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newyorktrendnyc.com VOLUME 26 ISSUE 36
U.S. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION INVESTS IN BALTIMORE BUSINESS CENTER
The National Urban League, already set to attract $4.2 million in economic impact to the city of Baltimore with the National Urban League 2016 Conference, has announced the creation of a Greater Baltimore Urban League Entrepreneurship Center that will generate at dozens of jobs and generate millions of dollars in contracting and bonding opportunities.
“Entrepreneurship is one of the most fundamental elements of economic self-sufficiency,” Morial said. “Particularly in communities of color, small businesses have always played a critical role as job creators and wealth generators.” The U.S. Department of Commerce awarded a $300,000 U.S. Economic Development Administration grant for the development of a new Entrepreneurship Center. The program will train and advise smallbusiness owners and entrepreneurs who were affected financially by the recent unrest. “The enthusiasm, initiative and drive that motivates entrepreneurs are the fuel for driving Baltimore’s economic growth,” Greater Baltimore Urban League President and CEO J. Howard Henderson. “We need to do everything we can to support their innovation and ambition, as the jobs they create and economic activity they generate leads to more stable and resilient communities.” “Rebuilding and strengthening Baltimore’s economy not only will help create family-sustaining jobs, but rebound, but it will
Since 1989
was selected August for the 2016 Conference, expected to attract 13,000 attendees and fill 6,000 hotel rooms.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce Jay Williams speaks at the podium during a press conference in which he joined Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and National Urban League CEO Marc Morial (right) in an announcement of a $300,000 U.S. Economic Development Administration grant to the Urban League to develop a new entrepreneurship center in Baltimore. Photo: Barbara Haddock Taylor / Baltimore Sun
“ Entrepreneurship is one of the most fundamental elements of economic self-sufficiency.”
—Marc H. Morial, President, NUL
provide new opportunities that will ultimately make it stronger and more resilient in the future. I applaud the Urban League for its efforts to support local businesses
and build a brighter future for the people of Baltimore.” The grant is the second major economic development boon to be announced since Baltimore
Baltimore is the 13th Urban League affiliate to launch the Entrepreneurship Center Program,” Morial said. The others are in Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL, Cincinnati, OH, Cleveland, OH, Jacksonville, FL, Kansas City, MO, Los Angeles, CA, New Orleans, LA, Philadelphia, PA, Houston, TX, Washington DC and Las Vegas, NV. “Last year, our Entrepreneurship Centers served nearly 11,000 business owners, helping to create or save more than 1,170 jobs and procure $73,765,728 in new contracts and financing,” Morial said. “We look forward to a similar success here in Baltimore.” The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment in order to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities. Founded in 1910 and headquartered in New York City, the National Urban League spearheads the efforts of its local affiliates through the development of programs, public policy research and advocacy. Today, the National Urban League has 95 affiliates serving 300 communities, in 35 states and the District of Columbia, providing direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people nationwide. To learn more about the National Urban League, visit www.nul.org and follow us on Twitter @NatUrbanLeague.
INSIDE T HIS IS SUE :
Education pg.5 PAGE 4 CHILDREN YES OR NO?
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NATIONAL
CHASE OFFERS NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESS LOAN FUND
VEDC and JPMorgan Chase & Co. today announced a new lending program for African Americanowned small businesses in New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. The National African American Small Business Loan Fund will boost economic opportunity for minorityowned businesses in these cities and help them serve low-income communities by providing them with greater access to capital, technical assistance and financial consulting. JPMorgan Chase Foundation has contributed a $3 million grant to help VEDC reach its goal of creating a $30 million loan fund. Facilitated by VEDC, a California 501(c)3 Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), this new Fund will provide financing for businesses across all industries. By providing the initial $3 million grant to seed the Fund, JPMorgan Chase is helping VEDC support small businesses that are a critical source of jobs and economic opportunity in their neighborhoods, but may be creditimpaired and unable to qualify for traditional capital. Without access to sustainable financing, these businesses may miss a growth opportunity or risk closing their operations. “As a direct small business lender and a leading intermediary of SBA loan programs, VEDC has a 39-year track record of providing business services to small businesses in low-and middleincome communities and especially in communities of color,” said Robert Barragan, President and CEO, VEDC. “Approximately 20 percent of our existing portfolio serves the African American community. With JPMorgan Chase’s seed funding, we
‘African Americans are the fastest growing segment of small business owners.” look forward to helping more small businesses in our effort to further narrow the lending gap.” Currently, there are 268,000 African American-owned small businesses in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles – making them among the top cities for African American-owned small businesses. With ownership of approximately 1.9 million, 7 percent of small businesses nationwide, African Americans are the fastest growing segment of small business owners.1 However, business loans to African American entrepreneurs have yet to rebound since the economic downturn in 2008. To address this need, the National African American Small Business Loan Fund will provide short and long-term loans. Loan sizes will vary, but the average loan will range from $35,000 to $250,000. The JPMorgan Chase grant will allow the National African American Small Business Loan Fund to provide loans and technical assistance and establish a loan loss reserve. This
reserve will allow VEDC to expand its lending criteria to New York, Chicago and Los Angeles small businesses that traditionally did not qualify for a loan. “African American small business owners have identified flexible capital as a critical resource for growth, but they face a shortage of this kind of support,” said Janis Bowdler, Head of Community Development for Global Philanthropy, JPMorgan Chase. “CDFIs like VEDC provide small businesses with the consulting and financing they need to grow their operations and often serve as a bridge to traditional bank loans down the road. We’re proud to partner with VEDC on this new fund, which will increase access to the capital and assistance that African American entrepreneurs need most.” Businesses receiving financing will be able to use the capital to expand, finance equipment, address shortterm cash flow needs and provide contractor lines of credit. The Fund will also provide small business loan
recipients with technical assistance such as networking, marketing, business plan development and financial consulting. Eligible small businesses must be majority-owned by African Americans. NOTABLE STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT “This new lending program will be another critical piece in our ongoing efforts to promote small business development and entrepreneurship in all Chicago communities, and particularly those that have traditionally lacked access to capital,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “By investing in Chicago’s minority-owned businesses, VEDC and JPMorgan Chase are showing the power of the private sector to help cities tackle some of our biggest challenges.” “African American-owned small businesses are vital economic engines in Los Angeles, and when they are empowered, our communities have new doors open to them — opportunities that they both need and deserve,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “We expect great things from this fund, and thank VEDC and JPMorgan Chase for their commitment to addressing this great need.” “These small businesses are the heart of our neighborhoods,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. “They put people to work and create opportunity for families to make their way up the economic ladder. We are excited to partner with JPMorgan Chase and our fellow cities to support and grow African-American small businesses.” Interested small businesses in New York, Chicago or Los Angeles can learn more about eligibility by contacting VEDC at (212) 231-4310.
