Vol. 2 / Iss. 1 3.7.2012
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Austin-Area Urban League
Young Professionals O f f i c i a l Ne w s l e t t e r
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let t e r f r o m t h e p r es. – To Tell the Truth –
to recognize, understand and put into action. I’m speaking to the truth, history and legacy that lives in the concrete sidewalks we walk on and the buildings we sit in and yet remain anonymous or insignificant.
“I want to tell the truth,
I
not revise it, not erase it”
– Viola Davis
This is a lengthy newsletter, so this will be a short letter. In the proper context, the above quote are words to live by. As young professionals, as citizens, as passionate individuals we should have a burning desire to “tell the truth.” Now I am not referring to the biblical principle (though I do encourage that as well), but I’m speaking to the ability and responsibility we have to recognize the inconsistencies we see in our community, in education, in job development, in leadership and make sure we “tell the truth.” I’m speaking to the choices we have every day to be an advocate and participant, not a silent observer or sideliner. I’m speaking to the truth that rests in the hands of our generation
Austin-Area Urban League Young Professionals, peers, friends and community, let’s seek, find and tell the truth in 2012. God Bless, —Virginia Cumberbatch aaulyp president
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y p fac es m e m b e r s m a k i n ’ wav e s
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(1) Priscilla Suggs
Recognized by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for her work with the DFPS and the Charitable Campaign Fundraisers. (photo 1: 2nd from left)
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us
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Have something to celebrate or know of YPs doing big things in the community? share with us for next issue! Email us at aaulyp@gmail.com
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4
(2)Virginia
Cumberbatch + YP Volunteers Speaking and representing at the Austin Area Urban League 34th Annual Equal Opportunity Day Banquet Check out the photo recap here:
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(3) AJ Bingham
(4) Gregory Vincent
2011 Glossy Style Award Winner www.austin360.com
Honorary YP and AustinArea Urban League Board President Elect received the National Forum for Black Administrators 2011 Marks of Excellence Award See more here.
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health matters /“I’m so Cold, they call me Flu”
—by—
Christopher Howard, MBA, MPH
Protect Yourself in the Work Place this Winter immune system through healthy eating, exercise, and rest are also proven strategies in the fight against infection. The influenza virus can easily be spread through tiny droplets made when people cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the nose and mouth of people nearby and cause infection. Less often, a person might also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching
it’s flu season again, and there are some basic
things you should know to help protect yourself. The common cold is caused by an infection of the adenovirus or coronavirus, of which both have been known to have over 200 virus subsets. The common cold isn’t really seen a major health threat, and essentially labeled as a short term nuisance. Health professionals often say that there is no cure for the common cold because it’s difficult to develop a single vaccine that can effectively protect against so many different virus strands. In contrast, the flu is caused by the influenza virus which has very few subsets. The flu is classified as a respiratory infection and has been linked to cases of death.
their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose. Because of severity risks associated with the influenza virus, public health experts are very concerned over its ability to reach epidemic or pandemic levels in the population. Since the influenza virus is known to have very few subsets, scientists have developed a flu vaccine, which has proven to be more effective in reducing impact of infection compared to any of the methods mentioned above. It’s recommended that most individuals receive a flu vaccination each year; especially high risk groups such as children under the age of 5, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, individuals that suffer from severe and chronic illnesses, and professionals that work in the health care field.
