New York Trend NYC: March 16 – 22, 2023

NEW YORK TREND

March 16th, 2023 - March 22nd, 2023

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

VOLUME 33 ISSUE 9

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE HONORS PAST CBC CHAIR AT LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

The National Urban League today presented former Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty with the CBC Champion Award the final day of

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

“Each honoree chosen for

the League’s Legislative Policy Conference.

“Congresswoman Beatty has proven to be a force of nature on Capitol Hill as she has advocated for voting rights, policing reform, financial equity, access to healthcare and other important issues to the Black community,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “It’s an honor

— 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

CELEBRATING30 YEARS!

to recognize Congresswoman Beatty’s tenacious work with this award today, and I look forward to continuing our partnership in the fight for civil and equal rights.”

Congress this year.

The Legislative Policy Conference brings together members of Congress, elected state leaders, and community

advocates from across the country. President Morial initiated the Conference in his first year as the centerpiece of an economic empowerment agenda that redefined the League’s role in shaping public policy.

Source: National Urban League

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

The award

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.

Breakfast, a unique opportunity to bring leader of the Urban League movement and members of the CBC, and to and recognize the members’ exemplary leadership and commitment to urban empowerment. This year marked recognition of the largest and most diverse CBC delegation in history, with 58 members, including nine who are new to

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

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

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 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 Brill’s Content magazine.

of The City University of New

Since 1989 INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

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), 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.

was presented during the Congressional Black Caucus

ABC VENTURES Salutes Late SHIRLEY CHISHOLM

In addition to Education, Health, Wellness and the Environment are major concerns because of the many health disparities in Black America. Black America suffers from high disparities in the affliction and treatment of hypertension, diabetes, asthma and stroke. The higher rates have been attributed to a lack of medical education and access to care. As a tribute to Mrs. Shirley Chisholm, Park Walk America has been launched as an information portal that provides key health, fitness, nutritional and background information from leading publications, web sites and industry leaders such as Healthline, Everyday Health and WebMD. This important and valuable portal will be continually fed with the latest available news, events impacting health, fitness, wellness and environmental stewardship. Park Walk America is being built as a national network of forward-thinking American cities seeking solutions to the many health disparities facing America. Baltimore, Maryland has been chosen as the pilot city in a national network of Park Walk cities. Due to unsteadiness in the economy, Park Walk Baltimore will launch on Earth Day 2023. The success of Park Walk Baltimore will be driven by the vested interests of the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Using the American Express marketing model of reaching people where they live, work, play and pray.

The objective is to have companies and organizations partner with us to insure every business and community promote the Park Walk approach to

their employees, their customers, their neighbors and their friends. The public sector will benefit by providing action items that can improve the quality of life for its residents and better utilize their facilities and resources. Businesses can better serve their employees and communities by enhancing their social responsibility and developing a new channel of distribution. The nonprofit community can have marketing tools available to support the missions they serve, particularly community development.

The Park Walk America Network platforms are similar to the American Express Card merchant membership.

Each business and organizational membership includes turnkey management, a business plan, links to the Park Walk America web site for local or national promotion. Each Park Walk America city will have a unique online shopping platform that will generate cause marketing funding from local and national advertisers. For consistency, the revenue generated from online sales will be allocated to the host city. Local and National Memberships are available for testing. Each Park Walk America site membership will have a funding arrangement to support their local parks.

Our Build It and They Will Come

approach is strategic and timely considering the higher awareness people now have following the continuing worldwide concern regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing health disparities facing urban America. Companies choosing to participate by March 1, 2023 can receive special pricing for a dual Educate Black America and Park Walk America Network membership (pdf). For details, contact them at mindsandmoney@usa.net with network membership on the subject line.

ABC Ventures, Inc. is a Maryland based social enterprise whose mission is to leverage corporate resources and development into significant support for meaningful social change in America.

Over 50 years ago, Alvin J. Lee, President and CEO of ABC Ventures, Inc., conceptualized the business while an MBA student at the Wharton School in the aftermath of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.

The business name for the business changed over time to America’s Black Collegians to be able to support the total overall numbers of Black college students which approached $1.5 million when Black students at predominantly White colleges and students were included. A second name change was made to Educate Black America when the education provider base was expanded to include distance learning, professional development and postsecondary education. The goal was to support higher education through every channel possible.

MARCH IS NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH

March is National Nutrition Month®!

Established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 1973, National Nutrition Month promotes a healthy, balanced lifestyle and encourages healthy habits to benefit individuals and families alike. This year’s theme, “Fuel for the Future,“ encourages us to eat with sustainability in mind as a way to nourish ourselves during every phase of life, while protecting the environment.

Eating healthy is the key to getting proper nutrition. It improves our physical health, boosts our energy and helps us keep our weight in check. The benefits of eating healthfully can add up over time. Some easy ways to fuel for the future include: buying in-season and locally, eating more plant-based foods, and planning your grocery list. You’ll enjoy healthier, more nutritious meals and be kinder to the environment and your pocket.

It’s never too early or too late to eat healthfully! We can fuel the future for ourselves and our planet with a few minor adjustments. To get additional food and nutrition information, visit eatright.org

Photo Source: Tangerine Newt via Unsplash

BLACK ACHIEVERS AWARDS HONORS TRAILBLAZERS

Ten Miami-based change-makers were honored at the inaugural 2023 Black Achievers Award presented by Jack Daniel's for their outstanding work in their respective fields. The award ceremony and mixer were created to recognize and celebrate South Florida's Black professionals, community organizers, and activists who have made significant contributions to the South Florida

entrepreneurs in the South Florida market. The event was headed by LaJuane Mack, Region Multicultural Manager - Central at Brown-Forman

The invite-only event featured a vintage Black excellence theme that naturally flowed with the ambiance of the Hampton House's decor.

