New York Trend NYC: September 29 – October 5, 2022

TREND

MAYOR DAVID DINKINS, REP. CHARLES RANGEL, HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The Black Stars News 2015 Annual Awards Dinner will honor Mayor David Dinkins, Rep. Charles Rangel, Rep. Yvette Clarke, R. Donahue Peebles, Barbara Arnwine, Inez Barron, Sabrina Lamb, Dr. Rudy Crew, Stephen Byrd, Alia Jones, and the Central Park Five survivors of gross injustice on December 18 from 6:00pm –10:00pm at MIST Harlem, 46 West 116th Street

The ADL (Anti-Defamation League) and the National Urban League have announced the launch of the Community Solidarity & Safety Coalition (CSSC), an alliance comprised of non-governmental and non-partisan leaders that will work to collectively address critical community safety issues, especially focused on communities that have been targeted by hate-fueled violence. The CSSC will endeavor to shape community responses to solidarity and safety challenges and partner with federal, state, and local governments to keep communities safe from rising threats like domestic terrorism.  The White House is hosting the United

STAND

WHITE HOUSE SUMMIT

our communities and how we can work with government partners to counter them.”

“The murderous attack in Buffalo, NY by a white supremacist, the synagogue shooting in Pennsylvania, and the heinous attack against Asian women in Atlanta are just a few examples of why the convening of the Community Solidarity & Safety Coalition is needed now more than ever,” said Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League “In order to address the growing threat of hatefueled violence and extremism, it will take all levels of government and community members from various disciplines to come

“Each honoree chosen for recognition has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in her or his respective profession or endeavor and in some significant

was a member of the New York

extremism;

We Stand Summit on September 15th to convene civil society organizations and community leaders dedicated to countering hate-fueled violence. The Summit comes after civil society partners – including ADL and the National Urban League – sent a letter to President Biden calling for such a summit following the tragic white supremacist terrorist attack in Buffalo, NY. The summit will highlight the rising threat of domestic violent extremism in our nation and amplify the voices of those affected by rising hate in the United States.

from these communities is an excellent first step, and we applaud the Biden Administration’s leadership,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO “We need more urgent, scaled, ongoing action to fully address the domestic extremist threat and keep our communities safe. Some of the action that needs to be taken depends on our communities – we must work together to, when possible, speak with one voice about how threats impact

cocktail hour to be followed by the dinner and awards ceremonies. There will be musical entertainment by opera singer Cassandra Douglas and from harmonica phenomenon William Galison. David Dinkins is honored for Lifetime Achievement — he was New York City’s first African American mayor and also welcomed Nelson Mandela to the city after his release in 1990. Rep. Charles Rangel, also honored for Lifetime Achievement, has served in Congress since 1971. He is a recipient of The Bronze medal for helping save soldiers behind enemy line during the Korean War Rep. Yvette Clarke is a Democratic member of the US House of Representatives from New York whose 9th district covers much of central Brooklyn. Before entering Congress in 2007, she

together to devise a solution. We thank President Biden for taking the initiative to address this threat to our nation directly and look forward to working with ADL and CSSC to promote healing and safety in our communities.”

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

The CSSC will consist of a group of cross-sector organizations who will focus specifically on solidarity and safety issues for community-based and nonprofit organizations, houses of worship, educational spaces, and other public spaces where communities have been targeted. CSSC founding partners will:

1  Promote a broad national recognition of the threat of domestic violent extremism;  2  Enable participating organizations to speak in concert against domestic violent extremist movements and together advocate for needed policy solutions;

3  Prompt an assessment of the safety posture of private and nonprofit sector organizations and institutions to address the threat posed by domestic violent

Honoree Barbara Arnwine, civil rights lawyer, is a champion of protecting voting rights of ethnic minority groups — the emerging

4 

Call for specific policies that strengthen the capabilities of organizations and institutions across sectors to be prepared to confront hate-fueled violence;

5  Disseminate best practices related to hate-fueled violence; and

6  Encourage planning and training that strengthens our collective solidarity and safety.

As a result of the work of the CSSC, organizations across American life –from houses of worship to nonprofit organizations, community-based groups to large national retailers, and

R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is a leading developer and founder of The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest African American-owned real estate firm with $3.5 billion worth of properties under development or management — he was one of the pioneering developerswho helped turn around and revitalize the once-blighted Anacostia neighborhood in Washington, D.C. A champion of African-American economic empowerment Peebles’ is contemplating a possible run for NYC mayor in 2017.

more – will have access to the ever evolving considerations and concerns of communities that are being targeted, and collective action that ultimately leads to more secure spaces for all Americans.

The CSSC launches today, September 14, 2022, in keeping with the spirit of the United We Stand Summit. With the support of Values Partnerships – the largest black-owned social impact agency in the country – this unity-driven solidarity and safety executive forum will build membership and governance structures throughout the remainder of the calendar year and begin operations in January 2023.

30 YEARS!

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

National Action Network

National African American Clergy Network

National Association of Evangelicals

National Baptist Convention of America

National Pan-Hellenic Council

National Coalition on Black Civic

National Council of Black Churches

National Council of Churches

National Latino Evangelical Coalition

Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers

majority. She now leads The Transformative Justice Coalition. Arnwine was for 26 years executive Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law. , honoree, formerly a member, is now council member and a champion of education for our youth.

Progressive National Baptist Convention

Rabbinical Assembly

The Asian American Foundation

UnidosUS

United Negro College Fund

Union for Reform Judaism

United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism

Pioneering producers Stephen Byrd and Alia Jones, through their company Front Row Production, brought “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “A Streetcar Named Desire” with a multi-ethnic cast to Broadway. In 2016 they bring “Eclipsed” with Oscar Winner Lupita Nyong ’O to Broadway. Honorees, the so-called Central Park 5, are collectively and individually heroes. They are survivors of one of the ugliest miscarriage of justice in New York’s history; having been railroaded and unjustly convicted for a crime they did not commit and for which they served long prison sentences ranging from seven years to 13 years before being exonerated when the actual rapist confessed. They are: Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, and Kharey Wise.

ADL is a leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of anti-semitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to protect the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment for all. Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. ADL is the first call when acts of anti-semitism occur. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education and fighting hate online, ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate. More at www.adl.org

Honoree Imhotep Gary Byrd is a legendary radio talk show host and executive producer, radio DJ, poet, songwriter, music recording artist and producer, rapper, writer and community activist. He began his career as a radio DJ in Buffalo at age 15. For over 30 years, he’s been a talk show host at WBLS and WLIB radio in New York City. He also has a Friday night radio talk show on WBAI

Founding members include:

The Black Star News, which focuses on investigative journalism, has been featured as a result of some if its news scoops, on CNN, The New York Daily News, The New York Post, The Village Voice, and Brill’s Content magazine.

Methodist Episcopal Church

Action Commission

Honoree Sabrina Lamb, founder of World of Money, is a champion of financial literacy for youth-- she teaches knowledge about handling money, budgeting and planning.

America

Federations of North America

Shepard

Dr. Rudy Crew, honoree, is one of the nation’s leading educators. He’s president of Medgar Evers College of The City University of New

The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its 92 local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people annually nationwide. Visit www.nul.org for more information.

Past Black Star News honorees have included: Gil Noble (Like It Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, Voza Rivers (New Heritage Theatre), Errol Louis (NY1 News), Amel Larrieux (Entertainer), Dr. William Pollard (Medgar Evers College), Herm Edwards (NY Jets), Nayaba Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna Fountain (Columbia University), Lillian Roberts (DC37), Desiree Dancy (New York Times), Greg Floyd (Local 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National Action Network), and many others.

