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Offers Expire March, 31st 2014
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DEC VOL #11 JAN EDITION
INDEX
Publisher’s Vibe 6 Are we losing our minds?
CHAIRMAN & PUBLISHER CLIVE WILLIAMS
CONTROLLER MICHELLE WILLIAMS
PRESIDENT & ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER CHRISTOPHER C. WILLIAMS
LEGAL COUNSELOR GARNETT H. SULLIVAN, ESQ
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT ANNETTE GORDON
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ADIKA BUTLER - MARJORIE FLASH CHRIS GODFREY - SHALEA HARRIS REUBEN JAMES - DANIQUE ROBINSON
News / Politics 10 8 Corporations to Watch 12 Jamaicans angry at Trinidad’s Actions 16 Caribbean business. 24 Nassau County News 28 - 29 Prison Nation Part 1 32 Nelson Mandela Mind Your Business 14 Bro. Imande of Vital Health Foods. Cover Story 20 AND THE WINNER IS...
To Advertise
Entertainment 13 Shaggy & Friends Benefit Concert 21 Honoray Citizen 22 Tessanne Chin Makes History 26 REWIND
(917) 749-7613 advertise@whereitzatmag.com www.gowhereitzat.com www.facebook.com/whereitzatmagazine twitter.com/gowhereitzat
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ADIKA BUTLER
ART DIRECTOR PHOTOGRAPHERS CURTS A. D’AMOUR CHAMPION HAMILTON OF CHAMPION EYE MEDIA - MARJORIE FLASH OF MY FLASH PHOTO JOURNALIST PHOTOGRAPHY - AJAMU MARJORIE FLASH ON THE COVER IMAGE NEW MEDIA INITIATIVES TESSANNE CHIN - WINNER OF “THE VOICE” ROCKSTONE MEDIA GROUP
WhereItzAt Magazine For questions, comments and concerns address your is published monthly by WhereItzAt Media Group letters to: WhereItzAt Magazine • 219-10 S. Conduit Inc. All Rights Reserved. WhereItzAt Magazine is a Avenue • Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 or email: edi- registered trademark of WhereItzAt Media Group tors@whereitzatmag.com Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part without written consent is prohibited. Views of editorial content do not necessarily reflect the views of WhereItzAt Magazine, WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. or its advertisers. WhereItzAt Media Group Inc. 219-10 S. Conduit Avenue Springfield Gardens, NY 11413 4 | www.gowhereitzat.com
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WE HAVE OVER 30 YEARS OF SOLID LEGAL EXPERIENCE
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- CRIMINAL DEFENSE - DWI -FALSE ARREST/POLICE ABUSE - PERSONAL INJURY - CIVIL LITIGATION - WILLS & PROBATE - REAL ESTATE NEW YORK CITY, NASSAU, SUFFOLK & WESTCHESTER COUNTY COURTS - OUTSTANDING TRIAL SKILLS - EXTRAORDINARY LEGAL KNOWLEDGE - SUPERIOR COURTROOM EXPERIENCE ALL PUT TO WORK TO SERVE OUR CLIENTS’ BEST INTEREST garnettsullivan@yahoo.com
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Publisher’s Vibe
ARE WE LOSING OUR MINDS? HOW TECHNOLOGY CONTROLS US MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY.
Clive Williams, CEO/ Publisher If you make your livelihood as a technology provider or employee, I can understand your initial response to either discredit or dismiss my opinions as biased or unscientific. If you are even a little bit open-minded, you might consider my arguments, which are really more practical and rational than you may think. Technology, and by that I refer to “good technology,” is the kind of technology that empowers society without harmful effects on its users and/or the environment, it’s the technology that advances the human agenda for better health, education, communication and exploration. I am all for that aspect of technology. Technology though, has a dark side and that became evident to me when I realized I could no longer recall the phone numbers stored in my brain for years, coupled with the fact that I had developed a troubling, even co-dependent relationship with my personal digital assistant (PDA) that made it seem almost human. Neuro-scientists are constantly studying this phenomenon of men and machines and I am now convinced that men are merging with machines at an alarming rate. Do you recall the sense of panic you felt when you left your cell phone home? You felt helpless, lost, confused and naked, cut-off from civilization without a lifeline, really, is anyone supposed to feel that badly for just leaving a phone home or losing it? I’ve overheard too many people crying out 6 | www.gowhereitzat.com
in distress, that all their vital information is lost along with their phones. People have jumped from train platforms in front of moving trains to retrieve a falling phone. Frail old ladies will fight to the death before giving up their phones to would- be robbers. Am I getting through to you? What’s more important, your lives or your phones? Are you losing your mind; is your technology controlling you? The concern that haunts me however is the one I posed in the previous paragraph; is my failure to re-call phone numbers I memorized for many years ago an individual problem or everybody else’s? Well much to my relief, an anecdotal study of my friends and acquaintances revealed that I am not alone; the consequence of not using your brain creates a dependency on the source you rely on, namely technology. When your brain becomes lazy through non-use it leads to other problems; since your brain informs your mind and attitude a lazy brain creates confusion, doubt and worry. It’s easy to start assuming that you are experiencing a form of Alzheimer’s, which in turn erodes your confidence and creates anxiety. You do feel sometimes that you’re losing your mind, I know because I feel the same as you. My excuse is that I make a living sitting in front of a computer, while paying strict attention to my PDA because the calls, texts and emails all determine my income. What’s your excuse? We are living in an era of artificial intelligence that is unprecedented and so pervasive. I predict much to my chagrin, that many baby-boomers who’ve refused to accept and use today’s technology will be left so confused, bewildered and frustrated that their mental and physical decline will happen at a much faster rate. The reign of technology is securely in place and if great wisdom and moderation is not exercised by us humans, machines will control us and ultimately our destinies. If my Mom came back to life today, she would say, “my son don’t look now but everybody’s talking
to themselves and look that man is answering himself, then look at the poor kid’s, they have to protect their hearing from the noise, they all cover their ears.” What would your ancestors say if they were here again? We’re all beginning to look a lot like actors on the set of a futuristic sci-fi movie who are trying to make contact with extra-terrestrials, young and old alike have decided to spend more time with their gadgets than with their loved-ones. The abuse of technology is subverting our basic human need for association, social mobility and simple conversation, potential lover’s text each other rather than see each other. Every device that discourages personal contact and intimacy is either available or will be made available soon. People are already camping out and joining lines to pay big dollars to bond with their devices, gadgets and gizmos. If we all just paused for a moment to contemplate the physical harm that our gadgets can potentially cause, we would very quickly lessen their control over our lives – Electro-magnetic radiation can wreak havoc on our body system. Our bodies can only function properly in its own electro-magnetic field, when an outside, competing electro-magnetic field enters in that space, dysfunction and disease occurs. If you feel or have ever felt in the past that you are losing your mind to the speed and demands of technology, you may be right, the key here is to exercise wisdom and moderation, regain control of your mind and your body will follow.
