New York Trend NYC: January 26 – February 1, 2023

NEW YORK TREND

January 26th, 2023 - February 1st, 2023

UNCF RECEIVES LARGEST CORPORATE GIFT FOR

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

UNDERSERVED STUDENTS

UNCF (United Negro College Fund) has announced it has received its largest philanthropic corporate gift in its 78year history from Boston-based financial services leader Fidelity Investments to launch the Fidelity Scholars Program

As the next step in its long-standing commitment to financial education and inclusion, Fidelity is donating $190 million to UNCF as part of its $250 million Invest in My Education (ME)SM initiative. This new social impact program, built by Fidelity and its philanthropic partners, commits $250 million across the next five-years to provide access to education and facilitate economic mobility for up to 50,000 underrepresented African American/Black, Latinx American, Native American and Asian/Pacific Islander American students.

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

dollar scholarships with comprehensive wrap-around support services eligible students.

“The design of this program is specifically geared to the mighty-middle, students with 2.5 to 3.5 grade point averages, who are often overlooked for scholarship opportunities and need significant financial support,” noted Larry Griffith, UNCF’s Senior Vice President, programs

“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.”

“This is an incredibly generous gift from Fidelity Investments,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO, UNCF “We are delighted to partner with a premier global financial services company to do this work. The Fidelity Scholars Program is exemplary, innovative and demonstrates the company’s commitment to provide equal educational opportunities for lowincome and underrepresented students who do not have the advantages of other students.”

The program is consistent with UNCF’s mission as the nation’s largest private scholarship provider to students of color, administering an array of small and large scholarships that have helped more than 500,000 students to earn college degrees with the support of institutional philanthropic partners and individual donors.

“Fidelity’s extraordinary gift will encourage other corporate leaders to get involved and show their commitment for the education of bright, promising student scholars who simply need the financial resources and support services to achieve their college and career aspirations,” said UNCF Board Chairman Milton H. Jones, Jr.

The Fidelity Scholars Program features annually renewable, need-based, last-

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 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

and services. “This is not a transactional program, but a transformational program giving striving achievers a substantive scholarship and a comprehensive set of services based on research and best practices that UNCF has developed over the last 78 years.”

health, communications, the environment, and interstate and international commerce.

colleges and universities include HBCUs, state-funded, small private schools and community colleges that do the heavy lifting, but don’t often have the financial resources to support their students.”

In the fall of 2023, the Fidelity Scholars Program will launch for students in Massachusetts, Texas and North Carolina. It will ultimately include more than 2,500 talented students in areas where Fidelity

CELEBRATING30 YEARS!

 Ecosystem-building grants will be directed toward leading nonprofit organizations focused on improving graduating rates of students of color to ensure quality pathways to post-secondary education.

Student participants must pursue a bachelor’s or an associate degree at an accredited not-for-profit, four-year or two-year – college or university, (including minority serving institutions (MSIs) and historically black colleges and universities (HBCU)s, or a not-for-profit certificate program within the state of their residence.

“As a UNCF-HBCU president, I am confident that this program will have major impact on HBCUs and minorityserving institutions of higher education,” said George T. French, Jr., Ph.D., President of UNCF-member Clark Atlanta University and chair of UNCF’s Member Presidents “The participating

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

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

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

has a significant presence, including New Jersey, New Mexico, Florida, Kentucky, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Colorado and Utah.

“Fidelity Investments is providing an unparalleled opportunity for some of the most deserving, overlooked and vulnerable students of color that will enable them to graduate without college debt,” said Paulette Jackson, UNCF’s Senior Vice President, national development and operations.

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

UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. While totaling only 3% of all colleges and universities, UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 13% of bachelor’s degrees, 5% of master’s degrees, 10% of doctoral degrees and 24% of all STEM degrees earned by Black students in higher education. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs.

Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

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. Honorees, the so-called Central Park 5, are collectively and individually heroes. They are survivors of one of the ugliest miscarriage of justice in New York’s history; having been railroaded and unjustly convicted for a crime they did not commit and for which they served long prison sentences ranging from seven years to 13 years before being exonerated when the actual rapist confessed. They are: Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin Richardson, and Kharey Wise. The Black Star News, which focuses on investigative journalism, has been featured as a result of some if its news scoops, on CNN, The New York Daily News, The New York Post, The Village Voice, and Brill’s Content magazine.

Jackson and Griffith are the UNCF executives leading this program.

In addition to the Fidelity Scholars Program, Fidelity’s Invest in My Education (ME)SM initiative will also provide grants to help students overcome systemic barriers, including:

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.

 Retention and completion grant awards will be made to help students remain in college and not drop out because of unpaid tuition.