The Black Achievers Awards event was curated by a collaborative venture by Black Miami women

of Sweet Butter Hospitality Group and owner of We Shuckin restaurants. The three women want to focus on people in the community who go unsung but deserve recognition. "This is an amazing opportunity to work with great people to honor dope people from our community. I love that Jack Daniel's is committed to being a brand that cares about the community and is committed to being plugged in by sponsoring

Rye, Jack Daniel's Sinatra Select, and Jack Daniel's Country Cocktails. Today, Jack Daniel's is a true global icon found in more than 170 countries around the world and is the most valuable spirits brand in the world, as recognized by Interbrand

Curating Cool Since September 2013. SocialXchange Miami is South Florida's Premier Event & Marketing Agency that specializes in experiential marketing, events, experience, and outreach for Multicultural/Urban Millennials, Young Professionals, and Influencers. They've got cred because they filled a longstanding void in the Miami market by creating innovative lifestyle events targeted to a previously untapped market of pretty awesome, collegeeducated, trend-setting, upwardly mobile local African-American+ Afro-Caribbean professionals primarily between the ages of 24-35. SocialXchange has created new trends/ event concepts previously not seen in the creative event space in South Florida. Socialxchange curates all things cool such as lifestyle events such as monthly meet-ups, happy hours, day parties, nightlife events, community service projects, health

community. Jack Daniel's partnered with local Black-owned women's businesses to curate and produce the award's presentation that closed out Black History month at the Historic Hampton House in Miami. Honorees

included: Isiah "Zaybo" Thomas (Co-founder - Roots Collective), Whenda "Wanda" Tima (FounderL'Union Suite), Stichiz (103.5 The Beat Radio Personality), Dr. Geden Franck (Sports Medicine PhysicianMemorial Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine), Michaeljohn Green (Deputy Director of Economic Development - Miami-Dade County), Barbara Jaques (Founder - JACQ'S Skincare), Ashley Gantt, Esq (Florida State Representative), Chanel T. Rowe, Esq (Founding & Managing Partner at Uriel Law), Daniel Agnew (Co-founderRoots Collective), and James "Munch" Mungin (Roots Collective).

The award's presentation celebrated Jack Daniel's brand commitment to highlighting and celebrating Black professionals and

entrepreneurs Alexis Brown - Founder of SocialXChange; Ernisha Randolph - Founder of Sweet Butter Hospitality Group; and Janéy Tate, Publisher of Hy-Lo News "We're excited to come together and recognize our peers and new rising stars in South Florida. There is so much commentary about the brain drain and losing talent and millennial talent leaving South Florida, but this is a counter-narrative to that," said Alexis Brown, Founder of SocialXChange

"The Black Achievers Awards celebrates what is great about Black South Florida and our contributions." The three Millennial Black women entrepreneurs joined forces to pull their resources and used their expertise in their industries with the mission to highlight the Black entrepreneurial leaders and community activists in South Florida.

"We are celebrating Black entrepreneurship and excellence and recognizing our Black entrepreneurial ecosystem who have undeniably impacted the South Florida community," said Ernisha Randolph, Founder & CEO

the Black Achievers Awards," said Janey Tate, Founder, and CEO of Tate Media Enterprises, which produces Hy-Lo News "Hy-Lo News' mission is to share the untold stories from the Black community in South Florida. This collaboration allows us to bring that work to life. I look forward to bringing more events like this to our community through this partnership."

Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery is the first registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Jack Daniel's is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Double Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire

, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Apple, Jack Daniel's Tennessee

Sweet Butter Hospitality Group is a multi-conceptual hospitality group that manages, develops, and features a portfolio of various brands. These brands include WeShuckin Restaurant, Juanitas Kitchen Catering, The Candy Girls Gourmet Confectioners, The Sweet Butter Pop-up Dinner Show Tour, The Smash Room Multi-Media Company, The Juke Joint Restaurant, and other associated products. Our Restaurants are set to have an edgy vintage restaurant experience, mostly with a live performance component. Our company seeks to develop a conglomerate of brands in and around hospitality showcasing foods, music, history & culture from the various regions of the United States that were more affected by the Southern culture created by African Americans.

Hy-Lo News was created after founder Janéy Tate discovered that Black residents were not properly provided coverage from local news outlets on matters, events, and issues they cared about most. As a result, in 2015, HyLo News was brought to life. Hy-Lo News, short for "hyper-local," is driven by its mission to provide a platform for hyper-local news for South Florida Black and Brown millennials. The media company is South Florida's only news site dedicated to urban millennials. Publisher Janey Tate knows firsthand, from her more than 13 years as a journalist, that having access to local information and news has helped people in the community to be informed and engaged citizens. Hy-Lo News believes all people should have access to local news and information that is engaging, betters their lives, and improve their community.

Photo Credit: Andre Dawson - 876 Creative

HUMANITIES TYLER PERRY DONATES 2.75M FOR SENIOR’S TAXES

Filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry is once again giving back to his local community with a $2.75 million donation to help lowincome seniors in Atlanta cover their property taxes, ensuring they remain homeowners in their own communities.

Perry, who was recently named the third among the world’s top 10 highest-paid entertainers by Forbes, stepped up to provide some financial assistance to seniors living on fixed income amid the continually rising property taxes in Atlanta.

Perry recently donated $750,000 to pay off back property taxes, including city, county, and school taxes, for over 300 low-income seniors in Atlanta.

For the next 4 years, he allocated $500,000 each year to ensure these residents don’t pay such taxes anymore. For the next 20 years, he will also cover any increase in taxes for 100 lowincome seniors.

“Atlanta’s growth and prosperity should not come at the expense of our legacy residents — many of whom have been priced out of their homes in previous years. Tyler Perry has been engaged in our ongoing conversations

around legacy resident retention, and he told me he wanted to do something to support these efforts. Thanks to his generosity, more Atlantans will be able to

remain in the communities they built,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, according to 11Alive

The donation, which totals $2.75

million, will be administered by the Invest Atlanta Partnership, the nonprofit section of Atlanta’s Economic Development Authority.