Strategies for prevention are generally the same in the protection against cold and flu virus infections. Washing your hands frequently, not sharing drinking cups and utensils, and avoiding direct contact with individuals who sneeze are simple ways to protect yourself. Additionally, strengthening your
Cold vs. Flu
Know the Difference Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
SYMPTOMS
COLD
FLU
Fever
Rare
Usual-can be 100 to 102º or higher, lasting 3-4 days
Chills
Uncommon
Common
Muscle Aches and Pains
Uncommon or mild
Common – can be severe
Headache
Uncommon
Common – can come on suddenly and be severe
Feeling Tired and Weak
Sometimes – usually mild; you don’t feel tired
Common – can be moderate to severe; can last for 2-3 weeks. You can feel extreme tiredness that occurs suddenly
Coughing
Common – mild to moderate hacking
Common – can become severe and last for several weeks
Sneezing
Common
Sometimes
Stuffy Nose
Common
Sometimes
Sore Throat
Common
Sometimes
Chest Discomfort
Sometimes – can be mild to moderate
Common – can be severe
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No place like home /Whitney M. Young Leadership Conference Recap
—by—
Virginia Cumberbatch
issues, ideas and members. And while we were inspired by their individual accomplishments and methodology, we realized one thing --- There’s no place like HOME. Austin is one of a kind, and we are doing things right and well. So be encouraged. A year later and we’ve met amazing people, made a difference in lives and accomplished so much. I’m proud of being a part of the Urban League Young Professionals family, but more proud
In September myself and Vice President Howard
had the extreme pleasure of attending the Whitney M. Young Leadership Conference in Atlanta, GA. Joining 40 other chapters and 200 + members from across the country we were inspired, empowered, informed and left wanting to share all the valuable things we learned with all of you. Beyond all the things we learned, we were encouraged to continue the work we are doing in Austin to impact our generation and community. The YP chapters across the country are an amazing support system, each city and chapter with their unique
to be an Austinite. Check out some of the info, videos and photos below.
k e y t a k e-a w a y s > Go Local Get engaged at the local level with our political leaders to push important legislative issues
> Jobs, Jobs, Jobs help our community gain access to job training, skills and other resources to secure jobs
> Leadership As YPs we are leaders in training at any and all capacities. Continue to grow as leaders.
> We have a legacy to carry. Martin Luther King III and National Urban League President Marc Morial stressed the legacy that has been left to us and the responsibility we have to cont inue to impact our generation and community, and change lives. ______
Check out the recap video here
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stylewatch
—by—
/ Professional & Fashionable On A Budget
The YP Style Corner
f a ll f i n d s a n d f a b ul o s i t y I f t h e r e i s o n e t h i ng I ’ v e l e a r n e d f r o m m y pa r e n t s i t ’s t h at yo u c a n l o o k fa b u l o u s at a n y b u d g e t.
Growing up the second oldest of four, back to school shopping and summer duds always meant spending wisely and efficiently. But that was okay, because frugality did not negate being and looking fabulous! It meant knowing where to shop and what to look for. My pursuit of good finds, bargain deals and closet jewels has never ceased. From my back to school shopping as a child, and college wardrobe to my professional styling now days, my game plan has never changed. So if your looking to maintain your personal style, stay current, and most importantly be crowned office best dressed, without breaking the bank, I hope you’ll find my map to fabulous finds & bargain shopping helpful.
SHOES DSW *Nordstrom Rack *Neiman Marcus Last Call #Sole Struck
UNIQUE PIECES *Buffalo Exchange Next to New
BIZNESS STAMPLES
Tips to keep in mind
*ASOS Gap Nordstroms
How Not To Get Overwhelmed In Thrift Shops Or Bargain Places Like Ross & Marshalls: Go in with a game plan. Pick 1-2 items (ie shoes or dresses) that
FABULOUS FINDS
you need, and then choose to shop based on a color/print or shape.
*Ross *Marshalls Nasty Gal
Your eye will automatically be drawn to those things particular details, and you won’t waste time or frivolous energy searching through the masses.
How To Maximize Your Wardrobe: Make sure you are utilizing atleast 80% of your closet, if your not
BASICS Forever 21 Target *Urban Outfitters
its time to get rid of things. Make 3 piles, sell pile (make extra cash
(there’s a new UO on 2nd!)
professional duds for our National Day of Empowerment clothing
and clothes credit at Buffalo), donate pile (think of people you can give to or swap with) and AAULYP pile (don’t forget to save some drive).
