New York Trend NYC: January 19 – 25, 2023

NEW YORK TREND

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

NAACP FILES LAWSUIT TO SUPPORT STUDENT DEBT RELIEF

THE NAACP and a historic coalition of cities, states, experts, and advocates have filed more than a dozen amicus curiae briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the Biden Administration's student debt relief program. This joint move by the coalition comes as the nation's highest court is set to hear arguments that will determine the fate of Biden's student debt relief program on February 28th.

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

with the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. The NAACP proudly joins our partners in pulling out every tool in the box to make sure borrowers receive the relief they need. It is up to the Supreme Court to do the right

“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 creating a more just society in this country,” says Black Star News founder and publisher Milton Allimadi. “Obviously much work needs to be done here and around the world.”

"Education is meant to be a key to financial freedom, not the ultimate barrier. The reality is that for far too long, the overwhelming burden of student debt has kept Black Americans from utilizing their education to attain upward mobility and create the generational wealth they seek. Let's be real - student debt is crushing Black America," said NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson "The coronavirus pandemic has only made things worse, and borrowers deserve a chance to get back on their feet. The NAACP has advocated for student debt relief for years, mobilizing student borrowers across the country to tell their stories and urging the President to take action.

The gala starts at 6:00pm with a 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

President Biden's plan to begin addressing the student debt crisis is not only legal but essential for providing muchneeded relief to some 40 million Americans who are dealing

thing and uphold the President's plan to pave the way toward greater economic and racial equality in America."

and once and for all provide much needed financial relief to millions of Americans.

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP

and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

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

Central

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 Kharey Wise.

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

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

The NAACP will continue to advocate for closing the racial wealth gap in America. It is the hope of the Association that President Biden's student debt relief program will move forward

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.

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

(National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) is the largest and most pre-eminent civil rights organization in the nation. We have over 2,200 units and branches across the nation, along with well over 2M activists. Our mission is to secure the political, educational, social,

WLIB radio in New York City. He also has a Friday night radio talk show on WBAI

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. 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 Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF –was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but separated in 1957 to become a completely separate entity. It is recognized as the nation's first civil and human rights law organization and shares our commitment to equal rights.

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.

Photo Source: NAACP

NATIONAL PASSAGE OF PRISON REFORM ACT KEEPS FAMILIES CONNECTED

The Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022 has passed by the House of Representatives and is headed to the President’s desk. This historic victory comes a decade after Color Of Change, its members and partners pressured Securus, the largest prison telecom company, to publicly support the prison phone justice legislation after decades of opposing it.  The legislation gives the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) the authority to establish maximum service rates in prisons for communication providers. This will allow incarcerated individuals to stay in contact with their families and loved ones, without paying exorbitant fees and is a step toward ending carceral profiteering, once and for all. Color Of Change, Worth Rises, United Church of Christ’s Media Justice Ministry, Free Press Action, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the National Consumer Law Center, Public Knowledge, International CURE and Benton Institute for Broadband and Society applaud lawmakers for enshrining these protections for incarcerated individuals. For years, these groups have publicly pressured, called on and spoke with telecom companies, lawmakers and other key players who have had a hand in profiting from incarceration by overcharging communication services. Advocates demanded lawmakers pass the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act to end these harmful practices.

“It is vital that we end carceral profiteering once and for all. Prison-telecommunications services profit from vulnerable families trying to stay in touch with their loved ones, generating $1.4 billion annually,” said Sakira Cook, Vice President of Policy & Government at Color Of Change “Today, after over a decade of advocacy, lawmakers made an important stride in addressing profiteering in our prison system. We applaud and thank Representative Bobby Rush and Senator Tammy Duckworth for their leadership on this issue, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

and Leader Chuck Schumer for prioritizing and passing this legislation in the House and in the Senate. The Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022 will protect people from predatory phone companies and save millions of dollars for families of incarcerated individuals, especially for Black people and communities of color."

“The predatory correctional telecom industry has avoided regulation for too long, and families have paid the exorbitant price,” said Worth Rises Executive Director Bianca

Tylek “Today, we commend Congress for finally correcting this injustice by passing the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022 and ensuring that the FCC has the authority to regulate call rates charged across our nation’s prisons and jails. This legislation will bring extraordinary relief to families with incarcerated loved ones – parents and children especially – who need to stay connected. Those connections are important to the strength of families, well-being of people inside, and their mutual success upon reentry. Their success benefits us all.”

“The Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022 is essential to preparing for jobs and housing when a person is released,” commended Charles Sullivan, President of International CURE

“The predatory behavior of companies serving incarcerated people and their families is notorious. Families, pastors, attorneys and others are forced to pay unconscionable rates in order to keep in touch with loved ones, offer counseling and connection or vindicate legal rights,” said Cheryl A. Leanza, policy advisor of the United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry “But today, the forces of good pushed back! We are celebrating passage of the Martha WrightReed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022 and the steadfast commitment of our Congressional champions who pressed ahead against terrible odds. The gift of connection and recognition to people who are often forgotten and left behind is immeasurable and particularly meaningful during the holiday season. The United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry expresses our deep gratitude to Senator Duckworth, Representative Rush, Senate and House leadership and the often unsung staff who would not give up on the people counting on them. And we credit the National Sheriffs Association for coming to the table and standing by the legislative compromise it made. We look forward to working with the Federal Communications Commission to implement this new law.”

“For too long, families have been forced to pay inflated, unaffordable rates to stay connected with their incarcerated loved ones,” said Ariel Nelson, Staff Attorney at the National Consumer Law Center “We applaud Congress for passing the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022, which will help end this predatory practice and ensure that families no longer have to choose between putting food on the table or speaking with a loved one.”

“Enactment of the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022 helps everyone, not just the incarcerated and their families,” stressed Andrew Jay Schwartzman, Staff Counsel to the Benton Institute for

Broadband & Society on the broader impact of the new legislation. “Our entire society benefits when families can stay together; reducing recidivism reduces taxes for all of us and also makes the job of law enforcement easier and cheaper.”

“Incarcerated people and their loved ones have paid the price, literally, for the predatory behavior by the correctional telecom industry for far too long,” said Heather Franklin, Internet Campaign Director at Free Press Action “The ability for incarcerated people to maintain regular communication with their loved ones, counsel and clergy is a human rights issue. We’re grateful to champions on the Hill for pushing the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022 over the finish line in the final days before Congress’ holiday break and look forward to working with the FCC to ensure that the costs of all calls are just and reasonable.”

“At last, incarcerated people will be able to make phone calls to stay in touch with family and other loved ones with some regulatory supervision on both interstate and local rates,” said Al Kramer, Senior Fellow at Public Knowledge “Moreover, there will now have to be services accessible by incarcerated people who are hearing impaired or have other disabilities. We thank Senator Duckworth and Representative Rush for their tireless work in shepherding this important legislation through the legislative process.”

“We applaud Congress for taking the long overdue step to eliminate predatory prison phone rates. It’s unacceptable for anyone to have to choose between necessities like rent or health care and connecting with their loved ones. The passage of the Martha Wright Prison Phone Justice Bill will correct this injustice and be life-changing for incarcerated individuals and their families,” said Jesselyn McCurdy, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs at The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

MAYOR’S RACIAL EQUITY INITIATIVE RAISES SUPPORT

The Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative announced recently that it has surpassed its private sector fundraising goal of $150 million, thanks to recent donations from Honeywell, Albemarle and other anonymous contributors.

These corporate gifts push the private-sector donations to $157,525 million, surpassing the original $150 million private-sector goal.

“There has undoubtedly been a tremendous amount of financial support in the inaugural year of the MREI and with money allocated to all four Priority Focus Areas, I couldn’t be more grateful,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles “What we’ve seen in these first 12 months has surpassed all of our expectations and illustrates the importance of this work and the power of public-private partnerships like this one.”

