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THE ALTERNATIVE VOLUMEPERSPECTIVE 26 ISSUE 40
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VOLUME 30 ISSUE 43
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C E L E B R AT I N G HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 30
NThe ABlack A CStars P News U R2015 G E Annual S P R E S I D E N T- E L E C T T O F O C U S O N Awards Dinner will honorR Mayor ACIAL JUSTICE David Dinkins, Rep. Charles
YEARS!
York and a former chancellor of the New York public schools system.
Pioneering producers Stephen "We must prioritize the report directly to President Biden Byrd and Alia Jones, through their R. DonahueJoe Peebles, transformation of our nation into a with an office fully resourced and President-Elect BidenBarbara and company Front Row Production, and fosters institutional racism. Arnwine, Inez Barron, Sabrina more just, equal society in which all staffed to accomplish its mission. brought “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” Vice President-Elect Kamala We can no longer afford to address Lamb, Dr. Rudy Crew, Stephen Americans can succeed and thrive.” and “A Streetcar Named HarrisByrd, aboutAlia theJones, ongoing racial systemic inequity through the Desire” and the Central The strong and early commitment withprovince a multi-ethnic cast to exclusive of the civil justicePark crisis that has plagued Five survivors of gross injustice The National Advisor on Racial by the Biden administration to Broadway. In 2016 they rights offices of each agency. Ourbring our nation. In the face of an6:00pm – Justice, Equity, and Advancement on December 18 from elevating racial justice as a top “Eclipsed” with Oscar Winner unprecedented an 46 West 10:00pm atpandemic, MIST Harlem, Lupita Nyong ’O to Broadway. 116thofStreet. escalation police violence Honorees, the so-called Central against Black people, and a “Each honoree chosen for Park 5, are collectively and …..the NAACP calls current presidency in recognition hasrooted demonstrated individually heroes. They are and the vision in white exceptional supremacyleadership and bigotry, on the incoming Biden survivors of one of the ugliest David Dinkins Charles Rangel hercalls or hisonrespective profession or NAACP the incoming miscarriage of justice in New York’s administration to create and in some significant Bidenendeavor administration to create a history; having been railroaded majority. She now leads The was a member of the New York measure has contributed towards a new position–National and unjustly convicted for a crime new position–National Advisor to Transformative Justice Coalition. City Council, representing the creating a more just society in this th they did not commit and for which Arnwine was for 26 years executive 40 councilto district in Brooklyn, the President on Racial Justice, Advisor the President country,” says Black Star News they served long prison sentences director of the Lawyers’ Committee succeeding her mother, Una S. Equityfounder and Advancement. and publisher Milton th on Racial Justice, Equity ranging from seven years to 13 years for Civil Rights Under the Law. T. Clarke. In the current 114 Allimadi. “Obviously much work before being exonerated when the Congress Clarke serves on “The structural that isand and Advancement. Inez Barron, honoree, formerly a needs toinequality be done here actual rapist confessed. They are: the Energy and Commerce rootedaround deep within our society must State Assembly member, is now the world.” Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond Committee, responsible for be addressed, and after four years a New York City council member The gala starts at 6:00pm with a Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin consumer protection, food of regression on social, civil, and and a champion of education for cocktail hour to be followed by the Richardson, and Kharey Wise. safety, energy development, public political matters that profoundly our youth. dinner and awards ceremonies. There health, communications, the impact the American people, The Black Star News, which focuses Honoree Imhotep Gary Byrd is will beBlack musical entertainment environment, and interstate and specifically, people, we must by on investigative journalism, has a legendary radio talk show host opera CassandraofDouglas international commerce. prioritize thesinger transformation been featured as a result of some if and executive producer, radio DJ, and from our nation into aharmonica more just,phenomenon equal its news scoops, on CNN, The New R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is poet, songwriter, music recording David can Dinkins is societyWilliam in whichGalison. all Americans York Daily News, The New York a leading developer and founder of artist and producer, rapper, writer honored for Lifetime Achievement succeed and thrive,” said Derrick Post, The Village Voice, and Brill’s The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest and community activist. He began — he was New York City’s first Johnson, President and CEO, Content magazine. African American-owned real his career as a radio DJ in Buffalo African American mayor and also NAACP. “The creation of National estate firm with $3.5 billion worth Past Black Star News honorees at age 15. For over 30 years, he’s welcomed Nelson Mandela Advisor to the President on Racialto the of properties under development been a talk show host at WBLS and have included: Gil Noble (Like It cityEquity after his in 1990. is Justice, andrelease Advancement or management — he was one Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad WLIB radio in New York City. He a boldRep. action that has the potential Charles Rangel, also honored of the pioneering developerswho O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, also has a Friday night radio talk to yieldfor significant on behalfhas Lifetime results Achievement, helped turn around and revitalize Voza Rivers (New Heritage Theatre), show on WBAI. of millions of in Americans.” served Congress since 1971. He is Photothe once-blighted Anacostia Source: High Point's NAACP Errol Louis (NY1 News), Amel Honoree Sabrina Lamb, founder a recipient of The Bronze medal for neighborhood in Washington, D.C. Larrieux (Entertainer), Dr. William of World of Money, is a champion helping save soldiers behind enemy A champion of African-American “The structural inequality Pollard (Medgar Evers College), would economic be charged with centralizing sent aliteracy powerful ofhas financial formessage youth-- shestructural inequality goes much line during the Korean War. empowerment Peebles’ priority is Herm Edwards (NY Jets), Nayaba that is rooted deep within our bold, visionary thinking and strategy about teaches its importance and about centrality knowledge handlingdeeper than that, and now is the contemplating a possible run for NYC Rep. Yvette Clarke is a Democratic Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna society must be addressed….” on racial justice within the White within money, this administration. Asplanning. the time for bold solutions. The National budgeting and mayor in 2017. member of the US House of Fountain (Columbia University), House and fostering holistic nation calls for an end to structural Advisor on Racial Justice, Equity Derrick Johnson, from New Dr. Rudy Crew, honoree, is one of Representatives Lillian Roberts (DC37), Desiree Dancy Honoree Barbara Arnwine, civil disparities, measures throughout government the federal government and Advancement will lead this th President and NAACP the nation’s leading educators. He’s York whose 9 CEO, district covers rights is a problem champion to tackle thelawyer, pervasive ofof has a duty to examine itself to charge.(New York Times), Greg Floyd (Local much of central Brooklyn. Before systemic 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National president Medgar Evers College protecting rights would of ethnic determine racism. voting The Advisor how itofstill perpetuates entering Congress in 2007, she Action Network), and many others. of The City University of New minority groups — the emerging Rangel, Rep. THE NAACP met Yvette with Clarke,
INSIDE T HIS ISSUE: IS SUE : INSIDE THIS
PAGE 2 Education FLY BLUE!pg.5
PAGE 2 LIFE SAVERS AT UVA NewYorkTrendnyc
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BluePage Sky EPIC pg.8LIKE YUH! 7 BAD
PAGE 4 ASSESSING LGBTQ EQUALITY
December 17, 2015 - December 23, 2015
December 10, 2020 - December 16, 2020
Page 11 NYC NEW YEARS!