‘Cause that’s Whereitzat!
We are located upstairs Rochdale Mall
196-14 LINDEN BLVD ST. ALBANS, JAMAICA NY 11412 ithiopia622@aol.com TEL: 718-525 0992 BUSINESS HOURS MON - THURS 9:30AM -7:30 PM FRI & SAT 9:00AM - 7-00 PM
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BUSINESS
Corporations
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That Made a Fortune Using Urban Black Culture...
tarter: In the early 1990s popular R&B and rap groups like Another Bad Creation, Jodeci, and NWA sported flashy, colorful Starter jackets with matching caps. Shortly thereafter, the demand for Starter jackets soared and so did the price. In 1989, the Starter Clothing Line generated $58.9 million in revenue. However, after hip-hop and R&B artists made the clothing line trendy among their fans, sales doubled in 1990 to $126 million.
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didas: .Adidas experienced sliding sales in the late 1970s and 1980s that severely diminished its role in the global sports shoe industry. However, rap group Run-DMC made the Adidas Superstar sneaker (shell toes) popular in the urban world with their hit track “My Adidas.” Before the group’s emergence on the scene in 1983, the Adidas Superstar sneaker was not very popular in the market. Run-DMC’s promotion instantly boosted sales for the company with 382,000 pairs of Superstars sold in the same year. It was also reported that $22 million in Adidas products were sold in one weekend during that time.
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ankees hats: Sports apparel-maker New Era most likely attributes the top-selling baseball cap to the Yankees’ 27 World Series wins. However, the company executives must have recognized Jay Z importance to their brand when they announced limited edition cobranded merchandise for sale at Yankee Stadium,
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including a custom all-black Yankees baseball cap, which featured design nods to Jay Z’s Blueprint 3 album and a $50 price tag. Filmmaker Spike Lee personally requested a red Yankees cap from New Era, starting both a fashion trend as well as a long-term relationship with the company. In 1997, Lee directed the company’s first national television ads. He continues to direct New Era ads and has inspired the designs of some caps.
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imberland: After the rappers had fully influenced a generation of fans to wear the work boots, Timberland’s footwear accounted for more than 70 percent of its sales. By the end of 1992, the company’s sales topped $291 million and at the end of the decade, sales reached $917.2 million.
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larks: Thanks to Jamaican Dancehall artist Vybz Kartel. At one time, you could purchase a pair for $5,000 Jamaican dollars – roughly $60U.S. But when Kartel released his single “Clarks “ in the summer 2010, stores across Jamaica reported selling out instantly. Though Clarks have long been a staple in Jamaican fashion, Kartel elevated the brand to another level. Prices for the shoes doubled on the island and it would take a whopping $10,000 Jamaican dollars – about $100U.S. – to get your hands on a pair.
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adillac: In 2001, rapper Ludacris boasted about the Cadillac brand in his popular Southern Hospitality song and video. In the song’s video, Luda drove a Cadillac Escalade and as the camera focused on the Cadillac emblem he rapped:“Cadillac grills, Cadillac mills, Check out the oil my Cadillac spills..” In 2002, a year after the Ludacris video, Cadillac reported an increase in Escalade sales. That year, 19 percent of all Cadillac Escalade con-
sumers were Black, a huge increase from the year before. The company was reportedly puzzled by the increase in sales from the African–American community, but attributed the increase to fans who wanted to emulate the rappers and athletes who were purchasing them.
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oscato Wine: The sales of Moscato have been growing at about 25 percent a year, and the manufacturers of the sweet wine can thank African-American consumers for that, specifically those who listen to hip-hop. Rapper Drake is given most of the credit for Moscato’s recent success. In a song from his 2009 mixtape, Drake rapped the line: ”It’s a celebration — clap, clap bravo. Lobster and shrimp and a glass of moscato.” While it was rarely mentioned before in popular rap songs, now moscato is name-dropped throughout the genre – just as Cristal, Hypnotiq, and Ciroc have been. Most recently, the wine was featured prominently in a Waka Flocka song (“I’ma sip moscato, and you gon‘ lose them pants”). It has even found its way into the world of reality television. For a while, NeNe Leakes of the Real Housewives of Atlanta was pushing her own brand, Miss Moscato.
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ike: In 2012, the Jordan brand sold $2.5 billion retail, its best year ever, according to the market retail tracking firm SportsOneSource. Air Jordans make up 58 percent of all basketball shoes bought in the
By JAY M
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NEWS
Jamaicans angry at Trinidad’s Actions Countenance of Deportation of Jamaicans Undermine Regional Integration Says NY Institute
The New York- based Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID) says Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s countenance of the November 19 deportation of thirteen Jamaican nationals from her country seriously engenders division among nations and dangerously undermines Caribbean regional integration.
the following day.
The Jamaicans alleged that T&T Immigration officers informed them that entry was denied because of the recent murder of Trinidadian Keron Fraser in Jamaica. They said that they were mistreated while in detention, and deported
T&T Immigration service has claimed that their expulsion was either because no one met them at the Airport or they presented no evidence of funds to support their stay. But the CGID says the unjust deportation of Caricom nationals constitutes reprehensible violations of Articles 45 and 46 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguramas (RTC) as well as the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME). “They also especially flout settled law established by the Caribbean
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Court of Justice (CCJ) in its landmark Shanique Myrie v State of Barbados ruling,” the group said in a statement Thursday. While the court affirmed a Member State’s right to deny a Caricom national entry, it likewise concurrently affirmed a Caricom national’s right to be granted entry into a member State, provided the following two limited exceptions: (i) If the national would become “a charge on public funds” and (ii) If the national presents a threat to “public morals, the maintenance of public order and safety and the protection of life and health,” CGID stated. The CCJ placed the burden of proof to establish a sufficiency of grounds to invoke either exception on the refusing State, not the national. They also conferred jurisdiction to interpret the scope and right to exercise such exceptions on the Caricom Heads Conference or designated organ, and ultimately the CCJ itself as the Guardian of the RTC, CGID’s President, Rickford Burke added. CGID also reiterated its call for all Caricom member States to amend their laws to recognize the CCJ as the court of ultimate appellate jurisdiction. It is preposterous that the CCJ is based in T&T but that country refuses to amend it’s constitution to recognize the court as its ultimate court of appeal. “The actions of the T&T Immigration are therefore opprobrious violations of the law. Suffice it to say Mrs. Persad-Bissessar’s assertion that the actions of T&T Immigration were lawful because the CCJ ruling gives immigration officers discretion to determine undesirability, is atrociously uninformed as the said ruling imposed strict restrictions on the exercise of such discretion,” the Institute added. “These violations by the T&T government demonstrate the urgent need for Caricom to establish uniform regulations and modalities for entry and stay in member States. The RTC must also be amended to mandate that States must, within a specific time-frame of enactment, harmonize their national laws to comport with regional law.”
