New York Trend NYC: November 10 – 16, 2022

NEW YORK TREND

NON-PROFIT BUILDS AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND STRONG COMMUNITIES

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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

TEDc, a Florida-based nonprofit affordable housing developer, has celebrated 40 years of building strong communities with the launch of two of its newest communities in Miami’s Liberty City. Hosted by NBC 6 News Co-Anchor Jawan Strader, the event was attended by government officials and business and community leaders.

The construction underway for Edison Towers was the background for the ground-breaking ceremony. When the rehab is completed,

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

celebrate 40 years of being a member of this community. We have struggled together, and we have succeeded together. And working together, we are building more housing that improves the quality of life for more people and fuels more investment to benefit the entire community. TEDc is privileged to work with you to help solve the affordable housing crisis. Edison Towers and Edison Place are reminders of what we can and will accomplish together.”

Elected and government

was a member of the New York , representing the council district in Brooklyn, Una S.

Bush III

115 units of amenities-abundant affordable housing will be home for seniors. The celebration continued with the grand opening and ribboncutting ceremony of the newlyconstructed Edison Place, featuring 200 sustainably designed workforce housing units.

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.

One of the first nonprofit developers in Miami to use Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to finance affordable housing, TEDc’s commitment, partnerships, and progress in building communities for people of modest means were highlighted during the commemoration.

Carol Gardner, President of the woman and minority-led TEDc, remarked, "We are honored to

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

safety, energy development, public health, communications, the environment, and interstate and

officials, community leaders, and representatives of TEDc’s co-development partnerships recognized the Company’s work and its expansion to development in other states, including

The Honorable Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County

, honoree, is a leading developer and founder of , the nation’s largest -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.

The Honorable Francis Suarez, Mayor of the City of Miami

State Representative James

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

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

public housing project into a mixedincome, mixed-use community.

And that the Fort Walton Beach Housing Authority of Florida has awarded TEDc the multi-phased 19-acre redevelopment of existing public housing.

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.

Attendees also celebrated a $400,000 appropriation and award from the State of Florida funding TEDc’s new social services initiative to provide financial training, GED certification, and vocational education to its communities’ residents. As part of its new NonTraditional Initiatives, TEDc also announced its program to work directly with faith-based leadership,

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:

The Black Star News, which focuses on investigative journalism, has been featured as a result of some if CNN, The New York Daily News, The New York and Brill’s

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

colleges and universities, and other institutions to develop underutilized land to provide affordable housing.

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.

The commemoration also highlighted TEDc’s growth with the announcement that the Wilmington, North Carolina Housing Authority selected TEDc and its codevelopment partner, Related Urban Group, to transform a 26-acre

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

Gardner closed the celebration with a call to action, "Many say that the affordable housing crisis can’t be fixed. Some say that TEDc has big dreams. What we have is a solution, and it’s simple… We will work with our partners to deliver the highest and best housing and services to the people who need it most and to the communities they call home.”

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.

Transformative Justice Coalition. Arnwine was for 26 years executive Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law.

Inez Barron, honoree, formerly a

Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin Kharey Wise.

David Dinkins

State Representative-Elect Ashley Gantt

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson’s Chief of Staff, Alexis Snyder

Jorge Pérez, CEO, Related Group

Jake Zunamon, Senior Vice President of Development, Smith & Henzy

Jeff Hovis, Chair, Wilmington, NC Housing Authority Board of Directors

Luce Lohier, TEDc Board Chair

Eric Knowles, Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce President

Photo Credit: © Johnny Louis/jlnphotography.com

Photo Credit: © Johnny Louis jlnphotography.com

Photo Credit: © Johnny Louis jlnphotography.com

Photo Credit: © Johnny Louis/jlnphotography.com

NAAIA DIRECTORS NAME NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) announces the appointment of Omari Jahi Aarons as its Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer. Effective October 1st, Aarons is responsible for the strategic development and execution of the organization’s goals and objectives. Most recently, Aarons was hired by NAAIA as its National Program Director to manage national office functions following the vacancy created by the organization’s former executive director, Margaret Redd’s, departure. Over the last two years, Aarons has worked as an independent management consultant specializing in workplace equity and inclusion.

Prior, Aarons served as Employee Enablement Strategy Leader for Liberty Mutual’s Global Retail Markets U.S. Division. In that role, Aarons led a rewards and recognition team and an employee culture team that targeted specific interactions in the employee experience to accelerate and deepen customer-centric efforts. Aarons also served as an advisor to senior leaders on workplace inclusion strategies as the national co-chair of the African descent employee resource group where he is credited as a key influencer in crafting the company’s conversation on race and race relations.

Aarons also spent 10 years at Macy’s after completing their executive development program in the credit and customer service division and progressing to senior manager and

director roles in stores learning and development, leadership development and human resources.

“

Omari has a deep sense of commitment to every aspect of NAAIA’s operations and our mission to diversify the insurance industry,” said George Woods, NAAIA National Board Chair “He has been a partner liaison, corporate advocate, chapter charter member, and a chapter president - all experiences that will inform his vision, leadership and execution of this role.”

“For over 25 years, NAAIA has been a significant presence in the insurance industry with our coalition of partners and members advocating and leading change,” remarks Aarons “I’m honored to protect and preserve NAAIA’s legacy while guiding us into an even brighter future that meets the demands of this moment.”

Aarons, who resides in Boston, was recognized for his corporate leadership and community service by Insurance Business America as a 2020 Leader of

Change and Rising Star, with additional recent recognitions from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Business Equality Magazine. He is a licensed minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church Aarons is a graduate of Xavier University (Ohio) and is pursuing his Master of Divinity at Boston University School of Theology Margaret Redd announced her retirement internally to corporate partners and organizational leaders in May. Redd started her career with the Saint Paul Companies in 1977 and held senior roles with CNA and MetLife in distribution, marketing, and channel management before joining NAAIA in 2015. NAAIA thanks Margaret Redd for her passion, commitment, and significant contributions to NAAIA and the insurance industry.

The Board retained Diversified Search Group to conduct the national search for its Executive Director

The National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA) was organized to create a network among people of color and others employed in or affiliated with the insurance industry. The association currently has 1,700 members and 22 chapters, with others in development, throughout the nation and its members represent every sector of the industry. NAAIA’s focus is the professional development and personal empowerment of its members, and to serve as a gateway to diverse talent at every level of the industry. Visit www. naaia.org to learn more.