David Dinkins

Charles Rangel

PRESIDENT’S LOAN FORGIVENESS APPLAUDED DURING ECONOMIC CRISIS

The National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s announcement of a plan to forgive a portion of student loan debt for those who need it most and extend the pause on federal student loan repayment until the end of the year:

“Today, President Biden offered muchneeded relief to millions of federal student loan borrowers. With the stroke of a pen, he is forgiving $10,000 in federal student loan debt for those making under $125,000 a year for non-Pell grant recipients and up to $20,000 for Pell grant recipients. The plan also extends the moratorium on federal loan repayment until the end of the year and takes other long-term steps to ameliorate the college debt crisis for all.

“The extra relief for Pell grants recipients will especially help Black, Latino, and low-income borrowers and is responsive to the National Urban League’s call for an approach that recognizes these borrowers often owe more and for longer periods.

“While only a first step, the President’s actions will put borrowers one step closer to the financial freedom needed to purchase a home, save for retirement, and build wealth for themselves and their families. Now, we need Congress to work on a long-term strategy for student loan debt relief for existing borrowers and reducing the cost of college for current and future students.

“The Urban League stands ready to work with Congress and the White House to make college more accessible and affordable for all.”

CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS RECOGNIZE STATE OF EMERGENCY AHEAD OF 2022 MIDTERM ELECTIONS

On the 59th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, leaders of the nation’s most prominent civil rights organizations have declared a state of emergency for democracy in the United States. Their proclamation comes in response to the concerted effort in states nationwide to disenfranchise voters, the likes of which we have not seen since the Jim Crow Era that motivated the 1963 March. The tactics are different, but the intent is the same: To maintain power by blocking access to the ballot box and undermining our democracy. On the anniversary of the March and on the eve of the 2022 midterm election, civil rights leaders issued a call to action to guarantee democracy and ensure the state of our union is strong.

They called for federal officials to use existing laws to protect the right to vote and guarantee the safety of poll workers; state officials to expand – not pare back – access to the ballot box, especially for disenfranchised communities; and all Americans to turn out to vote in November and make sure at least two people they know do the same.

“Each year, the anniversary of the March on Washington is an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s progress toward Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream. This year, however, we reflect on how much of that progress has been eroded by the vicious backlash against racial justice and democratic principles that now engulfs us. The ongoing campaign to obliterate of the “one-person, one-vote” principle is an astonishing reversal of a two-century moral arc that has bent, if slowly and unevenly, toward universal suffrage. But the path forward is clear. When we gather to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the March next year, it will be as brothers and sisters whose right to vote and participate as full citizens is not is not compromised by color or creed, in the oasis of freedom and justice of Dr. King’s dream,” said Marc Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League

“Fifty-nine years ago today, our predecessors gathered on the Lincoln Memorial in recognition that he saved the union, and in doing so promised us all equal rights. That promise remains unfulfilled. Our union is still at risk, in 2022, as states are systemically and relentlessly chipping away at the right to vote. We are assembling today in that same spirit of 1963, to preserve the union and guarantee the right to vote for all Americans. It is our mission to

ensure every American is safe at the polls and can exercise their right to their fullest ability,” said Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of NAN

“In 1963, the ‘March on Washington for Jobs and Justice’ was a collective response by civil rights groups in America to the racism, hatred and economic repression

Dr. King’s dream,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO

“Thanks to the efforts of Black voters across the country, and the multiracial, multigenerational coalition that revitalized the movement for racial justice following George Floyd’s death, we have a President who has secured significant legislative victories

voting, especially those that target and disenfranchise Black voters. We honor the people who marched for jobs and freedom in service of our democracy 59 years ago by using the power of the vote to advance equality, close the racial wealth gap, and empower Black communities today,” said Janai Nelson, President and DirectorCounsel, Legal Defense Fund

that had long-plagued and terrorized Black people for decades. Today, we find our rights and freedoms are once again under attack and our democracy is under threat--thanks to the rolling back of our rights by the U. S. Supreme Court, including voting rights & reproductive rights; the passage of repressive voter suppression laws targeting black and brown people being enacted by over 19 states over the past two years; the historic rise in racism and white nationalism across the country; and attack on our democracy and the ‘rule of law’ by white nationalists and insurrectionists.

Today, I join in solidarity with my civil rights colleagues to lift up and celebrate the 59th Anniversary of the March on Washington in a collective call to action by continuing the fight for our rights, freedoms, justice, safety and to save our democracy from peril for future generations to live out their dreams,” said Melanie Campbell, President and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation

“On the 59th anniversary of the March on Washington, we find ourselves at a point in history where our rights are consistently threatened and, in some communities - outright repealed. Far too many Black Americans today feel like their voice isn’t heard and their family is struggling. The message is clear - Congress and the BidenHarris Administration must enact the federal legislation that we have been calling for the past two years. We want to see police accountability reform and comprehensive voting rights that ensures democracy works for all. When we gather next year to mark the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, Black communities across the country should be able to feel closer to

for Black people and people of color. However, we also find ourselves in a sharp, deeply harmful reversal of this momentum. Our Democracy is under sustained and unrelenting attack. Draconian voting laws restrict access and dilute the voting power of Black and brown voters in many states. The courts continue to chip away at the laws designed to protect ballot access and ignore decades of precedent on issues ranging from reproductive rights to affirmative action. The January 6 Capitol insurrection – driven by white supremacist rhetoric, intentional misinformation, and the Big Lie of voter fraud – was no aberration. The same co-conspirators and their apologists remain a threat to overturn legitimate election results. In the face of these ongoing threats, we must defend the rule of law, hold accountable those who defy it, and protect the right to vote that our elders died for by passing legislation that expands access to the ballot box and stops the suppression of Black voters. This is the floor, not the ceiling, of what is necessary to make the promise of our democracy real for Black people and for everyone,” said Damon Hewitt, President and Executive Director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

“At a time when none of us can take our right to vote for granted — when the dual threats of voter suppression and election sabotage loom large and threaten the future of our democracy — it’s absolutely imperative that every individual and every community who is dedicated to furthering the gains we’ve made commits to participating in this year’s elections, which are just two months away. It is equally imperative that every state and federal actor works to protect the right to vote and remove obstacles to

“The 1963 March on Washington helped propel historic civil rights laws that legally barred racist practices from job discrimination to poll taxes that long blocked Black people from voting. A. Philip Randolph, our co-founder, called that day the ‘first wave’ and proclaimed that the fight would be ‘carried to every nook and cranny’ of this country. Sixty-nine years later, we still face attacks on our rights by powerful forces that lie about voter fraud to reverse our gains; that undermine labor organizing to undermine job protections, and now even attack the fundamental rights that for Black women can mean the difference between life and death in pregnancy and childbirth. We and our allies will be in every nook and cranny where people need help learning where and how they can vote, encouraging people to be neutral poll workers, not nefarious plants, and to ensure Black people, young people, women, all of us, understand just how much power we have when we show up at the polls, even when they close our polling places, deny us water, and threaten us with violence. We also need federal judges that protect our fundamental rights. With the upcoming midterm elections, it is crucial that everyone ensures they are registered to vote and exercises that fundamental right. Together, we will not go back to the dark days of reigning white supremacy and build a country that lives up to its ideals,” said Maya Wiley, President and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

“I marched in the historic 1963 March on Washington that ended at the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall. The voices of the multitude and the huge diverse audience were a force for unity that speaks to us across the decades. The powerful messages have never been diminished by time but stand as a collective beacon ringing forth today as an undiluted call to protect our democracy. The people’s unencumbered freedom to vote is a conduit to its preservation,” said Thelma T. Daley, Ph.D., President and National Chair, National Council of Negro Women

Photo credit: NUL. President Joe Biden and NUL CEO Marc Morial

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE TO PARTNER WITH CLEAN ENERGY CENTER

Hundreds of highly-trained workers from underrepresented populations in five cities will be connected with clean energy job opportunities through a new Urban Apprenticeship Readiness Program – a joint initiative of the National Urban League and the Center for Energy Workforce Development

“The intersecting demands for climate and racial justice have created a unique opportunity for diversity and inclusion in the fast-growing clean energy industry,” said Marc H. Morial, National Urban League President “The urgency is particularly pronounced in urban communities, which not only have been historically underrepresented in this type of economic opportunity, but also disproportionally suffer the impacts of climate change.”

