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THE ALTERNATIVE VOLUMEPERSPECTIVE 26 ISSUE 40
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HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
NYS COMPTROLLER DINAPOLI Launches Audits on School Safety
Yorkwere and killed a former Black Stars NewsP.2015 Annual State The Comptroller Thomas examine the state Safe Schools Act. 10 people andchancellor another of the Awards Dinner willhe honor New York public schools system. DiNapoli has announced has MayorAgainst Violence in Education 10 injured by a student at a Santa If schools fail to comply with the Rep.Education Charles begunDavid auditsDinkins, of the State (SAVE) Act that was signed into Fe, Texas, high school. In February, a Pioneering producers Stephen SAVE Act and do not develop, Rangel,(SED) Rep.and Yvette Clarke, Department the New law in 2000 to promote a safer mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Byrd and Alia Jones, through their establish, and update school R. Donahue Peebles, Barbara and more effective learning York City Department of Education Douglas High School in Parkland, company Front Row Production, safety plans, they could experience Inez Barron, Sabrina environment in New York's schools. (DoE) Arnwine, to determine if they are doing Fla., left 17 dead andonanother 17 Roof” brought “Cat a Hot Tin miscommunication, see more Lamb, Dr. Rudy Crew, Stephen Part of the act requires schools to enough to ensure schools have wounded. Field work is expected to and “A Streetcar Named Desire” injuries and violence and prolong Byrd, Alia Jones, and the Centralimplement comprehensive safety adequate and up-to-date safety begin in June. with a multi-ethnic cast to emergencies. Failing to follow this Park survivors of gross injustice plans in theFive event of a school plans, which include policies and Broadway. In 2016 they bring regulation could also hinder local Find out how your government on or December 18 from 6:00pm – shooting major emergency. “Eclipsed” with Oscar Winner 10:00pm at MIST Harlem, 46 West Nyong ’O to Broadway. "The epidemic of deadly school shootings in the past few years andLupita the terror wrought "The epidemic of deadly school 116th Street. shootings in the past few years and in our children's classrooms is horrifying. Sadly, every school district in Newthe York and Central Honorees, so-called “Each honoree chosen for the terror wrought in our children's across the country has to plan for the unthinkable.” Park 5, are collectively and recognition has demonstrated classrooms is horrifying. Sadly, individually heroes. They are – Thomas P. DiNapoli, NYS Comptroller exceptional leadership and and vision in every school district in New York survivors of one of the ugliest David Dinkins Charles Rangel his respective profession acrossher theorcountry has to plan for or miscarriage of justice in New York’s endeavor and in somesaid. significant the unthinkable," DiNapoli "My history; having been railroaded majority. She now leads The was a member of the New York measure has to contributed auditors are going examine iftowards the and unjustly convicted for a crime Transformative Justice Coalition. City Council, representing the creating a more justYork society th laws and programs New has in in this they did not commit and for which Arnwine was for 26 years executive 40 council district in Brooklyn, country,” says Black Star place to keep our children safe News in they served long prison sentences director of the Lawyers’ Committee succeeding her mother, Una S. founder and publisher th schools are being followed. WeMilton need ranging from seven years to 13 years for Civil Rights Under the Law. T. Clarke. In the current 114 Allimadi. “Obviously much work to do everything we can to prevent before being exonerated when the Congress Clarke serves on Inez Barron, honoree, formerly a needs to be done here and senseless tragedies." actual rapist confessed. They are: the Energy and Commerce State Assembly member, is now around the world.” Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond Committee, responsible for "When it comes to our students' a New York City council member The gala starts at 6:00pm with a Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin consumer protection, food safety, we must be proactive, not and a champion of education for cocktail hour to be followed by the Richardson, and Kharey Wise. safety, energy development, public reactive. That's why we need to our youth. dinner and awards ceremonies. There health, communications, the take a hard look at the state of The Black Star News, which focuses Honoree Imhotep Gary Byrd is be musical environment, and interstate and schoolwill safety in everyentertainment school and by on investigative journalism, has a legendary radio talk show host opera singer Douglas international commerce. changes need to beCassandra made to make been featured as a result of some if and executive producer, radio DJ, andour from harmonica sure that students canphenomenon learn its news scoops, on CNN, The New R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is poet, songwriter, music recording William David Dinkins is and grow in theGalison. safest