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HIV EPIDEMIC IN BLACK AMERICA MAKES
‘AIDS A CIVIL RIGHTS ISSUE’
Currently African Americans account for 44% of all people with HIV/AIDS in the United States, yet only account for 12% of the population. Latinos account for 21% of all new HIV infections nationwide, yet only represent 16% of the U.S. population. Disproportionately high numbers of HIV/AIDS cases among communities of color may be caused by several factors, including: • L ack of access to clinics for care and HIV testing. •H igh levels of stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in these communities prevent people from learning their HIV status, or from seeking care and speaking honestly with their partners if they know they are positive.
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n response to the fact that African American and Latino communities continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has embarked on a new national “AIDS is a Civil Rights Issue” public awareness campaign intended to highlight this health disparity as well as to emphasize the fact that access to HIV prevention, care and treatment for HIV/AIDS should be universal. As part of its campaign, AHF has teamed with local Mississippi partners Tougaloo College, Mississippi Faith in Action, My Brother’s Keeper, Brown University’s Center for AIDS Research, CommonHealth ACTION and the Mississippi Center for Justice to host an ‘AIDS is a Civil Rights Issue’ town hall discussion at Tougaloo College (Bennie G. Thompson Center) from 6:00pm to 9:00pm on Friday evening, February 7—National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The forum—which also takes place during Black History Month and during the 50th anniversary
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964—is the first in a nationwide series spearheaded by AHF. Reverend Al Sharpton will be keynote speaker, followed by a program featuring a town panel discussion with Hydeia Broadbent, an HIV/AIDS activist & humanitarian HIV-positive since birth, as well as several respected local community, political, heath, religious and HIV/AIDS leaders.
“(A) …..public awareness campaign is intended to open dialogue with stakeholders in the community, the public health arena, and faith-based groups…….”
— Michael Weinstein, President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation
•B oth society and the healthcare industry have marginalized members of these communities both on account of sexual orientation and race, blocking essential treatment, care, and education for those who need it. “Our ‘AIDS is a Civil Rights as well as public officials about health disparities and the importance of universal access to HIV prevention and care and treatment,” said Michael Weinstein, President of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. “We are honored to have Reverend Sharpton and our esteemed partners in Mississippi lend their voices to this important cause and discussion.” Dr. Amy Nunn, a professor at Brown University who has conducted scientific research about racial disparities in HIV infection and how best to engage black clergy in HIV prevention, notes that, “HIV testing and treatment are among our most effective HIV prevention interventions. Scientists, activists, clergy and others must find common ground and work together to promote greater access to HIV testing and treatment. Continue on page 6
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Education pg.5 Page 3 Are WE Ready?
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GUEST EDITORIAL
IS THE NFL READY FOR MICHAEL SAM AND ...ARE WE? By Justin A. Williams Contributing Editor
Until recently there were no openly gay athletes in the NFL. In a larger context there were no openly gay athletes in any of the major American sports, including the NFL ,MLB,NBA and NHL. This fact may soon change however in light of the NFL draft prospect Michael Sam’s announcement that he is a gay man. This announcement is not as much of a shock as it might have been twenty years ago but it still causes some to cringe. There are many questions that arise from this announcement like; will he be treated fairly, will his announcement lower his draft stock, will he be able to handle the media pressure or will his team decide he is too much of a controversial figure to pay to be on their team, will he bring glory to his community or more discrimination? While these questions are inevitable that does not mean they are fair. After all, Michael Sam simply wants to play football. From what we know so far he does not desire fame or adoration, he simply wants to produce for the team that picks him. In fact the only reason Sam announced his sexual orientation is because he knew media outlets and teams were going to find out soon anyway.
Stereotypes are examples of our own deep-seated ignorance and prejudices and are largely grounded in untruths. Now, thanks to Michael Sam more and more people will see that very fact.
Sam’s chief desire was to control his reputation and announce his truth on his own terms. Some would say this took much courage and showed immense bravery. But bravery and aplomb are to be expected from Sam, the Co-SEC player of the year, a man who led his team to a surprising run at the national championship game. Let me reiterate, this is a man. Whatever you have come to believe about the difference between straight men and gay men, you will have to throw out the proverbial window now. The stereotype of gay men portrayed as weak or wimps or effeminate is now being challenged by a reality that will be hard for any cruel critic to face in the form of Michael Sam. He epitomizes the stereotypical description of a “real” man. He is rough and tough and a force to be reckoned with for his power and skill on the football field.