This special collaboration funnels the National Urban League’s diverse pool of workforce development participants from preparatory training and pre-apprenticeship programs to opportunities in Registered Apprenticeship Programs with energy companies across CEWD’s partnership network.

“We recognize the need to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace so that our companies can better represent the communities and customers they serve,” said Missy Henriksen, Executive Director, CEWD “By ensuring a skilled, diverse energy talent pipeline, we can build a stronger, more innovative industry that is able to respond to fast-changing issues and demands.”

The partnership targets key industry occupations in the solar, wind, nuclear, electric, natural gas, and other clean energy sectors, including line workers, gas technicians, plant operators, engineers

(cybersecurity, mechanical, electrical, civil, and others), and general technicians. The program will operate in five Urban League affiliates: Urban League of Louisiana, Chicago Urban League, Houston Area Urban League, Louisville Urban League, and Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. The affiliates are responsible for recruitment, intake assessments, eligibility screening services, enrollment, career readiness training, soft skills training, support services, partnership and liaison with pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship Program partners, and referral to Registered Apprenticeship

Program opportunities.

A Registered Apprenticeship Program is a proven model of apprenticeship that has been validated by the U.S. Department of Labor or a State Apprenticeship Agency.

About The National Urban League : The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. The National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its 92 local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people annually nationwide. Visit www.nul.org and follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @NatUrbanLeague

CEWD is a non-profit consortium of energy companies, contractors, associations, unions, educators, and business partners working together to ensure a skilled, diverse workforce pipeline to meet future industry needs. Learn more at cewd.org and GetIntoEnergy.org

IBM TO ADDRESS CYBERSECURITY TALENT SHORTAGE

During the National HBCU Week Conference convened by the U.S. Department of Education and the White House, West Virginia State University (WVSU) announced a collaboration with IBM to help establish a virtual WVSU Cybersecurity Leadership Center WVSU is one of 20 schools working with IBM to create Cybersecurity Leadership Centers. With 500,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the U.S., the need for expertise is critical: According to a recent IBM Security study, insufficiently staffed organizations average $550,000 more in breach costs than those that state they are sufficiently staffed.

“The need for highly trained workers in the cybersecurity field has never been more clear, and this partnership with IBM will help ensure that West Virginia State University will be at the forefront of addressing this critical need both in West Virginia and throughout the nation,” said WVSU President Ericke S. Cage “We are grateful to IBM for their commitment to WVSU and for the opportunities it will create for our students, faculty and staff.”

Through IBM’s collaboration, faculty and

GOVERNMENT

students at participating schools will have access to coursework, lectures, immersive training experiences, certifications, IBM cloud-hosted software, and professional development resources, all at no cost to them.

This includes access to:

CURRICULA : IBM will develop for each participating HBCU, a customized IBM Security Learning Academy portal – an IBM client offering – including courses designed to help the university enhance its cybersecurity education portfolio. In addition, IBM will continue to give access to IBM SkillsBuild

IMMERSIVE LEARNING

EXPERIENCE : Faculty and students of participating HBCUs will have an opportunity to benefit from IBM Security’s Command Center, through which they can experience a highly realistic, simulated cyberattack, designed to prepare them and train them on response techniques. Moreover, HBCUs’ faculty will have access to consultation sessions with IBM technical personnel on cybersecurity.

SOFTWARE : Multiple IBM Security premier enterprise security products hosted in the

Cloud.

DEVELOPMENT:  Forums to exchange best practices, learn from IBM experts, and discover IBM internships and job openings.

co-creating with Historically Black College and Universities epitomize our commitment to the Black community and STEM education; it also builds on our pledge to train 150,000 people in cybersecurity over

“Collaborations between academia and the private sector can help students prepare for success. That’s especially true for HBCUs because their mission is so vital,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, Vice President, IBM Corporate Social Responsibility and ESG “The Cybersecurity Leadership Centers we’re

FOR EMERGENCY ALERTS

three years.”

West Virginia State University is a public, land-grant, historically black university, which has evolved into a fully accessible, racially integrated, and multi-generational institution, located in Institute, W.Va. As a “living laboratory of human relations,” the university is a community of students, staff, and faculty committed to academic growth, service, and preservation of the racial and cultural diversity of the institution. Its mission is to meet the higher education and economic development needs of the state and region through innovative teaching and applied research.

These days, there are mobile applications for every situation that help make your life easier. Did you know there are apps developed for you by the U.S. government to prepare before, stay safe during and recover after an emergency?

Explore and download these four apps so natural disasters don’t catch you off guard.

emergency alerts, and recovery centers in your community. (iOS, Android)

2  EMERGENCY! BY THE AMERICAN RED CROSS: Use interactive maps and full weather alerts to find shelters in your area. Choose from helpful information in either English or Spanish. (iOS, Android)

(iOS)

4

FOODKEEPER: Learn how to properly store food as part of your emergency kit or in case you lose power. Find tips to stay healthy and extend the shelf life of food and beverages in your home. (iOS, Android)

1

 FEMA APP: Find information about disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. This app gives you information about what you need in times of distress like shelters near you,

3  HUD RESOURCE LOCATOR: This easy-to-use app allows you to find the most common housing resources in your community. It also gives you information about the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs and allows you to contact providers directly.

Find more up-to-date information about assistance available during national disasters and other emergencies on USA.gov. Get the latest right to your inbox by subscribing to email alerts. Follow USAGov on

Facebook and Instagram

COMMUNITY OP ED BY MAYOR ERIC ADAMS

Last week, the United Nations gathered in our city for the annual General Assembly, the first in-person Assembly in two years. I was honored to meet with leaders from all over globe to discuss the many issues we’re facing, from migration to economic recovery to climate change. These are issues that have no borders, and I want New Yorkers to know that our city and many others around the world are working together to make a difference.

It was also Climate Week in New York City, a time to highlight everything our city is doing to reduce emissions and build a greener, more resilient city. As we witnessed the devastation Hurricane Fiona brought to our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and other places in the Caribbean, we are reminded that no place on earth is safe from stronger storms and heavier rainfall.

We consider Puerto Rico to be our sixth New York City borough, and our Dominican population is the largest outside of Santo Domingo. What happens in these places affects us all.

This past weekend, I traveled to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic to join our team of New York City emergency responders who are on the ground there. I saw firsthand the destruction Fiona caused. Hundreds of thousands still don’t have power or water. And so many have lost everything they own. Our team is working with FEMA and local responders to get the power back on and to make sure people have access to safe water and shelter. New York City is here to help with the recovery, and we will work to make the islands whole again.

We’re also improving services for people right here in New York City – including expanding wireless internet in our NYCHA developments. Internet isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity just like electricity and gas. And for far too long, NYCHA residents have been disconnected while the rest of the city has been connected. We saw the effect of that missing internet service during COVID – we saw young people who were not able to participate in remote learning, and elders who could not take advantage of

telemedicine visits.