PAGE 7 CELEBRATING THE ARTS
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N AT ION AL BUILDING MOMENTUM
For
Racial
and
Social Justice
In a move that builds momentum for New Jersey to include substantive racial and social justice provisions in its legalization efforts, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, H.R.3884/S.2227. The legislation, which centers racial justice, provides a foundation for each state to implement its own policies. The bill, which had bipartisan support, is not expected to receive a vote in the Senate.
justice provisions to end prohibition. The following statement can be attributed to ACLU-NJ Executive Director Amol Sinha:
“The MORE Act provides a floor for state lawmakers to build on, and we in New Jersey must continue to establish new heights for racial and social justice in legalization. “The U.S. House vote cements the same mandate New Jersey voters sent just weeks ago with historic levels of support for ending prohibition: marijuana legalization must center racial and social justice.
If enacted, the MORE Act would: Decriminalize marijuana at the federal level by removing marijuana from the list of Schedule 1 drugs under the Controlled Substances Act, and provide processes for expungement and resentencing. Tax marijuana at 5 percent and establish a trust fund for social equity programs to provide community reinvestment, create an inclusive industry, and ensure equitable licensing. Prevent consequences related to access to federal benefits or immigration solely based on marijuana offenses.
“We’re hopeful that as the federal government and other states contemplate social justice in legalization through steps like the one taken today, the Garden State will lead the way with policies that truly place racial and social justice at the forefront – community reinvestment, an inclusive industry that prioritizes those most affected by cannabis prohibition, and equitable licensing. If the U.S. House of Representatives can vote yes to a measure as ambitious as the MORE Act, New Jersey can put something even more ambitious in place.
The historic vote comes just weeks after New Jersey voters overwhelmingly approved amending the state Constitution to legalize marijuana, based largely on concerns of racial and social justice. The New Jersey Legislature is currently crafting legislation to make that mandate a reality, with advocates working to include strong racial and social
UVA Aims To
Save Lives in AFRICA
Doctors at the University of Virginia School of Medicine are launching an ambitious effort in sub-Saharan Africa to target the dual scourges of sepsis and tuberculosis, a combination that kills up to half the people who contract it.
”https://www.aclu-nj.org
local stakeholders,” noted Heysell, who is also part of the Division of Infectious Diseases. “We think this is a bit unique and exemplary of how we can conduct research in countries with differing resources toward their most important aims.”
related deaths. They’ve also found that many patients are receiving tuberculosis treatment in doses too small to provide maximum benefit. The doctors believe that adjusting the dosing and timing of tuberculosis treatment could
Doctors and advisers from across sub-Saharan Africa will join a team from UVA to conduct a clinical trial of antimicrobial treatment for sepsis. (Contributed photo; UVA Today - University of Virginia)
The trial has been developed “in direct collaboration with our partners in Tanzania and Uganda, even [going] so far as convening community advisory boards of
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The trial has been endorsed by important Tanzanian and Ugandan stakeholders and has received $3.5 million in support from the National Institutes of Health, which was made possible by an initial project planning grant from the UVA Global Infectious Disease Institute.
“We at the Global Infectious Diseases Institute are delighted that Drs. Moore, Heysell and Thomas, with their partners in Tanzania and Uganda, have secured NIH support to launch this trial,” said Alison Criss, PhD, director of UVA’s Global Infectious Disease Institute and an additional sponsor of the trial’s development. “By testing how early intervention affects tuberculosis sepsis in HIV-positive individuals, their findings have the potential to overhaul clinical practice and save many lives.”
UVA Health’s Scott Heysell, MD, MPH; Christopher Moore, MD; and Tania Thomas MD, MPH, are seeking to reduce the number of deaths among people living with HIV who develop sepsis, a potentially deadly overreaction to infection by the immune system. Currently, 16 million people in sub-Saharan Africa develop sepsis every year. The spread of COVID-19 likely will only worsen the problem – doctors fear the new disease could turn back decades of progress against both tuberculosis and HIV. The UVA researchers hope to save lives by initiating tuberculosis treatment sooner and tailoring patients’ medication dosage. They will test their approach in a new clinical trial. “As far as we are aware, this will be the first clinical trial of antimicrobial treatment for sepsis ever conducted in sub-Saharan Africa and will hopefully inform us on the optimal timing, content and dosing of antimicrobial therapy for sepsis in high HIV and tuberculosis-endemic settings,” said Moore, of UVA’s Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health.
relationships and infrastructure in Tanzania, Uganda, Bangladesh and Siberia, which was critical groundwork for this new trial, Heysell noted.
To keep up with the latest medical research news from UVA, subscribe to the Making of Medicine blog at http://makingofmedicine. virginia.edu. SEPSIS AND TUBERCULOSIS IN AFRICA The team from UVA and their partners, Dr. Conrad Muzoora in Uganda and Dr. Stellah Mpagama in Tanzania, have found that tuberculosis is the leading cause of sepsis in sub-Saharan Africa. It is deadly in no small part because testing is limited and often inaccurate. That means many cases of tuberculosis sepsis are missed and left untreated until it is too late.
Heysell and Moore’s previous research has found that providing tuberculosis treatment earlier – even before patients have a confirmed tuberculosis diagnosis – may improve outcomes and help prevent sepsis-
significantly reduce the number of deaths caused by tuberculosis sepsis. To test this, the team’s randomized clinical trial in Tanzania and Uganda will compare their approach against the current standard of practice, which is to wait to give tuberculosis medication until after a diagnosis has been made. Heysell, Moore and Thomas have a combined experience of more than 30 years working in the region, most recently supported by a National Institutes of Health program called International Collaborations in Infectious Diseases Research. That program allowed them to perform important scientific research while building
December 10, 2020 - December 16, 2020
FOR REPORTERS: Moore and Heysell will be available for interviews today. To arrange an interview, contact Josh Barney at 434.906.8864 or jdb9a@virginia.edu. Highresolution portraits of Heysell, Moore and Thomas are available as well. UVA Health is an academic health system that includes a 612-bed hospital, the UVA School of Medicine, a level I trauma center, nationally recognized cancer and heart centers and primary and specialty clinics throughout Central Virginia. UVA is recognized for excellence by U.S. News & World Report, Best Doctors in America and America's Top Doctors.