ENTERTAINMENT
SHAGGY & FRIENDS:
Benefit Concert Set for January 4, 2014 With the closing of a tremendous year, international super star Shaggy is gearing up for the start of an amazing 2014. Commencing with his annual Shaggy and Friends Benefit Concert set to take place on Saturday, January 4 2014 at the Jamaica House. Shaggy was introduced to the Bustamante Hospital for Children whilst visiting a friend’s son who had been admitted there. He was so moved by what he saw, that he vowed to do whatever he could to make things better there for Jamaica’s children. This visit opened Shaggy’s eyes to the obstacles children are faced with receiving medical care in Jamaica and the region, it being the only full service children’s hospital in the English speaking Caribbean; he resolved that something had to be done in order to improve the conditions there.
Everyone and anyone can make a difference and help with raising funds for The Bustamante Children Hospital. There is currently an early bird special taking place and you can get 20% OFF your tickets. This special ends December 25 so CLICK HERE and log on for more information. To date the Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation has raised over US$1,000,000 (J$90 Million) for the hospital, and has covered the costs for an overall audit to be done on all medical equipment (working or otherwise) at the Bustamante Hospital (June - July, 2012). In addition, the Foundation has donated two (2) new fully equipped dental chairs for the hospital’s Dental Unit, as the existing unit was forced closed for several months due to non-functional dental chairs. Shaggy’s mission is to save the lives of these children and with your help it can be done.
Nine years prior to forming Shaggy Make a Difference Foundation, he had personally made donations of medical equipment, which the hospital desperately needed. When asked why he started the Shaggy and Friends Benefits Concerts, Shaggy stated “My humble donations pale in comparison to the hospital’s true needs list of over US$2,000,000 worth of equipment. On an international scale, that may seem like a humble figure, easily reached in other parts of the world, but the truth is that for a hospital in Jamaica, dependent on public funding, it is a daunting challenge”. Shaggy & Friends Benefits Concert is an annual event and a united effort, which not many persons could pull off. Annually Shaggy and his team are able to reach out to sponsors, top entertainers in all genres of music and come together to raise funds for the children of Bustamante Hospital in Jamaica. On January 4, 2014, Shaggy & Friends will stage another remarkable event. With a star studded line up of R&B super star NeYo, Tarrus Riley, Konshens, Chronixx, Elephant Man, Pinchers, Wayne Marshall, Admiral Bailey and making her first appearance since winning The Voice Tessanne Chin are all set to be a part of this remarkable event. “We are excited every year to see the artists come together and give their time to save a life. Yet, we are even more excited to see the children of Bustamante Children Hospital receive the necessary tools needed to assist with curing their ailments, says Shaggy. ITZ- BOLD- FRESH- ENTERTAINING | 13
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MINDING YOUR BUSINESS
REVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE
VITAL HEALTH FOODS RECIPE FOR A HEALTHIER LIFE BRO IMANDE OF VITAL HEALTH FOODS.
Vital Health Foods, embedded in St. Albans, Queens since 1991 is headed by Ras Imande. The health and vitamin emporium was established following the success of a former partnership - a popular vegetarian restaurant in Brooklyn – Vital Forward Restaurant frequented by the likes of Mutabaruka (Jamaican premier dub poet), David Hinds, lead singer with the classic reggae group, Steel Pulse and Bunny Wailer (so famous – no explanation is necessary) Involvement in the health food industry was a natural progression of his Rastafarian lifestyle. He certainly believes there is room for more health conscious outlets – “there are bodegas and liquor stores on every corner and don’t even mention the churches that abound. I would love to see a health food store in every neighborhood”. When asked about the benefits of healthy eating, it is clear that Ras Imande practices what he 14 | www.gowhereitzat.com
preaches, recounting his asthmatic condition as a child, but after realizing the hazards of dairy consumption, he is today asthma-free. His passion is obvious as his soothing voice intones that what we consume has a dynamic effect on life styles. We truly are what we eat. “We cannot escape that fact. If you try to nourish your system with good food organic food as the creator intended – you will have a better outlook on life – spiritually and otherwise”. His guiding principle is – prevention is the best cure for all ills. “Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food “ this ancient quote should resonate with every conscious soul. Vital offers a juice bar and salad bar with 14 all natural entrees; with vegetarian burgers, vegetarian patties, including ackee, all pre-made for consumption. The standard vegan grocery section offers the usual grains, gluten-free items, books and natural cosmetics.. Although Vital is a small store in terms of size, it is very well stocked with over 400 herbs. Shipping services are also available and the store distributes the Aloe Ferox products from South Africa, Women in the 25-60 age range are the biggest shoppers, and Bro. Imandi is pleased to serve 5% of his community while hoping to increase those figures with a more rigorous on-line presence. Assisted by his two oldest children, Jabu and Shyana – this Trinidadian businessman who prefers
the term Pan-African - knows that succession is important – especially for Caribbean and Hispanic businesses. This health food advocate is an avid reader and stays up to date with shifts in healthy living concepts and principles so that he is able to pass that information on to his loyal customer base. “There is a price for what we eat. You eat proper, your consequences won’t be as harsh as those who pay little attention to what goes into their body. It is true that everything good in moderation is right, but certain things should be avoided”. This humble, knowledgeable man ended with an acknowledgement of the guiding force in his life. Give thanks, with full acknowledgment to His Imperial Majesty.
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NEWS CARIBBEAN CALL TO STRENGTHEN AGRO-TOURISM LINKS
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Caribbean hotelier has issued a call for strengthening the hotel sector’s ties to local food producers.
Such local linkages asserted Barbadian hotelier Ralph Taylor generate several benefits: “First, tourists want to savor the local delicacies. In fact, one of the most common complaints is the dearth of local dishes.” Taylor, owner of The SoCo Hotel on the picturesque south coast of Barbados, asserted the other reason was economic, “because you will have to pay a lot more to have your food imported from abroad. Besides, tourists do not want their din-
ners to come on the same flight as they did.” He went on to say the use of local food “also means we can employ more local recipes and hire more local people to cook the local delicacies. Make no mistake - genuine and attractive local food is one of the major attractions for all tourists” Farm-to-fork programs stimulate the wealth creation of farmers, contends Taylor who launched a number of such programs throughout his hospitality career. He added such internal linkages “also drives down the operational cost of doing business by dramatically lowering food costs.” Smaller hotels like his can lead the charge for using more local produce but he warned they could not do it alone: “Government departments responsible for farmer sustainability, development non-profits, tourism departments and community groups all have to pitch in and work together to make such valuable agro-tourism linkages sustainable, productive and durable.”