JEWELRY
Make The Sale Rack Your Best Friend:
Fransesca’s New Bohemia
When shopping in stores like Urban Outfitters (which honestly can be a little over priced), head straight to the sale rack (rather on line or in the store), and make sure to time your shopping trip
DRESSES
1-2 weeks before the season ends (ie end of July or early August).
#Lulus #Modcloth
You’ll find those cargo pants and cardigans you loved so much, but now at a fraction of the price.
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culture notes
/Black Power and Chicanoism: A Mirrored Struggle
—by—
Virginia Cumberbatch
E x pl o r i n g b l a c k h i s t o r y m o n t h i n t h e l o n e - s t a r s t a t e
tire movement of Black pride, Black power and civil unrest was stirred by activists like Elderidge Cleaver, Latinos in the Southwest were creating a self-awareness and identify of their own, Chicanoism. Also engaging in the fight for civil rights, rights in education, jobs and social welfare.
As the formal US focus on Black History Month
(February 1-28/9) is upon us we seek to celebrate all of the people who have influence and history via the African Diasporas. Expanding the inclusively of Black History Month is often debated. But as a Latino studies concentrator in college, I’ve studied the intricate connections, necessary partnership and at times internal discrimination. As Texans or Texas residents the separation or acknowledgement is unavoidable. Texas has a complicated and at times perplexing history of civil rights, racial identification and social relationships and African Americans and Latinos/Hispanics are at the core of the narrative.
In hot spots like New York, California and Texas attempts for a unified fight were made. And yet, competition for the platform and resources also created issues of competition and resentment. Such resentment was seen in the most vulnerable forums of American society, neighborhoods, schools, and blue color jobs. And as we celebrate Black History Month, I begin to trace threads and patterns still visible today. How are these two important communities in our city, state and country reconciling our intertwined history and at times parallel present.
In the late 1800’s concepts of race and rights were in heavy debate, as Negros struggled with the idea of freedom from slavery yet, social and civil encampment, Latinos struggled to understand their place in a society that did not qualify
Further reading:
them as citizens. The understanding of racial identity was followed by decades of racial bigotry creating an unusual dichotomy of brotherhood and competition for resources in the urban ghettos of big cities like Houston and Dallas. In the 1960’s and 1970’s as James Brown cultivated an en-
Black and Brown Power blog Swarthmore College The Washington Post
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AMEN CORNER
Words to Read, Advice to Heed
Words About Leadership from a Great Leader — by bishop la wilkerson —
T h e s uc c e s s o f a n y g r e at
nation, government, business or family resides in the type of leadership that it is born out of. Good leaders provide direction, inspiration and motivation to those in their sphere of influence. However, a leader becomes “great” when his or her influence extends beyond the assigned sphere and permeated other arenas. Great leadership makes an investment in the establishment of legacy that will live for generations to come. Leadership is much more than a title in front of your name. It goes beyond being called a boss, a manager, or a supervisor. The heart and soul of great leadership has nothing to do with what people call you but has everything to do with what your influence commands other people to be called. A true test of great leadership is demonstrated by transforming followers into leaders. Leaders give birth to leaders. Servitude is the real qualification for leadership in any area. This is the best kept secret and the most avoided aspect of maturing leaders. It really is a misunderstood truth that being served by others is the path to becoming a great leader. Leaders don’t seek the opportunity to be served, but instead the opportunity to serve. A mindset to serve will cause the leader to be elevated to the position of being served after a period of time. Leaders lead and leaders serve. There are no shortcuts associated with the leadership lifestyle but the rewards of great leadership are also unprecedented. “Leaders that are willing to do what no one else will do, will have what others will never have or ever experience.” Leadership is a blessing and a gift from God that can be developed and perfected, but is a real responsibility too. Bishop LA Wilkerson is the presiding Bishop and Pastor of Agape Christian Ministries in Austin, Texas, and the author of two books “What’s Agape Got to Do with It” and “The Making of a Leader”
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y p gu est q + a Time to Get to Work “The purpose of the American Jobs Act is simple: to put more people back to work and more money in the pockets of those who are working.” — President Barack Obama, September 8, 2011 — by joel dreyfuss —
infrastructure bank to work on the nation’s infrastructure. We believe the president’s plan is a good plan but we would like to see a larger plan. s tat e s m a n :
W h y a s u m m e r jo b s p r o g r a m s p e c i f i -
c a l ly f o r yo u t h s?