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

Fidelity’s mission is to inspire better futures and deliver better outcomes for the customers and businesses we serve. With assets under administration of $10.6 trillion, including discretionary assets of $4.0 trillion as of November 30, 2022, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a diverse set of customers. Privately held for over 75 years, Fidelity employs more than 60,000 associates who are focused on the long-term success of our customers. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit https://www.fidelity. com/about-fidelity/our-company

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.

Image Source: UNCF.org

NATIONAL NMSDC ANNOUNCES BLACK FARMERS EQUITY INITIATIVE

The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) is excited to announce the first cohort of the Black Farmers Equity Initiative

The joint venture from NMSDC and Cargill is aimed at advancing agricultural supply chain access for Black farmers. This collaborative initiative aims to create a pathway for emerging Black farmers to achieve parity in the agriculture industry with learning solutions, certification, lending, networking, and new contracts. The 11 members of the first cohort are:

 Richard Francis aka Farmer Chippy – Francis owns Plantation Park Heights Urban Farm. Its main commodities are pepper and herbs, and it is located on five acres of land in Maryland.

 Antron Williams – Williams owns Mahogany Farms LLC. Its main commodities are corn, cotton, soybeans, and wheat and it is located on 550 acres of land in South Carolina.

 Sidney and Shane Lovelace – The Lovelaces (father and son) own Lovelace Farms. Its main commodities are cows and hay, and it is located on 150 acres of land in Kentucky.

 D. Spencer Riley – Riley owns Orgaceutical. Its main commodities are leafy vegetables and microgreens, and it is located on five acres of land in Pennsylvania.

 Michael Rollen – Rollen owns Ophelia’s Blue Vine Farm. Its main commodities are herbs and spices and is located on one acre of land in Missouri.

 Kimberly Ratcliff – Ratcliff owns Caney Creek Ranch and Farm to

Freezer Meat Company. Its main commodities are Charbray cattle and feed resources, and it is located on 2500 acres of land in Texas.

 Cherie Jzar – Jzar owns Deep Roots Its main commodities are vegetables, flowers, fruits, berries, herbs, apiaries, and animals and it is located on seven acres of land in North Carolina

 Harold Singletary – Singletary owns

 James E Davis, Jr. – Davis owns Bales and Bushels. Its main commodity is cotton and it is located on 2200 acres of land in Louisiana.

“Increasing the numbers of Black farmers in the U.S. agricultural industry is an essential part of achieving NMSDC’s mission of eliminating the racial wealth gap within the next 50

curriculum focused on growing their capacity to take on major national contracts with NMSDC’s corporate members. Members will also receive strategic business support including complimentary NMSDC certification.



About NMSDC

Founded in 1972, NMSDC is the longest-operating business growth

BrightMa Farms. Its main commodity is hemp, and it is located on 96 acres of land in South Carolina.

 Immanuel Jarvis – Jarvis owns Jireh Family Farm. Its main commodities are permaculture pigs, rabbits, goats, and meat chickens and it is located on four acres of land in North Carolina.

 Dr. Michael Lloyd – Lloyd owns Num Num Sauce Farms. Its main commodity is tomatoes, and it is located on two acres of land in Georgia.

years. We are excited to work with these incredible farmers as they grow their businesses, build generational wealth, and provide much needed resilience to our nation’s agricultural supply chain,” said Jetheda Hernandez, senior director, strategic alliances and programming at NMSDC Members from the first cohort of the Black Farmers Equity Initiative will complete an eight-week learning

engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American), and our impact goes far beyond the supply chain. It’s about upward mobility for the emerging majority of Americans, an equal shot at participating in the American experiment of free-market capitalism and entrepreneurship. Our work is about correcting the unequal access to wealth-building opportunities.

REJECTION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES IN FLORIDA CONDEMNED

The NAACP Director of Education Innovation and Research Ivory Toldson condemns Gov. DeSantis' decision to reject AP course on African American studies

Ron DeSantis' flippant dismissal of an AP African American Studies course is not only a dereliction of his duty to ensure equitable education for all Floridians, but shows clear disdain for the lives and experiences that form part of our national history. Dismissing this important subject as lacking

"educational value" defies centuries of evidence to the contrary. African American history is American history, and failure to comprehend this very simple fact is un-American in and of itself.

This decision is even harder to accept when we consider Florida's dismal record when addressing education equity for Black students. As data from the U.S. Department of Education Civil Rights Data Collection reveals, every single district in Florida with more than

100,000 students has grave inequities faced by Black students; including lack of access to advanced classes and disproportionate punishments compared to White counterparts.  African American history is American history, and failure to comprehend this very simple fact is un-American in and of itself.

