New York Trend NYC: December 12-18, 2019 by Teresa WIlliams

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C E L E B R AT I N G HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS To 30 YEAR

C I T Y W I D E C A M PA I G N And C O A L I T I O N S The Black Stars News 2015 Annual I n c will r ehonor a sMayor e Census Reporting 2020 Awards Dinner

David Dinkins, Rep. Charles Currently, the U.S. Census Bureau is Rangel, Rep. Yvette Clarke, estimating that the national 2020 initial R. Donahue Barbara self-response rate willPeebles, only be 60.5 percent.Arnwine, Inez Barron, Sabrina

Nadler. "The census is not just a collection of academic statistics. It holds the key that unlocks political power for New Yorkers, and that delivers much needed federal assistance to our City and State. These vital funds announced today to community based organizations around New York City will ensure that these organizations find hard-to-reach New Yorkers, and provide the assistance they need to participate in the census and to make sure that they are counted."

which they are justly entitled."

York and a former chancellor of the New York public schools system.

Pioneering producers Stephen Byrd and Aliaof Jones, through their unprecedented number people counted," said NYC Council Majority Laurie A. company Front Leader Row Production, Cumbo.brought “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” "I cannot emphasize enough the importance and “A Streetcar Named Desire” of what with a full and accurate countcast in to a multi-ethnic the 2020 Census means all ofthey us," bring Broadway. In for 2016 said Council Member Adrienne Adams. “Eclipsed” "The numbers have awith directOscar impact Winner on Lupita Nyong ’O toaffect Broadway. billions of dollars in funding that

"We applaud the Mayor, City Council, and CUNY for these critical and innovative investments into community-based Dr. Rudy Crew, to Stephen The US Lamb, Census Bureau will attempt close organizations that will be working to ensure the gap Byrd, between initial self-response andCentral a a fair and accurate 2020 Census," said New Alia Jones, and the complete countFive through its "Nonresponse York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Park survivors of gross injustice Followup" (NRFU) operation, which involves on December 18 from 6:00pm – President Vincent Alvarez. "Our City's fair door-to-door data collection conducted by share of congressional representation is at 10:00pm at MIST 46 West their trained enumerators. ThisHarlem, form of data stake, as are billions of dollars in federal 116th Street. collection is difficult and inherently less funding for health, education, transportation community programs, health care, schools Honorees, the so-called Central accurate than data that is self-reported. and many other programs that New Yorkers and job opportunities. I thank Mayor de “Each honoree chosen for 5, Johnson are collectively rely on. The NYC Labor Counts! Complete "No one is better positioned to educate The City's census mobilization efforts are Blasio, Park Speaker and CUNYand for recognition has demonstrated Count Committee is committed to working in and assist local communities about the individually heroes. being jointly planned between NYC Census being proactive in these efforts."They are exceptional leadership and vision inpartnership with labor, civil rights advocacy 2020 Census than local organizations and 2020, the "Citywide Partners" group — which survivors of Fund one will of the ugliest David Dinkins Charles Rangel "The Complete Count mobilize her or his respective profession or includes organizations funded discretionarily miscarriage of justice in New York’s our city's most credible messengers to endeavor and in some significant by the City Council to engage in census work distribute education about the 2020 Census, history; having been railroaded majority. She now leads The was a member of the New York — as well as CUNY,has among many others. measure contributed towards underscore its importance as it relates to and unjustly convicted for a crime Transformative Justice Coalition. City Council, representing the CUNY iscreating playing a significant programmatic a more just society in this funding for critical services, and fight against th they did not commit and for which Arnwine was for 26 years executive role in the implementation of the campaign 40 council district in Brooklyn, inaccuracies. Our city must do all that it can country,” says Black Star News and serves as the administrator of the they served long prison sentences director of the Lawyers’ Committee succeeding her mother, Una S. to ensure an accurate census count in 2020 founder and publisher Milton Complete Count Fund. years for Civil Rights Under the Law. and Theranging T. Clarke. In the current 114th Completefrom Countseven Fund will helpto us 13 years Allimadi. “Obviously much work do that," said Council Member Diana Ayala. before being exonerated when the Congress Clarke serves on Inez Barron, honoree, formerly a"I congratulate all of the awardees and thank To support these programmatic needs to be done here and actual rapist confessed. They are: the Energy and Commerce efforts,around CUNY will beworld.” utilizing its $3 State Assembly member, is nowboth Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Johnson the Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond Committee, responsible for million portion of the Fund for the a New York City council memberfor collaborating on this crucial effort."

Theactivities: gala starts at 6:00pm with a following

Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin and a champion of education for "I'm proud of the historic investments we've Richardson, and Kharey Wise. made to ensure a 2020 complete count our youth. for NewThe York Black City. SoStar much is at stake News, which focuses Honoree Imhotep Gary Byrd is and getting participation from historically on investigative journalism, has a legendary radio talk show host undercounted populations is critical to been featured as a result of some if and executive producer, radio DJ,getting the resources we need and are its news scoops, on CNN, The New R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is poet, songwriter, music recordingentitled to," said Council Member Fernando York Daily New "We've madeNews, the right The decision by York a leading developer and founder of artist and producer, rapper, writerCabrera. funding community-based organizations that Post, The Village Voice, and Brill’s The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest and community activist. He began truly represent all New Yorkers. It's important Content magazine. African American-owned real his career as a radio DJ in Buffalofor people to hear about the Census from estate firm with $3.5 billion worth Black Star honorees messengers who News can eliminate fear at age 15. For over 30 years, he’s crediblePast of properties under development and reluctance to participate. I congratulate have included: Gil Noble (Like It been a talk show host at WBLS and grantIs), awardeestheir work is critical for or management — he was one Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad WLIB radio in New York City. Heall of awardees' throughout thehonored New York's next 10 years." Rep.performance Charles Rangel, also the pioneering developerswho groups, of community-based organizations and individuals. This generous funding will help O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, also has a Friday night radio talk duration of the program.Achievement, has for Lifetime local governments across all fiveand boroughs they have the tools they need to "We need all hands-on-deck toHeritage ensure allTheatre), helped turn around revitalize ensure show Voza Rivers (New on WBAI. "We applaud thein city's investment in making sureonce-blighted that every New Yorker is successfully engage local residents and New Yorkers are counted in the census, and served Congress since 1971. He to is makethe Anacostia Louis (NY1 News), Amel sure every New Yorker is counted through counted." ensure that everyone is counted in the Bronx our localErrol community-based organizations Honoree Sabrina Lamb, founder a recipient of The Bronze medal for neighborhood in Washington, D.C. Larrieux (Entertainer), Dr. William the Complete Count Fund," said President and across our city,"of said Congressman have the strongest track record and trusted of World Money, is a champion of millions of dollars for helping save soldiers behind enemy"We lostAhundreds champion of African-American of 32BJ SEIU Kyle Bragg. "These resources Jose E. Serrano. Pollard (Medgar Evers College), on the ground to reach out schools, jobs, health care and transportation of financial literacy for youth-- sherelationships linevital during thefor Korean economic empowerment Peebles’ "The is Complete will provide support trusted War. to historically groups. Hermundercounted Edwards (NY Jets),I Nayaba because not everyone was counted in Count Fund is a muchteaches knowledge about handlingthank Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Johnson, community messengers to help all contemplating a possible Rep. Yvette Clarke is residents a Democratic 2010. We can't let that happen again. run for NYC needed stimulus to ensure New York City Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna understand and trust the key role the money, budgeting andpartners planning. and CUNY for this record investment in mayor in counted," 2017. said Michael Everyone must be counts everyone. Our community of theappropriate US House of Fountain (Columbia University), Census member plays in ensuring federal immigrant participation in next year's Mulgrew, President of the United like Medgar Evers College and many other Dr. Rudy Crew, honoree, is one of Representatives from New Lillian Roberts (DC37), Desiree Dancy Honoree Barbara Arnwine, civil organizations will receive these muchfunding and political representation for all census," said Council Member Margaret Federation of Teachers. th the nation’s leading educators. He’s Yorklive whose people who in this 9 country. We need district covers (New York Times), Greg Floyd (Local Chin. rights lawyer, is a champion of needed funds. With our district serving essential that every single to fight the misinformation fear thatBefore "It is absolutely much of central and Brooklyn. 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National president of Medgar Evers College protecting voting rights of ethnic some of least counted populations, I am "Having seen a 'loss' of more than 10,000 New Yorker is counted as part of the threatens to exclude millions ofinpeople the entering Congress 2007,in she encouraged that City Census 2020 will see an many others. westernAction QueensNetwork), residents in and the last census, of The University of New minority groups — the emerging census," said Representative Jerrold US from the representation and resources to cocktail hour to be followed by the Programmatic and contracting dinnerofand administration the awards Completeceremonies. Count Fund; There will betraining, musical Recruiting, andentertainment operating the by CUNY "Census group of 200Douglas opera Corps," singer aCassandra studentsand thatfrom will beharmonica engaged in direct phenomenon mobilization efforts, both on and off William Galison. David Dinkins is campuses; honored for Lifetime Achievement Organizing and implementing "Get he was New York Out the — Count" events through theCity’s CUNY first system, African with a focus on ensuring that CUNY American mayor and also students' householdsNelson are participating in the welcomed Mandela to the census; and city after his release in 1990. Conducting oversight and monitoring