CONGRESSWOMAN INTRODUCES YOUNG ADULTS SAFETY ACT
Upon the introduction of the Young Adults Safety Act, Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI-04) released the following statement:
“We’re seeing a growing pattern by cities across the country to use 2 NewYorkTrendnyc
driver’s license suspensions as a means to punish those who fail to pay a municipal debt. Often, these penalties have nothing to do with traffic infractions or poor driving
behavior and are imposed against those who have yet to even reach the legal driving age. These suspensions disproportionately impact minorities, including young African American males. According to one report, in 2011, African Americans received 69% of failure-to-pay suspensions in Milwaukee County. For young people, one of the dire consequences of such additional barriers to having a driver’s licenses is that, at a key part in their life, it can limit education opportunities, job opportunities and the ability to gain critical work experience. “This alarming trend inspired me to introduce the Young Adults Safety Act, which would provide the capacity to help develop model programs to help lowresource teens and young adults
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acquire a driver’s license or regain their license after a suspension. Make no mistake: Those with a flagrant disregard for public safety don’t belong behind the wheel. This bill aims to develop and implement strategies to address the many barriers that low-income youth encounter in their efforts to obtain a license and drive legally. I can tell you firsthand that a valid driver’s license can be a means — and in some cases the only means given service cuts experienced by public transit systems in Milwaukee and nationwide — to find gainful employment and thrive. I ask my congressional colleagues to pass this piece of legislation to help make our local roads and highways safer while empowering our constituents to build a brighter economic future for themselves and their families.” www.newyorktrendnyc.com
IN THE NEWS
‘CITY IN THE COMMUNITY’
PROVIDES FITNESS, SPORTS AND ACADEMICS
As part of New York City FC’s ongoing commitment to community initiatives, it’s recently established charity foundation, City in the Community (CITC), has partnered with The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office which has awarded CITC with funding to expand their Saturday Night Lights (“SNL”) initiative. SNL seeks to reduce youth violence and increase successful completion of schooling for kids who live or go to school in Manhattan by providing, free of charge, at-risk teens with safe recreational spaces and better access to academic resources and opportunities. City in the Community provides soccer programming for SNL and through their work with the DA’s Office, the SNL soccer program has expanded to additional sites, operating at full capacity for two nights a week, including an all-girls program. The ongoing success of the program, which started in 2011 with just one program, has prompted Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. to announce its expansion to 17 programs across Manhattan in 2016. New York City FC Director of Community Development, Paul Jeffries, said: “City in the Community is thrilled to play an integral role in the Manhattan DA’s expansion of the Saturday Night Lights program.
Through the SNL soccer program we provide after school tutoring, character education, and physical activity for over 200 kids a week. We have seen young people graduate from the program and go on to be assistant coaches and leaders who give back to their local community. As we help expand this program, we are proud to provide these opportunities to more kids across our City.” New York City District Attorney, Cyrus R. Vance, said: “The belief that a crime prevented is far better than a crime prosecuted resulted in the creation of Saturday Night Lights – the cornerstone of my Office’s diversion and crime prevention programming. Programs l like Saturday Night Lights not only build trust between community members and law enforcement, but give at-risk teens a safe place and healthy environment during the hours when violence is most prevalent in their neighborhoods. This cost-efficient, crime fighting strategy has impacted the lives of thousands of teens across Manhattan, and we will now be able to help thousands more in the coming years through our expanded initiative.”
