Urban Views Weekly September 2, 2015

Sept. 2, 2015

Scholar of the Week – Tamia Morris

Robert “Bobby” Scott’s

Labor Day Picnic A summer tradition

THURSDAY MORNING MIXER Network with other African American business owners, managers, and professionals. This is an opportunity for you to introduce yourself and your business to “family” members who did not know that you existed.

Make connections that can grow your business.

Make connections so you can refer others to someone that you just met.

September 10, 2015 7:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.

Bon Secours Heart Institute at Reynolds Crossing 7001 Forest Ave. Richmond, VA 23230 Forest Ave. & Glenside Dr.

Doors open 7:30 a.m. We start PROMPTLY at 8:00 a.m.

Civic Beat FUNdraising Good Times

12 things to consider before you start a nonprofit The nonprofit sector is diverse and innovative. People are always creating solutions to the many challenges that arise. We see a problem and seek to fix it. We experience something wonderful and we want others to share in our joy. There are two ways that nonprofits are different from for profit organizations: most nonprofits seek contributions from others as a form of revenue, and board members or trustees do not benefit financially.

Nonprofits are often referred to as 501(c)(3) organizations. This is in reference to the IRS tax code that defines an organization as tax-exempt. Here’s what the IRS says: “The exempt purposes set forth in section 501(c)(3) are charitable, religious, educational, scientific, literary, testing for public safety, fostering national or international amateur sports competition, and preventing cruelty to children or animals. The term charitable is used in its generally accepted legal sense and includes relief of the poor, the distressed, or the underprivileged; advancement of religion; advancement of education or science; erecting or maintaining public buildings, monuments, or works; lessening the burdens of government; lessening neighborhood tensions; eliminating

Letter To The Editor

Free Admission for CVAACC members • Non-members $20.00 Please RSVP via the www.CVAACC.org Event Calendar We want to have your cup of coffee or juice ready for you.

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Urban Views Weekly | September 2, 2015

prejudice and discrimination; defending human and civil rights secured by law; and combating community deterioration and juvenile delinquency.”

“The organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private interests, and no part of a section 501(c) (3) organization’s net earnings may inure to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.”

Before you file for 501(c)(3) status, we suggest you take the time to answer the following: 1. What are the goals, vision and mission of the proposed nonprofit?

2. Have you done the necessary research to determine if there is a need for the proposed nonprofit?

3. Who will your nonprofit serve?

4. Do you have community buy-in?

5. What type of people will you need to serve on the board? Have you identified specific people who fit your criteria? Have you talked with them about continues on page 5

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.

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Scholar of the Week

By Janeal Downs With a keen eye for fashion and a desire to meet consumer needs, Richmond Community High School senior Tamia Morris said she had aspirations of becoming a fashion designer. Though she knew her skills would be utilized in this field, during her second year of high school, her goals changed after one event profoundly influenced how she viewed life. Her grandfather, someone very dear to her, suffered from a stroke. “I watched helplessly as he, a once physically and emotionally strong man, underwent a metamorphosis into a shadow of what he used to be,” Tamia stated in an essay. “I still cannot believe that something like this could happen to someone that I deeply loved.” However, it was her grandfather’s recovery that influenced her the most.

Tamia Morris

of Richmond Community High School GPA: 4.03 College of Interest: University of Virginia Major Community Service: Minority Health Consortium, The Giving Heart, and the Special Olympics

currently University of Virginia in Charlottesville. She said her cousin already attends the school and told her about their kinesiology program, where students receive hands-on experience by working with the football and basketball players.

Currently Tamia is already gaining experience working with and helping people by volunteering at places such as the Minority Health Consortium, The Giving Heart, and the Special Olympics. Being able to help people and seeing the look on people’s faces when they receive treatment is what makes volunteering one of her favorite activities outside of school. Along with volunteering, Tamia also enjoys working at Kroger and cheerleading.

Her other extracurricular activities include her involvement with Future Business Leaders of America, Mu Alpha Theta, the Key Club, the National Honor Society, the National ™ k e e Society of High School Scholars, and the W Future Leaders Council. She also has tutored middle school students.

