New York Trend NYC: November 4-10, 2021 by Teresa WIlliams

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C E L E B R AT I N G HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS GRADE SENATORS ON VOTING RECORD 30 CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS

The Black Stars News 2015 Annual Awards Dinner will honor Mayor David Dinkins, Rep. CharlesB Y N A T I O N A L U R B A N L E A G U E A coalition of civil rights led deserve the right to know which elected Council of Negro Women (NCNW) indicated, Rangel, Rep. organizations, Yvette Clarke, by the NAACP, released its first-ever Senate official is blocking their right to free and fair "We believe it is past time that the filibuster R. Donahue Peebles, Barbara Scorecard, which grades every U.S. Senator access to the ballot box, and this scorecard be amended to permit protection of civil Arnwine, Inez Barron, Sabrina will provide further transparency as to who on performance defending voting rights rights, or abandoned altogether. It is an Lamb, Rudy Crew, Stephen is being an obstructionist to democracy and in the 117th U.S.Dr. Congress. Participating insult to Black women and to all Americans organizations the National that the power of their vote is diluted by Byrd,include Alia Jones, and Urban the Centralthe right to vote," said Rev. Al Sharpton, League,Park National Network, National President and Founder of the National measures that have the purpose and effect FiveAction survivors of gross injustice Coalition of Black Civic Participation, Action Network. of undermining democracy. Democracy must on December 18 from 6:00pm – Fighting for Our Vote Initiative, National mean the guarantee of civil rights for every "There is a full partisan assault on voting at MIST 46 West Council10:00pm of Negro Women, andHarlem, the NAACP. citizen, or it means nothing at all." rights in this country, especially against 116threlease Street. The scorecard comes on the heels Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing

YEARS!

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

Aliaspearheads Jones, through their NationalByrd Urbanand League the efforts of its 91 localFront affiliates through the company Row Production, development of programs, policy brought “Cat onpublic a Hot Tin Roof” research and advocacy, providing direct and “A Streetcar Named Desire” services that impact and improve the lives with a multi-ethnic cast to of more than 2 million people annually Broadway. In 2016 they nationwide. Visit www.nul.org and followbring us on Facebook, Twitter, and Oscar Winner “Eclipsed” with Instagram: @NatUrbanLeague. Lupita Nyong ’O to Broadway. National Action Network is one of the Black voters, other voters of color and the so-called Central of a minority of U.S. Senators repeatedly leading Honorees, civil rights organizations in the violence against Black people around the “Each honoree chosen for blocking widely popular legislation that is Park 5, are collectively and Nation with chapters throughout the entire recognition hasand demonstrated critical to defending free fair access to United States. Founded in 1991They by Reverend individually heroes. are exceptional leadership and vision in the ballot box for communities of color. Photo Source: National Urban League Al Sharpton, NAN works within the spirit survivors of one of the ugliest David Dinkins Charles Rangel The Civilher Rights Scorecard gives Senators or his respective profession or and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, miscarriage of justice in New York’s grades ranging from A (pass), I (incomplete), Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda endeavor and in some significant history; been railroaded majority. She now leads The was a member of the New York or F (fail), based on their votes on the that includes the having fight for one standard of measure has contributed towards American Recovery Act, Freedom to and unjustly convicted for a crime Transformative Justice Coalition. City Council, representing the justice, decency and equal opportunities creating a more just society in this Vote Act, John Lewis Voting Rights for all people of race, religion, they regardless did not commit and for which Arnwine was for 26 years executive 40th council district in Brooklyn, country,” says Star News Advancement Act as wellBlack as their support nationality or gender. For more information they served long prison sentences director of the Lawyers’ Committee succeeding her mother, Una S. for eliminating the filibuster. founder and publisher Milton go to www.nationalactionnetwork.net th ranging from seven years to 13 years for Civil Rights Under the Law. T. Clarke. In the current 114 “Obviously much work The National Coalition on Black Civicwhen the "We areAllimadi. at war for our democracy, yet before being exonerated Congress Clarke serves on Inez Barron, honoree, formerly aParticipation (NCBCP) is one of the lawmakers are still a wayhere to putand needs to finding be done actual rapist confessed. They are: the Energy and Commerce partisanship above country," said Derrick State Assembly member, is nowmost active civil rights and social justice around the world.” Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond Committee, responsible for Johnson, President and CEO, NAACP. "It is a New York City council memberorganizations in the nation "dedicated to gala starts at 6:00pm Santana Jr., Antron McCray, ent increasing civic engagement, economic and Kevin ncem time weThe put Senators jeopardizing our with civil a Adva s consumer protection, Senat foodors bloc ked the John Votin g Rightof education for andLewis a champion af ter a mino rit y of U.S. voter empowerment in Black America." The rights oncocktail notice. We must and clear, of hour tobe beloud followed by the A week way the Richardson, and Kharey Wise. in ing stand safety, energy development, public ors out Senat is calli ngour youth. c oalit ion of civil right s orga nizat ions Black Women's Roundtable (BWR) is all across the nation, that we will not rest dinner and awards ceremonies. ThereAct, ahealth, chan ge s to adva nce legis l ation . communications, the rule for g catin advo s, right The Black Star News, which focuses g votin to prot ect until voting rights for all are restored. This ation l legis Honoree Imhotep Gary Byrd is the women and girls' empowerment and will be musical entertainment by environment, and interstate and power building arm of the NCBCP. At the has on investigative journalism, Congress must use any means possible a legendary radio talk show host forefront of championing just and equitable singertoCassandra Douglas young voters. international commerce. to pass opera the Freedom Vote Act and John Historically, when our laws country, the NAACP (National Association been featured as a result of some if and executive producer, radio DJ,public policy on behalf of Black women, and from Lewis Voting Rightsharmonica Advancementphenomenon Act." have failed to protect our right to vote, we of Colored People) its news scoops, on CNN, The New R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is for the Advancement poet, songwriter, music recording BWR promotes their health and wellness, William Galison. David Dinkins is have relied on the courts to deliver justice is the largest and most pre-eminent civil To drive Senators to take action, on York Daily News, The New York a leading developer right and to founder ofrights organization artist andinproducer, by upholding our constitutional the nation. rapper, We have writereconomic security & prosperity, education honored Lifetime Achievement November 10 and for 12 coalition partners Post, The Village Voice, and Brill’s The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest empowerment as key elements over 2,200 and branches acrossHe thebeganand global are activating in states andunits community activist. — hemembers was New York across City’s first vote. However, the past several months for success. Content magazine. African American-owned demonstrated that even the highestreal nation, along with well 2M activists. the country to demand action tomayor advance his career asover a radio DJ in Buffalo African American and alsohave court inestate the land, the with U. S. Supreme Court, is to secure the political, Council of Star NegroNews Women, Inc. legislation to protect voting rights. firm $3.5 billion worthOur mission Past Black honorees at age 15. For over 30 years, he’s National welcomed Nelson Mandela to the is subject political influence being educational, social, and economic equality (NCNW) is an "organization of organizations" Mobilization efforts will focus most directly oftoproperties under and development have included: Gil Noble (Like It a talk show race-based host at WBLS and city after hisGeorgia, releaseVirginia, in 1990. used to uphold, approve and expand of rightsbeen in order to eliminate (comprised of 330 campus and communityin Delaware, Florida, and or management — he was one Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad WLIB and radio in New Yorkand City. Hebased sections and 32 national women's conservative efforts to suppress the vote of discrimination ensure the health Wisconsin. Rep. Charles Rangel, also honored the pioneering developerswho millionsof of people in our nation. That leaves well-being of all O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, that enlightens, inspires and also haspersons. a Friday night radio talk organizations) "There isfor noLifetime greater crisis facing our nation Achievement, has the veryhelped turn around and revitalize core of our democracy at risk and connects more than 2,000,000 women Voza Rivers (New Heritage Theatre), NOTE: The Legal show onDefense WBAI.Fund – also at this moment than the preservation served in Congress since 1971. He we is cannot any longer to pass federal and men. Its mission is to lead, advocate thewait once-blighted Anacostia referred to as the NAACP-LDF was founded of democracy," National Urban League Errol Louis (NY1 News), Amel legislation that fights backinagainst efforts Lamb, empower women of African a recipient of The Bronze medal for in 1940Honoree as a part ofSabrina the NAACP, but founderfor, andLarrieux neighborhood Washington, D.C. President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. (Entertainer), Dr. William has the ability to participate descent, their families and communities. of World of Money, is a champion separated in 1957 to become a completely "Historyhelping will judgesave everysoldiers member behind of the enemyto limit who A champion of African-American Pollard (Medgar Evers College), fully in our democracy, without barriers, It is recognized as the ofentity. financial literacy for youth-- sheNCNW promotes education with a special Senate line on their commitment to protecting during the Korean War. empowerment Peebles’ separate is fear andeconomic intimidation. That is why we are Herm Edwards (NY Jets), on science, technology, art, Nayaba nation'steaches first civil and human rights law handlingemphasis our most sacred Constitutional right. The knowledge about contemplating a possible run for NYC urging the U.S. Senate to eliminate the engineering, and math (S.T.E.A.M.); Rep. Yvette Clarke is a Democratic Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna organization and shares our commitment to Civil Rights Scorecard is not just a measure money, budgeting and planning. encourages entrepreneurship, financial filibustermayor and immediately in 2017. pass the John R. equal rights. of therecord. US House of each member Senator's voting It is a of Fountain (Columbia University), Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act," and economic stability; educates measure of their character, their integrity Dr. Rudy Crew, honoree, is one ofliteracy,Lillian Representatives from New Roberts Desiree Dancy Honoree Barbara Arnwine, said Melanie L. Campbell, President and civil The National Urban League is a historic women concerning health(DC37), equity; promotes and their patriotism." th the nation’s leading educators. He’s York whose 9 district covers (New York Times), Greg Floyd civil rights organization dedicated to rights lawyer, is a champion CEO of The National Coalition on Black of civic engagement, sound public policy, and (Local "Time ismuch up for the Senate toBrooklyn. end the Before Civic Participation. economic empowerment in order to of central 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National president of Medgar Evers College social justice. For more information, please protecting voting rights of ethnic filibuster and deal with the immediate threat elevate the standard of living in historically visit www.ncnw.org entering Congress in 2007, she Johnnetta Action Network), and many others. Betsch Cole, Ph.D., National of The City University of New minority groups — the emerging to our voting rights. The American people underserved urban communities. The Chair and 7th President of the National