Photo Credit: Ceng News via flickr

MUSIC RECORDING ACADEMY ® APPOINTS DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION OFFICER

THE RECORDING ACADEMY® has appointed Nzinga "Zing" Shaw as Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Officer

In her role, Shaw oversees diversity, equity and inclusion efforts across all areas of the Recording Academy, including internal and external programs, organizational and staff culture, Membership, Awards, and related initiatives. With direct support from Vice President of DEI, Ryan Butler and Manager of DEI, Ricky Lyon, Shaw is responsible for ensuring that diversity and inclusion are core to business values and standards and demonstrated throughout the organization. She is also responsible

for designing, building and implementing world-class programs and industry standards and making sure they are demonstrated throughout the organization. Additionally, Shaw’s expertise will help activate an engaged global workforce and cultivate a more inclusive culture in order to best position the organization for future growth.

"I am thrilled to introduce Zing to the Recording Academy as our Chief DEI Officer," said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy "Her groundbreaking work in the DEI field speaks for itself and we are excited to see how she'll amplify the Academy's commitment to fostering

a diverse and inclusive environment and drive positive change throughout the organization.”

"I am proud to join the Recording Academy and work with a talented team of leaders to cultivate a culture of inclusion that fosters different points of view and empowers diverse colleagues," Shaw said. "The organization has made incredible strides in diversity, equity and inclusion over the last few years, and I look forward to being part of the Academy's continued commitment to supporting both our internal stakeholders and the music community at large."

Prior to joining the Academy, Shaw is known for her pioneering DEI work with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, launching the MOSAIC symposium (Model of Shaping Atlanta through Inclusive Conversations), and making the Hawks the first professional sports team to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. Additionally, Shaw was the first Chief DEI Officer at three blue chip organizations: Edelman, Starbucks and the National Basketball Association

In addition to serving on the Board of Trustees of Fisk University, the Board of Directors of ColorComm, and the Board of Advisors of Arctos Sports Partners, Shaw was appointed by 39th United States President Jimmy Carter to serve a six-year term on the Board of Councilors of the Carter Center. Her leadership has been recognized by Sports Business Journal,

JANET JACKSON: FAMILY FIRST”

With “Janet Jackson.” ranking as cable’s #1 documentary of 2022 and seen by 21 million viewers, Lifetime and A&E today announced they have greenlit a continuation of the extraordinary and historic story of Janet Jackson “Janet Jackson: Family First” will chronicle the legendary singer, songwriter, producer, author, actor, philanthropist and global icon as she embarks on her 2023 “Together Again” tour, and her collaboration with brother Randy Jackson to reunite the family band after 40 years since their last performance. “Janet Jackson: Family First” continues the captivating and critically lauded story from 2022’s most talked-about documentary “Janet Jackson.” with the next chapter in Janet’s journey, in her own words and experiences with an exclusive, intimate, and honest look at her life, family, and legendary artistry.   The documentary will follow the 2023 “Together Again” tour, which will celebrate Janet Jackson’s 50th anniversary in entertainment and spotlight the milestones for two of Jackson’s most critically acclaimed albums – 25 years of “The Velvet Rope,” and 30 years of “janet.”   “Janet Jackson: Family First” is currently filming and will simulcast on Lifetime and A&E, with the release to be announced.   Of the new documentary, Executive Producer Janet Jackson said “I was touched by the love and support from the wonderful fans who enjoyed the documentary last year. I am excited to continue to share my story, and welcome fans into my life and the ‘Together Again’ tour. Thank you for your never-ending support, and I hope you enjoy the next chapter.”

Executive Producer Randy Jackson said “In this next chapter in the documentary, Janet and I are thrilled to welcome viewers on the road with us as we embark on the ‘Together Again’ tour, celebrating the milestone of 50

years of Janet’s career with fans across the country. We look forward to the continued partnership with Lifetime and A&E, and to sharing our family with viewers.”

Janet Jackson is one of the most influential entertainers of the modern era. Her music has won her 5 GRAMMY® Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, a nomination for an Academy Award along with dozens of American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. She has received accolades as an actress as well including the NAACP Best Supporting Actor award. Janet is a published author, dancer, businessperson, philanthropist and one of biggest-selling artists in popular music history. With sales of over 180 million records worldwide, Janet Jackson stands as one of the best-selling artists of all time with a string of hits that have left an indelible impression on pop culture. She is the record holder for the biggest selling debut tour in history and is the first woman to debut in the Top 10 of the Hot 100 charts. She also stands as one of only four artists to have a #1 album for four successive decades alongside Barbra Streisand, Bruce Springsteen and U2. Even today she continues to make an undeniable impact. In 2018, her last single, “Made for Now” with Daddy Yankee, released by her own Rhythm Nation Records, hit #1 on the Dance Clubs Songs chart making it her 20th single on the chart in the span of her career. In 2019, she was inducted the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside her brothers and in that same year her critically acclaimed Las Vegas residency, “Metamorphosis” closed out to record breaking ticket sales with only 18 dates at the Park MGM’s Park Theater. As reported by Billboard Boxscore, the legendary singer, dancer, songwriter, producer, and actress is among the biggest Vegas performers of this decade, ahead of Celine Dion (2011),

Britney Spears (2013) and the Backstreet Boys (2017). Her critically acclaimed and award winning documentary “Janet Jackson.” brought in over 20 million viewers in one week.

On February 4, 2021, Janet Jackson’s iconic mega platinum-selling third album Control turned 35. The album also returned to the top of the charts, hitting #1 on the Apple Top 40 US Pop Album chart. Led by five chartbusting hit singles — “What Have You Done for Me Lately,” “Nasty,” “Control,” “When I Think Of You,” —with their complementary, tightly choreographed music videos — and “Let’s Wait Awhile,” Control became Jackson’s first No. 1 Pop album. The album also made Billboard chart history for having the longest continuous run on the Hot 100 with singles from one album, ultimately tallying a remarkable 65 consecutive weeks from that perch. To date, Control has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide.