That’s why last week’s rollout of the Big Apple Connect program was such a big moment. This is the largest municipal sponsored broadband program for public housing residents. We’re making free highspeed internet and basic cable TV available to 300,000 New Yorkers in more than 200 public housing developments by the end of 2023. Currently available in eight pilot sites across the five boroughs, Big Apple Connect is being expanded to more than 100 NYCHA developments. We’re delivering broadband across the five boroughs and getting more New Yorkers online than ever before. One of the other highlights of my week was rolling up my sleeve and getting the new bivalent COVID booster. This new booster is an important tool in our fight against COVID, providing better protection against new variants and lowering the chance of serious illness.

As we celebrate this breakthrough, we are also giving businesses additional flexibility by lifting the private-sector vaccine mandate as of November 1st. We strongly recommend that businesses continue to mandate vaccines for their employees. The city is leading by example – our vaccinated workforce has allowed New Yorkers to receive essential services, no matter the circumstances. Vaccines have protected our frontline workers and keep our city safe.

You can join me by getting your free booster shot at your local doctor’s office, pharmacy, or community health clinic. The pandemic is not over, but with more ways to protect ourselves and our families than ever before, we can have a happy and healthy winter if enough of us get boosted. And while you’re at it – get your seasonal flu shot! You’ve got two arms. Use them!

As we come to the end of September, there are many wonderful seasons celebration here in our city, beginning with the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah.

New York City is the city of immigrants, a place built on generations of newcomers who brought their families, their cultures and their dreams to start over.

We have all been reminded of our immigrant roots as we see the unprecedented number of new arrivals enter our city seeking asylum and a better life for themselves and their families. Over 11,000 people have been bussed in from the southern border, after making the journey from Central and South America, and as New Yorkers, we will not turn them away. This is not an homelessness crisis, but a new humanitarian crisis that will take a different kind of approach. That’s why last week, I announced the opening of our new Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers. They will help newly arriving individuals and families access the

shelter, food, and support they need to make a successful start in our city.

This is a major task, even for New York City, and we are seeking additional resources from federal, state, city lawmakers to ensure our immigrant brothers and sisters are taken care of. I was able to personally convey the urgency of the situation to White House. They are working with us to make sure we can keep our doors open and our communities strong. I ask every New Yorker to join with me in making our newest arrivals feel welcome and helping them find their path to the American dream of freedom and safety.

Mayor Eric Adams (Photo Source: https://twitter.com/NYCMayor/photo)

ALFRED STREET CHURCH DONATES TO JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY

Alfred Street Baptist Church’s (ASBC) Mission Division will donate up to $1 million to Jackson State University (JSU) to help defray costs related to the ongoing water crisis in Jackson, MS, which began in late August 2022.

When the city of Jackson water treatment facility experienced low water pressure and issued a boil water notice, the lack of water pressure on campus prompted the University to delay its student move-in date. Classes began virtually and staff worked remotely until normal water pressure resumed, making it safe to return to normal operation. The University incurred significant expenses to rent portable showers and restroom facilities during the height of the crisis.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and philanthropy of Alfred Street Baptist Church, which has a long history of being an advocate for historically black colleges and universities,” said JSU President Thomas K. Hudson, J.D. “Reverend Wesley and the Alfred Street family are living examples of the saying, ‘give and it will be given to you.’ This $1 million donation will make a significant difference for our students and the solvency of our institution.”

Nearly $400,000 of the ASBC donation will

be earmarked specifically to help replenish the JSU Emergency Gap Fund, which is being used to assist students with water crisis-related expenses. To date, more than 3,600 students have requested support. The remaining balance of the donation will assist with the University’s expenses related to renting portable showers and portable restrooms.

“ASBC is pleased to provide support to one of the nation’s largest HBCUs in a crisis that impacts students’ daily existence on campus,” said Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, ASBC Pastor “Effective learning cannot happen without ensuring that of the basic needs of these students are met.”

Established in 1803, Alfred Street Baptist Church is home to one of the oldest and largest African American congregations in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. It has served as a prominent religious, educational, and cultural in the Northern Virginia community. Currently under the esteemed leadership of Rev. Dr. HowardJohn Wesley, Alfred Street Baptist Church has over 10,000 members, and currently offers four online worship services, Saturdays at 6pm ET and Sundays at 8:00am, 10:00am and 2:00 pm ET as well as one in-person worship service, every Sunday at 10:00am ET.  For more

information, visit alfredstreet.org

Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically black, high research activity university located in Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi. Jackson State’s nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research and service. Officially designated as Mississippi’s Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation and world through comprehensive economic

development, healthcare, technological and educational initiatives. The only public university in metropolitan Jackson, Jackson State is located near downtown, with five satellite locations throughout the area. For more information, visit www.jsums. edu or call 601-979-2121.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DONATES TO YOUTH VOTER REGISTRATION

Recently, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta announced a further expansion to their Vote Your Voice initiative by granting student organizations $84,450. The following organizations received grants through the Vote Your Voice College Pilot:

 ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY : $22,000 to the Alabama A&M University Civic Engagement Team to recruit resident assistants (RAs) who will help students check voter registration status and register to vote.

 EMORY UNIVERSITY: $10,450 to Mu Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to increase voter outreach and registration in Cobb, Dekalb and Fulton Counties.

 JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY: $14,000 to plan and host civic engagement activities for the student body and surrounding public.

 LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY: $13,000 to the Clarence L. Barney Jr. African American Cultural Center for education, public information and voter registration for LSU students and members of the surrounding community.

 SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE: $25,000 grant to the Southern University-Baton Rouge Alpha Phi Alpha – Beta Sigma and Beta Iota Lambda Chapters in partnership with the Southern University Chapter of the NAACP to increase voter turnout among the student body and surrounding communities.

“These grants ensure that young changemakers are equipped to empower those around them and stand up for their community’s rights,” said Fred McBride, senior policy advisor with Voting Rights at the SPLC “By helping their peers exercise their fundamental right to vote, young advocates from diverse grassroots organizations are laying the groundwork for

a brighter future in the Deep South.”

“The right to vote is foundational to our democracy,” said Ayana Gabriel, Vice President of Community Impact for the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta “It is through voting that citizens make known their wishes for their communities, their families and their futures. The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta is pleased to partner with SPLC on the Vote Your Voice College Pilot grants in working to ensure that our neighbors understand and appreciate the privilege of the vote and of living in a democratic society.”

“Young activists are on the frontlines of change, and often work with few resources. Sometimes, all they have is pure grit,” said Monica Clarke, service and learning coordinator at Alabama A&M University “Vote Your Voice funding will be key to help us mobilize and engage new voters.”

“Youth play a critical role in shaping our collective future,” said Malcolm Phillips, President of the Mu Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at Emory University “By uniting our collective voice and making sure we have equal access to the ballot, we can advocate for the changes our communities need.”

“Students are the future, so they deserve an equal voice in decision making,” said Dr. Byron D’Andra Orey, PhD, professor, Department of Political Science at Jackson State University “We want to ensure students and young members of our communities have equal access to the ballot to make their voices heard in shaping a future they believe in.”

“The SPLC and the Community Foundation believe in us, our work and our abilities,” said Percy Jackson, Director of the Clarence L. Barney Jr. African American Cultural Center at Louisiana State University “With their help, we can build a

movement to elevate young voices across the south to elect representatives who understand our communities and advocate for our needs.”

“This is a critical moment for our nation’s voting rights. More than ever, we need to stand up and make our voices heard through the power of our vote,” said Dr. Derrick Warren with Southern University “We will use these grants to create a powerful movement that reaches and engages our peers to help defend and protect our civil and voting rights.”