Sam more and more people will see that very fact. But Sam will have a tough road ahead. Playing in the NFL under the national spotlight will not be easy and will be at least twice as hard as playing in the SEC. But thanks to his honesty and courage, his grit and his might he will have a community of others who are just like him both gay and “real “men who can support him. Justin A. Williams is the sports editor for New York Trend and www.newyorktrendnyc.com and political commentator,
Sam will have a tough road ahead. Playing in the NFL under the national spotlight will not be easy. It is true, that Michael Sam is gay, but he is not a walking contradiction, he is a real man. Sam decided of his own accord to play a dangerous sport that he loved for five long and hard years amongst the best competition college football had to offer. He practiced hard, he overcame crippling pain and injuries, he didn’t whine or complain, he simply earned his keep and then some. Stereotypes are examples of our own deep -seated ignorance and prejudices and are largely grounded in untruths. Now, thanks to Michael Micahael Sam
NEW YORK Owner/Publisher Executive Editor Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams
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Senior Editor Zena Gray International Correspondent Ann Brown Travel Editor Jim Weaver Contributing Editor Justin Williams Circulation Manager Robert L. Taylor Distribution/Advertising Darrel Murdaugh
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Graphic Designer Allison Burris Emeritus Office & Subscription Manager Sophie Taylor Social Media Zoie A. Williams Darwyn Lynch Writers Ezra Mechaber Deardra Shuler Jim Weaver Anastasia Williams Justin Williams Teresa Williams
NewYorkTrendNYC Catalogued and displayed in the U.S. Library Congress. New York Trend welcomes letters to the editor. 14 Bond Street, Suite 176, Great Neck, N.Y. 11021 Tel. (347) 551-1545 Fax (516) 626-3966 ISSN#1083-58 Email: NYTrend@aol.com Website: www.newyorktrendnyc.com “Like Us” on Facebook: www.facebook.com/newyorktrendnyc New York Trend is published by TTW Associated, Inc. which holds copyright to the content of this publication. Mail inquiries to: New York Trend NYC, 14 Bond Street, Suite 176, Great Neck, N.Y. 11021. New York Trend NYC is not responsible for the content of letters to the editor or opinions expressed by individual writers. New York Trend reserves the right to edit all letters to the editor. Photographs and manuscripts will not be returned.
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NASSAU COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE OF COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE
However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.
Notice is hereby given that I shall on the 18th day of February, 2014 through the 21st day of February, 2014, beginning at 10:00 o’clock in the morning each day, in the Legislative Chambers, First Floor, Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, 1550 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, New York, sell at public auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 14th, 2014 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. As required by Section 5-44.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code, the County Treasurer shall charge a registration fee of $100.00 per day to each person who shall seek to bid at the public auction as defined above. A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Treasurer/Annual_ Tax_Lien_Sale/tax_sale_listing.html A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 14th, 2014. Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 Ext. 13715.
The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.
Dated: January 17th, 2014 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York
The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk. The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.
TERMS OF SALE Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts.
Dated: January 17, 2013 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York
LIFE INSURANCE: Can you afford to wait?
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can take dividend distributions in cash, for example, or you can use them to purchase additional paid-up life insurance. Paid-up insurance is also eligible for dividends, has cash value, and requires no additional premiums. So waiting to purchase insurance could cost you the opportunity to increase the cash value of your policy and the benefit paid to your beneficiaries.
ith adulthood comes a number of exciting changes. Perhaps you have decided to buy a home, get married, or have children. These decisions require careful consideration, as they can irrevocably change your life. One decision that’s easy to delay or overlook is the decision to purchase life insurance. What you may not realize, however, is that delaying the purchase of life insurance can be a costly mistake for you and your loved ones. Waiting just a few years can have a negative impact in several key areas.
Perhaps you’re healthy now and you’ve decided to delay the purchase of life insurance for a few years. However, in these few years you may suffer unexpected health problems that could put your insurability in jeopardy. In a worst case scenario, if you were to unexpectedly die, the cost of waiting would be the lack of a death benefit for your loved ones.
