NEW YORK TREND Serving New York City, Nassau & Suffolk Counties
THE ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVE
NYC
February 18, 2016 - February 24, 2016
$1.00
newyorktrendnyc.com
VOLUME 27 ISSUE 6
Since 1989
CAMPAIGN GIVES AFRICAN AMERICANS OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE CULTURAL IDENTITY Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) recently commissioned Atlanta-based artist Keith Rosemond II to create six original illustrations depicting the African American experience. The personal stories were selected from #MyUntold, the company’s online-storytelling collection which provides the Wells Fargo will surprise the six storytellers with Rosemond’s original illustrations, and feature additional designs from Rosemond on debit and credit card designs through Wells Fargo’s Card Design Studio® service. “We’ve collected hundreds of stories through the #MyUntold campaign. People are genuinely moved by the opportunity to have their voices heard and become part of a movement that deepens cultural awareness,” said Lisa Frison, Vice President, African American segment strategy leader, Wells Fargo. “We continue to explore new ways to connect with communities in meaningful ways – and in this case we’re excited to support local artists like Keith to help us bring these rich stories to life in other mediums.” Rosemond has formal training as an illustrator and graphic designer from the Savannah College of Art and Design and has an appreciation for both traditional and contemporary art. According to the artist, he creates artwork that blends two great passions: spiritual growth and music. “I am honored to work with Wells Fargo to memorialize some of the inspirational #MyUntold stories,” said Rosemond. “The intersection of oral and visual storytelling is powerful and I’m proud that my artwork is associated with this program.”
• Look Up: mimics stained glass, with aspiration and optimism coming to life in a card design that represents an enduring will to live an inspired life and to inspire others. • Family Bonds: symbolizes the strength and unity that holds the African American family together. • Hip Hop Legacy: reflects the birth of a culture. The “boom-box” design celebrates the influence of hip-hop on all facets of American and global culture – from music, to dialect to fashion, and beyond.
Keith Rosemond II
“ People are genuinely moved by the opportunity to have their voices heard and become part of a movement that deepens cultural awareness.”
— Lisa Frison, Wells Fargo
One of the first featured storytellers is Ross Oscar Knight, who shared his struggles with overcoming cultural adversity and a speech disorder in grade school. “It was so embarrassing to explain my thoughts only to end up tripping over a pile of words,” said Knight in his #MyUntold story. Rosemond depicted Knight’s story through a pen-and-ink illustration of how a teacher helped him overcome stuttering with the gift of a disposable camera and an assignment to chronicle his daily life. This was a turning point for Knight who noted: “As I referred to the images as visual cues I was able to speak clearly! That’s when I fell in love with the transformative
power of photography.” Today, Knight works as an international photographer and speaker. “I’ve always enjoyed drawing inspiration from poetry and abstract thoughts, so hearing stories like Ross’ and having the opportunity to dig deep and find the underlying meaning was great. Through this experience and the #MyUntold platform I have learned that history is being written now and so many people have so many stories to tell,” added Rosemond. Wells Fargo also commissioned Rosemond to craft three original pieces for customized debit and credit card designs, inspired by the spirit of the stories on the #MyUntold platform. Designs include:
In celebration of Black History Month, customers can now order customized debit and credit card designs featuring exclusive art from Rosemond through Wells Fargo’s Card Design Studio® service. Customers with eligible debit and credit cards can simply sign on to wellsfargo.com to access Card Design Studio® (Untold Stories Collection category in the Image Library) and choose from one of three designs. “Great care went into developing each design,” said Candace McCullom, vice president, marketing program manager, Wells Fargo. “Our team worked closely with Keith to ensure the imagery celebrated very important aspects of African American culture. We are beyond excited to release the designs to customers, and grateful to extend the #MyUntold experience in an innovative way as the nation honors Black History Month.” For more information on the stories that influenced the art, or to share your story, please visit www.wellsfargo.com/ myuntold.
INSIDE T HIS IS SUE :
Education pg.5 PAGE 2 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
NewYorkTrendnyc
Blue Sky6EPIC pg.8 Page NEW GENERATION
February 18, 2016 - February 24, 2016
Page 11 BEYOND BEAUTIFUL www.newyorktrendnyc.com
NATIONAL HOME DEPOT ANNOUNCES ITS ANNUAL HBCU GRANT PROGRAM
This year, for the first time, the non-winning qualified schools who submit their applications and receive a minimum of 100 votes, will receive a $1,000 Home Depot gift card. To be considered, the HBCUs must submit a complete application by February 22, 2016. Online voting will take place from February 26 to April 24, 2016 at www.retoolyourschool.com. The winners will be announced on May 18, 2016, in Atlanta.
campus improvement projects to the nation’s HBCUs. Since the program’s inception, over one million dollars in grant money has been awarded. Last year, the Retool Your School Program was recognized in Washington, DC, by the White House Initiative on HBCUs during the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week. The Home Depot’s Melissa Brown, Senior Marketing Manager, was featured as a guest panelist during the week where other attendees included Vice President Joe Biden and former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “Retool Your School is a valuable program,” said Dr. Ivory Toldson, Executive Director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. “I know of no other program that focuses on sustaining our colleges by maintaining the physical space. This program provides very important funding that beautifies and enhances the physical needs of our HBCUs.”
The Home Depot’s Retool Your School Program was established in 2010 to provide support for
“Excitement builds each year for The Home Depot Retool Your School program,” says Melissa Brown.
have increased to $300,000 in grants for nine accredited HBCUs. The schools will be categorized in one of three clusters, based on student population. Each cluster will have three winners vying for one $50,000, one $30,000 and one $20,000 grant. The breakdown will be as follows: Cluster 1 will be based on schools with student enrollment of 4,000 or more; Cluster 2 will be based on schools with student enrollment of 3,999–1,251 students; and Cluster 3 will include schools with 1,250 students or less.
The Home Depot reaffirms its commitment to HBCUs by announcing its 2016 Retool Your School Campus Improvement Grant Program. Now in its seventh year, the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer utilizes the program to offer Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) the opportunity to apply for grants that provide sustainable renovations to their campuses. This year, the total winnings for the Retool Your School program
GOP ATTEMPTS TO BLOCK BUDGET HEARING
In response to President Barack Obama’s Fiscal Year 2017 budget request to Congress, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04), House Budget Committee Member and Ranking Member on the Financial Services Committee’s Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee, released the following statement: “I commend President Obama for putting forth a budget that prioritizes working and middle class families. I especially applaud his commitment to improving the lives of impoverished Americans. By modernizing the unemployment insurance safety net and proposing to strengthen the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, this budget reflects our values as a nation to help those in need. Our country demands a bold plan for the future and I truly believe the president’s proposed budget speaks to that call. “With an emphasis on combating the threat posed by ISIL, addressing NewYorkTrendnyc
international health concerns, and focusing on the growing problem of climate change, President Obama’s budget proposal is historic both in terms of the bold initiatives it undertakes and its global scope. But the president’s budget is also notable for an unfortunate reason. Last week, before the budget was even printed, my Republicans Budget Committee colleagues announced they would reject it and deprive President Obama of a hearing on his budget request. This is the first time in the Budget Committee’s history that such a hearing was denied to a sitting president.