environment York Daily News, The New York a leading developer and founder of artist and producer, rapper, writer honored Lifetime Achievement possible," said for New York City Post, The Village Voice, and Brill’s The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest and community activist. He began —Member he was New City’s first Council PaulYork Vallone, chair Content magazine. African American-owned real his career as a radio DJ in Buffalo American mayor and also of the African Committee on Economic estate firm with $3.5 billion worth Past Black Star News honorees at age 15. For over 30 years, he’s welcomed Development. "I Nelson applaudMandela State to the of properties under development been a talk show host at WBLS and have included: Gil Noble (Like It city after his release 1990. Comptroller DiNapoli for in launching or management — he was one Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad WLIB radio in New York City. He these Rep. auditsCharles and recognizing the honored Rangel, also of the pioneering developerswho O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, also has a Friday night radio talk importance of having a plan in for Lifetime Achievement, has helped turn around and revitalize Voza Rivers (New Heritage Theatre), show on WBAI. place to protect our students. served in Congress since The 1971. He is the once-blighted Anacostia Errol Louis (NY1 News), Amel Honoree Sabrina Lamb, founder legislative package I introduced a recipient of The Bronze medal for neighborhood in Washington, D.C. Larrieux (Entertainer), Dr. William of World of Money, is a champion in the helping City Council to create a save soldiers behind enemy A champion of African-American Pollard (Medgar Evers College), of financial literacy for youth-- she Schoolline Safety Task willWar. also during theForce Korean economic empowerment is enforcement procedures covering such topicsPeebles’ as law by not centralizing moneyHerm is spent at Open Edwards (NYBook Jets),New Nayaba teaches knowledge about handling be a critical tool in revamping contemplating a possible run safe evacuation, communication in for NYC key information about a school, Rep. Yvette Clarke is a and Democratic York. Track municipal spending, Arinde (Amsterdam News),the La-Verna budgeting and planning. improving our schools' safety andof mayor inemergency 2017. emergencies, responder which money, could help to achieve a member of the US House state'sFountain 145,000(Columbia contracts,University), billions in emergency plans. This must Dr. Rudy Crew, honoree, is one ofstate payments accessHonoree to building plans and in a dangerous situation. Representatives fromremain New and public Lillian Roberts (DC37),authority Desiree Dancy Barbara Arnwine, civil resolution our topYork priority from thhere on out as schoolrights violence prevention training. Since 2013, there have been the nation’s leading educators. He’s whose 9 district covers data. Visit the Reading Room for (New York Times), Greg Floyd (Local lawyer, is a champion of we lead the charge forBrooklyn. safety in our will also be auditing how hundreds of school shootings in the much of central Before DiNapoli contract FOIL requests, bid protest 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National president of Medgar Evers College protecting voting rights of ethnic schools." school districts across the Unitedof States resulting in numerous entering Congress in 2007, she severalminority andNetwork), commonlyand requested Action many others. The City University of New decisions groups — the emerging state have implemented the SAVE deaths and serious injuries. In May, The audits announced today will data.
INSIDE T HIS ISSUE: IS SUE : INSIDE THIS
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PAGE 2 NAACP SPEAKS OUT NewYorkTrendnyc
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PAGE 7 DEBRA LEE STEPS DOWN
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June 14, 2018 - June 20, 2018
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NE WS
TRUMP’S RACISM A FACTOR IN #LIVINGWHILEBLACK The NAACP, the nation’s foremost civil rights organization, issued the following statement regarding the proliferation of #LivingWhileBlack incidents: “The NAACP sees a direct relationship between the racist language and policies emerging from the White House and the growing number of hate crimes and blatant attacks on the humanity of Black People. It does not come as a shock that President Trump recently called immigrants ‘animals.’ Neither are we shocked by recent news reports revealing that the firm used by his presidential campaign actively
sought to suppress the Black vote." “According to the FBI, the day Trump was elected racial hate crimes increased, and he has continued to divide people by using his platform to create space for the public expression of racism and bias. His dog-whistle politics has served as inspiration for others to express their own racism and bias. We say whenever this happens, those of good will must challenge it, regardless of whether it’s reported or actually caught on video. Challenging #LivingWhileBlack incidents are the responsibility of all people, not only communities of color.”
