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Issue No. 4 • December 2010 In this issue... Raise A Toast to Denise Ward • Yannick Koffi • Cracking Presents For 1 NNN News December 2010 • Christmas • HELP • Being In A Good Space Emotionally • Sistatalk and so much more! nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com

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To Whom it may concern To whom it may concern Listen to the wisdom I share For I have seen many things Of the heartaches you have to bear And I have known the loneliness That none can comprehend And no one came to comfort Me As I faced My journey’s end

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I have given all I have To people I’ ve never met And after all My sacrifice Some will still forget

Editor Alison Hewitt

So when your pain takes control And they say no one sees us Show them this I sent to you For this is a letter from Jesus

Contributors Esther Austin Dianne Corriette Sonia Brown Viv Ahmun Artwork Trevor Muckett National Nubian News is bought to you in partnership with A-Class Media

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NNN News December 2010 • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com

Freedom is never given; it is won.

A. Philip Randolph

October 2010

Issue No. 3 • November 2010 In this issue... Jamaican Mothers Exhibition • Helping Haiti • Buju - Not A Easy Road • Angie Greaves • National Adoption Week • World Diabetes Day and so much more!

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Parenting Black Children in the 21st Century You are kindly invited to the above seminar on Saturday 4th December 2010, 4 pm - 7 pm. This will be an educating and empowering seminar which will explore the most controversial and sensitive issues that affect Black/Mixed race children and our parenting of them. It will also provide practical advice and solutions to equip us with the knowledge and skills to safeguard our children and ensure their mental, emotional and intellectual survival.

Speakers on the day will be ; Paul Ifayomi Grant, one of the UK’s leading Educational Consultant ‘s and author of several books including “Saving Our Sons: Strategies and Advice for the Parents of Afrikan Teenage Sons”..(www.houseofknowledge.org.uk) Andrew Mohammed “ aka the Investigator” Author of “Free Your Mind” and one of the UK’s leading Black History and Culture Specialist’s (www.theinvestigator.org.uk) Paul Obinna, UK’s leading Cultural engagement Specialist and Creator of the historical master piece- “The Time Line” (www.hh-bb.com) This will be an interactive seminar aimed at parents and carers of Black / Mixed race children and professionals working with Black/Mixed race children.

understanding the role of mother and father. The impact of media, diet, peers, language,culture, gender, money and the education system on our children. Tools for positive parenting.

This event has been sponsored

by Colourful Kids Limited(www. colourfulkids.co.uk) and Harrow Council and admission is FREE OF CHARGE!!! A wide selection of both adult and children’s books will be available for purchase on the day. There are only 80 seats available!

For reservations email: info@colourfulevents.co.uk No reservation, No admittance! The seminar will begin at 4pm sharp, so please come early to avoid disappointment.

Doors will open at 3.30pm and light refreshments will be served.

Topics will include the following; Parenting Black/Mixed race children-

Admission A tin of Soup 21-Ten hosts its annual concert ‘Moment of Truth’ for the fifth consecutive year on Saturday 27 November 2010. Admission is a tin of soup, to be donated to a local soup kitchen’s feeding programme. The event starts at 7pm is geared towards supporting Soup Kitchens feed the hungry and homeless programme will be held at the Ealing Christian Centre in Northfields Avenue.

let’s feed everyone’.

There will be special performances by a youth dance group, DJ, live singers and a massive balloon drop for kids; light refreshments will be served afterwards.

Roy McEwen, one of the Producers of 21-Ten said “This year the event is expected to be better and bigger than previous years. We are grateful for the support we receive from the community around the Borough of Ealing. For each person attending the event we are asking them to bring at least one tin of food that will be donated to the Ealing Soup Kitchen.

Moment of Truth is all about giving something back to the community while we give the audience one of the best concert experiences in Ealing.”

The Concert main aim is to produce great music, superb entertainment and family and community participation to a worthy cause; maintaining its vision ‘let’s change the world,

21-Ten’s album “Moment of Truth: Soul Food” is available at the Moment of Truth concert and anyone attending will have the opportunity to purchase the album.

GWEN DICKIE Soul legend live in London fundraiser

Youth Leadership & Social Responsibilty (YSLR) will host a live fund raising concert at 7:00pm on 9th December, 2010, featuring Gwen Dickie the lead singer from the legendary American Soul/Funk band Rose Royce and famous for hits like Car Wash, Wishing On A Star plus many more.

This event will be supported by top DJs and a night of great entertainment and Xmas gift give aways.

This fund raising event will be held at Ladbroke Grove’s landmark venue The Cobden Private Members Club, 170 Kensal Road, London W10 5BN. For More Information contact Maureen Bryan, 8a Great Newport Street, London WC2H 7JA or telephone 0207 373 0652 you can also email ylsruk@gmail.com

WE AT NNN SEND SEASONAL GREETINGS TO ALL & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR WISHES nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com

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GLOBAL DREAMS

Made Nightmares Made New Beginnings With a population of approximately 1.4million people, sun kissed beaches, and a lush green countryside, the Gambia was always going to come close to delivering on my belief that it would be the perfect location to pilot the second phase of our RAW Challenge initiative, an independent, ambitious and uncompromising community led response designed to grow much needed Black economic & political leaders out of the violent streets of London and other UK cities.