BACKGROUND : Vote Your Voice is a partnership between the SPLC and the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta to increase voter registration, participation and civic engagement among communities of color in

the Deep South. Vote Your Voice supports voter registration and mobilization, voting rights advocacy and voting rights restoration activities. Additionally, Vote Your Voice is strengthening field capacity through data and fundraising support and the testing of effective voter engagement strategies. On August 29, the SPLC and CFGA announced in a joint virtual press conference that 39 organizations would receive $4.6 million in additional grants. All grants will be used to mobilize voters in the Deep South, expand voter registration and increase voter education for young people. These resources represent an addition to an earlier investment of over $11 million in two-year grants, made last year. These grants to student organizations represent yet another expansion of the Vote Your Voice program.

Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Senior Pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church (ASBC) Photo Source: blackprwire.com

President Thomas Hudson of Jackson State University (JSU) Photo Source: blackprwire.com

DISCOVERY ORCHESTRA INSPIRES DIVERSE AUDIENCES

The Discovery Orchestra made a welcome return to the concert stage Sunday after a pandemic break with an exploration of French composer Camille Saint-Saëns’ epic masterwork Symphony No. 3 in C Minor (the “Organ” Symphony). The Emmy Award-nominated, Summit, New Jerseybased orchestra, led by Founder and Artistic Director George Marriner Maull, taped its sixth national public television special at the Hauser Auditorium at The Pingry School in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. The special, Discover Saint-Saëns’ “Organ” Symphony, features a 90-piece orchestra and is projected to begin a three-year national distribution by American Public Television in May. Comprised of a diverse roster of virtuoso musicians, The Discovery Orchestra has introduced millions around the world to the joys of listening to classical music through interactive performances, or Discovery Concerts.

Its television specials are Telly Award-winning and include Bach to the Future, Discover Beethoven’s 5th, Discover Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Fall in Love with Music and Discover The Firebird. Composed in 1886 and premiered the same year in London, the majestic “Organ” Symphony was such an overwhelming success that Saint-Saëns was quoted as saying, “I gave everything to it I was able to give. What I have here accomplished, I will never achieve again.” In this one-hour special led by Maull, a Bedminster resident, and featuring Plainfield-based organist Mark Miller and West Nyack-based concertmaster Peter Winograd, The Discovery Orchestra shares an interactive exploration of the breathtaking

Finale of Symphony No. 3. The piece was musically adapted for use in the score for the 1995 family film Babe and its 1998 sequel Babe: Pig in the City. The live taping saw Maestro Maull engage and inform the audience members of the intricacies of the piece, including different musical themes, developments of these themes and transitions of the piece.

“The Saint-Saëns Symphony No. 3 Finale is one of the most uplifting compositions ever written by any composer, and we aim to transport audiences into the heart of this piece for a powerful boost to everyone navigating these most difficult times,” said Maull of the special. Attendees include members of several groups, like the Rhythms for Life program of the Morris County (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Newark Boys Chorus School (NBCS), the Gay Activist Alliance of Morris County (GAAMC), Drew University and the Newark School of the Arts. These diverse groups of music lovers were all united in the thunderous applause they showered the Orchestra with following the performance.

“This was an outstanding event, meticulously planned AND executed! Our students and families were thrilled and so very thankful,” said NBCS Head of School Paul Chapin “The Discovery Orchestra is a wonderful organization, and your mission is vital.” “In the words of our Program Director, Ramelle Massey, Sunday’s event was absolutely fantastic!” said Marjorie Rich of Rhythms of Life “Many thanks to the Discovery Orchestra organizers for a wonderful afternoon.”

The special is being made possible by generous support from the New Jersey State

Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as Michael J. Johnston, the Kosloski Family Foundation, David & Ellen Williams, Elliot & MaryJeanette Dee, Bob & Cynthia Hamburger, the F.M. Kirby Foundation, Main Street Wealth Management, Bill & Pat O’Connor, Mr. & Mrs. Sterling L. Pierson, Dan & Gail Kopp and Rachel Weinberger & Ed McGann. To find out more

are available on Amazon Prime Video Fall in Love with Music, Discover Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Discover the Firebird can be viewed on PBS Passport American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of content to U.S. public television stations. For 60 years, APT has distinguished itself by delivering an ambitious volume of high quality programs

about The Discovery Orchestra, visit https:// discoveryorchestra.org/. Connect with the Orchestra on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube

The Discovery Orchestra® (the Orchestra) is a 501(c)(3) music education organization based in Summit, New Jersey, teaching the attentive listening skills that help people of all backgrounds better comprehend, experience and emotionally connect with classical music. Under the direction of Artistic Director George Marriner Maull, the Orchestra uses a welcoming and humorous approach to classical music appreciation for the general public. Founded in 1987, the Orchestra engages audiences through live interactive concerts, intimate gatherings, community outreach events and television and digital content. Its Emmy-nominated programs Bach to the Future, Discover Beethoven’s 5th and Discover Vivaldi’s Four Seasons; Discover the Firebird; and the eight-part series Fall in Love with Music;

to public media. APT’s diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performance, dramas, how-to programs, classic movies, children’s series, and news and current affairs programs. Midsomer Murders, America’s Test Kitchen, AfroPoP, Rick Steves’ Europe, Pacific Heartbeat, Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Television, The Indian Doctor, Legacy List with Matt Paxton, Lidia’s Kitchen, Kevin Belton’s New Orleans Kitchen, Simply Ming, The Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross, Front & Center, James Patterson’s Kid Stew and NHK Newsline are a sampling of APT’s programs. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes Create®TV — featuring the best of public television’s lifestyle programming and WORLD™, public television’s premier news, science and documentary channel. To find out more about APT’s programs and services, visit APTonline.org

New York Lottery

TERRENCE J TO HOST ANNUAL THURGOOD MARSHALL COLLEGE FUND GALA

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), announced recently, the host of the 35th Anniversary Awards & Fundraising Gala will be celebrity host, actor and Historically Black College and University (HBCU) graduate, Terrence Jenkins, better known as Terrance J

The black-tie Awards Gala will take place Saturday, October 1, 2022, at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.

“As a graduate of North Carolina A&T, it’s always an honor to support the Thurgood Marshall College Fund because the work the organization does is impactful and it’s helped me significantly during my career,” said Jenkins, a threetime Emmy Award nominee and former host of BET’s 106th & Park, the longest running countdown show in history.

“I am honored to host this year’s Gala. It’s special because it’s the 35th year of this tremendous organization and I am proud to be part of this milestone event,” added Jenkins

A charismatic television and film actor, executive producer, and philanthropist, Jenkins is widely recognized as one of Hollywood’s most skilled multi-hyphenates. He just recently starred in “A Hip Hop Family Christmas” and produced “North of The 10,” currently

streaming on BET+ Jenkins is an executive producer of “Two Distant Strangers” that won an Academy Award in 2021. During the 2022 Oscar season, he hosted the Oscars’ pre-show for ABC

Despite a very demanding schedule, Jenkins continues to be a strong advocate for causes that impact the Black community. He is heavily invested in numerous philanthropic endeavors for topics covering health and wellness, child

All proceeds from this black-tie event support scholarships and programs for nearly 300,000 students at TMCF member-schools.

For more information about TMCF, or purchasing tables and seats for the Gala, visit tmcf.org/gala

Members of the working press who wish to cover this event must obtain press credentials. To obtain credentials, contact robert.knox@ tmcf.org

Throughout his extensive career, Jenkins has hosted a wide range of live shows from the NAACP Image Awards, VMAs and BET Awards pre shows to The Oscars, Grammys, Golden Globes, as well as hosting and executive producing the Miss USA Pageant for FOX

“Terrence J has served as TMCF’s National Ambassador since 2018 and has been a strong advocate for our organization and the entire HBCU community,” TMCF President and CEO Dr. Harry Williams said.