consumer protection, food safety, energy development, public health, communications, the environment, and interstate and international commerce.

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NE WS FINANCIAL LITERACY PLAN

TE ACHES BLACK YOUTH HOW TO INVEST Black Wallstreeter Consultation Services is now offering a financial literacy curriculum for youth. The primary purpose of the curriculum is to provide financial education and discipline at an early age, thereby possibly decreasing the wealth gap for future generations. The curriculum is titled Junior Wallstreeters: Empowering Youth with Financial Wellness. Wallstreeter’s curriculum is very different compared to other financial literacy lessons. Their lessons will provide the following: 1) an introduction to financial literacy concepts; 2) tools on starting and running an investment club; and 3) investing in the stock market. One of the lessons will incorporate Kevon and Kamari Chisolm’s ebook

titled Financial Legacy: Building Wealth Through Investment Clubs. The inclusion of the investment club portion is the main difference of their curriculum. In this section, they teach students to apply the financial information by investing in the stock markets. Students learn how to become investors in some of the popular brands that they currently use including Nike, Timberland and McDonalds. The curriculum is currently being used at Vance High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Next summer, Black Wallstreeter Consultation Services is planning on offering Junior Wallstreeter Camps, which will use the same curriculum mentioned above. For additional information about incorporating this curriculum in your classroom, after school program or if you have a location for a summer camps, please contact Kevon L. Chisolm, Esq. at 571-236-1471 or visit www.theblackwallstreeter.com.

SERENA WILLIAMS FUND To Build Schools In African Nations More than just a tennis champion, Serena Williams has always been a champion for a cause. Through the Serena Williams Fund, new schools are being built in Jamaica and in various countries on the African continent. Williams, who has a total of 39 Grand Slam titles under her belt, recently built the Marsh Elementary School in Jamaica in conjunction with the nonprofit Helping Hands Jamaica. Schools on the African continent were also built in partnership with Build Africa. Prior to that, Williams already established grade schools in other African countries including Uganda, Zimbabwe, and Kenya. Those efforts were part of Williams’ mission through her own non-profit organization called Serena Williams Fund “to promote equity; through education, gender, race, disability, or anything else that stands in the way of someone achieving their goals and

Owner/Publisher Executive Editor Editor-In-Chief Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams Assistant to Publisher, Administrative Zoie Williams International Correspondent Ann Brown Travel Editor Jim Weaver Contributing Editor Justin Williams

Be A Census Taker Extra income Flexible hours Weekly pay

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living their best possible life.” “The mission of this charity is to help the individuals or communities affected by to violence, and [to ensure] equal access to education,” Williams said in a statement. According to Borgen Magazine, the sports superstar “has done extraordinary tasks using her own resources and through partnerships with the Serena Williams Fund and other foundations dedicated to providing and improving education for those in difficult conditions or developing countries. Her active role has notably left a mark on those who have had their lives changed significantly through this act of kindness.” Williams, who is named as a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador, also founded Serena Ventures which aims to invest in early-stage companies to give them wider opportunities to grow.

Online Editorial Director Rachel Breton Hamlett Art Director Jessica R. Doughty Emeritus Office & Subscription Manager Sophie Taylor Social Media Zoie A. Williams Writers Ezra Mechaber Deardra Shuler Jim Weaver Anastasia Williams Justin Williams Teresa Williams

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NEWS N A A C P P A R T N E R S W I T H B E T t o H O S T I M AG E AWA R D S Th e NA ACP a n d B E T N e t works

announced a broadcast partnership to air the 51st NAACP Image Awards. The telecast will take place from Pasadena, California and will air on BET Networks for the first time ever. The announcement was made today by NAACP National Board of Directors Chairman Leon W. Russell, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson, President of BET Networks Scott Mills and Executive Vice-President, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy Connie Orlando. The NAACP

Image Awards is the preeminent event celebrating the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature, and film and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors. “We’re proud to partner with BET Networks to showcase the incredible breadth of Black excellence in television, film, music, and literature, and to bring awareness to the social justice and economic empowerment

work of the NAACP,” said Johnson. “Through its diverse platforms, BET delivers culturally enriching and entertaining content to a wide and multigenerational audience. As we head into a critical 2020 election and Census, the collaboration with BET will be critical to reaching our shared communities.” “The NAACP is vitally important, and BET Networks shares the organization’s commitment to our community and social impact,” added Mills. “With the NAACP’s half-

century of history acknowledging the achievements of African Americans across entertainment and activism, this partnership allows BET to further our mission to entertain, engage and empower our viewers by delivering this cultural pillar to the communities we serve. We’re thrilled to welcome the NAACP Image Awards home to BET.” Karen Boykin-Towns, NAACP National Board of Directors Vice-Chairman is the newly appointed Chairman of the NAACP Image Awards Planning

Committee and will provide strategic guidance and leadership. Eris Sims, Chief of Staff will oversee all NAACP Image Awards events and activities. “We are excited that two storied organizations, NAACP and BET, are partnering to cultivate innovative approaches to our work and to deliver a transformative experience that inspires and empowers the Black community. This is a natural partnership and one which aligns with our strategic focus,” said BoykinTowns. “We are confident that the

Day, John Legend, Lena Waithe, Tracee Ellis Ross, David Oyelowo, Laverne Cox, Octavia Spencer, Issa Rae, Trevor Noah, Terry Crews, Yara Shahidi, Danai Gurira, Jacob Latimore, Jay Pharoah, Jemele Hill, Josh Gad, Loretta Devine, Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Meta Golding, Michael Smith, Tyler James Williams, Ava DuVernay, Chadwick Boseman, and many more.

