“Informing the Young Professional”
www.nyul.org/nyulyp
Volume II, Issue 1
Summer 2008
Na tional Ur b an League 2 0 08 Annual C o nvention: G et , G row, Go! by Tealeda Nesbitt
On July 30, 2008, the National Urban League held its 98th annual conference themed Get, Grow, Go! in Orlando, Florida. The four day event hosted over 20 workshops ranging from health and wellness, civil rights enforcement, to education reform, career development and entrepreneurship. Twelve members of the NYULYP converged in Florida to Get information needed to Grow the required resources to Go and obtain business opportunities, secure jobs and homes, and empower their communities. The conference started with a bang: the Metropolitan Orlando Urban League welcomed guests to their home with an African styled opening ceremony fit for young, professional royalty entitled Coming to Orlando. However, most notably, presidential
candidates Senators John McCain and Barack Obama addressed the National Urban League, explained their platforms and answered poignant questions. Both men agreed, if elected, to host the NUL Conference at the White House and work with the League to achieve the goals of its Opportunity Compact: Thrive, Earn, Own and Prosper. The conference wasn’t all business; YPers found time to have to fun. In between workshops, business meetings and luncheons, attendees mingled with other young professionals and stuffed gift bags with goodies at the Exhibit Hall. NYULYP Membership Committee Chair Kameelah Dixon
won two round trip airline tickets for participating in a networking game. And, every evening, YPers “got their dance on” at the YP after parties. Overall, the conference was a success, agree NYULYP President Quiviya Eldridge and member Daniella Johnson. “This year’s theme “Get, Grow, Go!” reinforced the idea that we should leave the conference more committed to the movement by what we have learned and discussed,” says Eldridge. “The NYULYP have streamlined our focus and we are putting all of our efforts where we can be the most effective: Educational and Financial Empowerment for our youth.”
Inside This Issue: National Urban League 2008 Annual Conference
Front Page
3rd Annual Back-to-School Backpack Drive
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CNN: Black in America
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Voter Registration Drive
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In Every Issue: Fundraising Tips Member Spotlight Real Estate Corner Career Advice YP Snapshots
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YP Chapters Nationwide Learn About the YP Committees Events Meet the Board
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Editor-In-Chief Althea Kitchens
Managing Editor Tameka Curwen
President’s message
Asst. Managing Editor Jazmin Haygood
Copy Editor Tealeda Nesbitt
Contributors
Kyisha Brooks Nicole Clare Taghira Herrar Daniella Johnson Kimberly Parris Abigail Ryan Aisha Taylor O.B. Wilson
Logo Design Sabrina Gates
Executive Board Quiviya Eldridge, President YPPresident@nyul.org Monique Myles, Vice President YPVicePresident@nyul.org Greg Scott, Treasurer YPTreasurer@nyul.org Raniece Medley, Secretary YPSecretary@nyul.org Althea Kitchens, Communications Chair YPCommunications@nyul.org Kameelah Dixon, Membership Chair YPMembership@nyul.org Rahshib Thomas, Community Service Chair YPCommunity@nyul.org Jamaal Maurice Pearsall, Fund Development Chair YPFundDev@nyul.org Sidney Joyner, Civics & Economics Chair YPCivicsEcon@nyul.org Want to write for The Griot? E-mail TheGriot@nyul.org
NYULYP Family, We are well into our fifth year of existence as a Young Professional chapter and we are making strides towards our goal of effecting real, measurable change in New York City. Normally, the summer is a very slow and quiet time for YP, but June, July and August 2008 were full of activities: The Executive Board spent a weekend working on Board Development at our Annual Planning Retreat in June, ensuring that we were all on the same accord as it pertained to our planning for the year. In July, we attended the National Urban League Conference in Orlando Florida. In August, we began voter registration, and hosted our first social of the year to introduce the new Board, the proceeds from which went to our 3rd Annual Back-to-School Supplies Drive. We have been quite busy! We are steadily building on this momentum—we will have our standard programming again this year: Financial Literacy Seminars, Personal and Professional Development Series (PPDs), Town Hall Meetings, the 22nd Annual HBCU Fair and a host of Community Service activities, but additionally, we are cementing our relationships with some new partners to create even more impactful services for our youth. We are, by no means, where we want to be as an organization, but I am amazed by how far we have come. You are the driving force behind the movement. To borrow a phrase from a good friend, your “manpower, brainpower and willpower” propel us towards achievement. I look forward to the fruits of our labor. Yours in the Movement, Quiviya Eldridge President
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Fu n drai sin g T ips by Taghira Herrar