A summer jobs program is an excellent idea we’ve been literally pounding our fists on the table for the last two years saying you’ve got to put young people to work — it’s going to help the economy — but also it’s a vote of confidence at a time when demoralization and disenchantment and alienation are on the rise. So we think that it’s a good plan. s tat e s m a n :
Austin American Statesman editorial writer (and mother of Hollywood beauty/talent Mehcad Brooks) Alberta Phillips sat down with our National President Marc H. Morial last week to discuss national and local issues regarding jobs and the economy. President Morial visted the Lonestar State capitol to headline the National Forum for Black Public Administrators Central Texas Chapter conference at the Omni Austin Hotel Southpark. Below are excerpts from the interview:
A
S tat e s m a n : D o
yo u
s u p p o rt
President
Yo u h av e a jo b s p l a n a n d pa rt o f t h at
i s i nc o r p o r at e d i n t h e p r e s i d e n t ’s jo b s b i l l . If i t c a n’ t g e t t h r o ug h C o ng r e s s, t h e n i t wo n’ t wo r k , right?
People say that the Senate didn’t pass the (president’s) plan. Let me say there was a majority of senators who voted in favor of the plan. The Senate is hamstrung by an antiquated parliamentary maneuver called the filibuster ... and it prevents important issues from being voted on (their) merits. So the president’s plan in my view has never been voted on, on the merits. The polling shows that a majority of people in the country support the president’s plan. There is something wrong with the political system when brinksmanship prevents important things from even being voted on, on the merits. Morial:
B a r ac k
Oba m a’s jo b s b i l l , a n d i f s o, w h y ?
It was good news for us when the president embraced the idea that he needed a comprehensive jobs bill and then introduced one in September. We have championed over the last two years two jobs plans. Morial:
S tat e s m a n: L e t ’s s w i t c h t o a l o c a l i s s u e . At t h e Au s t i n A r e a U r b a n L e ag u e t h e r e h a s b e e n a c h a ng e i n l e a d e r s h i p a n d a s h i f t i n t h e t r a d i t i o na l c l i -
We don’t believe rhetoric creates jobs — plans create jobs, programs create jobs, initiatives create jobs. So we embrace the president’s plan, and the president in fact included a number of our ideas in the plan: summer jobs for youth, direct job creation for teachers and first responders and the idea of an
e n t s s e rv e d by t h e U r b a n L e ag u e , w i t h a m a jo r i t y now b e i ng L at i no s. H ow d o t h o s e c h a ng e s a l i g n w i t h t h e nat i o na l U r b a n L e ag u e a n d i t s m i s s i o n? Morial:
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For us, what’s important is the mission. Our mission
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— C ontinued from p. 6— “Time to Get to Work”
ening its commitment to job training in the middle of a recession. It is about community colleges and universities, but it is more than that because the Urban League serves many, many people who are not prepared for college. They need a GED, they want an occupational skill, they want something less than college to get in the workforce. Job training is a worthy public investment. It is more productive than continuing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to invest in training people here for the jobs for tomorrow.
is to serve people. Across the Urban League movement we’re serving more Latinos and more white Americans, but across the Urban League movement, 75 percent of the people we serve are African Americans. So we embrace the fact that people in the Latino community and white communities come to us because we’re good at what we do. Our doors are open to all people who are socially and economically disadvantaged ... We’re one of the last free service providers. You don’t have to pay dues. You walk in, and if you’re a person in need, our programs are there for you.