In addition to the general sense of safety and year round sunshine the Gambia offers, this unassuming gem on the west coast of Africa inspired much more than practical thoughts about the purpose of my trip. Just two days into my 10 day visit, my mind was an awash with thoughts about the many business development and investment possibilities the Gambia and Africa as a whole has to offer global Africans or Diasporians like me. I could see why in recent years over 1 million Chinese entrepreneurs had made their homes in Africa. The last time I felt that degree of cerebral stimulation was in 1991 when I established my first million pound business (shallow I know, but I was young and from a very working class background, so money was king). It seemed like everywhere I looked there were commercial and public service related development opportunities just waiting for the right kind of self determined visionary to develop.

Viv Ahmun

Too few of us still fail to grasp the extent to which Africa represents the perpetuation of wealth and power for Europe, America and the Asian Tigers, whilst still mispresented by the Global media networks as a living nightmare for the majority of its inhabitants;too few of us fail to recognize that images of starving children, and perpetual war do not come anywhere near presenting a true image of Africa.

To the informed, Africa is a continent of extremes in terms of opportunity and access to resources; unfortunately, too many Diasporian people in particular (descendents of Africans sold into the slave trade)seem only to be aware of the despair and failures in Africa, the wealth of opportunity and the vibrancy that is Africa is all but unknown to them.

We developed the RAW Challenge because we wanted to do more for those disconnected young Black men with the untapped potential to achieve both in the UK and internationally. We wanted to target those young men viewed by the communities they inhabit as being the most violent and respected amongst their peers. We believe that the majority of existing services do not come close to engaging with the young men who have greatest influence over the quality of life in our communities, we wanted to develop genuine alternatives for this untapped resource in our midst, and we wanted Africa to be part of the solution as much as we wanted young UK Black people to be part of the long term solution for Africa. We wanted to annually target 15 young men in extremely violent environments who have the potential to become socio economic leaders within their own communities. We believe that young men who command respect and lead others on the streets of London and other UK Cities whilst avoiding the long arm of the law, have transferable entrepreneurial and leadership skills that have not been honed due to the lack of opportunity (structural inequality) and ongoing trauma, which has usually been a feature of their lives from a very early age. o Als

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Reaching the heart of the Black Community

SEX WARS AND THE RISE OF FEMINISM Rev David Shosanya speaks on the Eddie Long scandal

HOW TO FIND LOVE, SUPPORT AND PURPOSE IN THE CHURCH How to train future young leaders

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MAZELLE The good time

The good time girl turned good

Our partnership with Edrissa Mass Jobe, Chairman of FiBank, and Managing Director, shareholder and principal promoter of Elton Oil Gambia Limited, meant that we were able to develop a pilot transformational programme, consisting of three distinct strands the first beginning in the UK and consisting of a period of extremely intense reorientation (increasing their emotional intelligence, education in global politics, economic development, and world poverty), which prepared the participants for a lengthy stint in the Gambia, working in the commercial, public and charity sectors in order to apply practice to the intellectual and psychosocial work completed in phase one, Culminating in platinum plated bespoke apprenticeship opportunities back in the UK. The two young men who took part in this initial pilot where living in isolation, after being relocated as part of the Safe and Secure initiative led by the Metropolitan Police Service and designed to protect the lives of individuals at serious and immediate risk of physical harm (in some instances the whole family has to be relocated). Both young men had been shot and both had been actively involved at a senior level in serious crime. As a result of completing the RAW Challenge, the young men have begun 3 year bespoke apprenticeships with degree courses factored in, and are committed to working on a local and international level to advance Africa by increasing awareness of what the continent has to offer their peers and Diasporians more generally.

As a result of the overwhelming success of the pilot, we intend to take another 15 of these exceptional individuals with genuine entrepreneurial and leadership qualities through the RAW Challenge, which will require them to learn about and spend quality time working in African countries. They will be exposed to the quality training and genuinely inspirational leaders needed to set them on alternative and altogether more rewarding career and life paths.

Continued on page 5

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There is no time to waste, the public health risk to under supported young people in the UK’s cities, and by association, their communities, increases daily. In the first 8 months of 2010, 15 teenagers were either shot or stabbed to death, and knife homicides increased by 26.9 % between 2006 and 2010. Recently circulated figures highlight that 77% of youth murder victims in London between 2007-2009 were Black and that in 2008/09 92% of London young offenders sentenced to life imprisonment were Black. These figures disturbing though they are, do not give the full picture, 99% of young people do not get involved in crime and the overwhelming majority of young Black people want to achieve in life, however the extremes of inequality, barriers to unemployment, good education, safety and health care, conspire to trap them in a culture of violence and fear that leaves increasing numbers of young people locked into a belief that there can be no future filled with success and financial stability for them. This pervasive belief, which is backed up by the unemployment, prison, mental

health and school exclusions figures, leaves an increasing number of our youth believing that the only route left open to them is life on the streets. These young people will only respond to a new generation of high spec interventions, and genuinely transformational packages designed to bring about fundamental change in those who take part.