Janet Jackson: Family First is directed by Ben Hirsch. It is produced for Lifetime and A&E by Workerbee AEC (Associated Entertainment Corporation) are coproducers. Janet Jackson and Randy Jackson are executive producers. Rick Murray is Executive Producer for Workerbee Brie Miranda Bryant is Executive Producer

Atlanta Business Chronicle, The Network Journal, and PR Week

Shaw holds a bachelor’s degree from Spelman College and a master's from the University of Pennsylvania. She was a study abroad scholar at Oxford University in the United Kingdom.

ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY

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

for A&E Network

A&E leads the cultural conversation through high quality, thought provoking original programming with a unique point of view. Whether it’s the network’s distinctive brand of award-winning disruptive reality, or groundbreaking documentary, A&E always makes entertainment an art.

Celebrating over 35 years of entertaining audiences, Lifetime is a premier entertainment destination for women dedicated to offering the highest quality original programming spanning awardwinning movies, high-quality scripted series and breakout non-fiction series.

Lifetime has an impressive legacy in public affairs, bringing attention to social issues that women care about with initiatives such as the long-running Stop Breast Cancer for Life, Stop Violence Against Women, and Broader Focus, a major global initiative dedicated to supporting and hiring female directors, writers and producers, including women of color, to make its content. Lifetime Television®, LMN®, Lifetime Real Women® and Lifetime Digital™ are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of A+E Networks A+E Networks is a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation

Photo Credit: blackenterprise.com

ENTERTAINMENT

THRIVIN IN COLOR PODCAST RELEASED

Black America’s premier news distribution wire service has just released its second episode of its popular podcast, Thrivin’ in Color. Special guests for the episode included a powerful dentist duo who joined forces to brighten the smiles of kids on “Give Kids A Smile Day,” a community event hosted by the Jessie Trice Community Health System (JTCHS) in honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month

Dental champions Dr. Deborah George, JTCHS EVP/Chief Dental Officer and Dr. John Nelson, President of Miami-Dade County Dental Society and Midtown Dental were the featured guests who joined host Camry Brown, to discuss the importance of oral health and a healthy smile.

In addition to sharing tips and information on maintaining a bright and healthy smile, Dr. George and Dr. Nelson also discussed being Black and successful in their careers. They shared some motivational tips for those looking to break barriers in the

dental field. “Having these brilliant doctors on the podcast was amazing,” said Thrivin’ in Color host Camry. “They came through and dropped some gems that I believe everyone can use.”

Black PR Wire’s Thrivin’ in Color podcast is all about supporting and empowering Black and brown people all over the world. It’s listeners always look forward to being informed and entertained. New episodes are released each Friday. You can also find the podcast and subscribe on every major podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Thrivin’ In Color, a podcast produced by Black PR Wire, features interviews with remarkable sistas and brothas from across the country who are doing extraordinary things in today's society. Thrivin' In Color takes us behind the scenes of their world, where we meet with them and pick up some golden nuggets for success. Thrivin’ In Color podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all of your favorite podcast services.

©2023 New York Lottery

BUSINESS

BLACK , QUEER AND GEN Z AGENCY LAUNCHES IN DC

Words Normalize Behavior announces its launch as one of the first Black, Queer, and Gen Z led executive communications and strategic engagement agencies across the country.

Founder and Chief Thought Leadership Officer Michael Franklin brings a wealth of experience to guide leaders with their strategy, messaging, and strategic campaign plans. Michael is the Co-Founder and Executive Director for Speechwriters of Color, a global network that has transformed the profession of speechwriting. Michael’s keen eye for developing strategies that wed traditional media approaches with innovative outreach and engagement strategies is especially prescient in a world where justice, equity, and democracy are under attack. He’s previously worked with organizations like The Collective PAC, Black Futures Lab, Fenway Strategies, the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, and more.

Words Normalize Behavior provides communications, coalition-building, and strategic advice to leaders who are tired of making empty statements without

action. Sometimes, leaders are already doing transformative work but simply don’t have the time or the tools to tell the story of their work. Words Normalize Behavior is available to provide the following services and capacity to support:

 Speechwriting and Ghostwriting

 Speech Coaching and Media Training

 Communications Strategic Planning

 Coalition Building and Campaign Planning

 Brand Management and Executive Positioning

 Editing and Quality Assurance

Words Normalize Behavior is a Black,

Queer, and Gen Z led agency that provides communications, coalitionbuilding, and strategic advice to leaders who are tired of making empty statements without action. Sometimes, leaders are already doing transformative work but simply don’t have the time or the tools to tell the story of their work. To learn more, visit wordsnormalizebehavior.com

Michael Franklin Writer / Speaker / Advocate

Photo Source: wordsnormalizebehavior.com

ARTS & LITERATURE ART EXHIBIT Showcases Western New York BLACK ARTISTS

The Niagara Arts & Cultural Center is hosting its annual “Artist of Color,” opening on February 10-March 25, 2023. This year, African American Contemporary Artists will merge with the historical legacies of African-Americans born and raised in Niagara Falls before the 1920s. The art illuminates what settles a community, town, city, and state when everyone moves forward. Historical photos, artifacts, and rare documents will be exhibited.

Ray Robertson has been Gallery CoDirector for 17 years and has curated the Artists of Color Exhibition for 12 years. He has contributed a wealth of knowledge to the arts for the local community and Western New York. As a professional photographer, sculptor and artist, he’s produced his collection of artwork for over 40 years.

The Black Pioneers of Niagara Falls hosted the opening reception on February 10th. Families founded the organization with ancestors who migrated to Niagara Falls from all over the country and Canada before the 1920s. The Honorable Congressman Edolphus Towns (retired) served for over 40 years and two years as Chairman of the Oversight Committee As a former resident raised in Niagara Falls, he spoke about his journey to the DC Capital and the influence of African American culture in Niagara Falls.