“We are thrilled that he will be hosting our gala.”

welfare and the environment.  In 2015, Jenkins donated $100,000 to his alma mater, North Carolina A&T

Prior to the gala, TMCF will host its 22nd Annual Leadership Institute presented by Wells Fargo which will take place from September 28-October 1.

The TMCF Anniversary Awards

Gala each year hosts over 1,600 attendees, including more than 400 HBCU students and 1,200 guests. The guest list includes a who’s who of top government, corporate, philanthropic, higher education and HBCU leaders.

Here in your neighborhood.

There’s nothing quite like local. That’s why your local AARP creates experiences with your community in mind. We’re neighbors, connecting you to free events, learning opportunities, and resources right in your backyard. Wherever you live, we’re here to help your money, health, and happiness live as long as you do. Find us at aarp.org/local

We’re here for you.

Photo Credit: Prominence Marketing Group via flickr

BLACKS IN TECH HOSTS BITCOIN 2022 CONFERENCE

Blacks In Technology, LLC and the Blacks In Technology Foundation (BIT) hosts (BITCon2022) their 4th annual conference for Black IT professionals, entrepreneurs, gamers, and afrofuturists. Hundreds will descend on Disney World October 26-28, 2022. The in-person conference will feature global brands, world class speakers and business leaders. Sponsors include Google, Disney, Northwestern Mutual, Bridgewater Consulting, Ally Bank, Block, TIAA, CapTech Ventures, Red Ventures, Intuit, ADP, Spotify, and many more.

The 50 plus speaker lineup will be led by writer, activist, comedian, and techie, Baratunde Thurston, author of the New York Times bestseller How To Be Black and host of television series Lenovo Late Night I.T. and PBS’s America Outdoors

WHAT IS BITCON 2022’S THEME?

“This year we will emphasize three pillars: meaningful networking, career advancement, and actionable learning. The balance we want to strike is 40% block party 60% tech conference,” according to Dennis Schultz, Executive Director of the Blacks In Technology Foundation “I want every attendee to walk away with knowledge they can immediately apply… and have fun in the process.”

Greg Greenlee, Founder of Blacks In Technology says, “After 2 years of not having in person events, I am extremely excited that this year’s BITCON will be a hybrid conference. There is no replacement for the in-person engagement experience and BITCON has always been the perfect safe space for our community to interact.”

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT AT BITCON 2022?

This year BIT anticipates over 1,000 attendees. Onsite, there will be dozens

CEO TO RECEIVE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM CBC

Crandells Enterprises Inc. has announced that their CEO, Mary Ann Crandell will receive the title of the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, selected by the Office of the President of the United States at the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) 2022 African and Caribbean International Leadership Conference and Presidential Awards Gala

The event is held in collaboration with the United States 51st Annual Legislative Conferences (ALC) of the CBC, on September 29, 2022 at the National Press Club and Walter E. Convention Center in Washington D.C. Honorees like Mary Ann Crandell are awarded under the theme “United in Faith for Social Change,” as the vision of the National Press Club is to honor community and faith-based leaders. These renowned leaders are ultimately awarded for their contributions in religious liberty, civil rights, humanitarian concerns, social justice, economic development or missionbased partnerships.

“As a businesswoman, entrepreneur, spiritual leader, and mother, I've committed a majority of my life to serving my friends and community,” Mary Ann Crandell shared. “To be recognized for embracing my passion is truly an honor and tremendous blessing that I will cherish and share with those

who have helped me along the way.” CEO of Crandells Enterprises, Mary Ann ensures her healthcare-based company provides adult patients who suffer from mental illness, developmental disabilities and chemical dependence, the resources, medical treatment and housing they need. The services offered range from adult family care to home psychiatric assistance and mental health services.

“Through our professional and highly trained staff, we seek to enhance and support the quality of life of individuals who require guidance and assistance in completing activities of daily living,” she writes of the company online.

Beyond her professional career, Mary Ann has spent the last twenty years as the Director of the Total Living Christian Counseling Center. Providing counseling on dynamic and complex topics like family violence, fear, drug and alcohol addictions as well as stress management, marriage counseling more, she has made a big impact for many in their personal and professional growth.

Mary Ann is chosen by the Caribbean African Faith-Based Leadership Conference (CAFBLC) as an honoree this year because of the empathy and empowerment she provides her community with, serving as a model for advocacy, humanity and selflessness for a greater cause.

of workshops, training sessions, technology demos, leadership conversations, and technical talks for beginners and experts alike. Topics and tracks include Web 3, cryptocurrency, NFTs, metaverse, AI & ML, gaming & e-sports, cloud/DevOps, cybersecurity, data science, social responsibility, government policy, career development, entrepreneurship, and professional storytelling. Additionally, attendees can participate in one of the largest in person career

fairs for diverse tech talent, join a gaming tournament with a $5,000 grand prize, or enter a startup pitch competition with a $10,000 in nondilutive funding.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT BITCON 2022?

Author, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and BITCON 2022 speaker Arlan Hamilton adds, “Conferences like BITCON are important for those marginalized and underestimated in tech. If we aren’t invited to have a seat at the table, we need to build our own tables.”

Multiple BITCON attendee and Agile Coach, Alex Bernardin, adds, “I support BITCON and the BIT community because it’s the support network that I didn’t have when I was coming up.” Blacks In Technology (BIT) is the largest community of people of African descent in the technology industry. Through community-focused activities, events and outreach, The Blacks In Technology Foundation is “Stomping the Divide” by establishing a blueprint of world-class technical excellence and innovation by providing resources, guidance, networking, and opportunities for members to share their expertise and advance their careers.

OCTOBER IS Breast CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While breast cancer affects women of all ethnicities, unfortunately it is now more fatal for black women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black women with a breast cancer diagnosis have a 40% higher mortality rate than white women. According to blackdoctors.org, the breast cancer death rate gap is significant because black women are more likely to be uninsured. Also, Black women tend to be diagnosed at a later stage, making them less likely to receive timely treatments such as surgery, radiation or hormone therapy. Luckily, there are countless organizations working tirelessly to improve the health outcomes for Black women through advocacy, education, research and empowerment. During the month of October, BPRW salutes all the organizations across the nation working relentlessly to decrease the impact of breast cancer on women of color. The team at Black PR Wire

compiled a list of some of these great organizations:

overall wellness of African-American women and girls. https://bwhi.org



AFRICAN AMERICAN BREAST CANCER ALLIANCE, INC.

(AABCA). This organization educates and supports African Americans in their breast cancer journey and survivorship. https://aabcainc.org/

 BLACK WOMEN'S HEALTH IMPERATIVE. This organization is dedicated solely to improving the

 SISTERS NETWORK INC. Sister's Network Inc. is committed to increasing local and national attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer has on the African American community. https://www. sistersnetworkinc.org/

 SISTERS BY CHOICE. This organization supports men and

women diagnosed with breast cancer by providing innovative educational programs and breast health advocacy groups to help eradicate the disease. https://sistersbychoice.org/



FOR THE BREAST OF US. A breast cancer community for women of color that supports, advocates for, shatters paradigms, removes obstacles, and so much more for women of color. https:// breastofus.com.

BLACK MOTHER S ’ BREASTFEEDING CONFERENCE PLANNED

Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Association will host its annual conference, dubbed the Virtual Road Trip: Birth & Breastfeeding Conference, from October 3-5. The conference will convene various stakeholders in maternal-child-health to optimize the birth and breastfeeding experiences of Black families across

Breastfeeding Groups and Peer Counseling, and Community-based Doulas take center stage as the conference unpacks the regional nuances of these issues. The Virtual Road Trip: Birth & Breastfeeding Conference will span three days and feature live and pre-recorded sessions on topics relevant to the health and wellness of the Black birthing

and healthcare systems in the U.S. for far too long,” said Kiddada Green, Founding Executive Director of Black Mothers' Breastfeeding Association

“This year, we continue in that same vein, centering Black families with their well-being in mind.”