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NEWS
N Y C ’ S F I R S T a n d O N LY B L A C K M A Y O R D I E S A t 9 3
DAVI D D IN K IN S , who made history in 1990 when he became the first and to date, still the only Black mayor of New York City, has died at the age of 93. The NYPD reportedly received a call from Dinkins’ residence in Manhattan about an unconscious person having difficulty breathing. Current NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed Dinkins’ death the next day. “Chirlane and I are mourning a truly great man. David Dinkins simply set this city on a better path,” de Blasio took to Twitter, with their photo. “He was my mentor, he was my friend, and his steadfast commitment to fight for that ‘gorgeous mosaic’ inspires me every single day. We’ll keep up his fight.” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday also shared a photo of himself with Dinkins on Twitter, writing “NY lost a remarkable civic leader.” Dinkins started his political career in the New York State Assembly in 1966. For a decade, he was a city clerk before becoming President of the Borough of Manhattan in 1986. He was elected as a mayor in 1990.
Photo Credit: blacknews.com
During his tenure, murders and other crimes were high. Yet he was the one responsible for the major expansion in NYPD that is credited as one of the major factors in decreasing crime. He also improved Times Square and the housing in Harlem, the Bronx, and
Brooklyn. In 1993, Dinkins lost in the mayoral race to his political rival, Rudy Guiliani. He went on to teach at Columbia University and serve on the boards of civic and charitable
organizations that mostly focus on children and race. Dinkins died six weeks following the death of his wife, Joyce Dinkins, at the age of 89. He is survived by their two children and two grandchildren.
R E P R E S E N TAT I VE A D R IA N O ESPAILLAT STATEMENT on th e U.S. House Floor Honoring the Life of NYC MAYOR DAVID N. DINKINS Today, Harlem Representative Adriano Espaillat remembered the life and legacy of former New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins on the U.S. House floor.
Dinkins touched the lives of every NYC resident and continues to serve as an inspiration for each of us and we will forever remember his life and legacy, and the path he blazed for each of us. “May he Rest In Peace; and may his legacy forever be cherished and never forgotten.”
*Below are remarks by Rep. Espaillat as prepared for delivery: “I rise today to honor the life of a great New Yorker. Words truly cannot express my thoughts and heartfelt sorrow following the passing of my dear friend and mentor, Mayor David Dinkins. I stand on the shoulders of political giants and trailblazers in American history – and Mayor David Dinkins was a giant. “Harlem lost one of its native sons – and the nation lost an icon. “Mayor Dinkins always fought for the little guy; and, he brought a wind of transformative, progressive change to New York City and beyond during his decades of public service. “As the first and only African American to ever hold the office of New York City Mayor, Dinkins made a remarkable and long-lasting positive change in the city and his influence continues still today. “Mayor Dinkins’ dedication to public service over the last 50 years from his early days in Harlem to his time in the New York State Assembly has played
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First elected to Congress in 2016, Rep. Adriano Espaillat is serving his second term in Congress where he serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Small Business Committee. He serves as a Senior Whip of the House Democratic Caucus and is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) where he also serves in a leadership role as CHC Whip. He is also chairman of the CHC Task Force for Transportation, Infrastructure and Housing.
a tremendous role in shaping our city. “Over his tenure as a public servant, Mayor Dinkins marked numerous successes and accomplishments:
lowering New York City’s crime rate, increasing the size of the City’s Police Department, and cleaning up Times Square to name a few – Mayor
December 10, 2020 - December 16, 2020
Rep. Espaillat’s Congressional District includes Harlem, East Harlem, northern Manhattan and the northwest Bronx. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https:// espaillat.house.gov/.
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NE WS
LGBTQ EQUALITY Revealed
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, in partnership with the Equality Federation Institute, released its ninth annual Municipal Equality Index (MEI). The index is the only nationwide assessment of LGBTQ equality regarding municipal policy, law, and services in 506 cities across the nation, including ten in New York. The MEI shows that municipalities across the nation, including in New York, continue to take decisive steps to safeguard LGBTQ people, despite attempts by some officials on higher levels of government to roll back crucial protections. The average score for cities in New York is 86 out of 100 points, which falls above the national average of 64.
Albany · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 100 Brookhaven · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 59 Buffalo · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 91 Ithaca · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 98 New York · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 100 Northwe st Harbor · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 42 Roche ster · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 100 Syrac use · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 72 White Pl ains · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 96 Yonkers · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 100 “The results of this year’s Municipality Equality Index show definitive evidence that our local leaders across the nation are standing up for equality. But, there is still much more that can be done,” said Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David. “There is no question that the Trump administration made every effort to attack laws aimed to protect LGBTQ people, and our cities have responded with inclusivity and innovative public policy. Although there is newfound optimism sweeping the country with the incoming Biden-Harris administration, there is still work to be done and ground to make up. Adopting the measures outlined in the MEI will not only help cultivate more united and safe
communities, but it will foster economic growth by signaling to residents, visitors and outside investors that their region is welcoming to all.” “As we come to the end of a truly unique year, this report on LGBTQ equality at the local level provides our community with hope — hope for the continued progress and resilience of the LGBTQ state-based movement. We are preparing for a new, friendlier federal administration, but one that we know will face immense challenges in rebuilding our nation. Thus, it is critical that the work to advance protections for LGBTQ people continues at the state and local level,” said Rebecca Isaacs, Executive Director of Equality Federation Institute. “We are proud to partner with HRC on the Municipal Equality Index. Its scores allow cities and the advocates on the ground to take stock of their progress, marking important steps forward to achieve equality for LGBTQ people and our families. This marks the fourth year in a row that the national city score average increased, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that number continues to grow. It’s time for leaders at every level to take a stand and demand that no one be treated differently because of who they are, where they live, or who they love.” The report contains two new issue briefs for policymakers: Addressing Systemic Racism Through Municipal Action, and another detailing the landmark Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia Supreme Court decision that explains why its imperative that localities continue enacting nondiscrimination laws that explicitly include both sexual orientation and gender identity. Additionally, the report includes HRC’s Pledge for Local Elected Leaders to End Violence Against Black and Brown Transgender Women. This year, 179 cities have transgenderinclusive healthcare benefits for municipal employees—up from 164 in 2019 and only five since the start of the MEI. Furthermore, 429 cities have
In
HUMAN RIGHTS INDEX
equal employment opportunity policies that expressly include sexual orientation and/or gender identity, up by 21 since 2019. Moreover, 188 municipalities require their contractors to have employment non-discrimination policies that cover sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Other significant findings from the 2020 MEI include: The national city score average jumped to an all-time high of 64 points, up from
key areas of life, including employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service. The MEI rated 506 cities including the 50 state capitals, the 200 largest cities in the U.S., the five largest cities or municipalities in each state, the cities home to the state’s two largest public universities, 75 municipalities that have high proportions of same-sex couples and 98 cities selected by HRC and
60 last year, marking both the fourth consecutive year of national average increases as well as the highest yearover-year national average growth ever. 35 municipalities have anti-conversion therapy ordinances in states with no state-level protections, up from 28 last year. Every region of the country saw a mean city score increase this year, with the exception of the New England region which maintained its 2019 average. Even though local leaders continue to pave the way forward on equality, there remains an unacceptable patchwork of laws for LGBTQ people across the country. This reinforces the need for the federal Equality Act that would provide consistent and explicit non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people across
Equality Federation state group members and supporters. It assesses each city on 49 criteria covering citywide nondiscrimination protections, policies for municipal employees, city services, law enforcement and the city’s leadership on LGBTQ equality. The full report, including detailed scorecards for every city, as well as a searchable database, is available online at www.hrc.org/mei. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
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Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. 20090337H
Serious memory loss isn’t part of normal aging.