TEACHERS RALLY TO END SEPARATE AND UNEQUAL SCHOOLING More than 3,000 public school teachers came together in Foley Square on Wednesday at the “Teacher for Equality” rally to demand an end to education inequality, representing a growing movement of teacher-activists calling for excellent schools for all children in New York City schools. Before the rally, teachers held a press conference on the steps of City Hall calling on Mayor de Blasio to provide high-quality charter school options for the 478,000 students currently trapped in a separate and unequal system of failing schools. Teachers from a wide range of geographic, personal and professional backgrounds spoke to the crowd of 3,100 in Foley Square, and many detailed their experiences in highperforming charter schools. Teachers spoke of how a quality education helped students from disadvantaged backgrounds reach their full potential, but lamented that these opportunities were still walled off for 478,000 New York City children trapped in persistently failing schools. “As educators, it’s our responsibility to fight for our kids. But it’s also our responsibility to fight for the kids who aren’t in our classrooms,” said Chantal Zuniga, a teacher at Coney Island Prep Charter School in Brooklyn. “Because unless we do, no one else will.”
According to a recent study on educational mobility by Families for Excellent Schools, A Tale of Two Schools, 478,000 students (90% of color, 89% living in poverty) in a separate, unequal, and effectively segregated set of 850 schools are consistently trapped in low-performing schools, with only a fraction able to escape and attend a quality school. The number of students locked in this inferior school system is bigger than the entire school districts of Dallas, Washington DC, and Boston combined. “I know I can’t fix education inequality on my own. But when I look out over this crowd, I feel powerful,” said Sibo Wang, a teacher at Success Academy Charter School. “We are teachers from all across this city, and we’re united in one goal: to give every child the education they deserve.” Teachers at the rally said they were standing in solidarity with families locked out of high-quality charter options. During the press conference at City Hall, teachers also argued that the Mayor and special interests were playing politics with students’ futures. “As teacher-activists, we need to take a stand for every child in New York City,” said Sierra Green, a teacher at Girls’ Prep Bronx. “Mayor de Blasio – this means you. We will not stand any longer for separate and unequal New York schools.”
For a full list of SNL sites and programming under the expansion, or to enroll a child, visit the Manhattan DA’s website: http:// manhattanda.org/
LONG ISLAND AFRICAN AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, INC. FEATURED ON WABC’S HERE AND NOW in the New York tri-state area. Continuing in the legacy of Like It Is and the illustrious career of Gil Noble and hosted by an Eyewitness News talent, this program focuses on the latest news stories that are impacting the black community. The show offers a new platform for leaders and experts to voice their opinions, concerns and plans. Here and Now takes an in-depth look at both national and local stories of interest.
The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. appeared on WABC’S Here and Now on Sunday, November 8, 2015 WABC Here and Now is a weekly one hour program, airing on Channel 7, that’s dedicated to covering the issues and interests of the African-American community NewYorkTrendnyc
The show’s mission is to broadcast stories, at length, that are both important and interesting to the black population. In addition to recent news stories, affecting the black community, the show includes a variety of ongoing discussions including; the economy, education and the latest health issues. Experts
along with other guests, appear on the program to share information and provide their personal stories.
Here & Now showcases new and established businesses and business concepts that benefit AfricanAmericans and others. The show also celebrates the lifestyles of blacks living in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, by offering features on celebrities, performing arts, restaurants and the latest fashion trends. Visit http://abc7ny.com/hereandnow/ and type in Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. after November 8, 2015 (date of initial airing of show.) The Mission of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., is to advance and promote economic
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development for business, and to advance responsive government and quality education on the behalf of all small businesses, with emphasis on African Ancestry, while preserving the Long Island community”. Long Island means the New York State counties on Nassau, Suffolk, Queens and Kings. A Chamber of Commerce is one of the most well-known and recognizable organizations in the country chartered to stimulate business in local and regional areas where they are designated to serve. For more information regarding membership, corporate sponsorship opportunities, or to be placed on the Email list of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. us today at info@liaacc.org or call 347-475-7158. You may also log on to www.liaacc.org for online membership or to contact the chamber.
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GUEST COMMENTARY HOW MUCH DO WE LOVE AND WANT CHILDREN?