INSIDE T HIS ISSUE: IS SUE : INSIDE THIS

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N AT ION AL BUILD BACK BE T TER

 BY N ATIO N A L U R B A N LE A G U E

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the revised Build Back Better framework President Biden announced today: “For decades, American families have struggled to achieve the American dream of economic prosperity, homeownership and financial freedom due to years of neglect and failure of investment from Congress and the Trump administration. Today, President Biden reassured the American people that their dreams have not been forgotten. “While the framework President Biden announced today does not include all the National Urban League’s priorities, it is a substantial down payment on a historic investment in a prosperous future. “The Build Back Better framework

D O W N P AY M E N T

will work to create millions of goodpaying jobs, enable more Americans to join and remain in the workforce, and grow our economy to allow equal opportunity for growth. Specifically, this framework will provide: Universal preschool

‘A M E R I C A N D R E A M ’

Expanded child tax credit Expanded Medicare and Medicaid coverage  Affordable housing and opportunities for home-ownership  Increased investments in workforce development including registered

N AT I O N A L U R B A N L E A G U E P R E S I D E N T A N D C E O S AYS P R E S I D E N T B I D E N ’ S B U I L D B A C K B E T T E R F R A M E W O R K I S A D O W N PAY M E N T O N T H E ‘ A M E R I C A N D R E A M . ’ Photo Source: NUL

apprenticeships  Increased Pell Grant funding  Expanded support for HBCUs and other MSIs “The National Urban League, its 91 affiliates and the broader civil rights movement advocated fiercely for provisions that would further our goals for a ‘new normal’ that is inclusive, equitable, and most of all, attainable. We are pleased to see that the revised framework reflects many elements of the National Urban League’s Main Street Marshall Plan. This bill will fundamentally change the lives of millions and reshape their communities. “We urge members of both chambers to pass the bill at the earliest opportunity and send it straight to President Biden’s desk. A vote for “Build Back Better” is a declaration of solidarity with the American people.“

CENSUS UNDERCOUNT ROBS BLACK COMMUNITIES

FUNDS

 BY N ATIO N A L U R B A N LE A G U E

A historic undercount of Black Americans in the 2020 Census could rob Black communities of billions of dollars in federal funding and the equivalent of almost three seats in the House of Representatives, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial has warned. “This isn’t simply an unfortunate accident,” Morial said. “It’s the result of a deliberate campaign of sabotage intended to steer political influence and public resources away from communities of color. From a raciallymotivated attempt to add a citizenship question to ending the counting early, the Trump administration made every effort to manipulate the census for partisan gain." As the Los Angeles Times editorial board wrote late last year: Much as he has done to other governmental institutions, President Trump has swung a wrecking ball through the census. In his zeal to use the decennial headcount to hurt Democrats and help Republicans in future elections, Trump has destabilized a process that determines how many seats in Congress each state will have, as well as guiding how congressional and state legislative districts will be drawn. The National Urban League is calling for hearings in the House of Representatives to determine the extent of political interference in the Census and the immediate passage of federal voting rights legislation to prohibit racially-motivated gerrymandering of Congressional districts.

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R E PR E S E N TAT I O N

Furthermore, Morial said, the Census Bureau should expedite the release of more detailed operational data below the state level to determine where the problems occurred, so local decision makers can determine where

grants. While funding formulas are complex, the George Washington Institute of Public Policy places the value of each completed census form at more than $4,000 per person. That means an undercount of 2 million

Photo Source: NUL

the needs are. Black Americans have been undercounted in every Census since 1790, when we were counted as three-fifths of a person. But an independent analysis found that the 2020 undercount may be three times worse than the last Census in 2010, and the undercount of Black children under 18 may be 10 times worse. “In other words, about 2 million Black Americans went uncounted,” Morial said. “It could be the worst undercount in decades.” Over the next 10 years, the federal government will rely on 2020 Census data to determine the distribution of approximately $1.5 trillion across 316 federal programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, Head Start, student loans, and highway construction

people represents a loss of more than $8 billion in funding. The undercount also siphons political representation away from communities with high Black populations into predominantly white areas. With each Congressional district representing about 700,000 residents, the undercount is roughly equivalent to the loss of three members of the House of Representatives. “While the undercount is infuriating, it’s not surprising,” Morial said, noting that early last year the National Urban League assembled the Black Census Roundtable, a coalition of individuals and organizations dedicated to a complete, full and accurate count, emphasizing hard-to-count communities.