A diverse range of speakers with affiliations to the U.S. Breastfeeding

inequities that exist within maternal health. Angela Lewis, star of F/X’s “Snowfall” and breastfeeding advocate, is set to make a celebrity guest appearance to detail her own nursing experience and more on her organization, Birth Village Jaye Clement, MPH, MPP, Director of Community Health Programs and Strategies with the Office of Community Health, Equity and Wellness at Henry Ford Health in Detroit, will serve as keynote speaker.

“I look forward to joining the Virtual Road Trip: Birth & Breastfeeding Conference to be part of necessary conversations regarding Black maternal-child-health in this country,” said Clement “As a mother, public health professional, and advocate, these issues are not only of the utmost importance to me, but they’re very personal, too.”

Platinum sponsors for the Virtual Road Trip: Birth & Breastfeeding Conference include Henry Ford Health System, Medela and Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. Registration for the conference closes on September 30. Discounts are currently available for groups of 10 or more with promo code: GROUP2022. To sign up, visit: bmbfa. org/conference

the U.S.

Thematic tracks including Disaster Preparedness, Black Founder’s Corner, Data, Research, and Storytelling,

community.

“Every year, the Virtual Road Trip: Birth & Breastfeeding Conference creates space for solution to the issues that have plagued our communities

Committee (USBC), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and community nonprofit organizations throughout the country will offer insight into closing the racial

BMBFA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community-based organization and the leader of many local, state, and national programs aligned with the organization’s mission to reduce racial inequities in breastfeeding support for Black families. Find out more at https://blackmothersbreastfeeding. org/

APOLLO CAF É AND COMEDY CLUB RETURNS IN-PERSON

WHAT : The Apollo kicks off Apollo Comedy Club and Apollo Music Café shows, starting Thursday, October 6.

The Apollo Comedy Club celebrates the theater’s rich comedic roots with the best up-and-coming talent today. Presented in partnership with the legendary Bob Sumner (Producer of Def Comedy Jam, Creator of Laff Mobb on Aspire). The October 6 line-up includes Saya Meads, Kenney Woo, Dylan Tucker and (Host) Derrick Eason

The Apollo Music Café presents independent artists to a unique audience. Featuring diverse performances across a myriad of genres (R&B, hip hop, soul, jazz, pop, funk, and rock), the series showcases artists drawn from the independent music scene who impact the way music is heard and experienced. For October, the soulful sounds of George Lovett (Oct. 7) and vocal powerhouse Stout (Oct. 8) will perform

in front of a live audience.   The Apollo Music Café and Comedy Club are part of “The Next Movement,” Apollo’s Fall 2022 season.

WHERE : Apollo’s Soundstage (253 W 125th Street, New York, NY 10027)

WHEN : October 6, 7, 8. Doors open at 9PM EST. Shows begin at 10PM EST.

TICKETS : Tickets start at $26.50. For more information visit www.ApolloTheater.org.

FALL/WINTER LINE UP :

OCTOBER: Thursday, October 6: Comedians

Dylan Tucker, Saya Meads & Kenney Woo; hosted by Derrick Eason; Friday, October 7: George Lovett; Saturday, October 8: Stout

NOVEMBER: Thursday, November 10: Comedians Apple Brown Betty, Anthony Oakes & Rio Paris; hosted by Timmy Hall; Friday, November 11: Grace Gibson; Saturday, November 12: Jade Novah

DECEMBER: Thursday, December 1: Comedians Mason Victor King, Lisha

MUSIC INDUSTRY EXEC TALKS FAITH , LIFE AND LEADERSHIP IN NEW BOOK

Among the most successful, innovative business leaders in the music industry, veteran music executive and DVERSE Media CEO, Benny Pough, has shaped the sound and culture of music worldwide. His nearly thirty years of experience, dedication, and determination have propelled him to the forefront of the music industry—as the influential guide in delivering radio hits for superstar artists such as Jay-Z, Rihanna, Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, Travis Scott, Future, DJ Khaled, Yo Gotti, and 21 Savage

Heralded for his unmatched eye and ear for talent, Pough solidified his legacy as the master of promotions and marketing on behalf of celebrities, icons, and rising stars around the globe. A near-fatal car accident in 2014 prompted Pough to share his own story with the world resulting in the upcoming release of his first memoir, ON IMPACT: Life, Leadership, and Betting on Yourself (Morgan James Publishing).

With ON IMPACT, Pough is poised to inspire others by sharing truths which guided him through years of unparalleled success –from intern to CEO. The unique collection of stories reveal the experiences which shaped him—from his business career’s humble beginning as an 11-year-old paperboy, to being scouted on a comedy club stage by a Motown executive, to sitting in the most coveted seats in the music industry. Pough takes readers on a journey; from

the plateaus of rising through leadership ranks, to the valleys of overcoming the near-death car crash which almost took everything away. Pough shares the blueprint of his life’s success with his adherence to

a single acronym – I.M.P.A.C.T. – Intuition, Mastery, Pivot, Authenticity, Connections, and Teamwork.

“Over my seven plus decades I have read too many books to even guess the number. I must honestly admit On Impact has impacted my life and touched my sensibilities like none other in a VERY long time. Truly a roadmap to fulfilling one’s potential, while at the same time guiding others to achieve the same,” said Cathy Hughes, Founder and Chairperson of Urban One, Inc. (formerly known as Radio One, Inc.), the largest African American owned and operated broadcast company in the nation.

Having made significant contributions to the entertainment industry via executive positions at powerhouse labels

including Motown Records, Def Jam, Epic Records, and Roc Nation Music, Pough continues to forge new pathways as an entrepreneur with the formation of DVERSE Media, a full-service global music distribution and publishing company, integrated with over 100 DSPs, including Apple and Spotify

Prior to DVERSE Media, Pough was the President of Roc Nation Music and served as Executive Vice President of Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, where he directed day-to-day operations. Preceding that role, Pough was Senior Vice President of Promotion at Universal Music Group’s Island Def Jam

In addition, Pough continues his strong legacy of developing stars with the launch of his inaugural It’s Your Time Conference, scheduled for January 14-15, 2023, in Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition to power-packed workshops and panels, Pough will host a musical showcase where he will award $10,000 and personal mentoring to the winner.

ON IMPACT is scheduled for release on September 27, 2022 and promises to guide readers to success in their personal and professional lives.

For more information on Benny Pough and ON IMPACT, visit www.bennypough. com

REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL RETURNS

September segments include:

 WADA : “Real Sports” investigates allegations that the World Anti-Doping Agency, or WADA, is failing to adequately police international sport for the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Insiders claim that WADA’s mission is being compromised by conflicts of interest and outside meddling. Correspondent Jon Frankel reports. Producer: Max Gershberg

 DARREN WALLER : Battling drug addiction at the start of his NFL career, Darren Waller was suspended from the league and almost died from a drug overdose. After a fresh start with

the Raiders, Waller miraculously turned his career around, becoming one of the league’s top tight ends. Now, he’s also putting in the work off the field,

partnering with his drug sponsor to help save other addicts, by pulling them from the underground tunnels beneath the Las Vegas strip. Correspondent David Scott

reports. Producer: Evan Burgos

 FRANCES TIAFOE

(Update): “Real Sports” first profiled thenrising US tennis star Frances Tiafoe in 2017. The revealing segment showed how unlikely and remarkable his backstory was in a sport that typically has a high barrier to entry. Now, after beating all-time great Rafael Nadal on his way to becoming the first American in 16 years to make it to the semifinals at the US Open, Tiafoe is one of the most talked-about stars on the court today. Correspondent Mary Carillo reports. Producers: Beret Remak, Hannah Vicente-Kliot.