In the latest round of gifts, Albemarle committed $1.5 million, and Honeywell committed $5 million. The Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative has now raised $240 million of the initial public-private $250 million total goal, with additional publicsector grants pending.

The dollars raised will address racial inequities in Charlotte — with the monies funding the following key Priority Focus Areas:

 Transforming JCSU into a top-tier, careerfocused HBCU,

 Bridging the digital divide through the work of the Center for Digital Equity at Queens University of Charlotte,  Investing in Charlotte’s six “Corridors of Opportunity” neighborhoods, and   Catalyzing employer commitment

Launched in November 2021, MREI has the overall vision to show how Charlotte will be the gold standard American City, where racial equity, social justice, economic opportunity and upward mobility can be achieved through transformational public and private partnerships. In its inaugural year, the initiative has experienced overwhelming support from the city’s business community — along with public partners — to significantly accelerate efforts to address racial equity in ways that are both impactful and tangible.

“Albemarle is a values-driven company, and our commitment to sustainability includes how we engage and collaborate with the communities where we live and work,” said Kent Masters, Albemarle CEO “We’re proud to join Mayor Vi Lyles and community leaders to support greater equity and economic mobility in the Charlotte area.”

While surpassing the $150 million goal is an achievement worth celebration, initiative leaders stressed this is only the beginning. MREI depends on continued support from

both the public and private sectors to make strides, provide opportunities and break boundaries for Charlotte residents of color.  “We are so proud to share that as part of the Digital Divide workstream, Honeywell will donate 13,000 laptops to E2D - Eliminate the Digital Divide to help close the digital divide in the Queen City,” said Darius Adamczyk, Honeywell’s President and Chief Executive Officer “Honeywell is pleased to join this county-wide initiative to ensure every home in our headquarter city has a

EY, Honeywell, JP Morgan, Lowe’s, Mary and Mike Lamach, Michael Jordan Family Foundation and the Charlotte Hornets Foundation, National Gypsum/CD Spangler Foundation, Novant Health, Nucor Corporation, PGA President’s Cup, PwC, Queens University, Ric Elias, The Duke Endowment, The Gambrell Foundation, Trane Technologies, Truist and Wells Fargo Foundation For The Carolinas serves as the administrator for the majority of the Initiative’s private dollars and also serves as the integration point for funders across Priority Focus Areas. Public dollars are kept separate and flow through processes established at the public entities for approval, oversight, and distribution. Private Funder Advisory Committees are in place for each Focus Area to approve FFTC’s release of funding.

device and affordable Internet service to be able to engage with a digital world. With this historic donation, the largest ever to E2D, Charlotte is closer to becoming the most digitally equitable community in the country.”

Funders of the Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative include: Albemarle, Ally Financial, Atrium Health, Bank of America, Barings, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, City of Charlotte, CLT2020 Host Committee, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Duke Energy,

For more information about the Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative and how funds are used, visit EquityCLT.org

Committed to an equitable Charlotte, the Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative seeks to set the standard as an American city for achieving racial equity, social justice, economic opportunity, and upward mobility through transformational public-private partnerships. To learn more, visit EquityCLT. org

BLACK LIVES MATTERS CREATES STUDENT RELIEF FUND

BLACK LIVES MATTER GLOBAL NETWORK

FOUNDATION launched their Student Solidarity Fund — an extension of the Black Lives Matter Survival Fund, where we gave $3 million in microgrants to Black individuals, families, small-business owners, and other folks experiencing financial hardship. Both then and now, the government has refused to act immediately on monetary relief critical to the wellbeing of Black people everywhere. For decades, Black people have been told that a key to the middle class is an education. But education has become another way for white supremacy to hold Black people back — preventing countless Black families from building Black generational wealth.

Tuition has only gotten more expensive. And when Black students attend some of the most sought out colleges and universities,

they end up with three times the amount of debt as their white peers — and that’s in addition to the very real and present racial pay gap. Restricted access to college planning, along with racial disparities in income, homeownership, and wealth accumulation all play a huge role in how Black people are particularly burdened as a result of this student debt crisis.

On December 12, 2022, the first wave of the Student Solidarity Fund was launched, which is specifically for Black alumni or former Black students who completed some credit toward their Bachelor Degree. We understand that things happen, and sometimes, circumstances come up unexpectedly that may have led someone to not complete their degree — but this does not get rid of debt accrued. We wanted to be sure that these folks have just as much of a shot toward paying off their debt as others.

In early 2023, the next wave of the Student Solidarity Fund will be available and will focus solely on HBCU students — those currently enrolled will have an opportunity to apply for one of many microgrants that can be used for things like transportation and commuting costs, books, technology, food, housing, or various other things.

Research has long established that HBCU students experience higher rates of housing and food insecurity. HBCUs make up only 3 percent of America’s colleges and universities, but nearly 20% of all Black graduates and 25% of Black graduates in the STEM fields.

Additionally, our HBCU Ambassador Program will be launched — another leg of the Student Solidarity Fund programming. Our ambassadors would serve as leaders on and off HBCU campuses representing

BLMGNF, sharing resources with the HBCU community and directly advancing BLMGNF and HBCU student community building. Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation will continue to push for the cancellation of ALL student debt and the permanent pause of student loan repayments. Be sure to share the application with former Black students and alumni in your network.

CONGRESS PASSES NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE’S CONCERNS

Recently, Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, issued the following statement after Congress passed the Omnibus Spending package for fiscal year 2023:

“The Omnibus Spending package provides critical funding for federal government operations and community projects, including many of the National Urban League’s top priorities. We are grateful to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Charles Schumer, the Congressional Black Caucus, and our other allies in Congress for their advocacy and support of the Urban League movement and the programs we bring to communities across the country.

“Nine Urban League affiliates also secured funding for 11 projects in their communities in the Omnibus Spending bill. The projects covered entrepreneurial development, workforce training, financial literacy programs, and childcare services.

“We celebrate the investments and laws incorporated in this package, including the Electoral Counts Act, which will safeguard our democracy, and the Pregnant Worker Fairness Act, which will protect pregnant women from workplace discrimination. Still, we regret that Congress could not come together to expand and extend the child tax credit, close crackpowder cocaine sentencing disparities, and protect access to Medicaid for the families who need it most, amongst other priorities. The National Urban League will start the New Year by calling on the 118th Congress to finish this work on behalf of the American people.”

In addition to community projects, the following federal programs funded in the Omnibus package are top priorities of the National Urban League:

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

 $498 million to the Economic Development Administration

 $70 million for the Minority Business Development Administration (MBDA)

 $62 million for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).

 $1.49 billion to the Census Bureau Department Of Justice

 $107 million for Youth Mentoring in Juvenile Justice Programs

 $16 million for grants to train State and local law enforcement officers on racial profiling, de-escalation, and duty to intervene

 $25 million for Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention and Prosecution Grants

 $10,000,000 for grants authorized under the NO HATE Crime Act

 $10,000,000 for grants provided under the Community-Based Approaches to Advancing Justice program.

 $15 million in support of the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crimes Reauthorization Act, to investigate and prosecute unresolved civil rights era “cold case” murders

 $125 million for Second Chance Act grants

 $125 million for grants to help States improve their submissions into the National Instant Criminal Background Check system for gun purchases.

 $25 million for the Community Relations Service (CRS)

 $3 million to the Community Policing Development (CPD) for grants to support tolerance, diversity, and anti-bias training programs offered by organizations with well-established experience training law enforcement personnel and criminal justice professionals.