November 4, 2021 - November 10, 2021

In January 2020, Morial testified to the House Oversight Committee regarding concerns about hiring delays and backlogs, as well as the Census Bureau’s inadequate media campaign for Black outreach. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in March, the National Urban League implored the Trump administration to extend the Census deadline, and in April, the administration complied. But in August, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham abandoned the extended timeline, cutting counting operations short and forcing the Bureau to complete at least 7.5 months of work in 4.5 months. The National Urban League immediately sued Ross, Dillingham, the Commerce Department, and the Census Bureau, contending that the “arbitrary and capricious” decision to abandon the revised timeline was a violation of the Bureau's constitutional duty. Furthermore, the plan was abandoned in furtherance of President Trump’s politically-motivated plan to exclude undocumented people from the population totals used to apportion the U.S. House of Representatives. District and appellate courts ruled in the National Urban League’s favor, but ultimately, the Supreme Court allowed the census to end the count early. “So, the undercount is no surprise, but it is no less a betrayal,” Morial said, “and it is one that we must make every effort to remedy and prevent from ever happening again.”

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NEWS

“ H I S T O R I C ” C O N F I R M AT I O N

In the wake of a Census that was weaponized politically and undercounted Black and Brown Americans by millions, the confirmation of U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Santos represents a welcome return of integrity and independence to the agency, National Urban League President Marc H. Morial said.

of programs, public policy research and advocacy, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of

U.S. CENSUS DIRECTOR

more than 2 million people annually nationwide. Visit www.nul.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and

Instagram: @NatUrbanLeague.

“As a scientist, Director Santos will lead the agency with a commitment to data quality and accuracy,” Morial said. “As the first person of color to serve as permanent director, he brings a muchneeded perspective to the agency’s longstanding diversity shortfalls." “The expertise, experience and insight garnered from his career-long research and advocacy on behalf of undercounted populations of color will enhance the Bureau’s efficiency and effectiveness,” Morial said. The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically under-served urban communities. The National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its 91 local affiliates through the development

Photo Credit: Errich Petersen /Associated Press

CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS MEET The leaders of the nation’s top historic civil rights organizations released the following joint readout on their meeting today with Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia: “Citing the deteriorating crisis of democracy that continues to overtake the country, national civil rights leaders implored Sen. Manchin to commit to the protection of voting rights using every means at the Senate’s disposal, including overriding the filibuster. “Since the leaders last met with Sen. Manchin in June, some states have continued to enact discriminatory restrictions on voting and have begun approving racially-gerrymandered political maps. Conscientious election officials are being driven from office and replaced with partisan extremists intent on subverting the voters’ will. “This not only hurts democracy overall, but the communities we represent, who have been historically disenfranchised throughout our nation’s history. We have fought too hard for our voting rights to see them eroded. “Every Senator must grasp the urgency of this critical moment in history and take immediate action to protect voting rights. “The leaders noted that, despite Sen. Manchin’s efforts to assemble a bipartisan coalition to pass voting rights legislation, not a single Republican Senator has been willing to cooperate in the defense of democracy. It’s time to dispense with the filibuster.

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“Over the last half-century, the Senate has carved out 161 exemptions from the filibuster, many of which are in common use, on matters involving trade, foreign policy, defense, budget reconciliation, judicial confirmations, and health care. “The leaders impressed upon Sen. Manchin that nothing is more crucial to a functioning democracy than the right to vote, the most enshrined right in the Constitution. Conversely, the filibuster, primarily used in the 20th Century to block civil rights legislation, never was

VOTING RIGHTS

part of Framers’ vision for the Senate and is not enshrined in any law.” Civil rights leaders in attendance included:  National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial  NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson  The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Interim President and CEO Wade Henderson  National Action Network, (NAN) President & Founder Reverend Al

Sharpton  Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law President and Executive Director Damon Hewitt  National Coalition on Black Civic Participation/Black Women’s Roundtable President and CEO Melanie Campbell  National Council of Negro Women Executive Director Janice Mathis  NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) President and Director-Counsel Sherrilyn Ifill

Image Source: NUL

November 4, 2021 - November 10, 2021

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BUSINE S S M O ST I N F LU E N T I A L B L AC K C O R P O R AT E D I R E C TO RS N A M E D California Resources Corporation (NYSE: CRC) announced today that Tiffany (TJ) Thom Cepak, Chair of the Board for CRC’s Board of Directors, has been recognized as one of the 2021 “Most Influential Black Corporate Directors” by Savoy magazine. As a leading business publication on African American success and achievement, Savoy publishes its annual definitive list recognizing and celebrating African American executives, influencers and achievers for their business leadership in national and globalleading corporations. “CRC and its Board of Directors is proud to have TJ serve as the Chair of the Board,” said Mac McFarland, CRC's President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are fortunate to benefit from TJ’s 26 years of energy industry experience in engineering and finance, and the thoughtful leadership she brings to the company. TJ is very deserving of this achievement, and we offer our congratulations to her on this recognition of her distinguished career and endurinag business contributions."

Patterson-UTI and Ranger Oil Corporation. Ms. Cepak served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Energy XXI Gulf Coast Inc. from August 2017 to October 2018 and as CFO of KLR Energy from January 2015 to June 2017. She has also held various management positions with Yates Petroleum Corporation, EPL Oil & Gas, Inc., Exxon Production Company and ExxonMobil Company.

Photo Source: businesswire.com

California Resources Corporation (CRC) is an independent oil and natural gas company committed to energy transition in the sector. CRC has some of the lowest carbon intensity production in the US and we are focused on maximizing the value of our land, mineral and technical resources for decarbonization by developing carbon capture and storage (CCS) and other emissions reducing projects. For more information about CRC, please visit www.crc. com.

Ms. Cepak has served as a member of the CRC Board since 2020 and was appointed Chair of the Board in 2021. She also currently serves as a director for

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VOLUME 31 ISSUE 27

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AR T S & MEDIA ART EXHIBIT EXPLORES D I V E RS I TY Behind South Florida’s cloudless sky and golden light exists a fragile community that is facing issues of class, race, climate change and gentrification. Starting on November 20, Oolite Arts kicks off Feels Like 97°, a lens-based exhibition where artists look beyond the city’s dreamlike imagery and into the area’s diversity and socio-economic divide.

conversation is also what helped plant the seed for Feels Like 97°.”

AND

ECONOMICS

of human interaction through textiles and photographs while focusing on the overlap among art, community, and

cultural community to engage with their work.