Watch President Obama’s American Job Act Speech: http://www.whitehouse.gov/jobsact
s tat e s m a n : Wh at a r e s o m e t h i ng s c o m m u n i t i e s c a n d o t o r e s p o n d t o g l o b a l i z at i o n, t h e s h i f t i ng o f j o b s f r o m t h i s c o u n t ry t o c o u n t r i e s ov e r s e a s?
The National Urban League, its affiliates and Young Professional programs do not endorse or support particular candidates or parties, rather we support issues.
We have to embrace on one level globalization, that we are in a global economy and there’s nothing we can do that is going to stop the globalization of the economy. I do think there is a growing awareness that we have allowed a lot of good paying jobs to migrate abroad. But those ... manufacturing and productive capacities that have migrated abroad would not survive without the American consumer. Morial:
Have an event to promote? Want the YPs to get involved? To make a post in the next Young Prophet (Sept.) submit your request(s) to: vacumberbatch@gmail.com
s tat e s m a n : w h at c a n w e d o? We h av e t o l e a r n a b o u t o u r p ow e r w i t h o u r d o l l a r ; a n d o u r p ow e r i n h ow w e s p e n d, w h o w e s p e n d m o n ey with. We need a new awareness about how we spend our dollars in ways that are going to multiply for the American economy. The good news on that front are automobile sales by GM and Chrysler. Morial:
This is indeed a balancing act because American businesses also export a lot of things. My view of trade is about fair trade its not free versus unfree, it’s about fair and balanced trade. s tat e s m a n : w h e r e i n a l l o f t h i s s h o u l d t h e f o c u s o f t h e Ur b a n L e ag u e b e ? Our focus should continue to be on training people for good jobs, helping people achieve the skills that they need to compete in the economy. My big concern is about the nation less-
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getting involved
Sowing Into Austin
Here are some programs that YPs are supporting. So should you!
> African American Men and Boys Harvest Foundation
To all you YP males, this program is looking for you. The AAMBHF is a wonderful organization eager to combat this issues that often plague African American boys. If you want to mentor, help run workshops or just go a speak to a group of youth. Check out the info below: http://www.aambharvestfoundation.com/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBdOkY6P29Q Contact: Janice - janicemj@aol.com
> Big Brother, Big Sister Program
If you missed our last general body meeting, you missed seeing the powerful place BB and BS has here in Austin and beyond. While it’s a mentorship program, its more that that, it serves to inspire, change and save lives. The BB and BS program is Austin is in dire need of mentors willing to take on Middle School and HS students. To find out more visit: http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.deIELMOrGpF/closed.asp Contact: Violet Martinez - vmartinez@bigmentoring.org
> Glimmer of Hope
The heart and soul of A Glimmer of Hope Austin is the love and compassion it has for young people and senior adults who suffer from exclusion, social injustice, neglect, abandonment and educational disadvantages. I know as a YP you have the same heart. Become a Glimmer of Hope Angel by supporting their cause. For more information visit: http://www.aglimmerofhopeaustin.org/
> YP Career Mentorship Program
Starting in Each month, starting this September 2-5 YPs will be on call for YPs and community members to receive career advice. YPs and community members can contact the Career committee to set up one on one meetings to seek advice on resume, cover letter editing, mock interviews, advice on industry choices and appropriate interview attire etc. If you have expertise or a passion in helping people get to the next level in their professional lives, or just a wonderful writing skill set, then this is the place for you. Contact Nicole Harris - rashawn1031@yahoo.com
> YP Education Seminars
If you have a heart for the youth in the Austin community, seeing them move beyond HS, then help the YP Education/Political committee as they organize their education seminar series. The goal is to help educate HS Juniors, Seniors and their parents in some of Austin’s challenged High-schools on preparing for college. The first seminar to take place this September will focus on SAT/ACT prep. If you have expertise in college prep, are an educator or know people who are who would like to take part in this seminar, help us make a difference! Contact: Ricardo Zuvala - ryde008@yahoo.com Y