As we celebrate 50 years of African independence, it is critically important that we, the children of the Diaspora, redouble our efforts to build new and forward looking links with our brothers and sisters on the African continent.

As the wheels of change continue to turn and the light of prosperity begins to shine on the Chinese, Indian, and Brazilian economies, the potential for Africa as a global economic power begins to emerge, admittedly still a very distant shape on the horizon, but a tangible possibility none-the-less. We have the raw resources, and we have the people, we have only to develop the intellectual and practical know how necessary

to make that potential a reality. The move towards a single African currency and greater collaboration between African countries at all levels, are all very early indicators of what can be achieved if Africans across the world begin to invest economically and intellectually in Africa’s development. RAW Challenge is contributing to this long-term vision of a unified Africa, whilst bringing genuine opportunities for change into the lives of some of the most challenged young black people in the UK today.

Viv Ahmun is a social entrepreneur and social policy expert, senior partner Coreplan UK, interim director of the 1990 Trust, and a service development advisor with 25 years experience in developing and running national and international services.

For further information about supporting the RAW Challenge or investment opportunities in Africa contact: Email: ahmun@coreplanuk.com 020 8123 3034

Sickle Cell Society

Information, Counselling and caring for those with Sickle Cell Disorders and their families.

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The primary goal

Is to raise funds in order to support, establish libraries and education projects in Jamaica!

They aim to build libraries and education projects in deprived Jamaican communities and aspire to provide free education, especially for children and youths who otherwise don’t have access to books and computers and do not have the means to provide adequately for their education.These education facilities will be inspired by our role model, the Trenchtown Reading Centre founded and operated by Roslyn Ellison and which is one of the projects HELP Jamaica! actively supports.

This will increase their chances to find a job, encourage them to use their creativity, inspire them to become entrepreneurs and start businesses or support them in their aim towards higher education. HELP’s programmes aims to encourage young people to develop alternatives to a lives determined by frustration, drugs and violence and thereby help them to find ways to break the vicious circle of poverty, violence and crime in which so many young people grow up in the inner city communities. Education for a change!

HELP will appoint skilled and caring staff in their programs to teach advanced reading and computer skills, a necessity for success in school and life! The programs will encourage talent, ambition and excellence. HELP believe in inspiration and qualification and aspire to provide the youths who are attending their facilities with education and counselling whilst encouraging them to believe in their talent and skills.

To be able to pursue their goals, HELP has forged partnerships with a number of organisations in Jamaica, the USA and their international network of supporters in Europe, UK, Japan and the Caribbean. HELP are thankful for the generous support of sound systems, artists, promoters, music and clothing labels, companies, embassies and dedicated individuals who help us accomplish our aims. Please have a look at our section “how to support us” to find out how you can get involved! Click on logo below.

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Cracked up for success

Cracking ideas for Christmas presents Dionne Ible is an up and coming mosaic artist who first started in 2002. She attended a 10 week introduction to mosaics course at the Working Mens College in London and there produced her first piece. She loved the course so much it inspired her to do more and to also find out if other people would be interested in her work.

After having two children Dionne found it very difficult fitting in home life, work and creating her wonderful mosaics. The mosaics, therefore, were put on the back burner for a while. Now, she’s back and determined to fit in her mosaics by any means necessary.

Dionne gave birth to her company name “Qemamu” in September of 2006. Qemamu means creator or creation and is an Egyptian name so chosen because it describes exactly what mosaics is all about.

Her works embrace her African culture that makes her pieces very unique and inspiring.

Dionne is a member of the British Association for Modern Mosaic (BAMM) who promote, encourage and support excellence in contemporary mosaic art and raise public awareness of modern mosaic art through exhibitions, publications, events and related educational activities.

Dionne runs mosaic art workshops and is experienced in working with a variety of groups to include community groups and special needs groups. She also exhibits at various art and craft venues.

Dionne is happy to do a commission if you so choose and is always open for new and creative designs.

For more information please visit www.qemamumosaics.com

‘My work embraces my African culture. My aim is to offer a new interpretation of African art in mosaic form. I gain inspiration from the magnificent pieces of art in my home, images I see on visits to the Caribbean or even images and artwork that have been passed on to me by friends. The female form is a significant feature in my work because historically we are the nuturers. We also offer the channels of life so I celebrate ‘woman’ in my work and all she has to offer. Using a blend of earth tones from a selection of smalti, unglazed ceramic, vitreous glass and stained glass, I try to capture the uniqueness of Africa as seen not only through my eyes but the eyes of my ancestors.’

Dionne is currently exhibiting at the Gateway Gallery in London Luton Airport throughout the whole of November and shall also be selling her artwork at the first annual Afridiziak Gifts and Occasions Shopping Extravaganza in December. For more information please visit her website. nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com

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A bite size Jerk Chicken treat

From a Birmingham pattie maker can now be found in the freezers of the UK’s largest supermarket group.