The Executive Producer of REAL SPORTS WITH BRYANT GUMBEL is Joe Perskie

Perkins & Comedian Roy; hosted by Brad Lowery Friday; December 2: Lawrence Flowers & Intercession; Saturday, December 3: David Michael Wyatt

Image Source: https://www.bennypough.com

NOTES

AIDS M E M O R I A L QUILT COMING TO COMMUNITIES

The National AIDS Memorial and Southern AIDS Coalition are bringing the AIDS Memorial Quilt to the Jackson area Sept. 28 – Oct 4. as part of its new Change the Pattern initiative to reimagine the fight to end HIV in the South. The weeklong Quilt display and programming, funded through the support of Gilead Sciences, aims to raise awareness about health disparities and social justice issues that continue to disproportionately impact communities of color.

The announcement was made at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, one of several locations hosting a Quilt display, where community leaders and HIV/AIDS service organizations joined together to also announce a $100,000 Change the Pattern relief fund to help area HIV/AIDS service organizations impacted by the ongoing water crisis. The relief fund will provide critical resources to help constituents who have been affected and are in need of care and services.

“The Quilt has always been a powerful teaching tool for justice, advocacy, and service and we are honored to bring its stories from the Black and Brown community to share with Mississippi through these displays and programming,” said Duane Cramer, Quilt Community Engagement, National AIDS Memorial “We hope that these funds will help support HIV/ AIDS organizations that continue to provide critical care and services for those in need.”

Dafina Ward, Executive Director, Southern AIDS Coalition added, “Our hope is that bringing the Quilt will shine a light on the systemic struggles our community faces still today, not just in the fight to end HIV, but the health and social justice issues that for too long have been ignored. By bringing the community together, providing support for each other, and raising awareness through advocacy, we will change the pattern.”

This powerful and timely Quilt exhibition will feature more than 500 hand-stitched panels of the AIDS Quilt that honor Black and Brown lives lost to AIDS and feature many newly made Quilt panels from Mississippi and the Jackson area, which will be featured for the first time publicly. They are meant to be a call to action to disrupt systemic issues that impact health equity which continue to disproportionately impact communities of color and marginalized populations.

Accompanying the Quilt displays will be powerfully curated stories that share the love, remembrance, pain, and celebration sewn into each Quilt panel of lives lost from within the Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Transgender and other marginalized communities. Several new Quilt panels from Mississippi will be part of the exhibition, including ones honoring Jackson State University professor Dr. Mark A. Colomb, a beautiful panel for residents who were cared for at Grace House, 14-year-old Hemophiliac Michael Felton, and Lavadious Walker, who was celebrated in the Trans community. A panel made by legendary civil rights and justice activist Rosa Parks, who was a

supporter of the AIDS Quilt, will also be featured in the display.

Dr. Shanell McGoy, Director of Corporate Giving at Gilead Sciences, who helped make one of those new panels recently, said, “Gilead is so honored to help support this important program that brings the Quilt to communities across the Southern United States as a healer, a teacher, and a change-maker, as it has been for more than three decades. The program is helping us look at new ways to reach and actively engage communities that continue to be disproportionately impacted by HIV so we can help end the epidemic.”

Throughout the week, community partners will host free educational forums, health screenings, advocacy, and quilt panelmaking. Programming will include conversations on topics of importance to the community: health disparities, rising HIV diagnoses, environmental justice, and the stigma that persists today in the long struggle for health and social justice in the South.

The Quilt can be viewed by the public at the

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Jackson Medical Mall, Jackson State University Student Center, local churches, City Hall, Capitol City Pride, and other locations across Jackson and the Delta. The public is encouraged to visit www.changethepattern org for detailed map of Quilt display locations and free programming and event information. Local community partners for the Mississippi Change the Pattern Quilt display and events include: AIDSWatch Mississippi, My Brother’s Keeper, Capital City Pride, Care4Me Services, AIDS Services Coalition, Community Health-PIER, Jackson Medical Mall, The She Project, Love Inside for Everyone, Mississippi Center for Justice, Jackson State University, Mississippi Dept. of Health Office of STD/HIV, Two Mississippi Museums and Visit Jackson, among others. “Bringing the AIDS Quilt to Mississippi is particularly important as we work together as a community to reimagine the fight to end HIV in our state,” said Robin Webb, Director, AIDSWatch Mississippi “The Quilt helps open hearts and minds to those we’ve lost and how we can use those stories to educate, advocate and finally end this epidemic.”

The statistics speak to the importance of the Change the Pattern initiative in the South. In 2020, the South comprised 38% of the U.S. population but represented over half (52%) of new HIV diagnoses. The disproportionate burden of HIV in the South is experienced among certain populations, such as Black women, Black and Latinx gay, and bisexual men, and Black and Latinx transgender women. Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, South Carolina, Alabama, North Carolina, and Tennessee rank in the top 15 with the highest rates of HIV in the country. Racism, HIV stigma, homophobia, poverty, and barriers to health care continue to drive these disparities.

NORTH CAROLINA A&T GAINS NEW ARTIST - IN - RESIDENCE

Acclaimed international musician Lori Williams will bring her soulful jazz sounds to the campus of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University as its 20222023 Jazz Artist-in-Residence

Williams, a performing artist, music educator, songwriter, producer and musical theater actress, will work with N.C. A&T’s music and performing arts students on song writing and vocal techniques. Her residency will begin in October and will feature a series of clinics, master classes and workshops at different times throughout the academic year, engaging with students in the University Choir, Jazz Ensemble, and music and theater programs. The residency will also include jazz concerts with students and faculty jazz artists.

“We are excited to have Ms. Williams as our Jazz Artist-in-Residence for this academic year,” said Frances Ward Johnson, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences “This program gives our students an opportunity to interact with a highly talented international artist who embodies the desire to educate and train students who are passionate about performing arts and want to pursue careers in that arena.”

Williams comes to A&T as part of the university’s inaugural Artist-in-Residence program, which is designed to provide opportunities for an artist to further explore

his or her practice, mentor students and continue developing his or her artistic talents. The artist is selected based upon outstanding professional credentials, creative accomplishments and national recognition in one of the fields of theater, visual arts, music or arts in general. Williams will enlighten A&T students with knowledge from her international, professional and collaborative experiences.

As a veteran educator in the Washington, D.C., Public Schools System and private vocal coach, Williams has received many honors including Outstanding Music Teacher, the 2007 Superintendent’s Arts Teacher of the Year, and the 2010 Vincent E. Reed Teacher of the Year. She was nominated for a 2014 Helen Hayes Award as an Outstanding Lead Actress in a Resident Musical for her role as Ella Fitzgerald Williams has received letters of recognition for her vocal performances from President Biden, former Speaker of the House John Boehner, and Maryland State Sen. C.

Anthony Muse

A graduate of Hampton University, Williams has toured extensively and performed in venues, including music festivals, across the United States, Europe, Japan and the British Virgin Islands. For more than three decades, Williams has had the honor of working with notable artists as lead, background, studio session and guest vocalist including Oleta Adams, Yolanda Adams, Eric Benet, The

About North Carolina A&T State University’s Artist-in-Residence Program

aim of North Carolina Agricultural

Technical State University’s Artistin-Residence

an artist

her practice, mentor students, and

her

talents. Artists are U.S.-based professionals with a proven interest in mentoring the next generation of artists and creating performances in their field of artistry. The Artist in Residence is selected based upon outstanding professional credentials, creative accomplishments, and national recognition in one of the fields of theater, visual arts, music, or arts in general. The Artist in Residence facilitates a learning environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of diverse cultures and backgrounds.

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Photo Source: blackprwire.com