New York Trend NYC: July 1-7, 2021 by Teresa WIlliams

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THE ALTERNATIVE VOLUMEPERSPECTIVE 26 ISSUE 40

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December 17, 2015 - December 23, 2015

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

P O L I T I C S , E C O N O M Y AND S O C I A L A G E N D A The Black Stars News O2015 O C UwillShonorF Mayor NAnnual A A C P 1 1 2 TH C O N V E N T I O N AwardsFDinner

David will Dinkins, Rep. Charles The NAACP host its 112th organizers offer an opportunity to Rangel, Rep. Yvette National Convention from Clarke, July 6 carve out the vital work we have Donahue Peebles, Barbara to JulyR.14, 2021. For 2 weeks the to do under a new presidential Arnwine, Inez Barron, Sabrina administration, solutions to nation's most prominent advocacy Lamb, Dr. Rudy Crew, Stephen people's growing demands for and social justice organization Byrd, Alia Jones, and the Centralchange, and the second year of the will bring together elected Park Five survivors of gross injustice officials, activists, organizers, COVID-19 pandemic. on December 18 from 6:00pm – faith leaders, and entertainers 10:00pmand at MIST Harlem, 46 West for workshops discussions 116th Street. to promote solutions to some of the “Each most honoree pressingchosen issuesfor like recognition has demonstrated voter suppression, police brutality, exceptional leadership and vision in environmental sustainability, David Dinkins her or his respective profession or economic injustice, and more. endeavor some significant Registration forand the in convention is was a member of the New York measure has contributed towards now open. Interested participants City Council, representing the creatingat naacp.org. a more just society in this can register 40th council district in Brooklyn, country,” says Black Star News publisher Milton "As wefounder continueand to navigate Allimadi. “Obviously much work the COVID-19 pandemic and a needs to be done here and political, social and economic around the world.”

YEARS!

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

of our nation have brought us to a tipping point," said Leon W. Russell, Chairman, NAACP Board of Directors. "It is imperative that we chart a viable pathway forward that is inclusive and equitable. Our national convening with the

succeeding her mother, Una S. T. Clarke. In the current 114th Congress Clarke serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee, responsible for consumer protection, food safety, energy development, public health, communications, the environment, and interstate and international commerce.

Charles Rangel

Pioneering producers Stephen Byrd and Alia Jones, through their company Front Row Production, brought “ T H “Cat E 1 1on2 aT Hot H Tin Roof” and “A Streetcar Named Desire” ANNUAL with a multi-ethnic cast to C O N V E In N 2016 T I Othey N bring Broadway. “Eclipsed” P R O Vwith I D EOscar S A Winner Lupita Nyong ’O F O U N D A T I to O Broadway. N

so-called Central F OHonorees, R A L Lthe TO COM E Park 5, are collectively and T O T H Eheroes. T A BThey L E are individually survivors of S the T O DofI Sone CU S ugliest miscarriage of justice A N D I M P L E M EinNNew T York’s history; having been railroaded L and O Nunjustly G - O Vconvicted E R D UforE a crime they S Odid L Unot T Icommit O N Sand ." for which

majority. She now leads The Transformative Justice Coalition. Arnwine was for 26 years executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law.

they served long prison sentences Derrick Johnson, ranging from seven years to 13 years President and NAACPwhen the before being CEO, exonerated Inez Barron, honoree, formerly a actual rapist confessed. They are: State Assembly member, is now Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond a New York City council memberby visiting naacp.org. Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin and a champion of education for Richardson, and Kharey Wise. our youth. Founded in 1909 in response The Black Star News, which focuses Honoree Imhotep Gary Byrd is to the ongoing violence against on investigative journalism, has a legendary radio talk show host Black people around the country, been featured as a result of some if and executive producer, radio DJ,the NAACP is the largest and its news scoops, on CNN, The New poet, songwriter, music recordingmost pre-eminent civil rights York Daily News, The New York artist and producer, rapper, writerorganization in the nation. Our Post, The Village Voice, and Brill’s and community activist. He beganmission is to secure the political, Content magazine. his career as a radio DJ in Buffaloeducational, social, and economic Past News honorees at age 15. For over 30 years, he’s equality ofBlack rightsStar to eliminate racehave included: Noble (Like It been a talk show host at WBLS and based discriminationGil and ensure Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad WLIB radio in New York City. Hethe health and well-being of all O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, also has a Friday night radio talk persons. Voza Rivers (New Heritage Theatre), show on WBAI.

system in need of fixing, this year's The gala starts 6:00pm with a convention sets the at tone on how cocktail hour to be followed we move forward," said Derrick by the dinner and awards There Johnson, President andceremonies. CEO, will be musical entertainment by NAACP. "While we've yet to see opera singer Cassandra Douglas the long-term consequences of and from harmonica phenomenon the past four years, we know that R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is William Galison. David Dinkins is the issues plaguing our nation and a leading developer and founder of honored for Lifetime Achievement communities have compounded The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest — he was New York City’s first exponentially. The significance of African American-owned real African American mayor and also estate firm with $3.5 billion worth how we rebuild our country cannot welcomed Nelson Mandela to the of properties under development be understated. The 112th Annual city after his release in 1990. or management — he was one Convention provides a foundation Charles Rangel, also honored of the pioneering developerswho for all Rep. to come to the table to Imagehelped Source: NAACP forand Lifetime Achievement, has turn around and revitalize discuss implement longserved in Congress since 1971. He is the once-blighted Anacostia overdue solutions." Errol Louis (NY1 News), Amel Honoree Sabrina Lamb, a recipient of The Bronze medal for The Legal Defense Fund — nation's foremost leaders fromfounderNOTE:Larrieux The 112th NAACP National neighborhood in Washington, D.C. (Entertainer), Dr. William of World of Money, is a champion helping save soldiers behind enemyConvention also referred to as the NAACP-LDF A champion African-American various backgrounds allows us to will beofvirtually Pollard (Medgar Evers College), Each year, the NAACP provides ofreal financial literacy for youth-shewas founded in 1940 as a part of line during the Korean War. economic empowerment Peebles’ is create solutions that have a available for all and feature notable Herm Edwards (NY Jets), Nayaba a platform for concerned citizens teaches knowledge about handlingthe NAACP, but separated in 1957 contemplating a possible run for NYC substantial impact." social activists, industry leaders, Rep. Yvette Clarke is a Democratic Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna to step away from the front lines money, budgeting and planning. to become a completely separate mayorservants in 2017.discussing the and public member of the US House of Fountain (Columbia University), of the fight for civil rights to entity. It is recognized as theDesiree Dancy Dr. Rudy Crew, honoree, is one of Representatives from New More information about the 2021 actions and solutions necessary to Lillian Roberts (DC37), Honoree Barbara Arnwine, civil reflect, learn from each other, and th nation's first civil and human rights(Local the nation’s leading educators. He’s York whose 9 district covers improve, protect, and change our NAACP National Convention, (New York Times), Greg Floyd rights lawyer, is a champion of plot the path forward. Forums law organization and shares our much of central Brooklyn. Before 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National president of Medgar Evers College communities forvoting the better. protecting rights of ethnic including a schedule of events and and workshops with leading to equal rights. entering Congress in 2007, she Action Network), and many others. "There is no denying that theemerging frays registration can be found of Thedetails, City University of New commitment minority groups — the policymakers, activists, and