Fundraising is important to every cause whether social or political. Without the efforts of volunteer fundraisers, many causes and campaigns would not be able to survive. One of our very own YP members, Teneshia Clarke, through her philanthropic efforts has shown us that we all can make a difference in the lives of many through volunteer fundraising. Clarke, a conversion analyst for Citigroup, was able to raise an astonishing $2,230 for the AIDS Walk 2008. Although not a professional philanthropist, it is obvious that Clarke has a natural gift for fundraising as well as a big heart. When asked how she was able to raise such a large amount she said, “AIDS is a disease that does not discriminate; it affects every age, race, religion and culture, so fundraising for this cause wasn’t difficult. I was able to raise $2,230 by just asking any and everybody to help. The worst thing that could happen is that they say no. And every no brings you closer to the person that will say yes! But in general people are willing to help where they can.” Clarke will continue in her fundraising efforts by participating in the Walk for Diabetes on October 26th. She is also on the event planning committee, assisting to secure corporate sponsorships for The Urban Dove, a New York City based organization whose mission is to enrich the lives of at risk youth. Teneshia hopes to outdo her efforts by raising $3,000 for AIDS Walk 2009. For those interested in fundraising she offers this advice, “Choose a cause/organization that you believe in, so the fundraising doesn’t seem as if it is chore. Also understand that people are going to say ‘no’, but you can’t let that deter you. Just keep on pressing on.” Let’s all be encouraged through Teneshia’s efforts and get involved in raising funds to serve others.
Member Spotlight:
Kimberly Parris
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College and Career Specialist for the Learning To Work program at Cascades High School Current student at the Art Institute of New York City to earn her BA in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management. Plans to open a restaurant in a few years! Why YP? “The greatest thing about YP for me is the blending of various personalities and occupations, all geared towards the same main focus and goals” Recent achievement – Kim received a scholarship from her school for excellence in culinary artistry. Fun fact - Parris loves writing, is an avid reader and enjoys spending time with her daughter
Nicole Clare
Richard Able
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PhD student in Biochemistry. His research looks at the induced migration of Gliomas (Brain cancer cells) and the effects of natural growth factors Able is certified in Nanofabrication technology at Penn State, received a BA from Cheyney University in Biology and MS from the City College of New York in Biochemistry Recent achievement – Able has been elected to serve as both the student Representative for the Biochemistry doctoral Program Executive Committee and Doctoral Student Council for the entire CUNY system Why YP? “I felt that by joining I would be able to interact with individuals who were concerned about the community as much as I am.”
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Real Estate Development Consultant in the New York City Office of Economics Research Associates, an international consulting firm Bachelor’s degree from Brown University and a Master of City Planning degree from the University of Pennsylvania Board Member for the Highbridge Community Life Center in the Bronx; Member of Brown Club of New York Favorite YP moment: moderating May 2008 panel discussion on “The Value of Service” with three nonprofit experts. Hobbies – Clare enjoys hiking, photography and historic architecture 3
Real Estate Corner
You may ask yourself, how will this article benefit you as a member and reader? The objective of this by Sidney B. Joyner article is to offer information not readily accessible to Good day to all members and readers of the Griot newsletter. the busy young professional such as places you need My name is Sidney B. Joyner and I am the chairperson to visit, New York area market information, answers of the Civics & Economics Committee and a long- to lingering questions and resources to help you standing member of the New York Urban League Young climb the ladder of success in the real estate game. Professionals. My vocation as aVice President of Crosstown Realty, Inc. where I have focused on commercial brokerage Since I have a limited amount of space to address the and managing investment properties for over nine years. readers I would like to offer some starter tips for members who are ready to buy in this market of opportunities. I consulted with Althea Kitchens the editor of the Griot The importance of proper legal counsel is unbelievably to write an article to bring our membership quality crucial in this economic environment. If you want to information on the topic of real estate in the greater New purchase foreclosed properties or any property, arm York metro area. I believe it is extremely important as a yourself with a good team of professionals consisting young professional of the New York Urban League that of accountant/financial advisor and competent real we volunteer to increase the knowledge and access to estate broker. It will make all the difference in your information of our membership. The need for the article success as a first time homebuyer. I would like to grew out of the continued success of the annual Real Estate thank you for the opportunity to address you in this Seminar that the Civics & Economics Committee hosts. great forum and look forward to future feedback.