Whole life offers financial protection and cash value accumulation. In its simplest form, whole life insurance protects the people who depend on you for financial support. Aside from providing money to your beneficiaries to replace your income, should you unexpectedly die, whole life insurance also offers guaranteed cash value accumulation on a tax-deferred basis, as long as the policy remains in force. If available, cash value can be borrowed against to fund a child’s education, supplement your retirement income as the life insurance needs decrease, or meet an emergency cash need. Remember though, that policy loans accrue interest at the current variable loan interest rate and reduce the total cash value and total death benefit by the amount of the outstanding loan plus interest. NewYorkTrendnyc 4
The effects of waiting. Since a portion of the premiums paid accumulates cash value each year, over the long term this accumulation can be considerable (especially since taxes on the growth are deferred). So the sooner you start paying policy premiums, the faster your cash value may grow. A whole life policy is also eligible to receive dividends, if and when they are declared by the insurance issuer. Unlike cash values, dividends are not guaranteed. As a policyholder, you have several options for dividends usage: you February 5, 2014 - February 11, 2014
Remember, purchasing life insurance is a major decision. So it’s important to take the time to gather the necessary information and choose the coverage that best suits your needs. While the decision is ultimately yours, keep in mind that postponing your decision can prove to be costly. This educational third-party article is provided as a courtesy by New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please visit: www.newyorklife.com/africanamerican
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Take time to recognize the good around you.
John Curry Managing Partner (646) 227-8105 jcurry@ft.newyorklife.com
Purpose. Passion. Pride. New York Life proudly celebrates the following Partners and Agents for their leadership and contributions to the African American Community Empowerment Plan. business owners and build multigenerational wealth in the African American community. To learn more about creating an Empowerment Plan for your family, or to launch your purpose-driven career at New York Life, please visit www.newyorklife.com/africanamerican or call 877-695-4226. New York, NY 10170-0002
Steve Snipe Partner (646) 227-8424 sgsnipe@ft.newyorklife.com
Owen Ashley Agent (646) 227-8068
Travis Hite Agent (646) 227-8604
Marie Johnson Agent (646) 227-8342
Jason McDonald Agent (646) 283-4342
Derrick Barnes, LUTCF Agent (347) 865-1801
Jean-Michel Bastien Agent (646) 227-8248
E. Mark Lewis Agent (917) 449-8949
Š 2013 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010 EOE M/F/D SMRU52523 CV
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COVER STORY Access to these life saving services is a social justice issue.” AHF’s ‘AIDS is a Civil Rights Issue’ Billboard Campaign Running Now in Atlanta; Washington, DC; Columbus, OH; Baton Rouge, LA; Jackson, MS; South Florida and Los Angeles Over the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday weekend in January, AHF launched its innovative national ‘AIDS is a Civil Rights Issue’ billboard campaign. AHF’s billboards are intended to serve as a reminder of the fact that African American and Latino communities continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS compared with their respective percentages of the overall population. The campaign also hopes to send the message that access to HIV prevention and care and treatment for HIV/ AIDS should be a universal human right. The billboard campaign is running now in Atlanta; Washington, DC; Columbus, Ohio; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; South Florida and in Los Angeles. In most of the cities, the campaign will also be posted as transit shelter ads.
(CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) To address some of the health disparities highlighted in the ‘AIDS is a Civil Right Issue” campaign and town hall forum, AIDS Healthcare Foundation recently opened two AHF Healthcare Centers in Southern states: One, in Jackson—the AHF Healthcare Center/ Jackson, 766 Lakeland Dr., Jackson, MS 39216, +1 (877) 470.8071; the other, in Baton Rouge— AHF Healthcare Center/Baton Rouge, 8281 Goodwood Blvd., Suite D, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, +1 (225) 231-5733. Please join us and a multitude of faith-based communities in the South in illuminating and fighting the persisting bias against communities of color as we collectively strive to lower the incidence of HIV/AIDS, and together we can ensure all communities have equal access to the tools we need in this fight. AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to more than 279,000 individuals in 32 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Eastern
Al Sharpton
BUSINESS WOMEN “GO RED” WITH AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION February is a month for matters of the heart across America, and it’s even a greater matter for African-American women, who are at greatest risk. The American Heart Association is impacting the health of women by saving 330 lives a day. Every February, American Heart Month, millions of women participate in the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement to increase awareness and inspire action in support of the estimated 43 million women affected by their No. 1 killer, heart disease. African-American women are the most affected by the disease. Research shows that the leading cause of death triples among black women, killing nearly 50,000 every year. Given the shocking statistics, Go Red takes pride in commemorating its 10th anniversary of targeted programs, which includes efforts to close the gap among diverse women and decrease heart disease deaths by 34 percent in all women. Like Keisha Hawes, heart attack survivor at age 31, many women never thought heart disease could happen to them — consequently, ignoring or downplaying the signs. Keisha says, “This was my warning sign that I needed to make big changes. Now I have the opportunity to do things differently rather than just dropping dead one day.” Don’t let tragedy be your drive NewYorkTrendnyc
to “do things differently.” Let the stories of real survivors lead you to be proactive so that we can, together, prevent tragedy from happening. Join the 56.6 million people who visit the Go Red for Women website, and most importantly, join the nearly 2 million who have registered to take action in the movement! While Go Red February 5, 2014 - February 11, 2014
has made a remarkable difference, for over a decade now, the fact is that 1,100 women are still dying of heart disease, daily. It’s critical to know your risks, live healthfully and get involved, today! For more information, visit www.GoRedForWomen.org.
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EDUCATION THE STEVE & MARJORIE HARVEY FOUNDATION: EXCLUSIVE APPRENTICESHIP EXPERIENCES commitment to mentoring youth. For the past five years, the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation has hosted mentoring camps for young African-American men. The camps promote educational enrichment, one-on-one mentoring and global service initiatives. The program impacts 100 youth in five cities across the country.
Steve & Majorie Harvey
Actor, comedian turned media mogul and philanthropist—Steve Harvey— takes on another exciting role by joining the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Program. His strong commitment to mentoring is a great complement to the movement that uncaps a world of possibilities for the next generation. Marking year three, the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program will offer once-in-a-lifetime apprenticeship experiences to African American youth looking to pave the way for their futures. Under the umbrella of the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation, the talk show host and best-selling author will offer two apprenticeship experiences. The experiences will focus on the areas of philanthropy/community and media/ entertainment. Partnering with the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program builds on Harvey’s long-term
FAFSA: THE HOWTO GUIDE FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (AND THE ADULTS WHO HELP THEM) Expanded edition offers latest info on FAFSA and a section on comparing college financial aid packages. Free guides are available for educators and community groups. The Center for New York City Affairs has published a second edition of our popular guide for high school students who are applying to college and beginning their allimportant quest for financial aid: FAFSA: The How-To Guide for High School Students (And the Adults Who Help Them). This year’s guide has been updated with the latest information and links as well as information on the FAFSA verification process and a new section on how to compare college financial aid offers. The guide will be particularly useful for firstgeneration, immigrant and low-income students. Many are filling out the U.S. NewYorkTrendnyc 7
“The Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program and the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation have a common goal. We want to improve, enrich, uplift and inspire young people. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about,” said Steve Harvey. “Working together, we can change far more lives than we ever could imagine doing on our own.” In the spirit of the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program, this year’s winners will be exposed to exclusive apprenticeship opportunities. They will work with Harvey and his team on his radio shows, with his entertainment company and the Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation’s mentoring camps. Harvey joins an impressive list of influential African American celebrities, industry leaders and media magnates who have participated in the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program. “The Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program demonstrates our commitment to education. Now in its third year, it provides an exciting way to bring people and communities together to support our youth,” said Lauventria Robinson, Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the first time. The How-To Guide was written in partnership with New York City college guidance and financial aid professionals. It addresses the most common questions of local students and families. Topics include: understanding how the form works, addressing citizenship questions and demystifying how the FAFSA defines parents and households.