The frozen mini Jerk Chicken bites sold in packs of 20 are now selling in Tesco stores in London alongside cubes which contain four standard sized patties.

Cleone Foods, based in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, has introduced the frozen portions into Tesco stores in Wembley, Brent and Southwark.

It hopes that the roll out will continue throughout the rest of the country.

Sold under the ‘Island Delight’ brand, chilled Jerk Chicken patties are sold as a chilled product throughout the UK and the frozen option which can be stored for up to a year is already available in Asda stores.

Wade Lyn, managing director and founder of Cleone Foods, believes that the cocktail sized Jerk Chicken mini’s based upon an authentic Caribbean recipe, is a choice with a difference for Christmas parties.

“We are keen that people from all different backgrounds get the chance to sample a taste of the Caribbean and what better way than trying something different at Christmas parties,” said Wade Lyn. Cleone Foods is the largest producer of Caribbean style patties in the UK making more than 100,000 every week. Most of its patties are sold chilled but Cleone is expanding its range of frozen products.

The company employs 50 people in one of the most deprived parts of Birmingham.

Who will be the next Top Model of Colour!

In 2010 Top Model of Colour will be held in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Holland, Ghana, the Gambia and additional franchises are expected in a number of other countries across the world.

The Top Model of Colour (TMC) Competition is providing models with exposure to the modelling industry as well as giving them the chance to find out from professionals, their true potential to becoming a professional model.

Demystifying Mental Illness Separation and Reunion Forum 11th Annual Conference Friday 26th November 2010 9:00am - 4:30pm In collaboration with London Metropolitan University the SRF in our 11th conference wants to join in the campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the issues affecting those suffering from mental ill health, in the hope that one day discrimination will end.

At London Metropolitan University, Stapleton House, Holloway Road, London N7 8HN Email: info.serefo@gmail.com for more info.

Vida Theodosia Harris The next Black Reading Group meeting will feature the author,Vida Theodosia Harris, who was recently highlighted on ITV1, Central TV and the East Midlands for the launch of her new book, “Brighter Days”.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday 15th December starting at 4.45pm at Walsall Central Library, Lichfield Street, Walsall WS1 1TR Do let us know if you can attend, and I shall reserve your place(s). See you there!

Contact Sonia Dixon on 01922 659 555

Over the past four years, TMC has helped developed modelling careers providing rewarding contracts in the fashion and entertainment world.

In terms of keeping the competition fresh the format of the Grand Finale has changed ensuring that it is even more of a modelling competition and not seen as a beauty pageant. The structure of the competition will ensure that the commercial models can compete on an equal footing with the high fashion models.

Founder of Mahogany Model Management, Sola Oyebade said: “TMC has grown from strength to strength and has seen numerous models that have competed in TMC win or lose, go on and do great things within the modelling industry after competing in TMC”. This opportunity allows them to learn about the modelling industry and to give them national exposure, to serve as a launch pad for contestants to go on to become top models.

The regional heats are now over and the final 30 models, male and female have been selected to go forward into the grand final which will take place on the 27th November 2010 at the luxurious Porchester Hall and it will be one of the best shows of 2010 and is one not to be missed.

For more information email info@topmodelofcolour.com Tickets can be purchased online at Fashions Finest or by calling 07971 388687 or 0845 388 7249

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NNN News December 2010 • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com

FOR COLORED GIRLS Rapture will be hosting a Christmas special screening of Tyler Perry’s ‘For Colored Girls’ will be held at Stratford Picture House Doors open 7pm, film starts at 8pm sharp!

To view the trailer for the movie click here

National Nubian News NNN

Being in a Good Space Emotionally Well how is everyone? Isn’t it getting cosy as the winter months draw in. It’s time to hibernate a little, draw back and away from and spend more time with you, in the cosiness of your space.

What a great feeling this is, to be able to spend time with you – that is if you remember who you are. Why do I say this? Because often times in the busyness of life, we forget who we are, we forget to nurture ourselves, we forget to give time to ourselves. Because until we nurture and love ourselves first, we cannot nurture nor love others.

I am also in a good space emotionally. I have loved someone for a very long time, but that has very much been a static love, built on a good friendship and attraction but nothing more at this moment in time. It’s all about timing this life.

Esther Austin ‘Become the change you want to see in the world’

So when I was presented with someone who caught my fancy so to speak, not long ago, offering to give me a hug and to hold me, I blanched at the idea. When it comes to intimate relationships, I have always kept my boundaries very clear and kept men out.Yet I didn’t realise that I was also keeping myself out, and keeping my heart shut down. My heart had been shut down for quite a while actually. I was stunned by this as trying to open up was painful and disconcerting. When I was offered a hug, the way I reacted, showed me how much I had never really experienced love in such a genuine, honest , open way.Yet this was now happening because of the work I have and continue to do on myself and to a change in my beliefs about me and my expectations for my life.

My issues were to do with trust and feeling safe. Boy, here we go again with another aspect of me to heal and deal with I thought!