Stony Brook Center of Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease As the only center of its kind on Long Island, and one of only 10 such centers in New York State, we provide early diagnosis and help enhance the quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Our team includes geriatric psychiatrists, a geriatrician, a neuropsychologist and social workers. And we have partners throughout Long Island to effectively serve you and your loved ones where you live.
For Physicians and Healthcare Providers
Alzheimer’s Disease Virtual Symposium Person-Centered Care: Therapeutic Strategies in Dementia Care for Improving Quality of Life and Caregiver Support.
Friday, Nov. 6 • 8 to 10 am To learn more/register: ceadlongisland.org
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Recommendations on resources and support Language assistance Clinical trials information Advocacy with and on behalf of caregivers
(631) 954-2323 • ceadlongisland.org This center is supported by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.
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ENTER TAINMENT
J E N N I F E R H O L L I D AY V i r t u a l N A B J Awards F e at u r e d P e r f o r m e r
Gramm y Awa rd-winning singer and actress Jennifer Holliday will join the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) as the featured performer for its 2020 Virtual Awards, streaming December 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Celebrity DJ Andre Mack will also join NABJ as the host of the awards show live afterparty. Free tickets are available at https:// nabj.digitalvirtualspaces.com/ register. Holliday is best known for her role in the smash Broadway musical, “Dreamgirls,” with her showstopping performance as Effie "Melody" White. This iconic role garnered her a Tony Award for best actress in a musical. With over 30 years of experience on Broadway, Holliday got her start at age 17 while singing in her church choir in Houston, Texas. Holliday's passion didn't stop on the Broadway stage. She has appeared on television as Lisa Knowles on the Fox TV dramedy, “Ally McBeal.” She has also enjoyed a successful recording career, winning Grammy® Awards for her mesmerizing
performances of "And I Am Telling You, I'm Not Going" (1982) and Duke Ellington's "Come Sunday" (1985). Holliday has also received rave reviews for her first album in two decades - "The Song Is You" (2014).
Back by popular demand, DJ Andre Mack is no stranger to NABJ. After performing at the 2020 Convention Opening Ceremony and Reception, co-produced and presented by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, members and attendees raved about Mack's skills on the
turntables. He is frequently called upon to spin classic and soulful House, Old School R&B, Hip Hop, and Reggae music.
NABJ's first-ever virtual awards will recognize the winners of its 2020 Salute to Excellence Awards and pay tribute to 2020 SPECIAL HONORS recipients and Hall of Fame inductees. The hosts for the evening will be Lynn Whitfield, Emmy Award-winning actress; Craig Melvin, anchor of NBC News’ “TODAY”; Tichina Arnold, NAACP Image Award-winning actress;
Michelle Miller, co-host of “CBS This Morning: Saturday”; and Kenneth Moton, co-anchor of “ABC World News Now” and “America This Morning.”
The awards ceremony, presented by FedEx, will kick off at 8 p.m. ET. It will be preceded by a pre-event reception at 7:30 p.m. ET. The postevent afterparty will be held from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Tickets provide access to all three activities. "In such a critical time in America and in journalism, it is important that we take time to celebrate and applaud our members and industry colleagues," said NABJ President Dorothy Tucker. "We are honored to have iconic artists and actresses like Jennifer Holliday, Lynn Whitfield and Tichina Arnold celebrating with us. We are also grateful to have our award-winning hosts and journalists Craig Melvin, Michelle Miller and Kenneth Moton. And, of course, we can’t wait to unwind with the talented DJ Andre Mack. Congratulations to our 2020 honorees and finalists. We are proud of all you've accomplished.”
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AR T S & CULTURE
A R T P R O G R A M K I C K S -O F F W I T H P O E T N I K K I G I O VA N N I
The rich cultural landscape of Miami's heritage communities is something that the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Art of Black Miami (AOBM) program has been intentional about promoting. The celebration of the vibrancy of the arts and history within Greater Miami's diverse neighborhoods is even more poignant this year. AOBM, led by the GMCVB’s Multicultural Tourism & Development Department, creates opportunities to showcase the community’s rich heritage. The signature kick-off event to celebrate the art season will be virtual and will feature a chat with American poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator Nikki Giovani on Monday, November 30 from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Giovani will discuss her latest body of work, “Make Me Rain: Poems and Prose,” as well as some of her struggles and triumphs which have inspired her love of the art of poetry. The conversation is free and will be moderated by Connie Kinnard, GMCVB's Vice President, Multicultural Tourism & Development. Following the chat, the AOBM Cover Competition winner will be unveiled, in partnership with MIA Legacy Magazine. The evening celebrates the artistic diversity of exhibitions, events and activations (virtual and in-person) happening in Greater Miami’s heritage neighborhoods and communities throughout Miami’s Art Season and the GMCVB’s Art, Culture & Heritage Months program. For information on registration visit AOBM Kick-Off. “Arts and culture in Miami-Dade continue to serve a key role in the GMCVB’s tourism marketing and promotion initiatives. Showcasing the arts by working collectively with the creative minds and spaces that are a part of the Art of Black Miami marketing platform serves to connect to the community and tourism. There is a combination of virtual and inperson activations still taking place during these difficult times which shows the spirit and resiliency of our community,” said William D. Talbert III, CDME. This year Art of Black Miami celebrates the hybrid and online exhibitions and cultural talks produced by arts organizations and creatives, highlighting communities that include Historic Overtown, Little Haiti, Little Havana, North Miami, Coral Gables, Downtown Miami, Miami Beach, and other surrounding areas. As online events become a viable option for exposure, organizers are able to expand artist engagement and reach. Annual events like PRIZM Art Fair will present an online exhibition featuring artists and galleries representing countries across the African continent, the Caribbean and Americas taking place from December 1 to 21, 2020. "We are excited about this year's Art of Black Miami. More than ever, it was key for us to spotlight organizations and artists that use their art platform in a tangible way within their prospective communities. This is a year the artists have redefined the way they are showcasing their work and cultural assets," said Connie Kinnard, VP of Multicultural Tourism & Development. A few Art of Black Miami featured events are listed below and a full list of events
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can be found on Art of Black Miami's website www.ArtofBlackMiami.com. COCONUT GROVE For Those Gathered in the Wind, A Solo Exhibition of T. Eliott Mansa at LnS Gallery, Curated by Donnamarie Baptiste The much-anticipated solo exhibition of T. Eliott Mansa, a Miami-based assemblage artist, will provide both a visually striking and emotionally touching experience to showcase his latest series of amuletic wall-mounted sculptors that capture ritual practices to honor, memorialize, protect, and defend Black Lives from state and
Voices and Votes: Democracy in America is a partnership between the Haitian Heritage Museum, the Smithsonian Institute and Florida Humanities. The exhibition is based on the current exhibition by the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. More than just waging a war of independence, American revolutionaries took a great leap of faith and established a new government based on the sovereignty of the people. It was truly a radical idea that entrusted the power of the nation not in a monarchy but in its citizens. Each generation since continues