cal agriculture means “after major storms and floods, hotels can stay open for business if they are sourcing local food from sustainable food growers using farming techniques which protect their crops from extreme weather.” About The Soco Hotel The SoCo Hotel, located in the heart of Barbados’ vibrant south coast, offers an all-inclusive holiday in a boutique environment. Ideal for the discerning traveler who desires the best of both worlds, SoCo offers chic hotel facilities at an exceptional value. Delicious food and drinks; friendly Caribbean service; an open, uncluttered design; and one of the best views in Barbados are all part of The SoCo Hotel experience. SoCo’s 24 ultra-modern rooms have been artfully outfitted with a blend of South Beach style and Caribbean flair. For further information, visit www.thesocohotel.com. Source: The Soco Hotel
Taylor asserted sustainable and protected lo-
NEWS Caribbean & Latin American Immigrants Top NYC’s Foreign-Born Population
W mon?
hat does the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, Guyana, Ecuador, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago all have in com-
Nationals from these nations all make up the top eight immigrant groups in the Big Apple.
According to the latest ‘Newest New Yorkers Immigration Report,’ released by New York City’s outgoing Mayor, Mike Bloomberg Wednesday, the city’s immigrants have reached new peak at more than 3 million residents with the majority being from the Caribbean and Latin America. This new report shows that the largest immigrant group in the City continues to hail from the Dominican Republic, with 380,200 residents throughout the five boroughs.
Immigrants from Mexico (186,300 residents) were in the third place, with a 52 percent increase over the last decade, and were followed by Jamaicans (169,200) at fourth and Guyanese (139,900) at fifth. Ecuador, Haiti and Trinidad and Tobago were ranked at sixth, seventh and eighth, respectively.
China, with 350,200 residents, too the number two spot with a growth of 34 percent. If these growth rates continue, Chinese would likely be the city’s largest immigrant group in the next few years. Latin America is now the largest area of origin, 16 | www.gowhereitzat.com
comprising nearly one-third of the City’s foreignborn population, followed by Asia at 28 percent, and the non-Hispanic Caribbean at 19 percent. Africa accounts for 4 percent.
This large flow of immigrants from Latin America, Asia, and the Caribbean has reshaped the racial and ethnic composition of New York from a largely European white city to a diverse mix where no one group is in the majority, the report said. The strength of immigrants is most evident in Queens, NY, where the largest percentage of the newest New Yorkers has settled with nearly onehalf of the borough’s residents being foreignborn.
Immigrants comprise 47 percent of all employed residents across all major industries, including large concentrations in construction and services. Immigrants also are disproportionately represented among those who start new businesses, providing a continuous infusion of economic vitality that serves the neighborhoods of New York.
The immigrant population also drives the demand for housing as close to one-half of all housing units that were occupied for the first time after 2000 had an immigrant householder. “Having an accurate picture of our foreign born residents, and how they’re doing with respect to their housing, education, employment and economic status enables us to target support that
helps immigrants establish themselves and participate in the diverse opportunities our city offers,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Our nation has the opportunity to finally enact real immigration reform in Congress, and this edition of the Newest New Yorkers is an important resource that helps to build a case for reform so that we can continue to be a magnet of opportunity and also continue to attract some of the brightest minds in the world.” Since the passage of the landmark Immigration and Nationality Amendments of 1965, New York’s foreign-born population has more than doubled and the foreign-born share of the City’s population, which was 18 percent in 1970, has risen to 37 percent. Courtesy of NewsAmericasNow.com/Felicia Persaud
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ENTERTAINMENT
AND THE WINNER IS...
The Tessanne Chin story represents the epitome of the good luck mythology. Good luck of course is not serendipitous it is often more calculated than not, because good luck happens when preparation meets opportunity and Tessanne has been preparing for this opportunity all her life. Her mom and dad had a recording studio in their home in Jamaica and were active musicians in a band called Carnations, in which her mom played trumpet and her dad played the drums. Tessanne’s Sister Tami, younger by one year, blossomed seven years ago as a potential star; however the changing fortunes of the music business just did not intersect with her potential. Seven years ago when 20 | www.gowhereitzat.com
Tami Chin made the cover of Whereitzat Magazine, her talent, good looks, along with her musicianship gave her a winning combination. I recall in taking copies of Whereitzat Magazine to Jamaica in 2006 to deliver to her mom Christine, who expressed pride and joy in Tami’s promising career. What a dramatic shift, older sister Tessanne is now the darling, not just of Jamaica, but of the world. “The Voice” has propelled her to a place where no other Jamaican female singer has gone before. Tessanne is standing on higher ground. Like Rihanna she now carries an island on her shoulder. Her incredible talent, endurance and charm lifted her up and placed her firmly in the record books as the first Jamaican female singer (if not first Jamaican) to win an interna-
tional competition of the scope and magnitude of The Voice. Tessanne now joins the elite group of ambassadors who have put Jamaica on the world stage. Now Tessanne and Tami can both ride on the crest of a wave, big enough to carry them to fame and fortune, and big enough to lift Jamaican music and culture up another notch. Like Usain Bolt, Shelly-Ann Frazier, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley and so many others she has aroused and inflamed the passion and patriotism of Jamaicans all over the world. We at Whereitzat offer our own salute to the Chin family, Richard, Christine, Tessanne, Tami her other siblings and her husband Michael Cuffe; so, in true “Rude Bwoy” style we present the Jamaican salute - BU YA KA! BU YA KA! BU YA KA! If the last three words are foreign to you…ask a Jamaican to explain. By Clive Williams
ENTERTAINMENT
Honorary Citizen Tessanne Chin reps JAMAICA, now she belongs to the WORLD
When it comes to Jamaican recording artists, it’s hard to say that the year didn’t belong to songbird, Tessanne Chin. After making a name for herself on the popular NBC series, The Voice, she seems poised and ready to expand her reach as a viable international star. “I absolutely adore this song,” said Chin after she performed Emily Sandé’s “My Kind of Love,” before Voice viewers in November. “I adore Emily Sandé, I think she is just an amazing songwriter and singer,” Tessanne Chin said. “This song for me holds so much emotions and it really conveys the feeling I get about my husband and the journey we’ve had so far… through thick or thin no matter what in any situation that is when you feel that kind of love.”