B r ightening t he Future fo r Yo u n g Pe o pl e : NYULYP’s Third Annual Back To School Backpack D r i ve by Nicole M. Clare While some organizations took the summer off, the NYULYP was hard at work helping students prepare for the upcoming school year. The Community Service committee raised over $2,500 to benefit the after-school programs of the Drew Hamilton Learning Center in Harlem and the Highbridge Community Life Center in the Bronx. In addition to personal donations from YP members, families and friends, all proceeds from the summer social at the Sky Deck at Red Sky Bar on Saturday, August 23 in St. were used to support this effort. Nicholas Park in Harlem. The kids, who received their backpacks with The fundraising drive culminated smiling faces, modeled their new in a giveaway party for the gear on a makeshift runway lined children and program directors with cheering participants. The
YP wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to Aramark, Staples, and Hello I Love You Entertainment, as well as the members, volunteers and supporters who made this year’s drive a success.
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CNN Presents: Black In Amer ica by Abigail Ryan
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Courtesy of www.CNN.com
n April 2008, CNN aired a documentary on African Americans hosted by Soledad O’Brian entitled “Black’s in America.” The documentary’s subject matter spanned from the time of Martin Luther King’s assassination in April of 1968 to the current lives of African descendents living in the United States today. “Black in America” covers a wide range of topics from the slave trade, African American accomplishments, education, racism against African Americans to poverty, interracial dating, hip hop culture, black women and black hair. Akono Ekundayo (whose named has been changed) and Butch Warren are brothers who were raised in the same family. Yet Butch Warren became a high school superintendent while Akono entered the military and did time in prison. Akono regrets missing the opportunity to develop a bond with his adult daughter and his grandchild on the other hand Butch is accused The Path Buried Under by Kimberly Parris There is a path to freedom in the steps that we take Enlightenment calls us with every breath we make But only if we are willing to accept our fate Only through growth and change can we awake To a positive place our paths may lead
to raising his sons “too white.” April 4, 1968, was the day Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated. Students teased and taunted Butch and Akono about the death of the prominent leader. For both it is a difficult memory. There are many real stories of Black realities covered in the Black in America series. Comedian D.L. Hughley tells of a time when his son was stopped by police on the way to run an errand in the neighborhood. Parents cover the topic with their sons in an attempt to educate them on what to do if stopped by a law enforcement officer. The documentary is a strong effort to dispel the myths, discuss the statistics, and analyze the truths about life as an African American in the United States. Consequently, the New York Urban League continues to do its part to bridge the gaps by providing advocacy and services to alleviate poverty, achieve better education and support families.
If only the voices inside us we heed Cast away the fears, plant a nurturing seed
Enlightenment and strength, but we must implore
Prepare to take flight, to grow, to be free…
That we do not hold anyone back from their journey
When stubbornness controls the mind no good can come
A new day is coming, of beauty and wonder
From stone hearts to receptive minds we must run Arms straightforward or to the sky, we reach for
And soon we will discover That the path we wish to take will be buried under… If we do not believe ... Never forget to believe.