Vice President, Multicultural Marketing, CocaCola North America. “Our partner this year, Steve Harvey, exemplifies how dreams can come true with a vision, plan and a lot of hard work. Together we will work to pay it forward and potentially change the lives of two exceptional young people.” Now through March 15, parents, relatives, friends and mentors may nominate an aspiring young person for the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program by visiting www.coke.com/payitforward. The program is open to teens and young adults between the ages of 16-21 (as of May 1, 2014). Nominators must be 16 years of age or older. Eligible youth also may nominate themselves. Winners will be selected and contacted near the end of April to participate in the five-day summer apprenticeship. In addition, each winning student will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship to assist with his or her pursuit of higher education.
Steve Harvey Coca Cola PAY IT FORWARD
Feel free to contact Kim Nauer at nauerk@newschool.edu with any questions or suggestions. We always enjoy hearing from you.
We have also created a new website for educators and families available at www.understandingfafsa.org. The website features PDFs of the guide in English and Spanish as well as a presentation version suitable for classrooms and large groups. Free print copies are available while supplies last. Please go to www.freefafsaguide.com to order. Take a look to see how the guide may be useful to you or others in your school or organization. We grant blanket permission for photocopying and distribution. We hope you will link to the guide on your organization’s website or in electronic newsletters. February 5, 2014 - February 11, 2014
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ENTERTAINMENT
PRINCE & 3RDEYEGIRL RELEASE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW SINGLE “Best new Act in AmericA!” -America’s Got Talent
A Mesmerizing Story Told Through Music, Dance & Technology
To celebrate the release of PLECTRUMELECTRUM, the highly anticipated debut album from Prince & 3RDEYEGIRL, the first single from the album, the explosive ‘PRETZELBODYLOGIC’, is being released today, February 3rd 2014. It is a song brimming with incendiary musical force. The music icon was featured in a special episode of the hit FOX Television show New Girl yesterday following the Super Bowl, and is set to travel to the UK to play iconic venues in and around London with 3RDEYEGIRL through February, dubbed the ‘Hit and Run’ tour. 3RDEYEGIRL (guitarist Donna Grantis, bassist Ida Nielsen and drummer Hannah Ford Welton) are Prince’s new multi-national all-female rock trio. The group’s debut performance was on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon early last year. From there, Prince and 3RDEYEGIRL detonated audiences in Montreux,
Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, Amsterdam, and select US cities, including a multi-night residency at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut with Prince’s larger New Power Generation band. Between performances they spent extended time at Prince’s historic Paisley Park Studio where they recorded PLECTRUMELECTRUM, set for release this year. The first stop on the ‘Hit and Run’ tour is the living room of London’s own Lianne LaHavas. This 24-year-old singer-songwriter met Prince last year during LaHavas’ tour of America. They subsequently jammed together at Paisley Park and have kept in touch ever since. When Prince told Lianne he was coming to London to launch his new project, Ms. LaHavas jokingly offered her flat as the location for the press conference. A fitting place to announce the tour, the month will be full of surprises and the unexpected!
“AmAzing!” -Ellen DeGeneres
“digitAl wizArdry!” -NY Times
Telecharge.com 212-239-6200 | iLuminate.com New World Stages, 340 West 50th St.
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February 5, 2014 - February 11, 2014
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ENTERTAINMENT TALIB KWELI TO RELEASE 6TH SOLO ALBUM GRAVITAS Hip-hop luminary Talib Kweli will release his acclaimed 6th solo album, Gravitas, available direct to fans on CD and blue vinyl February 18th via his new web platform www.kweliclub.com. The physical release of the album follows Kweli’s much-buzzed-about move late last year to digitally release Gravitas by cutting out the middle man and bringing his music directly to his fans. The album, his second in one year, came as a welcome surprise to many, released just as Kweli was wrapping up one of the hottest tours of the year with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. It is the follow up to his critically lauded 2013 album Prisoner of Conscious.