Janice Martin, daughter of Indiana Hunt-Martin, spoke in honor of her mother, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor and was raised in Niagara Falls.

During WWII, Hunt-Martin was one of the historical legends of the 6888th who was sent to process over 17 million pieces of mail for U.S. troops. This event inspired the upcoming Netflix movie, Six Triple Eight, produced by Tyler Perry In Buffalo, NY, a post offce and a street

have been named in Hunt-Martin’s honor. Misty Hunt-Garrett will speak in recognition of her mother, the late Crystal Boling-Barton, a historical collector and educator born and raised in Niagara Falls. With her passing, Boling-Barton left one of the largest collections in Western New York of African American books, art, artifacts, and rare documents. At 35 years old, she was the first woman and African American educator to head

a vocational high school (McKinley High) in the history of Buffalo, NY. The dedication of Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, NY, will be named in her honor. Finally, Historian Dr. Michael Boston, author of Blacks in Niagara Falls and Professor at SUNY-Brockport, will share his research on the black community of Niagara Falls, which he has been researching for many years. The New York State Council on the Arts makes the AOC exhibition possible.

FIRST ENCYCLOPEDIA FOR AFRICAN DIASPORA

Au’loni Media Group, LLC has launched The Melanoid Chronicles, the first-ever encyclopedia series for the African Diaspora in the New Millennium and the first to ever be created in the United States of America.

So far, The Melanoid Chronicles have been featured on 43 Comcast

recently selected as a Marquis Who’s Who in America, received the 2022 Philadelphia Award in the areas of Business and Coaching, and was inducted into The Philadelphia Media Founder’s Exchange with The Lenfest Institute of Journalism. In addition, our podcast #BlackWealthIsBack was rated #13 of the Top 90 Podcasts

built by slaves.” Before she said it, how many people actually knew that?

In traditional educational institutions, very few trailblazers from the African Diaspora are featured outside of Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X. This has created two issues in our society. An entire race who has been denied their history which we see the effects of every day and the idea that keeps racism at its highest levels, that only Caucasian/Europeanbased races founded and created every aspect of our society.

networks including The OWN Network, Fox News, NBC, ESPN, The NFL Network, Entertainment Channel (E!), The Discovery Channel, TV Land, The Hallmark Channel, Music Television (MTV), Paramount, and USA. The series has also been featured in The Wall Street Journal (MarketWatch), on Fox News, and on local, national, and international radio stations and podcasts.

Au’loni Media Group, LLC was most

for “Black Wealth and Finance” by FeedSpot

The first edition addresses the first 20 years of the new millennium. There’s no secret that black history as we know it, is a watered-down version of the many contributions that members of the African Diaspora have contributed to creating and developing America.

As Michelle Obama said at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, “She lives in a house (white house) that was

The movie, Hidden Figures, which was released in 2016, is the perfect example. Three women who defined modern advances through mathematical and technological advances at NASA were never in the history books. In 2020 Katherine Johnson passed away and was honored as a staple in history when just 4 years before, no one knew who she was or her amazing contributions to STEM. These stories are repetitive in U.S. history and now have to be redefined in how “history” is documented for future generations. We have taken a traditional way of providing education and literary work while using modern technology to make sure that these stories are not only well documented but will exist throughout time and continue to be relatable and available.

According to the creators of The Melanoid Chronicles, the reason their series addresses the year 2000 and beyond is that we can’t change our “lost” history. They comment, “Throughout time, we will still be discovering those “hidden figures” who were never acknowledged for their contributions to society. However, we can change the trajectory of how our stories are told from here on out in hopes that our future generations will NEVER experience what every generation before them had to endure by not being told or knowing their history and having the idea that only slavery defines them in the U.S.”

They continue, “In 100 years, our stories of today will help shape the ideas of our children and how they value themselves. This is a 'historical piece of art' to lay the groundwork for future generations. If you are 23 years of age and younger, for the first time, your history is documented both physically and vaulted in the digital verse. The Melanoid Chronicles has arrived to be steadfast on that mission.”

The company’s mission is to merge traditional media with modern technology. Through broadcast, digital, and print media, we minimize the gatekeeper’s influence over the voice of the underrepresented and disenfranchised, to better strengthen our global community.

THE ARTS AILEY II RETURNS TO THE AILEY CITIGROUP THEATER

(Black PR Wire) NEW YORK —

Ailey II, the renowned second company to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, will return to its home, The Ailey Citigroup Theater, for a highly anticipated two-week season—the second led by Artistic Director Francesca Harper—featuring 14 exhilarating performances from March 22- April 2. The gifted ensemble of rising stars will treat audiences to two dynamic programs, Poetic Motion and Empowered, spotlighting works by Founder Alvin Ailey, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Robert Battle, William Forsythe, Francesca Harper, Andrea Miller, and former Ailey Company member Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish

For over four decades, Ailey II has merged the spirit and energy of the country’s best early-career dance talent with the passion and artistry of today’s most outstanding choreographers. Founded in 1974 as a bridge between The Ailey School and the professional dance world, the company embodies Alvin Ailey’s pioneering mission to establish an extended cultural community that provides dance performances, training, and community programs for all people.

“After a successful U.S. tour, I am thrilled for New York audiences to witness the grace, strength, and versatility of the Ailey II dancers that will bring joy to hearts and inspire,” said Artistic Director Francesca Harper “The two programs will highlight richly diverse works from treasured classics to contemporary favorites; there’s something for everyone.”

