New York Trend NYC: May 7-13, 2020

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NEWMAYOR YORK TREND DAVID DINKINS, REP. CHARLES RANGEL, Serving New York City, Nassau & Suffolk Counties

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

F o o d f o r H e r o e s C a m pa i g n The Black Stars News 2015 Annual To A E x p aDinner n d will s honor d d i t i o n a l H e a lt h c a r e W o r k e r s Awards Mayor

Dinkins, Rep. Charles Mayor David de Blasio and First Lady McCray Rangel, Rep. Yvette Clarke, have announced the expansion of the R. Heroes Donahue Peebles, Barbara Food For program to bring daily meals to an additional healthcare Arnwine, Inez2,000 Barron, Sabrina workersLamb, and essential staff across New Dr. Rudy Crew, Stephen York City.

Byrd, Alia Jones, and the Central

ParkofFive survivors of gross injustice A program the Mayor’s Fund to onNew December 18COVID-19 from 6:00pm – Advance York City’s Emergency Relief at Fund, Food For 10:00pm MIST Harlem, 46 West Heroes116th was established Street. to support New Yorkers working on the frontlines of the “Each honoreeSince chosen COVID-19 pandemic.

Aprilfor 15th, recognition has demonstrated two grab-and-go meals per day have exceptional leadership and vision in been provided to 1,250 staff members David Dinkins Charles Rangel her orHospital, his respective profession at Elmhurst the facility hardest or endeavor By and in 15, some significant hit by COVID-19.

May 75,000 majority. She now leads The was a member of the New York Food For Heroeshas meals will have been measure contributed towards Transformative Justice Coalition.

City Council, representing the served creating at Elmhurst. a more just society in this Mayor Bill thde Blasio and First Lady visit NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue to applaud and thank

YEARS!

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

Pioneering producers Stephen Byrd and Alia Jones, through their "We have always known that New company Front Row Production, York City is full of heroes--they are our “Cat a Hot Tin Roof” friendsbrought and family, ouron neighbors, and and “A Streetcar Named Desire” the strangers we pass on the street. withhas a multi-ethnic to This crisis called them tocast action Broadway.

In 2016 they in ways many of us do not see, yet bring “Eclipsed” Oscar Winner they continue to dowith the vital work of keepingLupita our cityNyong safe and’Ocared for," to Broadway.

said Toya Williford, Executive Director Honorees, the so-called Central of the Mayor's Fund to Advance New Park 5, are collectively and York City.

"There is no greater goal individually heroes.

They of public-private partnership than are to survivors onehave of the ugliest give back to thoseofwho given so miscarriage ofworkers justice laboring in New York’s much. To our morgue history; been railroaded long hours, our having healthcare workers who have separated themselves fromfor their and unjustly convicted a crime homes to protect their families, and the medical40 staff council on Friday, district April 10, 2020.

Photo credit: Michael Appleton, Mayoral Photography Office. they did not commit and for which Arnwine was for 26 years executive in Brooklyn, country,” saysfrontline Black Star “New Yorkers on the of theNews medical professionals from across the they served long prison sentences director of the Lawyers’ Committee succeeding her mother, Una S. founder fight against this and virus publisher are making Milton who have come to our city'stoaid th from seven years 13 years forFor Civil Rights Under the Law. countryranging T. Clarke.

In across the current meals will be served four 114 The Food Heroes expansion Allimadi.for “Obviously much heroic sacrifices their city every day.work during before these trying times: we hope the the being exonerated when Congress serves on temporary disasterClarke field sites. will bring at least 166,200 mealsformerly to Inez Barron, honoree, acollective gratitude of New York City is We’re winning thisbe fight because needs to done hereofand actual rapist confessed. They are: the Energy and Commerce healthcare professionals and other their service and commitment, and we State Assembly member, is nowfelt with each meal." around the world.”

The expansion of the program will also Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond Committee, responsible for essential workers across city. The need to keep doing everything we can a New York Citythe council member“NYC Health + Hospitals facilities are include at least 24,000 meal deliveries The gala starts at 6:00pm with a Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin consumer protection, food Mayor’sand Fund is continuing campaign for to support them. I thank New Yorkers a champion ofitseducation in the coming weeks for medical staff on the front lines of the COVID-19 cocktail hour to be followed by the Richardson, and Kharey Wise. to secure funding for additional meals safety, energy development, and our generous partners for coming who have elected to stay at two New public our youth. pandemic response, and our heroic dinner and awards ceremonies. are additional sites.

To learn more or together to support our heroic hospital There health, the York City hotelscommunications, to protect vulnerable The Black Star News, which focuses Honoree Imhotep Gary Byrd is employees are providing lifesaving willessential be musical entertainment staff and workers during this by family members environment, andThese interstate at home. braveand donate, visit nyc.gov/fund. journalism, has supporton to investigative all New Yorkers.

It is our goal legendary radio unprecedented crisis,” said MayorDouglas de opera singer Cassandra international commerce. professionals are working grueling hours "Thanksa to New Yorkers andtalk ourshow host to ensure been ascare a result of some if thatfeatured our health workers and GREEN, for executive producer, radio DJ,have as many resources as possible so Blasio.and from harmonica phenomenonwithout the care and support of their coming together its news scoops, on CNN, The New R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is partner, SL poet, songwriter, music recording William Galison.

David Dinkins is loved ones to return home to each day. to support each other and healthcare "Our city's healthcare and essential they can continue provideThe high-quality York DailytoNews, New York a leading developer and founder of artist and producer, rapper, for putting Lifetime The comfort of a warm meal means a and essential workers to make today'swritercare toPost, workershonored are bravely theAchievement wellour patients," said NYC Health + Brill’s The Village Voice, and The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest and community activist. He beganHospitals President and CEO Mitchell announcement possible," said Peter —New he was New first great deal to New York City’s healthcare being of Yorkers andYork theirCity’s families Content magazine.

African American-owned real Hatch,his COVID-19 career Private-Public as a radio DJ in BuffaloKatz, MD. “We are extremely grateful before African their own,American and we aremayor deeplyand alsoheroes during these difficult times. estateafirm with $3.5 billion worthPartnership Additionally, partnership between Czar. "We thrilled to he’s for the Past Star News honorees at age 15. For are over 30 years, grateful,” said FirstNelson Lady Chirlane FoodBlack for Heroes program and welcomed Mandela to the of Heroes properties under development Food For and Food 1st —a expand the Food for Heroes program have included: Gil Noble (Like It McCray. “Their professionalism is their continued commitment to helping been a talk show host at WBLS and city after his release in 1990. or organization management — heby was one and provide nonprofit created a little comfort to medical appreciated more than ever, as they to feed and care for our healthcare Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad WLIB radio in New York City. He Rep. Rangel,and also honored the SL of Green Corp.developerswho to feed staff who arehas staying in hotels the Realty pioneering ease the painCharles of the suffering O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, also a Friday nightalone radio talk workers."