Chin, who was a virtual unknown outside of reggae circles, has now become a living symbol of national pride for many Jamaicans. “I always thought that Tessanne was an incredible talent,” says Makeda Williams a 35-year-old resident of Bushwick, Brooklyn. “She definitely represents the ethnic diversity of Jamaica and its people,” says Marcus Greenly, 51, from the Westchester section of the Bronx ‘In addition to that the girl can sing her butt off, so she’s a tremendous inspiration to many people—including my daughters.” Tessanne Chin was born on September 20, 1985, in Kingston, Jamaica. Her music can best be described as a fusion between R&B and Reggae. She has released a solo album titled In Between Words and is best known for her hit singles “Hideaway”, “Messenger” and “Black Books”. She has opened for famous acts such as Patti Labelle, Peabo
Bryson and Gladys Knight, and toured for 3 years with Jimmy Cliff. In 2013, she took part in season 5 of the American singing competition The Voice as part of Adam Levine’s Team. Tessanne started performing when she was 6 years old with Cathy Levy's "Little People and Teen Players Club", one of Jamaica's top performing arts schools. Most of her vocal coaching came from her mother and also from noted vocal coach Lecie Wright. Tessanne learned firsthand about cultural diversity when she moved to England at age 12. She coped with the move by devoting a lot of time to writing songs.Tessanne married Michael Cuffe in 2011. The two had been best friends for four years prior to marriage. “There’s no Limit for me, and no limit I’m willing to put on myself where doing what I love is concerned,” says Chin during an interview. “I was born to do what I am doing now, and just the fact that I’m able to be having a career in music and doing what I love everyday, and reaching the ears and hearts of people is for me in a sense. Success and yes… a dream come true.” The younger sister of Tami Chin, Tessanne made her debut performance at the annual St. Kitts Music Festival in 2007.She was slated to return this year after the initial line-up was publicized. By NADINE WALTERS
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ENTERTAINMENT
Tessanne Chin Makes History for the Caribbean in the history of the five-year show, after losing to Team Blake Shelton for the past three years. Chin, who made the phrase “bread and butta” popular, was then forced to swallow her emotions and deliver the song that will become her first U.S. single live – “Tumbling Down” by Ryan Tedder of One Republic. FANS REACT It was one for the Caribbean history books Tuesday night as for the first time in the history of NBC reality music show, The Voice, a Caribbean national took home the win and with it claimed a recording contract with Universal Music Group, a KIA car and US$100,000.
Her win sent her Caribbean fans into a frenzy on Facebook and Twitter. For months, the Jamaican Diaspora had voted and organized for her and last night marked the culmination of an intense campaign for one of their own.
In Jamaica, hundreds gathered in Half Way Tree to celebrate even though they Tessanne Chin may be Jamaican but the could not vote in the competition, while entire Caribbean and Caribbean Dias- on Twitter, top Jamaican singers and the pora were crying with pride, much as world’s fastest man, were among those she was Tuesday night, when she was quick to offer up congratulations. announced as the winner of Season Five of the competition, after three months The man whom Chin once sang backof grueling competition. up vocals for, Sir Jimmy Cliff, tweeted: “Like I said long time ago Tessanne Wearing a stunning black and sequined Chin is THE VOICE! Congratulations gown for the final announcement, the #Tessanne, #thevoice, #jamaica.” Kingston resident who has now become a world-wide phenom, seemed visibly Dancehall’s Sean Paul via Instagram nervous and then shocked as Voice host posted: “CONGRATS 2 U TESSY U Carson Daly announced she was the DESERVE ALL THE SHINE!!! WE R winner and her mother and husband SO PROUD OF U!!! MAANY BLESSrushed in to hug her amidst fireworks. ING!!!” while Hip Hop star Sean Proud coach Adam Levine beamed from ear to ear as he delivered the winner’s trophy on bended knees to Chin, who moments earlier had thanked him for his support as a coach and for being a shoulder to cry on. “It’s been nothing but a joy to work with you,” she told her mentor moments before learning about her win. “You’ve been a shoulder to cry on, you’ve been a friend, you’ve been invested, you’ve been true. I love you, I trust you.” It was only the second win for Levine 22 | www.gowhereitzat.com
Kingston added: “Big up The Beautiful @Tessanne Wish u much success!!!!… you are killin it.. And Def Deserve it… Thanks for making JAMAICA PROUD!” The man who encouraged Chin to audition, Grammy-winning singer, Shaggy, tweeted: “#TEAMTESSANNE@THEBESTESS@NBCTHEVOICE, #HALFWAY T R E E K I N G S T O N J A M A I C A TUN UP!!!” While the world’s fastest man, Usain St. Leo Bolt, extended congrats to Chin before adding: “All we Jamaican do is win, win, win, win, no matter what.” The win for Chin came following a phenomenal duet performance with legendary singer, Celine Dion earlier in the night as the show’s producers rolled out an evening of top entertainment with some of music’s top artists. Chin looked right at home next to Dion, whom she had opened for before at Jamaica Jazz & Blues, as they sang ‘Love Can Move Mountains.’ OTHER WINNERS The second place winner was Jacquie Lee from Team Christina Aguilera while Will Champlin of Team Adam was third. PERFORMANCES The finale performance included not only Dion, but also Neyo, One Republic, Alloe Black (with Will Champlin), Paramore (with Jacquie) and Lady Gaga, who teamed up with Aguilera for the night’s final performance. The top 20 contestants of The Voice season five were also reunited on the show. And so marked an end to a great Season Five, with Season Six set to return on February 24, 2014 at 8 ET/PT, with coaches Shakira and Usher along with Shelton and Levine. Source: NewsAmericasNow.com/Felicia Persaud
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News
ASSAU COUNTY NEWS
Mangano Invites Residents to Kwanzaa Celebration
ineola, NY - Nassau County Executive M Edward P. Mangano today announced that the 3rd Annual Nassau County Kwan-
zaa Celebration will take place on Monday, December 30th from 6:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. The 2013 Kwanzaa Ceremony will be held in the Macy’s Court of the Roosevelt Field Mall (southeast side of mall near the Bose store and Tourneau Jewelers).
pany plans to purchase and renovate the existing 100,000-square-foot building at a cost of $11.25 million. They are currently in 98,000-square-feet of leased spaces. Renovations will also create 150 full-time equivalent construction jobs.
K
WHEN: 6:30pm to 7:30pm Monday, December 30th
MANGANO HELPS HIGH-TECH MANUFACTURER CREATE AND RETAIN LOCAL JOBS
M
ineola, NY – Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today announced the approval of an Industrial Development Agency (IDA) economic development compact that allows Designatronics - a hightechnology manufacturer now located in New Hyde Park - to expand its operations in Hicksville while retaining nearly 240 jobs and adding 20 new employees to its workforce. The project is expected to generate $217 million in economic benefits for Nassau County’s economy. “My policies of freezing County property taxes and removing bureaucratic red tape are working as companies such as Designatronics are expanding their operations and creating new jobs,” said County Executive Mangano. “With my economic development team, we have created and retained nearly 20,000 private sector jobs and Nassau County now leads the State of New York in terms of job growth. Together, we are creating new jobs and opportunities, attracting new businesses, and putting residents back to work in Nassau County.” Designatronics will consolidate its operations at 250 Duffy Avenue into one of the largest industrial buildings in Hicksville. The com-
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County Executive Mangano stated, “With this economic development compact, we put a troubled past behind the project and clear a new path for the future while addressing the overwhelming demand for affordable rentals in Nassau County.” The economic development compact allows Bedford Construction to acquire a property in New Cassel, located at 839 Prospect Avenue, and complete the renovation of six mixed-use buildings containing apartments and retail space. The company will finance the project with an estimated $800,000 and other funds provided by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to Nassau County. Once complete, the project is estimated to generate $3.5 million for in economic benefit for Nassau County while helping improve the local community.
wanzaa is a festive, educational, inspirational, and beautifully reflects the principles of UNITY. It is therefore a perfect celebration to be hosted by County Executive Ed Mangano and the extended family of Nassau County. Join us for a festive hour of a rich cultural ceremony that creates a bond for all.