The Ailey Citigroup Theater engagement opens on Wednesday, March 22 at 7:30pm with Poetic Motion, dedicated to the heart of the creative process and the poetry that lives in the mind of an artist. The program showcases Elizabeth RoxasDobrish’s new work mediAcation, which explores relationships and the nuances of communication; new production of Alvin Ailey’s The Lark Ascending (excerpt), a lyric and romantic dance choreographed in 1972 to music by Ralph Vaughan Williams’s Romance for Violin and Orchestra; and two extended audience favorites Robert Battle’s Alleluia, a work that seamlessly

meshes the foot stomping and hand gestures of the Baptist Church with classical Baroque idioms; and William Forsythe’s Enemy in the Figure (excerpt), set to Thom Willem’s percussive and rhythmically driving electronic score, which is the source of the works choreographic invention and influenced the radical use of light and shadow in the original stage design. Poetic Motion highlights the full breadth of Ailey II’s expression that features the sensitivity of Mr. Ailey, the athleticism of Battle, the audacity of Forsythe, and the innovative mind of Roxas-Dobrish.

Empowered, a program designed to leave the audience on the edge of their seats, premieres on Thursday, March 23 at 7:30pm. From the cinematic wonderment of Andrea Miller’s Psūkhe (pronounced 'pSEEhee'), an energetic full company work featuring unexpected partnering and complex solos set to the electronic music of Nicolas Jaar; to the daring physicality of William Forsythe’s Enemy in the Figure; to the Afro-futuristic lens of Francesca Harper’s Freedom Series, the unexpected twists and turns take audiences on an evocative journey that awakens curiosity and encourages valiance.

The dancers of Ailey II come from near (Brooklyn natives Meagan King and Amar Smalls as well as Queens native Patrick Gamble) and far (Canadian company member Spencer Everett), and New Yorkers have 14 chances to see why The New York Times says, “There’s nothing like an evening spent with Ailey II.” Tickets starting at $59 are on sale now and can be purchased at www.alvinailey.org/aileyinnyc or by phone at 212-405-9082.

Ahead of the company’s engagement, all are invited to tap into their creativity during a Masterclass with Francesca Harper at Ailey Extension on Saturday, March 18 at 3pm. Throughout this contemporary ballet workshop Harper will teach dancers of all experience levels new creative tools to implement in their artistic process. Participants will learn to find pleasure in movement while refining their technique.

Let Ailey II’s performances inspire you to get moving this spring for FREE in one of Ailey Extension’s

“real classes for real people.”

Ailey’s Ticket to Dance promotion gives new and returning students a chance to trade their performance ticket for a complimentary dance or fitness class of their choice. With over 50 classes a week available in-studio and online in a wide variety of techniques such as hiphop, ballet, West African, NY Style Mambo, Pilates, and Horton—the signature technique seen in many of Alvin Ailey’s classic works—Ailey Extension makes dance accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. Ticket holders for Ailey II’s 2023 New York engagement have until July 31, 2023 to take advantage of this exclusive offer. Please visit alvinailey.org/extension to view the schedule of classes or to sign up and learn more about the program.

The upcoming New York season comes on the heels of the company’s U.S. tour and a recent welcome by Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Commissioner Laurie Cumbo to City Hall for the inauguration of an installation of 15 photographs documenting the Ailey Moves NYC! initiative. Hung in the City Hall rotunda, conference rooms, and workspaces throughout the executive side of the building, the photos depict the lively, free outdoor dance performances and classes reaching audiences in all of New York City’s five boroughs in summer 2022. The installation will remain on view for six months, marking the beginning of a broader initiative to celebrate the city’s diversity and bring artwork to city buildings across the boroughs.

BUSINESS & MEDIA BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA ANNOUNCE FORUM

BLACK PUBLIC MEDIA (BPM) will hold its sixth PitchBLACK Forum — the largest pitch competition for Black, independent filmmakers and creative technologists in the United States — on April 25 and 26.

Winners of up to $150,000 in project funding for new documentary filmmaking and immersive media projects will be announced at the PitchBLACK Awards on April 27, honoring award-winning filmmaker and educator Yoruba Richen and emceed by Baltimore-based comedian Sir Alex

are confident that this partnership will help us continue our work to help Black and independent storytellers and creative technologists forge new paths.”

Since it launched PitchBLACK in 2015, BPM has awarded more than $1.5 million to 17 different projects, some of which have premiered on PBS, WORLD Channel, Create and PBS Digital. Program alumni have produced for PBS, CNN, Showtime, Netflix, HBO, BET, NBC, The CW and more.

The PitchBLACK Forum is a high-stakes

about Rosa Parks, Harry Belafonte, the killing of Breonna Taylor, and more. With the honor, Richen joins the ranks of other BPM Trailblazer Award winners Orlando Bagwell, Joe Brewster, Michèle Stephenson and Marco Williams

BPM also will present the Nonso Christian Ugbode Fellowship to a yet-to-be announced recipient. The fellowship is named after BPM’s late director of digital initiatives. The PitchBLACK Immersive Forum and PitchBLACK Awards will stream live on BPM’s social media channels. The PitchBLACK Film Forum is invitation-only. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Alisa Norris, BPM’s fund development and corporate partnerships manager, at alisa@ blackpublicmedia.org

PitchBLACK 2023 is sponsored by Netflix and Gimlet Media, with additional support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting

on PBS’ Independent Lens and POV, respectively. Yoruba has won a Clio, the Creative Promise Award at Tribeca All Access and was a Sundance Producers Fellow. In her role as the founding director of the documentary program at City University of New York’s Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, she is preparing future generations of documentary storytellers. She also is a featured TED Speaker, a Fulbright fellow, a Guggenheim fellow and a 2016 recipient of the Chicken & Egg Breakthrough Filmmaker Award. In 2014, Yoruba was named to the Root 100s list of African Americans 45 years old and younger; and in 2020, she was recognized among BPM’s 40 Game Changers as part of the organization's 40th anniversary celebration of influential and prolific Black media storytellers.

PitchBLACK and the PitchBLACK Awards will take place at The Green Space in Manhattan.