“One of my favorite things about today’s hip-hop is the honesty.” — Kweli
WINTER WEATHER HEALTH & SAFETY TIPS FOR STAYING WARM Exposure to cold can cause life-threatening health conditions, such as frostbite and hypothermia. Take steps to keep warm. • Wear a hat, hood, or scarf, as most heat is lost through the head. • Wear layers, as they provide better insulation and warmth. • Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered if you go outside. • Keep clothing dry; if a layer becomes wet, remove it. Recognize the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite: • Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition where the body temperature is abnormally low. Symptoms may include shivering, slurred speech, sluggishness, drowsiness, unusual behavior, confusion, dizziness, and shallow breathing. Some people, such as infants, seniors, and those with chronic diseases and substance abuse problems can get sick quicker. • Frostbite is a serious injury to a body part frozen from exposure to the cold. It most often affects extremities like fingers and toes or exposed areas such as ears or parts of the face. Redness and pain may be the first warning of frostbite. Other symptoms include numbness or skin that appears pale, firm, or waxy. • If you suspect a person is suffering from frostbite or hypothermia, call 911 to get medical help. Help the person get warm by getting them to a warm place, removing any damp clothing, and covering them with warm blankets. How to Help Others • Infants, seniors, and people with paralysis or neuropathy are at increased risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors who may need assistance to ensure they are adequately protected from the cold. • If you identify someone on the street you believe needs assistance, call 311 and ask for the Department of Homeless Services’ Mobile Outreach Response Team.
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Kweli, who brings his pioneering spirit to the business of music as much as to his creation of it, wanted to find a way to better connect with his legions of followers, and this meant experimenting with the industry model. Those who buy the album through www.kweliclub.com will activate an exclusive membership in the club, which includes becoming part of Kweli’s personal address book. Fans will be able to communicate directly with him via email and, after nearly 20 years in the industry, he will have the opportunity to interact with each fan on an even more personal level to say thank you for all of the support throughout his celebrated career. Says Kweli, “Social media, YouTube and music streaming sites have made it where a casual listener can say they are a big fan without ever having to actually support the artist by purchasing the music. Kweliclub.com is set up for me to be able to stay in touch with my truest fans, the ones who are happy to support me with their dollars. This is a way for me to give back to them.” “One of my favorite things about today’s hip-hop is the honesty,” says Kweli. “Today’s most popular rappers aren’t always politically correct or deep,
but the best are unflinchingly honest. While my story may be documented, I have never truly told my story through music. My true fans have heard bits and pieces through the years, but Gravitas sums up my experience until now.”
Safe Home Heating Tips Improper use of portable heating equipment can lead to fire or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Ensure you are heating your home safely. NEVER use gas stoves or portable gas heaters indoors to heat your home, as those can lead to fire or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. FIRE SAFETY: • Make sure you have a working smoke detector in every room. Check and change batteries often. • Use only portable heating equipment that is approved for indoor use. • Keep combustible materials, including furniture, drapes, and carpeting at least three feet away from the heat source. NEVER drape clothes over a space heater to dry. • Always keep an eye on heating equipment. Never leave children alone in the room where a space heater is running. Turn it off when you are unable to closely monitor it. • Be careful not to overload electrical circuits. CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY: • Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home and check it regularly to make sure the battery is working. NYC law requires owners to provide and install at least one approved carbon monoxide alarm within 15 feet of the primary entrance to each sleeping room. Learn more about NYC’s carbon monoxide detector law • Make sure your heating system is kept clean and properly vented; have worn or defective parts replaced. • Have your fireplace, chimney, and flue cleaned every year to remove soot deposits, leaves, etc. • Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven, charcoal barbecue grill, or kerosene, propane, or oilburning heaters, as they can lead to fires and exposure to carbon monoxide. • The most common symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning is headache. However, symptoms may also include dizziness, chest pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, people can become increasingly irritable, agitated and confused, eventually becoming lethargic and lapsing into unconsciousness. • If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911, and get the victim to fresh air immediately, and open windows. Learn more about carbon monoxide For more information on how to properly and safely heat your home, visit the NYC Fire Department. February 5, 2014 - February 11, 2014
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TRAVEL PHILADELPHIA MURAL ARTS 30TH ANNIVERSARY RECOGNIZED WITH EXHIBIT “BEYOND THE PAINT” By Jim Weaver
clean up the city and to provide young graffiti artists with opportunities to channel their creative artistry in positive ways. Painting murals on walls throughout the city was the answer. Founded in 1984, the Philadelphia Mural Arts program has evolved into an internationally recognized leader in community based public art and a leading expert in mural-making and art education, having served over 30,000 young people and created 3,600 works of public art. Philadelphia is now widely known at the “City of Murals.”