By Dr. Jim Penman
Our society makes the killing of babies a criminal act, while the killing of unborn children is merely a medical one. Many people might consider this distinction to be quite arbitrary. But either action is less likely if we value children more
Claims that Planned Parenthood clinics have sold the organs and tissues of unborn children have caused widespread revulsion, and re-opened the debate about abortion. This debate is usually phrased as ‘pro-life’ versus ‘pro-choice’, which is an question of ethics. But I believe behind this lies a question of psychology: how much do we love and want children? The evidence is that in recent times, we want them less and less. One hundred and fifty years ago, when abortion was a despised and criminal act, populations were growing fast. Today, with abortion legal and supported by government, the birth-rate has dropped below replacement level in every developed country except Israel. But the fall in birthrate started more than a century ago, long before the legalization of abortion or even the invention of the Pill. The rise of abortion is best seen as a result of the fact that we do not value children as much as we used to. As a society we lean towards economic explanations for behavior, and in some ways this makes sense. People are guided by money in their choice of job. Thus, while tax accountant or actuary might not be most people’s first career choice, society manages to find enough of them to fill its needs. Women also tend to be drawn to men with money, which is why Cinderella wanted to marry the prince rather than the local dustman. But money has less impact on family size. In fact, wealthy societies tend to have fewer children than poorer ones, and this is not just a feature of the modern world. In late Republican Rome, the birth-rate plummeted while Romans enjoyed the wealth and luxury gained by conquest. The Emperor Augustus savagely scolded his nobility for their failure to breed (with little effect, it must be said). In Imperial China, wealthy scholar-gentry families tended to decline after two or three
“ We have children because we want them.”— Dr. Jim Penman generations, both through loss of work ethic and from having too few children. So why have people ceased wanting children? Laboratory research may provide the answer. Over the past eight years my research team has been investigating the effects of mild food shortage on rats. This has a wide range of effects on physiology and behavior, such as making them more active and exploratory. They also, and very significantly, become more interested and effective mothers, spending more time with their young and doing much better at gathering them back into the nest. Our research suggests that the most important age for this effect is late childhood and adolescence, basically from age 6 to 18. An illustration of this is the effects of the Great Depression, a distinct period of blight in a century of growing prosperity. The people who passed late childhood and adolescence in this period became the parents of the
baby boom, from the late 1940s to the early 1960s. Fortunately, science suggests that economic blight is not the only way to achieve this result. Restricting sexual activity has a similar effect to food shortage, such as in reducing testosterone. The same applies, we believe, to a number of other behaviors associated with religion. Thus it is that people who faithfully follow demanding religious traditions tend to have more children. Examples from the modern world include Mormons and Hasidic Jews. Utah, for example, has the highest birth-rate of any American state, well above replacement level. Faith has always been linked to love of children. Nothing more enraged the prophets of Israel than the sacrifice of children to idols. Jesus loved children, and famously rebuked those who would keep them away from him. The early Christians rescued and raised babies that had been abandoned at birth, a common practice in the ancient world and not considered illegal or even wrong. In fact, the Spartan state might demand that parents expose a newborn child, if it did not appear strong and healthy.
The most obvious way to achieve this would be through a revival of religious faith and practice. But science might be able to provide some assistance by immunizing people against the bad effects of too much wealth. The experiments of my research team have shown that it is possible to restore healthy maternal behavior in rats without making them hungry. In another experiment treated rats were far less interested in alcohol, which suggests a possible treatment for drug addiction and other blights of our wealthy urban societies. With some investment in research, science might be able to limit if not eliminate the scourge of abortion. I started having children while working as a gardening contractor, supporting a wife and in rented housing, with barely a cent in the bank. The reason was that I loved children and wanted a family as soon as possible. To date I have ten. Children are, to me, an enormous joy, which no new car or expensive holiday could match. We have children because we want them.
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.
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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) 551-1545 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.
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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
KEKE PALMER RELEASES “I DON’T BELONG TO YOU”
Keke Palmer has released the highly anticipated record and visuals for her song, “I Don’t Belong To You”. She delivers a sexy, sultry performance, yet displaying youthful sophistication. Keke’s soulful vocals and empowering lyrics are reminiscent to a time where cinematic story telling was the standard. With cameos by Cassie & Power’s Rotimi. Executive produced by Keke, directed by Mia Swier and Jim Swaffield, lyrics: Keke Palmer and Natalie Sims, music producer: London On Da Track.
SECOND ANNUAL ‘DINE OUT FOR HEROES’ EVENT IN NYC The Bob Woodruff Foundation (BWF) announced today the upcoming launch of the second annual ‘Dine Out for Heroes,’ a dining event experience benefitting BWF. Following the success of last year’s one-day-only event, ‘Dine Out For Heroes’ will extend to five days for the worthy cause, running Monday, Nov. 9 through Friday, Nov. 13, across New York City. The Bob Woodruff Foundation is the nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that post-9/11 injured service members, veterans and their families thrive long after they return home. Restaurants wishing to take part will give a contribution, which supports the mission of the Bob Woodruff Foundation and provides restaurants with a number of exciting benefits. Some of this year’s participating restaurants include Michael Jordan’s The Steak House N.Y.C., Gallaghers Steakhouse, The Smith, The Lambs Club, BLT Steak & BLT Prime, Jane Restaurant, RedFarm Hudson, and Tribeca Grill. ‘Dine Out for Heroes’ (#Dine4Heroes) will coincide with the annual Stand Up for Heroes event in NYC. Stand Up for Heroes is a collaboration between BWF
and the New York Comedy Festival (NYCF) and has raised more than $26 million to date to support injured service members and their families. Since its inception in 2007, Stand Up for Heroes has featured performers such as Louis C.K., Stephen Colbert, Jim Gaffigan, Ricky Gervais, John Mayer, Conan O’Brien, John Oliver, Jerry Seinfeld, Jon Stewart, Bruce Springsteen, Robin Williams and more. Now in its ninth year, Stand Up for Heroes will kick off the 2015 NYCF, Nov. 10. “Dine Out for Heroes is an easy, enjoyable way for New Yorkers to honor the sacrifices of our brave men and women in uniform,” said Bob Woodruff, ABC News correspondent and co-founder of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. “We are extremely grateful to participating restaurants for helping us ensure that injured veterans and their families have the resources they deserve.” The Bob Woodruff Foundation is also partnering with American Express as a sponsor of this year’s ‘Dine Out for Heroes’ program. ‘Dine Out for Heroes’ plans to uphold its mission to “Dine. Donate. Honor.