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V o t e r R e g i s t r at i o n D r i v e : I n i t i a t i v e T o E n ga g e t h e C o m m u n i t y by Kimberly Parris
With an epic election just around the corner, there is a growing emphasis on making sure that the people in our communities are registered to vote. Traditionally, in general elections, our community has shied away from voting for various reasons. Though the presidential primary, dubbed “Super Tuesday�, has since come and gone, the deadline to register to vote for the general election, October 10, is rapidly approaching. In addition, those members of our community who are interested in voting for our local congressmen and city council people may not even realize that the deadline for registration in that coming primary has since past. The fact remains that our community is rather misinformed about the voting process in general, and, moreover, many members
of our community are not registered to vote. The New York Urban League Young Professionals has always been on the forefront of issues that concern our community. The lack of voter participation in elections is such an issue. With a growing recession, a war still raging overseas, and varying financial and health care concerns as the primary focus of our community, never has it been more important to get out and vote. Voter Registration drives were held on August 7th at the Ailey in the Park event in Prospect Park, August 17th at Harlem Day, and on September 21st at the African American Day Parade. Informational pamphlets on basic voting facts were created by Community Service Com-
mittee members to ensure that accurate voting information was administered to the masses. The pamphlet includes information on the different main political parties at play, the importance of voting, and websites where potential
voters can obtain further information on the voting process. For additional info on the voting process and voting deadlines in New York State, visit the Board of Elections website at www.elections.state.ny.us.
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Get TAYLORmade
top three choices. Visit websites such as Sterling’s Best Places www.bestplaces.net and www.findyourspot.com No More New York for rankings and statistics “I have a pretty good job here in New on various cities. Most imYork. Unfortunately, I’m tired of the portantly, plan to visit your hustle and bustle and I can’t afford to city of choice for first-hand live here anymore. I want to relocate, exposure. but I don’t know where I want to go or how to go about finding a job. How do I start looking for a new job in a new city?” - Ready to Move
Plan, Plan, Plan. Relocation can be a very tedious and time-consuming venture. The best way to prepare is to plan in advance. Once you’ve selected a city, you can’t just start sending out your resume and expect everything to fall into place. It’s best to map out when you plan to make the move; how much you can afford to spend; and when you plan to resign from your current position. You must also determine whether or not you’ll be able to quit your current job before you have a new one and where you’ll live when you first move to the new city. Make a relocation budget, implement a strict savings plan and set time-specific goals for your job-search and networking pursuits.
Your desire to relocate is shared by many of today’s professionals. Studies find that 59% of employees are willing to relocate for a new job in another city and 44% prefer relocating to another state. While there are many reasons why employees choose to move: for a new job; the declining state of our economy seems to be the most significant reason for relocation. As the cost-ofliving continues to increase, professionals are seeking a break in more affordable, cost-efficient states. The top five states for relocation are Florida, California, Arizona, North Carolina and Colorado respectively. But before you turn in your resignation letter, pack your bags and call the movers, there are certain things that you should do in order to en- Upgrade Your Career Package. While many employers encourage sure a smooth transition. relocation, there is still a large maDo your research. The last thing that jority that refuse to offer positions to you want to do is look for a job in out-of-town candidates. This makes a city that you might end up hating. the competition for relocation posiFind out as much as you can about tions very stiff. In order to increase prospective cities such as facts about your chances for selection (and maythe cost of living, the education sys- be even an expense-paid relocation), tem, the nightlife, the seasonal cli- it is extremely important to have a mate and the cultural diversity. Then professionally created cover letter list the pros and cons of each location and resume. Your cover letter should and narrow your search down to your briefly explain your desire for relo-
Aisha Taylor cation while your resume succinctly showcases your skills, accomplishments and areas of expertise. A simple Word template isn’t good enough anymore. Consider contacting a professional resume writer in order to ensure that you are putting your best foot forward…even though you’re miles away. Though a long-distance job search can be stressful and uncertain at times, the more prepared you are, the more likely you’ll be to land that dream job in your dream city. Good bye New York. Hello new start! Send your career questions to thegriot@nyul.org. Aisha M. Taylor, MPA is the Owner and Chief Consultant of TAYLORmade ~ Professional Career Consulting www.careertaylormade.com. 7
YP Snapshots!
Barack Obama and Marc Morial at the NUL Conference.
YP Board members and active member Josh Barker, at the Backpack fundraising social.
Members participate in the AIDS Walk 2008
Meeting new people at the Backpack Fundraising social.
Proud Urban League symbol in the hotel lobby of the Marriott Resort and Convention Center.
YP members showing off their membership cards.