In the 1970s, Philadelphia like major cities around the nation had a problem with unsightly graffiti defacing properties and creating an ugly urban environment. Under the leadership of then Mayor Wilson Goode an anti-graffiti task force was formed to
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Over the past three decades, layers of paint and the brushstrokes of thousands of residents and artists have transformed walls and vacant lots throughout the city. With their colorful and arresting images, murals are a rich, visual testament to Philadelphia and its people, telling their stories and sharing their hopes and dreams. But the value of Mural Arts’ work extends beyond changing the look of public spaces, ultimately kindling public action. Mural Arts strives to transform not just how public spaces look, but how they function. Each mural addresses an issue significant to the community. Making a mural around particular issues unites residents, muralists, neighborhood groups, schools, corporations,
February 5, 2014 - February 11, 2014
non-profit, and city agencies in an interactive process of collaboration, promoting greater understanding and positive change. According to Jane Golden, mural artist, founder and Executive Director of Philadelphia Mural Arts, “Murals truly are of the people, by the people, and for the people.” To mark the organization’s thirtieth anniversary, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia, the nation’s oldest art school, has mounted exhibit titled “Beyond the Paint: Philadelphia’s Mural Arts.” It showcases community-inspired art-making in Philadelphia, while situating the Mural Arts Program’s process and progress within the national and international realm of sociallyengaged arts practices. It continues through April 6, 2014 . Heike Rass, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, said of the exhibit. “Beyond the Paint” is more than a show you visit a single time, it is about the social impact of public art, leaving those who see it feeling empowered to create a place for art in every community, in particular needy communities, and that art belongs everywhere.” For more information, view muralarts.org and pafa.edu. Planning a visit to Philadelphia? See visitphilly.com
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TRAVEL A VIEW FROM EUROPE
IS THE CARIBBEAN STILL A SAFE TOURIST DESTINATION? By David Jessop
Governments, tourist boards, and the travel industry spend millions of dollars each year to create a positive picture of the Caribbean and the visitor experience: a sense that all is well in a country and that a destination and a vacation will provide a happy and memorable time. They also have a network of information services providing news and information locally and internationally. However, recent damaging coverage about deaths and violent criminal acts against visitors in a number of Caribbean nations has not only caused the media in key tourism feeder markets to question the safety of visitors, but is now resulting in interested parties, from lawyers to victims, disseminating negative messages on social media in ways that cannot be controlled and, if inaccurate, are hard to refute. For example, in the Bahamas over the last year there has been a wave of serious crime against visitors and residents alike. It has become a national issue that is leading both the Bahamas government and the main opposition party to consider the reintroduction of capital punishment as a deterrent, and more generally much harsher sentencing of those caught and found guilty. Reflecting local concern, particularly in relation to cruise visitors, the islands’ print, broadcast and on-line media have offered extensive coverage and commentary on the issue, and separately the US Government has recently amended it travel advisory notice.
Jim Walker, a US Attorney and a partner in the Miami firm Walker and O’Neal, as suggesting in his blog that Nassau ‘may be one gunshot away’ from seeing cruise lines drop the island from their itineraries.
lines drop the island from their itineraries. The newspaper also quoted Mr Walker as suggesting that the Bahamas had not listened to the concerns of the cruise lines and that the islands may be progressing along a path similar to that which led them to withdraw from other nations in the past. The attorney was also reported as saying that the Caribbean now had some of the most dangerous ports in the world which he named. Whether Mr Walker’s views are or are not accurate is not the point. What is apparent is that those countries or companies whose reputation he is questioning are for the most part either silent or have not been able to obtain equal coverage or social media followings for their view. When it comes to addressing damaging comments in the mainstream media or on social networking sites, few in Caribbean governments or industry so far seem to have developed any viable social media strategy to address or respond to comments that may be damaging or incorrect.