NAACP Image Awards will continue to grow in both impact and legacy.”

the most influential Award Shows in the black community,” said Orlando.

One of the most iconic annual celebrations of black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws a crowd of the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years attendees include Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith, Taraji P. Henson, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, Anthony Anderson, Sterling K. Brown, Mandy Moore, Halle Berry, Common, Dwayne Johnson, Steve Harvey, Audra

“We will celebrate and acknowledge the excellence and achievements of African-Americans in television, music, arts and give special recognition to the artists that have thrilled us and shaped the past the year in black culture. As we head into our 40th anniversary, it is only right to start off 2020 with this monumental partnership and bring the legacy of NAACP Image Awards to BET.”

N A AC P BLASTS FACEBOOK NAACP President Derrick Johnson , along with several Civil Rights leaders, met with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other

company leaders to discuss concerns regarding Facebook’s policy on political ads. A letter was subsequently sent to Facebook to

POLITICAL PROPAGANDA

document the issues discussed at the meeting. Upon receiving Facebook’s response, NAACP, the nation’s foremost advocacy and civil rights organization, issued the following statement:

Despite the damage our democracy has suffered since 2016, Facebook remains unwilling to take meaningful and necessary action to remove political propaganda from its platform. It is clear that Facebook and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, are no longer simply negligent, but complacent in the spread of misinformation. Such misinformation has and will upend the integrity of our

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“It is our honor to partner with the NAACP as the exclusive broadcast partner of the Image Awards, one of

December 12, 2019 - December 18, 2019

elections as we head into 2020. We will not stand for this. While we recognize the value that Facebook provides in connecting people with one another, as well as its prominent usage within the Black community, we call into serious question a platform that profits from the suppression of Black votes and Black voices. Facebook must reverse its woefully malignant policy of not censoring false political advertising. NAACP will continue to advocate for legislation that will hold companies like Facebook accountable, and we remain committed to advancing the rights and protections of the Black community, both online and offline.

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POLITICS

Legislator Invites Residents to Support ‘HOLIDAY OF GIVING’ Celebration

Nassau County Legislator Kevan M. Abrahams (D – Freeport) and Glory House Recovery presents the 10th Annual Holiday of Giving celebration hosted by Uniondale High School on Saturday, Dec. 14. To make the season brighter for deserving families in the First Legislative District, Legislator Abrahams is asking residents to donate new and unwrapped toys for children of all ages. “The incredible generosity of the sponsors and supporters of the Holiday of Giving celebration has made this event a truly impactful community tradition,” Legislator Abrahams said. “Through your continued support, we can continue to fulfill our mission of spreading cheer to families and children throughout the First Legislative District during this holiday season.”

Legislator Abrahams and Glory House Recovery are grateful to for the Uniondale School District for assisting in the growth of the Holiday of Giving. This year, they moved to a larger venue, Uniondale High School. In addition to holiday gifts for children and photos with Santa, raffles and prizes, face painting, cookie decorating, holiday crafts, refreshments and more are planned as part of the Holiday of Giving event. There will also be vendors on hand with valuable information and free giveaways. You can send or drop off donations to Legislator Abrahams’ office at the Nassau County Legislature, 1550 Franklin Ave., Suite 140, Mineola, N.Y. 11501. For additional information, contact Legislator Abrahams’ office at 516-571-2455 or email www. nassaucountyny.gov/LD1

Citywide Campaign & Coalitions To Increase Census Reporting 2020 (cont'd from cover) I can't stress enough how important it is to get yourself counted," said Council Member Costa Constantinides. "Communitybased organizations are New York City's neighborhood first responders, who ensure everyone is protected, accounted for, and served. Congrats to these winning organizations as they ensure every New Yorker is counted in the year to come." "I commend Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Johnson on their steadfast commitment to ensuring that all of New York City is counted for the 2020 Census. Kings County has many of the hardest to count tracts in the nation, and this investment will ensure that Brooklynites have accurate representation and funding from the federal government," said Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. "My office is well aware of this disparity, and we are working alongside communitybased organizations to do education and outreach. Brooklyn is home to so many unique communities and cultures, and we must ensure that we elevate our voices and have our interests represented at the federal level." "It is so important that the 2020 census shows an accurate reflection of New York City's diversity so that our communities can receive the resources and funding they need to thrive and succeed. No one is better equipped to help count these demographics than the local communitybased organizations that are so often the first point of contact for many immigrants. Thank you to the Mayor, Speaker, CUNY, and all the CBOs who are working to mobilize and engage all New Yorkers to participate in the Census 2020," said Council Member Peter Koo. "The attacks on immigrants coming from Washington have made many communities understandably nervous about engaging with the federal government. Local organizations, embedded in their communities, will help ensure that all New Yorkers are counted in the 2020 Census. Who gets counted determines who gets resources and political representation for years to come, and New York's vibrant and diverse communities must not be left out," said Council Member Brad Lander. "Our city has undertaken an unprecedented strategy that is inclusive of all New Yorkers - without regard to one's age, race, national origin, or immigration status. The NYC

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Complete Count Fund is a lifeline that will help build trust and empower communities to overcome the barriers that have hindered past efforts to make Brooklyn count. One survey can have a detrimental ripple effect on our access to education, healthcare, housing and transportation. Our scholars and seniors cannot afford to wait another ten years to receive their fair share of federal funding to close the widening gap in resources for our community," said Council Member Farah N. Louis. "The upcoming Census is critical to our democracy, and we need to ensure everyone is counted. That's why we launched the Brooklyn Complete Count Committee earlier this year in partnership with local community-based organizations, who are on the front lines of the fight for equal representation. Brooklyn is considered one of the hardest-to-count counties in New York State, and it's vital that we get the resources we deserve so we #MakeBrooklynCount," said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams. "From federal funding to our representation in Congress, there is so much at stake for New York City in the upcoming Census," said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. "I thank the de Blasio Administration for making this investment to ensure that all New Yorkers are counted." "The census affects every area of our lives, from housing, to education, to our representation in government, yet New York has a history of being undercounted. If we are going to get the resources our community needs, then we need all hands-on-deck for the 2020 census, and that's what this funding represents. This investment will make a major impact on our census efforts and make sure the 2020 census counts us in," said State Senator Zellnor Y. Myrie. "Community-based organizations are at the forefront of our neighborhoods and hold deep relationships with hard-to-reach populations and vulnerable Bronx-ites. The 21 organizations that have been awarded City funding for Census outreach in District 34 will be important players in ensuring that every member of our community is counted, and that the Bronx receives the federal funding and political representation we deserve. I thank Mayor Bill de Blasio and the New York City Council for their