Scholar0

Tamia said she watched in awe as she witnessed an occupational therapist and a physical therapist work together to assist her grandfather to regain not only a of the large amount of his mobility but also his independence. She said “just being there and watching them help him get back on track,” influenced her to want to help others in the same way. After reevaluating her life and future plans, she decided to go to school to gain a degree in kinesiology and pursue a career as a physical therapist. “While I still love fashion, I realized that my true passion was to help people, just as the occupational and physical therapists had helped my grandfather,” Tamia said.

In order to pursue her newest aspiration, Tamia’s top college of choice is

Tamia said her mother inspires her to succeed the most in life. A couple of years ago when her mother decided she really wanted to go and get her Master’s degree, she did it. With her mother’s inspiration and also planning to further her education, Tamia continues to excel in school and is able to maintain a 4.03 GPA. However, as she continues to work hard in high school and prepare for college, there is one thing she wanted to share with the community. “Your GPA doesn’t measure how smart you are, it measures how much work you put in,” Tamia said.

Strong Interests: Fashion and Kinesiology Favorite Activities: Work, Cheerleading and volunteering

Watch for our Scholar of the Week segment, Wednesdays at 6:30 PM on 

$100 Scholarships Awarded Every Week

Encourage your scholar to apply! www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

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

1. Have a 3.0 grade point average or better 2. Participates in extracurricular community service activities 3. Attends public school in Central Virginia Go to UrbanViewsWeekly.com for application and details.

Urban Views Weekly | September 2, 2015

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ViewPoints

The Denial & Dismissal of #AllLivesMatter If we lived in a world where freedom, liberty and justice for ALL was actually a way of life, in which everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or identity had an actual chance for parity and unqualified access, then we would have no need to interrogate why people feel compelled to respond to the Black Lives Matter Movement with All Lives Matter, would we?

By Dr. T

denial or intentionally unconscious. Because the absolute inequities that exist at the intersections of race and class are as clear as the statistical data indicates they are.

Although all lives should matter, it is clear that they do not. When you interject this clearly flawed assertion, you are proclaiming a privileged position to people and communities who do not share your privilege. Although for many African American people, it has been difficult, and sometimes even painful to pledge allegiance to the flag because of the cognitive dissonance in the words spoken in the pledge, contrasted by the LIVED experience of African descended peoples in this country. This has been especially true during decades of state sponsored terrorism, slave codes, sundown towns, the hatred and denigration of the Jim Crow south and legalized segregation throughout the 50s, 60s, and even 70s. Historically, the Black community believed that the equal opportunity they fought and died for would someday come to pass.

In the meantime, the Black community often pledged allegiance on a hope and prayer, not because they were experiencing the “life, liberty and justice for all” that our nation’s pledge of allegiance asserts but rather, because they hoped someday it would become as true for them and their children as it had always been for others.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of injustice anywhere being a threat to justice everywhere. His inference is that we do not exist alone in the world merely as individuals.

Walls, fences, bridges or tunnels will not keep you safe as you attempt to disassociate yourselves from those who are outside of your cultural location, class, or belief system.

Pretending that the issues of communities of color in Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. America do not affect all of us, or our quality of life, is like walking on thin ice. No matter how softly or slowly you’re Founder and Artistic Director walking, the ground beneath you is faulty ground, shaky The Conciliation Project and ground. When the ice breaks, as it will inevitably do, you Associate Professor will get wet and if you can’t swim, you will drown. This Virginia Commonwealth University includes the upwardly mobile and educated class of black and brown people who think they’ve arrived, moved beyond DrT@Margins2theCenter.com the issues of race and class. We live in a nation founded on Those who want to shout down #BlackLivesMatter with www.theconciliationproject.org the platitudes of equality and justice for all. The inherent #AllLivesMatter need to recognize that because we proclaim oblivion exhibited by those who want to proclaim “all something as true, does not mean it is personified as truth. Stop lives matter” in the face of the appalling disparities we have as a nation in education, the denial and commit to elevating and valuing the people, whose lives and very employment, housing, justice, rates of poverty and incarceration, are either tone deaf, in existence endures assault, neglect and the type of institutional and systemic oppression that threatens life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and ultimately, excludes them TanyaFree.com/ from equal access to the opportunity that is their birthright as citizens. And, it must Urban Views Weekly Poll be said, there is a debt that is owed to a community whose ancestors’ blood, sweat and

unpaid labor built the wealth upon which these United States of America were built.