ProPublica findings show that Black students comprise 23% of the public school population in Florida - yet are only 10% of those enrolled in gifted and talented programs. White students are 2.2 times more likely to be enrolled in at least one AP class when compared to Black students. In Broward County Public Schools – which has the highest number of Black Students in Floridafewer than 4,400 out of 105,000 are taking at least one AP class. Florida schools are also enacting practices that punish this same population more severely than any other. The data reveals that Black students are 2.4 times more likely to be suspended than White students. This lack of commitment from Gov DeSantis' administration to prioritize educational equity for these young people is unacceptable and must be addressed

urgently if we are going to see real progress toward ensuring all children have equal opportunities in education. We cannot allow our children's futures to be hamstrung because of systemic racism and inequality; not only when it comes to AP African American Studies but also for all other learning opportunities. All students must be given equal opportunity no matter their skin color or socioeconomic status so that they can achieve their dreams and reach higher levels of academic success.

Gov DeSantis' administration should take immediate steps towards rectifying this injustice and ensure that all students receive the same quality education they deserve.

Founded in 1909 in response to the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP 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, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

Photo Source: NAACP

Photo Source: nmsdc.org

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 21st, 2023, will sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 16th, 2023 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property.

Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code.

Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/526/County-Treasurer

Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person auction shall be held, same will commence on the 21st day of February 2023 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.

A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/527/Annual-Tax-Lien-Sale

A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 08th, 2023.

Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.

Dated: January 25, 2023

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, New York

TERMS OF SALE

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors' Civil Relief Acts.

However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County's Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.

The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser's rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In

addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser's right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act(FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et.seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation(FDIC) receivership.

The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.

The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale. Furthermore, as to the bidding,

1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.

2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.

3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.

4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.

Dated: January 25, 2023

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, New York

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.

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

COMMENTARY 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.

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.

Photo Credit: Joslyn Pickens via Pexels

YOUNG NAACP LEADERS MEET WITH VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS

Young leaders from the NAACP met with Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss top-of-mind issues for Black men, including the criminal justice system, entrepreneurship, reproductive rights, and the economy. Building off of a successful meeting between VP Harris and members of the NAACP Youth & College program last September, today's meeting highlighted the voices of young Black men ages 18-35 from a wide range of backgrounds, offering an opportunity to voice their priorities and concerns for the year ahead.

"The opportunity to go to the White House and speak up about what we need as young Black men is incredibly powerful and we hope this will be one of many discussions," stated NAACP Baltimore Branch member Sean Anderson. "The NAACP works with communities on the ground every day doing our part to create positive change, but we can achieve so much more with the support of our elected leaders. With the cost of living continuing to rise, we must pursue creative solutions to boost the economy, including supporting young Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. It's great to know that our elected leaders like Vice President Harris are listening to what we have to say."

Young NAACP leaders who

attended today's meeting, including NAACP National Vice President of Membership Dominik Whitehead, NAACP Baltimore Branch 1st Vice President Joshua Harris, and Baltimore Branch member Sean Anderson, are available for interviews to discuss their conversation with Vice President Harris and the NAACP's top priorities for 2023.

Founded in 1909 in response to

the ongoing violence against Black people around the country, the NAACP (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, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination

and ensure the health and well-being of all persons.

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.

HBCU BUSINESS CONFERENCE ATTRACTS BLACK ENTREPRENEURS

The highly anticipated 3rd annual Learn Leverage Launch Live (formally known as the Black Entrepreneur Homecoming Experience) will be held in Washington, DC on September 8-10, 2023. The event will connect business

minded HBCU grads, supporters and other Black entrepreneurs from all over the country while replicating the traditional homecoming experience that HBCUs plan every year where thousands of affluent alumni return to their college campuses to celebrate

their Alma Maters, their achievements, and the long-lasting personal friendships created while earning their degrees.

Created and hosted by Jalynn Jones, founder of Black Pretty and Paid, Jalynn Jones, an HBCU graduate

herself, Learn Leverage Launch Live is a transformational conference for 100 Black-owned businesses focused on sales, marketing, business growth, funding resources, social media strategy, passive income investments, and tax strategy. "Having graduated from Fayetteville State University and being inspired by her college’s entrepreneurial experience,” said Jalynn Jones “My team and I built the theme for this conference around two essential pillars taught at HBCUs–economic redistribution and African American business sustainability.”

This year’s conference is pushing hard for THE CULTURE, with a mantra and challenge to participants to Learn, Leverage and Launch. What is unique is that this conference not only challenge participants with forementioned mantra but equips then with skills to apply this mantra and succeed through its steps. While Forbes reports that Black women are the fastest-growing entrepreneurs in the United States (2021) data shows that 8 out of 10 black-owned businesses fail within the first eighteen months of opening due to lack of information (NBC News 2021)

Photo Source: NAACP

Photo Credit: blacknews.com

ENTERTAINMENT

AUGUST WILSON SOCIETY ANNOUNCES 2023 COLLOQUIUM

The August Wilson Society (AWS), in collaboration with the August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) and University of Pittsburgh Library System (ULS), is pleased to announce its Biennial Colloquium: Excavating New Critical Landscapes for August Wilson Studies, March 2-4, 2023, to mark the grand opening of the August Wilson Archive at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The August Wilson Archive arrived at the ULS in 450 boxes containing materials documenting a wide array of Wilson’s career and interests from the 1960s to 2010. There are scripts, production materials of his American Century Cycle plays, his personal library and music collection, artwork, poetry, unpublished work including non-Cycle plays, speeches, essays, audio recordings, awards, degrees, books, correspondence, newspapers, magazines, notebooks, writing tablets, photographs, posters, production designs, props, scripts, and video recordings. The collection will officially open for research on January 9, 2023.

The keynote speaker for the Colloquium is Tony-award winning actor, Emmy and Golden Globe nominated writer, and acclaimed director, Ruben SantiagoHudson. He most recently penned the screenplay of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom for Netflix, which starred Viola Davis, and the late Chadwick A. Boseman, produced by Denzel Washington and directed by George C. Wolfe. At The Green Space in New York City, he served as Artistic Director of dramatic readings of all 10 of August Wilson’s American

Century Cycle plays that aired on WNYC and NPR Santiago-Hudson has also directed Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Jitney and The Piano Lesson, and has performed in Fences and Seven Guitars He currently stars in the hit CBS

Century Cycle of award-winning plays.  Other Colloquium highlights include:   The Encounters in the August Wilson Archives panel. This panel brings together scholars, artists, educators, and students to reflect on the personal, intellectual, and artistic import of the

transitioned but played a significant role in shaping August Wilson’s craft and career)

This year, the 2023 Biennial Colloquium will be live in-person and live-streamed by KDKA-TV Pittsburgh

To register for the event, visit the AWS website at www.augustwilsonsociety. org. For more information, contact August Wilson Society President, Sandra G. Shannon, PhD at info@ augustwilsonsociety.org

The August Wilson Society is a multidisciplinary community of educators, visual and performing artists and practitioners, students, and theatre lovers who remain dedicated to commemorating August Wilson’s legacy by promoting the studying, teaching, researching, performing, and ultimately the safeguarding of the rich narrative of the African American past that Wilson has bequeathed to us in the form of 10 plays that chronicle the stories of African Americans from 1904 to 1997.

drama East New York alongside Jimmy Smits and Amanda Warren

In addition, the Colloquium will feature Wali Jamal, Pittsburgh-based author, actor, playwright and the first and only actor to have performed in all 10 of Wilson’s produced plays. Jamal will perform August Wilson’s heavily autobiographical solo performance, How I Learned What I Learned, created by August Wilson in collaboration with and Todd Kreidler. The show chronicles Wilson’s life as a Black artist in the Hill District in Pittsburgh, from his childhood to the completion of The American

August Wilson Archive. Panelists will respond to materials they encounter in the collection and illuminate the ways they help deepen our understanding of Wilson’s life and work and its relation to the larger socio-historical record.

 Guided tours of August Wilson: The Writers Landscape permanent exhibit and the August Wilson House in the Hill District

 Fundraising reception at the Rivers Club, Pittsburgh’s premiere city club

 On-site local vendor’s marketplace

 Salute to Wilsonian Warrior Ancestors

Ceremony (in honor of those who have

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 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.

Source: August Wilson Society

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

CHEVALIER TO OPEN PAN AFRICAN FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL

The PAN AFRICAN FILM & ARTS FESTIVAL (PAFF) announced today that CHEVALIER will open its 31st film festival in Los Angeles on Feb. 9, 2023, at the Directors Guild of America. The star-studded red carpet gala will be hosted by NFL-Pro turned actor Thomas Q. Jones (“P-Valley”), the Festival’s 2023 Celebrity Host.

Inspired by the incredible story of composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. The son of an enslaved African woman and a French plantation owner, Bologne (Kelvin Harrison Jr. in a tour de force performance) rises to improbable heights in French society as a celebrated violinist-composer and fencer, complete with an ill-fated love affair and a falling out with Marie Antoinette (Lucy Boynton) herself and her court.

Set in 18th Century France, CHEVALIER unfolds the vivid, timely story of the soaring rise and defiant spirit of the musical phenomenon, Joseph Bologne, aka the Chevalier de Saint-Georges. The Chevalier was what we would call today a superstar—a blinding multi-talent at the top of several games: he was a virtuoso violinist who gave packed concerts; a champion swordsman; an ingenious composer; and, for a time, one of the most alluring, unexpected members of Marie Antoinette’s glittering court.