U.S. COMMISSION ON CIVIL RIGHTS

 $2 million for the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

 $4.1 billion for Training and Employment Services

 $115 million for Reentry of Ex-offenders

 $885.6 million for Adult Employment and Training

 $948 million for Youth Employment and Training

 $105 million for the YouthBuild program

 $285 million for Registered Apprenticeship programs

 $405 million for Senior Community Service Employment Program (Community Service Employment for Older Americans)

 $1.9 billion for DOL’s worker protection agencies

 $111 million for the Office of Federal Contract Compliance DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

 $1.3 billion for Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers

 $18.4 billion for Title I grants

 $7,395 for the maximum Pell Grant

 $1.02 billion to strengthen primarily Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in the Aid for Institutional Development account, including--

 $396 million for HBCUs,

 $228 million for Hispanic Serving Institutions

 $52 million for Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities

 $129 million for the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP)

 $140 million for the Office For Civil Rights

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

 $108 million for safe motherhood.

 $220 million for the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative.

 $3.3 billion for HIV/AIDS research.

 $39.8 million for the Office for Civil Rights to ensure protection of civil rights in healthcare.

 $286 million for Title X Family Planning

 $74.8 million for the Office of Minority Health

 $35 billion for the Administration for Children and Families (ACF)

 $681.9 million to enhance immunization efforts for the CDC Section 317 Vaccine Immunization Program

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

 $30.3 billion for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance

 $8.5 billion for Public Housing including $3.2 billion for public housing capital needs to improve the quality and safety of public housing for more than 1.7 million residents.

 $499 million for Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS to protect housing and services for more than 62,400 low-income people living with HIV.

 $350 million to revitalize low-income housing and distressed communities by funding the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative

 $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

 $1.5 billion for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program

 $57.5 million for Housing Counseling assistance for renters, homeowners, and those considering homeownership

 $86.4 million for Fair Housing Activities to increase enforcement in fair housing

 $410 million for Lead Hazard Reduction

 $225 million for Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) program

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

AGENCY

 $1.67 billion for the Clean and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds for wastewater treatment works and drinking water facilities impacted by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian and including $600 million to address the water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi.

ELECTION ASSISTANCE COMMISSION (EAC)

 $75 million for Election Security Grants, equal to the FY 22 enacted level, to augment State efforts to improve the security and integrity of elections for Federal office.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC)

 Supports efforts to expand broadband access, improve the security of U.S. telecommunications networks, and administer COVID-19 relief programs.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

 $320 million for Entrepreneurial Development Programs, including: $140 million for Small Business Development Centers; $41 million for Microloan Technical Assistance;  and $27 million for Women’s Business Centers.

 $858 million in emergency supplemental funding for SBA’s Disaster Loans Program to support requirements for Hurricanes Fiona, Ian, and other disaster loan programs administered by SBA.

DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY

 $324 million for Community Development Financial Institutions

 $12.3 billion for the Internal Revenue Service including funding to improve customer service.

Photo Source: nul.org

JANUARY IS FINANCIAL WELLNESS MONTH

January is associated with new beginnings. During this time of the year, people set their New Year's resolutions: eat healthier, go to the gym, eliminate bad habits, learn a new skill… and the list goes on. January also happens to be NATIONAL FINANCIAL WELLNESS MONTH, making this a good time to include a few financial-related goals among those resolutions.

Financial wellness has to do with your relationship with money and how secure it is, regardless of the variables that could affect your future. While the resolutions you make ultimately depend on your specific life circumstances and goals, the Black PR Wire Team would like to share a few you may wish to consider to help improve your financial wellness.

COMMENTARY NEWS

1  Improve your financial literacy. One way is to read blogs or books on financial matters.

2  Create a financial plan. This is a comprehensive picture of your current finances, your financial goals and any strategies you've set to achieve those goals.

3  Create a budget. Create a budget and stick to it. Living within your means helps to reduce debts and save better.

4  Review your credit reports. Reviewing your credit report helps you know where you're at and how you can get a handle on bill payments and limit your expenses. Improving your financial wellness won't happen overnight; however, good financial habits can boost your financial wellness, and make you move closer to your financial goals.

ANNUAL BETHUNE - HEIGHT RECOGNITION PROGRAM ANNOUNCED

This year's NCNW Bethune-Height Recognition Program (BHRP) will take place at Leonard's Palazzo in Queens, New York on Saturday, May 20th.

The keynote speaker and nominees for this monumental event will be announced in the next upcoming weeks.

The Bethune-Height Recognition Program (BHRP) is an annual fundraising event that recognizes outstanding community leadership and supports the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. In honor of NCNW founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and former President and Chair of the Board, Dorothy Irene Height, the BHRP salutes and recognizes all who exemplify the Bethune tradition of providing community volunteer services to those who are less fortunate. Bethune-Height's recognition program proceeds help support the organization's mission to lead, empower, and advocate for women of African descent, their families, and communities. This event is being coordinated by National BHRP Co-Chairs Johnnie M. Walker & Dawna M. Fields along with BHRP

New York State Chair; Carol E. Moore as well as Ellen Haywood, Lynda Bagley, Evelyn Kinsey and Alla Mai Clark (Emerita) {NYS Conveners}

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information about this year’s event, please email ncnwnysbhrp2022@gmail.com

ABOUT THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN, INC.

NCNW (National Council of Negro Women) is an organization of organizations (comprising 300 campus and communitybased sections and 32 Affiliate Women's Organizations) that leads, advocates, and empowers women of African descent, their families, and communities. The NCNW offers programs that promote education, with a particular focus on science, technology, engineering, and math; encourage entrepreneurship; promote financial literacy; educate women about HIV/AIDS; and advocate for sound public policy and social justice. Currently, NCNW is headed by Dr. Thelma T. Daley, Ed. D. More information about NCNW can be found at www.ncnw.org

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 1

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

Photo Credit: Joslyn Pickens via Pexels

EDUCATION

STEM SCHOLAR NAMED COHORT OF SCHWARZMAN SCHOLARS

SCHWARZMAN SCHOLARS, one of the world’s most prestigious graduate fellowships, recently announced its eighth cohort which includes Howard University graduate Cameryn Burnette Burnette was selected from among an initial pool of nearly 3,000 applicants to matriculate at Schwarzman College on the campus of Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. She will join 150 additional candidates selected from 36 countries and 121 universities around the world for the fully funded, one-year master’s degree program in global affairs. Burnette is the secondever Howard student to join Schwarzman Scholars

Burnette graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s in civil engineering in 2022. Burnette is a proud member of the second cohort of the Karsh STEM Scholars Program and has taken part in numerous research programs. Notably, Burnette participated in the Amgen Scholars program at UC Berkeley and worked for Amazon through The Hasnine Lab at Howard

“I am grateful to both the Karsh STEM Scholars and Schwarzman Scholars programs for recognizing my potential as a leader in academic research and entrepreneurship in the area of development engineering. My future research and businesses will focus on culturally relevant and environmentally sustainable materials designed to build stronger buildings and safer communities,” Burnette said.

Burnette’s dream career combines her interests in sustainability and engineering with global outreach to blaze trails in international development. Burnette currently realizes this vision through her

current work in Benin with Energicity, where she helps develop solar microgrids for rural communities. Understanding of China’s political and economic objectives

Upon her return to the states, Burnette will begin studies for a PhD in material science. Burnette credits the Karsh STEM Scholars Program for augmenting

Representatives Women’s History Month Summit Burnette additionally served the Howard community through Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

“I am excited by the eighth cohort’s potential,” said Stephen A. Schwarzman, founding trustee of Schwarzman Scholars “As the geopolitical landscape grows more complex each day, I am inspired by this year’s selected Scholars and their readiness to engage thoughtfully with global issues and drive change. We are confident that this inspiring cohort of young leaders will make the most of this unique opportunity.”