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YP reading list Check out some great reads on community engagement, politics, the economy and young professional culture. If you have a great article to share post it on our Facebook page. http://concreteloop.com/2012/01/video-oprah-examines-the-impact-of-roots-on-america-w-legendary-cast http://www.theroot.com/views/roots-more-just-miniseries?wpisrc=root_lightbox http://www.theroot.com/views/red-tails-guilt-trip-cinema?wpisrc=root_lightbox www.theroot.com/buzz/education-great-civil-rights-challenge http://www.clutchmagonline.com/2012/01/spike-lees-sundance-tirade-film-studios-know-nothing-about-black-people/
http://www.clutchmagonline.com/2012/01/5-tips-to-remember-on-your-next-interview/ http://www.clutchmagonline.com/2012/01/10-ways-to-buy-organic-without-breaking-the-bank/ http://www.theroot.com/buzz/are-public-schools-safe-black-children?wpisrc=root_more_news http://www.thegrio.com/entertainment/don-cornelius-suicide-should-stir-up-mental-health-debate-in-black-community.php
http://www.theroot.com/buzz/latino-list-reshaping-other-american
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bullet in events / Black History Month Recap /
/ ja n ua ry 1 6 /
/ february 4 /
MLK Day March
Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters’ First 100 Years
Engaging with the Austin Community in memory of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Learning from two amazing women - The story of the Delany Sisters as told through a play by Emily Mann. Produced by JR Cumberbach Productions.
/ f e b rua ry 1 3 /
SPECIAL GENERAL BODY MEETING: “Shades of Media: The History and Contemporary Presence of Blacks in Media”
/ february 18 /
History of Austin Legacy Tour Retracing the forgotten steps and impact of African Americans in Austin from Clarkesville to East Austin.
Follow-up on this conversation by tuning into KAZI’s Book Review, staying in the know by reading Texas Tribune, following @VictoriaAudele on Twitter and watching this year’s NAACP Image Awards Y
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bullet in events / Black History Month Recap /
/ february 25 /
African-American Heritage Festival The YPs came out to Huston-Tillotson University volunteers at the African American Heritage Festival. The vision of the festival’s founders 13 years ago was to organize a family-friendly community celebration noting the contributions and achievements of African Americans in Austin and beyond.
/ Upcoming Events / / March 30-31 /
/ Ev ery T uesday, starting feb. 25 /
Urban Music Festival
BizAid Business Orientation
http://www.austinurbanmusicfestival.com/
http://www.austinsmallbiz.com/WebCOE/new-sbdp-calendar.htm
The State Farm Austin Urban Music Festival is an outdoor family-oriented music festival held in the heart of Austin along the banks of Town Lake at Auditorium. This year the fest featured performances by Miguel, Melanie Fiona, VIC The King of Wobble, Babyface, Boyz II Men, and After 7.
BizAid Business Orientation provides a general overview to opening a small business or re-evaluating an existing business during its growth. This course provides information on where entrepreneurs can find assistance at the idea, start-up, and existing stages of their business.
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spec ial event
Stat e o f b la c k a m e r i c a Tune In:
What/ FREE Town Hall Event and LIVE Webcast Where/ Howard University, Cramton Auditorium, Washington, DC When/ March 7, 2012 @ 7:00 pm EST (Doors open at 6:00 pm with DJ Chubb E. Swagg) The National Urban League is set to release the 2012 State of Black America (SOBA) report at historic Howard University on March 7, 2012, launching a yearlong campaign, “Occupy the Vote to Educate, Employ & Empower” at a monumental Town Hall Event. The 2012 State of Black America report includes the Equality Index providing a statistical diagnosis of the status of Blacks, Hispanics, and Whites as well as essays by a host of political, business, and community leaders including Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, President and CEO of the National Urban League, Marc H. Morial, singer John Legend, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, entrepreneur and author Steve Stoute, and a host of others with prescriptions for the employment and education crisis facing the nation. With new voter ID laws and voting rights under attack, the 2012 State of Black America will inspire you to “Occupy the Vote” in this important election year. More info here:
http://www.iamempowered.com/soba2012
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