Historians have long struggled to document Bologne’s life. With his papers and his music destroyed in Napoleonic times, little is known of his inner experiences moving in the sphere of the elites. Director Stephen Williams (“Watchmen”) and screenwriter Stefani Robinson (“Atlanta”) aimed to give Bologne a fresh, contemporary life on screen. With many of the details imagined based on extensive research of the period, CHEVALIER is a buoyant and aspiring vision of a man driven to create and to truly be who he was, no matter the expectations put upon him, or the dreams forbidden to those like him.

Bologne was the son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, a man of color in a society rife with racist beliefs and laws. In the midst of mounting bigotry and raging social fury, his path would take a turn—as he ultimately rebelled against the aristocracy that adored his talents yet disparaged his heritage and confined his potential. While his story is set in the 18th Century, it also speaks strongly to this moment. From its high voltage opening violin battle, the

film lends Bologne a touch of rock-and-roll swagger. But if Bologne’s fame and radiance echo the world of the modern pop star, his tale is equally an exploration of something very relatable today: how a person breaks out from the trap of what others expect or demand.

Robinson, who was first inspired by the Chevalier as a teenager, remembers being astonished by how epic his life was— from being born on a slave plantation to befriending the Queen. “His life had so many arcs and it was extraordinarily cinematic,” she says. “Joseph always felt like a rock star to me.”

Determined to bring his life to the screen, she saw a chance to revive his legend— it’s a story of identity, of someone who broke the frame, and then paid the price of being left out of the picture. “The more I learned about him, the more I was frustrated that people don’t know who he is,” says Robinson “It was not easy to get him to the screen, but the fact that it’s here and feels so alive is a very special thing.”

Williams, a celebrated television director/ producer and Emmy Award winner for the ground-breaking Tulsa Riots episode of the “Watchmen” series, was so drawn to the story that he chose CHEVALIER to make his big screen directing debut. He was drawn to recreating one of the most sumptuous eras in human history from an unseen angle, but

even more so to “redressing the imbalances of historical storytelling.” Williams explains, “I’m very interested in reclaiming the stories of people who led compelling, impactful lives yet have been ignored and dismissed in the larger narrative.”

Bologne is a spectacular example of someone denied his due. He went from being a towering celebrity and influencer to evaporating from the pages of history books for centuries.

Williams zeroed in on the pressure Joseph must have felt, a pressure he knows well— the mindset that you must be ten times better than your peers, and above reproach, just to be valued. “You see Joseph start out believing that if he can just excel at everything he does, he’ll be accepted into aristocratic society,” comments Williams “But what he discovers is that social acceptance is not what counts. It is selfacceptance that is most important in a life journey.”

The film’s period, one of rampant artistic innovation yet social upheaval, also felt intimately linked to ours, and Williams structured the film looking not just backwards but forwards. “The French Revolution 4 is so reminiscent of the social convulsions we’ve seen globally over the last few years, with similar outcries for equality and greater accountability,” he notes. “It’s a world that mirrors our own.”

For Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Luce, Monsters and Men) – who studied violin for 7 hours daily to embody the title role—the Chevalier felt incredibly modern, especially the way he moves so fluidly between the worlds of music, sport, and ultimately the fight for justice. “I felt I could understand him as a Black artist. His path reflects how we all struggle to find the spaces where we can be seen and heard,” Harrison says. “This story asks big questions about art and equality and why so many Black artists have been erased, but it’s also a beautiful celebration of the Chevalier’s life.”

Taking place February 9-20, 2023, in Los Angeles, the Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) presents and showcases a broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help to destroy negative stereotypes of Africans and AfricanAmericans. Since 1992, PAFF has remained dedicated to the promotion of Black stories and images through the exhibition of film, visual art, and other creative expression. Today, PAFF is one of the largest and most prestigious Black film festivals in the U.S. and attracts local, national, and international audiences. In addition, it is an Oscar-qualifying festival for animation and live-action films, and one of the largest Black History Month events in America.

Source: The Pan African Film & Arts Festival

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 all-Black, 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 “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-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

“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.

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

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.

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

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

 Pine Street – ‘Brewery Boulevard’ and Natural Wine

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

 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. 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

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.

 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.

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

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.

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

NEW WORLD SYMPHONY PRESENTS ‘I DREAM A WORLD’

New World Symphony announces I

Dream a World: The Harlem Renaissance in Europe. Taking place from February 3-15, 2023, this multidisciplinary Festival builds on 2022’s inaugural I Dream a World Festival and underlines New World Symphony’s ongoing commitment to inclusive programming and representation of Black musicians and creatives. To purchase tickets, visit bit.ly/3QzRV3P This season’s Festival is a twoweek exploration of the transAtlantic movement and influence of the Harlem Renaissance in Europe. Amid America’s cultural explosion, racial inequality limited artistic freedom and expression for Black creatives – sparking a widespread movement to Europe in search of better opportunities.