investment in Census outreach, and I look forward to working with the community organizations in my district to get a full and accurate count of our friends, family, and neighbors in 2020," said State Senator Alessandra Biaggi. "It's vital that New Yorkers get counted. By investing $19 million in the NYC Census Complete Count Fund to mobilize for the census, we are ensuring that federal funds and fair political representation comes to our neighborhoods. In 2010, Brooklyn had among the lowest mail return rates for the census in the nation. It's time to change that and make Brooklyn, and NYC, count," said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. "The NYC Census Complete Count Fund is a crucial initiative for empowering communitybased organizations to join the fight to count ALL of us New Yorkers," said State Senator Robert Jackson. "The grantees in my district span an amazing swath of diversity, from the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation to the Gay Men's Health Crisis. I'm glad to see the City putting so much into the complete count initiative and look forward to supporting at the state level!" "Based on data collected during the 2010 census, over two-thirds of the people in our district live in hard-to-count neighborhoods. It is among my top priorities to make sure that our hardworking neighbors are properly accounted for during the 2020 census so that we can provide the infrastructure, programs and resources Queens residents of all ages currently need and will benefit from in the future," said State Senator Jessica Ramos. "Through the NYC Census Complete Count Fund, more than 30 community-based organizations will be able to reach our residents right in our neighborhoods and educate and prepare our district for the upcoming census. Many thanks to Mayor de Blasio, the City Council and CUNY for investing in Queens and neighborhoods across New York City!" "The 2020 Census count is a critical part of our democratic process and I commend Mayor de Blasio, Council Speaker Johnson, and CUNY for their initiative in funding the expansion of census-related education & organizing resources to make those easily accessible & available across NYC. Specifically, targeting diverse communities who have for far too long been historically undercounted and misrepresented, will

December 12, 2019 - December 18, 2019

lead to significant transformation in the resources provided to our communities," said State Senator Luis Sepulveda. "Obtaining an accurate count in the upcoming census will require a concerted effort, with all stakeholders working together to ensure New York gets the resources it deserves. Local community partners play a critical role in this endeavor, and this investment will allow the 2020 Census to reach a greater number of New Yorkers through trusted messengers working in their neighborhoods. Many thanks to Mayor de Blasio, Council Member Johnson, and CUNY for their commitment to ensuring participation in the census," said State Senator José Serrano. "New York City's unprecedented $40 million investment in Census 2020 outreach efforts will go a long way to help count every resident. Our city cannot afford another serious undercount costing lost congressional seats and millions of dollars in federal funding. I commend the Mayor and City Council for providing $16 million to community-based organizations who are best positioned to reach out into the neighborhoods and communities where census response rate increases are critical," said Assistant Speaker of the State Assembly Félix W. Ortiz. "The impending census will be a critical event for our community. An undercount of our population could have disastrous consequences for funding and resources for our already-underserved communities. It is imperative that we throw in as much effort as possible into getting a proper count. I am pleased that the mayor's office is providing city resources and support to community organizations for this important endeavor," said State Assembly Member Michael G. DenDekker. "I am glad to hear the city has released the award for hundreds of community-based organizations in New York City who will be doing outreach and education on the census," said State Assembly Member Harvey Epstein. "Our ability to count the hard to reach New Yorkers is critically important and I applaud the city's use of strong CBO's to partner to ensure every New Yorker is counted. So much is dependent on the census including federal representation and federal funding and we need to do whatever is within our power to have culturally competent support in this effort."

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BUSINE S S 

A N N U A L H A R L E M PAR A DE

The President and CEO of the 125th Street Business Improvement District, Barbara Askins, has officially kicked-off the countdown to the 26th annual Harlem Holiday Lights 2019 celebration. This year the highly anticipated holiday event, which is held in partnership with Manhattan Community Board #9 and #10, and dubbed, Harlem Light It Up 2019, will take place on November 20th (rain date/Nov. 25th), with activities planned throughout the day, leading up to the highlight – the Parade of Lights that will herald the lighting of the legendary 125th St. corridor beginning at Morningside Avenue and 125th St. and covering a 10-block stretch. Over the years, the event has become a

prominent part of the city’s key holiday celebrations, attracting both public and media attention. Ms. Askins, who has been responsible for organizing and helping to make this event an annual tradition says, “We want to make it bigger and better every year. We want this holiday event in our community, to be something that everyone in the city will want to be a part of.” This year’s three distinguished Grand Marshals are:  Laiona Michelle, an actor/singer/writer who made her Broadway debut in the 2015 hit musical Amazing Grace and recently broke box-office records at the George Street Playhouse with her performance as Nina Simone, in Little Girl Blue, a musical that she both wrote and headlined. Ms. Michelle is now the book writer on a new musical headed for Broadway in 2020, based on the life of Nelson Mandela.  Korey Wise, one of the Central Park Five, a public speaker and social justice activist, who has risen to prominence

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L I G H TS

since the Five were acquitted and released from prison for a crime they did not commit. His story has been a key factor in the public and critical acclaim that the Netflix miniseries, directed by Ava Duvernay, “When They See Us,” has received.  Leah Abraham is an EthiopianAmerican entrepreneur who brings a dynamic multicultural foundation to everything she does, and who has elegantly traversed work-lifebalance to establish a successful business in the community. This amazing woman has found numerous ways to give back to the Harlem community through her passionate commitment to the business she has helped establish, Settepani Restaurant.

Perisi will once again set up free health screenings and will provide access to important information promoting a healthier lifestyle for the entire family. Blink Fitness will be hosting an invigorating early morning workout, and Zwanger, a premier radiology company that has joined the 125th Street BID District, will host an open house reception and tour of their newest uptown facility.

Included among the numerous planned activities surrounding the Harlem Holiday Lights 2019 event, is the return participation of Disney’s Marvel Superheroes; this year, Spiderman and Black Panther will be on hand for meet and greets, photo opportunities, and special appearances at various planned activities throughout the day. They will also be part of the big countdown to the Parade of Lights signaling the lighting of the 125th Street corridor.

woman. An ensemble of thirty plus-sized models in outfits inspired by, and looking much like the Radio City Rockettes, will be on hand for photos opps, meet and greets, and appearances at the various events. Also, joining the celebration for the first time this year will be the Apollo Theater, Harlem Stage, United House of Prayer for All People, the Mali Music Festival, NYCHA Digital Education Van, Joshua Balloons, who will donate a Balloon Selfie Frame set up, and Carver Bank, the largest African-American operated bank in the United States.