Lifetime Achievement, workers, first responders, and after tending COVID-19 patients to helped turn around and revitalize providefor comfort during this time of has frontline Voza Riversoutpouring (New Heritage Theatre), show on WBAI. “The international of support personnel—will provide meals protect their families.” served in Congress 1971. He medical is exceptional need.

We thanksince our fellow the once-blighted Anacostia Errol Louis (NY1 News), Amel to out-of-state medical in volunteers who D.C. Honoree Sabrina Lamb, founderfor healthcare and medical workers a recipient of Theup Bronze medal for New Yorkers for stepping to support, neighborhood Washington, "We have always known that New Larrieux has been deeply(Entertainer), meaningful to Dr. the William staff at two other hotels while of World of of Money, is a champion sustain,helping and nourish these heroes, asenemyare staying save soldiers behind A champion of African-American York City is full heroes--they at this agency," said Chief Medical Pollard (Medgar Evers College), they serve the City’s hospitals.

The they continue to save and keep of financial for youth-line during thelives Korean War.our friendsliteracy and family, our sheExaminer economic empowerment Peebles’ isare our Dr. Edwards Barbara Sampson. "On Herm (NY Jets), Nayaba partnership activates the kitchens of city safe." teaches knowledge about handlingbehalf of my team, I extend my thanks neighbors, and the strangers contemplating a possible run for NYC Rep. Yvette Clarke is a Democratic Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna some of SL Green’s food and beverage money, budgeting we pass on the street.and Thisplanning. crisis With the help of aofgrassroots fundraising to the Mayors Fund and its partners for mayor in 2017. member the US House of Fountain (Columbia University), tenants, bringing some restaurant has Dr. called them tohonoree, action isinone ofthis token of recognition for the hard campaign that has garnered nearly Rudy Crew, Representatives from New staff safely back to work to make and Lillian Roberts (DC37), Desiree Dancy Honoree Barbara Arnwine, civil ways many of us do not see...”

8,500 individual donations, on May work and long hours that we proudly deliver rights meals lawyer, for the selfless healthcare the nation’s leading educators.

He’s York whose 9th district covers (New York Times), Greg Floyd (Local is a champion of 11 Food For Heroes began delivering  Toya Williford endure to serve the residents of this volunteers who have traveled to New Brooklyn.

237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National president Medgar protecting voting rights of ethnic Executiveof Director of theEvers College lunch tomuch Officeofofcentral the Chief MedicalBefore York City great city.” to volunteer. entering Congress in 2007, she Action Network), and many others.

Mayor's Fund City to Advance New Yorkof City of The University New minority groups — the emerging Examiner staff. Approximately 22,200

INSIDE T HIS ISSUE: IS SUE : INSIDE THIS

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NE WS NAACP CONDEMNS TREASURY DEPARTMENT The NAACP issued the following statement regarding the Treasury Department’s announcement that Donald Trump’s name would be printed on stimulus checks sent to millions of Americans impacted by the coronavirus.

confirmed cases of the virus have reached our nation’s soil, and

twenty-five thousand people have lost their fight with this virus.

“The NAACP condemns this unprecedented and brazenly political action of the Treasury Department. It will delay millions of people from receiving the initial economic relief that is needed during this national crisis. Any postponement of the distribution of funds is shameful; to do so, for this reason, it is appalling.

Nearly 17 million people have filed for unemployment in the last three weeks, over half a million

COURT RULES IN FAVOR In a landmark ruling involving a challenge to the fairness of school funding in Delaware, the Court ruled that Sussex County, Kent County, and New Castle County use assessment methodologies that violate the True Value Statute and the Uniformity Clause of the Delaware Constitution. The Court also ruled that by providing inaccurate assessments and certifications to the City of Wilmington (also a plaintiff), New Castle County’s assessment methodology also violates the Assessment Roll Statutes.

Richard Smith, Delaware State Conference NAACP President, noted that “It is undisputed that when preparing their annual assessment rolls, the counties use valuations from three and four decades ago. And two of the three counties don’t even use their full base-year evaluations. The Court said this is not the same as assessing properties at their present fair market value.”

OF

NAACP

affects the in-school educational environment for all students, including non-Disadvantaged students. Ultimately, it affects the larger community of which we are all apart.”

Scot X Esdaile, Delaware NAACP Administrator and National NAACP board member, said, “In the midst of a pandemic, the judge saw merit in our collective efforts to reform inequitable funding that existed long before the pandemic.”

“This decision does not reach the issue of remedy, which will require further proceedings,” said Jai Street of Delawareans For Educational Opportunity. While the Court was considering the parties’ evidence and arguments, the novel Coronavirus emerged, resulting in the Covid-19 pandemic.

One of the major consequences of

IN

This is only the latest example of this administration’s neglect and incompetence when it comes to appropriate preparation for this pandemic and ensuring that Americans have the testing, treatment, and economic relief they need. This man-made disaster has cost thousands of lives and has set our country back economically to the 2008 recession. While this administration has attributed blame to international medical organizations, governors, political parties, and media outlets, at no point has it accepted real accountability for its historic failures in leadership and execution.”

SCHOOL FUNDING CHALLENGE

the pandemic was to place many households, businesses, and local and state governments under financial strain.

While the effects of the pandemic do not mean that the counties can continue indefinitely to operate a local tax system that violates the Delaware Constitution and the Delaware Code, the effects of the pandemic likely will introduce additional and significant considerations for the remedial calculus, particularly regarding the timing of a remedy. Evaluating those and other issues must await the remedial phase.

Janette Louard, Deputy General Counsel of the National NAACP, said she was pleased with the decision regarding the Counties.

“Access to equitable school resources has been a challenge

for blacks for hundreds of years.

NAACP units also have equitable resource litigation based on state constitutions in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.”

Plaintiffs are represented by Richard H. Morse, Community Legal Aid Society, Wilmington; Karen Lanz, ACLU Foundation of Delaware, Wilmington; and Saul P. Morgenstern, Peta Gordon, Jessica Laguerre, and Travis W. Clark, ARNOLD & PORTER KAYE SCHOLER LLP, NYC. Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization.

Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities.

The plaintiffs argued that Delaware’s public schools fail to provide an adequate education for students from low-income households, students with disabilities, and students whose first language is not English (collectively, “Disadvantaged Students”). Vice-Chancellor Laster in the Court of Chancery found that the “failure to provide an adequate education for Disadvantaged Students is not just a problem for Disadvantaged Students. It

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NEWS MAY is

National Mental Health Awareness Month Long Island’s two leading mental health organizations are offering a range of events and resources to mark May as “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

As Americans experience newly rising concerns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Association for Mental Health and Wellness and its bi-county partner, the Mental Health Association of Nassau County, are encouraging Long Islanders to take advantage of an array of resources and events that promote mental health.

Focused on this year’s theme of “Tools 2 Thrive,” the two regional organizations offer an assortment of resources that include “fun, lighthearted strategies designed to bring balance and a brief respite to the stress of today’s uncertainty.”

The groups have created two separate calendars for May that offer numerous “Tools 2 Thrive.” The first calendar, which can be found at www.MHAMonth. org, lists a schedule of events and activities, which will be hosted on the Zoom or Facebook Live platforms.

Activities include a yoga practice

and demonstration, a mini-workshop on how food affects your mood, an interactive discussion called “Couples Under Quarantine,” a poetry workshop, an online comedy show, and other programming.

A second calendar offers a full month of “self-help” steps Long Islanders can take each day to maximize their own mental health, including personal activities and action tips that elevate one’s attitude and fortify the spirit.

“Twenty percent of Americans will experience a mental illness during their lifetime,” said Michael Stoltz, the C.E.O. of the Association for Mental Health and Wellness, which is headquartered in Ronkonkoma. “The good news is that we all have it within our power to take concrete actions to improve our own mental health. Moreover, we can extend this same kind of support to our loved ones and our Long Island neighbors.”

“The coronavirus has generated a new level of interest in our mental health,” said Jeffrey McQueen, Executive Director of the Hempsteadbased Mental Health Association of

Nassau County. “With our area’s high virus incidence rates, stresses can be intense here on Long Island. This month presents an excellent opportunity to learn more about mental wellness and to take practical steps to fortify our own emotional health.”

The two organizations encourage local residents to take a basic mental health screening through Mental Health America. The process is a quick, free, and private way for people to assess their own mental health and to recognize signs of possible mental health problems.

Mental Health Awareness Month is coordinated nationally by Mental

Health America, a national nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of those living with mental illness and promotes the overall mental health of all Americans. Each year, the initiative reaches millions of people through the media, social platforms, local events, and mental health screenings, including self-screenings.

More information can be found on each organization’s Facebook page as well as at www.MHAMonth.org.  Association for Mental Health and Wellness: https://facebook.com/ mhawsuffolk  Mental Health Association of Nassau County: https://facebook.com/ mhanassau

MAY IS NATIONAL CYSTIC FIBROSIS AWARENESS MONTH

     COTA Patient Allie Davis Lung Transplant Recipient May is National Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Awareness Month. More than 30,000 adults and kids in the United States have CF. In New York, a CF survivor is currently winning her 32-year battle with the disease — thanks to her life-saving double lung transplant. Her transplant is not only allowing her to breathe easier, it is also the reason she will be celebrating a very special Mother’s Day this year with her three-year-old son.

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More than 10 million Americans are symptomless carriers of CF and 1,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

CF causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs, which over time leads to sinus issues, difficult food digestion and permanent lung damage due to constant infections. CF is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the lungs, but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys and intestines.

There is no known cure.

with many transplant-related expenses.

At Allie’s bedside, Valerie started researching fundraising options and found COTA.org. On January 4, 2018, Valerie, a nurse practitioner, emailed COTA regarding the family’s need to quickly start a fundraising effort. Her initial questions were answered; COTA received the patient agreement on January 18th and Allie quickly became part of the COTA Family.

Allie’s mother, Valerie, was very worried watching her daughter struggle to breathe in her hospital bed. While many things were uncertain at this point in Allie’s journey, Valerie was keenly aware it was now time for donor lungs to be found. Valerie also knew this part of Allie’s transplant journey would come

Allie’s mother-in-law, Maria, and her sister-in-law, Kristina, wanted to do absolutely anything they could to help so they became the lead COTA volunteers for the fundraising effort that was being launched in Allie’s honor. Instead of sending a COTA representative to Allie’s hometown to train the volunteers

For Allie Davis of Spencerport, New York, these statistics and these challenges have been her reality since she was diagnosed with CF when she was a baby. “I was born with CF and I grew up knowing a transplant would probably be somewhere in my future.

‘The transplant’ was always talked about as being down the road … not now … sometime far away,” Allie said.

But ‘the future’ became a reality in December 2017 when she came down with a cold that developed into a fullblown CF exacerbation. On New Year’s Eve, Allie was admitted to Highland Hospital in Rochester, New York, where she was quickly transferred to the ICU and intubated.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) works with individuals of any age with single gene disorders, such as Cystic Fibrosis, Polycystic Kidney Disease and Sickle Cell Anemia. COTA uniquely understands that parents/spouses who care for a child or adult before, during and after a life-saving transplant have enough to deal with, so COTA’s model shifts the responsibility for fundraising to a community team of trained volunteers. COTA is a 501(c)3 charity so all contributions to COTA are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law, and these COTA funds are available for a lifetime of transplant-related expenses.

May 7, 2020 - May 13, 2020

face-to-face, a lengthy teleconference was held so the volunteers and Allie’s mom could fully understand how COTA could help and what the team’s next steps needed to be. Within days of their conference call training, the COTA team in honor of Allie D was off and running, planning fundraisers and receiving guidance from COTA’s professionals.

On January 24, 2018, Allie was transferred to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, approximately 400 miles from home with her mother and fiancé, by her side. Allie’s health was extremely compromised by the time the decision was made to move her to Pittsburgh.

Valerie immediately started working on the COTA in honor of Allie D website from her UPMC bedside. She wrote the following summary for the home page: “Allison is currently too sick to write about herself so we are taking the liberty to share her story. Allie was diagnosed with CF at 18 months old.

She has had countless hospitalizations over the years and does multiple daily treatments to delay the inevitable loss of lung function. Despite the toll her disease takes on her, she lives life with passion and full of love for her family and friends. Allie is always the first person to help others in need. The time has come where she needs a lung transplant. Her deepest wish is to see her 11-month-old boy, Blake, grow up.