Curated by renowned visual artist Michelle Lisa Polissaint, Feels Like 97° features the work of 10 artists who provide their perspective on South Florida’s way of life and ecosystems by analyzing varied regions of South Florida including the murky swamps of the Everglades. The participating artists include Jerry Carnation, Angel Lauren Garcia, Phillip Karp, Ivete Lucas and Patrick Bresnan, Terence Price II, Monica Sorelle, Esdras Thelusma, Monica Uszerowicz and Sofia Valiente. Several highlights from the exhibition include Garcia’s video work, Self-Titled, where she discusses her relationship to her given name as a Cuban-American woman. Sorelle’s work, Miami Hues, features an Instagram project from 2016 that focused on the aesthetics of Miami coupled with sight specific assemblage. Similarly, Valiente’s long-term photography series called Foreverglades, documents how the beltway region has been affected by socio-economic issues. “While working as a studio assistant, someone told me that people in South Florida are spoiled because of our access to natural golden light,” Polissaint said. “This made me think about how aesthetics like light contribute to conversations about the area’s socioeconomic status. This

Terence Price II. Eatonville • Fish Fry, 2017-2021. Video Courtesy of the Artist. Image Source: blackprwire.com

To visit Feels Like 97°, the public can make an appointment between the hours of noon and 5 p.m., November 20, 2021 – January 23, 2022 and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. during Miami Art Week. It will be presented at 928 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. For updates, visit oolitearts.org. Florida born, Haitian-American visual artist and arts organizer, Michelle Lisa Polissaint’s practice explores the nature

activism. Prior to her current role as Education and Community Engagement Manager at Oolite Arts, she produced public programs and engagement initiatives at cultural organizations like Locust Projects and the nowdefunct Miami Rail. Polissaint, who is represented by Spinello Projects, is also a current resident artist at Bakehouse Art Complex in Miami. Oolite Arts helps Miami-based artists advance their careers and inspires the

Established in 1984, Oolite Arts is both a community and a resource, providing visual artists with the studio space, exhibition opportunities and financial support they need to experiment, grow and enrich the city. Through its educational programming, Oolite Arts helps Miamians learn about contemporary art and develop their own artistic skills.

AMERICAN LEGACY NETWORK ADDS BLACK HISTORY COLLECTION American Legacy Network (ALN) has announced that now through January 31, 2022 the BLACK HISTORY UNCOVERED film collection is available for streaming on the network. The collection features films that highlight important individuals, events and organizations in Black history. The addition of this collection to ALN is the most recent in the effort of the streaming service to highlight and document Black history and culture. ALN Founder and CEO, Rodney J. Reynolds, is excited to add to the company’s streaming options. “At ALN, we’re constantly looking to showcase impactful films about impactful people, events and organizations,” said Reynolds. "The Black History Uncovered collection certainly falls in this category.” The film collection includes films such as The REAL Great Debaters, The Good Fight, Rising From The Rails: The Story

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of The Pullman Porters, In The Shadow of Hollywood, A Colored Life: The Herb Jeffries Story and Flying For Freedom: Untold Stories of The Tuskegee Airmen. There are a total of nine (9) films in the collection. ALN is proud to continue the tradition of bringing often little-known Black history to a wider audience. To subscribe for ONLY $3.99 per month visit www.americanlegacynetwork.tv. Rodney J. Reynolds founded American Legacy magazine in 1995 as a joint venture with Forbes, Inc. Obtaining a circulation of over 2 million, the magazine was published for 15 years. American Legacy Network Corp. (ALNC), a multimedia content, and experience producer is the holding company for its operating units which include Streaming (American Legacy Network), Mobile Experiential (ALXMOBILE), and TV/Film Production (ALN Productions). The mission of ALNC is to broaden and enhance

the awareness of Black history & culture while telling the stories of the African-American experience in

November 4, 2021 - November 10, 2021

America through its products. Visit American Legacy Network at www. americanlegacynetwork.tv.

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E VENT S Nielsen's CONSUMER REPORT EXPLORES INFLUENCE Nielsen continues to dedicate itself to telling the story of the power of Black audiences, their diversity, and the representation of the collective Black community. According to "Seeing and Believing: Meeting Black audience demand for representation that matters," the newest report in Nielsen's Diverse Intelligence Series, the U.S. Black population has a complex and powerful legacy that continues to shape countries and cultures around the world. Yet, when it comes to representation in media, the complexity that creates the richness of their experience is often lost, and when present, undervalued. As Black Americans continue to video stream, listen to radio and podcasts, as well as buy Black, they continue to lead the conversation and stay connected through social media -- having an unprecedented impact on brands and what consumers watch, purchase, and listen to. "As the media industry looks to be more inclusive of Black storytellers and brands look to grow their bottom lines and brand awareness with Black audiences, understanding who we are, where we're connected, and how we're changing is as important as ever. All of this work translates to the important acknowledgment of the value the Black community delivers 'for the culture' and beyond," says Charlene Polite Corley, VP, Diverse Insights & Partnerships, Nielsen. Key findings from the report include: Black America is taking control of both the economic and media influence they hold and they are using it to invest in Black

BLACK CULTURE

experiences, Black communities, and Black content.  Two out of three Black viewers are more likely to watch representative content and buy from brands that advertise in representative content.  In 2020, Black Buying Power was at $1.57 Trillion.  In 2021, Black viewing power was at 1.06

of Black people in the U.S. report speaking a language other than English at home; people identifying as "Black in combination with another race" increased 89% in the last decade; and Afro-Latinos are 8% of today's U.S. Black population.  58% of Black audiences say there's still not enough representation of their identity group on screen.

Trillion. The urgency to get representation right is real—it's a primary factor for the massive viewing levels Black audiences deliver and the shift in Black viewing power to platforms most representative of their community and identity group. But getting representation right is increasingly nuanced.  According to the 2020 U.S. Census, 9% of America's rural population is Black; 16%

 Nearly a quarter of the reported genres in Gracenote Inclusion Analytics reported zero representation of Black talent in recurring lead roles. The preference to connect with meaningful content extends to audio with traditional radio reaching 92% of the U.S. Black population each week, and this same group of listeners averaging over an hour and a half a week of streaming audio.  Traditional radio continues to prove the

MEDIA TRENDS

power of its reach providing the gossip, pandemic guidance, and breaking news that's kept Black listeners connected this year, for over 21 million minutes a week.  Black listeners aren't just streaming audio more than other audiences, they're listening closely when brands reach out—averaging a 73% brand recall for podcast ads.  Social media's omnipresence within Black people's daily media routine continues as a source for nuanced content; digital influencers are an even more important touchpoint.  51% of Black people 18+ spend daily time on TikTok and 29% spend daily time on Instagram than their counterparts. Audience influence and advocacy are intertwined as Black creators and viewers across platforms unify to uproot exploitation within the media ecosystem and create a sense of urgency for social change.  27% of credited writers were Black on the most representative broadcast and cable dramas for Black talent in the first quarter of 2021.  70% of representation isn't just for endemic networks: seven out of the 10 top dramas represented by Black talent aired on general audience networks. In the era of personalization and inclusion in media, Black audiences worldwide are looking to see both their collective and distinct experiences represented.  Black America delivers over 1 trillion viewing minutes in a single quarter but is also twice as likely to feel portrayals of

-- cont'd on Page 8

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FILM

D O C U M E N TA RY F O C U S E S

BOUNCE, the first broadcast and multiplatform entertainment network serving African Americans, will explore the topic of policing and the Black community with the world premiere of “Protect or Neglect” at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday, Oct. 27. The exclusive new, one-hour Bounce Original documentary will be available on Bounce’s popular subscription streaming service Brown Sugar starting Oct. 28.

“Protect or Neglect” looks at decades of turmoil between the Black community and police officers. With interviews from brutality survivors, academics, civil rights attorneys, former police staff and entertainment luminaries, the special looks to address the age-old question: “Who guards the guardians?” “The deaths of Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, Breanna Taylor, George Floyd and too many others have drawn worldwide attention, and the powerful voice of the Black Lives Matter movement has sparked a global conversation on the subject of the treatment and value of Black people in America,” said Bounce General Manager Cheryle Harrison. “Bounce plays an important role in the Black community,

and ‘Protect or Neglect’ was produced to amplify this discussion and let voices be heard.”