INSIDE T HIS ISSUE: IS SUE : INSIDE THIS

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N AT ION AL $6 MILLION DONATION Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP today announced that it will donate a total of $6 million to the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the Equal Justice Initiative (“EJI”), EJI’s Legacy Museum, Fisk University and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (“National Lawyers’ Committee”). The donation is funded from attorneys’ fees awarded to Cravath at the conclusion of one of the Firm’s hallmark pro bono matters, a nearly 40-year commitment to representing African American and female plaintiffs in employment discrimination litigation in Jefferson County, Alabama. The case was brought by the NAACP in 1974 and, at the request of the National Lawyers’ Committee, Cravath took on the representation of the plaintiffs in 1983. “As we reflect on the culmination of four decades of effort to make real the promise of civil rights reforms in Jefferson County, Alabama, we feel privileged to carry forward that commitment by supporting the work of each of these remarkable organizations,” said Faiza J. Saeed, Cravath’s Presiding Partner. “EJI, the Legacy Museum, the National Lawyers’ Committee and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute are continuing the mission of the civil rights movement and the pursuit of justice, both in Alabama and nationally. Fisk University, one of the country’s premier historically Black colleges and universities, is educating the leaders of the future,” she said.

Support Civil Rights , Legal Services

In supporting Fisk University, Cravath is strengthening a relationship that has endured for more than a century. In 2019, Cravath and Fisk launched the Cravath Scholars Program in support of highachieving students studying across a range of disciplines at the University. Scholars are supported with tuition assistance and a summer internship in Cravath’s New York office, which includes training and mentorship opportunities. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP was founded in 1819 and is widely recognized as one of the world’s premier law firms. The Firm has 476 lawyers in New York City and London.  Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Founded in 1992, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, part of the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument and an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is a

The report also identifies institutional and structural factors that interfere with or create attrition on the path to becoming a physician and discusses recommendations to minimize these interferences. Additionally, the report examines the harmful past actions that the medical profession as a whole and organized

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Image Source: Cravath, Swain & Moore LLP

cultural and educational research center that promotes understanding of the significance of civil rights developments in Birmingham, Alabama.  Equal Justice Initiative and the Legacy Museum The Equal Justice Initiative, founded in 1989, works to end mass incarceration and excessive punishment, challenge racial and economic injustice, and protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in our society. In 2018, EJI opened the Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration in its base of Montgomery, Alabama, to both address the legacy of slavery and serve as an engine for education about racial inequality.  Fisk University

Founded shortly after the end of the Civil War, Fisk University is one of the nation’s historically Black colleges and the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville. Committed to the success of scholars and leaders from diverse backgrounds, Fisk produces graduates with the integrity and intellect required for substantive contributions to society.  The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to enlist the private bar’s leadership and resources in combating racial discrimination and the resulting inequality of opportunity, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law focuses on securing equal justice for all through the rule of law.

INCREASE DIVERSITY

medicine have perpetrated on communities of color, particularly the role that the Flexner Report of 1910 played in the closure of the majority of Black medical schools at the time and in severely limiting the number of Black physicians. “Studies show that racial, ethnic and gender diversity among health professionals promotes better access to health care, improves health care quality for underserved populations, and better meets the health care needs of our increasingly diverse population. Yet, our physician workforce does not adequately reflect the actual

Photo Credit: Esther Max via flickr

and revised medical school admissions policies, curriculum changes, summer enrichment programs, and comprehensive programs that integrate multiple interventions, such as financial, academic, and social support.

Education

Generations at Cravath contributed more than 100,000 hours on the case in pursuit of a better future for the people of Jefferson County. “I was honored to lead this work as a Cravath partner for 25 years before joining the bench, and it remains among the most meaningful cases I worked on as a practicing lawyer. To see it conclude with a measure of justice achieved in Jefferson County is tremendously gratifying, and a testament to the long-standing commitment from the Firm to pro bono work and the difference it can make in progress and reform,” said Rowan D. Wilson, Associate Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals.

AMA ADOPTS POLICY Furthering the American Medical Association’s (AMA) commitment to racial justice and equity within the medical profession and society as a whole, and building on the recent release of its strategic plan to embed racial justice and advance health equity, the AMA adopted policy during the Special Meeting of its House of Delegates this week aimed at improving the diversity of the physician workforce. The report outlines practices and interventions that can increase racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic diversity among the physician workforce, including targeted recruitment

and

racial, ethnic or gender makeup of the patients in the communities we serve,” said AMA Board of Trustee Member Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H. “A critical step in moving forward, we must call out the lasting negative impact that the Flexner Report, and other harmful past actions by the medical profession, has had on today’s physician workforce. We must address and reconcile these lasting harms to ensure that future physicians are aware of structural factors that are impeding their patient’s health outcomes, and continue efforts to ensure a diverse physician workforce that

meets the needs of our patients.” The new policy calls on the AMA to:  Recognize some people have been historically underrepresented, excluded from, and marginalized in medical education and medicine because of their race, ethnicity, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic origin, and rurality, due to racism and other systems of exclusion and discrimination  Commit to promoting truth and reconciliation in medical education as it relates to improving equity  Recognize the harm caused by the Flexner Report to historically Black medical schools, the diversity of the physician workforce, and the outcomes of minoritized and marginalized patient populations  Work with appropriate stakeholders to commission and enact the recommendations of a forward-looking, cross-continuum, external study of 21st century medical education focused on reimagining the future of health equity and racial justice in medical education, improving the diversity of the health workforce, and ameliorating inequitable outcomes among minoritized and marginalized patient populations  Encourage the development of evidenceinformed programs to build role models among academic leadership and faculty for the mentorship of students, residents, and fellows underrepresented in medicine and in specific specialties  Encourage physicians to engage in their communities to guide, support, and mentor high school and undergraduate students with a calling to medicine  Encourage medical schools, health care institutions, managed care and other appropriate groups to adopt and utilize activities that bolster efforts to