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C O M M E N TA R Y

Working Remotely Can Be Successful

By J im Whit e , P hD After a month of quarantine under the pall of COVID-19, corporate leaders can take an objective look at how their companies are faring remotely.

What makes working remotely

successful? Companies that invested in the ability for teams to work remotely prior to this pandemic have an edge. Perhaps they already had in place a designated, ongoing channel of communication from leadership to the workforce, via email at least but preferably on audio or video platforms.

The last thing a company wants is for its off-site staff to feel disengaged, or worse, ignored. Employees should feel that the company cares about them, especially at this time of heightened uncertainty.

Data sharing is essential, as is goal setting and a regular, structured method of communication.

In my own companies, I am finding that productivity from the C suite to mid-level

management has improved since early March, when we first implemented steps to work remotely. It took time to find the rhythm of working from home. Now, I see my employees working longer hours and being more productive.

As part of our remote structure, I implemented a twice-daily stand-up,

time that employers must make difficult decisions about layoffs.

and encourage employees to start with a morning agenda and update each other throughout the day, which I find dramatically increases productivity. We end the week with a wrap up and go over the following week’s priorities.

During client meetings, employees should turn on video so that clients can see that they are engaged throughout the meeting. Looking presentable, even a little polished, for video meetings is crucial – employees should dress as if they are at the office.

As an aside, I advise employees to make themselves invaluable. Showing initiative, asking for extra work or projects, and of course submitting high-quality work in a timely manner will reflect well should there come a

should include set hours, fresh air and exercise, and plenty of sleep… along with regular breaks to avoid eyestrain by staring at a screen too long, and to maintain a clear head. A work-life balance to reduce stress is essential.

Still, we as a society should be wary of the downside of working from home: its negative psychological effect. We are social beings, and working remotely, if we aren’t used to it – especially for those of us who live alone – can be difficult and detrimental emotionally.

There are other, unexpected negative consequences of this crisis; one is that many businesses will discover that, in reality, they can succeed through working remotely. This success is a double edged sword, meaning that if

Working successfully from home requires discipline. Employees should create a quiet space where they can work each day, as opposed to moving from room to room which can be distracting and disruptive. Their routine

a business can thrive with employees working offsite then commercial real estate suffers. When companies no longer require brick-and-mortar locations, a local domino effect ensues; ancillary businesses, from cafés to gyms to print shops around the commercial office environment, will subsequently close. The ripples will be felt through many other industries, including construction, transportation, energy, and retail.

Many families already are under great financial strain. In my own companies I have implemented a policy to address financial security and am providing a benefit to my employees who are ill from the virus…something I urge other corporations to consider.

Most importantly, leadership should take social isolation seriously and not attempt to circumvent state mandates by requiring that nonessential workers leave home, or by having employees return to work too early. Our employees are our most important asset, and we must protect them, along with our local emergency responders and health practitioners, to the best of our ability.

Jim White, PhD, is Chairman and CEO of Post Harvest Technologies, Inc. and Growers Ice Company, Inc., Founder and CEO of PHT Opportunity Fund LP, and Founder and President of JL White International, LLC. His newest book is a rallying cry to investors: Opportunity Investing: How to Revitalize Urban and Rural Communities with Opportunity Funds, launched March 31, 2020.

Dr. White holds a BS in civil engineering, an MBA, and a doctorate in psychology and organizational behavior.

He acquires struggling businesses to revive and develop them into profitable enterprises using my business turnaround strategy. To date, he has generated more than $1.8 billion in revenue.

Owner/Publisher Executive Editor Editor-In-Chief Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams

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Contributing Editor Justin Williams Circulation Manager Robert L. Taylor

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VOLUME 30 ISSUE 19

Due to federal and state regulations concerning the operations of non-essential businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and deliveries, please be advised that regularly scheduled deliveries may be delayed or adjusted to meet these regulations at the discretion of the distributors and publisher requires to adhere to the mandates. @2020

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If I could do one thing, I’d have a daycare closer to work.

If you could do one thing for your community, what would it be? More daycare centers? More funding for Head Start? Completing the 2020 Census is a safe and easy way to inform how billions of dollars in funding flow into your community for hundreds of services. Respond online, by phone, or by mail.

Complete the census at:

2020CENSUS.GOV Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau.

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ENTER TAINMENT ad COUNCIL Launches NEW PSAS In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ad Council, working with the White House, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), today launched a new series of public service ads (PSAs) to educate and empower parents and families as they navigate the challenges they’re facing as a result of the crisis.

According to research fielded by Ad Council, 45 percent of respondents with children reported feeling anxious, 44 percent reported feeling tired, and 40 percent reported needing peace of mind. The new family-focused creative includes educational content, an animated series, a custom song, and new digital, TV, radio and print ads designed to provide simple tips and guidance for what parents can do to help their families stay safe.

“Between balancing care for children, family members and work, along with managing concerns around the COVID-19 crisis, parents and caregivers are facing immense challenges. These new creative assets will give them resources and support to help keep their families safe and healthy,” said Lisa Sherman, president & CEO of the Ad Council. “We are truly grateful to our partners for coming together in the effort to inform and empower parents during this unsettling time.”

While each platform is providing

MAY

IS

To

customized support, the common goal is to inform the American public and equip people with up-to-date CDC information on the COVID-19 crisis.

The following creative assets were

Hinge, a Portland, Oregon-based creative studio.  Meredith Corporation has developed a parent-centric print ad, providing tips on hand washing, physical distancing and

developed in partnership with the Ad Council to reach parents:  Hill Holliday has created a new suite of digital videos, banners, TV spots and social graphics to help drive awareness among families around household cleanliness, hygiene and social distancing.

The “Stay Here-o’s” animated series encourages parents to teach their kids how to be superheroes during the crisis and directs parents to the latest resources to better equip them with the information they need to keep their children healthy at home. Full production, design, and animation was done pro bono by

checking in with their kids. The asset is running across Meredith Corporation properties including Parents, People and Southern Living and is being made available to other publishers including Condé Nast and Hearst Magazines who are running it in their publications.  Wordsworth+Booth has developed three new radio spots including a song, educating parents about the ways to protect their families and keep them safe.