Photo Credit: Nikki Giovani
extra-judicial violence. Throughout his work Mansa enriches a visual culture that serves these functions by using techniques within each assemblage that transcend bounds of geography, holding Caribbean and African roots. For Those Gathered in the Wind will be open to groups of ten or less, regulated using time slots to allow visitors in and out of the space. December 2, 2020 February 9, 2021 LnS Gallery in Coconut Grove 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. DOWNTOWN MIAMI Black Diasporic Feminism, Intersectionality, and Solidarity in the Age of Protest Black Diasporic Feminism, Intersectionality, and Solidarity in the Age of Protest is a panel that highlights the critical role of Black womxn artists and cultural producers within the current social and political landscapes and how Black womxn across the diaspora support and amplify each other's work and voices. The discussion will explore how Black womxn’s experience of racism, sexism, and classism are inseparable and how these “isms” and all other isms are being addressed by artists - specifically those on the panel. The conversation will take place in conjunction with the special exhibition Allied with Power: African and African Diaspora Art from the Jorge M. Pérez Collection and will include exhibition artists Genevieve Gaignard, Naudline Pierre, and Deborah Roberts, exhibition curator María Elena Ortiz, and will be moderated by Marie Vickles. Panel Discussion – 2:00 p.m. December 2, 2020 Exhibition Date: Through - Summer 2021 Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) - 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132 DESIGN DISTRICT Voices and Votes: Democracy in America
to question how to form “a more perfect union” around this radical idea. December 17, 2020 – February 6, 2021 Haitian Heritage Museum, 4141 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami 33137 HISTORIC OVERTOWN Point Comfort: Uncover. Discover. Point Comfort Art Show 2020 will feature "Dennis Manuel: The Eye of Afropunk". Dennis Manuel is a performance photographer who has captured images of Black performance art for 20 years. Recognized as the go-to photographer of the New York musical performances, he reaches his apex in the genre as the official photographer of the Afropunk Festival. Afropunk is a cultural movement with its origins in the ground-breaking 2013 documentary that resulted in a movement featuring the clash of Punk and Afrofuturism. The documentary by James Spooner, explored the roles of African Americans within what was then an overwhelmingly white punk scene across the United States of America—and taking place as the world shifted with the galvanizing power of the internet. From its humble beginnings Afropunk Festival has become a global movement December 3 – 6, 2020 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Historic Ward Rooming House, 249 NW 9th Street, Historic Overtown 33136 Music powered by Rich Medina LITTLE HAITI “Global/Borderless Caribbean XII: Focus Miami,” “Contemporary Visual Expression” and “Local Global” Exhibitions Highlighting Miami-based Artists 2020 marks the 12th anniversary of the Haitian Cultural Arts Alliance’s ongoing exhibition series, Global Caribbean/ Borderless Caribbean produced in partnership with the Little Haiti Cultural
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Complex. This year, The Haitian Cultural Alliance in collaboration with the Little Haiti Cultural Complex will produce a large-scale outdoor exhibition Contemporary Visual Expression, curated by Edouard DuvalCarrié, celebrating Global/Borderless Caribbean’s 12 years of exhibitions. In tandem with the outdoor art exhibition, and as part of the Global/Borderless Caribbean programming, the gallery at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex will present the exhibition Local Global, curated by Marie Vickles. Local Global will focus on the specificity of Miami as a central point of geographic interest and confluence in the Global South. This exhibition will feature a selection of Miami-based artists that represent the multiplicity of histories, nationalities and ethnicities that define the region and connect it to the Caribbean. December 2, 2020 – February 28, 2021 Little Haiti Cultural Complex - 212 NE 59th Terrace, Miami, FL 33137 MUCE ARTS & CULTURAL FESTIVAL MUCE ARTS & CULTURE FESTIVAL will feature a celebration of the African Diaspora art, culture and heritage, December 3-6, during Miami Art Week. The festival will feature the exhibition Dispersed, an artistic reverence to the lost souls at sea and the strange fruit of poplar trees and an astounding celebration of Black excellence and resilience. Dispersed is a visual gift from the ancestors curated by Bart Mervil at the MUCE Campus. Curated by Bart Mervil; Conceptualized by Ashlee Thomas; Featured Visual Artists: Annick Duvivier, Sona, Nate Dee, Claudia Apaid, & Dolly's Florist; Featured Performers: Ja'Nia Harden, The Harden Project, CC Glitzer & Randolph Ward and Lucner Bruno MUCE CAMPUS - 246 NW 54th Street, Miami Exhibit Opening Celebration: December 3, 2020 Gallery Hours: 11am - 2pm: Free 2pm 5pm: Closed for lunch 5pm - 9pm: Ticketed ($10) Site Specific performances: 6:30pm- 7:30pm + 8pm - 9pm L I T T L E H AVA N A Umbrellas of Little Havana Festival The 8th annual Umbrellas of Little Havana Art Festival will exhibit hand painted patio umbrellas which will line Futurama 1637 Art Building along historic Calle 8 in Little Havana. Umbrellas of Little Havana is a true platform for established and emerging artists, musicians, authors and performers. This year we will also enjoy free educational presentations as follows: Havana Collective will host 'The History of the Guayaberas', Salao Restaurant will showcase Cuban music with a violin ensemble and Mofongo Puerto Rican Restaurant will so a presentation on the history of their famous musical genre: Bomba y Plena with live music. A true roots organic festival for the whole family to come and visit! December 4 – 6, 2020 Along 8th Street, Little Havana 33135 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Daily NORTH MIAMI Life and Spirituality in Haitian Art “Life and Spirituality in Haitian Art” brings together a selection of paintings from
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BUSINE S S FILM LUDACRIS And DAUGHTER Partner To Produce Animated Netflix Series Rapper/actor Chris Bridges, more popularly known as Ludacris, is set to produce a new animated series called Karma’s World inspired by his eldest daughter Karma Bridges. The series will be released on Netflix soon. Ludacris’ production company Karma’s World Entertainment is one of the producers of the coming-of-age story that will follow the life of 10-year old girl Karma Grant, an aspiring musical artist, rapper, and songwriter, who wanted to use her music to be able to change the world. The 40-episode series with 11-minutes screentime each will feature original music scoring created and supervised by
Ludacris himself in collaboration with James Bennett Jr. and produced by Gerald Keys. The compositions tackle the issues young children are facing from friendship, creativity, emotions to self-esteem, and discrimination. Karma’s World Entertainment is partnering with 9 Story Media Group, Oscar-nominated Brown Bag Films, and Emmy Awardwinning Creative Affairs Group to produce the new series. Ludacris is hoping the series will get to inspire young children and empower young girls. “I’ve had a lot of accomplishments in my life, but everything that I’ve experienced seems to have led up to this point to where I can leave a legacy for all my daughters,”
Photo credit: blacknews.com
Bridges told Deadline. “Karma’s World is one of those legacies. I hope this series will show kids that there are many ways to overcome difficult situations. This show is going to move hip hop culture forward and show
young girls that they have the power to change the world. This project has been a long time in the making, and I can’t wait to bring Karma’s World to the entire world.”