“Each year, we continue to find ways to make it exciting for HBCUs to participate. Last year, we launched a new grant structure that allowed more HBCUs to participate and to feel comfortable competing among their fellow HBCUs within their student population range. This year, not only have we increased the total amount to $300,000, The Home Depot is offering a $1,000 participation award for qualifying entries.” During the online voting period, HBCU supporters can cast one vote per day for their favorite HBCU project. Following the online vote, a panel of distinguished judges will also evaluate each school’s project proposals within the qualifying brackets. Judges will consider the depth of each proposal and the school’s ability to execute the project within the specified budgets. Proposals for all three grants must highlight how each project will make a lasting, positive impact on the HBCU campus. For more information on The Home Depot Retool Your School Grant Program, visit www. retoolyourschool.com. Online voting will begin February 26, 2016.
‘NO MORE BROKEN HEARTS’ DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WORKSHOP School Board Vice Chair Dr. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall will host the 2016 “No More Broken Hearts” Domestic Violence Workshop on Saturday, February 20, 2016, 9.a.m., at Georgia Jones-Ayers Middle School, School at 1331 N.W. 46th Street, in Miami. The one-day workshop will provide information on domestic violence intervention and prevention and link residents with service providers. The workshop will include a conflict resolution and teen-dating violence tract for students facilitated by the Jonathan Spikes Foundation’s Affirming Youth and Urgent, Inc. Adult Panels titled, “Finding the U in You, What’s Love Got to Do with It: What is Domestic Violence, and How To Get Out,” will include discussions on intervention, prevention and education. More than 30 local organizations will be on hand to provide information and resources. Complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided. Individuals interested in attending the conference are encouraged to pre-register online at www.nomorebrokenheartsmiami.org.
“When I initially envisioned the 114th Congress making history, I hoped it would be attributed to our efforts to end gender and racial inequality and to help struggling Americans escape poverty. But thanks to our Republican counterparts, I fear the 114th Congress will now be remembered for its unprecedented disrespect toward our nation’s Commander in Chief and its embarrassing inability to govern. Needless to say, I share my constituents’ frustration over such petty partisanship.” Congresswoman Gwen Moore represents Wisconsin’s 4th District. February 18, 2016 - February 24, 2016
www.newyorktrendnyc.com
2
NEWS NAACP AND NHSA JOIN FORCES TO EMPOWER VULNERABLE FAMILIES
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the National Head Start Association (NHSA) have announced an historic joint initiative aimed at empowering the country’s most vulnerable families by facilitating voter registration, health care enrollment, and fair housing advocacy at Head Start centers across the county. Since its creation in 1965, Head Start has improved the lives of 32 million at-risk children and their families, laying the foundation for lifelong success. As the outstanding model for quality early learning, Head Start’s comprehensive, two-generation approach, including services such as home visits, health screenings, and improved nutrition, gets children ready for kindergarten and sets families on a path toward selfsufficiency. NAACP President and Head Start alumnus Cornell Brooks revealed the Memorandum of Understanding, which focuses on three core directives: • Voter registration: Organize voter registration drives at Head Start centers to provide
to gain training, set family and community goals, participate in councils at centers, and grow into positions of empowerment.
Head Start parents with crucial tools and information to bridge gaps in the voting process, including helpful resources such as voter guides with state-specific information on how to register and vote. • Healthcare / Affordable Care Act: Educate families and provide resources to the Head Start community to help families enroll for health care coverage and access critical medical care. • Housing Advocacy: Provide Head Start families with fair housing advocacy tools to help build a foundation for stabilizing the family and home, and ensuring the entire family is prepared and invested in their own lifelong success. “Head Start has long been the center of community and learning in neighborhoods across the country, providing the required resources to strengthen families,
communities and the well-being of our children,” said NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks. “This new partnership with Head Start is a natural extension of their commitment to educating and empowering families and the communities they serve.” Head Start’s benefits to building community – The existence of central center locations in the poorest neighborhoods where young parents can meet, socialize, and see one another helps create neighbors and neighborhoods. • Providing children early knowledge, nurturing and stability that readies them for kindergarten, instills love of reading, and phenomenal socialization skill development that hopefully expands beyond the walls of the center. • Creating opportunity/access to community services for parents and children. Parents are able
• Social Justice Imperative - In modern society, child care and Pre-K are considered basic needs for children, and often out of reach for struggling parents. Head Start and other programs help create a more stable and peaceful world that values education, self-direction and community that we must continue to cultivate. “We are proud to partner with the NAACP to open up the democratic process for Head Start families, and ensure access to critical health and housing opportunities,” said NHSA Executive Director Yasmina Vinci. “Head Start has always emphasized that parents are their children’s first teachers and a program’s most important partner. Expanding access to these resources is a crucial part of breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering families to achieve their own goals for education, employment, stability, and success.” Visit www.nhsa.org and follow @ NatlHeadStart for more information.
CON EDISON FILES ELECTRIC & GAS RATE PROPOSALS FOR 2017 would be the first increase in overall delivery rates in nearly five years for electric service and over four years for gas. In addition to stable delivery rates, customers have benefited recently from an overall decline in oil and natural gas prices, which have helped lower electric supply and heating costs.
Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (Con Edison) has filed rate proposals for its electric and gas delivery services beginning in 2017 to fund infrastructure investments that will give customers greater control over their electric usage and bills; improve service reliability, and help integrate new clean energy technologies into NewYorkTrendnyc
the grid. The company’s gas main replacement program will be accelerated, enhancing safety and facilitating conversion of oil heating systems to cleaner natural gas.
“We plan to implement a five-year smart meter modernization program that will reduce operating costs while significantly improving customer service and outage response,” said Craig Ivey, president of Con Edison. “The program also is a fundamental building block for incorporating customer-sited resources, like rooftop solar and other technologies, into the grid. The technology will give customers the tools to make economical and environmentallysound energy choices. Our investments in gas delivery also will enhance safety and support growing demand for natural gas.”