July 1, 2021 - July 7, 2021

include and support individuals who are underrepresented in medicine by developing policies that articulate the value and importance of diversity as a goal that benefits all participants, cultivating and funding programs that nurture a culture of diversity on campus, and recruiting faculty and staff who share this that goal  Continue to study and provide recommendations to improve the future of health equity and racial justice in medical education, the diversity of the health workforce, and the outcomes of marginalized patient populations  Encourage the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Labor to develop policies and initiatives in support of students from marginalized backgrounds that 1) decrease the educational opportunity gap; 2) increase participation in high school Advanced Placement courses; and 3) increase the high school graduation rate  Advocate for funding to support the creation and sustainability of Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), and Tribal College and University (TCU) affiliated medical schools and residency programs, with the goal of achieving a physician workforce that is proportional to the racial, ethnic, and gender composition of the United States population  Work with appropriate stakeholders to study reforms to mitigate demographic and socioeconomic inequities in the residency and fellowship selection process, including but not limited to the selection and reporting of honor society membership and the use of standardized tools to rank applicants, with report back to the House of Delegates  Establish a task force to guide organizational transformation within and -- cont'd on Page 3

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NEWS C I V I L R I G H T S L E A D E R S D E M A N D R E S U LT S We appreciate the efforts of lawmakers leading the negotiations around the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. We were heartened to see the U.S. House of Representatives pass a strong version of the bill last year and again this year. Yet, more than a year after George Floyd was murdered and weeks after a draft bill was circulated, the U.S. Senate still has not agreed on key provisions of the bill. Congress must deliver justice. We collectively demand that Congress honor its commitment to produce a final bill that can pass the House and Senate before the end of June and ensure a strong George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is passed before the August recess. The nation desperately needs a transformation of policing policies and practices — from inner cities to suburban neighborhoods to rural counties. The only way to begin this process is with federal legislation that sets meaningful standards and removes legal impediments to holding officers accountable for unconstitutional policing practices. The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act was conceived and created with a

focus on accountability and contains provisions overwhelmingly supported by the American people. This vital civil rights legislation is long overdue. There are many in law enforcement who agree that meaningful change is necessary. However, there are a few factions within the law enforcement community who do not want meaningful change or accountability. They are committed to standing in the way of a bill moving forward, and their allies in Congress are allowing this obstruction to happen. Law enforcement should not dictate the terms of, or have the power to stall, comprehensive police accountability legislation. The murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Elijah McClain, the violent assaults of Jacob Blake, Rodney King, Abner Louima and of too many others in communities of color were caused by a culture that allows police officers to act with impunity by failing to hold them accountable for their actions. The logical and necessary response is strong civil rights legislation that breaks through this culture to create meaningful change. Congress must pass a strong police

POLICING ACT

accountability measure that will address misconduct head-on, not a bill that tinkers around the edges of justice and responsibility. Meaningful legislation must hold police officers accountable for acts of excessive force, sexual misconduct, and

set national standards for policing. It must ensure that the Department of Justice has the tools it needs to enforce the nation's civil rights laws when they are violated by law enforcement officers.

obstruction of justice. It must put in place a path for those impacted by police misconduct to seek justice in our court system and external oversight measures that hold both officers and municipalities accountable. It must deter misconduct by allowing liability and damages that take into account the seriousness of these crimes. It must require data collection on police misconduct and

After so many took to the streets to peacefully march for justice for George Floyd and too many others, Congress must make good on its promise to the nation to meaningfully reform policing. The nation is tired of waiting. Congress must move forward on negotiations by the end of this month and pass a strong George Floyd Justice in Policing Act before leaving for August recess.

NAACP ANNOUNCES

#MEMINUSSTUDENTDEBT The NAACP announces a new campaign calling for Student Debt Cancellation. The campaign, entitled, "#MeMinusStudentDebt," addresses the fact that across all racial groups, Black borrowers hold the most student loan debt despite also being consistently underserved by postsecondary institutions. "We're calling on our elected officials to cancel federal student loan debt to help eradicate the disproportionate impact on Black borrowers and their families," said Wisdom Cole, Interim Youth and College Director. "The economic burden on millions across this country will have detrimental consequences for our economy as a whole." The campaign will draw awareness to the key goals in policy advancement, the first being cancellation of $50,000 in debt per person. Canceling $50,000 in student debt would provide Black borrowers with opportunities to pursue

AMA ADOPTS POLICY

The new policy builds on AMA’s efforts to increase diversity among the physician workforce, including the AMA’s Doctors Back to School program. Launched in 2002, the program encourages Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic/Latinx students to enter health care career pathways. The AMA developed

July 1, 2021 - July 7, 2021

Throughout the campaign, the NAACP will activate its network across the country to lobby and advocate on the issues surrounding student debt cancellation. To learn more about the #MeMinusStudentDebt campaign, visit NAACP.org.

INCREASE DIVERSITY

beyond the AMA toward restorative justice to promote truth, reconciliation, and healing in medicine and medical education

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homeownership, develop economyboosting discretionary income, fuel upward mobility in the Black community, and equitable efforts to close the racial wealth gap.

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a Doctors Back to School™ Kit to support physicians and medical students who act as role models by visiting elementary and high schools to talk with students about careers in medicine. The program demonstrates to students from groups that have been marginalized that a medical career is well within their reach. The AMA will continue to support policies and programs that will lead to a more diverse physician workforce and improve patient outcomes.