Documentary ‘WITH DRAWN ARMS’ Profiles Protest At 1968 Summer Olympics BOUNCE, the first and only broadcast and multi-platform entertainment network serving African Americans, has acquired the exclusive world broadcast television premiere rights to With Drawn Arms, the result of a longterm collaboration between Smith and the artist Glenn Kaino, who co-directs with Afshin Shahidi. The critically-acclaimed and compelling documentary, produced by Jesse Williams (Grey's Anatomy, Power) and Oscar®, Emmy® and GRAMMY®-winner John Legend, explores the impact and the legacy of American track star Tommie Smith's thenshocking symbol of protest against social injustice while receiving a gold medal at the 1968 Summer Olympics. Bounce also announced that Smith will be one of the four honorees for the upcoming Bounce Trumpet Awards which annually recognize the outstanding accomplishments of African Americans who have succeeded against great odds and inspired success in others. The list of prestigious past honorees includes Rep. John Lewis, Muhammad Ali, Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, The AfricanAmerican Women of the United States Congress, Quincy Jones, Maya Angelou, Ambassador Andrew Young, Spike Lee, and
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many others. This year's 29th annual ceremony - entitled The Bounce Trumpet Awards: Stand Up - will honor individuals who have risen to fight social injustice
their medals. As the National Anthem of the United States played, the world watched - and was stunned - as the two men raised their fists to the sky in silent
for Black Americans. Smith will be receiving the Xernona Clayton Award of Distinction, named after the esteemed founder of the Trumpets.
protest against social racism in a move that would echo for more than 50 years and counting.
On Sunday, Dec. 13, Bounce will debut The Bounce Trumpet Awards: Stand Up at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT followed by the world broadcast premiere of With Drawn Arms at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT). At the 1968 Summer Games in Mexico City after winning the 200-meter race with a worldrecord time, Smith and teammate John Carlos, who took the bronze, ascended to the podium to claim
An official selection of the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, With Drawn Arms explores the legacy of the iconic fist-raising gesture, following Smith as he looks back at the moment that helped make a statement while providing a symbol of hope. President Barack Obama, the late Civil Rights icon Rep. John Lewis, Colin Kaepernick, Megan Rapinoe, Jemele Hill, Nelson George, Brent Musburger, and Jesse Williams are among those who discuss the
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moment and its impact. Bounce (@bouncetv) programming is seen over-the-air, on cable, on DISH channel 359, over-the-top on Roku®, on mobile devices via the Bounce and Brown Sugar apps and on the web via BounceTV.com. Bounce features a programming mix of original series, docuseries and movies, off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and events, and more. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).
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BUSINE S S Business Groups Urge Airlines To Adopt TRAVELER-FRIENDLY POLICIES Several consumer and business travel groups today urged U.S. airlines that plan to operate the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 9 aircraft to adopt traveler-friendly policies – in writing – providing concerned travelers with a variety of options when the plane returns to service. This morning the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an order that will enable the aircraft to return to service, certification of the aircraft by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is progressing, and the plane could be operating flights in U.S. airline schedules as early as next month. The consumer and business travel groups, which include the Business Travel Coalition, Consumer Action, Consumer Federation of America, National Consumers League and Travel Fairness Now sent a joint letter to the CEOs of Alaska, American, Southwest and United Airlines asking them to agree to a five-point “737 MAX 8/9 Passenger Protection Plan.” The five protections include: 1. Allowing passengers concerned about flying on a 737 MAX 8 and 9 to change to flights operated with other aircraft without any financial penalties such as differences in fare with the ticket they already purchased, all the way up to departure time. This includes flights operated by the airline itself and those operated by that airline’s “code-share” partners. 2. If no other aircraft is operated on a passenger’s itinerary, offering consumers the option of either a full refund or the ability to apply the full value of the ticket to a ticket to a different destination, without incurring a change fee, administrative fee or other financial penalty. 3. If a consumer is concerned about flying on a 737 MAX 8 or 9 to a degree that they’d rather not travel at all, provide them with a full refund on a timely basis. 4. Updating the airlines’ “Contract of Carriage” to reflect these changes and make them binding. 5. Providing consumers and travel agents with easily viewable information on the type of aircraft that will be used to operate a flight in advance so that consumers have full knowledge of whether a flight being considered is being operated with a 737 MAX 8 or 9, well before making a decision to purchase an airline ticket on a specific flight. “The circumstances surrounding
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the Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 9 are unprecedented in the history of commercial travel and call for extraordinary protections for understandably concerned consumers,” said Kurt Ebenhoch, executive director of Travel Fairness Now. “While we appreciate the initial accommodations that some airline officials have shared through public comments, we look forward
doing so,” said Susan Grant, director of Consumer Protection and Privacy at Consumer Federation of America. “If this plane is put back in service, it’s crucial for the airlines to adopt formal policies to accommodate consumers’ concerns.” LAST-MINUTE AIRCRAFT SUBSTITUTIONS Travelers may also be faced with
burden should not be on consumers who are rightfully concerned about the safety of this aircraft,” said John Breyault, vice president, Public Policy, Telecommunications and Fraud for National Consumers League. “Passengers should have the right to opt out of flying on the 737 MAX, and there should be no financial penalty for doing so.” CODE-SHARING
to them formalizing those plans into binding commitments consumers can depend on before committing to purchase a plane ticket.”
airlines making close-to-departure aircraft substitutions, where a published schedule shows a flight operated with a plane other than a 737 MAX 8 or 9, and that aircraft becomes delayed or requires lengthy maintenance work. To prevent a cancellation or lengthier delay, the airline may decide to substitute the aircraft originally planned for the flight with a 737 MAX 8 or 9 instead. “Many travelers now dread the thought of getting on a 737 MAX and understandably will go out of their way to book travel on another kind of aircraft,” said Linda Sherry, director of National Priorities for Consumer Action. “Having gone to the trouble of making their preferences known, these travelers should never face last-minute aircraft substitutions that would land them in a 737 MAX. We fully support strong, formal and transparent airline policies that give these travelers the right to switch to another aircraft when possible, paying no more than they did for the same type of ticket and class, or be given a full refund or credit if no alternative is available.”