NYULYP members pose for a group picture at the NUL Conference. 8
What’s Going on in yp chapters? Eastern: Urban League of Philadelphia Young Professionals (ULPYP) On Monday, September 22, the Urban League of Philadelphia Young Professionals will host the Heineken with a Heart benefit social. They welcome young professionals in the Philadelphia Metro area to start the week off right by enjoying special raffles, free appetizers, and ice cold Heineken or Heineken Premium Light beverages provided by their title sponsor. They urge supporters to please plan responsibly and designate a driver ahead of time. As with all YP chapters who service their affiliate chapters, Heineken with a Heart is a social event created to benefit charities within the Urban League of Philadelphia and all proceeds will be designated to them. The Urban League of PhiladelphiaYoung Professionals is a newly reinstated and was one of the earliest young professional auxiliary chapters of the National Urban League Young Professionals as noted in the premier issue of The Griot. Currently, the ULPYP has over 150 members and continues to grow! For more information about the ULPYP, visit the website at www.urbanleaguephila.org/affinitygroups/youngpeople.html.
Central: Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League (Metroboard/MB) In support of the National Urban League’s Health and Quality of Life initiative and commitment to youth education, the Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League (MetroBoard) has implemented etiquette programs for young men and women in the Chicagoland area. On Saturday, November 15, 2008, the ladies of the MetroBoard will host “Project Etiquette: Women by Nature, Ladies by Choice,” a day long series of workshops designed to foster sisterhood and nurture mind, body and spirit. The 2008 program will serve 120 freshman young women from six high schools, with workshops on health and wellness, fitness, proper etiquette, beauty, financial literacy and self expression through journaling and spoken word. The Metropolitan Board of the Chicago Urban League celebrated their 25th year anniversary in April 2008 and won the Central Region of Excellence Award at the 2008 National Urban League Conference. For more information about the Metroboard, please visit www. metroboard.org.
Southern: Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals (AULYP) On September 13, the AULYP hosted the second annual Super Saturday event. Super Saturday consists of a series of workshops and interactive sessions covering the importance of voting in national, state and local elections, and working with elected officials to enact change. The workshops are designed to educate participants on ways they can be active in politics beyond the ballot box. Each workshop was taught by an elected official or individual with extensive knowledge of local politics. The day began with a keynote speech by Georgia state senator Vincent Fortand. It concluded with a panel discussion featuring elected officials, media and pillars of the community including U.S. Congressman Hank Johnson, Clark Atlanta University professor William Boone, and community activists Joe Beasley and Markel Hutchins. This event was sponsored by WSB-TV Channel 2, Kennesaw State University, and Blue Boy Media. The AULYP won the Southern Region Excellence award at the 2008 National Urban League Conference. For more information about the AULYP, please visit www.aulyp.com.
Western: Seattle Urban League Young Professionals (SULYP) The SULYP hosted a Leadership retreat on September 6 for committee chairs/co-chairs, members, and individuals interested in SULYP. The retreat gave participants the opportunity to learn, develop, meet new people, volunteer, raise funds and essentially learn more about the SULYP. The funds raised goes towards programming and events for the SULYP which include the 4th Annual Summit; 2nd Annual Emergence Gala; and the 2nd Annual Basketball Tournament. The SULYP won the Western Regional Chapter of Excellence award at the 2007 and 2008 National Urban League Conferences. For more information about the SULYP, visit www.sulyp.org/index.html.
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Membership - The Membership Committee will continue to focus on recruitment & renewal rates, with an emphasis on retention. As we look to solidify our membership at a solid 200 and above we will examine new methods of recruitment, including but not limited to, creating a feeder group. In addition, we will begin to develop programming that will prepare our membership for “The Movement” in an effort to equip our constituents with the skills needed to “Empower Communities & Change Lives.” The membership committee currently has five subcommittees of which any member can join. Committees are: town hall, personal & professional development, member orientation, prospectives and socials. If interested in joining, contact ypmembership@nyul.org. Communications - In its second year in existence, the Communications Committee has accomplished a great deal and has many more goals to attain for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. With the establishment of our first e-newsletter, The Griot, and the management of internet marketing tools such as Blogspot, Facebook, and Myspace, the Communications team has directly reached out to well over 1,000 young professionals in cyberspace. This year the goal is to reach out to the communities in which we live and serve. We started the year off with the NYULYP Health Initiative: Historic Harlem Walking Tour that had a multipurpose of: getting our members better acquainted with the areas in which we service; familiarizing ourselves with one another, residents and businesses; and keeping us healthy. If interested in joining, contact ypcommunications@nyul.org.