I Dream a World: The Harlem Renaissance in Europe will focus on the artists who found success in Europe between 1917 and 1935, exploring the impact of World War I, the rise and spread of Nazism, and World War II on the spread of Harlem Renaissance ideology and Black music in Europe. Festival collaborators include Dr. Tammy Kernodle (University Distinguished Professor of Musicology at Miami University of Ohio), Dr. Samantha Ege (Lord Crewe Junior Research Fellow in Music at Lincoln College, University of Oxford), Conductor William Eddins and Branford Marsalis (composer, bandleader, and GRAMMY Award-winning saxophonist). In addition to a robust series of concerts, the Festival will feature an exhibition curated by Christopher Norwood, a lecture presented by FIU/ Wolfsonian, and a film presented by the City of Miami Beach and the American Black Film Festival

“This year, the I Dream a World Festival extends its cultural lens and musical ear to consider the sounds and personalities that preceded the Harlem Renaissance in America and how they influenced cultural trends in Post-World War I Europe,” shared Festival curator Dr. Tammy

L. Kernodle “It is more than just an exploration of the ideological and cultural reach of the movement. I Dream a World seeks to challenge the dualities of concert and popular music, provincial and cosmopolitan culture to illuminate how black music, the cultural spaces that incubated it, and the communities of artisans and intellectuals that engaged with it through performance, color, movement, and word shaped the modern world.”

This Festival is funded in part by the NWS Collaborations Fund and the NWS Fund for New Ventures

I DREAM A WORLD: THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE IN EUROPE

February 3 – 15, 2023

 Cabaret Concert

Friday, February 3, 2023, 7:30PM EST & 9:30PM EST, at New World Center (Truist Pavilion)

The New World Center’s Truist Pavilion will transform into a Parisian nightclub inspired by the legendary Chez Bricktop Proprietress Ada “Bricktop” Smith, an American dancer, jazz singer and Vaudevillian, set the tone for Paris’s “café society” and was known for entertaining

royalty, movie stars, and writers.  American sopranos Julia Bullock and Louise Toppin, pianist Christian Reif, and NWS Fellows pay homage to Black jazz and blues culture with works by Billie Holiday, Alberta Hunter, Cole Porter, Harold Arlen, Duke Ellington, and Bricktop herself.

 I Dream a World: Symphonic Persuasion

Saturday, February 4, 2023, 7:30PM EST, at New World Center (John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Stage, Michael Tilson Thomas Performance Hall), WALLCAST® Concert in SoundScape Park and live webcast at nws.edu

Sunday, February 5, 2023, 2:00PM EST, at New World Center (John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Stage, Michael Tilson Thomas Performance Hall)

Conductor William Eddins takes the New World Symphony podium to lead a two-night celebration of works influenced by the art and artists of the Jazz Age. These concerts will be hosted by Festival curator, Dr. Tammy Kernodle. The NWS will be joined by soprano Louise Toppin in works by Coleridge Taylor, James P. Johnson, Scott Joplin, Igor Stravinsky, and Maurice Ravel

These concerts will be preceded by a discussion on the African Diaspora hosted by Shawn Anthony Christian, Associate Professor and Chair, Dept of English, Florida International University and Nathaniel Cadle, Associate Professor of English at Florida International University, joined by NWS Fellows

 The Sound Heard Around the World: The Music of James Reese Europe

Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 7:30PM, at New World Center (John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Stage, Michael Tilson Thomas Performance Hall)

GRAMMY Award-winning saxophonist and bandleader Branford Marsalis and Florida Memorial University broadcast journalism professor Russell Motley present an exploration of American ragtime bandleader, arranger, and composer, James Reese Europe, who is easily characterized as one of the most dynamic musical figures to emerge out of America’s music scene during the first two decades of the 20th century, He and the many musicians with whom he collaborated contributed to not only the global popularity of blues, early jazz, and orchestral ragtime, but also elevated readings of Black music culture.

 Music for Keyboard

Wednesday, February 8, 2023, 7:30PM

EST, at New World Center (Truist Pavillion)   Hosted by British musicologist and pianist, Dr. Samantha Ege, this concert features keyboard centric music by Black composers. Dr. Ege will be joined by William Eddins and the NWS Piano Fellows to showcase this work from artists including Florence Price. Recordings from this concert will be included in the NWS’s 36Keys.com, a digital resource library to ensure this work is available to students, teachers, programmers, and music lovers.