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, a big supporter of this event, will host her annual VIP Reception. Manhattan Community Board #9’s Children’s District will honor the 100th anniversary celebration of the Harlem Renaissance with featured guest, the Swing Dance Society, in addition they will have face painting, an appearance by the Snow Queen, and much more for the children. The Health & Fitness District, sponsored by Emblem Health, Blink Fitness, Ryan Health and Zwanger

Among the new participants this year – the Curvy District by Lov n My Curves will host a series of events including a fashion show featuring plus-size models and meet and greets sponsored by 125th Street retailers Ashley Stewart and Lane Bryant whose audience is primarily the plus-size

Property owners along the 125th Street location will add to the festive atmosphere by decorating their properties in appropriate holiday decor. The 125th Street corridor will be buzzing with both in-store and outdoor activities. Broadway actress and singer Rema Webb will be the stage manager for the New York City Parks and Recreation Community Stage that will feature

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acts that include Classical Theater of Harlem, NYCHA, Michelle Sweeting, RAM, Tyrick, Evan Cole, Diva Nation, Funk Revolution Uptown Dance Academy, Jacqueline Constant, Rudeal Drears, Lady Meeka and much more. This year’s Parade of Lights will have a caravan of 10 floats – each sponsored by a Harlem community organization, local political leaders, community boards, as well as members of the local businesses community. Each float will be festooned with lights and alive with the sound of music and merriment befitting the season. The three Grand Marshals will be the special guest on the BID float along with the Marvel Characters and the Rockettes inspired curvy models. Add to that 8 totally blinged-out Slingshot cars from the

Sling Kingz, and the Parade of Lights is complete. As the floats move down 125th Street from Morningside heading east, the spectacular, well-orchestrated lighting of 125th Street will be activated. “The participation this year has hit a new high,” says Ms. Askins. “We are thankful to all of the businesses and all of our community representatives and organizations that are helping us blow this event out. The historic community of Harlem deserves the kind of attention that is often relegated to the downtown communities,” she added. The Harlem Holiday Lights/Light it Up 2019 activities will start on the morning of November 20th and will continue throughout the entire day along 125th Street. The parade route covers 10 blocks along the 125th Street corridor beginning at Morningside heading east and will circle back up 125th Street to Broadway, looping around to end up where it began.

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ENTER TAINMENT  A S S O C I AT E A RT I S T I C D I R E C T O R

lv i n A i l e y A m e r i c a n D a n c e T h e at e r has announced programming for a historic night at Ailey celebrating Associate Artistic Director Masazumi Chaya on Sunday, December 22nd at 7:30pm at New York City Center. Previously, Robert Battle, Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, shared the news that the Company’s beloved mainstay for nearly five decades, Mr. Chaya, intends to retire on January 5, 2020, at the conclusion of the Company’s New York City Center season. Having joined the Company in 1972 as a dancer, Mr. Chaya performed under Mr. Ailey’s direction for 15 years, subsequently assumed responsibility for rehearsing the Company—a role for which Mr. Ailey had cultivated him—and for more than 28 years, as Associate Artistic Director, has maintained the repertoire, handled innumerable creative decisions, and guided generations of the Company’s dancers. The one-night only performance commemorating Mr. Chaya’s years of dedication to upholding Alvin Ailey’s vision, will include special appearances by beloved figures in Ailey history Carmen de Lavallade, Judith Jamison, Sylvia Waters, and Donna Wood. A piece d’occasion entitled The Best is Yet to Come created

by Matthew Rushing will grace the stage featuring former Ailey stars Sarita Allen, Guillermo Asca, Elizabeth Roxas Dobrish, Tracy Inman, Christopher Jackson, Aubrey Lynch, Amos J. Machanic Jr., Troy Powell, Renee Robinson, Michael Thomas, and Nasha Thomas. Over a dozen excerpts that highlight Mr. Chaya’s extensive career will be performed by former company members, including Kirven DouthitBoyd in Minus 16; Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell, Bernard Gaddis, Amos J. Machanic Jr.,and Renee Robinson in Revelations; Aubrey Lynch in The River; Alicia Graf Mack and Antonio Douthit-Boyd in Night Creature; Rachel McLaren in The Winter in Lisbon; Ailey II Artistic Director Troy Powell in Suite Otis; Matthew Rushing in Grace; and Dwana Adiaha Smallwood in Love Stories; and more. Earlier in the season, on Monday, December 9 at 7:30pm, Mr. Chaya will receive the prestigious Dance Magazine Award during a ceremony at the Ailey Citigroup Theater. He will join the list of living legends honored for their lasting impact on the world of dance. Robert Battle said, “Masazumi Chaya is a phenomenon. For almost 50 years he has been a conduit for the vision and legacy of Alvin Ailey. To the dance community he is a much-

A lv i n A i l e y C e l e b r at e d 

loved marvel. To us he is a direct connection to Mr. Ailey whose creativity and generosity he has shared, while

enormously fortunate that he intends to stay with us working to preserve the company’s Artistic legacy, after his run

supporting the artistry of countless choreographers and dancers. I am forever grateful to Chaya for being a guide and support to me as only the 3rd Artistic Director and we feel

as Associate Artistic Director.” “Chaya is the lighthouse in a storm of creativity who has lovingly helped us

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ENTER THE ARTAINMENT TS NATIONAL MUSEUM of AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC Seeks Submissions When the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) opens its doors to the public in the summer of 2020, the first-of-its-kind institution located in the heart of downtown Nashville will be home to more than 1,500 historical artifacts that reflects the development, influence, and impact of African Americans on

more than 50 genres and sub-genres including country, jazz, blues, gospel, R&B and hip hop. With construction of the museum currently underway and the layouts of the five primary galleries completed, the NMAAM curatorial team is now looking at ways to fill some of the additional open spaces in the museum with relevant and engaging original public artwork.

Starting today, NMAAM is issuing a call for submissions to all visual artists to submit original artwork for consideration as permanent installations within the museum. The goal of this request is to include artwork within the 56,000 square-foot facility that will enhance the appearance of three distinct areas within the building that are

not occupied by other artifacts. The addition of original artwork will create a visual experience that aligns with the museum's content and blends well with the overall aesthetic of the accompanying galleries. Submitted artwork will be juried by an internal art selection committee with three selected artists being awarded between $50,000 - $70,000 for the

creation and installation of their work. "The [NMAAM] curatorial team is very excited about the opportunity to review art submissions from all around the world and we encourage artists to send us their best music-inspired work for consideration," said Dr. Dina Bennett, Curatorial Director at NMAAM. "As much as musical artists have their place in celebrating the contributions of African American music to the world, visual artists also play a pivotal role in preserving the legacy and informing the culture. Our hope is that by opening space in the museum to visual artists, we can add some original pieces to our public spaces that will enhance the stories tell as well as share something visually dynamic for our guests to enjoy," said Bennett. The NMAAM call for artwork is open to all emerging artists (18 and older) regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or race. No student art will be accepted and work should be professional in nature. Artwork submissions should be connected to the African American experience and musical in context aligning with the museum's mission and vision to provide a transformative, inspirational and educational experience for an international audience of museum guests. Artwork should also be durable, able to sustain various climate conditions, resistant to UV damage and