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BUSINE S S

DIY GUIDE Makes PR More Accessible Black Girl PR recently launched a digital guide that shows entrepreneurs how to get press for their brands. The DIY PR Action Guide is designed for small businesses that want to expose their brands to larger audiences and are looking for a cost-efficient way to do so. “Black-owned businesses shouldn’t have to choose between advertising, marketing and PR because of lack of capital, but they do,” says Nantale Muwonge, founder of Black GIRL PR. Disparities that Black businesses face accessing credit and loans, and the fact that almost half are financed with cash (43% according to Guidant Financial), can leave little room for public relations even though it’s a beneficial practice. “Digital PR increases your

BLACK BUSINESSES

reach, it helps you build brand credibility while delivering targeted referral traffic, and the high-quality links you earn from media outlets back to your website are great for SEO. The DIY PR Action Guide allows Black businesses to benefit from these outcomes without breaking their budget,” explains Muwonge. The DIY PR Action Guide explains exactly how to:  Craft a media kit that expresses the essence of your brand  Build and maintain a list of media contacts  Pitch your brand to journalists  Amplify your media coverage  And leverage your media coverage to get more opportunities The strategy can be used by legacy-

FAMU Receives Florida A&M University (FAMU) today announced it is one of 10 institutions to receive a $5 million grant from Google, designed to help create pathways and opportunities for increased diverse representation in the STEM industry. The one-time unrestricted financial grant will provide FAMU with financial support for scholarships, technological infrastructure support, career readiness and curriculum development.

BlackGirlPR.com. It includes templates, checklists and other time-saving tools to make the process as seamless as possible. Black Girl PR is a Black-owned consulting firm for ambitious Black womxn in business who want to boost their digital presence. The firm helps businesses adopt targeted public relations and digital marketing strategies that build brand awareness, trust and loyalty. Image Source: blackprwire.com

builders throughout their career as entrepreneurs, or until they scale and are ready to outsource their PR. The DIY PR Action Guide is an instant download now available at www.

5M Grant from Google

partnership with Google and fellow HBCUs which will help produce the next generation of leaders and innovators in information technology and computer science.”

Over the last three years, President Robinson has been among HBCU presidents to hold ongoing discussions with Google senior leadership about internships and other opportunities for FAMU and other HBCU graduates and students. The grant reflects the company’s commitment to diversity, especially in the tech industry, said Melonie Parker, Google chief diversity officer. “I’m delighted to provide our HBCU partners with a $50 million unrestricted grant. These institutions are actively shaping the next generation of Black leaders and are helping build a more diverse workforce across all industries,” Parker said. “This investment further solidifies our commitment to providing access and opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech.”

“Google’s $50M investment in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) shows a firm commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and an appreciation of the value HBCUs bring with regards to the talent and ingenuity of our students, faculty, staff and alumni,” said FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D. “FAMU is proud to be a part of this historic

Founded in August 2020 to support Black businesses in ecommerce, the firm provides content and consultations to help empower businesses that want to optimize their online presence. For more information on this company, visit www.blackgirlpr.com.

This investment builds on Google's Pathways to Tech initiative, which was announced earlier this year and is designed to build equity for HBCU computing education, help job seekers find tech roles, and ensure that Black employees have growth opportunities and feel included at work. The 10 HBCUs receiving funds include:  Claflin University, S.C.  Clark Atlanta University, GA.  Florida A&M University  Howard University, D.C  Morgan State University, MD.  NC A&T State University, N.C.  Prairie View A&M University, Texas  Spelman College, GA.  Tuskegee University, Ala.  Xavier University, LA.

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T L C A N N O U N C E ‘ CRAZYSEXYC OO L ’ T O U R

The best-selling American female group of all time - TLC announce their 2021 ‘Celebration of CrazySexyCool’ National Tour beginning September 3rd in Alabama. The 18-city tour will see Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas performing selections from their 1994 Diamondcertified album, 27 years after its release plus additional hits. The ‘90s themed shows will feature fan interaction, 90s fashion, surprise guests and more. Joining TLC is Bone Thugs N’ Harmony plus special guests. Pre-sale begins on Thursday, June 24th with Public ticket sales available on Friday, June 25th. Additional dates to be announced. Visit livenation. com or check local listings for more information. Chilli states, “I'm so excited for this tour because we've been talking about doing something special for CrazySexyCool for years and FINALLY, we get to do it! This is the album that truly put us on the map and showed the world who we really are. So, this will be quite the celebration!” CrazySexyCool is TLC’s second studio album that featured the #1 singles “Waterfalls” and “Creep” and received a Diamond certification from the RIAA. With over 85 million records sold

worldwide, TLC is not only the bestselling American girl group of all time; with 4 Grammy Awards, 4 multiplatinum albums (two of which went Diamond), four number one singles and ten Top 10 singles, theirs is an influence - across pop, hip-hop, R&B, fashion and female empowerment - which defines generations. In 2017, TLC released a self-titled album, their first in over fifteen years which hit #1 on Billboard’s Independent Album Chart. A two-hour documentary special “Biography: TLC” will premiere on A&E in 2022. The special will chronicle the group’s powerful, emotional journey and their survival against all odds as T-Boz and Chilli tell their story for the first time in a feature documentary. The special will be directed by Matt Kay. Executiveproduced by Academy Award-winning and Emmy Award-winning director Roger Ross Williams (“The Apollo”) and his production company with Emmy Award-winning producer Geoff Martz, One Story Up. “Celebration of CrazySexyCool“  Tour 2021   September 3: Albertville, AL Sand Mountain Amphitheater

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 September 21: Franklin, TN FirstBank Amphitheater  September 23: Simpsonville, SC CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park  September 24: Raleigh, NC Red Hat Amphitheater  September 25: St. Augustine, FL St. Augustine Amphitheatre  September 27: Miami, FL FPL Solar Amphitheatre  September 30: Belton, TX Bell County Expo Center

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APPLE launches TODAY

LOS ANGELES Apple has announced Today at Apple Creative Studios, a global initiative that will provide career-building mentorship, professional industry skills training, creative resources, and access to Apple’s full product lineup of iPhone,

senior vice president of Retail + People. “Building on our long history of using stores as a venue to host local artists to educate and inspire, Creative Studios is one more way we’re providing free arts education to those who need it most.”