 Chamber Music

Friday, February 10, 2023, 7:30PM EST, at Lyric Theater, Overtown Festival Curator Dr. Tammy Kernodle and NWS Dean of Instrumental Performance Michael Linville curate a special evening of chamber music

from Black composers working in or inspired by the Harlem Renaissance. In collaboration with the Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc., this concert will be presented at the Lyric Theater in Historic Overtown, a historically Black neighborhood. Overtown’s cultural growth in the 1930s mirrored the renaissance happening in Harlem during the same years and earned the area the nickname “Little Broadway.” Overtown served as a place of refuge for Black performers including Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Ella

The Harlem Hellfighters Great War (2019)

Wednesday, February 15, 2022, 8:00PM EST SoundScape Park, New World Center, WALLCAST® presentation  Presented in partnership with the City of Miami Beach and the American Black Film Festival, this free WALLCAST® film tells the story of the 15th Regiment of the New York National Guard, made up entirely of African American soldiers, who served in the French Army in WWI. The documentary features archival footage of President Barack Obama honoring the Hellfighters

Fitzgerald and many others who were not welcome to lodge overnight in the prominent Miami and Miami Beach hotels where they were invited to perform.

 Concert for Kids: I Dream a World Sunday, February 12, 2022, 11:30AM EST, at New World Center (John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Stage, Michael Tilson Thomas Performance Hall)

This celebratory program, designed to engage audience members aged four to nine, brings the music from this era to life in exciting and educational ways, with pre-concert activities and an interactive performance. Led by New World Symphony Conducting Fellow Chad Goodman, this concert features jazz, blues, and ragtime and will bring out the bandleader in everyone.

 WALLCAST® Film:

and commentary from American and French scholars.

 Festival Exhibition: Le Paris Noir: Henry Ossawa Tanner & Lois Mailou Jones

February 3-12 New World Center Atrium Lobby

Christopher Norwood, curator and founder of Hampton Art Lovers at the Historic Ward Rooming House curates an installation from The Norwood Collection with art and related works of African American painters Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937) & Lois Mailou Jones (19051998). The first internationally recognized male and female African American artists, both found human and artistic freedom in France. The exhibition can be viewed throughout the duration of the festival.

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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.

TRAVIS SCOTT OPENS ACCESS TO EMERGENCY SCHOLARSHIPS

Travis Scott’s Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund provides financial support to HBCU students in their senior year who are facing financial challenges to ensure they can graduate on schedule.

The scholarship is led by the vision of Travis Scott and his family, who has a long history of involvement in HBCUs. Both his parents and his sister attended HBCUs while his brother is currently enrolled also in an HBCU. The scholarship fund is named after his grandfather Waymon Webster, who attended Prairie View A&M Graduate School and served as its dean. Since this initiative is close to his heart, Scott has always been dedicated to providing help to Black students.

“I want students to know they can accomplish anything they set their mind to and that in a moment of financial

uncertainty, we are here to help. I hope these scholarships will free them up to be as innovative and creative as they can be as they conclude one chapter of their lives and begin another. Money should not be a barrier for students to dream big,” Scott said, according to The HBCU Foundation

In 2022, Scott gave away $1 million in scholarships through the Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund. 100 HBCU students from the graduating class of 2022 received $10,000 each to help pay for their final tuition fees so they could surely receive their college diplomas on time.

Most recently, Scott’s Cactus Jack Foundation partnered with Astros Foundation to hold an HBCU Celebrity Softball Classic wherein most of the funds raised will go to the Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund

BLACK COLLEGE EXPO TO AWARD LOCAL STUDENTS

The 24th Annual Los Angeles Black College Expo™, hosted by National College Resources Foundation (NCRF), is Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, California 90015. The event provides students access to over 40 HBCUs and over 100 other colleges and universities, highlighting historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and other educational institutions.

At the expo, students can be accepted to a college on the spot, have their college application fees waived and receive scholarships. Though designed primarily for high school students and for college students looking to transfer to a four-year college, the Los Angeles Black College Expo™ is open to students, educators, parents, and caregivers of all backgrounds. In fact, parents are encouraged to bring students as young as 6th grade to help promote their college planning.

In addition to being connected to college recruiters, students will have access to a slate of dynamic, motivating and informative seminars and workshops which include: Boomin’ Careers, How to Find Money for College, Internships and Careers, Why Attend an HBCU, the 2nd annual HBCU Meet the Presidents’ Forum and, new this year, The Power of Your Voice – The Steps to Becoming Change in Your Community

“We are so excited to be back in LA, back

where our Expos began 24 years ago! We continue to be amazed and oh so blessed by our incredibly committed educational and community partners. They have been instrumental in the impact of our mission to expand access and change trajectories of underserved students all of these many years. We look forward to reaching even more students from all over the LA area on the 28th,” says NCRF Founder and President, Dr. Theresa Price

This year’s Los Angeles Black College Expo™ is sponsored by Comerica Bank, US Army ROTC, Toyota, US Bank, Union Bank, So Cal Gas, Edison and WSS

To register to attend, please visit: www. ncrfoundation.org or call 877-427-4100.