safe for public interaction. Projected spaces within the museum where artwork will live include; the Grand Foyer which is the main entry point for the museum, the Lower Lobby which is a gathering space for ticket sales and large-scale public events and the Multipurpose Rooms which will be used for a variety of educational classes and community programs. Artists interested in submitting artwork will need to submit a completed application by Sunday, January 12, 2020 at 11:59 P.M. CST to the NMAAM Art Selection Committee via the NMAAM submission page at http:// NMAAM.org/ArtCall. For full details on the materials that should be included in the application packet, as well as complete competition rules, download the Request for Proposal for Public Art on the NMAAM website at www. NMAAM.org. The National Museum of African American Music, set to open in the summer of 2020, will be the only museum dedicated solely to preserving African American music traditions and celebrating the influence African Americans have had on music. Based in Nashville, Tenn., as part of the Fifth + Broadway development, the museum will share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to bring musical heroes of the past into the present.

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL IN HARLEM” Presents Newly Designed Show The Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH, Ty

Jones, Producing Artistic Director) presents the second year of its holiday production, A Christmas Carol in Harlem, based on the timeless work by Charles Dickens. This year’s production is directed by Carl Cofield based on an adaptation by Shawn René Graham with new choreography by Tiffany Rea-Fisher (Artistic Director of Elisa Monte Dance). This season, the show moves into a three-quarter thrust theater, offering audiences a more intimate theater experience and allowing them to share in the spirit of the show. Cofield has re-imagined large portions of the work to fit this new space and to build on the festive themes throughout the play while allowing the drama of Scrooge’s past to unfold. This includes a new set, music pieces, projections, costumes and casting that establishes A Christmas Carol in Harlem as a modern addition to New York City’s annual holiday offerings. Set in present-day Harlem, this holiday treasure is dramatized with CTH’s signature style of infusing classic works with an uptown flair. A Christmas Carol in Harlem places Ebenezer Scrooge as a real estate mogul who has made his fortune at the expense of others. Scrooge foregoes using his wealth to affect positive change within his Harlem community and instead lives a life of miserly solitude. That is, until three

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unexpected visitors arrive on Christmas Eve to show him the value of family and how cooperation can lead to a healthy, thriving and prosperous community. This family-friendly production includes original and classic holiday carols tinged with gospel, hip-hop, pop and R&B influences to celebrate the spirit of the season the Harlem way.

Scrooge and Bennie), Charles Bernard Murray (as Scrooge; The Bacchae), Andrei Pierre (as The Ghost of Christmas Present), Angela Polite (as Clock Shop Lady; MARY SPEAKS, Flambeaux), Jeffrey Rashad (as Bob Cratchit and Young Scrooge), and Kenzie Ross (as Mrs.

opportunity to launch into the next century by complementing the existing holiday programming downtown, with a show that has a unique uptown, New York City aesthetic,” said Ty Jones, Classical Theatre of Harlem’s Producing Artistic Director. “I believe that A Christmas Carol in Harlem will

Cratchit; Blood at the Root, When We Left). The ensemble features dancers from Elisa Monte Dance including Tracy Dunbar, Kat Files, Daniela Funicello, Ashley LaRosa and Sai Rodboon.

become a classic, seasonal offering on par with other beloved, locally based holiday productions. Shawn René Graham has taken Dickens’ classic to show how a community is healed, one family at a time and exemplifies how ordinary people can do extraordinary things to help one another receive the gift of love at Christmas time.”

A Christmas Carol in Harlem touches on the issues that are affecting so many New Yorkers today such as gentrification and social inequality but infuses it with humor, hope and holiday spirit. CTH reinvigorates this timeless tale to remind us that we all should celebrate our shared humanity. Recommended for all ages. The company of “A Christmas Carol in Harlem” includes: Eryn Barnes (as The Ghost of Christmas Past), Reed Harris Butts (as Bennie), Kahlil X Daniel (as The Ghost of Christmas Future), Gabrielle Djenné (as Fan and Belle; The Bacchae), Daniel Echevarria (as Fezz; In The Heights, Something like a Fairytale, The Open Gate), Ure Egbuho (as Sierra Jones; Good Friday, Locked Up Bitches; SCRAPS), Paula Galloway (as Claudette; The Colored Museum, Ain’t Misbehavin’), Steve Greenstein (as Jacob Marley; Flashdance the Musical), Emery Jones (as Tiny Timothia), Kaden Jones (as Child

“We are on the precipice of the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance. What a remarkable

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THE AR T S PROFILE  is an iconic actress, writer, director, producer, and web series creator. She first garnered attention for her work on the YouTube web series, Awkward Black Girl. Rae is a graduate of Stanford University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in African and African-American Studies. As a college student, she made music videos, wrote and directed plays, and created a mock reality series entitled Dorm Diaries for fun. At Stanford, Rae met Tracy Oliver, who helped produce Awkward Black Girl and starred on the show as Nina. After college, Rae received a theater fellowship at The Public Theater in New York City. Oliver and Rae started taking classes together at the New York Film Academy. Rae worked odd jobs and at one point was struggling to decide between business school and law school, but eventually abandoned both ideas when Awkward Black Girl started taking off in 2011.

| Actress  Writer  Director Entertainment Weekly’s “Breaking Big” lists, Issa’s hit series The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl was the recipient of the coveted Shorty Award for Best Web Show. Issa’s first book, a collection of essays, is a New

York Times Best Seller and her latest project, Insecure, a half-hour comedy show for HBO, premiered in the fall to rave reviews and earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Issa has received national attention with major media

outlets including The New York Times, CNN, ELLE, Seventeen, Rolling Stone, BuzzFeed, Fast Company, MSNBC, Essence, Fader, Variety and more. Issa Rae is signed with UTA and 3 Arts Entertainment.

With her own unique flare and infectious sense of humor, Issa Rae’s content has garnered over 23 million views and over 200,000 YouTube subscribers (and counting). In addition to making Glamour Magazine’s “35 Under 35”, Forbes’ “30 Under 30” and

A R T S F O U N D AT I O N S p o n s o r s S L A M P O E T R Y F E ST I VA L Calling all writers who enjoy cash prizes, a beach party, happy hour, and vendors! Coming up on your calendar, Pompano Beach Arts Foundation will be holding the 4-day poetry slam competition, Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival, with up to $2500 in cash prizes. This event hosts some of the best poets in the country ready to slam! Now you may ask what Slam Poetry is. Slam poetry is a playground. It's an opportunity. It’s freedom to rein your awesomeness and fly any flag you wish to wave without scrutiny. It's the Planet Fitness of the poetry world - judgement free. What that means is slam poetry is open to anyone and everyone who wishes to put some power behind their opinion and voice their thoughts and views. Slam poetry is never "bad". It’s an expression of someone's feelings. Those feelings can't be wrong - they can only be evaluated based on your own opinion. That evaluation is what makes slam poetry enjoyable, exciting and even controversial. Here's the kicker: Slam poetry is about feelings, emotions and stories, but: it’s mixed with personal style and it displays intimate characteristics. That style has to be your own and those characteristics must be innate - and that's what makes poetry slam poetry. Once you nail that concept, you're ready to impart your wonder to the world. Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival is a

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four-day festival founded by spoken word artist and cultural programmer, Sharonda “Eccentrich” Richardson in 2018. Eccentrich, who is a Pompano Beach native, recognized an opportunity to celebrate her love for her craft and her city while creating an opportunity for the spoken word community to soak

facilitated by visiting. After a successful inaugural competition in which, one artist representing the state of California walked away with the grand prize of $2,000 the festival was acquired by the City of Pompano Beach’s Cultural Affairs Department and will benefit from increased financial and physical resources while upholding a commitment to the spoken word tradition.