EBRO DARDEN Global Editorial Head of Hip-Hop and R&B, Apple Music Photo Source: backprwire.com

iPad, and Mac to underrepresented communities across the globe. Creative Studios will launch first in Los Angeles and Beijing, followed by Bangkok, London, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. later this year. In each city, Apple will work handin-hand with nonprofit community organizations to connect youth with mentors and established artists. Today at Apple Creative Studios programming will hone creative passion in areas such as music, film, photography, and art and design, and will be available to young people who face barriers to meaningful artistic education. Across eight to 12 weeks of programming, mentors — in collaboration with Apple and community partners — will take participants through a curriculum of hands-on sessions, insider industry knowledge, and provide ongoing feedback on participants’ creative projects. Alongside developing creative skills, our mentors and community partners will nurture participants’ self-expression and encourage them to spark social change within their own communities. At the end of programming, Apple will host a celebration and showcase of participants’ final works in their local Apple Store location or within the community. “Creativity and access to education are core values for Apple, so we are absolutely thrilled to kick off Today at Apple Creative Studios in Los Angeles and Beijing and to bring this meaningful program to several more cities this year,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s

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Pencil, Beats headphones, and iPhone, as well as GarageBand, Procreate, Notes, and the Camera app. The young creatives will have the guidance and mentorship from Grammy Award-winning producer Larrance “Rance” Dopson, documentary photographer and filmmaker Bethany Mollenkof, and Apple Music’s Global Editorial Head of Hip-Hop and R&B Ebro Darden, along with special one-off sessions taught by additional artists. Creative Studios LA will also give participants unprecedented access to Apple Music creatives and executives like Zane Lowe during its Industry Week, where they can ask experts for advice to take their journey further. “Music Forward aims to transform young lives by breaking barriers of gender, poverty, and race, and bridging them to pathways of success,” said Nurit Smith, Music Forward Foundation’s Executive

TODAY AT APPLE CREATIVE STUDIOS  BEIJING In partnership with the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation and China Social Entrepreneur Foundation, Today at Apple Creative Studios - Beijing will provide hands-on experience and career-building mentorship to migrant youth living in Beijing who have not had a chance to express themselves creatively. Across 12 weeks, Beijing’s programming themes explore photography and videography, music, and app design through using iPad, Apple Pencil, Beats headphones, and iPhone, as well as GarageBand, iMovie, and Procreate. Mentors include iPhone photographer Eric Zhang, drummer Shi Lu, and app designer Sun Yong, among others. “The youth is our future, and young people in China today have been born into a time of rapid economic growth and shoulder heavy responsibilities,” said Wang Peng, Deputy Executive Director of the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation. “We are cooperating with Apple on Creative Studios Beijing as it aligns with our vision to integrate social resources and encourage young people to solve social problems in innovative ways, and be part of a new generation that is creative, collaborative, and socially responsible.” Today at Apple Creative Studios builds on Apple’s history of providing free educational programming in Apple Store locations worldwide

LARRANCE “RANCE” DOPSON Grammy Award-Winning Producer Photo Source: backprwire.com

Today at Apple will also offer public sessions open to anyone, led by the inspiring artists who are providing mentorship experiences to the young participants in Today at Apple Creative Studios. Everyone is invited to register for these sessions at apple.com/today.

TODAY AT APPLE CREATIVE STUDIOS  LA Today at Apple Creative Studios LA focuses on developing the talents of young musicians. Working with the Music Forward Foundation and Inner-City Arts and Social Justice Learning Institute, Creative Studios LA will amplify up-andcoming talents’ stories over nine weeks of free programming where participants will learn creative direction, writing, and production. Participants will create a visual album — called “LA Love Letter” — that hones their new skills to share their stories through music, design, and imagery all by using iPad, Apple

BETHANY MOLLENKOF Documentary Photographer and Filmmaker Photo Source: backprwire.com

Director. “Apple shares our commitment to empowering diverse voices in the creative arts and we are proud to work hand-in-hand on Today at Apple Creative Studios LA to spark creative discovery, chart careers, and provide opportunity to Los Angeles youth.”

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through Today at Apple, and career development opportunities through programs such as the Community Education Initiative. In the US, it expands on Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative to help dismantle systemic barriers and advance racial equity.

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E VENT S

‘ I n t e r ac t i v e ’ M o n u m e n t To T o u r U . S . I N T R I B U T E To F i g h t for R ac i a l J u s t i c e

At a pivotal time for racial justice in America, a new interactive art installation will tour the country seeking to inspire “Hope for a New America.” Acclaimed Ghanaian artist Kwame Akoto-Bamfo will unveil his latest work, a powerful and thoughtprovoking interactive sculpture titled Blank Slate: Hope for a New America, during a summer tour of major cities across the South and Midwest. Traveling on a flatbed truck, the mobile art installation aims to engage Americans in a conversation on hope and healing, including an interactive “Blank Slate” component. Visitors will be encouraged to share their opinions in real time on the fight for racial justice, and their words will be displayed anonymously onto the slate. For more information on the monument, tour dates and events, please visit www. blankslatemonument.com.

Alabama, created the Blank Slate statue to challenge the overwhelming prevalence of this legacy by raising awareness of the entrenched issues in each city and inspire a dialogue for a more hopeful future. The statue is unapologetic in its representation of American history in the midst of today’s racial crisis and is a visual representation of the evolution of the African American experience and struggle— from the millions of enslaved men and women who were crucial to the foundation of the U.S., to the Black soldiers who died fighting in the Civil War, to the more recent lives of George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor, Duante Wright, and innumerable others. The Blank Slate statue features four figures that symbolize the generational struggles in the African American experience: a slave

ancestor, a lynched union soldier martyr, a struggling mother activist, and a baby representing the next generation. Whereas Confederate heroes are typically depicted standing atop “pedestals of privilege,” the figures in Blank Slate are standing on top of the only thing they have—each other— a powerful representation of how only through generations of determined cooperation can the underprivileged elevate each other enough to have a voice to speak truth to power. The monument culminates in an interactive protest sign held by the mother figure at the top, a literal blank slate symbolizing the unwritten future of hope and healing, that will serve to amplify the voices of the public and share their thoughts and hopes to the world in real time.

