Urban Views Weekly March 16, 2016 by Urban Views Weekly

Mar. 16, 2016

Scholar of the Week - Ashanti Alford

Transformation

EXPO 2016

THE ALL-NEW OUTPATIENT CHILDREN’S PAVILION

ROBOTS WELCOME

Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

Nonprofit communication checklist Sometimes it is necessary for you, as a nonprofit leader, to personally check how easy or difficult it is to communicate with your organization. When you verify these for yourself, you can best assess your nonprofit’s responsiveness. Check the following to ensure you won’t have to make excuses in the future.

phone? How simple or complex is it to reach a person? What happens if you don’t know the person’s name? Is there a main mailbox for “general questions?” If yes, how long does it take for a message to be directed from the main mailbox to you, or the person you left the message for? Subscribe to your newsletter. What happens? Is there a welcome message? Does your organization actually send out a newsletter?

Call your office during the day. How long does the phone ring “How long does it take before someone to get a thank you after Visit your website. answers? If no one How does it look? making a donation?” answers, does it go to Can you view it on voicemail quickly? Is your phone? Is the there a personal message on your outgoing information current? Do the links work? voicemail, or just your name or number? Is Are the lists of donors, board members the message welcoming? If it includes “press and advisory committee members current? zero for the operator”, what happens when Is there a number to call? What happens you press zero? Can you leave a message? when you call the number? Can you send Does anyone give you the message? How an email from the site? If yes, send one and long does it take for you to receive the investigate what happens. Where does the message? Call your office after hours. The message go? Who receives it? When do they questions are the same as above. respond? Is an automated response sent acknowledging receipt of the message? Call the main number (during the day and after hours). Does a “live” person answer the The following are a continues to page 10

Letter To The Editor

If you would like to respond to Viewpoints, your submission should contain your name, a full valid address and a daytime phone number. We cannot acknowledge submitted letters. We reserve the right to edit for accuracy, clarity, legality and taste. E-mail (without attachments) to editor@urbanviewsweekly. com. Mail letters to Editor Urban Views Weekly.

Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com

And wizards. And princesses. Here, kids can still be kids. With specialists in every care category, the new outpatient Children’s Pavilion is equipped to do what it takes to keep kids out of the hospital. With extensive amenities and ample parking, parents will have a truly remarkable experience as well. Take a virtual tour of the Children’s Pavilion at chrichmond.org/pavilion

Urban Views Weekly | March 16, 2016

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Urban Views Weekly | March 16, 2016

ViewPoints

No Questions Asked?

By Dr. T

Racial profiling is segregation and state’s nothing new in the rights. In 1962, when United States of he ran on a platform of America. In fact, it racial segregation and happens regularly with states’ rights and was no questions asked. backed by the Ku Klux Black and brown Klan, Wallace won the people have come to election for Governor of expect to be followed, Alabama. His inaugural targeted and harassed speech concluded for no other reason than with the infamous they “look” suspicious line, “Segregation or that they “fit the now, segregation Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. tomorrow, segregation description”. In this Founder and Artistic Director political season, forever.” Wallace ran The Conciliation Project and however, when for president of the both parties claim United States three Associate Professor to recognize the Virginia Commonwealth University times, once as a importance of the Democrat and twice DrT@Margins2theCenter.com so-called “minority as an Independent. In www.theconciliationproject.org vote” in the 2016 1963, Wallace ignited campaign for President the passions of his of the United States, the growing volatility constituents by calling for a couple of first of rhetoric seasoned with tones of racial, class funerals to “put down the civil rights ethnic and religious intolerance, calls for problem.” The same month on September shutting down or shutting up the mouths 15th, 1963, the 16th Street Baptist Church of those who disagree or dissent have was bombed in Birmingham killing four created an atmosphere all too familiar little innocent girls who were attending from the “ghosts” of America’s recent past. Sunday school that morning. As a child of the 60s, the push for freedom and equal justice under the law were everyday life and death stories, front page newspaper accounts and in your living room nightly news. Calls for communities to unite around increasing voter registration made real the challenges to America’s fundamental claim of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all of her citizens and brought the hypocrisy of those claims out from beneath the shadows into the light of day for all the world to see. America was embarrassed. The outright racism and anti-semantics was called out for what it clearly was as candidates and constituents alike came down on the side of Governor George Wallace and shared in the increasing drumbeat for 4