The following creative assets were developed in partnership with the Ad Council to further amplify the #StayHome message and ongoing

Help Parents COVID-19 response efforts:  Amplifier.org is running a global open call to source COVID-19 artwork and will turn select pieces into PSAs for use in digital outdoor, print and static banners in support of the Ad Council’s public health messages. Featuring artwork from independent artists, the first round of assets includes custom work from renown artists Shepard Fairey and Thomas Wimberly.  The Washington Post has developed custom print ads running in the publication to support the Ad Council’s COVID-19 response efforts. Additionally, through WP Brand Studio, they are the strategic launch partners for the Ad Council’s research report “Coping with COVID-19,” publishing content that analyzes shifts in public perceptions among various demographics amidst the pandemic.

Today’s announcement is part of the Ad Council’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 crisis, convening the country’s largest broadcast media networks, digital and technology platforms, print and outdoor advertising and media companies and other industry leaders to ensure the American public is receiving crucial information during this unprecedented crisis. In the first four weeks, the Ad Council’s crisis response efforts received nearly $140.7 million in donated, earned and social media and the messages were seen over 4.3 billion times.

NATIONAL CYSTIC FIBROSIS AWARENESS MONTH (cont'd from page 3)

We are preparing for her transplant at a medical center about six hours away from where she lives. According to a Milliman Research Report on U.S. organ transplants, the average first year cost for a lung transplant is $785,000 and there are many costs not covered by insurance as well as lifelong transplant-related expenses.”

Once Allie was settled at UPMC, Valerie blogged regularly on the COTA for Allie D website to keep friends and family members back at home in Spencerport updated on every step of the journey.

Allie’s transplant recovery, and journey, continues. She is extremely thankful for the new life that has been given to her.

She is also very grateful to be back at home with Scott and Blake. There are not adequate words to express how she feels about the selfless decision her donor’s family made. As she reflected on the past 18 months, Allie shared this message:

“When my mom realized that my health was very rapidly going downhill she

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contacted COTA with an extreme sense of urgency because transplant was my only option. She was overwhelmed and did not know where to start. COTA helped direct her with very specific things she could do. The COTA staff was amazing. They were very helpful with getting a website up so fundraising could begin immediately. COTA provided a way for people to make tax deductible contributions. COTA provided fundraising advice and guidelines that were IRS compliant. While my mom and fiancé were in Pittsburgh being my support team, COTA worked behind the scenes to help champion the efforts of our amazing volunteers back home in Spencerport. The COTA staff was always very understanding, provided kind words of support for my family, and were readily available for any questions and guidance. My family was able to confidently place their trust in COTA.”

Allie continued, “The COTA fundraising website provided a central place to communicate with and update our friends and family on my condition and

provided a place where they could send their much-needed words of support.

Recovery was not without difficulties and sometimes I felt discouraged.

Seeing how many people came together to raise money, and reading their positive and loving messages really helped me to keep pushing myself after my double lung transplant.”

“While I have been battling Cystic Fibrosis for more than 30 years, my need for a double lung transplant came very quickly. In order to be eligible for new lungs, we had to show we could afford the significant associated costs not covered by insurance. We had to move fast to start raising funds, and the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) made that happen.

My friends and family members who felt helpless while I struggled in the hospital found COTA to be their lifeline to me.

COTA has provided immeasurable peace of mind for me, my family and my community — and will continue to do so … for a lifetime,” Allie said.

May 7, 2020 - May 13, 2020

In February, Allie and Scott celebrated their son, Blake’s birthday with friends and family. Allie said it was a huge blessing. Allie says COTA continues to be by her side. Travelling back and forth to Pittsburgh for post-transplant care is not a financial stressor because of the COTA funds that have been raised in her honor. COTA is a huge help with monthly prescription medications and medical appointments. She also says each new year is a challenge with insurance companies and co-pays. According to Allie, “Having COTA provides a safety net for my family and that is very reassuring … especially during these challenging times in our world.”

Recently Allie, Scott and Blake have become a family of four with the addition of a new German Shepard puppy named Arla. Allie reports that Arla is providing a lot of love and entertainment while the family is trying to stay safely at home to avoid any unnecessary exposure to germs.

Happy Mother’s Day to an Amazing COTA Mom from your COTA Family!

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ENTER TAINMENT

Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds I S

B A B Y F A C E , the award-winning

music producer behind some of the biggest artists, songs and record label, LaFace Records, revealed that he too had been stricken with COVID-19.

“I feel so blessed to be able to celebrate another birthday,” confessed the Grammy-award winning producer in an Instagram post. “I tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, as did my family,” he wrote.

“It’s an incredibly scary thing to go through, my friends,” the 62-year-old singer and songwriter shared.

“I’m happy to report we have now tested negative and are on our way back to full health,” he said.

Once a person is exposed to the coronavirus, the body starts producing proteins called antibodies to fight the infection. As these antibodies start to successfully contain the virus and keep it from replicating in the body, symptoms usually begin to lessen and you start to feel better. Eventually, if all goes well, your immune system will completely destroy all of the virus in your system.

A person who was infected with and survived a virus with no long-term health effects or disabilities has “recovered.”

Doctors say that, in general, once you have recovered from a viral infection, your body will keep cells called lymphocytes in your system. These cells now “know” the viruses they’ve previously seen and can react quickly to fight them off again. So hopefully, someone like Babyface, his antibodies

FEELING

“SO BLESSED”

will likely stop the virus before it starts causing symptoms. Hopefully effectively becoming immune.

But unfortunately, immunity isn’t perfect. For many viruses, like mumps, immunity can weaken over time, leaving you susceptible to the virus in the future. This is what some are seeing in a few cases in China. Some who have gone through it and “recovered” are not testing positive again. Even though it’s a very small number, it’s something to be aware of.

Because of Babyface’s newfound health, he listed the news that his muchanticipated music debate against New Jack Swing music producer, Teddy Riley, is back on.

Many folks on social media were tripping when they heard the news that the online music competition didn’t happen last week…especially when they didn’t know why.

But now the reason is clear.

“With that being said, I’d like to officially accept the invitation by the legendary Swizz Beatz and Timbaland to participate with my little brother Teddy Riley in what I’d like to call a Celebration of Black Music Excellence, Teddy Riley vs. Babyface,” the singer posted on his Instagram.

The new date is April 18, 2020 and fans are elated.

No matter who wins the competition, we’re just happy that Babyface won the fight against coronavirus.

Much Love.

AFRICAN-AMERICAN DATING APP OFFERS LIVE VIDEO DATING

Tyler Perry Pays Grocery Bills For Seniors Filmmaker, actor, and playwright Tyler Perry is once again making headlines for helping those who are largely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Under the name “Atlanta Angel,” he reportedly paid for the groceries of all elderly shoppers at over 70 supermarkets in Atlanta and New Orleans.