Now that I have decided to allow myself to open up, it has been quite a surreal journey. I got tired of being on my own, I got tired, very tired of doing this journey by myself, yet I was not open to just having anyone walk into my life. I had to learn to ask God and the universe to provide me with a relationship which honoured my highest self, and to realise that I was deserving of only the best in my life. I had no specific details or check list of anyone, other than they honoured my highest self and vice versa.

The beauty of this journey is that who I am now has been informed by what I have experienced.

On an emotional level, it’s good to almost be back to self-loving me which in turn means I can love someone else, whoever that person is. Actually I don’t think I was never on this level with anyone ever in my life – so I should say that it’s good to be able to look forward to exploring and experiencing something truly wonderful. More importantly is the ability to honestly and openly communicate and to be open to unconditional love first of the self, then for another.

I believe that everything that happens in life is for a reason and a season. At this moment in time this is my season and I am taking each day as it comes. For me any experience now is not about how long it lasts, but more so the quality of the time spent with and the joy and love that experienced. There is a saying it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved before.

This current journey has been short but sweet. It took for one person to hug me and spend time with me to enable the love to flow into me one that I have not experienced for a very long time.

It simply was a very short-lived journey but so valuable in terms of who I am now.

I came across this phrase on youtube: ‘How can you manifest the heart’s desire? The solution is simply to just act’ Many blessings and much love For more inspirational articles visit http://www.emotionsintransitltd.blogspot.com/

A brand new online inspirational and spiritual radio station.

What can you expect? Dynamic Professional Presenters from around the world with a bountiful wealth of experience, knowledge and insight. News, views, interviews to inspire, empower, enrich, educate. Music to enhance, inspire. Click here to find out more.

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NARM Naming And Role Model

NARM is a Heritage Lottery Funded project delivered by Brent-based voluntary organisation BTWSC, which highlights in a DVD and booklet a range of African British role models spanning 1907-2007 and across various disciplines and endeavours (www. btwsc.com/NARM).

The launch is an opportunity to watch the DVD screening, receive copies of the resources and to interact with some of the role models.

Whilst the project has not focused on people in the entertainment and Sports fields, nor on famous people per se, there are a few well-known faces including Lord Paul Boateng, Lord Bill Morris, Sir William Atkinson, Ekow Eshun and Benjamin Zephaniah.

The free, inter-generational-focused edu-tainment event takes place Friday 26th November 2010, 6.30pm to 9.00pm (6.30pm-7.00pm registration & refreshments) at The Space, Willesden Green Library Centre, 95 High Road, Willesden Green, London NW10 2SF Prebooking is essential: info@btwsc.com.

Adinkra films presents MOTHERLAND plus Q&A Session

Motherland (Enat Hager) is the most powerful documentary on Africa. Fusing history, culture, politics, and contemporary issues, Motherland sweeps across Africa to tell a new story of a dynamic continent. From the glory and majesty of Africa’s past through its complex and present history. Motherland looks unflinchingly toward a positive Pan-African future. With breathtaking Cinematography and a fluid soundtrack sculpted

by Sona Jobarteh, Motherland is a beautiful illustration of global African diversity and unity.

Improving Black Male & Female Relationships Saturday 27th November, 11am - 5pm, 124 Aldersgate Street, London, EC1A 4JQ (100 yards from Barbican tube station) If you keep on doing the same thing you will always get the same result, so if you are looking for practical ideas on how to improve a relationship then this is the workshop for you. This is not a moaning, complaining, attacking session. We are going to be dealing with honesty, reality, human frailty, complexity and solutions. Don’t do lastminute.com or you may not be able to secure a place!

drivetime with...

You cannot miss this documentary! It’s a bold, epic documentary examining Africa with a distinctive African voice. Fusing history, culture and politics. This epic documentary will be showing on Saturday 27th November at the Lexi Cinema, Kensal Rise London.

Information and tickets: www.adinkrafilms.com tickets@adinkrafilms.com 0845 680 1597

Mary Seacole Fundraiser The Mary Seacole Memorial Association in conjunction with the Mary Seacole Statue Appeal Trust will be holding a Fund raising Concert at St. Matthew’s Church, 27 St. Petersburgh Place, Bayswater, London W2 4AL, on Saturday, 11th December 2010 from 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm.

For further information kindly contact Mr Laurie Phillpotts, Tel: 020 7229 3755.

angie greaves

Magic 105.4 - London’s Biggest Commercial Radio Station • Weekdays from 5pm 10

NNN News December 2010 • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com

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TOAST TO A SISTA Ladies and gentlemen, please charge your glasses and raise a toast to …

Denise Ward has always had a love of all things theatrical. As a teenager, she worked at the Theatre Royal, Stratford as an usherette, seeing the same plays over and over again. ‘I paid attention to the set details and the stage directions and scene changes as much as the play,’ says Denise.

‘It was also important for me to see how the audience were enjoying themselves and, indeed, in some cases, taking part’.