Heal,” by raising money and awareness for the organization. With 140 restaurants having participated in its first year, ‘Dine Out For Heroes’ hopes to unite even more restaurants and members of the New York community to join the movement in 2015. ‘Dine Out for Heroes’ is spearheaded by Peter and Penny Glazier, founders of The Glazier Group of restaurants with Caroline Hirsch and Andrew Fox, founders of the New York Comedy Festival, and Bob and Lee Woodruff, cofounders of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. “The inaugural ‘Dine Out For Heroes’ was a huge success. We were overwhelmed with the amount of support received from patrons,” said Penny Glazier and Caroline Hirsch. “We look forward to welcoming new NY restaurants and community members.” Together, these efforts will continue to honor the sacrifice of returning service members, veterans and their families by offering support in the effort to heal the physical and psychological wounds of war. To date, BWF has invested more than $28 million in more than 260 programs nationwide.
TONI BRAXTON & HER SISTERS TOGETHER FOR
F
CHRISTMAS!
or the first time in 25 years, Toni Braxton and her sisters, Tamar, Tawanna, Trina and Tracy are releasing a new Christmas album just in time for the holidays. The idea for this album has been in the works for several seasons of ‘The Braxton’s’ reality TV show. We saw Traci storming out while they attempted to work on a joint album and the rest of the sisters getting mad at Tamar for trying to take over. Still, they looked like they worked it out and the Christmas sangin’ is on the way. The album is called BRAXTON FAMILY CHRISTMAS on Def Jam Recordings. The sisters are singing some original songs like “Under My Christmas Tree” and “Every Day Is Christmas” as well as classic covers, such as “This Christmas” and “O Holy Night.” Braxton’s brother, Michael Braxton Jr., will also join his sisters. This album is sure to be a hit!
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MUSIC
PHARREL GOES TO SCHOOL Pharrell Williams was recently named Artist in Residence at Tisch School of the Arts at New York University in New York City. Pharrell’s first event was a retrospective of his career.
WE’VE GOT LOVE! The title of Babyface’s 10th studio project is Tender Lover. The singer/ songwriter/musician’s breakthrough sophomore set spun off four R&B/ pop crossover hits, including “It’s No Crime” and “Tender Lover” (both No. 1 R&B), plus “Whip Appeal” and “My Kinda Girl.” Return of the Tender Lover will feature eight new original tracks. “I have been blessed to experience a lot of love in my life,” said Babyface in a release announcing the single and album. “It is the greatest gift in life, and I feel blessed to share that universal message through my music.” Earlier this year, Babyface and Toni Braxton won a Grammy for best R&B album for the pair’s duet album, Love, Marriage & Divorce. The 2014 Def Jam set, Babyface’s first new studio project in almost seven years, yielded the Adult R&B No. 1 hit “Hurt You.”
AUGUST ALSINA CO-DIRECTS TRAILER FOR “SONG CRY”
Set to be released this year on NNTME/Def Jam Records is the sophomore effort from BET’s 2014 ‘Best New Artist’ August Alsina titled ‘This Thing Called Life’. Following up on the socially conscious “Hip Hop” and the Lil Wayne assisted “Why I Do It”, Alsina teases his new single “Song Cry” with an emotionally charged trailer which he co-directed alongside Atlanta director Payne Lindsey. Alsina narrates the clip with a very deep poem, speaking personally, “There’s so much pain that lies within my eyes, like my brothers tragic demise. These tears I just can’t hide”. The clip concludes with a snippet of “Song Cry”, produced by Grammy nominated producer Brandon “Bam” Hodges. NewYorkTrendnyc
November 12, 2015 - November 18, 2015
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TELEVISON
ORIGINAL TV SERIES #BLACKLOVE” PREMIERES
FYI’s new original series, “#BlackLove,” follows five dynamic black women from New York City as they embark on a unique journey to uncover what they are doing wrong when it comes to finding love. Ten one-hour episodes are set to premiere on Tuesday, December 8th at 10:15pm ET. Today’s successful, modern black women have groomed themselves to have it all – beauty, intelligence and thriving careers. For many, there’s just one thing that they want more than anything which mysteriously eludes them – love. Viewers will follow five women, including newly single Monet Bell from season one of “Married at First Sight,” as they discover the issues that have held them back from finding a fulfilling and loving relationship.
The cast of #BlackLove Photo Courtesy FYI
Series Follows Five NYC— Based Single Black Women As They Navigate Through Today’s Complex Dating Culture…
“Over the past year, FYI has created genre-defining, trendsetting content,” said Gena McCarthy, Senior Vice President of Programming and Development for FYI. McCarthy continues, “We are always looking at what’s next, and often it’s our viewers who pave the way. This show’s unique title and concept was created in that spirit and stems from the overwhelming social media use of the hashtag during the first season of ‘Married at First Sight,’ as viewers rooted for the marriage of Monet Bell and Vaughn Copeland.”
Jack A. Daniels, the women will dig deep into the issues surrounding their inability to find a mate. Viewers will see them go through a variety of dating scenarios, including finding love after divorce, samesex relationships and interracial love. The experts will provide commentary about what each woman is doing right – and wrong – as they navigate their way through the dating scene.
In each episode of “Black Love,” the women will attend workshops on provocative themes related to love. With the guidance of two relationship experts, certified dating coach and author, Damona Hoffman, and psychotherapist and author,
“#BlackLove” is produced by Kinetic Content for FYI. Chris Coelen, Helen Moawad and Karrie Wolfe are executive producers for Kinetic Content. Gena McCarthy and Liz Fine serve as executive producers for FYI.