Xue Lan, dean of Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University, offered his congratulations to the incoming class. “Congratulations, eighth cohort! I see great potential, diversity, and talent in this group. I am sure these young leaders will enrich the community at Schwarzman College, at Tsinghua University, and beyond.”

is essential in this field, as China is one of the major players in worldwide efforts to improve and influence infrastructure in the Global South. Burnette has a longstanding commitment to exploring Chinese perspectives. Under her belt are years of Chinese study, including participation in HU’s Chinese Culture Club and completion of all the University’s Chinese language courses.   While in Beijing, Burnette looks forward to immersing herself in Chinese culture, improving her Mandarin, and expanding her capacity for international collaboration.

her analytical curiosity, work ethic, and commitment to becoming a future STEM educator.

Burnette’s passion for the environment led her to co-found and lead the Howard University Water and Environment Association, the campus’ largest sustainability organization. Burnette is equally passionate about engineering outreach; as a NSBE, Jr. mentor, Burnette inspired an appreciation for STEM discovery in K-12 students. She also represented her department at industry events such as the U.S. House of

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 14 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 two Schwarzman Scholars, four 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 PhD. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu

MCDONALD’S SUPPORTS GRAMBLING STATE STUDENT SERVICES

The McDonald’s restaurant corporation had a famous slogan in the 1970s — “You deserve a break today.”

On Monday, McDonald’s helped provide a break for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the region, including Grambling State University McDonald’s representatives were on the GSU campus Monday morning to present a check for $17,992.26 as part of a special HBCU-branded deal launched in the McDonald’s App during the 2021-22 academic year that allowed McDonald’s customers, HBCU alumni, students, and others to support regional HBCUs from local McDonald’s owner-operators donating a portion of every sale to support student services programs.

A total of $27,280 was donated by McDonald’s in this region, with LSUShreveport also receiving $9,387. With individual check presentations held across northern Louisiana, the total amounts for each school were allotted based on enrollment sizes.

“Historically Black colleges and universities in Louisiana provide services and learning environments of incredible value to our communities,” local owneroperator Roy Griggs said in a statement. “Not only do they create economic opportunity, but they work to prepare these students to become our future

leaders. We are proud to work together with our loyal customers to support our Louisiana HBCUs.”

Grambling State President Rick Gallot was on hand to receive the check during a presentation held in the atrium of GSU’s Favrot Student Union. “We are really excited to be beneficiaries of this gift from Roy Briggs and the McDonald’s corporation to support student services,” Gallot said. “Mr. Griggs is someone who always finds a way to give back, so today we just thank him for his continued support of our students here at Grambling

State University.”

Gallot said GSU’s Office of Student Affairs will decide how the donation will be used. “The donation will be administered by our Student Affairs team,” Gallot said. “We want this money to go directly to support students and student services. That office is certainly engaged with our students. We know that this money will be used to help them along their pathway to their degree.”

McDonald’s also supports HBCUs through other initiatives including the Thurgood Marshall Black and Positively Golden Scholarships and Archways to

Opportunity, a tuition-assistance program that promotes opportunity and mobility for McDonald’s diverse employee community.

“There are three things we think about when addressing student needs,” said GSU Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Rudolph Ellis “Something that’s good for the students, something that’s good for the school, and something that’s sustainable.”

“This donation provides all three of those key factors. It’s great for students, it’s great for the school, and hopefully, it will remain sustainable in the future. I’m ecstatic about it and can provide changes and meet needs that any higher education institution can appreciate.”

Jean Mosley, public relations director for Griggs Enterprise, Inc., said the donation funding presented to GSU on Monday started being collected earlier this year.

“In February, as part of Black History Month, McDonald’s launched an effort to utilize McDonald’s global footprint for its global app — and what that does is take the orders placed on that mobile app, and a portion of those funds are donated to support student services at our HBCUs in northwestern Louisiana and Arkansas.

“We look forward to a growing relationship and making the community here at Grambling State University even stronger.”

CAMERYN BURNETTE

Photo Source: blackenterprise.com

ENTERTAINMENT

NAACP AND BET ANNOUNCE “ 54TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS ”

Recently, the NAACP and BET announced that the “54th NAACP Image Awards” will broadcast LIVE on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 8:00 PM (live ET/PT on delay) on BET from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, CA. The show will be in front of an audience for the first time in three years. Nominees will be announced and online international voting opens on Thursday, January 12, 2023. Voting closes on Friday, February 10. Leading up to the Image Awards, NAACP will be hosting a range of weeklong activities in Los Angeles to further celebrate and honor achievements in film, television, music, and literature. Media credential application for these activities and the show will be released at a later date.

Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural awards shows, the “54th NAACP Image Awards” will continue a tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to that purpose. The “54th NAACP Image Awards” will also include three new submissions within the motion picture, television + streaming categories. New submission categories include:

“Throughout the past year, we’ve witnessed Black artists showcasing our history and uplifting values of progressive change, while redefining genres and bringing our stories to the forefront of entertainment in so many innovative ways,” said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP “Black voices are necessary to continually inspire audiences around

the world. We’re proud to once again provide a platform that both elevates and celebrates these voices through the 54th NAACP Image Awards.” “BET is extremely proud to continue our longstanding partnership with the NAACP and magnify their endeavors to honor the incredible contributions made by the Black community,” said BET President and CEO Scott Mills “We’re looking forward to celebrating Black excellence at next year’s Image Awards on all of our platforms, honoring those who help tell our diverse stories in powerful ways.”

Only submitted work will be reviewed for consideration. All valid entries are evaluated and narrowed to the top five in each category by members of the

NAACP Image Awards Nominating Committees which are comprised of individuals within the entertainment industry (studio/network executives, actors, artists, managers, agents, publicists, journalists, literary agents, and others) NAACP Board members, NAACP Foundation Trustees, staff, partners and others. As of November 18, nominee submissions are now closed.

One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years' attendees and winners include Prince Harry & Meghan Markle, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, Rihanna, Lizzo, Beyoncé, Jay-Z,

Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey,

Jamie Foxx, Chloe x Halle, Regé-Jean

Page, Michaela Coel, Cliff “Method

Man” Smith, Blair Underwood, Will Smith, Taraji P. Henson, Marsai

Martin, Viola Davis, Gabrielle Union, Kerry Washington, Anthony Anderson,

Sterling K. Brown, Loni Love, Sheryl

Underwood, Mandy Moore, Halle Berry, Common, Dwayne Johnson, Audra Day, John Legend, Lena Waithe, Tracee

Ellis Ross, David Oyelowo, Laverne

Cox, Octavia Spencer, Issa Rae, Trevor

Noah, Yara Shahidi, Danai Gurira, Jacob Latimore, Jill Scott, H.E.R., Jay Pharoah, Jemele Hill, Josh Gad, Loretta Devine, Sylvester Stallone, Meta Golding, Michael Smith, Tyler

James Williams, Ava DuVernay, the late Chadwick Boseman, and many more.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

TYLER PERRY TO WRITE AND DIRECT FOR NETFLIX

The latest in a recent string of important stories from the accomplished director, Tyler Perry has signed on to write and direct “Six Triple Eight,” an epic drama that tells the true story of the only allBlack, all-female battalion during World War II, for Netflix Perry had previously teased this project to Variety, hinting that his next movie was going to feature

torn country. Their efforts and success sorting over 17 million pieces of mail allowed American soldiers to reconnect with their families and loved ones — delivering not just letters, but hope as well. This story comes at the perfect time, as earlier this year President Joe Biden signed the bill for the women to receive the Congressional Gold Medal

PUBLISHER GETS LICENSING DEAL WITH WALMART AND TARGET

“some incredible people that were overlooked for years.” Now that we know what he was referring to, we agree that this unbelievable tale is long overdue. Perry wrote an original screenplay based on an article written by historian Kevin M. Hymel that details the true story of the 855 women who joined the war effort and were assigned the incredible task of fixing the three-year backlog of undelivered mail — all while facing discrimination, unfamiliar surroundings, and the experience of living in a war-

“Six Triple Eight” marks Perry’s fourth film with Netflix, following his most recent release, “A Jazzman’s Blues.” In addition to Perry, Nicole Avant for Her Excellency Productions, Keri Selig for Intuition Productions, Carlota Espinosa, and Angi Bones and Tony Strickland for Tyler Perry Studios have all signed on as producers. Peter Guber of Mandalay Pictures will serve as executive producer.