The company’s proposals, which would take effect January 1, 2017 subject to approval by the New York State Public Service Commission,
The electric rate proposal would be the first increase in Con Edison’s overall delivery rates since April 2012. The proposal would result in
February 18, 2016 - February 24, 2016
an overall average bill increase of 4.5 percent (9.5 percent on delivery). These percentage increases reflect a one-year rate plan. Ivey said the company’s primary goals are to build the infrastructure needed to continue providing safe and reliable electric and gas service to customers at a reasonable cost, while implementing new technology and promoting energy efficiency and renewables. He added that the proposed rate plans reflect Con Edison’s continued commitment to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively in dayto-day activities, as well as its efforts to address the state’s Reforming the Energy Vision (“REV”) initiative and changing supply resources. The filing outlines why certain investments are needed to maintain and further improve system operations, and to enable customers to participate more actively in the energy marketplace. Other planned investments, such as enhancements to the gas infrastructure, will make natural gas available to many more customers and benefit the environment. www.newyorktrendnyc.com
3
GUEST COMMENTARY
AFRICAN AMERICAN WISDOM SUMMIT 2016
By Terrie Williams The Terrie Williams Agency In recent times, it’s easy to experience heartbreak over the struggles facing our communities and our global family - even our own loved ones. Everywhere you turn, it seems you hear about (and sometimes even witness first-hand) violence, racism, corruption, planetary destruction, human rights abuses and more. And it can be difficult to know where to turn to find the inspiration, soul-powered practices and guidance we need to not only transcend these challenges, but to discover UNITY as well as great personal and collective healing. That’s why we want to invite you to a life-changing (and culturechanging!) free online gathering, the African American Wisdom Summit. I’m excited to be among visionaries, community leaders and cultural change advocates - including people like LeVar Burton, Dr. Cynthia James, Michael Sam, Nikki Giovanni,
Sonya Renee Taylor, Luisah Teish and so many others. To honor Black History Month in a truly unique way, African Americans and allies of every ethnicity are coming together to explore ways of addressing our history of injustice while also celebrating the positive steps being taken to create a society where EVERYONE thrives. I hope you’ll participate in this extraordinary FREE online event presented by The Shift Network. During this powerful monthlong gathering, we’ll cherish the unique flavors, traditions and spiritual wisdom that African Americans and others of the African Diaspora contribute to our society through wise leadership, profound artistry, words of truth and inspired actions that transcend what we believe to be possible. Join us to discover: • Ways you can become empowered to create change by using your heart, your voice and your connection with Spirit • Accessible, soul-powered practices you can use in your
daily life to support personal and collective healing • A deeper awareness of the African American experience and the unspoken power dynamics people of color face every day • Positive, inspirational stories of individuals making positive shifts (both large and small) despite facing racism • Self-care, creativity and other restorative practices that can help you sustain inspired action in social justice work • A fascinating look at the embodied, holistic, spiritual healing traditions of Africa and the African diaspora • Effective ways to integrate the wisdom that is naturally, organically and authentically within you and your community Now’s the time to ignite a great transformation that reunites our American family, fosters the healing of the past, and forges a more sacred future together. This extraordinary gathering is not only for African Americans, but for ALL citizens of the world who wish to be blessed,
transformed and bear witness to the flowering of real genius and great love from a people who have gleaned profound wisdom in the process of transcending a traumatized history.
WRITERS WANTED New York Trend and www.newyorktrendnyc.com is seeking contributors in the following areas: Finance, Entertainment, Politics, Business and Commentary. Send letters of inquiry to nytrendnyc@gmail.com. Incude in the subject: Writers.
NEW YORK TRENDNYC
Owner/Publisher Executive Editor Editor-in-Chief Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams
Online Editorial Director Rachel Breton Hamlett
Assistant to Publisher, Administrative Zoie Williams
Emeritus Office & Subscription Manager Sophie Taylor
International Correspondent Ann Brown
Social Media Zoie A. Williams Darwyn Lynch
Travel Editor Jim Weaver Contributing Editor Justin Williams Circulation Manager Robert L. Taylor Distribution/Advertising Darrel Murdaugh 4
NewYorkTrendnyc
Art Director Allison Burris
Writers Ezra Mechaber Deardra Shuler Jim Weaver Anastasia Williams Justin Williams Teresa Williams
NewYorkTrendNYC Catalogued and displayed in the U.S. Library Congress. New York Trend welcomes letters to the editor. 14 Bond Street, Suite 176, Great Neck, N.Y. 11021 Tel. (347) 956-1700 Fax (516) 626-3966 ISSN#1083-58 Email: NYTrend@aol.com Website: www.newyorktrendnyc.com “Like Us” on Facebook: www.facebook.com/newyorktrendnyc New York Trend is published by TTW Associated, Inc. which holds copyright to the content of this publication. ISSN: 1083-5822 Mail inquiries to: New York Trend NYC, 14 Bond Street, Suite 176, Great Neck, N.Y. 11021. New York Trend NYC is not responsible for the content of letters to the editor or opinions expressed by individual writers. New York Trend reserves the right to edit all letters to the editor. Photographs and manuscripts will not be returned.
VOLUME 27 ISSUE 6
February 18, 2016 - February 24, 2016
www.newyorktrendnyc.com
BUSINESS INTERNET-CONNECTED PIGGY BANK ENCOURAGES SAVING and is planning an official comprehensive media launch in the second quarter of 2016. The launch will include a national marketing campaign driving direct sales and brand awareness to lead toward a retail launch of the product in the second half of 2016.
Spiral Toys (OTCQB: STOY), a leading provider of mobileconnected, wireless entertainment technology, has introduced Wiggy™, a mobile-connected piggy bank for children. The product introduces the concept of saving at an early age by combining a toy piggy bank with an interactive mobile app and a linked bank account. Through the mobile app, parents, grandparents and other friends and family can securely deposit funds to a child’s bank account for birthdays and holidays, or to reward the child for great school grades and completing their chores. Wiggy incorporates the same Blue Tooth Low Energy (BTLE) technology that powers Spiral’s flagship CloudPets plush toys. The unique technology connects the Wiggy mobile app on popular mobile devices to the physical piggy bank which has the ability to light up with different colors, oink, and shake. “Wiggy will be the first product to link a piggy bank with a child’s banking account, making saving fun, engaging and rewarding for the whole family.” said Spiral Toys CEO Mark Meyers. “Wiggy will build on the success of our CloudPets line by offering a mobile-connected experience that teaches children important life lessons around earning and saving money.” Through the Wiggy app, parents can easily set up a reward system, where tasks and chores provide a way for a child to earn money. Money can be transferred from the parent’s bank account into their child’s account when they complete tasks and chores. Parents will also be able to invite friends and family to make deposits on any special occasion, like birthdays and holidays. The app allows children to check their bank account balance and set savings goals. Spiral has completed successful consumer field tests with Wiggy, NewYorkTrendnyc
“While with CloudPets we are monetizing our growing mobile user base with the sale of digital content, Wiggy expands our revenue model with a tremendous
opportunity to deploy mobile financial technology as seen with PayPal and Venmo, such as in money transfer and electronic payments,” noted Meyers. “In fact, we are currently in discussions with a number of financial and banking institutions regarding this new element of our platform.” Spiral Toys (OTCQB: STOY) is a California-based company with a business, founded by a former
senior executive of Disney and Sony, focused on developing and marketing products and mobile applications in the mobile-connected space. Spiral’s mobile-connected entertainment platform connects physical items to today’s top mobile devices through wireless technologies, creating a new kind of interactive user experience.
Find your pack.