The 50-year old entertainment tycoon, who grew up in New Orleans and now currently lives in Atlanta, purchased the groceries for seniors at 44 Kroger stores in Atlanta and 29 Winn-Dixie stores in New Orleans. The receipts for those groceries showed that it was paid for by “Atlanta Angel.”

The Meet Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MEET), a leading provider of interactive livestreaming solutions, has created two new features designed to help users connect while maintaining proper dating distance on its popular mobile application, Tagged -- the

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country’s largest dating app primarily focused on African Americans.

The elderly shoppers who benefitted from Perry’s generosity are those who were shopping during the reserved hour for them. Grocery stores have been advised to block off the first one or two hours of their business day so the elderly and immunocompromised people can shop with lesser risk to contract the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Kroger’s Atlanta division expressed their gratitude to Perry. “We would like to join our customers in thanking Mr. Perry for his kindness and generosity during this unprecedented pandemic. It was truly a pleasure to see our customers fill with joy and gratitude as the news spread throughout 44 stores across Metro Atlanta,” its manager of corporate affairs Felix Turner said in a statement.

Winn-Dixie also thanked Perry for “paying it forward by purchasing groceries for elderly and high-risk [Winn-Dixie] customers shopping at Louisiana stores this morning.

Winn-Dixie applauds your love for community and sincere generosity,” the company said in a tweet.

It was not the first time Perry discreetly helped other people during the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, Perry gave a $500 tip to each of the 42 workers who were laid off at his favorite restaurant – a grand total of $21,000.

The two features, Blind Date and 1:1 Video Chat, are designed to provide socially distant users with options to engage and build new relationships.

May 7, 2020 - May 13, 2020

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BUSINE S S

‘Most Influential Black Execs in Corporate America’ Sallie Mae® Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Donna Vieira, has been named to Savoy Magazine’s list of the “2020 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America.”

Savoy’s “Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America” is the definitive listing of African American achievers in corporate America.

Selections are based on executives’ exemplary record of accomplishments, as well as their commitment to bettering their community and inspiring others.

An industry veteran, Vieira joined Sallie Mae in 2019 and oversees private student loans, retail banking, and credit cards as well as product development, sales, marketing, government relations, communications and community relations. She continues to advance Sallie Mae as the premier brand in helping students and families access college and continuous education, plan successful outcomes, and responsibly fund their future. Vieira is bringing that customercentric vision to life through a brand

executive and business leadership in national and global-leading corporations,” said L.P. Green, II, Publisher of Savoy magazine. “These innovative trailblazers have led efforts to foster growth for some of the country’s highest-performing companies throughout and beyond the US market.”

and digital transformation that will meet customers where they are and make experiences simple, intuitive, personalized, and mobile first.

“Savoy is proud to present the 2020 Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America. In this issue, we assembled an elite representation of African American men and women who have been recognized for their

Vieira is also active in the community, supporting individuals and families with disabilities through her work with the Special Olympics Delaware. In addition, she was appointed by Delaware Governor John Carney to Chair the Office of the Treasurer’s Plans Management Board to help families plan and save for post-secondary education. Vieira is a member of the Executive Leadership Council, an organization committed to increasing the number of black executives globally. “Being named to Savoy’s list of ‘Most Influential Black Executives in Corporate America’ is an honor that wouldn’t be possible if not for those who came before me,” said Vieira. “I am surrounded and reminded of a community of trailblazers who

Honored

have paved the path forward, and I’m grateful to be in a position to help the next generation of leaders prepare for their own journey through the power of higher education.”

Prior to joining Sallie Mae, Vieira served as chief marketing officer for consumer banking and wealth management at JPMorgan Chase.

She has also held executive leadership roles at Dun & Bradstreet, Merrill Lynch, and American Express.

Sallie Mae (Nasdaq: SLM) believes education and life-long learning, in all forms, help people achieve great things. As the leader in private student lending, we provide financing and know-how to support access to college and offer products and resources to help customers make new goals and experiences, beyond college, happen.

Learn more at SallieMae.com.

Commonly known as Sallie Mae, SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.

View source version on businesswire. com: https://www.businesswire.com/ news/home/20200402005711/en/

A BLACK MAN DID THIS

Mark Dean developed the first industry standard PC interface.

This Black History Month, we celebrate unknown and unsung Black innovators, inventors and contributors who have helped shape, change and improve our world.

Learn more at aarp.org/blackcommunity

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May 7, 2020 - May 13, 2020

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BUSINE S S

U S D A I n c r e a s e s M o n t h ly S N A P B e n e f i t s

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced emergency benefit increases have reached $2.0 billion per month for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households across all 50 states and 3 territories to increase food security during the coronavirus national emergency. These emergency benefits represent a 40% increase in overall monthly SNAP benefits, significantly increasing food purchasing power for American families.

“These are unprecedented times for American families who are facing joblessness and hunger. USDA is providing a 40% increase in SNAP benefits to ensure that low-income individuals have enough food to feed themselves and their families during this national emergency,” said Secretary Perdue. “President Trump is taking care of America’s workingclass families who have been hit hard with economic distress due to the coronavirus. Ensuring all households receive the maximum allowable SNAP benefit is an important part of President Trump’s whole of America response to the coronavirus.”

Currently, a household with two adults, 3 children, and no income can receive the maximum benefit of $768.

However, due to reportable income and other factors, the average 5-person household receives significantly less, $528. These emergency benefits would provide the average 5-person household an additional $240 monthly in food purchasing power, bringing the average household up to the same benefit level as households already receiving the maximum.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), signed into law by President Trump, provided for

by

40%

the issuance of emergency allotments in response to COVID-19. Across the United States, emergency allotments total nearly $2 billion per month, which is in addition to approximately $4.5 billion in benefits already provided to SNAP households each month.

All SNAP households that are eligible to receive less than the maximum benefit will receive the emergency

of Columbia. States could request to provide an emergency allotment for current SNAP households beginning in March. USDA is continuing to work closely with states so that supplements are provided in subsequent months as this public health emergency warrants, as outlined in FFCRA. Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of actions that USDA’s Food and

specific needs when traditional channels of food are unavailable, to 16 States and territories, and 29 tribes;  Providing more than one million meals a week to rural children through public-private partnership Meals to You;  Allowing states to serve free meals to children in all areas across more than 35,000 feeding sites nation-wide;  Maximizing flexibilities, such as parent-pickup and meal times requirements, for the free meals provided through schools and other providers;  Increasing access to online purchasing by expanding the online purchasing pilot to cover half of all SNAP households;  Debuting “Meals for Kids” interactive site finder – to help families find meals for children while schools are closed; and  Providing administrative flexibilities in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to allow for social distancing and for State to more quickly process new applications.

allotment supplement to bring them up to the maximum. By law, SNAP households are not permitted to receive more than the maximum allotment.