There are two strong threads in Denise’s life – a determination to help others, especially those less fortunate than herself, such as homeless people, and a love of the theatre. ‘I have travelled all over the world as an actress and have gained some fame in Israel. I’ve been lucky to work with the likes of Sacha Baron Cohen, Sharon D Clarke and Richard Attenborough, to name but a few’.

After becoming a mother in her late 30’s, Denise decided to refocus on what she liked to do.

After spending two years working at a civic venue where weddings and cultural events made up a lot of the revenue, she decided on a change in vocation and went on to train as a Toastmaster.

Often called the Master of Ceremonies, Toastmasters are not to be confused with the Hip-Hop or Reggae MCs. ‘It’s still a helping and theatrical role, especially if it’s a wedding. I see the bride and groom as the stars,’ Denise explains, ‘and I work with them to create a show where they are the central characters. I am always happy when someone comments on how much I have been able to help’.

Denise has a sincere passion for her work, ‘I find the job very rewarding, and am extremely proud to be a member of The Executive Guild of Toastmasters and Town Criers,’ she says. A lot of Denise’s work involves attending Wedding Fairs, along with some charity work as well. ‘Much of my time is spent on marketing and business networking. Most of my work is at weekends, which leaves me with time to concentrate on administration and on my family.’

Denise is aware that clients enjoy the air of dignity that having a Toastmaster can give to a ceremony and fully recognises that, just as with acting, you’re only as good as your last job.

For many, the image of a Toastmaster is that of a white, middle-aged man, with a broad frame, red face and a VERY LOUD VOICE. Does that image bother Denise? ‘No, not at all,’ she says. ‘The sector and the work are open to anyone who feels they have something to offer.

Indeed, it is all down to the rapport one builds with the clients.’

Training to become a Toastmaster recognised by the Executive Guild of Toastmasters and Town Criers is a daunting proposition. It requires a considerable investment of time and money. ’The training, clothing and marketing mean that one is looking at an initial outlay of £5,000,’ says Denise, ‘and you also need to have some other means of making a living while you become established.’

However, Denise is living proof that it is achievable, and we at NNN raise a glass in her honour.

Denise is available for all types of ceremonies and can be contacted on 07947 759 598 or 01923 662 472.

For more information about her services, visit her website at www.glovesandgavel.com

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Moving From broken to breakthrough How experiences shape our life It was 1999 when the letter came through the door about becoming a trainer. I was at a cross roads and had no idea about what to do with life. I left school at 17 fell into secretarial work and 13 years later was still there. On my own with two kids and a baby my options were limited. I had left work a few years ago to work for myself but I was still doing secretarial work. I had recently retrained as a teacher (adult education) so being a trainer seemed like a logical next step. I ran training workshops to help with the capacity building of voluntary groups for a few years before becoming a life coach. Life continued.

It was 2005 when life stopped again. All I did was go to clean the bathroom. It seems that years of sitting on a bed with a lap top on my lap had taken its toll.Your spine has no support when you sit on a bed with your laptop on your lap and the weight of your body goes right to the end of your spine. I went to clean the bathroom, bent over, and couldn’t get up again for another 7 months. The end of my spine had given way and my hips went one way and my shoulders went the other. I was “broken” and I now had to realign myself back into the middle.

Seven months of being unable to move gave me plenty of time to think.

Every goal, every plan, everything I hoped for stopped while I waited to see what happens next. I used every penny I had saved since my divorce and remortgaged the house. The insurance company who should have been paying my mortgage refused to pay out. Small print.

Walking was impossible but I could sit and I sat and listened to a CD about using the internet to make money. I was hooked. I spent a lot of money learning how to do it probably. The first pay out was $8,000. There were then several payments of $997 all of it on my credit card. But it was an investment I had decided and I would get it back.

It took 18 months to get totally back on my feet. I used my savings on living and getting help to get better. Late 2007, ready to work again I went out and got myself some contracts, I was still online and started some mentoring work and it was all picking up when news began to spread about a recession and fear took over. Everything stopped.

a Pentecostal church in my local area. I could hardly believe how quickly that happened and began to look into why and how.

Turns out that this thing called “local search marketing” is a whole profession and that people go online and look for local services and/ or products within their local area. They search for plumbers, massage therapists, florist and other local businesses online.

I already knew a lot about using blogs, video, social media and other web 2.0 platforms so making the move into local marketing was easy for me and I loved doing it.

I had finally found my “thing” online. I could speak, write and teach local business owners on how they can get local people to visit their blog/ website and buy their products/services.

Since beginning to rebuild mid 2008 I have been fortunate. Work comes in and as long as I remember my connection to God life works. At the beginning of 2010 I decided to rebuild every area of my life spiritually, financially, and physically because “managing” isn’t good enough for me.

I am losing weight, I am rebuilding my business and I hope to eventually find a life partner to share my life with. But I don’t push any of it and I don’t chase it. I flow with life instead. 2010 is ending and it has been a powerful year all about rebuilding. 2011 will continue that rebuild and now, I have no judgement about what shows up. I will happily embrace it all.