WHERE: Roosevelt Field Mall, Macy’s Court (First Floor) (southeast side of mall near Bose Store and Tournea Jewelers)
was halted, is expected to be complete within six months. The project includes the completion of 12 apartments, seven affordable and five at market rate, in an underserved community.
Designatronics is the nation’s leading manufacturer and distributor of small mechanical, electro-mechanical motion control components and sub-assemblies. Through its subsidiaries, Designatronics sells to original equipment manufacturers and equipment users in medical, office equipment, plant maintenance, electronics, computer, communications and other industries.
About the Nassau County IDA The Nassau County Industrial Development Agency consists of a team of professionals whose mission is to promote the economic welfare and prosperity of Nassau County. It is a resource for
About the Nassau County IDA The Nassau County Industrial Development Agency consists of a team of professionals whose mission is to promote the economic welfare and prosperity of Nassau County. It is a resource for businesses in Nassau County and those considering relocation. The IDA provides assistance to businesses interested in relocating, expanding and financing new investments. It has provided assistance to a wide range of companies, from Arizona Iced Tea and Sleepy’s Mattress to Cold Spring Harbor Labs and Grumman Studios. For more information, please visit www.nassauida.org or call 516-571-1945. Mangano Rescues Troubled Affordable Housing Opportunities in New Cassel Mineola, NY - Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today announced the approval of an Industrial Development Agency (IDA) economic development compact that will allow Bedford Construction Group, a Valley Stream developer, to rescue an abandoned and incomplete affordable housing opportunities and retail space in New Cassel. The project, which began in 2005 and then
businesses in Nassau County and those considering relocation. The IDA provides assistance to businesses interested in relocating, expanding and financing new investments. It has provided assistance to a wide range of companies, from Arizona Iced Tea and Sleepy’s Mattress to Cold Spring Harbor Labs and Grumman Studios. For more information, please visit www.nassauida.org or call 516-571-1945.
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ENTERTAINMENT
WIND 80’s IMPACT
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“SELL OFF” AT AMAZURA By Marjorie
romoters Irish & Chin’s fifth production of Reeewind and Come Again last month at Amazura was tunup. Legions of supporters came out in full force to see their favorite 70’s and 80’s artists. The headliners featured reggae stalwarts and veterans like King Yellowman, Johnny Osbourne, Luciano “Jah Messenger”, Brigadier Jerry, Sister Nancy, Charlie Chaplin, U-Roy, General Trees and Michigan and Smiley. Josey “The Colonel” Wales performance would have been his first appearance in the U.S. in more than 20 years. However, The General had immigration issues and was a no show. U-Roy, Charlie Chaplin, Luciano and General Trees kicked off the show in high gear spewing out clever lyrics that had the jam packed Amazura clubbers rocking and screaming for more. U-Roy toasted like he never left the scene; Charlie Chaplin and General Trees gave amusing lyrical banter while Luciano provided his usual extraordinary vocals and somersaults on stage thrilling the already excited and energized crowd. Johnny Osbourne received a roar of cheers when he appeared on the stage and crooned some of his biggest hits that we are all familiar with. Sister Nancy was also well received and al-
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though it seemed she was having trouble with the sounds getting her tunes out, she put her best foot forward. The crowd went wild when Brigadier Jerry joined her on stage and the brother and sister performed together on a rare occasion. Briggy gave his fans a real treat. Looking suave and debonair, his set included his 80’s hits dug from the archives. Michigan and Smiley took us back to their “hay day” with Rub a Dub Style amidst rockin and ting and ting. They gave an enjoyable and memorable performance that was further invigorated when King Yellowman bounced on stage to join the dynamic duo with I’m Getting Married in the Morning. Thunderous cheers erupted from the fans adding to the moment and was later amplified when Yellowman brought on stage his beautiful daughter (someone asked if that was the yellow baby ) and they did a lovely duet. She sings pretty well! All the artists took to the stage at various times interacting together creating great vibes as they entertained and performed favorite hit after hit. This all backed by some of the best and legendary sounds like DJ Roy, King Stur Gav, Jah Love, and Danny Dread of King Addies providing the musical selections for the deejays and singers. It was fun trip down memory lane; the only thing missing was Josey Wales!v
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CULTURE/POLiTICS
ROM THE DESK OF THE PUBLISHER
THE PRISON NATION: Letters from America's third nation.
I
n my view it’s time to revise the appellation, “the land of the free and the home of the brave,” it no longer describes America. How can we claim to be the most advanced country in the world and yet tolerate such human misery and oppression? Are we adding another great shame and stigma on America’s overburdened conscience? What kind of future are we building as we incarcerate our fathers, mothers and children on the pretext that we are waging a war on drugs or whatever?
I
am privileged but sadly so, to introduce the reporting of Prisoner advocate, griot and activist for social justice, Malik A.
I
am privileged to have made contact with a young man, to whom I will simply refer to as Malik, who moved from Queens, New York to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College but never forgot the community where he was raised. He would soon realize that many of the kids he grew up with were falling into the clutches of the criminal justice system and were being incarcerated at an alarming rate. Every visit back home to was a reminder of the crisis that exists in Black and Hispanic communities; it was that sad set of circumstances that started Malik on his journey as an Advocate for the imprisoned. He is the recipient of hundreds of letters which bear testimony to the harsh, inequitable and hopelessly broken prison system in America that has given rise to a third nation that I call the Prison Nation.
T
he now infamous former Senator from North Carolina, John Edwards spoke truth to power when he concluded while running for the democratic presidential nomination in 2004-2008, that “there are two America’s, one for the wealthy and privileged and another for those who live from pay check to paycheck,” those who live from pay check to pay check, (the dis-enfranchised and dis-advantaged know exactly how accurate his statement was. That social stratification of America that Edwards spoke of has rendered us two America’s, and I am now declaring that there is a third America that Malik speaks to, the Prison Nation which not many politicians will admit exists, it’s America’s latest scandal and shame, the Prison Nation our third Nation.