PitchBLACK will be supported in 2023 and 2024 by Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity, a dedicated effort to help build new opportunities for underrepresented communities within entertainment. This new grant from Netflix builds on previous support awarded in 2020 to BPM, a major funder for and champion of Black filmmaking, and helped make the formerly biyearly event an annual industry opportunity for Black creatives.

“We are so happy to have Netflix continue its work with our organization through this partnership,” said Leslie Fields-Cruz, Executive Director of BPM “Just as Netflix helped change the way audiences find and consume their entertainment, we at BPM

funding competition for documentary and immersive media producers/directors developing new projects about the Black experience. Producers and technologists vie for awards of up to $150,000in funding in front of a panel of media professionals and an in-person and virtual audience of funders, distributors and industry leaders.

This year’s forum culminates BPM’s 360 Incubator+ program, an intensive threemonth fellowship under the mentorship of veteran producers offering participants an opportunity to develop a film, web series or engagement project. The event includes the PitchBLACK Film Forum on Tuesday, April 25; and the PitchBLACK Immersive Forum on Wednesday, April 26. Winners will be announced the evening of Thursday, April 27, during the PitchBLACK Awards honoring Richen, whose works have captured the joys and trials of Black life, with films

Yoruba Richen is an award-winning documentary filmmaker and educator whose work has been featured on multiple outlets including PBS, Netflix, MSNBC, HULU, HBO, Frontline, Field of Vision and New York Times Op Doc. Her recent films include: The Rebellious Life of Mrs Rosa Parks, which was nominated for a Critics Choice award; American Reckoning (2022), part of Frontline’s award-winning multi-platform series Un(re)solved; Emmy nominated How it Feels to Be Free (2021); Peabody and Emmy nominated The Sit In: Harry Belafonte Hosts the Tonight Show (2020); and The Killing of Breonna Taylor (2020). Her 2019 film, The Green Book: Guide to Freedom, premiered on the Smithsonian Channel; and her films The New Black (2013) and Promised Land (2010) won several awards before being broadcast

Comedian Alex “Sir Alex” Robinson hails from Baltimore. He has been featured on Kevin Hart’s and Comedy Central’s “Hart of the City” series. Alex also produces and hosts one of the longest operating bi-weekly attractions in Baltimore. Every other Sunday night, you can catch live entertainment with “Sunday’s @ The Port” in the Baltimore area. Follow Sir Alex to continue to keep up with his shows and events at @Sir_AlexR on all social media platforms!

Black Public Media (BPM) supports the development of visionary content creators and distributes stories about the global Black experience to inspire a more equitable and inclusive future. For more than 40 years, BPM has addressed the needs of unserved and underserved audiences. BPM continues to address historical, contemporary, and systemic challenges that traditionally impede the development and distribution of Black stories.

Source: Netflix

MIELLE ORGANICS SUPPORTS PROGRAM FOR BLACK ENTREPRENEURS

P&G Beauty and Mielle Organics®, a popular textured hair care brand rooted in natural ingredients, announced recently that it will join P&G Beauty, pending regulatory approval, further expanding access to healthy hair products and services for Black women around the world.

Founded by wife-and-husband duo Monique and Melvin Rodriguez in 2014, Mielle Organics has become a leading brand for consumers with textured hair through innovative, technology-driven products, natural ingredients, and inspirational and educational content.

Mielle will continue to be led by co-founders Monique and Melvin Rodriguez, as CEO and COO, respectively, and will operate as an independent subsidiary of P&G Beauty

“From the moment we stepped into P&G, we saw a diverse team of leaders who share our values and vision for innovation, education and community empowerment, including several Black leaders who play a key role in the hair care and beauty businesses,” said Monique Rodriguez, Co-founder and CEO “This partnership gives Mielle an opportunity to serve more textured hair consumers with the great products and formulas that our community loves.”

“Today is a remarkable moment for our brand and for the climb of Black entrepreneurs everywhere as we collectively continue to break barriers and accelerate the opportunities for growth,” added Ms. Rodriguez “I am thrilled that we will make an even greater impact in how we give back to the community.”

Both Mielle and P&G have each committed $10 million to Mielle Cares, a non-profit aimed at providing resources and support to advance education and economic opportunities in Black and Brown communities. P&G’s investment in Mielle Cares further expands its work in advancing gender and racial equity through awardwinning platforms like My Black is Beautiful and Widen the Screen

“We founded Mielle Cares to give back to our community who has been so instrumental in the success of Mielle,” said Melvin Rodriguez, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer for Mielle Organics Mielle remains committed to leading

investment from Berkshire Partners at a time when less than one percent of Black women secured $1 million in funding.

“This moment was made possible by our hardworking team, the visionaries who came before us, and the trust and partnership with investors like New Voices and Berkshire Partners,” said Ms. Rodriguez “Now we can pay it forward by continuing the cycle of investment and mentorship through Mielle Cares.”

“Monique, Melvin and their entire team have done an incredible job building Mielle Organics into a leading hair care brand beloved by millions of Black women, and we’re excited to help them continue their

and we are excited that this partnership will bring additional resources so that Mielle can continue to serve our incredible customers with rapid innovation and greater reach in the community,” Ms. Rodriguez said. “Melvin and I will continue to lead Mielle with the focus on excellence, customer commitment and integrity that have been the core of our brand since day one nearly nine years ago.”

with purpose and impact and serving as a beacon in historically underserved communities. Expanding our impact in Black and Brown communities will become an even greater focus in the years ahead.”

The news caps an impressive period of growth for Mielle. Over the last three years, Ms. Rodriguez was able to secure funding from the New Voices Fund for Women of Color and a subsequent nine-figure

success,” said Lela Coffey, vice president of P&G’s multicultural hair care business.

“P&G Beauty’s role will be to support the Mielle Organics team with what they need to achieve their vision – including increased access in Black and Brown communities and investing in research and innovation – while enabling the core tenets of their success to continue as they are today.”