MICHELLE OBAMA ANNOUNCES GIRLS EDUCATION AND EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

Recently, in celebration of International Day of the Girl, former First Lady Michelle Obama announced that the Girls Opportunity Alliance, a program of the Obama Foundation, is launching a new campaign. Get Her There is a global call to action to help educate and

completing their education,” said Michelle Obama. “And that is exactly what the Get Her There campaign was created to do. The barriers our girls face today are steep and are leaving millions of girls out of school. Our goal is to help clear away all that’s standing in the way

based organizations who are working to support adolescent girls around the world; drive specific commitments through the Girls Opportunity Alliance Fund; and galvanize young people everywhere to take action in support of their peers.

empower adolescent girls around the world to reach their full potential. Over the next five years, the Alliance aims to bring together a diverse group of everyday people, corporations, industry leaders, nonprofits, and valuable stakeholders to support hundreds of community-based organizations worldwide, reaching thousands of adolescent girls.

“When we launched the Girls Opportunity Alliance four years ago today, we knew the key to advancing our work was an alliance of stakeholders coming together to support girls

of girls achieving their dreams. While that’s too big of a challenge for any one of us to tackle alone, it’s something I know can be accomplished if we all work together. We all have a role to play in ensuring girls get the opportunities they deserve, so I hope everyone will join us on our mission to get every girl to the place she wants to be.”

Get Her There represents an expansion of the Girls Opportunity Alliance’s reach and impact. Since 2018, the Girls Opportunity Alliance has worked to inspire, empower, and connect more than 4,000 leaders and community-

To date, the Girls Opportunity Alliance has funded 54 projects from community-based organizations in 20 countries, including India, Malawi, Cambodia, and Peru, and has provided these organizations with access to resources to help inform and strengthen their work. Over the next five years, the Girls Opportunity Alliance’s Get Her There campaign will fund more than 100 organizations and grow its network of leaders around the world who are helping to educate and empower our girls. Today, the Girls Opportunity Alliance is adding 12 new communitybased organizations from countries like Kenya, India, and Colombia to its fund as part of this effort.

The Girls Opportunity Alliance is grateful to all of the donors and partners that are making Get Her There possible and is proud to announce its diverse coalition of growing sponsors, collaborators, and supporters who

, visit GetHerThere.org

IN MEMORIAM REV. DR. CALVIN BUTTS

By NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the passing of longtime Abyssinian Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Dr. Calvin Butts:

“Rev. Butts’ passing is a loss not only for his family, his congregation, and his community, but for all of us whose lives were touched directly or indirectly by

his tireless mission. He fought fiercely and fearlessly for civil rights and racial justice. He brought hope to the hopeless and light to those who struggled in darkness. As the National Urban League prepares to relocate to Harlem, the community where our movement took root, we are keenly aware of his deep and lasting influence. Our hearts are with his family and parishioners, and all who grieve his passing.”

KANYE SHUNNED FOR ANTISEMETIC COMMENTS

By NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE

As the fallout from Kanye West’s antiSemitic statements continues to mount, with corporations and other institutions severing their ties to the rapper, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said the response is years overdue.

“West’s history of outrageous and offensive statements goes back years,” Morial said. “We applaud those organizations who have ended their relationships with him, but given his record, it is mystifying that any of these relationships continued this long or –worse – were initiated in recent years.”

African-Americans are to blame for their own oppression and sabotages the efforts of the racial justice community to achieve social and economic equity,” Morial said of West, whose legal name is Ye “He has continued to abuse his influence and platform to attack marginalized communities and embolden hate speech and violence.”

Morial added, “Even as we call on West to renounce anti-Semitism and racial hostility, no responsible organization should associate itself with such bigotry. Moreover, organizations who were late to distance themselves from West need to do an internal review of why it took them so long.”

AL SHARPTON RESPONDS TO BRITTNEY GRINER’S SENTENCE

Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), today once again urged the Russian government to show mercy upon Brittney Griner after an appeals court upheld the WNBA superstar’s sentence on drug charges.

“What else must Brittney Griner do to show she has suffered enough? She has told every judge, official, and citizen that she regrets her mistake. Even by Russian standards, this was a harsh sentence that did not match the crime. Brittney has spent nearly a year behind bars for it without seeing her wife, her family, or her teammates. Now she must go through that experience another nine times – thousands of miles away

from her home. I am deeply concerned for Brittney’s spiritual and mental wellbeing as she stares down almost a decade in a penal colony. I once again call on the Russian government to realize that Brittney has paid her debt. They have an opportunity to show compassion by sending her home, where she belongs, and I pray they will do the right thing.”

Last week, Sharpton was part of a nationwide campaign to support Griner as the Phoenix Mercury center turned 32. He urged Griner to remain strong through the challenging times ahead, noting that he and other faith leaders continued to pray for her.

URBAN LEAGUE DENOUNCES SENATOR’S RACIST COMMENTS

By MARC MORIAL

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial has denounced Sen. Tommy Tuberville's outrageously racist tirade at Saturday's Trump rally in Nevada, calling on members of the Senate to condemn the statements. "Even in this era of heightened racial rhetoric, Sen. Tuberville's bigoted comments were stunning,” Morial said. "Every member of the Senate must make it clear that Tuberville's repugnant views are unacceptable and must bear no influence on public policy.

"Tuberville's racial views are even more heartbreaking in light of his decades of coaching Black athletes who entrusted their health, safety and futures to a man who clearly holds them in the lowest contempt," Morial said.

"People of conscience can disagree on the best way to achieve economic justice after centuries of slavery, segregation, and discrimination. Sen. Tuberville has disqualified himself from serious discourse by smearing in the ugliest possible terms those who pursue racial justice and those to whom justice is owed."

enslaved people.

“His denigration of our ancestors feeds a white supremacist narrative that

Morial referred specifically to West’s 2018 comments calling 400 years of slavery “a choice” on the part of

Reverend Al Sharpton speaking outside the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Photo Credit: Lorie Shaull

MARC MORIAL: TUBERVILLE’S “STUNNING” RACIST COMMENTS DISQUALIFY HIM FROM SERIOUS DISCOURSE

Photo Source: nul.org

Photo Source: nul.org

Photo Source: nul.org

EDUCATION CENSORSHIP IN HIGHER ED AND THE IMPLICATIONS

By DR. IVORY TOLDSON

Censorship legislation is dangerous to our democracy. When this legislation is passed, it leads to the suppression of

schools by preventing teachers from discussing certain topics or introducing students to new cultures. This leads to an ignorance of other cultures, an overall lack of diversity, and

comprehensive overview of the current state of educational censorship in the United States.

It is important for educators to be aware of the legislation that has been passed, to

educators, administrators, parents, and IHE faculty and staff.

As the National Director of Education Innovation and Research for the NAACP, I am keenly aware of the important role educators play in preparing our nation's young people for the challenges they will face in the 21st century. In order for our students to be successful, they must have access to a quality education that is free from censorship and distortion. We will use this report to inform our work with more than 2 million supporters and 2200 NAACP units in fighting for educational equity and excellence for all students.

different voices and ideas. This creates an environment where people are less likely to have open discussions and exchange different points of view. As a result, society becomes more divided. Additionally, censorship legislation limits diversity in

ultimately, the xenophobia, homophobia, and sexism that plague our society today.