Classes are free with membership. Dues as low as
29
$
.99per month.*
Studio Classes
Certified Personal Trainers†
Complimentary Health & Fitness Consultation**
Pool/Basketball Court
Strength and Conditioning Programs
Kids’ Club†
Cardio and Free Weights
Most Clubs Open 24/7
Join now at 24hourfitness.com *On select monthly payment memberships. Initiation fees and $39.99 annual fee apply. **This is not a medical examination. You should visit your physician for medical advice and whether you are healthy enough to commence a fitness program.†Additional fees apply. ©2015 24 Hour Fitness USA, Inc.
February 18, 2016 - February 24, 2016
www.newyorktrendnyc.com
5
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
VIDEOS HIGHLIGHT NEXT GENERATION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN LEADERS
In celebration of Black History Month and as part of its ongoing commitment to inclusion and diversity, Union Bank produced a series of unique videos featuring powerful examples of how history makers from our rich past inspire younger generations to forge new pathways. To view the videos, please visit unionbank.com/blackhistory.
The videos highlight three uniquely talented African American luminaries whose achievements are breaking new ground in the areas of art, medicine and entrepreneurialism: Desmond Blair, Tony Hansberry and Tristan Walker, each share stories of eminent figures from the past that have served as an inspiration to pursue their own dreams. Desmond Blair Desmond Blair’s passion for art began as a child. He spent most of his childhood focusing on learning various traditional media. Blair was born without both hands, but he has not let that interfere with his artistic ability and passion for art. Blair attended Dallas Skyline High School to study advertising design. After graduating at the age of 16, Blair attended the University of Texas at Dallas where he pursued a career in art and technology. It was here that he continued to hone his traditional abilities and transfer them to digital mediums. In the fall of 2007, Blair returned to the University of Texas at Dallas to pursue his MFA in art and technology. He currently teaches a course in 3D Modeling for Computer Animation as an adjunct professor at UT Dallas.
His inspiration is Lois Mailou Jones, an accomplished African American artist who began her career at a time when racial prejudices and gender discrimination were strong in American culture.
Born with what some may call a disability, Desmond uses art to inspire and demonstrate that in his words IMPOSSIBLE means I’M POSSIBLE. Tony Hansberry II As a ninth grade student at Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts, Hansberry embarked on a project that gained national and international recognition. Through collaboration with administrators at the Center for Simulation Education and Safety Research (CSESaR) located at Shands Jacksonville Hospital, he developed a sewing technique to reduce the risk of complications and simplify the hysterectomy procedure for less seasoned surgeons. Hansberry is currently a fourth year chemistry major and biology minor student at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University. He plans on pursuing a Master of Public Health degree and attending medical school to become a trauma surgeon. The source of his inspiration is Dr. Keith Black. Dr. Black’s pioneering research has focused on the treatment of brain tumors, and he has devised two innovative methods for treating brain cancer.
Tristan Walker Walker is the founder and CEO of Walker & Company Brands, a health and beauty products company aimed at meeting the needs of the African American community. He has received numerous recognitions, including: USA Today “Person of the Year” in 2014; one of Ebony Magazine’s “100 Most Powerful People”; Vanity Fair’s “Next Establishment”; Fortune Magazine’s “40 Under 40”; AdAge “Creative 50”; The Hollywood Reporter’s “Digital Power 50”; and Black Enterprise’s “40 Next.” A valedictorian graduate from Stony Brook University, Tristan also earned an MBA from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. “Cultivating a culture that celebrates diversity is an area that Union Bank is proud to support. The videos highlight the importance of looking to our cherished past to find inspiration in others who sought to break down barriers and helped pave the way for future generations,” said Union Bank Multicultural Strategies Manager Frank Robinson. “The young men featured in the videos are a testament to how our African American community is truly making a difference in how we shape our future.” The succinct two-minute videos tell powerful stories of how heroes and history-makers from the past serve as inspiration for future generations. In 2015, the bank’s Black History Month video campaign earned a Multicultural Excellence Award from the Association of National Advertisers.
WELCOME TO THE LARGEST PUBLIC COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE NORTHEAST
On World Cancer Day (WCD), the Circle of Promise California Initiative hosted a launch of the “Rewrite Our Story Campaign” and in honor of Black History Month. The Initiative invited African American women to participate in the global WCD celebration and join the effort to spread the message of “We can. I can. Make the Promise” to take action to be proactive about their breast health by adopting the 4 core health messages – 1) Know Your Risk; 2) Get Screened; 3) Know What is Normal for You; and 4) Live a Healthy Lifestyle. This effort strives to promote early detection, increase the survival rate, and change the outcome of what happens to African American women diagnosed with breast cancer, hence “rewriting our story”. The Campaign builds upon the messaging of WCD and encourages African American women to “make the promise” to be proactive about their breast health and encourage 10 women in the circle to do the same. Those 10 women will get 10 women in their circle to do the same, and so on. The “Rewrite Our Story Campaign” is a social media initiative, and all women can join the campaign by visiting the Circle of Promise California Initiative’s Facebook page. The campaign engages women to Take Action by doing the following:
APPLY NOW!
ENJOY SUMMER@CITY TECH!
10 WEEKS. 3 SESSIONS. 1 CAMPUS.
COMPLETE UP TO ONE YEAR OF STUDY IN THREE MONTHS www.citytech.cuny.edu/directadmission
1) Print out the “Promise Pledge” from the Circle of Promise California website 2) Write a personal message about what you will do in your promise to “rewrite our story” on the back side of the pledge. 3) Take a photo of you with your pledge and your promise message and post it on your social media pages. 4) Tag Circle of Promise California in your social media post 5) Join the Circle and invite your friends to do the same. This campaign will engage African American women in the fight against breast cancer, increase breast health self-awareness, breast cancer screening behavior, and promote the importance of early detection so that we can change the outcome and prevent African American women from dying unnecessarily from breast cancer. Currently, the breast cancer survival rate for African American women is 41% lower their Caucasian counterparts. The campaign also aims to encourage and empower African American women to overcome their fear associated with mammograms, know their risk factors, and to feel safe talking about breast cancer and breast health among themselves, their families, and within their communities.
NEW YORK CITY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
CITY TECH WH ER E C AN TEC H N O LO G Y TAKE YO U ?
300 Jay Street • Brooklyn, NY 11201 www.citytech.cuny.edu/facebook
718.260.5500
For more information, please visit www.CaliforniaCircleofPromise.org
6
NewYorkTrendnyc
February 18, 2016 - February 24, 2016
www.newyorktrendnyc.com
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
TIMES SQUARE BILLBOARD HIGHLIGHTS PUBLIC AWARENESS EFFORT In conjunction with Black History Month, the lights above Times Square in February will beam the National Urban League’s message that every child deserves an excellent and equitable education. “A high-quality education is a civil and human right,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “In our continuing fight to prepare every American child for college, work and life, we’re giving special recognition during Black History Month to our Equity and Excellence Project. In addition to the announcement in world-famous Times Square, we’ll be sharing our message on radio and in magazines to encourage people across the nation to get involved.” The National Urban League’s Equity and Excellence Project supports national and state advocacy, engagement and education reform efforts throughout the Urban League Affiliate Movement and with other civil rights organizations. The Urban League’s Equity and Excellence message is being shown on an electronic billboard in Times Square, on 43rd Street and Broadway, until April 30. Messages can also be found in USA Today’s Black History Month Special issue, on the websites for News One and Hello Beautiful, and on the following radio programs through February: Tom Joyner Morning Show,
EXHIBITION - AMERICA: THE LEGACY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN PUBLIC SERVICE The year 1619 marked the beginning of the slave trade in the Thirteen Colonies, but the first African American elected to office in the United States of America has been documented as early as 1768.