Many airlines engage in the practice of “code-sharing,” where they market flights operated by another airline as if it were their own, using the two-letter airline code on flights operated by different airlines. The consumer and business groups recommend that travelers concerned about flying on a 737 MAX also check if flights operated by code-sharing partners airlines are using a 737 MAX. For example, while a U.S. airline on a passenger’s itinerary may not fly the 737 MAX, an international carrier that a passenger is connecting to might. AIRLINE CONTRACTS OF CARRIAGE An airline’s “Contract of Carriage” details all of the contractual details and obligations between a consumer and an airline when a plane ticket is purchased, including what the consumer is entitled to and may expect. Airlines sometimes use Contract of Carriage language to enforce rules, collect additional revenues and deny services. Unfortunately, these “contracts of adhesion” can be one-sided, confusing and do more to protect the interests of the airlines, not consumers.
In the U.S., there are four airlines that either operate or have ordered the Boeing 737 MAX – Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. “The Business Travel Coalition applauds airlines that have said they will allow passengers, fearful of flying a Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 9, to rebook for free once they take to the air again,” stated founder Kevin Mitchell. “It represents a smart cost-neutral business decision for travel and procurement managers around the world as they grapple with a MAX 8 and 9 related ‘duty-ofcare’ requirement of not knowingly placing employees in harm’s way. These accommodations, if followed by all MAX 8 and 9 operators, should facilitate travel policies that make booking a 737 MAX 8 and 9 a voluntary decision for travelers,” added Mitchell. “Consumers shouldn’t be forced to fly on the 737 MAX or have to pay more if they don’t feel comfortable
“Both Boeing and the FAA have shaken the public trust, and the
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E VENT S "KEYS to GROWTH" CONFERENCE HBCU Change, a new app that allows users to make charitable donations to their Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) of choice, is kicking off the first edition of their "Keys to Growth" speaker series on Tuesday, December 1 at 6:00pm ET featuring keynotes from multimillion dollar business experts Daymond John and Gary Vaynerchuk. The entrepreneurial powerhouses and motivational speakers are donating their time on Giving Tuesday to provide recent grads, students, business owners and general supporters with much sought-after business and financial advice -- all at no cost. Watch an informational video here. The "Keys to Growth" series features an array of industry leaders committed to the elevation of HBCUs while offering alumni the tools to excel in the areas of licensing, digital marketing, brand identity,
content production, strategic partnerships, financial stability and more. "'Keys to Growth' is a seamless extension to our growing HBCU Change platform," said founder Xavier Peoples. "We are excited to launch this new conference series which we've designed to inspire and empower attendees as well as provide them with beneficial resources from some of today's most renowned changemakers, leaders and thinkers." This newly-launched program continues HBCU Change's billion dollar HBCU fundraising mission and underscores the brand's advocacy for Black financial empowerment, literacy and selfsustainability. To learn more about the new conference series and to register visit keystogrowth.hbcuchange. com. HBCU Change is an interactive philanthropic experience with
the mission of raising $1 billion dollars for HBCUs over the next 5 years. This digital app takes the change from every purchase
you make and automatically donates it to the HBCU of your choice. hbcuchange.com
Leverage Conference 2020
“Empowering Authors, Speakers and Entrepreneurs" Deborah Thorne, “The Information Diva,” hosts “The Leverage Conference" for Speakers, Authors, and Entrepreneurs on Thursday, December 3 - Saturday, December 5, 2020. The two-and-a-half-day virtual conference is designed to connect and empower authors, speakers and entrepreneurs, through networking and collaboration. The 2nd Annual event will highlight a host of dynamic speakers, inspiring authors and provocative thought leaders. Over fourteen presenters and speakers will share information on leadership, sales and marketing, business fundamentals podcasting and more. Featured speakers include “The Revenue Accelerator,” Donna Smith Bellinger, “The Ideal Networker,” Casey Eberhart and “The Consistency Chain’s,” Jim Packard and George Campbell. More than a dozen authors will showcase their books and experiences, including a panel of firsttime authors and a thought leader roundtable discussion examining current events on race and politics that are affecting our nation.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to abandon the way conferences are held. The Leverage Conference focuses on the attendee’s experience. Attendees will leave with a plan of action for leveraging their book,
product or service, including next steps for success, ideas for collaboration, building partnerships and opportunities to create new experiences. According to the award-winning author, coach, trainer, speaker and conference host, Deborah Thorne, “Create it and they will buy, is not a
strategy for success.” Networking plus collaboration creates opportunity and that’s leverage. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to network during our live virtual happy hour, networking
breakfast, luncheon and networking after party. Our host of vendors will also showcase their wares, in special support of teen entrepreneur and high school honor student Naomi Jefferson-Gilpa. The Leverage Conference is proud to support three charities, the Global
December 10, 2020 - December 16, 2020
Society for Female Entrepreneurs (GSFE), a women’s education and empowerment organization, The Care Project Inc., created to support breast cancer patients and Demo Chicks, which introduces girls to nontraditional careers in construction, demolition and the STEM field. Proceeds from the purchase of VIP tickets, provides scholarships to the Urban League of Los Angeles Biz Camp, a program that promotes teen entrepreneurship.