“P&G Beauty is a best-in-class organization,

Founded in 2014 by CEO Monique Rodriguez, Mielle Organics is a popular Black-founded, woman-led global beauty brand that is rooted in natural ingredients. With a heavy emphasis on incorporating healthier ingredients as its "root to results," Mielle Organics' collection of beauty products is designed for Black women. Their products can be found in more than 100,000 stores across the U.S. in retailers such as Ulta Beauty, Sally Beauty, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Walmart P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, Ambi Pur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper® The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit https://www.pg.com

for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. For other P&G news, visit us at https://www.pg.com/news

END NOTES

STALLER CENTER AT STONY BROOK PRESENTS

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH EVENTS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

The Staller Center’s Zuccaire Gallery announces Artists in Conversation: Howardena Pindell and Athena LaTocha, on Monday, March 20 at 4:30pm at Stony Brook University

Howardena Pindell is Distinguished Professor of Art at Stony Brook University, where she has taught for forty-three years. Athena LaTocha is an accomplished artist who received her MFA from Stony Brook

Howardena Pindell studied painting at Boston University and Yale University. After graduating, she worked in the Department of Prints and Illustrated Books at the Museum of Modern Art for 12 years. In 1979, she began teaching at the State University of New York, Stony Brook where she is now Distinguished Professor. Throughout her career, Pindell has

Museum of Modern Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.; Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Philadelphia; the Philadelphia Museum of Art; The Studio Museum in Harlem; the Smithsonian Museum of American Art, Washington, D.C.; the Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford; the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis; the Whitney Museum of American Art; and the Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven. https://www. howardenapindell.org/

 Athena LaTocha

Athena LaTocha (b. Anchorage, Alaska) is an artist whose massive works on paper explore the relationship between human-made and natural worlds, in the wake of Earthworks artists from the 1960s and 1970s. The artist incorporates materials such as ink, lead, earth and wood, while looking at correlations between mark-marking and displacement of materials made by industrial equipment and natural events. Her works are informed by her upbringing in the wilderness of Alaska. LaTocha’s process is about being immersed in these environments, while responding to the storied and, at times, traumatic cultural histories that are rooted in place.

Fiterman Art Center in New York City. Also in 2021, she had two solo exhibitions in the New York City area: Athena LaTocha: In the Wake of . . . on view at BRIC House in downtown Brooklyn; and Athena LaTocha: After the Falls at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey in Summit. Her work was additionally featured in Greater New York 2021, at MoMA P.S.1 in Long Island City. During 2022 and early 2023, she has had solo exhibitions at JDJ | The Ice House in Garrison, New York; IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico; and at The Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York. Currently, LaTocha has work on view at JDJ Tribeca in New York City and The Green-Wood Cemetery LaTocha is the recipient of artist grants and awards, among them the Rockefeller Brothers Fund Pocantico Art Prize in Visual Arts in 2022, Eiteljorg Fellowship, the National Academy Affiliated Fellowship at the American Academy in Rome, and NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship in Painting in 2021, Joan Mitchell Foundation in 2019 and 2016, Wave Hill in 2018, and the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation in 2013. LaTocha received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and a Master of Fine Arts degree from Stony

in 2007. The event honors Professor Howardena Pindell in her final year of teaching as she transitions to Toll Professor.

With a Welcome by Stony Brook University President Maurie McInnis, the event is moderated by Associate Professor of Art History Soh Lee. Artists in Conversation is co-hosted by Stony Brook University’s Art Department and Paul W. Zuccaire Gallery in connection with the Zuccaire Gallery's exhibition

Revisiting 5+1, and supported by the Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and the Humanities Institute of Stony Brook

Monday, March 20 from 4:30pm5:30pm, Staller Center for the Arts

Recital Hall

Followed by a reception in the Staller Center’s Zuccaire Gallery

Lobby

Stony Brook University

FREE and open to the public

 ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

 Howardena Pindell

Born in Philadelphia in 1943,

exhibited extensively, including a major solo traveling exhibition, What Remains to Be Seen (Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; Virginia Museum of Fine Arts; Brandeis University Museum, 2018-19) and a recent solo exhibition at The Shed, NYC (2020-21). The traveling exhibition Howardena Pindell: A New Language, which opened at Fruitmarket, Edinburgh, UK), will travel in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Howardena Pindell was awarded the Archives of American Art Medal by the Smithsonian Institution, the Artist Legacy Foundation 2019 Award, and the College Art Association 2019 Distinguished Artist Award for Lifetime Achievement Pindell’s work is in the permanent collections of major museums internationally, including: the Brooklyn Museum; the Corcoran Gallery of Art; the Fogg Museum, Harvard University, Cambridge; the High Museum of Art, Atlanta; the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Copenhagen; the Metropolitan Museum of Art; the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; the

Her work has been shown across the country in places such as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas; IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, Santa Fe, New Mexico; CUE Art Foundation and Artists Space, New York City; South Dakota Art Museum, Brookings, South Dakota; New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans, Louisiana; and the International Gallery of Contemporary Art in Anchorage, Alaska. In 2021, her work was on view in Land Akin at Smack Mellon in Brooklyn, New York and ID: Formations of the Self at Shirley

Brook University, New York. https://athenalatocha.com/home. html

 EXHIBITION INFORMATION:

Revisiting 5+1: Revisiting 5+1 is a reflection on the historic 1969 Stony Brook University exhibition entitled 5+1. Revisiting 5+1 features work by the original six artists, all of whom were Black men, with an addition of six Black women artists, all trailblazers at a time when their work in abstraction was challenged by both the mainstream art world and Black art institutions.

Howardena Pindell.

Photo by Nathan Keay

Athena LaTocha.

Photo by Brad Ogbonna

8 kids a day are accidentally killed or injured by FAMILY FIRE.

FAMILY FIRE is a shooting involving an improperly stored gun, often found in the home.

ENDFAMILYFIRE.org