The Ci t y

The City of Pompano Beach is a a city in Broward County, Florida, United States, along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean just to the north of Fort Lauderdale. As of the 2010 census the city’s population was 99,845. The City is located off of Exit 36 on I-95 which was the inspiration for the festival’s name.

up South Florida’s warm climate and experience Florida’s Warmest Welcome in the City of Pompano Beach! In addition to being the only poetry festival in the Southern United States to be held during the winter season, the Exit 36 Slam Poetry Festival strives to nurture, support and showcase regional, national and international writers and poets while providing the local community with arts experiences

The City’s Cultural Affairs Department works to support the City’s growth as a cultural arts destination and currently includes four cultural facilities offering a mix of innovative arts programming across all cultural disciplines for the enjoyment and enrichment of residents and visitors. The Pompano Beach Cultural Center, adjacent to City Hall is located in revitalized downtown Pompano Beach and headquarters the City’s Cultural Affairs Department. Through this cultural venue, the City offers cultural opportunities in many artistic disciplines

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while providing the public access to world –renowned music, dance, theater performances and art exhibitions. The Historic Ali Cultural Arts Center is the steward for the history of the Northwest district of Pompano Beach and is the nexus for musicians, visual artists, dancers and spoken word poets that have been influenced or inspired by black culture. Located in the heart of Pompano Beach’s new Creative Arts District, Bailey Contemporary Arts (BaCA) houses a dozen art studios and also features large galleries that serve as exhibition and education spaces, and an open social area for artistic dialogue. BaCA offers studio space for visual artists, and is occupied with painters, ceramicists, photographers and interdisciplinary artists. Here we provide the opportunity for residents to explore their creative side with workshops, events, studio visits and monthly exhibitions. The Blanche Ely House celebrates the professional and personal accomplishments of educational pioneers and community activists Blanche and Joseph Ely. The museum offers an abbreviated glimpse into the couple’s extensive collection of photographs, letters and artifacts, through exhibitions and creative and cultural programming.

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MOVIE S & CULTURE STOLEN BY MY MOTHER: THE KAMIYAH MOBLEY STORY Lifetime has released the first trailer for its upcoming Ripped from the Headlines feature, Robin Roberts Presents: Stolen by My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story, premiering January 18 at 8pm ET/ PT. Executive produced by the award-winning journalist, the film stars Niecy Nash (When They See Us, Claws), Rayven Ferrell (The Hate U Give) and Ta’Rhonda Jones (Empire), in the true story of a young woman who discovers at age 18, she was abducted as a baby and the family she knew to be hers, wasn’t hers at all. In the summer of 1998, Gloria Williams (Niecy Nash), reeling from a recent miscarriage, drove from her home in South Carolina and walked into a Jacksonville, Florida hospital posing as a nurse and took newborn Kamiyah Mobley (Rayven Ferrell) out of her mother Shanara Mobley's (Ta’Rhonda Jones) arms. By the time police were alerted, Gloria was long gone. Renaming the baby Alexis, Gloria raised her as her own, providing her with unconditional love and nurturing. It wasn’t until years later, when Alexis applied for her first job and couldn’t provide a social security card or a birth certificate, that she realized something was wrong. As questions mounted, Gloria was forced to tell Alexis the truth, that she was really Kamiyah Mobley and abducted as a baby. Despite discovering the mother she knew was really her kidnapper, Alexis kept the secret as long as

she could, until an anonymous tip soon led to Gloria's arrest and their world came tumbling down. From Rock’n Robin and Lincoln Square Productions, Robin Roberts Presents: Stolen by My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story is executive produced by Roberts, Linda Berman, Michele Samit, Richard Kletter and Gary Randall. Jeffrey Byrd directs from a script written by Samit and Kletter. Robin Roberts Presents: Stolen by My Mother: The Kamiyah Mobley Story kicks off Lifetime's Winter

2020 Ripped from The Headlines slate, which includes the premieres of Chris Watts: Confessions Of A Killer on January 25, Poisoned Love: The Stacey Castor Story on February 1, The Neighbor In The Window on February 8, and You Can't Take My Daughter on February 15, all at 8pm ET/PT. Celebrating 35 years of entertaining audiences, Lifetime is a premier entertainment destination for women dedicated to offering the highest quality original programming spanning awardwinning movies, high-quality scripted

series and breakout non-fiction series. Lifetime has an impressive legacy in public affairs, bringing attention to social issues that women care about with initiatives such as the long running Stop Breast Cancer for Life now in its 25th year, Stop Violence Against Women which relaunched in 2018, and Broader Focus, a major global initiative dedicated to supporting and hiring female directors, writers and producers, including women of color, to make its content.

ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR of ALVIN AILEY Celebrated (cont'd from p.7) rise to many challenges and shepherd Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater through 5 decades of history-making with his talent as a dancer, rehearsal director and Associate Artistic Director to me and Robert Battle,” shared Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison. “Shining brightly through Chaya’s work is the love for the art of dance, and the man that created a space

for him to fully embrace it. He is my dear friend, a caretaker to the work of many choreographers and a mentor to generations of dancers.” Speaking of the inspiration he gained from Mr. Ailey, and of his own work in transmitting it to those who followed, Mr. Chaya said, “Everything he did came from his humanity. Never from seeking his own gain, never from a

desire for fame. None of that. It’s what kept me here all this time, working in a creative form. I have had such a great time, and I wanted young people to have this same experience. It should not just be mine.” Masazumi Chaya was born in Fukuoka, Japan, where he began his training in classical ballet. After a period of performing as a dancer on Japanese television, he came to New York City in December 1970 and eventually gained a position with the Richard Englund Dance Repertory Company (which later became American Ballet Theater II). In 1972, with his close friend Michihiko Oka, Mr. Chaya joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. He danced with the Company for 15 years and upon his retirement from performing, in 1986, was tapped by Mr. Ailey to serve as Assistant to the Rehearsal Director. Mr. Ailey named him Rehearsal Director in 1988. After Judith Jamison became Artistic Director of the Company, she appointed Mr. Chaya Associate Artistic Director, the post in which he has provided invaluable creative assistance in all areas of the Company’s operations since 1991. Upon Mr. Chaya’s retirement, veteran Ailey dancer and Rehearsal

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Director Matthew Rushing will assume the title of Associate Artistic Director. Long-term Ailey associate Ronni Favors will step into the role of Rehearsal Director, continuing the Ailey tradition of thoughtful planning during leadership transitions when passing the creative torch. After leaving his current position, Mr. Chaya will continue to be a caretaker of the Ailey legacy in a number of ways, including organizing the Company’s archive of recorded performances, creating official resource guides for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater repertory. Importantly, he announced that he will launch and lead the Alvin Ailey Choreographic Legacy Project – a formalized licensing project that will bring ballets by Alvin Ailey into the repertoires of other dance companies around the world. “It is a great joy to share the genius of Alvin Ailey’s choreography with other companies so that it reaches and inspires even more people around the world,” Mr. Chaya said. “I’m excited to begin a new role that will help keep his flame burning brightly, after celebrating my final New York City Center season as Associate Artistic Director with Ailey’s wonderful dancers and audiences.”