Among those interviewed in “Protect or Neglect:” Cedric The Entertainer and his daughter Lucky Kyles, political activist and former House member Stacey Abrams,

POLICE

AND THE

Dorsey questions the behavior displayed repeatedly towards the Black community by police officers, which, she said, will only end when those officers take responsibility

retired LAPD sergeant Cheryl Dorsey, “A Million Little Things” producer Royale Watkins and the co-stars/co-executive producers of Bounce’s “Johnson,” Deji LaRay and Thomas Q. Jones. Cedric The Entertainer talks openly with his daughter about the emotional toll she

her dream of making it in America as a Broadway actress. Driven by her determination and hopes for what could have been, Nompumelelo sacrifices all that is dear to her for a chance to fulfill her wildest dreams. Her restlessness leads her across the Atlantic Ocean to New York City, where adventure quickly gives way to a barrage of formidable challenges. Actress, producer, and writer Phumi

Left: Phumelele “Phumi” Mthembu. Photo by Djiko Demba. Right: Muzi Mthembu. Photo by @Munroe_Portraits. Courtesy of AAA Entertainment.

African America opens with a traditional Zulu wedding ritual in which a group of women tell the bride that she must be a good wife. Her identity is no longer hers, and the authority in the household belongs to her husband. That bride is Nompumelelo (played by Phumi Mthembu), a young South African woman who seems to have it all—a doting, new husband, a stable career, and family and friends who love her. Yet, something is missing, and that something eats away at Nompumelelo’s ability to be happy with her life. Nompumelelo’s name means success, and she will stop at nothing to pursue

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Georgia governor, shares her story of not being let into her own graduation celebration. “It’s not a figment of our imagination,” she says. Jones comments on crimes committed by police officers, while LaRay offers, “I think too many people still don’t acknowledge that abuse exists. ...We have to have law enforcement that are willing to not keep this wall of silence.” According to a Pew Research Center study, nearly 92% of white officers surveyed believe Black people in the U.S. have equal rights, compared to only 29% of Black officers. The documentary asks the question: “How much longer must the Black community go on feeling neglected?”

for their actions and are held accountable. When it comes to the police, USC Law Professor Jody Armor vehemently recounts an experience he calls the “Black tax” - a common theme shared by the voices in the documentary. Abrams, a former candidate for

A F R I C A N F I L M M A K E R S TA C K L E C O M P L E X I T I E S South African filmmakers Phumelele “Phumi” Mthembu and Muzi Mthembu are living the independent filmmaker’s dream. Together, the brother and sister duo completed their first feature film, African America, which screened at the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) earlier this year. African America was such a hit with audiences that Netflix acquired the film and debuted it for streaming in July of 2021.

BLACK COMMUNITY

deals with watching people who look like her die at the hands and knees of police officers who took an oath to protect.

Mthembu based the story on her own experiences as a fledgling artist. As a teenager, Phumi was cast in Zenon: Z3, a 2004 Disney movie. Like Nompumelelo, Phumi left South Africa in search of her big break. In 2014, Phumi arrived in America on a student visa to study musical theater only to be confronted by a set of harsh realities. She found that casting agents either overlooked her or cast her in stereotypical supporting roles. The price tag for city living was also daunting. “There were a lot of pressures and financial considerations that really started to weigh on me,” Phumi says. “There was no reprieve from the hustle, and the burden of that was so heavy.” Once

AMERICAN DREAM

her visa ended, Phumi returned home to South Africa feeling downhearted and disillusioned. Instead of allowing her failures to quiet her creative voice, she channeled her energies into the story for African America. Her brother Muzi came on to help write the script and direct the project. “Working with my sister has been such a beautiful collaboration,because we know each other so well,” Muzi notes. “Our references and taste levels are the same. She just gets what it is that I’m trying to communicate, and she also trusts me. She knows that I would never exploit her in any way, so that’s been the greatest advantage to working as siblings.” Under South Africa’s apartheid, strict censorship laws limited television and film access for many communities of color. “When the apartheid government in South Africa decided to make television widely available for the majority, our parents were part of the first cohort within the industry,” Muzi says. “Our parents formed MVP Productions, the production company that made African America, and we have now taken over the business. We’re second-generation filmmakers.” While filmmaking in South Africa poses its own unique challenges, Muzi and Phumi agree that there are ample funding opportunities for Black filmmakers in their home country. African America’s primary funder was the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), a South African government agency. Because the film is set in South Africa and the United States, the filmmakers knew that they would need a solid American producer, so they teamed up with Avril Z. Speaks, who previously produced the award-winning film, Jinn. Utilizing her connections and knowledge of the American film scene, Speaks relieved some of the pressures of shooting across continents, allowing

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Bounce (@bouncetv) programming is seen over-the-air, on cable, on DISH channel 359, over-the-top on Roku®, on mobile devices via the Bounce and Brown Sugar apps, and on the web via BounceTV. com. Bounce features a programming mix of original series, docu-series and movies, off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, specials, live sports and events, and more. Bounce is part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

Muzi and Phumi to fully focus on their creative vision. “I think everyone feels like you have to be in New York or Los Angeles to make an international production, but what I learned from being overseas is that we have a far greater chance of mounting the barriers that we face as filmmakers from here in South Africa than we do elsewhere,” Phumi says. Currently, the siblings are shooting a drama series as well as working on their second film. The duo’s list of dream collaborators includes Spike Lee, Kevin Hart, Will Packer, Oprah Winfrey, Issa Rae, Tyler Perry, and Ava DuVernay. Phumi and Muzi also are interested in exploring the Atlanta film scene because they see value in stories of Black affluence. “We are from Johannesburg. We are from South Africa,” Phumi says. “We love where we are from, and all of our stories will certainly be informed by our context, but we’re also confident that we will be able to give Africa a say in what has become an international conversation on Black excellence. We would like to be major contributors to that conversation.” African America. Starring Phumelele “Phumi” Mthembu, Anthony Goss, and Thami Buti. Directed by Muzi Mthembu. Written by Muzi Mthembu and Phumi Mthembu. 96 minutes. Rated TV-MA. Now streaming on Netflix. April Dobbins is a writer and filmmaker based in Miami. Her work has appeared in a number of publications, including the Miami New Times, Philadelphia City Paper, and Harvard University’s Transition magazine. Her films have been supported by the Sundance Institute, International Documentary Association, Firelight Media, ITVS, Fork Films, Oolite Arts and the Southern Documentary Fund. She is a graduate student at Harvard University.