Two in three U.S. adults favor a plan to allow immigrants who are living illegally in the U.S. Up Next Week: Can we have some restorative justice? to remain in the country and become citizens, if they meet certain requirements over time, according to a recent poll.

What’s Your Take? Do you favor a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants?

Check out the story and respond to this week’s poll at TanyaFree.com and the Urban Views Weekly FACEBOOK Page. Listen to the Tanya Free and Friends Talk Show Wednesdays @ 2 p.m. on WCLM1450AM streaming LIVE @ TanyaFree.com and BlackTalkRadioNetwork.com.

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Urban Views Weekly | September 2, 2015

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By La June Montgomery Tabron | America’s Wire Writers Group

From Fundraising page 2

your idea and their willingness to serve on the board?

6. How will you secure the funds you need to launch and sustain your organization?

Who will you solicit?

How will you secure their financial support?

7. Do you have a business plan, strategic plan and fundraising plan?

8. Are there organizations providing similar services?

9. What will be unique about the nonprofit?

10. Is your nonprofit a profit-making business that has “gone bad?”

Is it an unsuccessful business that you want to sustain with a different tax status?

11. Have you created a case for support that clearly communicates your vision, fundraising goals and projected impact?

12. Do you need to obtain nonprofit status in order to bring your vision to life?

Could you become a program of an existing nonprofit?

Take your time: your community is worth it.

Copyright 2015– Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw position nonprofits, colleges and universities for fundraising success. For help with your fundraising, visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

Ten Years after Hurricane Katrina:

Changing Hearts, Minds and Systems in New Orleans NEW ORLEANS - Ten years after Katrina devastated New Orleans, it’s time for midcourse corrections in the restoration efforts. The coalitions of foundations, nonprofits and government should pause to ensure that their investments will improve upon the pre-Katrina conditions in communities of color and that the racial and class inequities that existed prior to the storm are being adequately addressed.

Katrina was an awakening: the racial fault lines had been blurred in the city. Visits to Bourbon Street yielded fine food and music, but failed to paint a full picture of the city.

Their communities and their challenges were tucked away from view. But, with Katrina, impressions of New Orleans changed dramatically.

When the hurricane struck on August 29, 2005, more than 80 percent of the residents had evacuated, leaving behind the most vulnerable - those with neither the means nor money to flee. New Orleans was predominantly African-American (67 percent) and 27.9 percent of the city’s households were in poverty, including nearly 40 percent of the city’s children. More than 1,800 people died because of the storm, 123,600 people left the city and never returned, and the black population dropped to 60 percent.

The chaos and devastation that unfolded, as the surging gulf breached levees designed to protect the city, vividly demonstrated the impact of the racial, housing, education and economic disparities. Many with access to information, transportation and funds for hotel rooms escaped; but those without resources were left behind -- some desperately seeking rescues from their rooftops -- to fend for themselves and depend upon badly flawed public services that failed them at this critical time.

In the immediate aftermath of the storm, people had to reconcile our perception of New Orleans. How had we missed the racial inequities for so long? It was so clear that imbalance between haves and have-nots were a major factor in where the brunt of the devastation was felt. Many communities of color were more vulnerable and thus their residents suffered far more.

This fueled the passion within the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to address the inequities.

The Kellogg Foundation had worked with grantees in New Orleans since 1942. Given these longstanding relationships, the WKKF Board of Trustees was compelled to help the children, families and communities recover. The board immediately

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approved a $12 million appropriation to help provide food, clothing, shelter, rescue and relocation, though the board’s focus was also on long-term recovery. The swift grant-making also helped attract other support, as WKKF funding was at times matched by other foundations, companies like Home Depot, Time Warner, AOL, Walmart, McDonalds, and by religious organizations and government agencies. Since August 2005, the WKKF commitment to New Orleans has not wavered.