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ENTERPRISE THE UNLOCK YOUR DREAMS CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK CITY! In the past Gorja RCC, has honored renowned individuals such as Cheryl ‘Salt’ Wray, Dominic Carter, Activist Maria Davis, Beverly Bond, Sylvia Woods and many others. Just as they’ve done before this November the will honor the likes of NFL Star and Speaker Trent Shelton, Holistic Guru Queen Afua, and an array of influential and amazing individuals!
Lytoya Parker
On November 14th, 2015, Gorja RCC brings to their audience another exciting and dynamic event! The Unlock Your Dreams Conference will be held in New York, New York. The conference will entail the following: • Key Note Speakers • Entertainment • Awards Ceremony • Shopping Experience with Vendors
The Mission and Purpose of ‘The Unlock Your Dreams Conference’, is for participants to leave with real and accessible keys to assist men and women of all ages, backgrounds in REALIZING their potential and living in their LIFE’S PURPOSE. Participants will walk away equipped with an I CAN DO ANYTHING MINDSET and will gain key principal on HOW to get it done. The Unlock Your Dreams Conference is a landmark event where people from all walks of life can showcase how they have been able persevere through unimaginable obstacles in order to make a difference in their lives and in the lives of others. On November 14, 2015, you will be exposed to powerful testimonials of women and men who has been through the process of unlocking their dreams. This mind-blowing conference
will instantly put participants in alignment with their power and creative potential, in which we are ALL innately capable of achieving. Our goal is to highlight, realize and manifest participant’s life dreams, emphasizing it takes a lot of courage and strength to actually listen to and take action on their — calling. Gorja (pronounced Georgia) RCC “The Business Label” was founded in 2005 by Lytoya. Our clients benefit from the diverse skills and visions by Lytoya. As a principal of Gorja RCC, Lytoya brings with her years of experience in the areas of management and development, event promotion, selling, branding, marketing, and booking just to name a few. Gorja RCC’s Ultimate goal is to restore the image of African American Women in the media. In 2008, Lytoya launched “The Unlock Your Dreams Conference” where she honored a host of super amazing women and men who’ve unlocked their dreams. Some honorees include: Cheryl ‘Salt’ Wray, Dominic Carter, and Aids Activist Maria Davis just to name a few. The Unlock Your Dreams Conference was coined a monumental event and 100’s of people who attended and activated.
LIFE AS A BLACK AMERICAN MUSLIM
‘BUILDING AN ISLAMIC COMMUNITY WITHIN AMERICAN SOCIETY’
By Nazeeh Z. Abdul-Hakeem Islam in America is becoming increasingly more common. In his new book, “The Athaan in the Bull City: Building Durham’s Islamic Community,” author Nazeeh Abdul-Hakeem details the impact Black American Muslims have had on localizing Islam in Durham, North Carolina. Since becoming a Muslim in 1979, Nazeeh Abdul-Hakeem has played an integral role in expanding the Islamic community in Durham, North Carolina by becoming the founder of Jamaat NewYorkTrendnyc
Ibad Ar-Rahman, Inc.; the place of worship for the largest Muslim community in Durham, North Carolina. “The Athaan in the Bull City” provides history from more than thirty years showing how Islam’s foundations in Durham rest upon the lives of Black American Muslims. The book also gives insight to the international perspective immigrant Muslims have provided through the years. “Being Muslim in American Society is very challenging,” said Nazeeh AbdulHakeem. “Achieving unity among people of various races, backgrounds,
nationalities, cultures, and languages takes a lifetime.” “The Athaan in the Bull City” will open readers up to the diversity found in the American religious experience and better acquaint them with a religion they hear of frequently but know little about. Nazeeh Z. Abdul-Hakeem, a retired city planner for Durham, North Carolina, became a Muslim in 1979. He made several major and minor pilgrimages to Makkah and Madinah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and visited Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. He and Olaiya, his wife, have been married since 1982.
November 12, 2015 - November 18, 2015
NOT JUST BLACK AND WHITE: RACE AND IDENTITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY
National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC), the Harlem-based media arts organization, is presenting a Web series examining Black mixed identity in the 21st century through the lens of the history of racial classification in the United States. Evoking the Mulatto, by Black Public Media Digital Arts Fellow Lindsay C. Harris, premieres on Thursday, with new episodes being released weekly on NBPC’s YouTube Channel and website, blackpublicmedia.org. The series concludes with a screening of all four episodes and a panel discussion on Thursday, November 19, at the YouTube Space NY, located in the Chelsea Market building, 75 Ninth Avenue, Sixth Floor, in Manhattan. NBPC is a nonprofit organization dedicated solely to media content about the Black experience. Evoking the Mulatto is a transmedia, interactive video art project, consisting of video interviews, photographic portraits, animation, and historical mappings that hopes to navigate race within and beyond a Black-White binary, while inspiring a broader discussion on humanity, the right to one’s own body and the right to one’s own identity. Interviews with young artists and activists have been developed by Harris into a Web series covering a variety of themes, from terminology and personal relationships to media and politics in the age of a Black (and biracial) president—all while asking, “Are we really post-race?” Harris is a Brooklyn-based media artist, activist, and educator who creates transmedia projects exploring identity, presence and history. In 2013, she was selected for NBPC’s Black Public Media Digital Media Arts Fellowship, an immersive, next-media mentoring program designed to provide emerging producers of African descent a foothold in new/multiplatform careers in the digital arts where she completed post-production of the Web series. The program helps young producers shape web/multiplatform ideas with limited financial support, mentorship and access to professional equipment. Harris was mentored by NBPC Founder and President Emeritus Mable Haddock. “NBPC has always been a place where emerging producers can hone their projects, so we were glad to have Lindsay as one of our digital media fellows,” said NBPC Executive Director Leslie Fields-Cruz. “A standout talent with exciting ideas, Lindsay is a young producer we expect to be hearing a lot more about in future years.” To explore Evoking the Mulatto, visit http://evokingthemulatto.com/. Join the conversation on Twitter (@EvokingMulatto) and Facebook (https://www.facebook. com/EvokingtheMulatto). Visit www. blackpublicmedia.org or follow the organization on Twitter (@BLKPublicMedia) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ BlackPublicMedia).