SNAP emergency allotments allow states to raise benefits to the maximum amount for the household’s size for up to two months, and USDA is providing additional guidance today to states that want to further extend these emergency allotments month by month as prescribed by the law.

Nutrition Service has taken to uphold the USDA’s commitment to “Do Right and Feed Everyone” during this national emergency. Other actions include:  Providing more than 227 million pounds of food – valued at $243 million through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), with another $850 million available from the FFCRA and Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act.  Launching Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) to provide the value of school breakfast and lunch to families eligible for free and reduce-price lunch;  Issuing Disaster Household Distributions, food targeted to meet

These actions and more are part of USDA’s focus on service during the COVID-19 outbreak. For additional information on the many actions FNS has taken to respond to COVID-19, visit www.fns.usda.gov/coronavirus or follow us @USDANutrition.

Hawaii - approved last Friday - was the final state agency authorized to provide the emergency allotments, which are now authorized in all 50 states, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District

FNS administers 15 nutrition assistance programs that leverage American’s agricultural abundance to ensure children and low-income individuals and families have nutritious food to eat. FNS also co-develops the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which provide sciencebased nutrition recommendations and serve as the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy.

Wendy Muhammad Launches COVID-19 Entrepreneur Challenge LETS UNITE TO SAVE OUR COMMUNIT Y

Entrepreneurs are the historical Change Makers of the African American Community. We are the leaders, developers, strategists, money makers, thinkers and thought leaders. We solve problems and introduce much needed goods and services into our communities.

African Americans make up to 70% of all COVID-19 related deaths. We must step up and do something for ourselves. Let's unite to help save our community from this COVID-19 pandemic.

Business Developer, Wendy Muhammad, is challenging all Conscious Entrepreneurs to STEP UP and TAKE CHARGE of their communities.

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"I am asking all Conscious Entrepreneurs to identify a problem in their community and work to fix it. Let's perform wellness checks on the people in our community who are most vulnerable. Let's support a fellow entrepreneur by patronizing them, spreading the word about their services. We can form alliances. Let's take charge and save our community from this pandemic.

There is no problem that we can't solve if we put our minds together.

We can change the narrative. Doing for self needs to go viral."  Wendy Muhammad

To accept the MOETODAY Conscious Entrepreneur Challenge, post a photo or a video along with a short explanation of how you are helping a fellow entrepreneur or members of your

community during this tragic pandemic.

Tag us on Instagram @MOEToday or on Facebook @MindoftheEntrepreneur.

Be sure to say, "I accept the Conscious Entrepreneur Challenge" in your post.

Use the hashtags

May 7, 2020 - May 13, 2020

#ConsciousEntrepreneurChallenge and #MindofanEntrepreneur Together we can pool our resources, form alliances and address all the needs in our community. Love is the super power that will get us there.

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HE ALTH

ASSOCIATION

of

BLACK CARDIOLOGISTS

The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) issued frequently asked questions (FAQ Watch) for healthcare providers related to COVID-19. The novel coronavirus outbreak has caused significant disruption to global health, especially for vulnerable populations in the U.S. The ABC created FAQ Watch to provide a succinct update on the science and clinical challenges posed by the disease and potential cardiac implications. FAQ Watch will be updated as needed or at least weekly by its editors Kevin M. Alexander, MD (Chair), Michelle A. Albert, MD, MPH (ABC President), Peter Chin-Hong, MD, MPH, and Norrisa Haynes, MD, MPH. In addition to informing health care providers about the science and clinical aspects of the coronavirus infection, the ABC is undertaking efforts to raise awareness in diverse populations. The organization is particularly concerned about the pandemic's effect on the AfricanAmerican diaspora and other underserved groups.

"ABC has been at the forefront of addressing cardiovascular disparities in our communities," said Elizabeth Ofili, MD, MPH, ABC Board Chair. "The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed severe inequities in access to healthcare and preventive services. As a

nation, we have an unprecedented opportunity to address these issues, by working with affected communities, and the healthcare providers who serve them."

Releases

COVID-19 FAQ WATCH

incorporated. FAQ Watch answers other critical questions, including how communities of color can diminish the spread of COVID-19 and decrease their risk of fatal outcomes.

ABC is inspired by how different communities are pulling together

Albert introduces ABC COVID-19 Information & Resource Hub and highlights the Council on Black Health's brief, "What Coronavirus Means for Black Communities."  ABC and other health Care Groups Issue Urgent Call for Federal Action to Address Medical Equipment Shortages  ABC hosts a webinar, "At the Heart of the Matter: Unmasking the Invisibility of COVID-19 in Diverse Populations." Now available for viewing.  ABC President Dr. Michelle Albert joins KDKA Radio host Lynne Hayes-Freeland to discuss COVID-19, health care disparities, and African Americans.

Elizabeth Ofili, MD, MPH

(PRNewsfoto/Association of Black Cardiology)

FAQ Watch covers the clinical stages of COVID-19, associated cardiovascular complications and treatments currently advised for COVID-19 management.

Recommended changes in practice for interventional cardiologists and catheterization laboratories as well as new guidance for transthoracic echo and transesophageal echo procedures have also been

Michelle Albert, MD, MPH

(PRNewsfoto/Association of Black Cardiology)

at individual, leadership, medical, scientific and public health levels to mitigate the impact of this pandemic. This downloadable FAQ is a new component of earlier actions ABC initiated in response to the virus:  ABC President Dr. Michelle

Founded in 1974, the ABC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating the disparities related to cardiovascular disease and achieving health equity such that all people can live long healthy lives.

Membership is open to all interested in the care of people with or at risk for cardiovascular disease, including health professionals, lay members of the community (Community Health Advocates), corporate and institutional members. For more information, visit www.abcardio. org and connect with ABC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin.

‘ Black is Human ’ To A d d r e s s C OV I D - 1 9 In AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY In response to the devastating impact COVID-19 continues to have on the African American community, Burrell Communications Group has released a video PSA entitled “For Jason” as part of its “Black is Human” initiative. The goal is to raise awareness of the severity of COVID-19 within the African American community, and provide streamlined access to critical and relevant information, via the Black is Human webpage.