Working with partners and coalitions, our work in New Orleans and the region after Hurricane Katrina has sought to lift families and children, helping to provide opportunities for them to thrive and an environment that improves life outcomes and restores hope for the future. The number of coalitions and partnerships is unprecedented in our work; we are energized by so many disparate segments of society uniting and connecting towards the goal of helping these communities rebuild. The tragedy has ignited a true sense of togetherness in this work.

Ten years after the storm, there also remains a need to rebuild infrastructure and systems. For example, the education system, while improving, is largely failing to provide children with the tools needed to be successful. To their credit, the public sector recognized that the old system wasn’t working and boldly embarked into new territory, a system dominated by charter schools. But results are not universally good. Community leaders assert that special education and parent involvement has been shunned. In a recent poll by NPR and the Kaiser Family Foundation, 53 percent of black parents were concerned about their children’s education, compared to only 17 percent of whites.

Education is an area where the city should pause, work with the community and make corrections to ensure that all children are receiving a quality education. Educational success, achievement and job opportunities are all connected.

As some champions are emerging, we do see progress. Mayor Mitch Landrieu made clear in his recent public apology for the city’s prominent role in the slave trade; no conversation about the city’s future is possible without a discussion of race and an acknowledgement of the devastating role that racism has played in the city.

A better New Orleans is on the horizon, but we must recalculate, taking what we have learned to implement fresh, informed ideas.

And racial healing must be a part of it.

Urban Views Weekly | September 2, 2015

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Labor Da

Summer’s End, N Nearly one million Virginians traveled 50 miles or more from home last year during the Labor Day weekend, according to AAA. With gas prices continuing to drop, even more Virginian’s likely will hit the highways this year for what traditionally is considered summer’s last holiday.

Richmonder Michael L. Harvey plans to extend his summer fun right up to the end by heading north to Washington, D.C. Harvey, founder and chief executive officer of MLH Assets Management, said his four-day visit to the nation’s capital will be a much-needed “mental health break,” that will include jazz concerts, theater and shopping.

Richmond area where gas is expected to average $2.30 per gallon. Last year this time, a gallon of gas in Richmond averaged $3.14, according to AAA. Gas prices in Virginia will average $2.32, nearly a dollar less than a year ago.

For the hundreds of Virginians who plan to travel to Cong. Robert “Bobby” Scott’s (D-Va.) 39th Labor Day picnic at his home in Newport News, the lower gas prices will be right on time.

Scott’s Hampton Roads campaign office reports that the picnic will take place on Labor Day from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Open to the public, the event is a “thank you” to the congressman’s supporters and volunteers.

“We are expecting 900-1,200 people,” said a Scott spokesperson. “There will be music, rides and refreshments, and everyone is invited.”

Although his financial services business slows down during the summer, Harvey explained, taking a break during Labor Day Tammy Arnette allows him to prepare for September, which he considers to be “the real new year.”

Tammy Arnette, a public affairs specialist Labor Day downtime “allows me to balance living in the present with AAA Mid-Atlantic, said that Virginians tend to drive with the need to prepare for the future,” said Harvey. “After to many places throughout the state, including popular the holiday, it’s time for us to box away our white clothes as we destinations such as the beaches, mountains and amusement watch the shrubs and trees turn brown, red and yellow.” parks. She advises that all drivers exercise caution and patience when behind the wheel. “There will be a lot of travelers on the Also heading north will be Kym and Kyle Grinnage of road, so try to leave early in the morning rather than right after Chesterfield County. The Grinnages, work,” she said. who originally are from New York, will travel to Brooklyn, N.Y. for the Arnette also suggests that when wedding of a family member. traveling with children, be sure to pack creature comforts such as While the wedding reception aboard snacks and plenty of water. Vehicles a yacht will be exciting, it also will should be checked and serviced mean work for Kyle Grinnage, an before a road trip and equipped with image consultant and trainer, who an emergency roadside kit, Arnette will do the bride’s makeup. Kym added.