Stay tuned for more information about the release of this inspirational film.

Recently Fairy Tale Publisher Anboran announced its licensing deal with apparel maker Mad Engine Global to have its line of branded apparel products available online at major retailers.

Anboran is the publisher of original fairy tales focused on Black characters, including Changing Beautiful, The Candlemaker and the Moon, Restoring Joy, Everla and the Stone Prince, and The Hairless Bear. Anboran’s apparel featuring its hit characters are available online at Walmart, Target, Amazon, Hot Topic, and BoxLunch, with plans to also be available on the Kohl’s website this year.

Ronnie Anderson Jr., a certified laboratory scientist, and father of three girls saw a need for fairy tales for young children featuring characters of color when looking for stories to read to his children. As a scientist, creating something from scratch came naturally – when he could not find fairytales for his daughters, he decided to write his own. After work, and putting his children to bed, Anderson began authoring his own stories featuring people of color. He engaged an illustrator and published

his first book, the anthology Five Amazing Fairytales, in 2018. Since then, Anderson has collaborated with illustrator Seda Coskun to expand the original tales into their storybooks. The success of those stories led the two to collaborate on other original tales set in the magical land of Anboran. The books are available at the company’s website Anboran.com as well as at Barnesandnoble.com

Children and their parents can experience the magical world of Anboran not only through books but through beautifully rendered clothing and accessories featuring Black princesses and other characters. Available cottonblend apparel for children, youth, and adults, which include images of Princess Beautiful, Prince Sakima, and logos from Changing Beautiful, Five Amazing Fairytales, as well as Everla and the Stone Prince, in a range of colors and sizes to suit everyone’s taste. With gift-giving selections perfect for birthdays and various year-round holiday celebrations.

For more about Anboran, visit Anboran. com.

VANGELINE THEATER ANNOUnCES 2023 ARTIST RESIDENCY

Vangeline Theater/New York Butoh Institute announces a public showing of The Slowest Wave, the culmination of Founder and Artistic Director Vangeline’s 2022/23 Gibney Dance in Process (DiP) Residency, on January 26, 2023 from 6-9pm at Gibney Dance, Studio Y, 280 Broadway, NYC 10007. The evening will include a presentation of work followed by a talkback with the artists and neuroscientists. For more information and to RSVP, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ the-slowest-wave-at-gibney-dancedip-residency-final-presentationtickets-503356221007

During the residency, butoh artist Vangeline has continued developing The Slowest Wave, a pioneering project combining butoh and neuroscience. In collaboration with neuroscientists Sadye Paez, Constantina Theofanopoulou and Jose ‘Pepe’ Contreras-Vidal, and composer Ray Sweeten, Vangeline choreographed a 60-minute ensemble butoh piece, which is uniquely informed by the protocol being established for

a scientific pilot study researching the impact of butoh on brain activity. For the pilot study, dancers’ brain activity will be recorded at the University of Houston, Texas, with real-time visualization of the dancers’ neural synchrony and slow brain wave activity. Results will then be disseminated in scientific journals.

Vangeline and Sweeten have built on a 20-year history of creative collaboration with a soundscape that is informed by techniques of brainwave entrainment (techniques that affect consciousness through sound). The Slowest Wave investigates the relationship between human consciousness and dance through the use of scalp electroencephalography (EEG); and will foster connections and understanding between dancers, artists, scientists, engineers, and audiences from around the world. In October 2022, the first iteration of The Slowest Wave premiered at Triskelion Arts in Brooklyn.

Vangeline is one of six mid-career New York City-based dance artists who are in the process of developing a new

project being supported by Gibney Center this year. The other 2022/23 DiP Artists are Ori Flomin, Antonio Ramos, Stacy Matthew Spence, Kate Watson-Wallace, and Director’s DiP/ AiR Recipient Sidra Bell

DiP is designed to provide extensive, holistic support for artists. Resident Artists each receive three weeks of exclusive, continuous access to a studio at one of Gibney’s locations, as well as a $7,500 stipend and a $2,000 allowance for artistic consultants.

During their season in residence, participating artists will also receive an additional 40 hours of discounted studio space in designated studios, as well as professional development and administrative support from Gibney Center staff.

For more information about Vangeline and her work, visit vangeline.com Gibney’s Dance in Process Residency Program was made possible with generous support from The Mellon Foundation

TRAVEL

BEST & WORST CITIES FOR KEEPING RESOLUTIONS

With Americans’ top financial resolutions for 2023 being “to save more money” and “to fight back against inflation,” the personalfinance website WalletHub today released its report on 2023’s Best & Worst Cities for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions, as well as expert commentary. This new report complements WalletHub’s list of the top New Year’s Financial Resolutions for 2023 and the corresponding consumer survey.

To help Americans stick to their 2023 goals, WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities across 57 key metrics. The data

set ranges from exercise opportunities to income growth to employment outlook.

BEST CITIES FOR KEEPING RESOLUTIONS

1. Seattle, WA

2. San Francisco, CA

3. Scottsdale, AZ

4. Salt Lake City, UT

5. Overland Park, KS

6. Irvine, CA

7. Fremont, CA

8. San Diego, CA

9. Austin, TX

WORST CITIES FOR KEEPING RESOLUTIONS

173. Jackson, MS

174. Detroit, MI

175. San Bernardino, CA

176. Fayetteville, NC

177. Dover, DE

178. Huntington, WV

179. Augusta, GA

180. Gulfport, MS

181. Shreveport, LA

CHASE WINTER BLUES AWAY WITH MYKONOS !

-- By ANN BROWN

Treat yourself in the New Year to a world class stay at Kouros Hotel & Suites, situated in the heart of Greece’s iconic island of Mykonos. This luxury boutique hotel offers guests a sophisticated ambiance, stunning landscapes, and attentive hospitality, creating the perfect atmosphere for richer engagement, slower travel and more meaningful connection.

While Mykonos is renowned for its partylifestyle, Kouros Hotel & Suites offers an alternative – a people-centric philosophy complete with personalised service, heavenly décor, and a relaxed atmosphere so you can enjoy blissful serenity. Here is a glimpse of all that awaits you at Kouros Hotel & Suites

A secluded yet accessible location

Known as a jewel amongst luxury hotels in the Cyclades for its ideal location, Kouros Hotel & Suites is conveniently nestled on a secluded seafront cliff while just meters away from the cosmopolitan Mykonos Town. Enjoy a private slice of the popular Greek island with sweeping sea views while being within walking distance of main attractions. Wander through the windy cobbled streets and marvel at the signature whitewashed architecture, iconic windmills, and picturesque “Little Venice” neighbourhood as you explore an array of lively cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. The hotel offers

guests the best of both worlds: the town’s vibrant energy just a breath away, while living in a perfectly tranquil setting promising peace, relaxation, and a memorable stay. Chic and authentically Greek design with attentive VIP service.