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BUSINE S S M B D A T E C H N I C A L A S S I S TA N C E FOR BUSINESSES OPENS Do you want to grow your business? Florida’s MBDA City-to-City Tour is coming to Miramar! The City of Miramar and M. Gill & Associates, Inc. will lead the charge and will present the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Technical Assistance Open House. The free event is presented by the MBDA Business Center, Export Center and CARES Act Relief Initiative – operated in Florida by M. Gill & Associates, Inc. The Open House takes place on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 from 10 AM – 4 PM at the Miramar Cultural Center, located at 2400 Civic Center Place in Miramar, Florida. It is being presented by Marie R. Gill, Founder & CEO of M. Gill & Associates, Inc. and Executive Director of the MBDA Technical Assistance Programs and hosted by The Honorable Alexandra Davis, Commissioner, City of Miramar. “The MBDA Technical Assistance Open House presents a great opportunity for businesses to grow to new heights,” said Marie R. Gill. “I highly recommend that businesses register for and attend this phenomenal event.” Program highlights from the event include:  Presentations on Financing, Exporting, Contracting Opportunities, Business StartUp and Growth Strategies  New Techniques in Bidding and Acquiring Government and Corporate Contracts  Where’s the Money? Come and Find Out | Get Help with Loan and Grant Applications  Learn How to Gain Access to Online Business Planning Tools and Bid Opportunities – Free of Cost

 Not Yet Certified as an MBE, WBE, DBE, 8 (a), HUBZone, or SBE? MBDA experts will be there to help – Free of Cost!  Table Ambassadors and One-on-One Matchmaker Meetings – Stimulate Your Mind – Share Business Experiences  Programs and Services Available from the City of Miramar  Meet with City Departments – Business Inclusion Diversity, Economic & Business Development and Procurement Lunch will be provided during the event. Registration is required, so register early, as seating is limited. Sponsors for the MBDA Technical Assistance Open House include M. Gill & Associates, Inc.; Broward County, Florida; Broward Health; Broward County Public Schools; FSB; EXIM; Miramar Pembroke Pines; Janette l. Davis CPA LLC; Jamaica USA Chamber of Commerce, Inc., Opa-Locka Community Development Corporation; and Broward Community. M. Gill & Associates, Inc. operates the MBDA Export Center – Florida, the MBDA Business Center, Florida, and is a CARES Act Grantee that is operating the MBDA CARES Act Relief Program to help in the COVID-19 Recovery process for small and minority firms throughout the state. All these MBDA Programs are funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). All MBDA-funded programs provide business development and growth services to help minority business enterprises build scale and capacity, increase revenues, create jobs, and expand into new and global markets.

FIRST B LACK OW NED GR O CERY O PEN S Safety, Nutrition and Sustainability are important elements for any community and for Nourish + Bloom Markets, it’s the cornerstone of their business model. Nourish + Bloom Market, set to open on December 17th, in Fayetteville Georgia features “frictionless shopping” - customers will be able to walk in, grab what they need, and leave without waiting in line or stopping to scan and pay, especially helpful in this “new normal” post pandemic world. The owners, Jamie Michael Hemmings and Jilea Hemmings began their journey into the food industry after their oldest son was diagnosed with Autism. They believe that everyone deserves access to healthy food options. Getting access to healthier options is made easier through their fully

Photo Credit: Nourish + Bloom via Linkedin

autonomous shopping experience and robotic delivery. Nourish + Bloom is re-envisioning the traditional corner store by focusing on the personal connections of the neighborhood retailer while infusing sustainability, and autonomous checkout technology. Food and personal care items are curated with the highest standards in mind. Highest priority is given to local brands to reduce our carbon footprint. Nourish + Bloom offers locally sourced

craft items, such as produce, meats, baked goods, dairy and prepared meals, alongside everyday grocery items with no checkout. The benefit of autonomous shopping, vending, and robotic delivery means you have 24/7/365 access to real food and environmentally friendly products anytime. Anchored in the Nourish + Bloom market is the bistro offering freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner items including sandwiches, salads and healthy rice bowls. All products provided

at Nourish and Bloom Markets are made with the highest quality ingredients that are minimally processed. There are No GMO’s or High Fructose Corn Syrup included in any products. The Nourish + Bloom Market will offer uniquely curated products and a wide assortment of premium food and personal care products. They will also offer a fresh, prepared foods menu with the finest ingredients.

Nielsen' s CONSUMER REPORT EXPLORES INFLUENCE OF BLACK CULTURE ON MEDIA TRENDS (cont'd from p.5) their identity group on T.V. are completely inaccurate.  Jamaica has a culture with global influence, including places like the U.K. and 20% of the foreign-born Black population in the U.S.  Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, outsources global trends like Afrobeats and "Nollywood" films, and is

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considered home for 18% of foreign-born Black people in the U.S. Businesses need to demonstrate their understanding of the diverse segments within the Black community.  Black men have a high on-screen presence in T.V. content with a 15.5% share of screen, but 44% of Black men feel that the content that portrayed their identity

group on-screen was inaccurate.  While the number of advertisers spending in traditional media focused on reaching African Americans has been up 16% since last summer, Black men are increasingly engaged outside of these platforms to find the forums that offer nuanced representation, connection, and solace.  Black women are twice as likely compared

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to viewers overall to seek out content where they are seen on screen.  Embracing the impact of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) is a strong example of when brands show they understand the nuances of the Black experiences. It is the opportunity to connect with diverse communities on personal, culturally relevant levels.

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HE ALTH & WELLNE S S GENEALOGISTS NAMED

FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT

The Board for Certification of Genealogists® extends its congratulations to Board-certified genealogist LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson of Washington, D.C., on her election as a Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists (ASG) at the society’s annual meeting on 9 October 2021. She is the society’s 170th fellow. The ASG, founded in 1940 and limited to fifty life-time members, promotes the highest standards of genealogical publishing and scholarship.

LaBrenda joins the prestigious ranks of ASG Fellows who include Boardcertified genealogists Melinde Lutz Byrne of New Hampshire, Frederick

primer with important methodological lessons applicable nationally—and an authoritative guide to genealogical research in the state of Alabama.”2

Election to the ASG is based on “the quality of a genealogist’s published work. Emphasis is upon compiled genealogies and published works that demonstrate an ability to use primary source material; to evaluate and analyze data; to properly document evidence; and to reach sound, logical conclusions presented in a clear and proper manner.”1

As explained on the ASG web site, LaBrenda “has a twenty-year record of writing family history, first as a dedicated amateur while practicing law, and then, since her retirement from that profession, as an authoritative writer and genealogical educator. Her compiled genealogical scholarship in journals such as National Genealogical Society Quarterly focuses on AfricanAmerican families during and after enslavement, including combining DNA match evidence with traditional documentary evidence in a notoriously difficult field. Her educational publications include a guide to researching African-American family history in Laurens County, South Carolina, where she has roots—a

BCG President LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG, CGL, Elected Fellow of the American Society of Genealogists Photo Source: blackprwire.com

C. Hart Jr. of Connecticut, Helen Hinchliff of British Columbia in Canada, Henry B. Hoff of Virginia, Thomas W. Jones of New York, Roger D. Joslyn of New York, Rachal Mills Lennon of Tennessee, Barbara Mathews of Massachusetts, Elizabeth Shown Mills of Tennessee, William Bart Saxbe Jr. of Massachusetts, Clifford L. Stott of Utah, and the late Helen S. Ullmann of Massachusetts, as well as BCG emeritus associates John Frederick Dorman of Virginia, Ronald Ames Hill of Idaho, Helen F. M. Leary of North Carolina, Christine Rose of California, and Neil D. Thompson of Utah. Our heartfelt congratulations to LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, JD, LLM, CG, CGL, FASG! -- Elyse Hill, CG BCG News Release Coordinator The words Certified Genealogist and its acronym, CG, are a registered certification mark, and the designations Certified Genealogical Lecturer and its acronym, CGL, are service marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists®, used under license by board certificants after periodic evaluation. 1. “About the ASG,” American Society of Genealogists (http:// fasg.org/about/ : viewed 11 October 2021). 2. “New Fellows: Robert Battle, LaBrenda Garrett-Nelson, and Randy A. West,” American Society of Genealogists (https://fasg.org/ news/).