Grinnage, vice president and general manager for WWBT-Raycom Media, Because Labor Day falls somewhat probably will be tapping into his cell phone and conducting late this year on Sept. 7, local fun seekers will have a few extra business during the six-hour drive. days before school, fall sports and other activities reach full throttle. Nina Goodwyn Sims, a Richmond-area wife and Although the Grinnages may encounter heavy traffic during mother of two school-age children, feels the time crunch. Her their road trip, they will pay less at the pump, at least in the plans for the holiday have been in play for weeks.

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Urban Views Weekly | Septebmber 2, 2015

Michael “I’ll be hosting my annual back-to-school cookout with family and prepping for the children’s first day,” said Sims. The cookout celebrates the end of summer camp and beginning of fourth and seventh grade for her son, Nathan, and daughter, Lauryn.

Largest Occupations May 2014 Retail salespeople Cashiers Combined food preparation and serving workers, Office clerks, general Registered nurses Customer service representatives Waiters and waitresses Laborers and freight, stock and material movers, h Secretaries and administrative assistants, except leg Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeep

ay Signals

Bonnie Newman Davis is a veteran journalist and journalism educator who has written for several local and national news outlets. Check out her blog, https://laceink.wordpress.com/,

New Beginnings

which chronicles all things Richmond.

By Bonnie Newman Davis school preparations.

The time allows her to help Lauryn and Nathan adjust to their new schedule and results in a more stress-free holiday.

“We typically end the festivities early because I have to be in position for my online fantasy football draft,” Sims added. “Yes, I’ve played my “GrooveSquad” team for years! I even won a few championships.

Bring on the school year and football!

Harvey “I’ll be serving the typical hot dogs, hamburger sliders, corn on the cob, potato salad and my famous veggie baked beans (a dash of cinnamon makes all the difference)! I’ll slide in some grilled veggies and fish,” said Sims, who will take a week off from her job as marketing director for CCWA Training for last-minute

Number of employees 4,562,160 3,398,330 including fast food 3,131,390 2,889,970 2,687,310 2,511,130 2,445,230 hand 2,400,490 gal, medical and executive 2,207,220 ping cleaners 2,137,730

workers who report no union affiliation but whose jobs are covered by a union contract (1.6 million).

Among states, New York continued to have the highest union membership rate (24.6 percent), and North Carolina again had the lowest rate (1.9 percent).

Front, Kyle Grinnage, with daughters Kerri and Kendra

Labor Day Facts and Statistics

Source: The United States Census and Bureau of Labor Statistics

History

The first observance of Labor Day was likely on Sept. 5, 1882, when some 10,000 workers assembled in New York City for a parade. That celebration inspired similar events across the country, and by 1894 more than half the states were observing a “workingmen’s holiday” on one day or another. Later that year, with Congress passing legislation and President Grover Cleveland signing the bill on June 29, the first Monday in September was designated “Labor Day.” This national holiday is a creation of the labor movement in the late 19th century — and pays tribute to the social and economic achievements of American workers.

Who Are We Celebrating?

157 million people 16 and over who were in the nation’s labor force as of June 2015.

16.2 million - The number of wage and salary workers age 16 and over represented by a union in 2014. This group includes both union members (14.6 million) and

15 million - Employed female workers 16 and over in service occupations in 2013. Among male workers 16 and over, 11.6 million were employed in servicerelated occupations.

$50,033 and $39,157 - The 2013 real median earnings for male and female full-time, year-round workers, respectively. The real median household income $51,939, about 8.0 percent lower than in 2007.

53 percent -Projected percentage growth from 2012 to 2022 in the number of industrial-organizational psychologists (1,600 jobs in 2012), the projected fastest-growing occupation.

Meanwhile, the occupation expected to add the greatest number of positions over this period is personal care aides (580,800).

86.1 percent - Percentage of full-time, year-round workers age 18 to 64 covered by health insurance during all or part of 2013.

Say Goodbye to Summer - Labor Day is celebrated by most Americans as the symbolic end of the summer and the start of the back-to-school season.