C
onsider these facts according to Politifacts.com, a nationally recognized fact checking and fact verification resource, the most credible source for prison data worldwide is The International Center for Prison Studies, based at the University of Essex in Great Britain. So what do they tell us about America’s prison population, is that we account for five, (5%) percent of the world’s population, yet we house almost a quarter of the worlds prisoners.
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Clive Williams Publisher
LETTERS FROM AMERICA'S THIRD NATION. PART1
M
y Name is Malik. Originally from Queens, New York, I now reside in Atlanta, Georgia from where I penned my first letter to a neighborhood friend who was doing a stint in New York’s infamous, Rikers Island. Little did I know that my first letter to my friend Sha, was the beginning of my involvement in PRISONER ACTIVISIM which began in 1982. I now realize that as I visited my old Queens neighborhood for Thanksgiving and Christmas I noticed that many of my friends were no longer in the hood, they were in prison. There is no doubt that this dramatic rate of incarceration of young Black and Hispanic males, was due to President Reagans “War on Drugs” policies which, even to the casual observer, seemed more like “The War on Blacks and Hispanics.” As I watched Federal and State Prisons become overpopulated with these young men, my deep-seated concerns about the role of the church and politics began to surface and strengthened my commitment to my choice of activism. My issue with the church is the distorted imagery completely unrelated to our black experience, which is displayed on stained glass windows. And my issue with politics and politicians is the stained distorted image that is given to young black and Hispanic males as it pertains to crime and drug. So, as more and more of my associates and friends vanished into the bowels of State and federal prisons, I felt more inspired to write of hope, inspiration and support to them, while their lives were slowly decaying as they lived in brutally constructed cages behind prisons walls. The more letters I wrote the more letters I received and over time
CULTURE/POLiTICS THE PRISON NATION: Letters from America's third Nation cont'd many of the letters had the same dismal, depressing overtones of sadness, despair and hopelessness, along with the feeling of loneliness and almost total mental and physical exhaustion. Associates and friends that were locked up began to pass my letters around the prison(s) because they provided hope and inspiration while asking questions. From the questions I asked I learned about many grave injustices mainly, Civil and Human Rights violations by the Prison Administration and Correction Officers. In 2013 I turned my focus to the situation at Crescent City, California’s Pelican Bay State Prison. After watching online documentaries about the situation there, I penned letters to the inmates at this notorious State Prison which is the most segregated place on earth. The inmates I wrote to were, Rick Bahenzin Gray, Dietrich Shakir Pennington, Jeffery Askari Franklin, Luis Esquival, Mutawally Cooperwood and Vincent Bruce. I also wrote to other inmates but received no response, either because they never got my mail or their return mails to me were blocked by prison authorities. The reason for highlighting the six names is because they have received my letters and I have been receiving theirs. That’s how I learned about a group of inmates at Pelican Bay that I refer to as, “The Short Corridor Collective” and these are the guys in the SHU (Segregated Housing Unit) that have some-how organized the inmates at Pelican Bay and surrounding prisons to begin a Peaceful Hunger Strikes and Work Stoppage. The goal there is to ensure that five core demands be met. Those demands are to: (1) to eliminate group punishment and administrative abuse, (2) Abolish the debriefing policy and modify active/ inactive gang status criteria (3) comply with the recommendation and end long term solitary confinement (4) Provide adequate and nutritious food (5) Create and expand constructive programming. Inmate #1 Rick Bahenzin Gray wrote me a letter dated July 31st, 2013 in which he complained that his release date was pushed back
to 2019 as a result of him being validated as a gang member. He refuses to be broken by the restrictions of the SHU which is designed to break your spirit. He talks of how the system is designed to suit the needs of those in power. He talks about his fighting a losing battle as pertains to his appeal process because the appeal is heard by those who are his accusers. He talks hopefully about the “New African Nation” that he and other SHU inmates are involved in but, he is unable to talk much about this in his letters for fear that the administration will use that against him as some sort of gang related material and/or philosophy. He talks of his belief that the Government floods the Black Communities with drugs and guns and then attaches the stigma of crime to young Black Males. He lastly talks of how his 17 year old son was killed and he was not allowed to make any phone calls to find out what happened or to talk to police investigators and to this day his knowledge of the situation is insufficient. Inmate#2-Dietrich Sakir Pennington wrote me a letter on January 13th, 2013 and he wrote: Malik, I’m in a prison within a prison that is so inhumane, that I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy. They screen our incoming and outgoing mail with a fine tooth comb as if we are enemies of the state or the country. He goes on to write that; inmates that are accused of gang activity should have legal representation when charged with that activity since it is considered a crime. They are locking us away in solitary confinement for an indeterminate period of time, saying we are a threat to the safety and security of the institution and others. Solitary confinement is most definitely a punishment. The way they run the Segregated Housing Unit (SHU), you really don’t see or talk to anyone unless they are in your pod and within shouting distance, and it’s one man per cell here in the (SHU). I am here because I took notes from book that were allowed in the institution along with newspaper clipping out of the San Francisco Bay newspaper, plus items that were tattooed with a map of Africa with a warrior coming out. These are items that they say are gang identification or that I am a member of associate. Respectfully, Peace and Blessings, Dietrich Shakir Pennington.
By Malik
Image of Malik
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PHOTOGRAPY CREDIT TO MY FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY
H A P P E N I N G S
9th Annual Reggae Culture Salute 2013
A Musical Evening Of Love @ Lehman Ctr
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ENTERTAINMENT
SayWhat.?