COMMUNITY HEALING DAYS F O C U S O N E M O T I O N A L R E PA R AT I O N S Community Healing Network has announced the schedule for the annual observance of Community Healing Days, coming up this weekend, October 15-17. This year’s theme is: The Case for Emotional Reparations. Launched in 2006 and endorsed by the late Dr. Maya Angelou, the celebration of Community Healing Days is designed to “put time for healing” at the top of the Black community’s agenda— healing, as Dr. Angelou said, “from the lies we’ve been told and the ones we’ve told ourselves.” Community Healing Days is one of a range of strategies developed by CHN to mobilize Black people across the African Diaspora to heal from, and extinguish, the lie that Black people are inferior. “That lie,” said CHN Founder and President Enola G. Aird, “is the most powerful weapon ever formed against us, the root cause of the distinct challenges we face

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as a people, and the greatest crime against our humanity. Unless and until we free ourselves and our children from this lie, our lives will continue to be devalued and we will continue to

be dehumanized.” The three-day Community Healing Days 2021 virtual celebration will feature: 1. On Friday, October 15, 1:00-2:30

pm, Eastern time, Black Scholars Making the Case for Emotional Reparations. Panelists will include: Dr. Jameta Barlow, George Washington University; Dr. Huberta JacksonLowman, Florida A & M University; Dr. Onaje Muid, Male Co-Chair of N'COBRA's Health Commission; and Dr. Raymond Winbush, Morgan State University. They will focus on the emotional damage caused by the lie and what we can—and must—do to repair it; 2. On Saturday, October 16, 1:002:00 pm, Eastern time, An Hour of Emotional Refreshment with Dr. Jameta Barlow; and 3. On Sunday, October 17, 3:00-4:30 pm, Eastern time, the presentation of the 2021 Community Healer Awards. This year’s honorees are:  Rev. Odell Montgomery Cooper, author of Interruptions, a story about turning pain into purpose;  Dr. Bernard Lafayette, Chair of

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the Southern Christian Leadership Conference;  Maysa Leak, American jazz singer;  Dr. Wizdom Powell, Director of the Health Equity Institute at the University of Connecticut;  Rev. Dr. Robert Turner, Pastor of Historic Vernon AME Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and reparations activist;  The 2021 National Community Healer Award--N’COBRA: The National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America—Male CoChair Kamm Howard, and Female Co-Chair Queenmother Mashariki Jywanza  The 2021 Global Community Healer Award--Her Excellency Ambassador Arikana ChihomboriQuao, M.D., former Ambassador of the African Union to the United States, and Founder and President of the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI).

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EDUCAT ION A V I AT I O N I N D U S T R Y O P E N S Founded on the principles of the Tuskegee Airmen, the RedTail Flight Academy (redtailflightacademy.org), located at the New York Stewart International Airport, welcomes seven minority students from across the country and the U.S. Virgin Islands to its state-of-the-art training facility to receive a FAA Part 141 multi-engine commercial pilot license and an instrument rating. In order to develop coveted career opportunities within the aviation industry, the academy has developed an Ambassador Program as well as strategic alliances between partners, such as Baldwin Safety & Compliance, Global Aerospace, ShepherdAero and Wheels Up.. Through the RedTail Flight Ambassador Program, corporations and aviation industry organizations will offer the SMS platform, internships, lectures, roundtables, shadowing and mentoring opportunities within its inaugural year, exposing students to the array of career paths within aviation. RedTail Flight Academy Ambassadors have tailored their commitment to uniquely compliment the 10-month curriculum. “We are grateful to our RFA

NUL

AND

Ambassadors as their financial and leadership support will provide so many opportunities for our cadets,” said Glen Fraser, Director

of Lee A. Archer Jr. Red Tail Youth Flying Program. “Within a month of launching the academy, our cadets have already shown a strong determination to excellence that will only develop with partnerships with our Ambassadors." “We are proud to support RFA by providing state-of-the-art SMS/ QMS software, SMS training, and a

‘DIVERSIFY THE SKY’ ACADEMY Safety Manager/Mentor to ensure the success of the program.” said Don Baldwin, President and CEO of Baldwin Safety & Compliance.

Based at Stewart, New York’s Major General Irene Trowell-Harris chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc., the RedTail Flight Academy's strategic alliances with its Ambassadors will move forward its vision to “diversify the sky.” One of the many goals of the Ambassador program is to increase the number of minority aviators from less than 2% to 4%

EXPERIAN L AUNCH PARTNERSHIP

National Urban League and Experian North America today announced the launch of a new partnership to further the mission of financial inclusion and empowerment for all. National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial and Experian North America Chief Executive Officer Craig Boundy shared the news during the opening day of National Urban League’s first all-virtual Conference. “The racial credit gap is a major barrier to Black entrepreneurship, home-ownership and wealthbuilding,” said National Urban League’s Morial. “By utilizing a more inclusive credit-scoring model and offering other financial services, this innovative partnership will help put Black business owners, homeowners and job-seekers on a more equal footing, building stronger communities and a stronger economy.” Through this partnership, Experian is providing National Urban League Young Professionals – a community-based volunteer auxiliary comprised of young professionals

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ages 21-40 – and those enrolled in one of 12 Urban League Entrepreneurship Centers with free access to their Experian consumer credit report and FICO® Score,

FOR

across aviation functions, including the flight deck, maintenance, operations, service and more. Follow RedTail Flight Academy’s #DiversifytheSky hashtag for updates on student milestones and academy news. Corporations and organizations interested in joining the RedTail Flight Academy Ambassador Program can visit https://www. redtailflightacademy.org/rfaprogram.

Based at the New York Stewart International Airport in New Windsor, New York, the RedTail Flight Academy (RFA) represents a major milestone toward bringing more diversity to aviation, making world-class flight training accessible to young, aspiring minority aviators. The RedTail Flight Academy supports a Part 141 flight training curriculum that spans 10 months and results in a multi-engine commercial pilot license with an instrument rating for candidates between the ages of 18 and 21. The academy is a leadership development program developed by Tuskegee Airmen Inc.’s Major General Irene Trowell-Harris chapter and its 501(C)3-approved Lee A. Archer Red Tail Youth Flying Program.

C R E D I T E D U C AT I O N

can boost credit scores to reflect a more accurate payment history by factoring in utility bills, cellphone bills and video streaming services.

health and we’re excited this new partnership will facilitate these opportunities,” said Boundy.

“Access to credit enables

Investing in communities is a key pillar of Experian’s Corporate

consumers the chance to reach their goals. We know that some have faced more obstacles than others through no fault of their own. Whether it’s buying a home, a car, or access to credit itself at a more affordable rate, everyone deserves the chance to achieve financial

Social Responsibility program. The partnership is part of Experian’s United for Financial Health initiative, which aims to empower and protect vulnerable consumers to improve their financial health through education and action.