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ENDNO TE S “ Make Mu s i c W i nt e r ” R e t u r n s t o N Y C Make Music Winter , a free, outdoor

music-making celebration on the winter solstice that brings communities together and warms the spirit, returns this year on Saturday, Dec. 21 with more than 10 participatory musical parades across New York City. The daylong musical celebration on the shortest day of the year brings together New Yorkers of all ages, backgrounds, musical abilities and styles to sing, play, march and dance their way across streets, parks, plazas and other public spaces. Make Music Winter, which is being held in over 30 cities nationwide, is the cold-weather version of Make Music Day, the annual global celebration of music occurring on June 21, the summer solstice. From ukulele caroling and a percussive Puerto Rican parranda to an Appalachiathemed hootenanny and a choir of medieval singers, Make Music Winter parades have been enchanting audiences since Make Music Winter first launched in 2011 in NYC. Make Music Winter in NYC is presented by The NAMM Foundation and produced by Make Music New York. Highlights of Make Music Winter 2019 will include:  Bell by Bell (Astor Place Plaza and through the East Village) – Artist Tom Peyton will hand out to revelers colorcoded bells that play different notes, give a crash course in hand bell basics, and then lead a musical parade through the East Village neighborhood. The parade will make stops at designated landmarks where a team of conductors will wave colored flags, prompting participants to collectively contribute to soundscapes that intensify as the group learns to play together.  [B] MERRY Music Parade (Brownsville, Brooklyn) – Hosted by the Brownsville Community Justice Center, the parade will engage residents in the local arts and culture with music selections performed by local youth bands and dancers, as well as music from the Sound of Brownsville record label. The parade will connect Brownsville residents from Pitkin Avenue down Rockaway Avenue, parading past historic Belmont Avenue down to Livonia Avenue, stopping at the Marcus Garvey Youth Clubhouse.  Flatfoot Flatbush (Brooklyn’s Flatbush Avenue) – Dancers, fiddlers and pickers will parade down Flatbush Avenue playing old-time times while flat footing, a form of percussive dancing from Appalachia. Participants will learn the fundamental steps of this rhythmic dance form and have a chance to participate with the Flatfoot Flatbush String Band. The parade will traverse Prospect Heights Brooklyn, along vibrant Flatbush Avenue, with dozens of stops along the way to play, dance and sing. The fun will continue at an after-party featuring music and dance sets by City Stompers and the Flatfoot Flatbush Band. The program is produced by Nick Horner and Theo Boguszewski in association with the North Flatbush Business Improvement District, and made possible with support from M&T Bank and Con Edison.  The Gaits: A High Line Soundwalk (The High Line, Gansevoort Street entrance) – The Gaits is an immersive, site-specific parade featuring commissioned compositions in

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which the wonders of everyday technology transform participants’ movements into musical improvisations. Participants will attach their smart phones to small, wearable speakers and use a free app that captures the GPS coordinates and velocities of their movements to trigger a variety of twinkling metallic sounds, electric guitar chord, dulcimer notes, water splashes, car horns and applause – empowering marchers to effortlessly make music while interacting with their environment and each other. The program is produced in partnership with Friends of the High Line.

route to Santiago de Compostela. Singers of all skills levels are invited to join, from beginners to early music specialists.  Renegade Parade by HONK NYC (St. George neighborhood of Staten Island) – The team behind HONK NYC, which brings street band music and spectacle to audiences citywide, will lead a pop-up parade as it moves from location to location, switching bands, instruments, transportation

methods and vibes along the way. The parade will begin in Queens and end in Staten Island’s St. George neighborhood.  Ukulele Caroling (Washington Square Park/Greenwich Village neighborhood) – Calling all ukes! Players of all skill levels are welcomed to participate in this parade, which will feature classic holiday and repertoire tunes for the ukulele.

 Harmonica Parade (Battery Park City) – Harmonica virtuoso Jia-Yi He, who was featured on “America’s Got Talent,” will lead this parade in performing holiday classics such as “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “Silent Night,” “When the Saints Go Marching In,” “Ode to Joy,” “Edelweiss” and “Amazing Grace.” Players of all levels are welcome. Bring a harmonica or a small percussive instrument with you if you have one. If not, harmonicas will be distributed on a first-come basis.  The Mobile Hallelujah (multiple Manhattan locations to be announced)– In this participatory program, producer Melissa Gerstein and conductor Douglas Anderson team up again to bring Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” – from his Messiah oratorio, the oldest continuously performed piece of classical music – out of the concert hall and onto the city streets. Prior to Dec. 21, participants can access a free, specially crafted sound file to download (for practice) at MakeMusicNY.org. Then, on the day of the parade, singers will descend on various popular locations across Manhattan and gather into vocal groups (soprano, alto, tenor and bass). Singers and their conductor will then synchronize their performance with the sound file played on a portable speaker, and make their way among the crowds. To the surprise of bystanders, a seemingly spontaneous outburst of the famous choral piece will unfold in their midst, while performers revel in the joy of creating a unique, full-throated version of the choral masterwork.  Melrose Parranda (Melrose section of The Bronx) – The Bronx Music Heritage Center (BMHC) will hold their annual parranda – the Puerto Rico tradition involving processions of carolers – throughout the Bronx’s historic Melrose neighborhood. Based on the music of plena, and other holiday songs from Puerto Rico, the parade will make stops at different casitas – the little houses that evoke those on the Puerto Rican countryside – and finish at the casita renowned for its musical legacy, Rincón Criollo Centro Cultural, also known as “La Casita de Chema.” The program is produced in partnership with the Bronx Music Heritage Center, We Stay/Nos Quedamos Committee, Inc., Asociación Huerto y Cultura, and the Bronx Culture Collective.  Pilgrimage (Riverside Park, Upper West Side) – Led by conductor James John, artistic director of the Cerddorion Vocal Ensemble, headlamp-clad singers will walk a route along Riverside Park making stops along the way to sing medieval melodies once sung on the pilgrimage

December 12, 2019 - December 18, 2019

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December 12, 2019 - December 18, 2019

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