Kouros Hotel & Suites is the very definition of Mediterranean chic with a sense of simplicity and warmth that feels quintessentially Greek. The design of the grand complex, with its whitewashed and stone-built buildings, combines traditional Cycladic architecture and ornate motifs with modern design elements, imbuing a sense of timeless elegance.

The waterfront property offers 49 spacious rooms and suites with unobstructed panoramic sea views. These bright and airy accommodations are tastefully adorned with splashes of pastel colours, subtle Bohemian notes, and minimalist design accents.

Complete with luxury amenities and private balconies and terraces, everything about the hotel has been intentionally designed to prioritize guests’ comfort and convenience. The hotel’s attention to detail extends beyond the design of the hotel itself and is equally reflected in its attentive service. Kouros Hotel & Suites delivers personalised VIP services to all hotel guests, starting with an in-room champagne breakfast, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, multilingual staff, express check-out and free parking. Additionally, morning wake-up calls, secretarial, laundry, babysitting and other special services can be arranged upon request.

Wellness facilities with unique offerings

As you lounge on a sunbed at the hotel’s stunning pool, enjoy one-of-a-kind panoramic views of Mykonos’s pristine turquoise and azure waters. Savor this unique vantage as

WINTER WEEKEND GETS COZY

Here’s a must-visit destination for a cozy weekend getaway this winter, whether for an outdoor adventure or romantic escape.

Burlington, VT is a one stop spot. Just an hour flight from New York city, a sevenhour train ride, or a scenic road trip away, Burlington Vermont offers an array of

 A One Stop Shop City: Church Street, the famed pedestrian street running through the middle of downtown features over 70% of locally owned shops and restaurants. From boutiques to national chains, to thrift stores and vintage shopping, shopping centers like the Church Street

Vermont is just steps from Lake Champlain and the heart of downtown and features wood fireplaces and locally sourced details that evoke a true sense of place. Connected to Hen of the Wood serving up local seasonal fare and craft cocktails, the hotel offers all you need in a few blocks’ radius. This time of year, guests can even take advantage of the hotel’s Romance Package which includes a stay on the hotel’s top floor, sparking wine, chocolates, brunch and more.

 Farm-to-Table: Vermont is known for the farm-to-table movement, and Burlington in particular is proud to support local farms to source their ingredients.

you watch the sun melt into the sea and experience the magic of a Mykonos sunset. After a day of poolside relaxation or sightseeing around town, pamper yourself at the property’s lavish Zoe Spa designed to elevate your senses to new heights. Equipped with a rain therapy shower, hammam, jacuzzi and hydrotherapy areas, the spa menu offers the most sumptuous range of treatments for both singles and couples.

Kouros Hotel & Suites additionally offers guests a fully equipped fitness center. Classic Greek delicacies with a modern twist Dine under the Greek sky at Narcissus, the hotel’s signature seaside restaurant. Chef Argyris Aglamisis’s carefully curated menu will tantalize your tastebuds with creative and modern twists on traditional Greek delicacies. This modern and airy venue serves an unforgettably authentic dining experience as the freshest and finest ingredients are handpicked from local markets so you can enjoy the truest taste of Mykonos.

However you choose to spend your day, a stay at Kouros Hotel & Suites is the ultimate expression of sublime refinement and provides a welcome respite for even the most discerning of travellers. Book your stay for next year at this five-star luxury boutique hotel with rates starting from £190 per day for a Premium Sea View room.

down to the Farmhouse basement to play some board games beside a cozy fire.

 Pine Street – ‘Brewery Boulevard’ and Natural Wine

Destination: Running from Church Street down through the city’s South End, Pine Street is the ultimate destination for brewery seekers. Home to Zero Gravity, Burlington Beer Company, Switchback, Citizen Cider, Queen City Brewery and more, the beer selection on Pine Street is unparalleled, and features a fantastic variety of Vermont’s famous craft brews. Pine Street has also become the heart of the city’s natural wine scene, with Dedalus Wine and Wilder Wines vending the best organically farmed bottles.

romantic accommodations for any traveler looking for the perfect, cozy weekend away. With endless amounts of small business shopping for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, cozy places to stay and a variety of dining options, Burlington offers something for every type of traveler and couple.

Marketplace and the Essex Experience offer a nice combination of both. Burlington is packed with talented makers creating handcrafted pieces from waxed canvas bags to mid-century modern birdhouses.

 Downtown Burlington: A cozy oasis in the heart of Burlington, Hotel

Visitors can fuel up at the Hotel Vermont for a locally sourced brunch, featuring eggs from Maple Wind Farm and pastries from Barrio Bakery in the Old North End of Burlington. You might even catch a fire pit blazing on their back patio. For a meal, travelers can visit the Farmhouse Tap & Grill on Bank Street in downtown Burlington. With cheeses from the Champlain Valley, vegetables from Pitchfork Farms, and Vermont Heritage pork, their menu offers you a taste of Vermont like you’ve never had before. While waiting for your table, head

 A Sweet First Look of Sugaring Season: You cannot come to Vermont without tasting some maple syrup. Although sugaring season is in the spring, it is still well worth your time to take a short drive out of Burlington to learn more about Vermont’s famous maple syrup. Palmer’s Sugarhouse in Shelburne, VT offers by-appointment tours of their family farm throughout the off season. You might even get a taste of a special Vermont snack: sugar on snow. Simply drizzle maple syrup on snow and devour nature’s own snow cone.

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

RECORDING ACADEMY HONORS THE BLACK MUSIC COLLECTIVE

GRAMMY® Award-winning artists Dr. Dre, Missy Elliott and Lil Wayne, and music executive Sylvia Rhone will be honored during the Recording Academy® Honors Presented By The Black Music Collective event taking place during GRAMMY® Week at the Hollywood Palladium on Thurs, Feb. 2, 2023. All four honorees will be receiving the Recording Academy Global Impact Award for their personal and professional achievements in the music industry. First-time GRAMMY nominee Adam Blackstone will return as the musical director of the evening and Recording Academy Board of Trustees Vice Chair Rico Love will also return to Chair the event. The second annual Black Music Collective event is sponsored by Amazon Music and Google Pixel Phone and will take place just days before the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards.®

"I am so thrilled to honor and celebrate these four giants in the music industry," said Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr  "Last year’s inaugural event was such a highlight during GRAMMY Week and now with Dre, Missy, Wayne and Sylvia there to pay tribute to this year, it's definitely going to be another night to remember. I continue to be proud of the work of our Black Music Collective as it's a vital part of what we do here at the Academy."

Seven-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, producer, founder, and CEO of Aftermath Entertainment and Beats Electronics, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Dr. Dre began his career as a member of the World Class Wreckin' Cru. Shortly after, he co-founded the revolutionary group N.W.A. The Compton, California, native embarked on his solo career in 1992 when he released his solo debut album The Chronic, which has been certified triple platinum by the RIAA, reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200 and won a GRAMMY for Best Rap Solo Performance ("Let Me Ride"). Dre launched Aftermath Entertainment in 1996, where over the years he discovered hip-hop superstars such as 50 Cent, The Game, Kendrick Lamar, Anderson .Paak, and Eminem Jimmy Iovine and Dre established Beats Electronics in 2008, and later launched Beats Music – Apple acquired both in 2014. Among many other accolades, Dre won a GRAMMY and an Emmy for the HBO docuseries The Defiant Ones, and the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show Starring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar and 50 Cent took home three Emmys. In 2013, the USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation was funded and established. In 2022, they expanded their efforts to the Los Angeles Unified School District opening the Iovine and Young Center (IYC) Integrated Design, Technology, and Entrepreneurship

(IDTE) Magnet, a new high school that will offer students grounding in the same cutting-edge curriculum.

Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliott has remained relevant as a true visionary and pioneer for women in hip-hop for over 25 years. Her experimental sound and groundbreaking music videos changed the music landscape and challenged artists not to conform to the norm. The multi-GRAMMY Awardwinning rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer made an immediate impact on the music industry with her critically acclaimed debut album Supa Dupa Fly – produced by her long-time production partner Timbaland – debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and went on to achieve platinum certification by the RIAA. The Virginia native has produced for and collaborated with artists such as Aaliyah, Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Ciara, Lil' Kim, J. Cole, Busta Rhymes, Ludacris, Chris Brown, and Lil Wayne. Among other awards and accolades, Elliott became the first female rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has received honorary doctorates from Berklee College of Music and most recently, Norfolk State University

In 2022, Elliott was honored in her hometown of Portsmouth with her own street name "Missy Elliott Blvd," furthermore declaring October 17 to be Missy Elliott Day by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Missy is now the latest addition to the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, where her figure is a recreation of her 2019 MTV Video Music Awards appearance. In 2021, Elliott received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Five-time GRAMMY Award-winning multiplatinum rap icon, Young Money Entertainment Founder and CEO, Young Money APAA Sports founder, acclaimed author, pro skater, and philanthropist Lil Wayne has left a lasting impact on the culture. By 2020, he cemented his legacy forever as "one of the best-selling artists of all time," tallying sales in excess of 100 million records worldwide with 25 million albums and 90 million digital tracks sold in the United States alone. In 2022, Wayne earned his first Diamond certification from the RIAA with his generational smash hit "Lollipop" feat. Static Major. Among many milestones, he emerged as "the first male artist to surpass Elvis Presley with the most entries on the Billboard Hot 100," logging a staggering 183 entries – the third most of all time. Simultaneously, Wayne owns and operates Young Money Entertainment, the company that ignited the careers of Drake, Nicki Minaj, Tyga and many more. The committed philanthropist founded The One Family Foundation, with the mission of giving power to the youth by providing them with opportunities to practice their talents and skills and inspiring them to dream

beyond their circumstances.

Sylvia Rhone has succeeded for more than four decades as one of the most influential female executives in

Collective GRAMMY Week event.

MVD Inc is an innovative boutique creative agency specializing in strategic positioning, immersive experiences and integrated marketing. Founded in

the history of the music business. As Chairwoman and CEO of Epic Records, she oversees a roster of breakthrough, best-selling artists, including Future, Travis Scott, 21 Savage, DJ Khaled, Meghan Trainor, Black Eyed Peas, Sara Bareilles, the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, and the iconic Sade, among many others. Raised in New York City’s historic Harlem, Rhone began her career with Buddha Records in 1974. She also held positions at ABC Records, Ariola Records and Atlantic Records Rhone’s historic appointment as Chairman/CEO of the Elektra Entertainment Group in 1994 established her as the only African American and the first woman in the history of the recording industry to attain the dual title. She also previously served as President of Universal Motown Records, Executive Vice President of Universal Records. Long recognized as a keen developer of musical talent, Rhone is a trailblazing game-changer who has launched and guided multiple best-selling artists spanning hip-hop, pop, R&B, heavy metal, rock, gospel, and folk. Among them, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, En Vogue, The System, Levert, Brandy, Yo Yo, The D.O.C., MC Lytle, Audio Two, Tracy Chapman, Yolanda Adams, Metallica, Natalie Merchant, Gerald Levert, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Fabolous, Jason Mraz, Third Eye Blind, Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Kid Cudi, Erykah Badu, and Stevie Wonder. As the first woman CEO of a major record label owned by a Fortune 500 company and the first black woman to attain such a title, Sylvia Rhone is undeniably one of the greatest forces ever in the history of the music business and her indelible contributions to global pop culture will be celebrated for generations to come. MVD Inc will return for the second year to produce the Recording Academy Honors Presented By The Black Music

2002, MVD Inc boasts an impressive roster of A-list clients and Fortune 500 companies in the music, film, fashion, and technology industries. It's in sisters Miatta Johnson and Massah David's DNA to provide forward-thinking creative direction to brands which include Universal Pictures, Netflix and ESSENCE Magazine

The Black Music Collective is a hub for power players in Black music, across all genres, under the GRAMMY roof, bringing together creative geniuses and business leaders to set unified goals, align on a shared agenda, and build community. For exclusive content, please join the Black Music Collective's social communities.

The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music's history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares®, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards — music's only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement. As the world's leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

For more information about the Academy, please visit www.grammy. com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @RecordingAcad on Twitter, "like" Recording Academy on Facebook, and join the Recording Academy's social communities on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn

Source: The Recording Academy

PHILANDER SMITH COLLEGE APPROVED FOR MBA PROGRAM

Philander Smith College (PSC) has received approval from its accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), to officially become a graduate degree-granting institution. The College’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program was approved by the HLC’s Institutional Actions Council in November 2022.

"On the heels of the 145th anniversary of Philander Smith College, we are elated about this milestone announcement. When our 10-Year-Long-Range Strategic Plan was implemented six years ago, one of our key goals was to establish an MBA program. Thus, I am tremendously proud that our

team – led by Dr. Cedric Stone, Division of Business Administration Chair –  helped make possible the historic pivot in our status from college to university,” said Roderick L. Smothers, Sr., President of Philander Smith College

An initial cohort of 25 students is expected to launch the 36-credit hour program when it begins in May 2023. With options for online and in-person classes, concentration areas will include project management and management. “We are excited that PSC will hold the distinction as the only historically black college in Central Arkansas to offer an MBA degree,” said President Smothers “For

the busy working professional, ours is an accelerated program that will allow students to matriculate in as little as 12 months. Additionally, our project management track will be offered fully online, and for students who desire an on-campus experience, we will have a more traditional accelerated format focused on general business management.”

Applications for the new MBA program are slated to open on February 1, 2023. For more information, visit www.Philander. edu or contact PSC’s Division of Business Administration at (501) 370-5360.

NASA POSTDOCTORAL PROGRAM SEEKS SCIENTISTS

NASA invites both early-career and senior scientists to explore fellowship opportunities in its postdoctoral program and share in NASA's mission to develop advancements in science, technology, aeronautics and space exploration. The deadline to apply for this cycle of fellowships is March 1, 2023. Learn more or apply for fellowships in the NASA Postdoctoral Program (NPP). ORAU manages the NPP for NASA

“The NPP includes diverse scientific and technological fellowships offered at NASA and one-of-a-kind educational experiences that prepare future leaders for NASA and the academic community,” said ORAU NPP Program Director J. Scott Miller, Ph.D “ORAU supports NASA's goal to build an inclusive, collaborative, open, and innovative work environment that enhances work-life balance and encourages career development for postdoctoral fellows.”

This program offers unique research opportunities for highly-talented U.S. and non-U.S. scientists to engage in ongoing NASA research projects with top scientists at a NASA Center, NASA Headquarters or at a NASA-affiliated research institute. These one- to three-year fellowships are competitive and are designed to advance NASA’s missions in space science, earth

science, aeronautics, space operations, exploration systems and astrobiology. Scientists within five years of having received their degrees are eligible to apply as a postdoctoral fellow; scientists who have received their doctorates more than five years previously may apply as a senior fellow. After the first year as a postdoctoral fellow, scientists interested in management

may apply to the postdoctoral management program at NASA Headquarters NASA has re-opened eligibility to foreign nationals who are eligible for the Exchange Visitor J-1 visa status. See eligibility and requirements for more details.