Image Source: experian.com

along with the ability to potentially increase their credit scores instantly with Experian Boost™. Experian will also be offering small business tools, services, and educational content. Based on a more inclusive creditscoring model, Experian Boost

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END NO TE S S TA R Z M a k e s L A R E N Z TAT E

Series Regular

‘POWER BOOK II: GHOST’

-- By Ann B r o wn Starz announced that Larenz Tate (“Power”, Ray, Crash) has been upped to series regular in Season 2 of Starz’s “Power Book II: Ghost” set to premiere on Sunday, November 21 across all Starz platforms in the U.S. and Canada, and will air day and date internationally on the STARZPLAY premium streaming platform across its complete footprint in Europe, Latin America and Japan. Tate will reprise his role as Rashad Tate, a down-but-never-defeated Councilman. With the loss of the New York gubernatorial race still fresh, he refuses to feel sorry for himself. Some guidance from his brother pushes Tate to stop waiting for something to happen and use his influence to take action – leading him to unexpected places. After sampling a taste of power, Tate won’t be satisfied until he has the full meal, but he’ll have to decide what he’s willing to sacrifice for his seat at the table. Tate joins the previously announced

“Orange Is the New Black”) as “Lorenzo Tejada”, Woody McClain (“The Bobby Brown Story,” “The New Edition Story”) as “Cane Tejada,” Lovell Adams-Gray (“Coroner,” “Slasher”) as “Dru Tejada,” LaToya Tonodeo (“The Oath”) as “Diana Tejada,” Alix Lapri (“Power”, Den of Thieves) as “Effie Morales,” and Paton Ashbrook (“House of Cards,” “Shameless”) as “Jenny Sullivan.”

(Photo courtesy of Starz)

cast: Michael Rainey Jr. (“Power,” Lee Daniels’ The Butler) as “Tariq St. Patrick,” Mary J. Blige (Mudbound, “The Umbrella Academy”) as “Monet Stewart Tejada,” Shane Johnson (“Power,” Behind Enemy Lines) as “Cooper Saxe,” Gianni Paolo (Ma, “The Fosters”) as “Brayden Weston,” Daniel Bellomy (The Real MVP: The Wanda

Durrant Story) as “Ezekiel ‘Zeke’ Cross,” Paige Hurd (“The Oval,” “Hawaii Five-O”) as “Lauren Baldwin,” Cliff “Method Man” Smith (“The Deuce,” Garden State) as “Davis MacLean,” Melanie Liburd (“This is Us,” “Gypsy”) as “Caridad ‘Carrie’ Milgram,” Daniel Sunjata (“Graceland,” “Manifest”) as “Mecca,” Berto Colon (Inside Game,

“Power Book II: Ghost” is executive produced by Courtney A. Kemp and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. The “Power” Universe series are executive produced by “Power” creator and showrunner Courtney A. Kemp through her production company End of Episode, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson through G-Unit Film and Television, and Mark Canton through Atmosphere Entertainment MM. End of Episode’s Chris Selak, Shana Stein and Bart Wenrich also executive produce. Brett Mahoney and Danielle De Jesus also serve as executive producers. Lionsgate Television produces the series for Starz.

M E L V I N VA N P E E B L E S P R O D U C T I O N C O N T I N U E S Melvin Van Peebles’ “The Godfather of Black Cinema” documentary film “Sweet Black” continues with production in light of the famed filmmaker’s unexpected death. The iconic filmmaker was 89. The legendary director who brought us films that illuminated the Black experience, including “Sweet Sweetback’s Badaass Song,” considered to be the movie that pioneered the blaxploitation sub-genre, passed away Sept. 21 at his New York City home surrounded by his children Mario, Max, Marguerite and Mandela, Mario’s son. His son, acclaimed director/actor Mario Van Peebles made the announcement of his father’s death the next day via Instagram. Los Angeles based Tanya and Philip Hart of Flying Free Films are co-producers of the documentary “Sweet Black” along with Sylvie Gautier of Pop Films located in Paris, France. Sweet Black is a feature documentary about the director, writer, actor and playwright Melvin Van Peebles, and it celebrates the 50th Anniversary of his industry game-changing film “Sweet Sweetback’s Badass Song” which debuted

in 1971. The documentary is a tribute to Melvin Van Peebles. Catherine Bernstein and Martine Delumeau are the writers and directors. Jerome Colin is director of photography for the film. Phil and Tanya Hart were in the middle of producing “Sweet Black” when they received word of Melvin Van Peebles’ passing. They had completed an interview with famed director Reggie Hudlin and were preparing to interview with actor/director Bill Duke. Phil Hart recounts, “I was in the midst of being interviewed by our crew from Paris about my experience of attending the March 31, 1971, premiere of 'Sweet Sweetback’s Baadaaasss Song' at the Grand Circus movie theater in Detroit. At the time I was a graduate student and activist at Michigan State University. On Sept. 16 our crew was at Melvin’s apartment in Manhattan where we interviewed his children Max, Mario, and Marguerite and grandson Mandela.” Each read an excerpt from Melvin’s diary. Phil and Tanya Hart are both excited and saddened as they enter post-production

(Photo courtesy of Sweet Black)

on “Sweet Black,” “We are so pleased to be on the team that is telling the story of 'The Godfather of Black Cinema' Melvin Van Peebles with permission from and participation by the Van Peebles family. Rest

In Peace and Power Melvin Van Peebles.” “Sweet Black” will air in March 2022 on ARTE TV in France, Germany and the EU. Soon thereafter it will air in the US.

O N LY O R I G I N A L T E M P TAT I O N

HONORED OTIS WI L L I AM S — the only surviving, original member of The Temptations — is about to be 80! City College Center for the Arts, on the campus of City College of New York, is honoring the 60-year history of the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Grammy Award-winning Otis Williams and The Temptations, on Monday, November 1 ,with a special live, virtual event. The affair will feature a conversation with Williams, a founding and the sole surviving original member of The Temptations sharing memories about the “Evolution of The Temptations’ Music, 1961 –2021,” while also celebrating his 80th birthday. This special virtual conversation will be simulcast at citycollegecenterforthearts. org from the Aaron Davis Hall’s renowned Marian Anderson Theatre, named after

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CITY COLLEGE

the distinguished African American singer who broke racial barriers and inspired new generations of singers of all colors. Distinguished musician, composer and entertainment entrepreneur K. Sparks will conduct the online event, which begins at 7:30 p.m. EDT and will feature other special guests. City College Center for the Arts Managing Director Greg Shanck said, “For more than four decades, Aaron Davis Hall has been Harlem’s performing arts center. World scholars, artistic giants and academic geniuses like Nelson Mandela, Alicia Keys, President Barack Obama and Ella Fitzgerald, just to name a few, have blessed these stages through the years. The City College of New York is so proud of the contributions The Temptations have made, and continue to make, to the American

cultural landscape and we are honored to add their name to that distinguished list.” Otis Williams, legendary recording artist, songwriter, executive producer and author, said, “I am thrilled to be celebrating the group’s 60th Anniversary and my 80th birthday with our extended Tempts’ family from across the City College campus in Harlem, and throughout New York and the rest of the country. The Temptations had some of its most memorable performances in Harlem and other parts of New York during our career. To mark these capstones with an online discussion about my career at the prestigious and diverse City College of New York, a college known for its commitment to the Performing Arts, and for recognizing one of the greatest trailblazers in American music history, Marian Anderson, is an incredible honor for me and The Temptations.”

November 4, 2021 - November 10, 2021

(Photo courtesy of UME)

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WHEREVER YOU’RE HEADED, ROLL IN THE VIP SEATS All New 2022 Equinox RS

The all-new 2022 Equinox RS adds flavor to life in the fast lane. Designed with a stylish trim, striking black interior and sporty red accents, the Equinox RS is always the hottest seat in the house.

FI N D N E W TR E N DS, F IND NE W RO ADS

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November 4, 2021 - November 10, 2021