Ed Lover Show, Yolanda Adams Show, Russ Parr Morning Show, Al Sharpton’s Keeping It Real, Nightly Spirit Show, and Willie Moore Show. “The goal of the Equity and Excellence Project is to strengthen the ability of the civil rights community to effectively advocate for educational reform and accountability through engagement in local, state and national education reform efforts,” Morial said. “Ultimately, we want to see all students succeed.” The program spotlights seven areas of focus related to the Urban League’s historic mission: • E arly Childhood Learning & Education • E quitable Implementation of College and Career Ready Standards
• I mproved access to high-quality curricula and effective teachers •C omprehensive, aligned and transparent education and employment data systems •O ut-of-school time learning (emphasis on expanded day and summer learning) • E quity and Excellence at scale •C ollege Completion & Attainment “Black History Month is not only a time to celebrate the achievements of the past, but to inspire future achievements,” Morial said. “The next generation of leaders is our most precious resource, and we are determined to give them every opportunity to soar.”
Despite slavery, prejudice and Jim Crow laws, America has seen numerous influential African American leaders who shaped the social, legal, and justice systems. Artists in this exhibition offer broad interpretations on the theme of African Americans in public service. America: The Legacy of African American Public Service celebrates noted government officials, as well as activists and members of the public who dedicated their lives to the greater good of the people. This exhibition is presented by NYC Parks Ebony Society. Arsenal in Central Park, 3rd floor 830 Fifth Avenue, NYC FREE Event Organizer: Art & Antiquities (212) 360-8163
DONALD HARRISON QUINTET BRINGS NEW ORLEANS TO BLACK HISTORY MONTH FESTIVAL
International jazz artist and founder of Nouveau Swing Donald Harrison (back row, third from left) recently performed for more the 4,000 NYC school children at the Con Edison-The Town Hall Black History Month Festival. Con Edison Strategic Partnerships manager Alton Murray (back row, second from left) welcomed everyone. After the show, students from P.S. 284 – The Lew Wallace School in Brooklyn (front row) joined Harrison and ensemble members (below wearing traditional Madri Gras costumes). The dazzling show was filled with blends of jazz, modern R&B, second-line, hip-hop, Mardi Gras Indian tradition and reggae rhythms. The show represents the 19th consecutive Town Hall-Con Edison partnership celebrating Black History Month with free performances for schoolchildren
NewYorkTrendnyc
February 18, 2016 - February 24, 2016
www.newyorktrendnyc.com
7
TRAVEL
COZY UP TO PHILLY’S NEW RESTAURANTS WELLS FARGO SEEK VETERANS WITH DISABILITIES
8
NewYorkTrendnyc
On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets
FOR “WARRIORS TO SUMMITS” EXPEDITIONS
Eligible veterans invited to apply through March 4
made up of Warriors to Summits alumni. Participants from 2014 Mt. Whitney, 2015 Gannett Peak, and this year’s Wind River Range, and Presidential Range expeditions are all eligible to apply to be a part of San Juan Mountain Range team. Warriors to Summits is one of many experiences No Barriers Warriors offers to empower veterans with disabilities to overcome barriers and unleash their potential. This year, Warriors to Summits will serve more veterans than years past through these series of backcountry expeditions across the United States, a first for the Warriors to Summits experience.
No Barriers Warriors and Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) are seeking veterans with disabilities for the Warriors to Summits 2016 Expedition Series. Teams will embark on three separate, but equally grueling expeditions. Participants will push their boundaries through these transformative journeys while reflecting on their past, recognizing where they are now and developing a vision for their future.
This is the third consecutive year Wells Fargo has teamed up with No Barriers Warriors through its sponsorship of Warriors to Summits. “We’re excited to once again join forces with Wells Fargo, double the number of veterans we serve and continue to transform veteran’s lives through the No Barriers Life,” said John Toth, Director for No Barriers Warriors. Wells Fargo’s sponsorship continues to focus on supporting veterans with disabilities, and the communities around them.
Eligible veterans can apply for one of three epic expeditions: Expedition I: June 11 – 17, Wind River Range, Wyoming
“The goal of our sponsorship is to help empower veterans,” said Jerry Quinn, Wells Fargo Military & Veterans Program Manager. “Together, we will be able to serve more wounded veterans directly, and significantly impact those around them, including their caregivers, fellow veterans, and their communities.”
Expedition II: July 9 – 15, Presidential Range, New Hampshire Expedition III: October 1 – 10, San Juan Mountain Range, Colorado Note that the San Juan Mountain Range expedition will have the first team solely
Tickets Start at $15!
Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability.