ABOUT THE BLACK COLLEGE EXPO™ Black College Expo™ (BCE) is a trademarked program of National College Resources Foundation (NCRF), a 501(c) (3) non-profit educational enhancement organization serving over 200,000 students annually. BCE was founded in 1999 by Dr. Theresa Price to serve as a vital link between minorities and college admissions. NCRF’s mission is to curtail the high school dropout rate and increase degree and/or certificate enrollment among underserved, underrepresented, at-risk, low-resource, homeless and foster students. NCRF’s vision is to close the gap in educational achievement and eliminate workforce and economic disparities with the goal of ending racism and racial inequalities.

END NOTES

ISSA RAE HOSTS FIRESIDE CHAT WITH SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

In honor of Black History Month, Intuit (Nasdaq: INTU) QuickBooks and Mailchimp are hosting a live, virtual fireside chat to highlight the experiences and remarkable courage it takes for Black-owned entrepreneurs and small businesses to overcome the hurdles they encounter on their paths to success. In a conversation sponsored by Intuit QuickBooks + Mailchimp, the world’s leading small business technology platform, Issa Rae and Nate Burleson will host a live “Conversation about Courage” that will provide personal insights and practical advice for U.S. and Canadian Black-owned small businesses.

Economic and social inequalities continue to challenge Black businesses. Across the U.S. and Canada, new data from QuickBooks shows that more than 75% of black businesses believe that they are judged more critically than non-Black businesses. Additionally, more than 55% have been denied a business loan at least once — compared to 37% of non-Black business owners in the U.S.

Attendees will come away with insights into the entrepreneurial journey, a glimpse into the challenges that Black small business owners encounter, and a better understanding of the courage it takes to be triumphant in the face

of adversity.

Intuit is the global financial technology platform that powers prosperity for the people and communities we serve. With more than 100 million customers worldwide using TurboTax, Credit Karma, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to prosper. We never stop working to find new, innovative ways to make that possible. Please visit us for the latest information about Intuit. our products and services, and find us on social.

Source: Intuit Inc.

OLISAE IS NIGERIA’S NEXT WAVE OF AFROBEATS ARTIST

With the recent championing of Afrobeats worldwide over the last several years, Nigeria is at the forefront of elevating Artists who continue to challenge the genre and expand its borders. The industry has seen cross border collaborations across pop, r&b, reggaeton, and dancehall to name a few. Olisae is an artist whose versatility allows him to be a new and expansive representative for Nigeria’s Afrobeats lineup of stars.

Having returned to the music scene hardcore in 2019, Olisae has developed a consistent output of singles that takes the listener on a variety of journeys from romantic and sexy to deep Amapiano club spins and uptempo dance vibes. Olisae is kicking off 2023 with two

strong collaborations with local Nigeria fan favorites Skales and Slowdog. 2023 will also see the release of a new line of merchandise that crosses over into full streetwear to match his style and fashion sense as a model who can carry a brand.

Musically, Olisae is becoming known for his adept blending of multiple languages in his tracks and finding influence the world over from his travels abroad. As an artist that hails from Anambra State, Olisaedozie Aniebonam, better known to his fans as Olisae, will be spending half the year immersed in the US market recording, performing, and creating content to further his fan base.

NEW WORLD SYMPHONY PRESENTS ‘I DREAM A WORLD’ (cont'd

The New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy, prepares graduates of music programs for leadership roles in professional orchestras and ensembles. In the 35 years since its co-founding by Artistic Director Laureate Michael Tilson Thomas and Lin and Ted Arison, NWS has helped launch the careers of more than 1,200 alumni worldwide.

A laboratory for the way music is taught, presented ,and experienced, the New World Symphony consists of young

musicians who are granted fellowships lasting up to three years. The fellowship program offers in-depth exposure to traditional and modern repertoire, professional development training and personalized experiences working with leading guest conductors, soloists and visiting faculty. Relationships with these artists are extended through NWS’s extensive distance learning via the internet. NWS Fellows take advantage of the innovative performance facilities and

state-of-the art practice and ensemble rooms of the Frank Gehry-designed New World Center, the campus of the New World Symphony NWS would like to recognize the following institutional partners: Knight Foundation and New World Symphony: Reimagining Classical Music in the Digital Age; Carnival Corporation is the Premier Sponsor of the New World Symphony; NWS concerts are presented with the support of the Miami-Dade

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County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; NWS concerts are presented with support of the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council; Hitachi is a Technology Partner of the New World Symphony; Yamaha is the Official Piano of the New World Symphony; IDAGIO is the Official Audio Streaming Partner of the New World Symphony