Through a dedicated WiFi system, the public can share on the screen their ideas and hopes for creating positive change in this country. The blank slate will be integrated with a #BlankSlateHope social campaign. “Blank is the slate that we write on, but we see through. I sculpt yes, but the statement is not my own. The statement is for the people, the African American people, the black people, and people who want to speak up against the tradition of injustice. That is why the slate is left blank,” Kwame Akoto-Bamfo shares about his vision for Blank Slate. The Blank Slate statue will remain on display in Birmingham, Alabama until March 2022 when it is moved to a permanent location, determined by a multi-city bidding process. For more information, visit www. blankslatemonument.com.

Created as a bold counterpoint and challenge to the more than 1,800 Confederate monuments and symbols still on display in public spaces across the U.S., AkotoBamfo’s mission behind the statue and tour is to use art to forward the racial and social justice movements, help inspire the healing of the nation, and elevate the voices of the silenced and oppressed by giving people a platform to let themselves be heard. The statue will be unveiled in Louisville, Kentucky on June 2nd, and travel to locations including Chicago, Selma, Birmingham, and more. In each city, the statue will be available to the public for several days for observation, reflection, and participation in the conversation through the interactive Blank Slate screen. The tour will also include events with local elected officials, activists, arts & cultural figures, and local students, including a series of town halls. The town halls will create an open dialogue among community members on different aspects of racial injustice: community safety, health disparities, voting rights, the criminal legal system, education, and more. Each city on the tour has its own historical and painful legacy of racial injustice. Akoto-Bamfo, best known for his outdoor “Nkyinkyim Installation” sculpture dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Transatlantic slave trade displayed at the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery,

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B l a n k Sl ate M onum ent a nd A rtist Kwa m e A koto-Ba m fo Photo Source: blackprwire.com

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ENTREPRENE URS

S ERENA WILLIAM S ' JEW E LRY Will Help Rebuild BLACK-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES

In July of last year, tennis icon and fashion designer Serena Williams introduced her nowiconic Unstoppable diamond jewelry collection. Its success has inspired a new collection called Unstoppable Brilliance. This highly curated line of fashionable enamel and diamond necklaces will once again benefit Accion Opportunity Fund in their efforts to support Black-owned small businesses. “I’ve always said, everyone’s dream can come true if you just stick to it and work hard,” said Serena. “I hope that this new Unstoppable Brilliance collection will continue to help those Black-owned small businesses who have shown their unstoppable perseverance to succeed over the last year.” Unstoppable Brilliance consists of four reversible toggle necklaces in 14k gold vermeil, ceramic enamel and baguette-cut diamonds that incorporate the original open circle. The design symbolizes endless strength

and resilience. In keeping with Serena’s mission to inspire and empower women, one side of the circle is again inscribed with the word Unstoppable. The reverse features six pairs of sparkling baguette diamonds set in ceramic enamel in a choice of 4 colors: Crisp White, Onyx Black, Queen's Pink, and Tangerine Orange. A portion of net proceeds from all Serena Williams Jewelry sales, including Unstoppable Brilliance, will benefit Accion Opportunity Fund’s Small Business Relief Fund that directly supports Black small-business owners. "We are so grateful for the contribution Serena Williams has provided. It enables us to continue supporting Black entrepreneurs with loans and coaching, as we emerge from the devastating blows of COVID 19,” remarked Accion Opportunity Fund’s CEO Luz Urrutia. “She inspires us all with her will to win, unstoppable passion and commitment.”

GREENWOOD Expands Dylani Herath, an esteemed fintech leader and technology changemaker, has joined Greenwood, the digital banking platform for Black and Latino individuals and business owners, as Vice President of Engineering. Dylani, named one of The Top 25 Women Leaders In Financial Technology Of Europe For 2021 by the Financial Technology Report, has more than a decade of deep fintech and banking expertise. Her experience includes over 11 years at FIS, the largest financial processing and payments company in the world, where she served as the Director of Engineering. Most recently, Dylani was a part of JPMorgan Chase & Co. leading initiatives in the SMB segment. Dylani joins Greenwood as part of her personal motivation and a shared vision with Greenwood, to affect change and impact persons and businesses who are often overlooked. "We are thrilled to welcome Dylani to Greenwood, as her technical expertise and motivation to make an impact perfectly aligns with the Greenwood team," said Ryan Glover, Greenwood Co-Founder and Chairman. “We look forward to having Dylani lead development of Greenwood’s suite of products and services, ensuring our customers will have an exceptional banking platform." At Greenwood, Dylani will develop and scale the banking platform, including further developing the platform’s security, growth, and product pipeline. She will play an instrumental role in bringing Greenwood’s online banking services to market and lead in the

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Its

Photo Credit: Craig Cutler

EXECUTIVE ENGINEERING TEAM forward to helping Greenwood achieve this mission.” Greenwood, which announced its digital banking platform for Black and Latino people and business owners in October 2020, has since secured a waitlist of more than 550,000 community members. To learn more and join the Greenwood community, visit www. bankgreenwood.com.

Photo Source: blackprwire.com

iterative development of those services as the company’s user base continues to expand. “I am delighted to join Greenwood, where I am excited to take my

experience of creating high impact at legacy companies to the Greenwood team,” said Dylani Herath. “Part of what drew me to Greenwood was the company’s mission of bettering people and contributing to culture, and I look

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Greenwood is a digital banking services platform for Black and Latino individuals and businesses. Greenwood is partnering with FDIC-insured banks to give customers the ability to spend and save securely through use of best-in-class banking services and innovative ways to support Black and Latino causes and businesses. Advanced account features include Apple, Samsung, and Android Pay, virtual debit cards, peer-to-peer transfers, mobile check deposits, and the largest surcharge fee-free ATM network in the USA. True to its mission, Greenwood will allow customers the ability to round up their spend to the nearest dollar and donate the change to key charity partners such as The King Center for Social Justice, NAACP, and UNCF among others. Greenwood was founded by Civil Rights leader Andrew J. Young; rapper and activist Michael “Killer Mike” Render; and Ryan Glover, founder of the Bounce TV Network. The Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma, which included the “Black Wall Street” of the early 20th Century, is an enduring symbol of the economic potential of community solidarity and empowerment.