The State of Education Censorship in Institutions of Higher Ed and Implications for the Field provides a

better understand the implications for their teaching. More importantly, the report provides a call to action for educational stakeholders, including but not limited to

letters to the editor. Photographs and manuscripts will not be returned.

VOLUME 32 ISSUE 24

Photo Source: NAACP.org

THE BIT(COIN) REPORT

By JUSTIN WILLIAMS

O Happy Day!  Bitcoin, the market driver, the juggernaut, the oldest coin in the crypto space, which usually determines whether the entire market rises or falls, has been rising appreciably this past week. Stocks have been successful as well, and while I know we are all tired of crypto only rising when stocks do, but perhaps for now, we can relish in the first, if not a small, bull market in over a year. Bitcoin is only as powerful as market forces and the ascension of a new British Prime minister who wants to turn Britain into a crypto hub, the Feds resolution to adjust interest rates based on the first sign of major growth in the economy in months and the trend that late fall has been a boom or bust season for crypto, all colludes to create a good situation going forward.

I think what cannot be overstated is the Republican campaigns that have been occurring as we approach the NoV. 8 elections. It is not a lie that

republicans have been friendly to crypto than democrats, but recently, many democrats, fleeing from the Biden agenda, have changed from their hawkish and dubious tone towards the technology in a fight to stave off rising republicans such as J.D Vance in Ohio and Dr. Oz in Penn. Republicans have been decrying the monetary policies of Bidens administration which have led to, in their opinion, a dollar that is crushing all other global currencies(in the early 2000s, this was a republican goal ironically) and a high inflation rate that is an anathema to investment, meaning people have less extra money to invest in crypto as well.

The 5.6% gain since Sunday may also be a sign since many crypto investors are obsessive about the tea leaves and hints from Jerome Powell, who runs the Fed, that monetary policy will loosen a bit and people will be able to invest again since growth in the economy, whether by supply chain salvation, the approach of the

holiday season and cheaper savings days are driven by holidays such as Black Friday and Christmas, and the relative forgetfulness the media has about the War in Ukraine. My hope going forward is we see several bull runs because there has been so much pent-up investment energy

since last year’s historic bull market that investors have emerged from the pandemic’s wrath wiser, richer, and more skeptical about ridiculous meme coins with no applicability or adoption. Hint: Shiba Inu has graduated from that distinction-stay tuned for more on that!

RIVERSIDE HAWKS GALA TO HONOR NBA GREAT

The 61-year-old Riverside Hawks organization, one of the nation’s leading athletic-academic programs, will hold its 2022 Gala celebration on December 13th at the Mandarin Oriental, 80 Columbus Circle, NYC, (6:30 pm reception, 7:30 pm dinner & program).

This year’s honorees include Portia Fultz Archer, the first woman, and

the first Black to hold the newly created position of COO, with the NBA G League. The Chicago native and Columbia University Business School graduate joins a list of notables that are also being honored including fellow Columbia Business School graduate, Meredith Marshall, founder of BRP Companies a leading real estate development and investment organization. This year

the Hawks are inducting Anthony Hargraves into their Hall of Fame. Mr. Hargraves is a Riverside Hawks alumnus who went on to play Division 1 basketball at Iona College and was named Associated Press Academic All-American in 1985. Mr. Hargraves, currently the Hawks Program Director, is being recognized with this honor for his 40-year commitment to the Hawks program. The Hawks’ Coach of the Year honoree is Karriem Memminger Mr. Memminger has been an important figure at Riverside, responsible for coaching sensational young players like the outstanding 6-foot-3 guard from Harlem, Cam Estevez, who will be attending the University of Rhode Island next year to play for the Rams. This year’s Corporate Citizenship Award will go to Ardian, a global leader in investment and asset management, and a supporter and friend of the Riverside Hawks

The Riverside Hawks has provided opportunities to hundreds of gifted young athletes to attend prestigious private high schools and some of the nation’s leading universities and colleges. Participation begins at age 5 with the tiny tots enrolled in the Hawks in Training program, a no-nonsense initiative that prepares them emotionally and physically.  The program includes both boys’ and girls’ teams, with players as young as 8 and 9, competing in AAU national finals. This year’s Riverside Hawks 3rd grade AAU National Champions are among those being

honored at the 2022 Gala. In addition to mentorship and coaching, the Riverside Hawks program brings families and communities together; provides initiatives that enrich a child’s learning experience, including free tutoring that prepares them for standardized testing for both high school and college acceptance. The program mixes academics and basketball to ensure student participants excel at both and gives them the tools needed to achieve both life and career success. Over the years, the program has earned bragging rights with impressive outcomes, and this year is no different:



100% high school graduation among students in 2022

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100% of 2022 high school graduates have been accepted into college

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Since 2020 Riverside Hawks students have received over $5 million in college scholarships and grants (over 4-years) and over $550K in prep-school scholarships



The program has also provided over $125K in high school scholarships to its students over the last 24-years.

These accomplishments are made possible by the commitment of partners and donors who continue to give generously and through the effort of a supportive board that each year makes their central fundraising Gala, an affair to remember.

Maurice Dubois, CBS-2 News coanchor, reprises his role hosting the event once again this year.

HILTON NY TIMES SQUARE REOPENS

-- BY  ANN BROWN

Hilton announced the reopening of the 478-room Hilton New York Times Square, owned by Affiliates and/or funds managed by affiliates of Newbond Holdings, The Witkoff Group, and Apollo Global Management, Inc. and managed by Hilton. The reopening of Hilton New York Times Square represents Hilton’s commitment and continued growth in the market.

“This is an incredibly vibrant time of year in New York, and the reopening of Hilton New York Times Square demonstrates our confidence in the resurgence of this iconic neighborhood,” said Danny Hughes, Executive Vice President and President, Americas, Hilton

Enviably located on 42nd Street in the heart of Times Square and easily accessible from Grand Central, Penn Station and several Subway lines, Hilton New York Times Square is within steps of dozens of Broadway and off-Broadway shows, attractions and Restaurant Row.

Soaring 44 stories above Times Square with some of the largest standard size rooms in the neighborhood, guests will enjoy incredible skyline and Hudson River views, with select rooms looking out to the iconic New Year’s Eve ball drop. Guests looking to continue their fitness routine on the road can stop by the fitness center, complete with Peloton

bikes.