Upcoming Events September September 16th - General Body Meeting September 21st - Afro-American Parade (Voter Registration) September 25th - New Member Orientation September 26th - Interfaith service with ACCESS/ AJC October October 18th - New York Cares Day October/December - Community Organizing PPD October 21st - General Body Meeting (Interactive Media on election) October 23rd - Financial Literacy Series
The NYUL Golf Classic September 22, 2008 Trump National Golf Club, Briarcliff, NY For more information and registration, Visit www.nyul.org/golfclassic Interested in attending? Contact Khalilah Bates, (212) 926 8000.
November November 3rd - YP Social (Election Day Pep Rally) November 4th - Election Day! November 14th - Braggin’ Rights November 15th - HBCU Fair November 18th - Town Hall Meeting November 20th - New Member Orientation
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Fund Development - This committee has been responsible for four years of signature events such as Braggin’ Rights and Rebirth! A major part of the NYULYP financial stability, the Fund Development committee hopes to establish a 50k fiscal campaign. We plan to meet that goal through corporate sponsorship, fundraising events, and matching gifts. Any member with the ability and drive to accomplish these goals is encouraged to join this team. If interested in joining contact ypfunddev@nyul.org. Civics & Economics - The Civics and Economics Committee annually hosts two financial literacy events focused on educating and empowering our membership on diverse topics in the financial world, and a real estate seminar to keep young professionals in the area in contact with a variety of industry professionals. Currently in the realm of civics we are challenging our membership to become greater forces in the community by organizing and registering voters in all five boroughs. We encourage all members to come out and join the civics and economics committee and be a part of this great team. If interested in joining, contact ypcivicsecon@nyul.org. Community Service - The Community Service committee has and will continue to partner with Drew Hamilton in Harlem, in their tutoring efforts. We also hope to develop a scholarship fund. If interested, contact ypcommunity@nyul.org.
Meet The Board OFFICERS Chairman Noel N. Hankin, Senior Vice President of Multicultural Initiatives, Moët Hennessy USA Vice Chairman David W. Sussman, Consultant
Secretary Elinor Tatum, Publisher & Editor, The Amsterdam News Treasurer Jean Marie Horovitz, Retired, Managing Director, Commercial Business Group, Citibank, N.A.
General Counsel Michael F. Armstrong, Esq., Howrey, Inc. Facilities Chair H. Sidney Holmes Partner, Winston & Strawn Capital Campaign Chair Scott Vaccaro
Regional Vice President, Enterprise Rent-A-Car President and Chief Executive Officer Robert L. Drake Acting President & CEO New York Urban League, Inc.
BOARD MEMBERS Carlos Austin, Director of Local Productions/Community Affairs, CW11
Larry Dais, Retired, Asst. VP for Gov’t Relations & Director, Public Affairs, Columbia University
Jason Benta, President & CEO, Benta Funeral Homes
Tracey Edwards, Vice President of Region Operations, Verizon
Larry Body, Director for Business Development, Island Ford, Inc.
Quiviya Von Eldridge, Financial Analyst, Turner Construction
Jeff Burns Jr., Consultant
H. Sidney Holmes, Partner, Winston & Strawn
Dolly Christian, Retired, IBM
Dwight Johnson, President, Dwight Johnson Design
Michael Kansler, Entergy, CEO, President, & Chief Nuclear Officer Paula Odellas, Correspondence Unit of Manhattan Borough Commissioners Office, New York City Dept. of Buildings Michael Robinson, GM New York/New Jersey District, Microsoft Joseph L. Searles, III Consultant Brain Smith, SVP of Coporate and
Community Relations, The New York Yankees Tanya Van Court, SVP of Pre-school & Parents Online, Nickelodeon Network Dana Wade, Consultant, Spencer Stuart Deputy Counsel to the New York Urban League Board Rachel B. Kane Cooley Godward Kronish LLP
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