Greetings dear readers,
So far winter has been pretty mild, but some cold weather is heading our way. I don’t like the cold, although I’ve been living in it for most of my life, but somehow I’ve never gotten used to it. When the temperatures drop I dress up like an Eskimo but I don’t care if that’s what I look like as long as I’m warm! Well, November has seen the passing of one of our greatest hero and humanitarian. Nelson Mandela devoted his life fighting against apartheid, for justice, freedom and his country. I recently saw Oprah’s interview that she did with Mandela and was moved by his humility. He constantly emphasized that he was chosen by an underground movement to be the one to represent them in the fight for South Africa’s freedom. He wanted everyone to know he did not do this all by himself. Yet he was one that sacrificed 27 years of freedom away from his family for his people. Nelson Mandela is already in our history books and he will be remembered along with our other great heroes like Marcus Garvey, Malcom X, and Martin Luther King. R.I.P. Nelson Mandela! I want to remember another passing. Junior Murvin will be best known for his high falsetto voice and his classic smash hit “Police and Thieves” recorded and produced by the eccentric Lee “Scratch” Perry during his more sane and prolific periods. Murvin only recorded four albums as an artist but several singles in his catalogue. Although he did not have anything as successful at Police and Thieves, he garnered his stature as a legend with the release of his album by the same name which was also regarded as one of Perry’s finest productions and a British chart topper. Murvin was influenced by soul singer Curtis Mayfield and released his version of a couple of Mayfield’s tunes like “People Get Ready” as “Rasta Get Ready” and “Closer Together.” You may also remember a moderately successful hit with 32 | www.gowhereitzat.com
producer Joe Gibbs called “Cool Out Son.” Junior reported passed peacefully at his home in Port Antonio, Jamaica on December 2nd, he was 64 years old. R.I.P. Junior Murvin. So the Grammy nominations for the category Best Reggae Album has been announced. As usual, there is a Marley amongst the nominees, with Ziggy Marley who already has four Grammy awards and is looking to add his fifth with a nomination for his Ziggy Marley In Concert album. I’m pleased that Beres Hammond is nominated with his latest album One Love, One Life which is his second Grammy nomination although it’s a disgrace that such a fine and talented artist has only been flagged twice for this award. Other nominees are Sly and Robbie for their album Sly & Robbie And The JamMasters; Sizzla Kalonji’s first Grammy nomination for his critically acclaim album The Messiah, and knock me over with a feather, Snoop Lion is nominated for his reggae debut album Reincarnated. Although it is reported that Snoop Lion has the bestselling “reggae” album this year with over 80,000 copies sold, clearly he is no veteran of reggae and in my opinion this album is not in the class of these veterans and others who have never been nominated but have authentic reggae music under their belts. Again, that’s just my opinion…..I’m just saying! On the Rap side, Master rapper Jay-Z heads up the nominees with 9 thumbs up. Way to go Jay-Z! Superstar Mary J. Blige is causing quite a stir with a banging photo in a 2 piece swimwear on the cover of SHAPE magazine. Mary looks fantastic at 42 showing her abs of steel, how-
ever, many are saying the photo has been heavily photoshopped. After seeing MJ in photos in another online magazine, I’m inclined to agree. True in the SHAPE photo, her tats and cellulite was missing. But, I’m not mad at her, if I’m going to grace the cover of a magazine, photoshop me too paleazzeee! Mathew Knowles, father of Beyonce and Solange, has apparently fathered another child. According to TMZ, Knowles has a 3 year old son with Alexsandra Wright and owes her $24,000 in child support payments which is 2 payments of $12,000 he has been ordered to pay Wright. $12,000 a month people, who is he supporting, the child or the mother??? TMZ reports sources close to Wright says she is having financial problems and has even had to pull her son from school because she can’t afford to pay for it. Anyway, Knowles is due back in court Dec 13th to answer these charges and Wright is scheduled to attend with her fiancé Harvey Walden. Hmmm, things that make you go hmmmm!! Just a reminder friends, our girl Tessanne Chin is in the final on The Voice. She did an absolutely fantastic rendition of “Bridge over Troubled Waters.” We must have voted strong because she was the first one to be called as a finalist. Keep the pressure on friends, she deserves to win because she is the BEST! Tell your friends, family and on all social media to VOTE FOR TESSANNE CHIN for The Voice! So, until next time, when I’ll have more dirty to dish. Walk good!
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NEWS
NELSON MANDELA Nelson M
andela lived munity. Soon after he took power for 95 years, he authorized a new constitution 27 of those years was spent in prisons. which would replace the oppressive scourge of apartheid rule. The new constitution reads, “the state may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender , sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, color, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.” That 1996 constitution was the first in the world to include an explicit provision banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. These are facts that are well known, he became President of South Africa in Mandela lost his son 1994 at the age of 76 and left office afMakgatho to an AIDS related ter serving only one term of five years, illness in 2005, up to that time Manrefusing to linger as many older politi- dela’s critics had accused him of not cians do. There are however some little doing enough to fight the disease known facts that are just as important and failing to understand the threat in understanding the scope of his it posed to Africa. However in 1999 work and the legacy he left. as Mr. Mandela left office, he started campaigning heavily for more re It might come as a sursearch and awareness to be directed to prise to you, but Nelson was the AIDS epidemic. not his given name, that was given to him by a male white teacher who was As nuclear proliferation either too lazy to pronounce the corbecame a world concern, Manrect name Rolihlahla or was too sufdela moved quickly to squelch the fused by the superiority he enjoyed. advancement of South Africa’s nuclear program, which had been suspended Mandela and the ANC temporarily by his predecessor, de remained on the US Terror Klerk. He was an early promoter of Watch List for over 20 years, that’s the African Nuclear Weapon Free right, over the course of two US Zone Treaty, (treaty of Pelindara), presidents Clinton and Bush, the State which was signed in 1996. Mandela Department treated Nelson Mandela always fought for a nuclear free Afand his democratically elected party rica. as international terrorists. To Bush’s credit he had their names removed Mandela received the toward the end of his presidency. support and devotion of a number of allies but none as devoted Mandela is considered and loyal as a white South African a champion of the LGBT com- family who sacrificed their liveli-
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(6)
hood and very nearly their lives for him. Walter and Adelaine Hain, along with their young son Peter were antiapartheid activists, who participated in ANC events in defiance of the oppressive regime and its brutal policies. Peter Hain at 15 years old spoke publicly at the funeral of a fallen anti-apartheid activist, advocating resistance to the South African regime. His father Walter an architect was denied the right to work by the government, Adelaine his wife who faithfully attended the Rivonia trial of Mandela and his colleagues was always tailed and harassed by the secret service. When the family eventually realized that their lives were at stake, they fled to Great Britain, where young Peter Hain soon distinguished as a young leader and politician. He became a member of Parliament and served in the administrations of both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, while never losing sight of his friend Nelson Mandela. Peter Hain almost singlehandedly opened the door for Mandela to plead his case not just to the colonial seat of power, but to the rest of the world. that these little known facts will Ifeasttrust stimulate your appetite for the larger of facts you need to know, in order that the legacies of Marcus Garvey, Dr. King, Malcolm X, Ghandi and Madiba (Nelson Mandela) become symbols and monuments of justice for all. has
an interview done in 1994, ManIn dela said, “when a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace.”
By CLIVE WILLIAMS
SAY YES TO THE HIV TEST
NASSAU COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 106 CHARLES LINDBERGH BLVD. UNIONDALE, NY 11553
FREE, CONFIDENTIAL 10 MINUTE HIV TESTING CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT (516) 227-9423 TESTING SCHEDULE Mondays: 2:00pm to 3:30pm Wednesdays: 9:30am to 11:45am
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"HE WILL LIVE FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS" -JACOB ZUMA PRESIDENT OF S.AFRICA
"WHEN A MAN HAS DONE WHAT HE CONSIDERS TO BE HIS DUTY TO HIS PEOPLE AND HIS COUNTRY HE CAN REST IN PEACE"
"A GREAT TREE HAS FALLEN"Chief MATANZIMA
1918-2013