Part of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio, Hilton New York Times Square features three dining concepts, including Restaurant Above serving a daily breakfast buffet and a

the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 world-class brands. Members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to

Your Stay promotion, members can earn 2x Points on eligible stays, plus 2,000 Bonus Points, when checking out between Monday and Friday through Dec. 31, 2022. Members can register here or join Hilton Honors

grab-and-go market featuring salads and sandwiches. Opening later this year is Pinnacle Bar, perfect for a nightcap with late-night snacks overlooking Times Square.

The pet-friendly Hilton New York Times Square participates in Hilton Honors,

choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Plus, with the Double

for free by enrolling online at www. hiltonhonors.com

Hilton New York Times Square is located at 234 West 42nd Street, New York, New York 10036. For reservations, please visit Hilton.com or call (212) 9139488.

©2022 New York Lottery

NEW CHEF AND CUISINE AT INTERCONTINENTAL

-- BY ANN BROWN

Fine dining restaurant Luce at InterContinental SF Hotel in downtown San Francisco announces Dennis Efthymiou as their new Chef de Cuisine and releases his luxurious six-course tasting menu. Chef Dennis takes over the famed kitchen after cooking at The Fat Duck (3 Michelin Stars/London, UK). Hailing from Greece, Chef Dennis brings a modern Mediterranean and Europeaninfluenced tasting menu to Luce with a focus on sourcing ingredients from smallproduction Californian purveyors.

Chef Dennis culls inspiration for Luce’s tasting menu from his roots growing up in the coastal town of Igoumenitsa and in the mountainous region of Ioannina, Greece. An abundance of fresh fish, ethical farming practices, and nutrient-rich sustainable ingredients were staples of his upbringing.

Chef Dennis’s fascination with cooking led him to staging at Central (Lima, Peru), which is ranked #2 of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants (2022). He left his native Greece to pursue his dreams of cooking at some of the finest restaurants across the globe. In addition to the 3-Michelin Star The Fat Duck, Chef Dennis has cooked at Nopi (2AA, Michelin Guide/London, UK) and was the Head Chef of Wicked Jane (2022 Michelin Guide) in New York City.

An eccentric, multi-dimensional style of cooking leads Luce’s tasting menu with Chef Dennis’s expertise in European cuisine ready to make quite an impression on the San Francisco dining scene.

Intricate colors of the freshest, yet simplest ingredients are crafted into exquisite dishes (see photos of Octopus Lasagna and Luce Caviar with edible sunflower). Taking cues from the Ancient Greeks and Romans, he looks to the past to feature the culinary future with a multicultural vision of fine dining in the heart of San Francisco.

The Chefs Tasting Menu at Luce opens

with Kampachi Crudo (White Chocolate Yuzu Sauce, Cucumber, Daikon, Hazelnut, Chive Oil) and ventures next to Farro Puls (Pecorino Cream, Bacon Veil, Caramelized Onion Gel, Pancetta Crumble, Brown Butter, Onion Skin). Entrée dishes include options of Octopus Lasagna (Tomato Puree, Mirepoix, Spinach Ricotta Sauce, Garum Bechamel), Osso Bucco (Prime Striploin, Smoked Risotto Milanese, Saffron Pickled Mustard Seeds, Chantrelles, Bone Marrow, Crispy Oxtail, Cipollini Onion, Oxtail Jus), and Crispy Skin Chicken Breast (Smoked Corn, Sauteed Trumpet Mushrooms, Corn Puree, Cipollini Onions, Blackberry Gel, Chicken Jus, Truffle Cream).

Desserts include Grape and Yogurt (Yogurt Namelaka, Grilled Grapes, Oregano Sponge, Grape Sorbet, Grape Tuilles), Textures of Chocolate (Rainier Cherries, Chantilly

Cream, Chocolate Sauce), and Apple Pie Cotton Candy (Apple and Crème Flavored Floss, Edible Sweet Pie Crust Stick). A decadent supplemental Caviar Course of Smoked Sturgeon Pate, Confit Egg Yolk, Pistachio, Chives, Royal White Sturgeon Caviar, and Sunflower is available for an additional $75.

NORMA WHITT NAMED EXECUTIVE

Whitt most recently was Executive Chef for two years at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore, Maryland. Prior to that, she was Executive Chef at Hageman Reserve (Sulphur Bluff, TX) and St. Clair Brown Winery (Napa, Calif.); Executive Sous Chef at Four Seasons Hotel (San Francisco, Calif.) and Bardessono Hotel, Restaurant and Spa (Yountville, Calif.); The Knoll Chef at Iowa State University President Mansion; and Yacht Chef for Aquadisaic (JK3 Yachts) during the America’s Cup on San Francisco Bay in 2013.

Luce (meaning “light” in Italian, which naturally pours through the tall windows into the beautiful dining room of Luce) is a modern American cuisine mecca with an indelible reputation for serving opulent dishes designed by lauded chefs.

Luce garnered international acclaim upon receiving 1-star from the Michelin Guide with Chef Dominique Crenn (2010) at the helm of the kitchen; one of the world’s premier women chefs. Under the stewardship of Chef Daniel Corey, Luce maintained its Michelin star for 10 consecutive years until its 2019 closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Chef Dennis takes the reins after curating singular menus at some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants.

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

CHEF AT INTERCONTINENTAL

SF HOTEL  Norma Whitt brings more than two decades of expertise at fine dining restaurants, renowned hotels and wineries to lead InterContinental SF Hotel’s culinary program. The first Executive Chef at InterContinental SF Hotel, Whitt leads with sustainability and seasonality at the forefront of her vision for the hotel’s outlets including Luce, Bistro 888, Bar 888, banquets, and room service.

Luce presents an idiosyncratic wine program carrying the prestige of the “Best of Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator magazine. Certified Italian Sommelier, Marco Buffa is Wine Director and Dinner Service Manager for Luce Luce welcomes diners Wednesdays through Saturdays for seating between 5:30pm – 9pm. The six-course tasting menu is $130 (vegetarian menu is available upon request). Tasting menu wine pairing is $85 (six-course).

For detailed information, please visit: lucewinerestaurant. com and instagram.com/lucesf

We’re here for you. Here in your neighborhood.

MUSIC EXEC , ENTREPRENEUR AND HUMANITARIAN DONATES TO COLLEGE GAME

Founder and CEO of Right Hand Co, Right Hand Foundation, and The Network ATL, Courtney Stewart, is making dreams come true at his alma mater Alabama State University

Stewart, who’s best known for discovering and developing multi-platinum selling, award-winning, global superstar Khalid, is donating $100,000 to create scholarships for communication students and multiple enhancements to ASU’s communication department. The presentation will occur during the Homecoming game between ASU and Jackson State University on Saturday, Oct. 8. “It’s so important to give back, and it’s a blessing and an honor to be able to do that and help support the growth of HBCUs and prepare the current students with resources and an education to thrive after college,” explained Stewart Stewart pointed out that the majority of the funds are earmarked for the communications department for scholarships and other departmental and student needs. “I’m passionate about supporting the communications department,” added Stewart “Not only did it teach me the curriculum of my major, but it also was the catalyst to lead me on my path in the entertainment industry. Believe it or not, what I learned still impacts my business daily.”

The music executive, real estate developer, tech investor and humanitarian who graduated from ASU in 2003 with a B.A. in communications, said from his childhood growing up in Atlanta to his college days at ASU, he always loved music, film/ television, and the arts. “What I didn’t know

during my time at ASU, I was becoming an entrepreneur,” shared Stewart “Whether I was throwing parties or selling CDs on campus, everything was feeding my soul’s purpose and my entrepreneurial spirit even back then. It all came together and put a spotlight on my true talent all sparked by my love of the arts, communication, and music.”

Audrey Parks, Director of Development, Office of Institutional Advancement, said Alabama State University appreciates Stewart’s support for ASU students and his alma mater. “We are very proud of the wonderful example he is to our community and young people. He is the kind of individual we hope to nurture at Alabama State University,” said Parks

Stewart said he is committed to the advancement of HBCUs and pledged to continue to create avenues of opportunity for ASU scholars. “This isn’t the end of my support for Alabama State. This is just the beginning. I’m so grateful that I attended ASU. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I made lifelong friends, and I was groomed to become the man I am today,” Stewart concluded. “I learned valuable lessons inside and outside of the classroom which to this day still influence me as the leader, mentor and businessman I am today.”

More about Stewart 

Courtney Stewart leverages a 360-degree approach to all aspects of his business and philanthropy. By sharing a similar spirit and vision to the clients, projects, and causes he supports, the music executive, tech investor,

real estate developer, and humanitarian maximizes opportunity for success from all angles. This ability to align and collaborate closely with artists cemented Stewart among the industry’s leaders recognized on Billboard’s prestigious “40 Under 40,” Variety’s 2018 and 2019 “Hitmakers” list, Billboard’s 2020 “Power List,” and ASUs 50 under 50 class.

Stewart has also built an impressive career beyond the music industry.

families across the metro area.

As an entrepreneur, Stewart believes in the power of new ideas. In 2021, he partnered with startup accelerator Techstars Music. Along with its member companies, Techstars Music commits capital for underrepresented tech founders and is committed to 50% of program CEOs being diverse with a particular focus on Black, LGBTQ, and female founders. As a Techstars Music partner,

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As an Atlanta native, he has invested in real estate throughout Atlanta to support revitalization. His development projects include dozens of multi-family homes, as well as The Network ATL, a premiere event space in the city.  Additionally, he founded Right Hand Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides single mothers and children with free housing, educational programs, and resources that support long-term success and independent sustainability. His charitable outreach in Atlanta has been longstanding and has provided a wide range of support impacting hundreds of

Stewart helps foster innovation and advance ideas that promote positive social and economic change for communities around the world.

Courtney Stewart is a music industry, business, and community leader with a passion for connecting culture and community to drive success. “Success comes from sharing a common vision and goal,” he explains. “When I align with a client or a charity, we’ve got to be in sync and share the same passion and drive. When those two things come together, greatness is inevitable.”

WARNER MUSIC ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE IN RESIDENCE APPOINTMENT

The Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business at Howard University recently announced Howard alumnus Tarik Brooks (B.A., '97), President of Combs Enterprises, as its inaugural Executive in Residence for the Fall 2022 semester. In this position, Brooks will serve as a mentor to the center’s 20 fellows as he hopes to empower the next generation of cultural leaders. Combs Enterprises, a portfolio of game-changing companies founded by Sean “Diddy'' Combs, is committed to inspiring greatness, celebrating excellence, and building a lasting impact.

“I’m honored to work with the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center to prepare Howard students for careers in music and entertainment,” said Brooks. “My goal is to accelerate the trajectory of the fellows in the program, the same way Howard and my mentors have done for me.”

Every semester, a different music business executive will serve as the center’s executive in residence. Brooks will be on campus at the Howard University School of Business, at least once a month, to speak to students interested in working in the music industry. For students admitted to the center’s fellowship program, Brooks will provide personal mentorship and assist in securing post-graduation employment. “It is such a blessing to have Mr. Brooks join us this semester to mentor the next generation of music business professionals.

It’s so important to give our students the opportunity to learn directly from industry experts, especially Howard alum. Tarik’s years of experience and wealth of knowledge in the industry will surely be a huge inspiration to our students,”

said Jasmine Young, Director of the Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business

Brooks is a seasoned executive with more than 22 years of experience driving large scale business transformations across several industries including hospitality, spirits, and media. As the President of Combs Enterprises, Brooks oversees all business operations and investments owned by Sean “Diddy” Combs. This diverse portfolio includes CirocVodka, DeLeon Tequila, REVOLT TV, Bad Boy Records,

Prior to Combs Enterprises, Brooks was the Chief Operating Officer of the Account Management and Trading department at Bridgewater Associates, a global investment management firm with approximately $160 billion under management. He also previously served as the Executive Vice President at RLJ Companies, a portfolio of companies led by legendary investor Robert L. Johnson, where he led the development of several businesses including gaming/ nightlife ventures in the Caribbean and the

engineer for Jay-Z and Director of the Music Technology, Entrepreneurship & Production program at the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment, Julian Petty, Executive Vice President of Warner Records, members of the Blavatnik Family and Blavatnik Family Foundation Social Justice Fund board members.

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that comprises 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue more than 140 programs of study leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 12 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu

completion of RLJ Kendeja, a resort hotel in Monrovia, Liberia.

He is a graduate of Howard University and Harvard Business School.

On October 20, 2022, at 11 a.m. the center

Combs Enterprises is the portfolio of businesses and investments built and cultivated by music legend and entrepreneur Sean Love Combs Aka Diddy. Established in 2013, Combs Enterprises includes the brands Bad Boy Entertainment, Sean John, Combs Wine & Spirits (Cîroc Vodka and DeLeon Tequila), AQUAhydrate, Janice Combs Publishing, REVOLT Films and REVOLT MEDIA & TV, Shop Circulate, Our Fare Share, Capital Preparatory Charter Schools and the Sean Combs Foundation Combs Enterprises is known worldwide for its award-winning, market-defining successes in music, fashion, fragrance, spirits, marketing, film, television, media and more.

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Love Records, Sean John, AquaHydrate, Capital Preparatory Schools and more. Brooks oversees Sean Combs’ investment strategy and leads all new business development. Combs invests in companies whose missions align with that of Combs Enterprises, including Thirteen Lune and REC Philly Brooks also led the launch of Our Fair Share, a platform that helped minority owned businesses access capital through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

will host a VIP reception at the Blackburn Center Ballroom. The reception will celebrate the icons and legends in the music industry who have graduated from Howard Brooks will be in attendance and will be honored at the reception among others. Also in attendance will be Young Guru, chief

WHAT MINORITIES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CANCER RISKS

The good news on cancer?

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), cancer incidence and mortality overall are declining in all population groups in the U.S.—due in large part to impressive advances in diagnosis and treatment as well as increased public awareness of the need for regular screenings. The bad news?

Minority populations – Blacks and African-Americans, in particular – are still more likely to develop cancer and die from the disease.

According to NCI statistics, significant health disparities exist within these populations, especially when it comes to certain types of cancer:

|Blacks/African Americans in general have higher death rates than all other racial and ethnic groups for many, although not all, cancer types.

|Black/African-American males have a higher mortality rate for prostate, lung, colorectal, liver and pancreatic cancer, while Black/African-American females have a higher death rate for breast and lung cancer.

|Although deaths from prostate cancer have dropped substantially in recent decades among all men, Black/AfricanAmerican men are twice as likely as White men to die of prostate cancer and continue to have the highest prostate cancer mortality among all U.S. population groups.

|Hispanic/Latino and Black/ African-American women have higher rates of cervical cancer than women of other racial/ ethnic groups, with Black/AfricanAmerican women having the highest rates of death from the disease.

|Despite having similar rates of breast cancer, Black/AfricanAmerican women are more likely than White women to die of the disease.

Kerry-Ann McDonald, M.D., a breast surgical oncologist at Lynn Cancer Institute in Boca Raton, part of Baptist Health South Florida, says that breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among Black women.

And, she adds, this group is far more likely to develop aggressive, advanced-stage breast cancer. “Not only are Black and AfricanAmerican women more at risk for developing breast cancer than any other type of cancer, they’re also twice as likely to be diagnosed with triple negative and inflammatory breast cancers,” says Dr. McDonald. Of even more concern, she notes, is

according to the NCI. These include social determinants of health, behavior, biology, and genetics—all of which can have profound effects on health, including cancer risk and outcomes. Also, certain groups in the United States experience cancer disparities because they

health care coverage, which entails providing cost-effective insurance, and also improve access to healthcare providers,” she says. “We also need to do more to educate the population on the signs and symptoms of cancer, and the importance of regular cancer screenings and preventative care.” Dr. Joseph also suggests decreasing access to cigarettes, providing more outlets for a healthy lifestyle including diet and exercise, and making vaccinations such as Gardasil, which can prevent cervical cancer in women, more accessible. “Knowing your family history is also very important, as it can help guide you towards screening,” Dr. Joseph adds.

What can you do to prevent cancer?

the fact that Black women also have the highest breast cancer mortality of any racial or ethnic group in the country. “A Black woman in the U.S. is 42 percent more likely to die from breast cancer than a White women. That’s a shocking number—it shouldn’t be that high.”

Health disparities are also evident in Hispanic/Latino populations, where women diagnosed with breast cancer are often diagnosed at a younger age than non-Hispanic White women.

“With breast cancer, the median age at diagnosis for Hispanic women is 59 years, compared to 63 years for non-Hispanic white women,” Dr. McDonald says.

What are the causes of cancer health disparities?

Cancer disparities reflect the interplay among many factors,

are more likely to encounter obstacles in getting health care. “Many people in minority populations are struggling financially and lack access to quality health care and health insurance,” according to Sarah Joseph, M.D., a gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Miami Cancer Institute. “In addition, a large percentage have hourly jobs where it can be a real challenge to take time off from work and get to and from health screenings and doctors’ appointments.”

Another reason for cancer health disparities, Dr. Joseph says, is that Blacks/African-Americans tend to have a higher degree of comorbidities – other diseases they may be suffering from at the same time – which can affect their cancer treatment and prognosis.

How can racial and ethnic disparities be improved? Addressing racial disparities in cancer care – and healthcare in general – requires looking at the root causes, according to Dr. Joseph “We need to expand

Dr. McDonald at Lynn Cancer Institute offers some easy but important preventative measures people can take against cancer: |Early detection is key as it leads to better survival, so make sure you have an annual exam with your physician. This should include a clinical breast exam starting at age 25.

|Perform self-exams of your breasts every month. Many breast cancers are discovered by women during a regular selfexam.

|Know your family history so you can intervene early either with genetic testing or enhanced breast screening.

|Have a mammogram every year starting at age 40. (Dr. McDonald often suggests a baseline mammogram at 35 years for all women.)

|Eat a healthy diet mixed with grains, vegetables, and fruits.

|Avoid tobacco use and limit alcohol intake.

|Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily and maintain a stable body weight.

Dr. McDonald stresses that these recommendations can benefit anyone, regardless of what racial or ethnic group they belong to. “Following these simple steps can not only help keep you healthy, it may also save your life.”

KERRY-ANN MCDONALD, M.D., breast surgical oncologist at Boca Raton Regional Hospital’s Lynn Cancer Institute

SARAH JOSEPH, M.D., gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Miami Cancer Institute

HBCU STEM STUDENTS EARN PROGRAM PLACEMENT

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, only 8% of medical students and 5% of physicians are Black and African American. In an effort to address this disparity, the American Heart Association, the leading public health nonprofit organization dedicated to building a world of longer, healthier lives for all, has announced that 52 students from 23 academic institutions have been selected to participate in its Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Scholars program.

The Association’s HBCU Scholars are enrolled in biomedical or other health sciences programs at their respective institutions. Through their participation in the Scholars program, they will study how the social determinants of health and other health disparities impact underserved communities. They will also participate in scientific research projects and present their findings at the end of the program.

“Since 2015, the American Heart Association HBCU Scholars program has helped change the trajectory of dozens of under-represented students in science and medicine by fostering their talent, preparedness and growth to pursue careers in biomedical science” said American Heart Association volunteer president Michelle A. Albert, M.D., M.P.H., FAHA, who is the Walter A. Haas-Lucie Stern endowed chair in Cardiology, professor of medicine and admissions dean at University of California-

San Francisco School of Medicine “As champions for health care quality and access for all, the American Heart Association is committed to building the pipeline of diverse persons in medicine and empowering the next generation of research and health care professionals.”

The program is funded by a grant provided by the Quest Diagnostics Foundation, which also supports the American Heart Association’s Hispanic Serving Institutes (HSI) Scholars Program

“This program plays an essential role in supporting the pipeline of Black students who will increase representation and equity in the health care field,” said Mandell Jackson, Vice President and General Manager, Quest for Health Equity, Quest Diagnostics “We are proud to support this next cohort of HBCU Scholars with the American Heart Association as it provides them with enriching academic and networking experiences to help them excel in their career paths.”

Accepted students are selected based on their GPA, completion of a formal application, which includes an essay, and an official recommendation from their school. During the program, scholars are paired with a mentor who works in health care or is currently performing their own relevant scientific research. They will also participate in a leadership development program and are awarded a financial stipend to help cover education-related expenses.

Clinical research studies published in the American Journal of Public Health suggest that patients of color may experience uncomfortable interactions and communication barriers with their health care providers due to lack of diversity and face implicit and unconscious bias from physicians and other health care professionals. These barriers, in turn, can lower patients’ trust in the overall health care system and as a result, these patients may not complete prescribed treatments or follow-up on recommended care. Addressing this issue is a vital component of the HBCU Scholars program.

Each year, the Association seeks applications from sophomores, juniors and seniors from historically underrepresented communities who are currently enrolled in an HBCU and are interested in pursuing a professional degree in biomedical and health sciences.

HISTORIC SORORITY CElEBRATES SERVICE TO COMMUNITY

The Theta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated will host a double celebration to commemorate its Centennial and to celebrate the payoff of its 30-year mortgage on its multimillion-dollar AKARAMA Foundation Community Service Center in 15 years. The Center is under the umbrella of the AKARAMA Foundation, the charitable arm of Theta Omega chapter.   The Chapter will honor these milestones with a Reception on Saturday, November 5 from 2-5 PM at the Center 6220 S. Ingleside. The theme of the celebration is “100 Years of Sisterhood and Service: Strengthening Our Community.” Founded on November 5, 1922, the chapter is hailed as one of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s premiere chapters. Theta Omega Chapter was the first Graduate Chapter in Chicago and boasts an illustrious history. During the reception, members will reflect on the past 100 years and make projections for the future as well. Several organizations such as Legal Aid Chicago, DLA Piper Law Firm and University of Chicago Office of Civic Engagement will be recognized and will receive expressions of appreciation for being sustained supporters through the years.

In making the announcement, Kimberley Egonmwan, Esq., President of the AKArama Foundation and Theta Omega chapter declared that the reception will hail the chapter’s Centennial milestone. Egonmwan also asserted: “Retiring the mortgage is a triumph and a reflection of the Foundation’s love and devotion to serving the community.”   Located in the heart of the Woodlawn community, the Center is heralded as a beacon of light. Under its roof is a service haven where programs are planned and hosted by members who reach out to the community and provide information, tools and resources.

Egonmwan declared that the payoff of the Center represents the culmination of a dream by the Foundation members. “In

illustrating their financial might, members pooled their resources, combined their talents, crafted a plan, harnessed their strengths and executed their mission: to own, manage and control the Foundation’s direction and destiny. It is a powerful show of Black economic empowerment by AfricanAmerican women.”

The President revealed that the early payoff was because aggressive fundraising efforts were mounted. Additionally, with extra-generous donations from members and substantial amounts bequeathed to the chapter, the mortgage was paid off in half the time. During the event on Saturday November 5, members will host a symbolic “Burning of the Mortgage.”

The AKArama Community Service Center stands as a brick-and-mortar extension of the Foundation members’ passion, resolve and commitment to service. Under its roof, the Foundation has served millions, awarded over $1 million in scholarships and, overall, earned its designation as a citadel of service.

The acquisition and ownership of the

Community Service Center is a major part of the arc of history of Theta Omega and the AKARAMA Foundation. In the 1990s, members began craving to own their own property and create a lasting footprint of service in the Woodlawn community. The urge for ownership represented the tipping point that led to the eventual building of the Center Audrey Cooper-Stanton, chapter president in 1999, led the charge. She put in motion a plan, assembled a team, and did the preliminary work that achieved remarkable results.

Cooper-Stanton crafted and submitted a proposal. Ultimately the Foundation was awarded $500,000 from the Illinois First Fund. Additionally, seeing the potential of the Foundation to reshape the community, the City of Chicago sold the chapter eight parcels of land valued at $450,000 for a total of $1 per parcel.

Reflecting on the significance of these two developments Stanton-Cooper remarked: “With these two events, the Center went from a dream to a reality.”

The contractors charged with the overall

project were Black-owned firms: The architect was Raymond Broady of RBA Architects; construction management was entrusted to UBM, Inc., whose president is Paul J. King, Jr. In 2007, five years after the ground-breaking, the AKArama Foundation Community Service Center opened its doors to much fanfare and excitement.

Spotlighted among the attendees was then-Illinois Senate President Emil Jones, Jr. who helped give life to the Community Service Center, as he championed equity for African-Americans in Illinois and the creation of lasting Black institutions. Jones is invited to attend and will have his lasting contributions applauded at the reception on November 5. With pride, Egonmwan declared, “The AKArama Community Center is emblematic of the 100 years of service that defines the Foundation and the chapter. The Center has emerged as a service haven where programs are planned and hosted by members who reach out to the community and provide information, tools and resources. We invite the public to participate in the many activities that take place at the Center

The reception will be the first of three events to commemorate Theta Omega’s Centennial. Following are the other highprofile events and the dates:



On Saturday November 12, the chapter will host a gala formal at the Marriott Hotel, 540 N. Michigan Avenue beginning at 6:00 P.M. Members will reflect on 100 years of service through testimonials and anecdotes.



On Sunday, November 13, the Centennial Celebration will culminate with a brunch, also at the Marriott, beginning at 11 AM.

Members will offer final words of praise and gratitude while looking forward to the second century.

To purchase tickets to the Centennial events and for more information, log on to thetaomega.com

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NOTES

AL B. SURE! SHARES INSPIRING JOURNEY

Al B. Sure!, the legendary singer, songwriter, producer, radio host, and social justice activist, released an open letter to fans following his recovery from a life-threatening medical challenge that included a two-month coma. Now, for the first time, the renowned pop star is personally sharing his fight against the odds to pull through and recover.

To my musical family around the world, Let me start with All Praise Due to Allah. Thank you for granting me life, this opportunity, and this platform to share my journey with those who are genuinely invested with care and concern for my health and wellbeing. I want to send a personal and sincere thank you to all of you who sent prayers, well wishes and positive energy my way. I felt each and every one of them!

This unforeseen medical roller coaster has been a complete life-changing experience. I now value everyday functionality like walking, talking, and breathing on your own with no assistance from a medical professional or machines. Take none of those things for granted.

Here is an abbreviated version of events: In early to mid-July, I was wrapping up a lunch meeting and headed back to the studio to continue working on a project. As I sat down in front of the computer, I began to lose feeling on the entire left side of my body. I fell over. Fortunately, my phone was within reach, and I was able to call for

assistance. I only remember sitting in the ER in a wheelchair and my brother, DJ Eddie F, standing next to me speaking with security.

It was not until October that I was made fully aware of what had transpired and able to start to comprehend it all. I had multiple surgeries covering everything from repairing a hematoma/hernia to an organ transplant.

I was also placed on dialysis, accumulated excessive fluid in my lungs, fungal pneumonia, became septic, had lymph

nodes removed, multiple blood transfusions, was intubated and placed on a ventilator due to my oxygen dropping down to 20%. All mind boggling at the least. It just doesn’t jell. I am now the proud over of a chevron-shaped scar where the doctor entered my chest and abdominal cavity to repair my broken parts. That’s the best description I can give without going into the unsavory, morbidsounding details. Being heavily sedated, asleep, and in a coma during a portion of my

hospitalization, to learning that the amazing medical staff were fully prepared to send me to hospice due to the severity of my condition was unbelievable. Doctors said it just didn’t look as if I’d make it through with everything going on simultaneously. My brother DJ Eddie F, my primary physician Dr. K, Civil Rights icon Rev. Al Sharpton, and Rachel Noerdlinger were firm advocates, stating, “No hospice, he’s strong enough to survive this medical adversity.”

Thank God I’m alive, alert, gradually healing and forever grateful for my time being extended on His green earth. I’m maintaining a positive mindset throughout this healing process.

To be completely transparent, everything I’ve gone through is self-perpetuated or otherwise has had me shook to the core but my faith and believe in The Most High has put me in check for a greater life plan moving forward with what He has in store. It has been ordained that I thrive within this second gift of life. Being accountable to myself to achieve consistent health and wellness moving forward is on ME! The responsibility, the will to stay alive, be a better human being, father, brother, son, activist, and man is on ME! What I seek to accomplish and conquer in the future will be monumental, God willing.

Love & Light. Al B! Sure

ISSAC MIZRAHI IN PETER & THE WOLF

Works & Process at the Guggenheim announces the long await return of Peter & the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev with Isaac Mizrahi. Tickets available now at www. worksandprocess.org

Peter & the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev with Isaac Mizrahi Saturday, December 10 & Sunday, December 11, 2022 at 1 pm, 2:30 pm & 4 pm Tickets $35, Choose What You Pay

Isaac Mizrahi narrates and directs Sergei Prokofiev’s charming children’s classic, accompanied by Ensemble Connect conducted by Michael P. Atkinson, Associate Conductor, The Knights. The cast, wearing costumes by Mizrahi, performs choreography by John Heginbotham, bringing the 30-minute story to life for the young and young at heart. No matter how tall or small, everyone needs a ticket.

Isaac Mizrahi (libra) has directed numerous theatrical productions and operas including a 2014 production of The Magic Flute at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Mizrahi has worked extensively in the theater both as a performer and a designer of sets and costumes. He was the subject and co-creator of Unzipped, a documentary following the making of his Fall 1994 ready-to-wear collection which received an award at the Sundance Film Festival. He has been a leader in the fashion industry for nearly 30 years and currently serves as the Chief Designer for the IMNYC Isaac Mizrahi and Isaac Mizrahi Live! collections. He hosted his own television talk show for five years, has written three books and has made countless appearances in movies and television. Mizrahi has his own production company, Isaac Mizrahi Entertainment, under which he has several projects in development in television, theatre and literature. His New York Times bestselling memoir, I.M.,

was published in February 2019. He performs cabaret across the country and will be appearing at Café Carlyle January 21-February 8, 2020.

Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, John Heginbotham (choreography) graduated from The Juilliard School in 1993, and was a member of Mark Morris Dance Group (1998-2012). In 2011, he founded Dance Heginbotham, which has been presented and commissioned by Baryshnikov Arts Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Duke Performances, Jacob’s Pillow

as a freelance choreographer, John’s current projects include a new commission for The Washington Ballet, 2019; the Tony Award winning Oklahoma!, directed by Daniel Fish (premiere at Bard Summerscape, 2015; St. Ann’s Warehouse, 2018; Broadway, 2019); and John Adams’ Girls of the Golden West, directed by Peter Sellars (San Francisco Opera, 2017; Dutch National Opera, 2019). John is the Director of the Dartmouth Dance Ensemble, and is a founding teacher of Dance for PD®, an ongoing collaboration between the Mark

score for Coppèlia, choreographed and directed by Jessica Wright and Morgann Runacre-Temple for Scottish Ballet, which premiered to wide critical acclaim at the 75th anniversary Edinburgh International Festival Coppèlia will premiere in London at Sadler’s Wells in 2023.

Michael is Associate Conductor of The Knights, and has appeared as guest conductor of New York City Ballet, the Orlando Philharmonic, and has lead numerous recording projects. Michael has conducted the world premieres of 7 ballets, including Year of the Rabbit and Everywhere We Go by Justin Peck, both of which were presented at Works & Process

An independent process-focused nonprofit performing arts organization, Works & Process illuminates the artistic process of creators from the world’s largest organizations and simultaneously champions artists representing historically under-recognized performing arts cultures by providing rare longitudinal studio-tostage fully-funded creative residency, commissioning, and presenting support.

Dance

, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, among others. John received a 2018 Guggenheim Fellowship and in June 2014, he was awarded the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award. John is currently a Research Fellow at the National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron (NCCAkron), was awarded a 2017/18 New York City Center Choreography Fellowship, was a 2016 Fellow at NYU’s Center for Ballet and the Arts, and is a two-time recipient of the Jerome Robbins Foundation New Essential Works (NEW) Fellowship (2010, 2012). Sought-after

Lincoln

Michael P. Atkinson (conductor) is a distinguished composer/arranger/ conductor/instrumentalist based in New York City. Credits and collaborations include Sufjan Stevens, Justin Peck, William Kentridge, New York Philharmonic, Amsterdam Sinfonietta, New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, International Contemporary Ensemble, BalletCollective, Metropolitan Museum of Art, among many others. With Mikael Karlsson, Michael co-composed a new

Works & Process provides audiences with unprecedented access to creative process with programs that blend artist discussions and performance highlights, with the goal of fostering greater understanding and appreciation and broadening representation. This season Works & Process celebrates New York artists, street and social dance, and after four decades at the Guggenheim expands beyond the museum to also present at Gibney Center, Lincoln Center, and The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, with the Jerome Robbins Dance Division. Our ongoing LaunchPAD “Process as Destination” residency program knits together a constellation of 10 residency centers across New York state to support creative process.

Festival, The Kennedy Center, The Joyce Theater,

Center

Morris Dance Group and the Brooklyn Parkinson Group

Image provided by source

Photo Credit: Robert Altman