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CONSUMER TRENDS SURVEY REVEALS CONSUMER VIEWS ON HOME BUYING
While more than two-thirds of Americans (68 percent) feel that now is a good time to buy a home, many may be reluctant to do so because of uncertainty about qualifying for a mortgage or navigating the homebuying process, according to the recent “How America Views Homeownership” survey by Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) and Ipsos Public Affairs. “Although the homebuying process has changed in many ways in recent years, our survey found Americans still view homeownership as an achievement to be proud of and many believe that now is a good time to buy a home,” said Franklin Codel, head of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Production. “Our survey also suggests we have an opportunity as lenders, nonprofit agencies and real estate agents to better inform Americans about credit ratings, mortgage costs and housing affordability. This would help demystify the home buying experience for many consumers.” The “How America Views Homeownership” nationwide survey of 2,017 adults also revealed many Americans report that their financial houses are in order, which improves their ability to buy a home. For example: • 82 percent of respondents said that they understand how to manage their personal finances
By Richard Michael Abraham
process involved in buying a home, respondents also gave answers that suggest they may not be aware of all their options as prospective homebuyers. • 30 percent of respondents believe that only individuals with high incomes can obtain a mortgage.
• 64 percent of respondents believe they must have a “very good” credit score to buy a home. • While 64 percent of respondents said that they are knowledgeable about how much of a down payment is needed to buy a home, nearly half (44 percent) also believe that a 20 percent down payment is required. In reality, a 20 percent down payment is not a requirement on many loan programs. • When respondents were asked to list the biggest barriers to owning a home, lacking the funds for a down payment was among the top issues, especially for respondents aged 18-34. (how to save, earn and invest money, and work within a budget), and the same proportion, 82 percent, agreed that they generally do not spend beyond their means. 3 percent of respondents have •6 a “rainy day fund,” including more than half of the millennial respondents, ages 18-34.
• Most respondents are also careful with their money: Only 27 percent agreed that they tend to spend their money and not think twice about it.
•N early half (44 percent) of the respondents said that they know nothing or very little about the closing costs required for buying a home.
Though 74 percent of the survey respondents said they “know and understand” the financial
• About half of the respondents feel they do not have access to homes that fit their needs financially.
AFRICAN AMERICAN DEVELOPING INNER CITY LAND
Richard Michael Abraham, founder of The REDI Foundation, announced at a press conference, “The prime real estate and property development opportunities today are located in the U.S. inner cities.”
inner city land and property owners and entrepreneurs,“ Mr. Abraham added. The REDI Foundation’s studies show that in past U.S. development boom cycles, African Americans were left behind and missed out, unable to get into real estate development in their own communities. Wealthy outside investors and developers came into the inner city communities and made their fortunes. But this time, The REDI Foundation and Mr. Abraham are teaching the knowledge necessary to succeed.
The REDI Foundation offers the World’s most comprehensive Real Estate Development 6-Month Mentoring Course. Each student is mentored one-on-one to complete a “real” and feasible real estate development project under the watchful eye and private mentoring of Mr. Abraham. F. Todd Ryan (seen in the photo) graduated the Course and his inner city land – once valued at $50,000 is now planned for a $4,000,000 mixed-use development. “Not only has Mr. Abraham removed the enigmas out of the real estate developing puzzle but he has 10 NewYorkTrendnyc
accelerated my drive to move forward with my mixed-use, apartment and retail development on a vacant lot that I’ve owned for the last 10 years,“ Todd stated. (Todd’s development can be seen on REDI’s website) “The development opportunities for land or property owners in inner city communities are prime. Their land or property
can command two or three times its “as is” value when the land and property owners learn the development skills needed to package their land or property. Also, entrepreneurs and professionals living in the inner city can learn how to package joint venture developments with land and property owners and investors. Timing is perfect for
November 12, 2015 - November 18, 2015
Serious applicants only should carefully review all the details about the Course on the website, www.redii.org. Read about the student success stories and see their developments and if you possess a passion to learn these development skills, to apply, complete and submit your Application or call 561-9907599 to apply. REDI’s Application Director will review tuition costs, any partial scholarships available and payment plans. www.newyorktrendnyc.com
USATF’S BLACK TIE & SNEAKERS GALA HOSTS NATIONAL TRACK & FIELD HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY
Olympians and record breakers comprised the 42nd National Track & Field Hall of Fame induction class, featuring modern athletes Allen Johnson and Hollis Conway; veteran athletes Ralph Mann, Al Blozis and Jack Torrance; and coach Harry Gill.