Diane helps health and wellness business owners use the internet to get found - for more information and to get her free report on local search marketing visit her site Online Marketing For Business at: http://www.om4b.co.uk or call her on 0208 242 4339

I wasn’t sure about what I really wanted to do online so I tried many things becoming a jack of all trades but a master of none. The recession was beginning to pick up and I hit the credit cards again. By the middle of 2008 I knew I was in a mess. No savings, no credit card space left and very few contracts it was a horrible year but a necessary one. I learnt how to survive with very little and how to make the smallest amount last longer.

The income I made from the internet helped me to keep my head above water.

Towards the end of 2008, in the midst of my biggest crisis I called to God. I asked Him to tell me what it was I was meant to be doing. Whatever it was I would do it. A few days later I walked out of a local train station and a woman handed me a postcard. I looked down and it was an invitation to an event in a church. “I don’t do church” was my first thought but the voice in my head kept drawing my attention to it and I kept refusing to look until at last the voice said “you said you were going to do whatever you were told to....”

I walked into the church and loved the energy that came from singing and the Pastor’s sermons always uplifted me. The trouble was I just couldn’t embrace religion and the rules! Being in the church helped me find peace in the middle of turmoil and at the beginning of 2009 I decided to help out by putting up a blog for my local church. Within a couple of weeks they were there at the top of the search engines when you searched for

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by Diane Corriette

NNN News December 2010 • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com

National Nubian News NNN

Welcome to Sistatalk •

The National Black Women’s Network brings you this exciting corporate and social networking forum aimed at women looking to create a strong online professional presence.

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SistaTalk is one of the fastest growing online niche network’s in Britain and provides an extensive and useful resource for anyone serious about corporate and social networking.

Where else will you be part of an exciting community that’s attracting the attention of the who’s who in industry and business. And That’s just part of the story.

Sonia Brown ‘Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail’. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Members have found the site incredibly useful and the 3 top benefits of joining were the sites ability to:

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Increase their personal exposure and

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ability to professionally share what they have accomplished and projects they are working on.

An opportunity to meet other professionals and entrepreneurs to get the latest news about what’s happening in their sector and; An opportunity to successfully promote their products, services and events

Without a doubt, if you are looking for a community based social networking site that aims to showcase, promote and give a voice to the issues that matter most to you then join Sistatalk, the fastest growing community of cutting edge professionals and entrepreneurs.

To sign up visit www.sistatalk.co.uk

My Gift to you...The Opportunity to Live Your Best Life Ever!

You are either on the path to success and happiness. Or you’re not. Which is it? Life is not a dress rehearsal.

You only have one shot at this and Sistatalk are pleased to be able to give you the tools and confidence to create and live your best life ever! Don’t’ turn down the answer you have been looking for!

If you are ready to take control of your life and happiness, then don’t miss the next exciting Sistatalk Motivational Workshop taking place at the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury on Wednesday 24 November between 6-9:30pm.

The Sistatalk Motivational Monthly Meeting provides an opportunity to reflect upon your career, your business, your relationships and your vision of your future with aspirational, like minded individuals looking to live life to the fullest; whilst listening to leading motivational and inspirational speakers who will share their expertise on how you can create a more positive and happier life; regain your passion; overcome challenges; feel more peaceful; look after your health holistically and much more.

Facilitated by Sonia Brown, this month’s fabulous guest coach Patricia Benjamin (Capital Life Coaching), this meeting will empower you with the necessary self-belief and confidence to move from ‘Cloud Nine’ to a life filled with more joy, more bliss and more satisfaction!

Don’t waste another minute Book NOW by calling 0845 467 1148 / or visit www.meetup.com/sistatalk to guarantee your place at this special event. Ladies, if you’re ready to accept more? More Confidence? More success? More Joy? More respect? More love? Then take responsibility for living your best life ever. Here’s to your success!

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SUBSCRIBE NOW

MOTIVATIONAL MEET UP CONFIRMED FOR 2011

accelerate your career and business; you will discover powerful techniques to overcome selfdoubt, boost self-confidence, and create and fulfil your goals using tried and tested methods that will keep you inspired and in control of your life.

If you are ready to take your life to the next level and need a boost to get you there; then join us for our monthly motivational meetings in 2011 kicking off on Wednesday 26th January to keep you on track.

These meetings are inspirational, informative and fun. Our experienced coaches will work with you to awaken your natural abilities, unleash your personal power and give you transformational tools and strategies to practice in your daily life.

Our interactive exercises and coaching experts will help you avoid life’s pitfalls and discover talents that you didn’t know were available to you before!

These powerful meetings will provide attendees with the belief, confidence and courage to connect and successfully design and live the life they love!

Whatever you want out of life, these amazing workshops will help you to release the limiting beliefs that stop you feeling connected,

If you are ready to tap into your passion, self-belief and personal power to live your best life ever, then don’t waste another minute join us for this life changing programme.

comfortable and at ease in all areas of your life.

Whether you need to improve relationships or

For dates and more information call: 0845 467 1148 or visit here

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Tell everyone about your events, send the information to nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com

Your Sperm,Your Responsibility

Making Diversity Simple Diversity in the UK

National Campaign

Mighty Men of Valour have just launched a new campaign which is focused on men being responsible for their sexual behaviour. At present, there are very few methods directed towards men to protect women from pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Our national campaign focuses this responsibility towards men.