25,100 - The number of shoe stores for back-to-school shopping in 2013. Other choices of retail establishments abound: there were 27,340 family clothing stores, 7,047 children and infants’ clothing stores, 6,998 office supplies and stationery stores, 7,064 book stores and 8,102 department stores. www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

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Fact vs. Fiction: 7 Truths about College Course Materials You’ve seen the headlines: “The cost of a college education is soaring!” “Course materials have never been more expensive!” “Textbook producers take advantage of our students!”

Yes, these headlines may be sensational, but they’re not entirely accurate. While college can be expensive, students aren’t helpless victims crushed by debt from buying textbooks. Instead, they’re savvy consumers to whom education companies cater. Below are seven fictions -- and the corresponding facts -- about college course materials.

Fact: Course materials in many fields -- especially medicine, law and accounting -- are updated periodically to reflect changes in regulations, technology and methods. Instructors want course materials to be as current as possible to ensure students can apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

Fiction: Since Open Educational Resources (OER) are free, they will eventually replace purchased textbooks.

Fact: While free to students, OER are not free to create, since they must be developed, formatted and regularly revised. Commercial producers and opensource publishers often work together to provide effective, affordable course materials. However, producing materials for a single course can cost anywhere from $500,000 to $3 million. Increasingly, OER publishers are trying to transfer these costs to students and taxpayers.

Fiction: The cost of college textbooks and course materials is a major contributor to student debt.

Fact: Books and supplies account for just four percent of college costs. Students’ primary expenses are tuition (43 percent) and boarding (40 percent).

Fiction: The cost of course materials is climbing.

Fiction: Students with print-related disabilities -- including blindness and dyslexia -- don’t have access to the course materials they need.

Fact: Student spending on course materials has declined nearly 20 percent since the 2007-2008 school year and nearly 12 percent since 2013-2014, according to Student Watch data. New digital learning platforms, which use interactive techniques to help students master course concepts, have also helped reduce costs.

Fiction: College course materials are unaffordable for the average student.

Fact: Students can save money on textbooks in a variety of ways. Online resources such as CourseSmart offer digital titles at up to 60 percent below the hardcover price. Other money-saving options include purchasing eChapters, loose-leaf editions, black-and-white editions and print-ityourself editions.

Fiction: The reason that new editions of course materials are released so often is to increase publisher profits.

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Urban Views Weekly | September 2, 2015

Fact: Access is improving, thanks to programs like the AccessText Network.

Founded and supported by the Association of American Publishers (AAP) and leading education companies, they are working to ensure that students are not limited by disability when accessing and using course materials. Students should visit their colleges’ Disabled Student Services office for information about participating.

Fiction: Students don’t really need the course materials to pass the class.

Fact: Course materials are a key component of academic success. Academic improvement from using digital course materials and traditional textbooks is as high as 79 percent.

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The Deal

By Nathaniel Sillin

Money Prep for Prospective Parents It costs parents an average of $245,340 to raise a child from birth to age 18.

That figure from the U.S. Agriculture Department is just one reason why prospective parents are advised to consider parallel financial planning for child-based expenses and retirement. The key is to start doing it as early as possible – in a December 2012 article in The New Republic, adults are starting families later than previous generations. In short, savings needs for childcare, college and retirement seem on a tighter collision course than ever.

For prospective couples or single parents, any discussion of family should begin with the pros and cons of starting a family in terms of personal, lifestyle and career success. In short, the question “Do we want kids?” should come before “Can we afford kids?”

Once family goals are settled, it’s wise to evaluate where current finances stand. While many couples have a thorough money talk before they wed, it works for family planning, too. Couples and single parents will benefit from complete financial transparency before pregnancy, adoption proceedings or fertility treatment starts.

Utilize qualified financial and tax advice to fit specific circumstances. Consult trusted family and friends for referrals to qualified financial planning and tax experts. Also check current tax rules for how to handle and potentially deduct certain costs related to adoption or fertility treatments.

Research thoroughly and bookmark resources online. The IRS website continually updates its summary of tax issues for parents which can guide overall planning. New authors and bloggers emerge daily on virtually every aspect of parenting; friends, relatives and colleagues can also provide resources.