Deborah Thorne is “The Information Diva,” an award-winning, internationally-known Author, Coach, Trainer and Speaker. Deborah is also the founder and host of “The Leverage Conference” for Speakers, Authors and Entrepreneurs. Deborah advises motivated women to increase their learning curve, demystifying business principles and systems, saving them time and money to transition from employee to six-figure income generating entrepreneur. Debra encourages women to do business like a woman, not like a man...She E.O. ...not C.E.O.TM For more information visit http:// TheInformationDiva.com
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END NO TE S CATHEDRAL CHOIR to perform classic carols from the Cathedral steps Despite necessary changes brought about by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the holiday season will still go on this year, and busy elves are working overtime to make things jolly and bright. In the spirit of the season, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, located at 112th Street at Amsterdam Ave., Manhattan, will offer a performance of classic carols, spirituals, and motets sung from the Cathedral’s front steps on Sunday, December 13 at 3 PM. Led by Kent Tritle, Director, Cathedral Music, the professional choir will present the Sunday concert as a gift to the people of New York City. Amplified from the steps of the Cathedral, the choir (masked and distanced, but in festive spirit) will sing Tomas Luis de Victoria’s beloved motet, “O magnum mysterium,” Jan Peterszoon
SPEAKING
On
Nationwide — When you hear the first few chords and lyrics of the Number 1 R&B hit song “Home,” it immediately takes you to a place of serenity and sweetness. That personifies Stephanie Mills. Her voice ushers you into a place of joy. Very few artists can claim a five-plus decade career so magical as singer Stephanie Mills. Although she has won many accolades with 10 Billboard #1 singles and winning a Grammy, an American Music Award, NAACP Image Award, plus tons more – she is still amazingly humble, grateful, and grounded. When asked what keeps her going, she says, “My faith, my son, and a true love for what I do. Knowing who I am and why I’m here is the secret to having peace.” At 63, she is on a mission to use her powerful voice to make significant contributions to the African American community through her foundation, Love Your Worth. Stephanie lights up a stage when she performs but she lights up even more when she talks about her 19-year-old son, and only child, Farad J. Mills, who is an author (FaradJM.com). She comments, “Farad was born with Down syndrome but he functions at a very high level. He loves jokes, pranks and is so fun to be around. He is the ‘assistant’ to my manager, Amp Harris, so he travels with me to all my
Sweelinck’s “Hodie Christus Natus Est,” and a Christmas spiritual medley
make the season joyous: with the street and surrounding businesses illuminated
arranged by Joseph Jennings. Other carols of the season will fill out this 45 minute celebration of the season. In a year when so much has been affected by COVID, holiday traditions and ways to (safely) join together in celebration and observance are still greatly needed. The Cathedral, in recognition of this fact, will join with the West 111th Street Block Association to
with Christmas lights, courtesy of the Block Association, the Cathedral Choir’s performance will add glorious music to cap off the afternoon. For more information, visit stjohndivine.org. The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is the Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of New York. It is chartered as a house of prayer for all people and a unifying center of intellectual
POWER OF LOVE
concerts.” Stephanie talks about how she was criticized for having a child at 45 and questioned how she was going to handle her career and her special needs son as a single parent. “I was given my greatest gift of all…my son, Farad J. Mills. I never knew love like this before! Having this child saved my life! God doesn’t make mistakes, and he blessed me with a smart, funny, charismatic, handsome, and wonderful young man that is so awesome,” said
And
light and leadership. People from many faiths and communities worship together in services held more than 30 times a week; the soup kitchen serves roughly 25,000 meals annually; social service outreach has an increasingly varied roster of programs; the distinguished Cathedral School prepares young students to be future leaders; Advancing the Community of Tomorrow, the renowned preschool, afterschool and summer program, offers diverse educational and nurturing experiences; the outstanding Textile Conservation Lab preserves world treasures; concerts, exhibitions, performances and civic gatherings allow conversation, celebration, reflection and remembrance—such is the joyfully busy life of this beloved and venerated Cathedral.
B L A C K L I V E S M AT T E R
Stephanie. Seeing the hard work Stephanie and Farad have put into conquering the stereotypes about people with special needs, is incredibly inspiring. “He is an author and a straight-A-student. He lights up a room when he is in it. Yes, there are challenges in life when being a parent. This is a challenge that I wouldn’t change for anything in the world. He doesn’t know how much he has fulfilled my life,” she said. She is grateful and proud of Farad and wants to encourage other parents and caregivers, especially those in the Black community who have felt shut out, ashamed or embarrassed because of their children with Down syndrome. “Every child is a gift,” said Stephanie. “I’m writing a book on how I raised my son and things you can do. Don’t buy into when the doctors say that ‘your kids can’t do this or can’t do that.’ Our children can do anything with love, patience, and kindness.” Her book will be released later this year, it’s called Every Child is a Gift. “I want to help other people who have a child with Down syndrome in our community. I want to help them help their children. That’s my passion,” said Stephanie. Stephanie certainly hasn’t allowed her commercial success to distract or detach her from issues that matter including the #BlackLivesMatter and advocating for Federal Laws to protect everyone all across the board. “As a
people, we have to come together and make some changes. I want to use my platform for good to make changes that affect the community. We have to do what is right – and we have to VOTE. We have to use the power of love to make change happen,” said Stephanie. “It starts with caring enough to vote what our ancestors fought and died for.” Other speakers featured in this issue include: Christen Rochen, Digital Thought Leader and Influencer Marques and Shyra Murrey, Hosts of Black Married and Debt Free Podcast Dexter B. Jenkins, Faith-based Financial Mentor Maggie Anderson, Author of Our Black Year and Activist Linda Taliaferro, Career Expert and Coach Gene Baker, Leadership Trainer In this issue are also articles to help advance the careers of speakers by Anton Gray and Becky A. Davis. To download the current or previous issues, view the speaker reels or their featured speakers, or to learn about Speakers, visit www. speakersmagazine.net or call (248) 690-6810. Watch the Speakers Magazine and BSN interview with Stephanie Mills: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=XbAzOUrCqpA
A R T P R O G R A M K I C K S -O F F W I T H P O E T N I K K I G I O VA N N I
Haiti created between 1940 and 1970. Featuring works by Hector Hyppolite, Philomé Obin, Wilson Bigaud, JacquesEnguérrand Gourgue, and Gérard Valcin, these renowned masters come from the first and second generation of artists associated with Port-au-Prince's Centre d'Art. The works reveal the artists’ diverse artistic styles influenced by strong African roots mixed with American indigenous
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and European elements. The merging of techniques, methods, and cultures is seen through their work, ushering forth a style that is uniquely and quintessentially Haitian. November 18, 2020 – March 14, 2021 Museum of Contemporary Art North Miami (MOCA) - 770 NE 125th St, North Miami, FL 33161
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors
Bureau (GMCVB) is an accredited, independent not-for-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches for leisure, business and conventions. For a vacation guide visit our website at www.MiamiandBeaches. com or call 1-888-76-Miami (US/Canada only) or 305-447-7777. To reach the GMCVB offices dial 305-539-3000.
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(cont'd from p.7)
Meeting planners may call 1-800-9338448 (US/Canada only) or 305- 5393071 or visit www.MiamiMeetings.com. To get further engaged with Miami and the Beaches, join the conversation by following us on our social media channels at Facebook.com/visitmiami, Twitter. com/miamiandbeaches, Instagram.com/ miamiandbeaches and Pinterest.com/ miamiandbeaches.
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WHAT IS THE AMERICAN DREAM?
A five-part discussion hosted by Carlos Watson. Join the inaugural conversation on positively resetting the American Dream, together. #realtalk
Aida Rodriguez Producer, Stand-Up Comedian
Jalen Rose Athlete, Commentator
Carlos Watson Host
Jasmine Davis Trans Activist
Eddie Glaude Jr. Princeton Professor
John Kasich Former Governor of Ohio
Angela Duckworth Professor
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12.08.20 ozy.com/realtalk
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December 10, 2020 - December 16, 2020
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