Stipend rates for these NASA postdoctoral fellows currently start at $70,000 per year. Supplements are provided for higher cost-of-living areas and certain academic specialties. The stipend amount for a senior postdoctoral fellow is based on the location of the appointment, experience (number of years beyond the doctoral degree) and career achievement, including academic rank and professional title. Available benefits include health insurance supplements, professional development resources, a research allowance up to $10,000 per year and relocation reimbursement.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY BOARD NAMES CHAIRS

The SMITHSONIAN’S NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN HISTORY

AND CULTURE has selected the honorary chairs of its $350 million Living History Campaign to build the museum’s endowment and support its ongoing programs and digital initiatives. The honorary chairs include President and Mrs. George W. Bush, President and Mrs. Barack Obama, museum council chair Ken Chenault, television producer and writer Shonda Rhimes and multimedia and entertainment icon Oprah Winfrey

The late Gen. Colin Powell also agreed to serve as an honorary campaign chair before he died in October 2021.

“It’s really crucial to launch this fundraising campaign now—when the study and understanding of the African American experience are so often under attack,” said Kevin Young, Andrew W. Mellon Director of the museum. “We are the guardians of that history, and we need everyone’s help to ensure this history is told accurately as part of the American story. This campaign will help us build our endowment to keep the museum going in perpetuity and will also provide support for our programming, exhibitions, collections and digital capabilities, so that around the nation and the world, any time of day, people can have this history in their hands.”

“One of the reasons I love this museum so much is because you must know from whence you come....I think about all those who came before me and didn’t have the opportunities or choices my generation was

given,” Winfrey said. “I think I owe them a resurrection. I feel that my life brings redemption to the lives they struggled to create and build for all of us.”

Through the Living History Campaign, which concludes in 2024, the museum aims to provide global leadership in education and scholarship on the African American

experience, attract the best scholars and thinkers, expand the museum’s most successful initiatives, and build advanced digital platforms that will provide access to all. As the only national museum dedicated to exploring, documenting, and showcasing the African American experience, all of the museum’s work is infused with and informed

by the ongoing quest for social justice. Although the museum is funded in part by federal appropriations, that funding only covers a portion of the museum’s annual operating budget.

The Living History Campaign also is part of the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future, led by Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III. The campaign will secure funds for all Smithsonian museums and centers as the Institution reimagines its mission to find solutions for collective challenges in a rapidly changing world. Together with the communities the Smithsonian serves, it will create a better, more collaborative future. For more details and to learn more, visit the museum’s Living History Campaign website.

ABOUT

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE 

Since opening Sept. 24, 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture has welcomed more than 8.5 million in-person visitors and millions more through its digital presence. Occupying a prominent location next to the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the nearly 400,000-square-foot museum is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. For more information about the museum, visit nmaahc.si.edu, follow @NMAAHC on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, or call Smithsonian information at (202) 6331000.

END NOTES

MARKETPLACE OPENS FOR AI ARTISTS

A new online marketplace, Melanated AI (www.melanated.ai), is dedicated to celebrating and supporting the work of AI artists and creators of color. This unique platform allows these artists to

process and should be recognized as the creators of the work. Overall, the debate over ownership in the context of AI artwork is ongoing, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. However, by taking an active role in the creative

sell their art as digital downloads, prints, canvas, or non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are a digital asset that represents ownership of a unique item, such as a digital artwork. They have become an increasingly popular medium for artists and collectors in the digital art world, allowing for the creation and trade of unique, verifiable digital items.

NFTs offer a new avenue for artists to monetize their work and reach new audiences. By selling their artwork as NFTs, artists can potentially earn a higher price for their work, as collectors are willing to pay a premium for the uniqueness and authenticity of the piece. This can be particularly valuable for emerging AI artists who may not have a large following or established reputation.

Currently there is a debate on the ownership of AI artwork since its generated by crafting text prompt sand feeding them into software. The question of ownership in the context of AI artwork is a complex and often debated topic. On one hand, AI artwork is created using algorithms and software, which raises questions about the extent to which the artist can claim ownership of the final product. On the other hand, many AI artists argue that they play a significant role in the creative

process and using their own original content as input, AI artists can assert their ownership of the work and claim a significant part of the creation.

Melanated AI was founded with the goal of increasing representation and visibility for AI artists and creators of color within the art world. It is a place where these artists can showcase their talent and reach new audiences, while also monetizing their work.

The platform features a diverse range of art styles and mediums, including digital illustrations, graphic design, and 3D modeling. Customers can browse and purchase artwork by theme, style, or artist, making it easy to discover new talent.

Melanated AI is also committed to educating the public about the role of AI in art and creativity. The platform will also host regular events and workshops featuring AI artists and experts.

"We are thrilled to launch Melanated AI, a platform that celebrates and supports the work of AI artists and creators of color," said Aquarius Maximus (aka Technologist Tavonia Evans), Founder of Melanated AI "We believe that representation and diversity in the art world is crucial, and we are excited to offer a space for these talented artists to share their work and connect with new audiences."

AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE

ABFF Ventures LLC recently announced AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL (ABFF) Honors will be held in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 5, with two-time Emmy-nominated writer, actor and comedian Deon Cole returning as host. ABFF’s annual award season gala honors Black artists who have made significant contributions to the motion picture and television industry, as well as those who champion diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

The tributes will be presented in multiple categories, including Hollywood Legacy Award, Excellence in the Arts Award, Entertainment Icon Award, Rising Star Award and Industry Leadership Award. In addition, ABFF Honors presents competitive awards for Movie of the Year and Documentary of the Year. The nominees and winners for both categories are determined by the more than 100,000 alumni of the film festival.

“This has been a phenomenal year for Black artists, and we are thrilled to celebrate their many successes, milestones and breakout moments.

I’m equally excited to have comedic genius Deon Cole hosting this inspiring ceremony,” said ABFF President Nicole Friday “There is no better place to feel uplifted, encouraged and appreciated than in your own community. ABFF Honors provides that unique platform.”

Widely known as a regular on the ABC

hit series black-ish, Deon Cole’s career features an extensive body of work in television, writing and comedy. On the acting front, he currently can be seen in Jeymes Samuel’s The Harder They Fall. He recently wrapped a role in Kenya Barris and Jonah Hill’s You People. Next up, he joins the cast of The Color Purple and will star in the drama series Average Joe. From the stand-up comedy stage, Deon recently released his one-hour special Charleen’s Boy In 2019, his hilarious original comedy special Deon Cole: Cole Hearted ran on Netflix following the success of his appearance in The Standups. His earlier work includes his one-hour special Deon Cole: Cole Blooded Seminar and his stand-up documentary Workin’ it Out ABFF Honors’ celebrated list of former award recipients include, Denzel Washington, Ava DuVernay, Regina King, Tiffany Haddish, Ryan Coogler, Don Cheadle, Will Packer, Queen Latifah, Lena Waithe, Terrence Howard, F. Gary Gray, Billy Dee Williams, Issa Rae, Omari Hardwick, Louis Gossett, Jr., the late Diahann Carroll and the cast of classic films and television shows Martin, The Wire, Hollywood Shuffle and Love Jones ABFF Honors is executive produced by Nicole and Jeff Friday (ABFF Ventures) in association with Rikki Hughes (Magic Lemonade) and de Passe Jones Entertainment

The 2023 ABFF Honors sponsors and partners to date are Cadillac (Presenting) and Sony Pictures Entertainment (Official). For more information about ABFF Honors visit www.abffhonors.com

ABOUT ABFF VENTURES LLC 

ABFF Ventures LLC is an entertainment company specializing in the production of live events and platforms that celebrate Black culture and achievement. The company’s flagship event, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by

Jeff Friday in 1997, is the leading festival of is kind showcasing Black storytelling. Having premiered the work and encouraged the careers of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity. For more information about the festival, including submission deadlines and how to obtain an ABFF pass, visit www.abff. com. Follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook