Scandal; ‘Kids for Cash’ Scandal Is the abrogation of fathers’ right the core of the problem? I believe it is. This is an emotional as well as an intellectual take on the situation that has garnered national attention.

I ask that the media take a more in depth look and not essentially do as the Board of Trustees did in firing Joe Paterno; seemingly address the matter and move on. I find myself very close to the matters garnering national attention in a way that few, if any, experience as I endeavor to maximize involvement in my ten year old son’s life in Centre County. I am from Luzerne County where three judges were recently convicted of Federal charges. The following are some of my thoughts as I have toiled about the best wording to secure the involvement of the media.

In light of the growing media attention surrounding the actions of Jerry Sandusky and the role that Penn State University played in the actions, I would like to point out that the plight of children who – due to no fault of their own – are placed in programs and situations such as the Second Mile by Pennsylvania Courts (and children services programs run by the county). Often parental grievances and concerns of key figures in the child’s life are blocked, silenced or otherwise precluded. Sadly, far too often, the child is silenced, never seen, and never heard by the Court.

The recent ‘Kids for Cash’ scandal that rocked my home county is one example of the involvement of multiple layers that victimize children. I invite you to walk with me through the Courts as parents lose their rights with their children (my charitable work in the community allows me to learn the concerns of many parents as some of these children live in single parent, predominantly female, low income households with no clout or advocate to help them.) Thousands of children are scarred. In Centre County, where I have battled for rights to my own son, there are very similar problems going unnoticed right now. I invite you to follow me through the Courts. You may find proof of how children’s rights and fathers’ rights are abrogated and how a scandal of the current magnitude can erupt.

I have been addressing child custody and child welfare issues on a personal and professional level for the bulk of my life. My personal involvement has been a result of my own often fruitless attempts to remain actively involved in the life of my own son. I have maintained that the long standing law in Pennsylvania that the most important consideration when determining custody is the “best interest of the child,” allows the courts to cling to antiquated and outdated doctrines awarding custody to mothers (Pennsylvania

is one of a handful of states that does not mandate or otherwise presume shared parenting of fit parents).

My view is that, where children’s issues are concerned, more needs to be done in Pennsylvania – legislatively and judicially and the media can only help.

I am hoping this open letter reaches the desk of anyone interested in hearing my plight to attain maximum involvement in my son’s life and how my plight relates to the ease with which children are silenced and a scandal can erupt. Thus, far it has been a frustrating undertaking. I am concerned because on any given night/day I do not know where my son is or in whose care he has been thrust. Horrifyingly, this is Court permitted in Centre County. I was taken aback when son was able to direct me to Jerry Sandusky’s house upon a recent visit. I know Jerry personally for over thirty years but cannot recall the last time I was around him. But I did not know where he lived until my son showed me.

My interest in sending this letter became piqued when I learned (briefly through media reports) that a parent had limited time with her son who was in the foster care system. While I am not a practicing attorney, I do have occasion through charitable work in the community to encounter persons who have become involved with the court system and it further illustrates my own personal dilemma.

Nonetheless, I am inviting an interview and an in depth following about the depth of the problems concerning protection of children from the point of view as someone who feels powerless to protect his own son.

While the President encourages Black men to “step up and be fathers”, I have written to the President as well and continue to seek an outlet to let him and anyone else know – as I did at hearings in Harrisburg to address these same custody problems in the Commonwealth – that fathers are stepping up but we are frustrated.

To me, the problem begins with a law that does not put shared parenting in the forefront but rather adheres to antiquated and outdated models of placing children with mothers. Please allow me to show

you through my own plight, the genesis of what I perceive is at the core of the problem that would allow the situation to exist in Central Pennsylvania (and Northeastern Pennsylvania). You are looking for the answer to the “how can this have happened” question and I am telling you that if we do not look at the bigger problems between families and the local Courts, more of our children are at risk of being exposed to potential predators. Who will protect our children? It all starts with you! Please do not sit on this open letter and dedicate an investigative reporter.

I can be reached at 973-951-9091 or hehamilton@hotmail.com.

Harry E. Hamilton

It’s a new day!

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Applicants wanted for aerospace scholars program Space is the final frontier for Dallas County Community College District students who want to become NASA Aerospace Scholars.

While voyages on the U.S.S. Enterprise may be in the distant future, 46 DCCCD students have an opportunity to partner with NASA to become aerospace scholars next spring, learning about space and applying some unique experiences through science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

DCCCD, in partnership with NASA’s Community College Aerospace Scholars program, brings the largest number of students from its seven colleges to NASA in a program that involves both interactive, web-based learning activities and an on-site experience at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. In Houston, the scholars will participate in a team project directed by NASA engineers; attend astronaut briefings; and tour the JSC facilities.

The three-day visit is scheduled April 19-21, 2012.

DCCCD students must apply submitting a form provided on N A S A’ s w e b s i t e a t : h t t p : / / cas.aerospacescholars.org/.

The deadline to submit an application is Feb. 10, 2012.

Transportation, meals, lodging and supplies are provided at no cost to DCCCD students who are selected as NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars. CAS is funded by the state of Texas; administered by NASA JSC; and supported by the San Jacinto College District. DCCCD also will pay for the cost of registration once students’ forms are returned and the district’s 46 scholars are selected.

Full-time and part-time credit students m a y a p p l y. M a n y s t u d e n t s w h o participate in the program have a strong background in computers and/or science

and engineering, but it’s not required.

For details, contact Perla Molina, director of outreach and recruitment in the d i s t r i c t ’s o u t r e a c h o ff i c e , a t pmolina@dcccd.edu or Esther Canales, DCCCD communications specialist, at ecanales@dcccd.edu.

Eligible participants must be: - Current credit students attending a DCCCD college (full- or part-time); - A U.S. citizen (permanent residents are not eligible); - At least 18 years of age and a high school graduate; - A Texas resident; - Community college students pursuing initial undergraduate degrees and who previously have not attended CAS events; - Enrolled in or strongly interested in a computer science, mathematics, science or engineering field; - Able to commit to a one-semester relationship with NASA’s Johnson Space Center, including a three-day experience during the spring semester at JSC in Houston; - Able to access the internet from home, school or a public library; - Able to complete requirements established by DCCCD. Interested applicants from DCCCD also should know that the CAS program involves 12 to 15 hours of online prework (before they go to Houston) and interaction with other participants.

DCCCD’s partnership with NASA is designed to encourage students to consider or continue a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) career path. “Our participation in NASA CAS encourages DCCCD students to take a leadership role in their educational environment,” said Molina, who coordinates the NASA CAS program for DCCCD.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

DEC 23, 2011

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for two positions in our national office!

1. Program Manager Are you interested in management? Do you want to play a pivotal role in developing NABJ events and programs like our annual Convention and Career Fair, Media Institutes, and Student Projects?

Responsibilities The Program Manager will be responsible for developing and managing all NABJ events, programs, and initiatives. This includes, but is not limited to, the annual Convention and Career Fair, Student Projects, Media Institutes, Salute to Excellence, and NABJ C.A.R.E.S. Requirements + Preferences: - High School Diploma/GED - Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university preferred - 3+ years work experience in journalism, business, non-profit, event planning, or a related field - Data entry experience a plus - Ability to work under tight schedules and deadlines - Excellent written, verbal, and organization skills necessary - Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects at the same time 2. Communications Coordinator Are you interested in public relations or communications? Do you want to help shape NABJ's message and manage our various social networking platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Constant Contact, etc.)?

Responsibilities The Communications Coordinator will be responsible for assisting the Communications Director with managing NABJ social network platforms, coordinating media production (drafting press releases and eblasts, planning press conferences), and serving as the liaison between the NABJ national office and the greater media market as a whole.

Requirements + Preferences: - High School Diploma/GED - Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university preferred - 3+ years work experience in journalism, business, non-profit, public relations, or a related field - Communications and social network management experience a plus - Ability to work under tight schedules and deadlines - Excellent written, verbal, and organization skills necessary - Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects at the same time

SECOND CHANCE PERSONAL LOANS!!!

NO COLLATERAL REQUIRED!!!

Due to the current stats of a miserable economy, a special loan program named Second Chance Personal Loans has been created to help individuals and families needing financial assistance. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $49,000. There is NO COLLATERAL required to secure a loan. If you have a job, you can qualify for a Second Chance Personal Loan.

• Poor credit or No credit history is acceptable • Amount of outstanding debt is not a factor • Must be currently employed • No collateral required • No liens required on property or hard assets • Easy repayment terms • Minimum 10% cash contribution towards required loan A Second Chance Personal Loan can be used for a variety of purposes such as: • Debt elimination or consolidation • Paying off existing student loan debt • Paying off credit card debt • Paying off a mortgage • Supplementing retirement • Starting a business • And much more…

The Second Chance Personal Loan program was designed to help the millions of struggling families and individuals to receive a Second Chance to get back on stable financial ground. Many people because of circumstances not under their control need a fresh and Second Chance. If you would like additional information on how to apply for a Second Chance Personal Loan, simply send an email to consultant@mcsgrantconsultants.com.

Cheryllynnsmith@mcsgrantconsultants.com

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DEC 23, 2011

HOW TO RECEIVE A $100,000 FINANCIAL AID GRANT Millions of families are suffering financial hardships due to a serious down-turn in the economy.

Because of this, a special grant program is now available to assist individuals and families needing financial assistance. The proceeds from the grant can be used for the following: • College funding

• Supplementing retirement

• Paying off existing student loan debt

• Starting a business

• Paying off credit card debt

• And much more…

• Paying off a mortgage

As long as the proceeds of the grant are not used in any illegal manner, there are no restrictions on its use. For free information please send an email to: cheryllynnsmith@mcsgrantconsultants.com.

Want to keep up?

NNPA Mid Winter Conference

Follow Cheryl on Facebook and Twitter @penonfire

Wednesday, January 18 - Saturday, January 21, 2012 1-800-578-0500 Reference: "NNPA" OMNI ROYAL ORLEANS HOTEL 621 St. Louis St. New Orleans, LA 70140 Single room/King bed Rate: $169.00 + tax (per night) Double occupancy/Double bed Rate: $189.00 + tax (per night)

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