Today, we have a candidate running for president who is likely to be the nominee of the Republican Party, essentially running as George Wallace did in 1963. He even seems to be doing it with more intentionality than Wallace did. Wallace “appeared” to exercise a pretense of civility and decorum that is not present with the current GOP frontrunner. What is remarkable about what this media mogul and self-proclaimed political outsider is doing, is sort of promoting the “we” versus “them” dog-whistle politics; he is out there shouting and playing the thug, and encouraging people to join him in doing that too. He is inciting violence, not unlike George Wallace did in 1963. His rallies and stump speeches are ramped up and

Urban Views Weekly | March 16, 2016

laced with hate-speech, and the result has been violence. People have been routinely accosted, spat upon, shoved, punched, called pejorative names and even taunted by the candidate himself. All with no questions asked. Freedom of speech, the freedom to freely assemble and to dissent is no longer the right of ALL people; it seems, it is only for a select few. I have witnessed this story before. I have heard this rhetoric

go unchallenged by a vast majority of people until blood ran through the streets of America with churches bombed and burned, people bloodied and killed attempting to exercise their God-given freedom and the constitutional rights that have been fought for and signed in blood. How far have we really come? We ALL better start asking some serious questions. Up Next Week: A Few Good Women www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

Scholar of the Week

By Janeal Downs

Because of her own personal experiences, Ashanti Alford was inspired to make a difference as a counselor who works with troubled teens and married couples. “I have seen situations where children tend to act out as result of parents divorcing,” Ashanti stated in an essay. “Simply, this becomes a call for help which most families do not understand.” Going through her own situations when she was younger, Ashanti knows the feeling of not having someone to confide in. She wants to be that person for adolescents in the future.

Ashanti Alford of Armstrong High School

GPA: 3.8 College of Interest: Old Dominion University Major Community Service: Tutoring, Pocahontas State Park Clean Up, Camp Diva Makeover Day, etc. Strong Interests: Psychology and Counseling Favorite Activities: Singing and working

studying seriously. In the past she played Volleyball and she is in her school’s choir and show choir. She enjoys singing so much; in fact, it is one of her favorite activities. She sings modern day music and she used to sing opera. Her other favorite activity is working. Ashanti currently works at City Hall for Richmond Public Schools. With this job she has been able to improve her customer service skills and “really learned how to be professional, especially with answering the calls.”

Outside of extracurricular, working and school she also volunteers. In order to accomplish her goal of She volunteers for Parks & Recreation where becoming a counselor, Ashanti plans to she is a homework tutor and supervises the attend Old Dominion University and children when they go outside to play. She major in psychology. At first she wanted to has also helped with Pocahontas State Park go to a school in North Carolina, but she Clean Up, Camp Diva Makeover Day and decided to instead stay in Virginia. One THINKPINK Organization. In the past, she of the reasons why she chose ODU over worked with the Mayors Youth Academy ™ k other universities is because of the school’s Life Stage Program in their culinary arts and e e W e of th popularity and its science program. The cosmetology programs. program even has a science community Going to college will offer Ashanti a way with mostly students in majors such as to not only find a career but also a way to psychology and biology. “College will be the catalyst to turning my provide for her family. Because she works hard to take care of her dream into a reality,” Ashanti stated. “The 15 page research papers, children, Ashanti’s mom is one of her biggest inspirations in life. 2-3 hours of homework and late nights of studying all helped me Not only does she have goals of providing for her family but also get this far.” giving back to those who need assistance. “I’m very determined While she is still in high school, she maintains a 3.8 GPA. One and I won’t let anybody knock my dreams,” Ashanti said. “I make lesson she will take with her to college is to make sure she takes strides to be the best that I can at all times.”

Scholar0

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Do you know a High School Senior who can meet the following criteria?

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Urban Views Weekly | March 16, 2016

Transformation Expo 2016

Featuring Iyanla Vanzant, Bishop Marvin Sapp, 2016 Stellar Award Radio Station of the Year winner, Praise 104.7FM is proud to announce the return of Transformation Expo to the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Saturday, March 19th with a stellar lineup. This year’s special guests include IyanlaVanzant, Bishop Marvin Sapp, Tina Campbell, Alexis Spight, Jonathan Nelson, JJ Hairston, Myron Butler, Troy Sneed, James Johnson, God’s Image, Resound, T Soul, C Goss and Sisterly Grace Dance Ministries hosted by Sheilah Belle “The Belle” along with co-host Willie Moore, Jr. and Clovia Lawrence. For many, this year’s Transformation Expo is filled with hope as these talented singers and speakers will be coming to share not only testimonies, but new and encouraging music and words of wisdom that can help transform any situation and, ultimately, provide spiritual uplifting strength to continue to push forward. Just this year alone, we have heard new music that has landed on the top ten BDS and Billboard charts from Multiaward winning and all time Gospel legend Bishop Marvin Sapp, who continues to pull from God and his family for strength. Bishop Sapp is a passionate orator and biblical teacher, who desires to be a living epistle glorifying our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ both in word and in deed. He serves as the senior pastor of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church (Grand Rapids, 6

Urban Views Weekly | March 16, 2016

MI), as well as Bishop over Global United Fellowship North Central Province. Many say his voice is instantly recognizable with a characteristically raspy ringing with power and authority as he masterfully illustrates with excellence the Word of God. Not only is his delivery exemplary, but his knowledge of the historical text brings to life the message of hope and healing.

However, should you ask him if he is a Preacher or Singer, he will quickly tell you, “I am Not a singer that happens to preach, but a Preacher called by God who is gifted to sing.” Grammy and Stellar Award winner Tina Campbell will also be joining us after recently living her life out loud and publicly on her hit TV show “Mary Mary”, along with her sister Erica Campbell. However, she is now a walking testimony and is currently flying high with her hit song, “Speak the Word”, which also features her husband, Teddy. She recently penned a new book “I Need A Day To Pray” available online now. Her new album “It’s Personal” is also now available on iTunes. Vocalist Contemporary Gospel Singer Alexis Spight also has an amazing testimony and a growing fan base. It was in 2012, at age 19, Spight won BET’s Gospel-oriented

reality vocal competition Sunday Best. In 2013 she released her debut album, “L.O.L. (Living Out Loud)” and has been riding high ever since. She has also become very popular on social media, allowing her fans to peek into her world of travel, concert dates and fashion. The energetic JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise, singer, songwriter, producer and choir director; Myron Butler, one of the top music producers in Gospel; and God’s Image will also be joining us, as they continue to ride the music charts in the top 30 positions. Praise and Worship prolific singer and songwriter Jonathan Nelson will be performing his new hit single, “Anything Can Happen” and Richmond’s own Resound

6 is Set to Transform Lives!

, Tina Campbell, Alexis Spight and Many More! By Sheilah Belle

labels supporting highly acclaimed artists in the gospel industry. Troy is also a Grammy nominated and Stellar award winning producer and national recording artist and will be showcasing his new music also during Transformation Expo. This year’s featured speaker IyanlaVanzant, from OWN’s “Iyanla: Fix My Life”, is also excited about connecting with the audience.

who have most recently been crisscrossing the country ministering in song from Orange County, CA to Houston, TX will also be sharing. Stellar Award nominated producer, singer and choir director James Johnson will also be sharing a new song “Agree”, along with detailed information about his new campaign that invites others to see the power of God manifest in every area of their lives. It’s going to be powerful! The other powerhouse that will be joining the big day will be Troy Sneed. Troy serves as CEO and owner of two gospel recording labels, EMTRO Gospel (a collaboration of his wife’s name, and his own), and T-Sneed Records, with both record