This campaign encourages all men, young and old, to think about the consequences of unprotected sex and the effects of their sexual partner becoming pregnant. This campaign is a preventative solution that works.

We have also developed training tools and resources which can be used alongside our campaign.

Your Sperm,Your Responsibility campaign, also highlights the effects of unwanted pregnancies on a newly conceived child. Our campaign will save millions of pounds of tax payer’s money if it is fully supported by our new Government, because it will reduce public spending on foster and adoption services, and on housing, benefits and social services. It will reduce teenage pregnancies, abortions and unplanned pregnancies, as well as, improve pre-marital relationships.

The difference between Equality and Diversity Overview of the Equality Act 2010 Nuances of the different strands or protected characteristics Responsibilities for the: public, private & not-for-profit sector Practical Case studies Building a business case for diversity Tips for better management of diversity Plenty of opportunity to ask questions Who should attend? Managers in the Public Sector, Business owners who want to win contracts from the public sector, Management Committee & Board Members in the not-for-profit sector, HR Managers/Officers and anyone who hasn’t attended a diversity course in the last 2 years Takes place on Monday 6th December 2010

For further information email us mightymenofvalour@live.co.uk FATHERS FOR LIFE CAMPAIGN - ARE YOU 100% COMMITTED TO YOUR FAMILY

For more information visit the website, or ring the office for a chat 0208 555 3709

The future of our schools A TUC conference

debating the Government’s reform agenda Saturday 27 November 2010 I 10am – 4pm Congress House I Great Russell Street I London WC1B 3LS

Speakers include

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Lucy Heller Ark Schools Emma Knights National Governors’ Association Sir Alasdair Macdonald Headteacher Fredrik Mandelin Swedish Teachers’ Union Fiona Millar Peter Mortimore Frances O’Grady TUC Conference chair Warwick Mansell

NNN News December 2010 • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com

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yannickkoffi

Yannick Koffi is an exceptional and enigmatic 11 year-old musician. Affectionately called the «musical genius» by his Japanese fans, the Australian-Ivorian appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show two years ago when he was only nine. In December 2009, the young boy gave a series of concerts in Abidjan where his talent and maturity struck many including renowned musicians like, Alpha Blondie, Ismael Isaac, Kadjeem, Désiré Gadeau and Caribbean superstar Jacob Devarieux from Kassav.Yannick has been featured in several newspapers and magazines, including LIFE,The Sydney Morning Herald and London Metro who called him a “guitar hero”.

Born in Sydney in 1999, his musical talent was almost immediately obvious. At 10 months old, to the astonishment of his Mum and Dad, he spat out his dummy and flawlessly sang the melody to an Ivory Coast classic from his car seat. As he learned to walk and talk, his home opened up a world of musical possibilities; banging on pots and pans, strumming rhythms on his plastic guitar and singing along to the many musical influences that floated through his daily life. At two, he memorised Michael Jackson 30th anniversary concert and delighted in performing it in front of the TV. Never shy of the limelight, around this time he took his toy guitar and climbed onto the stage at a Café Carnivale concert and started performing beside his Dad. Approaching music with strong intuition and innate feeling, it seems Yannick is able to master an instrument as quickly as he lays his hands on it. His 5th birthday present was a jazz drum kit, but within 6 months he was also playing the keyboard and as soon as he was strong enough to hold it, the bass guitar.

It wasn’t long after that Yannick made his professional debut. In 2006, aged 7 he performed on the keyboard with his older brother Jean- Eric and the African Diaspora, Sydney’s premier West African group, lead by his father Gervais Koffi. Since then,Yannick has become an integral member of the group, playing both keyboard and bass at many gigs and events in Sydney including New Year’s Eve 2007 at Darling Harbour, Bastille Day celebrations at Paddington Town Hall and Dockside, Cafe Carnivale and Musica Viva as well as festivals including the National Multicultural Festival in Canberra.

In 2008,Yannick become one of the youngest endorsees in the Australian music industry. In an email to info@fender.com his Dad posted a link to his myspace page featuring some clips of performances, in the hope of alerting them to his outstanding talent. It only took 2 days for a reply to filter through the Fender network from the USA to Australia with a fantastic offer to support Yannick’s musical development - his choice of bass.Yannick was so excited to visit Fender headquarters and chose a beautiful Marcus Miller Signature Bass Guitar.

There is no doubt that his dexterity defies the size of his fingers as they dance up and down the fretboard as he feels, understands and executes a piece of music as soon he hears it. He is able to store and reproduce complex and challenging pieces effortlessly, rendering African, Caribbean, Pop, Rock and Blues with enviable class and style.

Yannick has a huge appetite for musical discovery and has started recording several songs, in which he sings lead vocals and backing harmonies as well as playing bass and keyboards. In terms of the next instrument, there is no question, his sights are firmly set on the sax!

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NNN News December 2010 • nationalnubiannews@yahoo.com