Proceeds from the Black Tie & Sneakers Gala support USATF’s Elite Athlete Mentorship Program, a new initiative that connects USATF Elite Athletes with business executives, career coaches and former athletes to prepare them for success after their athletic careers conclude.
Sanya Richards-Ross 4-time Olympic gold medalist Starred in her own reality show with NFL husband, Aaron Ross
The group was honored Thursday evening, Oct. 29, at USATF’s Black Tie & Sneakers Gala, hosted at the Armory Track & Field Center in New York City. Proceeds from the event supports the USATF Elite Athlete Mentorship Program, a new USATF initiative preparing athletes for success after the conclusion of their competitive careers.
in consecutive years from 2000-2003), four national indoor titles, a 14-year streak of global top-10 rankings, and an Olympic gold medal from the 1996 Games in Atlanta. Ranked No. 1 by Track & Field News for four years, Johnson ran a record 11 races under 13 seconds. While competing collegiately for the University of North Carolina, he won the 1992 NCAA Championship in the 55mH in a meet-record of 7.07. As a Tar Heel, Johnson set an ACC long jump record and was a fourtime conference champion. He still holds school records in the 55mH and 110mH, as well as both indoor and outdoor marks in the long jump.
Photo: Margaret Croft/The News-Star
Maurice Greene Olympic gold medalist.One of the greatest sprinters of all time. Ran 53 sub-10 second races in the 100m
Allyson Felix Most decorated female athlete in track & field history 9-time World Champion, 4-time Olympic gold medalist
Hollis Conway is the reigning American indoor record holder in the high jump and is a two-time Olympic medalist after clearances of 2.35m/7-8.75 for silver at the 1988 Games in Seoul, Korea, and 2.34m/7-8.5 for bronze at the 1992 Games in Barcelona. In 1989, he broke two American records, jumping 2.38m/7-9.75 at the NCAA Outdoor Championships and 2.39m/7-10 at the U.S. Olympic Festival. Indoors, he set the current American record of 2.40m/710.5 in 1991 to win gold at the World Indoor Championships in Seville.
VETERAN ATHLETE INDUCTEES Dan Hicks, Host NBC Sports Critically acclaimed Olympic and golf commentator
Lolo Jones 3-time Olympian Competed in Olympic Games and Olympic Winter Games
Dan O’Brien Olympic gold medalist Star of “Dan vs. Dave” commercials TV personality NewYorkTrendnyc
CLASS OF 2015 INDUCTEES MODERN ATHLETE INDUCTEES
Shot putter Al Blozis was a two-sport star on the track and football field, but his career was tragically cut short by World War II. Blozis dominated the shot put as a student-athlete at Georgetown University from 194042, winning AAU and NCAA Outdoor titles three years in a row and adding AAU indoor crowns in all during the same period. He also dominated the world list, and had a best of 17.61m/57-0.75. With the cancellation of the 1940 Tokyo Games, Blozis missed his chance at Olympic glory, but he went on to play in the NFL for the New York Giants, achieving All-Pro status as a tackle. Lieutenant Al Blozis was killed in action on January 21, 1945, in Belgium.
Jack Torrance set three shot put world records, capped by a massive throw of 17.40m/57-1 in Oslo, Norway, a mark that stood for 14 years until 1934. Torrance won three AAU national outdoor titles from 1933-35, the first two while a student at LSU, and he took gold at both the 1933 and 1934 NCAA Championships, setting a meet record both years. Torrance won the Olympic Trials in 1936 and placed fifth at the Berlin Games. He played 15 games for the NFL’s Chicago Bears from 1939-40.
COACH INDUCTEES
Allen Johnson, a native of Washington, D.C., is one of the most decorated 110-meter hurdlers of all time. His illustrious career includes four World Championships, three World Indoor titles (60mH), seven national outdoor titles (four of them
Ralph Mann became a silver medalist in the 400mH at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich after winning Pan American Games gold in 1971 at Cali, Colombia. A four-time AAU champion (1969-71, 1975), Mann also finished first at the 1972 U.S. Olympic Trials in 48.4 seconds. He is the first of only two men to win three straight titles in the 400mH at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, where he recorded consecutive victories from 1969-71. At the 1970 NCAA meet in Des Moines, Mann broke the world record, running 48.8 in the 440-yard hurdles for Brigham Young University.
November 12, 2015 - November 18, 2015
Harry Gill coached at the University of Illinois. In 1921 he organized the very first NCAA championship in any sport, and won the inaugural event in addition to a second title in 1927. Gill eventually led his collegians to a combined 22 Big Ten Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field Championships, amassing a winning record of 11124 (.822) during his coaching career. Under Gill, Illinois athletes appeared at the Paris 1924 Olympic Games, where they scored more points than any every other nation’s entire team. Gill began coaching at Beloit College in Wisconsin before he was hired as the head track coach at Illinois until 1921. www.newyorktrendnyc.com 11
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November 12, 2015 - November 18, 2015
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