History will also show that Iyanla Vanzant is one of America’s most profound spiritual leaders and acclaimed empowerment legends. Her body of work spans over three decades to include 15 published books, five New York Times best sellers (translated into 23 languages and with sales exceeding 8 million copies), CDs, television, radio and on stage performances. Likened to other great African American Women in our history, Iyanla embodies a no-nonsense approach in her message and teaching style. Outspoken, fiery, transparent, truthful, and sage-like are just a few of the common adjectives used when describing Iyanla Vanzant. Her latest book, “Peace from Broken Pieces”, chronicles her extraordinary professional success against the

backdrop of personal tragedy. As the world watched her as a regular guest expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show then onto her daily talk show, “Iyanla”, her marriage was crumbling; her daughter was losing her battle with cancer. “Peace from Broken Pieces” shares the spiritual lessons learned and the wisdom gained during this difficult time. While she is an accomplished author, inspirational speaker, talk show host and living testament to the value in life’s valleys and the power of acting on faith, many are waiting on tiptoe anticipation to hear her words of wisdom in hope that she may be able to help fix something in their life. Needless to say the Transformation Expo 2016 lineup is a testimony all by itself, however there’s more. More than 70 vendors will be setting up shop showcasing everything from the latest hairstyles to clothes, jewelry, financial and legal services, health screenings, a photo booth, self defense, specialty desserts, lots of great food and so much more. Advanced tickets can be purchased for $33 at www.etix.com, Mama J’s, BK Music and at Praise 104.7FM Studios. Tickets at the door will be $40. Kids 5 and under are Free. (Ticket prices do not include service charges.) For more information, go to www.praiserichmond.com

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The Deal

By Nathaniel Sillin

Putting Together a Great Wedding on a Budget Will a modern wedding endanger your finances? It doesn’t have to.

and see if you can make some cuts. Consider a handheld music player hooked up to a great speaker system instead of a live band. Are you content with your brother’s photo and video skills, or is it a better idea to hire a professional team?

With the average price of an American wedding over $31,000, the big day can impose financial stress for those who don’t have savings in place. It’s important to remember that these numbers indicate greater trends – not suggested spending patterns. Before discussion about a ceremony or reception even begins, it’s smart for couples to have a frank talk about money issues in general. Share financial information such as current spending, savings, investment and credit status. While this conversation may not seem terribly romantic, honesty about respective finances is the first step to responsible financial planning and compatibility.

fairly soon, realize you’ll have less time to build a wedding fund. Start by making a general list of everything you might want in a wedding, and then adjust your vision to what will be in the bank by your desired date.

Once you’ve chosen a desired wedding date, set a savings target with a realistic budget. If you want to get married

As the numbers start looking real to you, determine what can be purchased or done inexpensively and others that will require professional help. Take a look at the guest list

Happy Birthday to all of the Petersburg babies...

Consider off-dates, off-times and off-venues. Though wedding season is more year-round than it’s ever been, wedding prices still tend to be highest throughout the warm months. Explore winter dates and more obscure venues. Take City Hall, for example. Depending on the municipality, you can either schedule ahead or show up with local license and ceremonial fees as the only costs involved. There’s no need for expensive wardrobe or other trappings. What about having the wedding at home? It’s free space and, depending on the talents of friends and family, homemade food and decorations can also keep expenses to a minimum. But remember that continues to page 10

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Urban Views Weekly | March 16, 2016

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TanyaFree.com/Urban Views Weekly Poll A recent study revealed that political party identification is at, or near, historical lows. “For the fifth consecutive year,” the report says “at least four in 10 U.S. adults identified as political independents. Voters are reportedly growing more disgusted with the two-party system as we know it.