What is clear is that reputational damage and comment is certain to —Jim Walker US Attorney and a partner in the Miami firm Walker and O’Neal grow….. One particularly striking piece reflecting the challenges posed by on-line commentary appeared in the Nassau Guardian. It quoted Jim Walker, a US Attorney and a partner in the Miami firm Walker and O’Neal, as suggesting in his blog that Nassau ‘may be one gunshot away’ from seeing cruise NewYorkTrendnyc
— David Jessop Director of the Caribbean Council
Nor do many Caribbean politicians or business figures yet fully recognise the international power of Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter and how best to develop and use a social media persona to create and most importantly maintain a dialogue when times are easy. February 5, 2014 - February 11, 2014
Instead, the most common approach is to message for domestic consumption at the time of elections or political events, be silent at almost all other times, and not seize the opportunity to respond rapidly when things go wrong. By failing to act in good time to respond publicly to events, allegations or concerns; by not finding ways to remind that similar problems regrettably occur in the US or Europe; and, in the case of tourism, noting that almost all visitors have a safe and happy experience, the greater likelihood is, in relation to social media and blogs, as well as the mainstream media, the case made by most Caribbean nations will go unheard. What is clear is that reputational damage and comment is certain to grow, not least in the case of tourism because almost all visitors are on-line, increasingly use social media and say so when the politics, the judicial system, personal safety, and the rule of law are not equivalent to where they reside. Addressing this will not be easy. What therefore may now be required is for governments and industry to determine and develop strategies that respond rapidly and honestly in real time to inaccuracies and lack of balance that social media, blogs and on-line citizen journalism are prone to. A robust, professionally managed response strategy may be expensive, but it is likely to be much less costly than the economic consequences of reputational damage. David Jessop is the Director of the Caribbean Council and can be contacted at david.jessop@caribbean-council.org Previous columns can be found at www.caribbean-council.org
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THE BLACK FIVES EXHIBIT EXPLORES FORGOTTEN BASKETBALL HISTORY the Black Fives Era. The exhibition is organized by guest curator Claude Johnson, a historian and author who is the founder and executive director of the Black Fives Foundation, and coordinating curator Stephen Edidin, Chief Curator & Curator of American & European Art of the New-York Historical Society.
EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS
A new exhibition opening this spring at the New-York Historical Society will celebrate a forgotten era in sports history. On view from March 14 through July 20, 2014, The Black Fives will explore the pioneering African American basketball teams that existed in New York City and elsewhere from the early 1900s through 1950, the year the National Basketball Association became racially integrated. Soon after the game of basketball was invented in 1891, teams were often called “fives” in reference to their five starting players. Teams made up entirely of African American players were referred to as “colored fives,” “Negro fives,” or “black fives,” and the period became known as the Black Fives Era. From its amateur beginnings, dozens of all-black professional teams emerged during the Black Fives Era in New York City, Washington, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Chicago, and other cities with a substantial African American population.
Highlights of The Black Fives include archival images of the earliest African American basketball teams, including the Alpha Physical Culture Club, the nation’s first all-black athletic club (1912); the New York Girls, the first all-black female team (1910); and team photos of the New York Renaissance (also known as the “Harlem Rens”), Smart Set Athletic Club, Harlem Globetrotters, and the Washington Bears.
as newspaper broadsheets and clippings, scrapbooks, game placards and flyers, such as a 1943 official souvenir program for the “5th Annual World’s Championship Basketball Tournament”; a 1912 “Pittsburgh vs. New York” advertisement for the Annual Christmas Basketball Games and Dance of the Alpha Physical Culture Club; and a 1946 placard promoting “The Game of the Century, Renaissance vs. New Britain Pros.” An assortment of antique team equipment on view will include leather and canvas basketball shoes typical of those used in the 1910s, buckle-front shorts, leather & wool basketball knee pads, and vintage laced leather basketballs. For more information, please visit www.blackfives.org.
Among the exhibition’s unique pieces are a 1914 gold-leafed basketball medallion promoting the St. Christopher Club of Harlem; a 1937 New York Renaissance vs. Oshkosh All Stars game ticket stub; and a complete collection of event programs for the World’s Championship of Professional Basketball played from 1939-1948 and won by three different African American teams. The Black Fives will also feature vintage African American basketball ephemera, such
A collaborative partnership between the New-York Historical Society and the Black Fives Foundation, the exhibition is as much about the forward progress of black culture as a whole as it is about the history of basketball. The Black Fives is drawn primarily from the Foundation’s collection and will feature artifacts, memorabilia, photographs, ephemera and other historical materials from NewYorkTrendnyc
February 5, 2014 - February 11, 2014
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