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HE ALTH & WELLNE S S NO HEALTH Without MENTAL HEALTH

As most know by now, tennis star Naomi Osaka announced that she would be withdrawing from the French Open after she was fined and threatened to be disqualified for refusing to speak to the media during the tournament. When pressed to provide a reason, Osaka admitted she was a socially anxious person and was looking to protect her mental health. Mental health continues to be a polarizing topic in America and across the globe. The Osaka story has brought about arguments over whether the obligation to fulfill one’s job requirements, which in Osaka’s case includes talking to the press – is more important that maintaining mental wellness. Senior Vice President and Provost of Western University of Health Sciences, Dr. David Baron, was recently elected chair of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Caucus on Global Mental Health and Psychiatry. Dr. Baron believes Osaka could

lead the charge for shifting the perception of mental illness in the sports world. “Physical injuries are routinely accepted as acceptable excuses for missing scheduled press conferences, but emotional or mental injuries are not accepted as of yet,” said Dr. Baron. “We are coming off one of the most stressful years in human history. With so much loss and isolation, anxiety levels are high. There’s a long-term stigma that those who suffer from mental health issues should just get over it, but human beings in any profession can suffer the effects of anxiety and stress,” continued Dr. Baron. As a 23-year-old woman, Osaka is a prominent figure in a generation that is more likely to acknowledge mental health issues. Every person in the public eye who comes forward with their struggles with mental health makes it easier for those suffering to acknowledge their issue and seek the medical care they need.

Photo Credit: Joice Kelly via Unsplash

According to Dr. Baron:  Osaka has been criticized in the media for coming out in support of Black Lives Matter and other societal causes.  The stick-to-sports stigma is damaging to the well-being of athletes and they should be allowed to use their platform to speak their mind.

 Money does not always buy happiness. Stress can be a major issue for those in the public eye.  As more sports leagues start to consider the mental wellness of their players, there will continue to be major changes to how medical staffs treat their athletes.

S U KI S KI N C A R E Launches Menopausal Skincare Women globally are feeling themselves. They advocate. They work. They love. They juggle. They support. They literally do it all. Their bodies are powerful, their minds are even stronger. They are simply superheroes – at every stage of their lives. But when peri/menopause hits there is silence, shame, and secrecy. Only now are we witness to the creation of a midlife reinvention. Women are moving from invisible to invincible!. And Suki Skincare is here to encourage, applaud, admire and to ensure their skincare routine keeps up with their spirit, body and new lease on life. No longer do women entering peri/

menopause view it as the end – it’s the beginning. A new chapter of curiosity and adventure. The knowledge they have gleaned, paired with their comfort in their own skin allows for women to thoroughly enjoy what lies ahead. It’s go-time with no time to waste with the “what ifs” and the “if onlys.” Menopause is not taboo anymore. SukiSkincare has thoughtfully and meticulously developed a natural skincare collection to keep up with women during this incredible time of their lives. “Menopause doesn’t define women anymore. Women are defining their menopause, one that really reinforces that the “best is next to come.” Suki Era aims to help your skin keep up with you and your spirit during this ERA of your life. No doubt your skin changes during perimenopause and menopause. Studies show that women’s skin loses about

30 percent of its collagen during the first five years of menopause and continues to steadily decline after that, skin starts to sag, becomes extremely dry, flushed, looks dull and yes your lines become deeper. “As a brand we were tenacious and diligent making sure our Suki ERA products were effective fighting the skin issues of menopause while being clean and natural. The amount of research and testing that went into the collection is unprecedented. We owe it to our customers and to women everywhere who are often overlooked in the beauty industry says… for sure the best is next to come!,” said Tiffany Kurtz, VP of Brand Marketing and Development. The highly-acclaimed brand of 100 percent clean, 100 percent effective, synthetic free, clinically-proven, scientifically advanced skincare solutions keeps innovating. Suki

Era is already considered serious skin care for menopause. The clinical trials have revealed jaw dropping results: 91 percent said they saw an overall improvement in their skin (includes skin hydration, texture, radiance, evenness, and fine lines/wrinkles) and 91 percent saw an overall improvement in skin hydration and glow.  Reviving Face Cream– a rich,luxurious face cream designed to provide intense hydration and visibly improve elasticity, fine lines, and luminosity in everyone, especially those with mature, dry skin. ($69)  Reviving Cooling Spray – an innovative facial spray designed to cool, replenish, and provide added moisture to the skin – especially during a hot flash (SRP: $40)  Facial Oil – a potent, active, natural oil that was created to restore dull, dry, and depleted skin while providing added antiaging benefits. ($45)

C ommon Life st yle Factors That Cause HEARTBURN  By Dr . Vi k k i Pe t e r s o n Warmer weather is here which means backyard BBQ’s, campfire cookouts, and picnics are right around the corner. But if you suffer from frequent heartburn, food-based get-togethers may not be your cup of tea. But before you turn down your invite or spend even more money on your handy antacids, it’s important to note it might not be all the food’s fault... Dr. Vikki Petersen, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, chiropractor and functional medicine doctor, dives into heartburn, what lifestyle factors could be causing it to flare up more frequently and why it’s important to acknowledge it rather than letting the problem go untreated. “Heartburn is the inappropriate movement of your stomach acid up into your esophagus. Your stomach is a 'bag of acid' and needs to be so highly acidic in order for you to properly digest your food. However, if your stomach spasms it can result in its contents (acid) shooting up into your esophagus. It can also be called GERD or reflux. Longterm exposure to acid can inflame your esophagus, leading to ulcers and even cancer. Antacids are dangerous in their own right as they have long term consequences on your digestion, immune system and bone health. It is critical to fully resolve the root cause of your heartburn,” says Dr. Vikki

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Petersen. So, what are some common causes of heartburn to look out for? Here are Dr. Vikki

Photo Credit: Dr how via flickr

Petersen’s top 7 causes of heartburn to be aware of: #1: OBESITY Being overweight often is associated with an enlarged abdomen and weak abdominal muscles. Good core strength is important to balance the muscles involved in proper digestion. Interestingly, your core muscles are very involved in the proper function and tone of your diaphragm which sits just above your stomach and is a causative factor in heartburn when it is malfunctioning. #2: SMOKING Smoking can relax the sphincter in your esophagus that, by design, prevents food from moving from your stomach into your esophagus. Integrity of this sphincter can be compromised by smoking.