FEB. 25 – MAR. 6 Buy Tickets: ticketmaster.com 800-745-3000 Venue Box Office 346987
There’s nothing like a new restaurant to chase away the winter doldrums, and Philadelphia boasts a wonderfully fresh lineup of eateries to explore this season. From the new Italian bring-your-own-bottle spot from celebrated chef Townsend Wentz to a newfangled diner on Jewelers’ Row to a hipster hoagie joint, there are no shortage of must-adds for the dining to-do list. Here are just a few of the exciting additions sure to lure diners out of the cold: Northern Liberties, Fishtown & Kensington: • Kensington’s Martha brims with new ideas. The expansive bar a focus on sour beers and a menu of hoagies on locally commissioned bread. 2113 E. York Street, (215) 867-8881, marthakensington.com • Local bagel shop Philly Style Bagels with its new Fishtown storefront. They boil the signature small batch dough in Yards beer and serve up the manageably sized rounds with spreads and in sandwich form alongside Counter Culture Coffee. 1451 E. Columbia Avenue, phillystylebagels.com • A growing chain, Travinia Italian Kitchen brings sophisticated and saucy dinner and lunch fare to Fishtown. 1000 Frankford Avenue, (267) 687-2020, traviniaitaliankitchen.com Old City, Society Hill & Queen Village: • Nobody does seafood like Mike Stollenwerk. The chef’s new BYOB 26 North showcases his inimitable ways with seared diver scallops, pastrami-spiced mahi mahi and skate wing over truffled spaetzel. 26 N. 3rd Street, (267) 2395900, 26northbyob.com • Founding father Alexander Hamilton serves as historic inspiration for Old City’s The Little Lion. A former bank building sets the stage for Southern-style eats. 243 Chestnut Street, (267) 273-0688, thelittlelionphilly.com • South American grilled meats at Malbec Argentine Steakhouse. Headhouse Square’s newest white tablecloth dining room also serves Argentine versions of Italian dishes. 400 S. 2nd Street, (215) 515-3899 • The Cubano melts, gyros and country fried chicken sandwiches on Suppa’s menu now have a shop to call their own. Queen Village’s Samwich caters to lunch lovers with these and other comforts. 600 Catherine Street, (267) 457-5977, timeforsuppa.com Washington Square West: • The owners of Opa take a decidedly American tack with Craftsman Row Saloon. The Jewelers’ Row spot serves up-market versions of diner food from lunch through late-night dinner. 112 S. 8th Street, (215) 923-0123, craftsmanrowsaloon.com • Michael Schulson, the chef behind hit culinary/social spots Independence Beer Garden and Sampan, opened Double Knot. Featuring a bar, coffee and retail space on the first floor and a sushi bar and restaurant downstairs. Right next to Sampan and its backalley Graffiti Bar, the new venture is an all-day affair. 120 S. 13th Street, (215) 600-0714 • The Zavino crew goes beyond pizza with Tredici Enoteca, serving up contemporary spins on Italian fare, plus a thoughtful selection of wine. 13th & Sansom Streets, (267) 928-2092, tredicienoteca.com Rittenhouse Square: • Australian Joe has its g’day at Bluestone Lane Coffee. The Radisson Blu Warwick Hotel-based outpost of a New York chain offers Niccolo Coffee beans in drinks, plus Aussie edibles like avocado smash toast, jaffle sandwiches and Lamington cakes. 1701 Locust Street, bluestonelaneny.com • Three Philly food trucks (Street Food Philly, Taco Mondo and Say Cheese) join forces for
the all-star Revolution Taco. 2015 Walnut Street, (267) 773-8120, therevolutiontaco.com Logan Square & Fairmount: • The cuisine at lauded chef Townsend Wentz’s new Fairmount BYOB A Mano takes inspiration from pan-regional Italy. Expect Northern dishes in the winter, Southern dishes in the summer and handmade pastas all year long. 2244 Fairmount Avenue, (215) 236-1114 • Urban Farmer put down roots in the new Logan Hotel. The all-day steakhouse menu features a wide range of meats with fun embellishments. 1850 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 963-2788, urbanfarmerphiladelphia.com Point Breeze: • Buckminster’s brings local “neo-bistro” cuisine to Point Breeze. That means lots of regional cheeses and seasonal fare. 1200 S. 21st Street, (267) 928-3440, buckminstersphl.com West Philadelphia: • The newest gathering spot comes courtesy of the team behind Strangelove’s, Local 44 and Coeur. Clarkville is a neighborhood bar with intriguing pizza and shareable plates. 4301 Baltimore Avenue, (215) 387-4992, clarkvillephilly.com • The quality in fast casual Herban Quality Eats means natural meats, fiber-rich whole grains and virgin oils. 3601 Market Street, (267) 2818920, herbanqualityeats.com Beyond Philadelphia: • Vietnamese hoagie lovers have a new destination in chef Chad Rosenthal’s Banh Street. The Abington storefront takes a whimsical approach with the The Auto Bánh, The Bánh Appetit and The Bánh Jovi. 1062 Tyson Avenue, Abington, (267) 626-2698, banhstreet.com.
February 18, 2016 - February 24, 2016
#RinglingBros
Ringling.com www.newyorktrendnyc.com
HEALTH
HEALTH DEPARTMENT RELEASES REPORT ON HEPATITIS B AND C IN NYC
The Health Department today released a new report detailing the city’s hepatitis B and C surveillance, research, and programmatic activities in 2014. The “Hepatitis B and C: Annual Report of Activities, 2014,” which can be found on the agency’s website at nyc.gov/health, highlights the following trends: • Number of new acute hepatitis B (Hep B) infections decreased to 57 in 2014 from 69 in 2013. There have been no cases of acute Hep B among children and teenagers for several years, likely because of successful infant and childhood vaccination strategies. • The number of new chronic Hep B infections remains stable at 7,459 cases. Two-thirds of people newly reported with chronic Hep B were 20 to 49 years of age. • The number of New Yorkers newly reported with chronic hepatitis C (Hep C) infection increased from 6,822 to 7,691 from 2013 to 2014. Of those newly reported with chronic Hep C in 2014, 53 percent were born between 1945 and 1965.
• The number of Hep C-related deaths in NYC increased 46 percent from 1999 to 2013. The Health Department estimates that the number of Hep B-related deaths remained stable. “This new report outlines the agency’s surveillance efforts and the incredible community and provider work that the Viral Hepatitis Program has done in 2014,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “We are making great strides in preventing new Hep B infections in New York City, but thousands of people are newly diagnosed with Hep C each year. The Health Department will continue to dedicate needed resources to tackle this disease effectively.” “People with Hep C do not have symptoms until decades after they were first infected, so it’s easy for the disease to be ‘out of sight, out of mind’,” said Dr. Jay Varma, Deputy Commissioner for Disease Control. “Hep C often causes liver cancer, the sixth most common cause of cancer deaths in the US, and one of the few cancers for which death rates are increasing. But this can be prevented; there are highly effective treatments for Hep C. Now is the time for all New Yorkers that may be at risk – especially baby boomers – to ask for the Hep C test and if they test positive, to be linked to care and treatment. With new and improved treatments now available for Hep C, a cure is possible. The financial support provided by the City Council is an essential component to
HEALTH SERVICES EXECS TO HOST “THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE” PANEL
the city’s overall strategy to Hep B and C infections in New York City.” “This report provides incredibly helpful data that will help our City greatly in its effort to combat hepatitis B and C,” said Council Member Corey Johnson, Chair of the Health Committee. “These diseases have long affected the most vulnerable New Yorkers, particularly low-income and immigrant communities. By compiling data on new cases of hepatitis B and C, the top causes of infection, relevant demographic information gives us the tools we need to beat back these diseases. I would like to thank Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for their excellent work, as well as my colleagues Council Members Margaret Chin and Peter Koo for working with me to pass the legislation that mandates these crucial reports.” “Project INSPIRE has increased access to effective patient-centered HCV care for over a thousand patients in the Bronx,” said Dr. Alain Litwin, Professor of Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. “Project Inspire is a brilliant concept that has synergized with our existing programs to allow us to treat and cure many more people than we could have otherwise,” said Dr. Douglas T. Dieterich, Director, Institute for Liver Medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Starting in 2014, New York City Council funded Hep B and C patient navigation
Christie Grays
The National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) South Florida Chapter will host “The Future of Healthcare” panel on Monday, February 22, 2016. This enlightening event will take place at the Sheraton hotel located at 1825 Griffin Road, Dania Beach, FL 33004. Networking starts at 5:30 p.m. and the program will follow beginning promptly at 6:30 p.m. The cost to attend the event is $50 for members and $65 for non-members. “We are so excited to host this panel and engage health services executives from all over the U.S.,” says Christie Grays, NAHSE South Florida Chapter President. “This is a big deal for the South Florida chapter as we are expecting well over 100 attendees at this event.” Kevin Lofton, CEO of Catholic Health Initiatives, will serve as Keynote Speaker for the event. Ralph Lawson, CFO of Baptist Health South Florida
NewYorkTrendnyc
The National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE) is a non-profit association of Black health care executives founded in 1968 for the purpose of promoting the advancement and development of Black health care leaders, and elevating the quality of health care services rendered to minority and underserved communities. NAHSE’s purpose is to ensure greater participation of minority groups in the health field. Its basic objective is to develop and maintain a strong viable national body to more effectively have input in the national health care delivery system. It has provided a vehicle for Blacks to effectively participate in the design, direction and delivery of quality health care to all people. Individuals interested in attending the event may RSVP on Eventbrite. For more information about the Future of Healthcare panel, contact Christie Grays at ChristieDG@ baptisthealth.net.
The report highlights differences in Hep B and C new reports across the city. For 20132014, the neighborhood with the highest rate of newly reported chronic Hep B was Sunset Park (605.8 per 100,000 people). The majority of Hep B-positive women who gave birth in 2014 resided in Brooklyn (44 percent), followed by Queens (30 percent). For 2013-2014, the neighborhood with the highest rate of newly reported chronic Hep C was East Harlem (190.1 per 100,000 people). Staten Island had the highest rate (34.7 per 100,000 people) of newly reported Hep C in people 0 to 29 years of age. Effective January 1, 2014, New York State law mandates that health care providers offer a Hep C screening test to all patients born in 1945 to 1965, as well as follow-up care or referral for those identified as positive.
GLIMMER OF HOPE FOR THE OBESITY CRISIS? Laurie Demeritt, CEO of The Hartman Group. “This is a huge shift in self-awareness and in willingness to accept stigmatized terms like ‘obese’ as personal labels. When individuals accept that they have a problem like obesity, it forms the platform for actual behavioral change.”
and Dan Westphal, MD, CMO of Broward Health will serve as panelists. In addition, the panel will be moderated by Kim Griffin, Advisory Partner of Deloitte & Touche LLP. The Future of Healthcare panel is brought to you by several generous sponsors. Broward Health is the presenting sponsor. In addition, Deloitte is a gold sponsor and Positive Healthcare Partners and Legacy are patron sponsors.
services at community health centers and harm reduction programs citywide. These programs served 2,471 patients in FY2015, providing outreach, prevention, health coaching, linkage to care and care coordination services. In FY16, nearly $975,000 has been allocated towards community health centers to improve treatment for Hep B and C, enhance prevention services, and provide training to health professionals. City Council also funded the Empire Liver Foundation to provide clinical capacity building to improve providers’ ability to treat and care for Hep C at medical facilities throughout the city.
By Laurie Demeritt, CEO The Hartman Group Acceptance of being overweight is greater today than in 2010 as Americans increasingly see themselves primarily responsible for their own weight, although belief in the role of genetic predisposition is significant and growing. Most Americans continue to be overweight, with a substantial minority being obese (32 percent) or extremely obese by CDC standards. Yet consumers’ views on being overweight are changing. The latest report from consumer trends experts The Hartman Group, Weight Management & Healthy Living 2015, found there is greater acceptance of being overweight as a society than in the 1950s, when modern dieting culture began. Since most American adults are overweight today (63 percent), being “heavy” is now the social norm and much less stigmatized than in the past. The new enemy for consumers is obesity, not simply being overweight. “Over the past ten years, overweight and/or obese Americans have come to accept their weight status as defined by the CDC,” said
February 18, 2016 - February 24, 2016
Over half of U.S. consumers (56 percent) are trying to lose weight, and the Weight Management & Healthy Living report found that consumers continue to see themselves as primarily responsible for their own weight and are more holistic in approaches to managing weight. More than eight in ten consumers (85 percent) say they are solely responsible for their own weight. “Optimizing one’s health, especially as one ages, is a primary driver of weightmanagement behavior,” said Demeritt. “As a result, we have evolved from a weightmanagement culture of purely crash dieting to a culture more open to permanent dietary alterations along with a set of lifelong healthy guardrails.” While Americans increasingly see themselves as responsible for their own weight — almost nine in ten consumers (88 percent) agree with the statement “I am personally responsible for choosing the right foods, not manufacturers” (an increase of five percentage points from 2010) — the belief in the role of genetic predisposition is significant and growing as well. More than one-third of consumers (38 percent) say that genetics is behind their current weight — an increase of eight percentage points from 2010.
www.newyorktrendnyc.com
9
ENTERTAINMENT
TYRESE CONTINUES HIS COCA-COLA LEGACY AS AMBASSADOR
Six time Grammy-nominated R&B singer, author, philanthropist & internationally renowned film star Tyrese Gibson joins Coca-Cola to help inspire and empower teens to strive for their highest potential through the 2016 Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program. Building on the program’s five years of success, the Company will now
offer up to 25 students a chance to win a $5,000 scholarship and a trip to the second annual CocaCola Pay It Forward Academy. Now through March 31, parents, relatives, friends and mentors may nominate an aspiring teen for the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program by visiting www.coke. com/payitforward.
said Racquel Harris Mason, Vice President, Coca-Cola and Coke Zero brands, Coca-Cola North America. “His support of education and passion for mentoring truly reflect the goals of the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program and we’re honored to partner with him as we work to empower the next generation.”
school teens may also nominate themselves. Potential winners will be selected and notified on or around June 20. Each winning student will receive a $5,000 scholarship to assist with his/her pursuit of higher education and a 3-day trip to the Coca-Cola Pay It Forward Academy. Nominations must be received by March 31.
“I have long recognized the importance of helping young people reach out to grab their dreams,” said Gibson. “Returning to Coca-Cola, the place where I got my start, brings my story full circle and offers me another opportunity to help inspire, motivate and give back to our youth. Because it’s not lonely at the top if you help someone else get there.”
The Coca-Cola Company invites all communities to help teens achieve their aspirations by: nominating an eligible teen for the 2016 Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program; becoming a mentor; and/or donating to an academic scholarship. Share ways you are paying it forward and join the discussion on Twitter, using #CokePayItForward.
Gibson’s foundation recently awarded a $50,000 scholarship to a Compton teen to assist with his pursuit of higher education. His foundation, #TheLoveCircle, focuses on empowering youth.
The Coca-Cola Pay It Forward program is open to high school students, grades 9-12 (nominees must be 13 by June 3), and the moms/guardians who love and support their academic and philanthropic endeavors. Nominators must be 13 years of age or older. Eligible high
In 2015, the Academy’s inaugural program hosted 22 teens and their moms/guardians. Attendees spent a jam-packed weekend in mentoring and Q&A sessions with notables such as Big Tigger and Judge Glenda Hatchett. The students also participated in breakout workshops on such topics as the importance of a personal brand, how to prepare for higher education and ways to manage finances.
“The Coca-Cola Company has had a long relationship with Tyrese and he’s a part of our family,”
Some of last year’s winners will be featured in the 2016 CocaCola Pay It Forward program marketing materials and on www. coke.com/payitforward to help give encouragement and advice to potential new nominees.
TV ONE LAUNCHES NEW BRAND IDENTITY
Building on a strong legacy, TV One, the network dedicated to Black viewers, is introducing a new brand promise to REPRESENT the best of Black culture and entertainment – past, present and future. During the network’s live telecast of the 47th Annual NAACP Image Awards which were held on Friday, Feb. 5, 8 p.m. ET, TV One was re-presented to viewers in a bold, new way. The look, feel, design, as well as the network’s new tagline, “REPRESENT” reiterated the channel’s commitment to truly offer the most engaging Black entertainment experience.
“We have a vision of the future that can only be achieved by defying expectations. Our new brand identity will underscore the importance of re-presenting and re-imagining ourselves to our viewers with a call to action that will catapult us into the future in a fresh new way,” said Brad Siegel, President of TV One. “From representing black greatness with our live telecast of the 47th Annual NAACP Image Awards, to being on the forefront of news issues in the Black community with News One Now, to new original reality and scripted series 10 NewYorkTrendnyc
of how we are finding and elevating new voices and talent.”
The Next: 15 and Here We Go Again, our goal is to raise the bar on entertainment offerings reflecting the beautiful and strong diversity within Black culture.”
because they know what it means to represent as a single-word statement. Within ‘represent’ is the word ‘re-present’ and this is also a core part of our brand promise.”
“We are committed to delivering on what consumers are demanding and what is missing in entertainment – a more balanced representation of stories and black images that exist in today’s culture,” said Lori Hall, SVP, Marketing when asked why TV One chose “REPRESENT” as its new tagline. “Distilled into one word, we are able to signal to viewers everywhere that we are authentic, not contrived, honest and real. It is a fresh new brand promise people can believe in
“We will put great stories first, connecting and entertaining through emotion,” said D’Angela Proctor, SVP, Original Programming and Production. “We will be brave with our storytelling, elevating new voices and investing in people who have something to say. We will deliver on programs our audience craves and deserves. Our first-ever Change Agents: History in the Making short films and our American Black Film Festival Screenplay Competition are perfect examples
February 18, 2016 - February 24, 2016
In addition to a comprehensive creative overhaul of the network’s on-air and off-air brand elements, such as the tagline, logo, promos and its website, TV One is dedicated to producing highquality, well-rounded Black content across a variety of genres. From signature series (Unsung, Unsung Hollywood), popular reality series (Hollywood Divas, Rickey Smiley For Real), highly-rated true crime series (Fatal Attraction, For My Man, Justice By Any Means), original comedies (Born Again Virgin, Here We Go Again), daily news (News One Now), to original movies (The Miki Howard Story, Definitely Divorcing) and specials (47th Annual NAACP Image Awards, Triumph Awards), the network remains committed to producing and developing a robust and impressive slate of smart and entertaining original programming. TV One’s upcoming programming is also available on the network’s companion website at www.tvone.tv and viewers can join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@tvone) www.newyorktrendnyc.com
B MICHAEL PARTNERS WITH MACY’S FOR RUNWAY SHOW
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY ANNOUNCES “BEYOND BEAUTIFUL” INITIATIVE Entertainment Weekly announced today a multi-media campaign, “Beyond Beautiful,” celebrating the accomplishments from four of Hollywood’s most revered actresses. The program launches with this week’s “Beyond Beautiful” themed issue of Entertainment Weekly, February 5th issue which featured Reese Witherspoon, Eva Longoria, Kerry Washington and Elizabeth Banks in an unfiltered discussion about changing the conversation regarding what women can and can’t do. Whether it’s producing, directing, designing clothing lines or building an empire one Instagram at a time, these four stars get remarkably candid in an exclusive print and video roundtable interview with EW Senior Writer Nicole Sperling.
Macy’s partnered with couture and ready-to-wear designer B Michael to produce the first b Michael America runway fashion show at this year’s NAACP Image Awards luncheon, which honors the nominees of the 47th annual NAACP Image Awards which was held at the Langham Hotel in Pasadena, CA. Actress and singer Brandy Norwood, known for her work on “Moesha,” “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer,” and “Cinderella,” will walk in the fashion show. B Michael previously dressed the star for her media junkets during her run in “Chicago” on Broadway and also collaborated with her costume designer on her new series for BET, “Zoe Ever After.”
“I was inspired by the #AskHerMore movement—the idea that a woman on a red carpet is more than a compilation of designer gowns and jewels,” says Henry Goldblatt, Editor of Entertainment Weekly. “So we asked Reese Witherspoon to grace our cover with some of her multi-hyphenate friends, including Eva Longoria, Kerry Washington and Elizabeth Banks, to talk about their accomplishments, risks, mistakes—and the current #OscarsSoWhite controversy.” The program will kick off with the “Beyond Beautiful” cover and will be amplified across
Time Inc. brands including PEOPLE, People En Español and Essence, leading a new dialogue during awards season. As Goldblatt explains, “Let’s move beyond the surface to discover what’s really on these women’s minds as they navigate fame and Hollywood.” By having a diverse group of accomplished actresses come together to share their perspectives and experiences, Entertainment Weekly hopes to encourage and empower women across the country.
Following a panel discussion, the fashion show featured social dresses from the b Michael America Red collection, available exclusively at select Macy’s stores and on macys.com, and close with several pieces from his couture collection. “I’m proud to be a part of the NAACP Image Awards luncheon and celebrate the exemplary works by the undeniably talented nominees who work so hard to promote diversity in the arts,” said B Michael. “It’s an honor to dress Brandy again for the fashion show, and I’m grateful to have the continued support of Macy’s, which has been such a valuable partner.” Known for designing dresses for icons such as Whitney Houston, Lena Horne, Cicely Tyson, and Valerie Simpson, B Michael launched his ready-towear collection b Michael America Red at Macy’s in 2012 to reach a broader audience. The easy-to-wear collection, which ranges in price between $225 for dresses to $650 for gowns, offers a contemporary spin on the designer’s signature haute couture style, resulting in a simple yet sophisticated look. “Macy’s is extremely excited to be a part of the NAACP Image Awards luncheon with B Michael, who is such an inspiring talent and leader in the fashion community,” said Louis Mastrogiacomo, Macy’s Executive Vice President and general merchandise manager of ready-to-wear. “We look forward to our continued partnership and the success of b Michael America Red at Macy’s.” NewYorkTrendnyc
BEYONCE THE FORMATION WORLD TOUR 2016 CITIFIELD,NYC JUNE 6 & 7 Coming off of a flawless Superbowl performance, Beyonce announced her ‘FORMATION’ World Tour at Citifield, Flushing, N.Y. Tickets are now on sale. February 18, 2016 - February 24, 2016
www.newyorktrendnyc.com 11
12 NewYorkTrendnyc
February 18, 2016 - February 24, 2016
www.newyorktrendnyc.com