For prospective parents who are employed, it is a good idea to evaluate benefits well ahead of a pregnancy, fertilization procedures or adoption. Depending on specific circumstances, employees should review health and general benefits for routine and emergency medical coverage, medical leave policy and extras like www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

child care benefits. Couples should compare their coverage to determine who has the best family coverage overall.

Start planning for childcare expenses as soon as possible. Full- or part-time childcare services for working parents can be surprisingly expensive and difficult to obtain depending on location.

In 2015, the White House reported that the average cost of full-time care for an infant was about $10,000 a year, and a 2014 Boston Globe report noted state-by-state estimates that were significantly higher. For peace of mind and affordability, it is advisable to tackle the childcare issue as early as possible. Prospective parents might also speak with a qualified tax advisor about whether it is more advantageous to claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit on their taxes or pay childcare expenses from a Flexible Spending Account at work.

Loved ones can also lend financial assistance to a new family in a variety of ways. Affordable basics include general parenting advice, as-needed babysitting services and sharing coupons and hand-me-downs like clothing, toys and unneeded child-related equipment in good condition. For those willing to lend financial support, such options might include a Coverdell Education Savings Account, 529 college savings plan or a gift of cash or assets to the child subject to IRS rules. Also, anyone can directly pay medical expenses in full for someone they do not claim as a dependent under certain circumstances. If friends or family members offer financial help, encourage them to evaluate options with qualified financial and tax experts.

Finally, prospective parents should become dedicated bargain hunters and savers with an equal focus on handling childcare expenses and supporting retirement goals. Both financial goals are equally important.

Bottom line: It pays to plan early for a family.

Evaluate your finances, reach out to friends and family for advice and get help from qualified experts if you need it.

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

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AfricA week

African women beyond Narrow frames Sept., 7–12 Africa week’s Lecture Soft Power in the African Diaspora: The Case of Cuba and Angola Dr. Linda Heywood, Boston University Mon., Sept. 7 • 6:30 p.m.

Carole Weinstein International Center International Commons

Africa Week The 11th annual African Film Weekend will be held Sept. 11-12 at the University of Richmond, Robins School of Business, Queally Hall, Ukrop Auditorium.

This event gives faculty, staff, students and the greater Richmond community the opportunity to learn about cultures and issues in Africa through filmmaking. The theme of this year’s event is “African Women beyond Narrow Frames.”

AfricA week African film weekend Sept., 11–12 Robins School of Business Ukrop Auditorium Presenter: Dr. Jude Akudinobi University of California, Santa Barbara Fri., Sept. 11 • 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Timbuktu Mauritania, 2014 directed by Abderrahmane Sissako 99 min., rated PG-13 Sat., Sept. 12 • 8–9 a.m.

Short Films Kwaku Ananse Ghana, 2015, directed by Okosua Adoma Owusu 25 min,, for mature audiences only

Aissa’s Story Nigeria & USA 2013 directed by Iquo B. Essien 15 min., appropriate for all ages Coming Home Namibia, 2014 directed by Marinda Stein 20 min., appropriate for all ages 9:15–10:45 a.m.

Morbayssa Guinea-Conakry, 2014 directed by Cheick F. Camara 90 min., not rated 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Virgim Margarida Mozambique, 2012 directed by Licinio Azevedo 84 min., not rated Portuguese and English subtitles 12:45–1:45 p.m.

Lunch

To learn more about Africa’s week lecture and film festival, visit llc.richmond.edu/majors-minors/african-film-weekend/index.html.

2–3:30 p.m.

The Challat of Tunis (Le Challat de Tunis) France, Tunisia, & UAE 2014 directed by Kaouther Ben Hania 90 min., not rated

Jude Akudinobi, who holds a Ph.D in cinematelevision from the University of Southern California and teaches in the Department of Black Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, will serve as presenter of the film series.

African women beyond Narrow frames Sept., 7–12

The films will include “Timbuktu,” “Kwaku Ananse,” “Aissa’s Story,” “Coming Home,” and “Morbayssa.”