#3: HIGH-FAT DIET Excessive “bad” fats put stress on the liver, gall bladder and stomach. Such irritation can cause heartburn and the presence of inhospitable organisms in your gut. Try incorporating some lower fat foods into your diet. #4: STRESS High, chronic stress puts you into a state of fight or flight, a nervous system response that is incompatible with proper digestion. Good digestion relies on the nervous system being in balance - both the sympathetic and parasympatheic need to be working at full capacity, not just the "fight or flight" response of the sympathetic nervous system. #5: INSOMNIA Insomnia is often the result of heartburn because the irritation created by acid reflux tends to occur more often at night when you are lying down. If you are prone to heartburn try eating foods to reduce this, especially before bed, so you can get a better nights sleep. #6: TOO MUCH CAFFEINE Excess caffeine can cause heartburn in some individuals. Caffeine can relax the sphincter in the lower esophagus that helps prevent food from moving in the wrong direction. If you are someone who’s sphincter relaxes due to caffeine, you will suffer from more acid reflux.

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#7: HIATAL HERNIA I wrote a book on the subject that goes into depth on this topic, but briefly, a hiatal hernia is when the stomach elevates, pushing on to or rising above the diaphragm. This incorrect positioning often results in the acid present in the stomach to move up into the esophagus with heartburn as a result. So how can we avoid and treat heartburn? Here are Dr. Vikki Petersen’s top 3 tips and tricks for avoiding and alleviating heartburn naturally: Tip #1: Eat slowly and chew your food well. Over-filling your stomach can cause it to spasm and move upwards, resulting in heartburn. Try eating more slowly and take more time to chew your food. Tip #2: Do not lie down after eating. While it may be tempting, stay upright allowing gravity to assist digestion. Remember your digestive tract moves from the top down. If you lie down or hunch over it can interfere with efficient movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine. Tip #3: Exercise is best done on an empty stomach. Wait at least 30 to 60 minutes, or until you no longer have any sensation of being full, before beginning exercise. Note: this does not include an easy stroll after a meal. Gentle movement like walking after eating actually assists digestion.

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W YA N D A N C H P U B L I C L I B R A RY A N N U A L O P E N H O U S E D AY The Annual Open House is Wyandanch Public Library’s (WPL) most prestigious event of the year. It is a time for WPL to showcase its great programs, services and resources to the community while having a festive environment. It was also a chance for the community to interact with the helpful staff and takein first-hand the many services that are being offered. The WPL 48th Annual Open House Day featured information on Educational Resources, Technology Resources. On Site Learning, Career Support and Adult Literacy Programs. The day’s activities included Arts & Crafts and entertainment featuring a local Author, Robert Williams, and musical guest Roz Brown and many more. The WPL is still closed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the need to repair the library’s 36-year-old HVAC system. Most of the services, programs

and activities are held virtually. Although the 48th Annual Open House Day was held on the grounds of the WPL, under tents, having the community come out to celebrate, gave a chance to get back to some sort of normalcy due to the Pandemic. The Library building is scheduled to open to the public for limited service on June 15th. PHOTO CREDITS: Gerald Peart

JUNETEENTH

S t r e a m i n g The Harlem Chamber Players announces “Pity These Ashes: Tulsa 1921-2021,” an online concert program honoring Juneteenth, to be held on June 19 at 7:00 PM, in partnership with The Greene Space at WQXR and WNYC, Harlem Stage, and the Harlem School of the Arts. The program will feature the world premiere of “TULSA 1921 (Pity These Ashes, Pity This Dust)” by Dr. Adolphus Hailstork, commissioned in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, with a libretto by Dr. Herbert Woodward Martin. The concert will also include performances of “Starburst” by Jessie Montgomery, “Prema” by Alice Coltrane, and “The People Could Fly” by Trevor Weston that will feature a performance by the Harlem School of the Arts dance corp, choreography by Leyland Simmons, Harlem School of the Arts Dance Chair. The event will be filmed and broadcast from The Greene Space at WQXR and

C o n c e r t

WNYC and will feature mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges, WQXR host and author Terrance McKnight, violinist Jessica (Lady Jess) McJunkins, conductor Amadi Azikiwe, harpist Ashley Jackson, as well as musicians from The Harlem Chamber Players. Liz Player, founder Harlem Chamber Players, said of the program: “Our wish for this program is to use music to confront our painful past that has been buried from us for too long. These brilliant works by Black composers–underrepresented in the classical music canon — tell a story of endurance and resilience, and we hope it helps people to move forward and heal.” Pat Cruz, Harlem Stage Artistic Director and CEO, added: The intersection of art and social justice is at the very foundation of Harlem Stage. We are so pleased to partner on this critical work that shines a light on truth and injustice, and showcases the immense, diverse talent of artists of color.

2021’s Best Cities To G E T And S TAY M A R R I E D Marital success depends on a couple’s commitment. But some cities offer a better chance at a happily ever after than others. LawnStarter ranked the Best Cities to Get (and Stay) Married by comparing the 150 biggest U.S. cities across 11 key indicators of nuptial success. After all, the 2021 wedding season that is already underway is projected to be the biggest ever. See the 10 best (and 10 worst) cities for married couples below. 2021’S BEST CITIES FOR MARRIAGE SUCCESS: Fremont, CA; Jersey City, NJ; Glendale, CA; Arlington, VA; Santa Ana, CA; Oakland, CA; Honolulu, HI; Santa Clarita, CA; Washington, DC; and San Francisco, CA.

Students from Harlem School of the Arts (HSA) dancing to Trevor Weston’s The People Could Fly for our concert to be broadcast on Juneteenth from HSA’s newly renovated Dorothy Maynor Hall.

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2021’S WORST CITIES FOR MARRIAGE SUCCESS: Des Moines, IA; Mobile, AL; Columbus, GA ; Montgomery, AL; Cleveland, OH; Akron, OH; Detroit, MI; Sunrise Manor, NV; Toledo, OH; and Worcester, MA.

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Photo Credit: TVBEATS via Unsplash

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BLACK HEALTH IN AMERICA C a r l o s Wa t s o n , H o s t

Rea l Ta l k Re a l Cha n g e is ba c k w i th e p is o d e t wo wh e re we dis cus s C OV I D, Pre gna n c y & Do c to r s i n th e Bla c k c o m m u n it y.

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