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Urban Views Weekly | March 16, 2016

FUNdraising from page 2

Wedding from page 8

5. Are you updated regularly on fundraising progress?

few other things that can go unnoticed and become a problem:

6. Is information requested by donors or prospective donors provided in a reasonable amount of time?

1. How long does it take to get a thank you after making a donation? 2. How far in advance of a meeting are the board materials sent out? 3. Can the development department respond to data requests from fundraising leadership? 4. Do all major donors receive a personal thank you from the CEO?

the home or property owner may need a special insurance rider to cover any potential damage or liability, particularly if liquor is being served. And finally, consider a “surprise” wedding. Planning a party or gathering where a wedding breaks out can provide moneysaving advantages to guests and bridal party alike. Having a wedding at a party – especially a regular holiday party you host where family and friends already know to gather – requires little more than a legal officiant and whatever food, beverage, entertainment and insurance costs you

need to consider. An unannounced wedding eliminates all pre-wedding costs related to invitations, showers and parties, and you can give your guests a break on gifts. Bottom line: Flashy weddings aren’t worth jeopardizing your finances for years to come. Make creative, affordable wedding planning part of your love story. Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ PracticalMoney.

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Urban Views Weekly | March 16, 2016

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How to Guide

PLACE YOUR AD TODAY

The Right Caterer Makes A Difference An experienced caterer can be a lifesaver when planning a large or momentous event like a wedding, a milestone birthday bash or a family reunion. It takes a lot of work to host a decent sized party. A great caterer will not only take the pressure off but help you create a memorable occasion. In addition to great food, a caterer can offer advice on how to make your event an unqualified success. The caterer can offer information about the appropriate type and quantity of food to serve your guests as well as connect you to other resources, including professionals who can help turn your event into a magical occasion. In addition to enhancing the success of your party, choosing the right caterer means you will have time to enjoy your party. Here are some tips to consider when looking for a high quality caterer: Event Information Before speaking to a prospective caterer, note everything you know about your event. Details might include date, time, location, number of guests and budget. If you have a theme, be sure to let them know what you’re looking for. Also, tell the caterer if this is a formal affair such as a business party, or something more relaxed. You can also suggest certain types of foods. It might help to tell the caterer about the venue decor, so they can focus on what will match the surroundings. Interview Begin asking your social network for recommendations. Friends, family, and even colleagues may have used a caterer in the past. After you have compiled a list of possibilities, schedule a meeting and prepare your questions. In particular, ask about delivery, time frames and budget. www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

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Scheduling Be sure to communicate clearly about timelines and scheduling. Caterers who have packed schedules are a risky proposition. Use a company that can spend time and effort on your event.

The caterer might have ideas about your event. Listen with an open mind. Since these professionals are in the event business, they will likely draw from past experiences. References It is always a good idea to ask for client references. You should receive a list of names and contact information. Don’t be shy. Call these references to inquire about the company’s work. Sometimes, a caterer has a book of food and dessert pictures. Look at their work. Be sure it pleases you. Record The local health department will have a health rating for the caterer. A positive record demonstrates their commitment to safe food handling practices. It is also an excellent indicator of the caterer’s overall quality.

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM

Sample The caterer should allow you to sample the food. In fact, it is common practice for caterers to bring selections from their menu to an initial interview. If they don’t offer you samples, request them prior to paying deposits or advancing funds. It is only fair that you know what you are buying. You can also ask for a list of their events that you might be able to attend before you make your decision. This will give you a great opportunity to see how they interact with the partygoers as well as see the food presentation and taste the food. Some caterers specialize in elaborately themed parties. These companies will offer suggestions on food that will complement your celebration. Other caterers have expertise in crafting menus that are customized to your guest list. Caterers who can help you with the entire planning process of your meal ranging from hors d’ouevres to desserts are well worth the money. They can guide you through the whole process with professionalism, confidence and even a sense of humor. Because you have thoughtfully chosen your caterer, your special occasion will be a rousing success.

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Urban Views Weekly | March 16, 2016