African Film Weekend is part of “Africa Week.” This cultural celebration includes a lecture, “Soft Power in the African Diaspora: “African cinema The Case of Cuba has been a largely and Angola,” by male-dominated Linda Heywood, a Africa week’s Lecture field ever since professor of African Soft Power in the African Diaspora: The Case ofhistory Cuba and Angola its rise in the seventies,” said Kasongo Kapanga, and the history of the African diaspora and University University of Richmond professor of FrenchDr. andLinda Heywood, AfricanBoston American studies from Boston University.

Mon., Sept. 7 • 6:30 p.m. event organizer. “For the past thirty years, aCarole group of Weinstein International Center excellent women filmmakers have made theInternational inroads Commons The lecture will be held Sept. 7, 6:30 p.m., at the and taken up the challenges to present the most Carole Weinstein Intentional Center, International pressing issues of the continent, particularlyAfrican as lived Commons.

The lecture and film series are free and film weekend and seen by women.”

Sept., 11–12open to the public.

Robins School of Business Ukrop Auditorium Presenter: Dr. Jude Akudinobi University of California, Santa Barbara Fri., Sept. 11 • 3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Timbuktu Mauritania, 2014 directed by Abderrahmane Sissako 99 min., rated PG-13 Sat., Sept. 12 • 8–9 a.m.

Short Films Kwaku Ananse Ghana, 2015, directed by Okosua Adoma Owusu 25 min,, for mature audiences only

Aissa’s Story Nigeria & USA 2013 directed by Iquo B. Essien 15 min., appropriate for all ages Coming Home Namibia, 2014 directed by Marinda Stein 20 min., appropriate for all ages

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Urban Views Weekly | September 2, 2015

9:15–10:45 a.m.

Morbayssa Guinea-Conakry, 2014 directed by Cheick F. Camara 90 min., not rated

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How to Guide

How to Choose a Grief Support Group

You don’t have to grieve alone. A grief support group can help you during this difficult time in your life.

moving forward. Some groups plan events and activities as a way to ease the loneliness.

Anyone who has ever lost a loved one knows it is a devastating experience.

Whether the loss came after a long illness or an unexpected accident, grief causes a myriad of emotions. Despair and depression are not unusual. If left unresolved, these emotions can continue for years. Grief support groups help people overcome their depression and loneliness. Many experts believe these support groups can help the bereaved overcome tremendous pain and regain a sense of self after sustaining a difficult loss.

Through attendance at these groups, members are assured that their thoughts and feelings are normal. The support group reinforces the idea that everyone deserves respect.

Types of Support Groups Available

their losses.

What Is a Grief Support Group?

Every day, grief support groups around the country meet to talk about how to cope and deal during the grieving process.

Usually, these groups meet once a week. People from all walks of life come together, united by the loss of a loved one. They share feelings and thoughts with one another. Talking to someone who understands is a great way to heal.

Trained professionals from the mental health field are often on hand to moderate the groups. Counselors, psychologists and social workers have the skills to assist, gained from years of training and experience. The mourning process is often filled with pain and uncertainty. They will guide participants through the stages of grief.

Benefits of a Grief Support Group

Some support groups focus on special circumstances. For example, there are groups for military families. Other groups will concentrate on helping wives, children or husbands deal with

Sometimes groups may limit membership to people of the same gender. There are also teen, children or adult groups. Elderly grief support groups help survivors who have lost their spouses or entire families.

Members of a grief support group connect with others on all levels: mental, emotional and spiritual. As a result, each person can help another since they are sharing the experience.

There is a special bond that comes from people helping each other through grief. Participants listen to each other without judgment. Each person gets a chance to share feelings or memories. Sometimes, members may simply need to express what they feel at the present moment. All meetings are confidential.

A support group is the best place to feel and express strong emotions. Everyone in attendance understands what the survivor is going through. Members also assist each other in

How to Choose a Grief Support Group There are plenty of places to find a grief support group.

Hospitals and hospices have information on local meetings.

Religious institutions, including churches and synagogues will also have a list of groups. Funeral homes are another place to find information.

Remember, it is important to choose a group in which you feel comfortable and respected. There is no shame in talking about your feelings during this difficult time.

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