The PSA pays tribute to Detroit Transit Authority veteran, Jason Hargrove, who died in late March from COVID-19 complications after posting an impassioned plea for public safety via Facebook. The

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video quickly went viral, garnering more than 805,000 views and 23,000 reshares as it brought national attention to the dire need for all essential workers to be armed with personal protective equipment.

According to the McKinsey & Company report, COVID-19: Investing in Black Lives and Livelihoods, 39% of jobs held by black workers (seven million jobs in all) are vulnerable as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, compared with 34% for white workers. The majority of black workers, by the very nature of their jobs, are putting their lives and health on the line to provide necessary goods and services to our society.

Jason Hargrove

May 7, 2020 - May 13, 2020

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END NO TE S

B L O O M I N G D A L E S C H O O L o f M U S I C F e at u r e d O n ‘ G E O R G E T O T H E R E S C U E ’ In the fall of 2019, the Bloomingdale School of Music was nominated and selected to receive a TV make-over of its David Greer Recital Hall and backyard by the hit NBC reality show George to the Rescue, hosted by George Oliphant. Led by SilverLining, Inc., the project completely transformed the school, renovating the Hall and the backyard space. The company gathered one of the city’s best architects, and top acousticians, landscape designers and muralists for the project, all of whom donated their time and resources to provide a world-class concert hall for the community-focused non-profit.

Located on 108th Street, the school services more than 80 students and was selected for the show because of its strong commitment to the community, scholarship, and financial aid.

“The work they did was beyond what we could have imagined,” said Erika S. Floreska, Executive Director, Bloomingdale School of Music. “We are so excited to be able to provide a world class space for our students, faculty, and community to come together for hundreds of rehearsals, classes, and performances throughout the year.”

“While we can’t currently be in our new space due to COVID-19, the school has quickly transferred to the online format. Private lessons, group classes, and ensembles all continue. That’s a testament to

hall is going to bring joy, beauty, and inspiration to many for years to come – from beginners giving their first performances to the professional faculty who offer free concerts throughout the year. I’m proud to support Bloomingdale School of Music.”

the power of music to be uniting and healing force as we navigate these unprecedented times,” said Ken Michaels, Board President, Bloomingdale School of Music.

“Many life-enriching community centers are facing the effects of COVID-19,” said George Oliphant. “I am comforted by knowing that when Bloomingdale can open their doors again, students and faculty will have more beautiful, comfortable, and functional spaces to return to. Music has a unique ability to spark vital human connection, which is more important than ever.”

“Having grown up on the Upper West Side and being friends with Ken Michaels for years, it felt great to be able to come together to do something for the community that I live in and grew up in,” said Josh Wiener, President, SilverLining, Inc. “I hadn’t been in touch with the

I N H A R L E M : A C h at Harlem Haberdashery is the retail expression of 5001 Flavors, a custom-made apparel company, which has been creating looks for celebrities, music artists, and sports stars for more than 20 years.

Located in uptown in a new boutique, Harlem Haberdashery draws inspiration from the rich cultural history and distinctive style of the Harlem Renaissance with a fashion-forward edge.

Every year, Harlem Haberdashery hosts a Masquerade Ball during which they honor people for community work. Former honorees have included Alison Desir, Audrey Smaltz, Michael J. Garner, Tamika Mallory, Margarette Purvis, Marcus Samuelsson, Bevy Smith, Khary Lazarre-White, Terrence Stevens, President & CEO, In Arms Reach; and Topeka K. Sam, Founder & Director, The Ladies of Hope Ministries; as well as other

NewYorkTrendnyc

With

Bloomingdale School since I was 14 and to be reintroduced to be able to provide this performance space has been amazing. None of this could have been possible without Rogers Partners Architects and all the other vendor partners who so quickly and graciously jumped on board.”

This episode also features the delivery of a new Steinway piano made possible by a grant from Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, who joined Bloomingdale School of Music for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in November 2019: https://youtu.be/ aiZPMwVjKOY. “Bloomingdale has been an anchor on the Upper West Side for more than 50 years,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “It’s a hidden gem, and the new Steinway in their concert

Home renovation series with host and contractor George Oliphant, George to the Rescue features top interior designers and contractors teaming up to help deserving families and communities with much needed home renovations. Through inspiring stories of overcoming challenges, this uplifting series highlights the best of the human spirit. “George to the Rescue” is produced by LXTV part of the NBCUniversal Owned Television Stations division of NBCUniversal. www.nbc.com/ george-to-the-rescue Founded in 1964, Bloomingdale School of Music is dedicated to the belief that music changes lives and everyone should have access to high-quality music education regardless of economic status, race, religion, ability level, or gender.

Bloomingdale is a music-driven community center where all are welcome to join and learn about music from top faculty. We are dedicated to our mission – to make music education accessible to all who want to learn – and remain focused on supporting this mission through our values. www.bsmny.org/

Harlem Haberdashery’s Sharene Wood

esteemed members of the Harlem/ Upper Manhattan community.

community members who’ve paved the way for us. We salute presentday individuals and organizations that amplify our community. And we look forward to helping future generations who will continue to make Harlem great.”

Past sponsors of the Ball have included Beam Sumtroy (parent company of Effen Vodka, Maker’s Mark, and others) and Sugar Hill Creamery.

“Our Annual Masquerade Ball aims to celebrate family, fashion, community, and philanthropy.

We love to party with a purpose and use our brand platform to party while honoring local community leaders and highlight great organizations striving to make our community better,” said Sharene Wood, President & CEO of 5001 FLAVORS and Harlem Haberdashery.

Wood, who is also the president and CEO of the company’s latest venture, HH Bespoke Spirit.

Wood, who was born and raised in

Harlem, added: “The past, present, and future is always Harlem for us. We honor our family and

May 7, 2020 - May 13, 2020

Harlem Haberdashery and 5001 Flavors is all about community, says Wood. “Our family is committed to showing support and respect to individuals that overcame obstacles.

We need to acknowledge the growth, evolution, good deeds and commitment to excellence of all of our community members.”

According to Wood, there will be major happenings at the business.

“Harlem Haberdashery is expanding into a full-fledged lifestyle brand with soon to be announced curated collections. We are gearing up for our 10 anniversary in two years and happy to continue success with our HH Bespoke Spirits,” she shared.

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May 7, 2020 - May 13, 2020

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