“The NAACP sees a direct relationship between the racist language and policies emerging from the White House and the growing number of hate crimes and blatant attacks on the humanity of Black People.”
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DISENFRANCHISEMENT OF VOTERS The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the nation’s premier civil rights organization released the following statement on today’s Supreme Court Decision to uphold the Ohio Supplemental Voter “List Maintenance” Process: “The NAACP is disappointed in today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Ohio’s supplemental voter ‘list maintenance’ process, but is likewise determined to protect infrequent voters of color from being disenfranchised through Ohio’s process and similar processes used by other states. In today’s 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Ohio’s program does not violate the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) by impermissibly targeting persons who have not recently voted for possible removal from voting rolls. The NAACP filed an amicus brief to the Court in this case, which was cited by Justice Sotomayor in her dissenting opinion, which states: “In concluding that the Supplemental Process does not
June 14, 2018 - June 20, 2018
violate the NVRA, the majority does more than just misconstrue the statutory text. It entirely ignores the history of voter suppression against which the NVRA was enacted and upholds a program that appears to further the very disenfranchisement of minority and low-income voters that Congress set out to eradicate.” “This decision demands that the NAACP and like-minded organizations redouble their efforts to ensure that voters of color are registered and prepared to vote in this fall’s elections,” said NAACP General Counsel Bradford Berry. “As we reflect on the life and legacy of Medgar Evers, who was assassinated 55 years ago because of his voter registration work in Mississippi, we call on our members and supporters to engage their state and local officials to focus their efforts on increasing voter participation in this fall’s elections, rather than targeting the most vulnerable of our citizens for removal from the voting rolls.”
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POLITICS
Unsheltered Homeless New Yorkers Helped Off Streets The de Blasio Administration has announced that more than 1,800 street homeless New Yorkers have successfully transitioned off the streets and into safer, more stable environments, including transitional programs and permanent housing, as a result of the persistent, dedicated efforts of HOME-STAT outreach teams across the five boroughs. In the two years since HOMESTAT initiative was launched in 2016, through strong collaboration between the Department of Homeless Services, the New York City Police Department, Agency partners, and not-forprofit social service providers, the City has placed a total of 1,815 New Yorkers experiencing street homelessness into permanent housing or transitional settings, all of whom remain off the streets— thanks to new investments in outreach programs and providers, a dramatic increase in dedicated shelter capacity, and a doubling in the number of outreach staff deployed around the clock in all five boroughs. “Thanks to the persistence of our outreach teams, we’ve been able to convince more than 1,800 homeless New Yorkers to come off the streets and subways and into shelter and housing,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Homelessness wasn’t created overnight and won’t be solved overnight, but this new milestone shows were making progress on our citywide effort to turn the tide on this decades-old challenge.” “Helping every person living on our streets find a safe place to live and keeping them stably housed remains a top priority for our Administration,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Herminia Palacio. “The data released today show that our approach to reducing the city’s street homeless population is working. As we enter the warmer season, we will continue our aggressive efforts to engage unsheltered New Yorkers, help them find an appropriate place to live and access services to get back on their feet.” “Thanks to the day-in and dayout dedication and compassion of our outreach teams, we’re proud to announce that our HOME-STAT outreach program has helped 1,815 homeless New
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Yorkers come off the streets and subways into safe, stable housing and transitional programs,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “Individuals experiencing homelessness on the streets have fallen through every social safety net available and building the trust that encourages them to accept services can take hundreds of contacts over many months, which is why each and every individual
outreach across the five boroughs adding new staff, including canvassers and analysts, to expand the scope, reach, and focus of those efforts opening new high-quality capacity dedicated to serving street homeless New Yorkers There is no one-size-fits-all approach to ending homelessness. With a dedicated not-for-profit provider for each borough (the Manhattan Outreach Consortium,
“Thanks to the persistence of our outreach teams, we’ve been able to convince more than 1,800 homeless New Yorkers to come off the streets and subways and into shelter and housing.” - Mayor Bill de Blasio
helped off the streets and back onto the path to permanency is a hard-fought victory. We remain persistent in our efforts to engage New Yorkers in need 24/7/365 in all five boroughs, helping them get back on their feet one person at a time.” Rolled out in 2016, HOMESTAT (Homeless Outreach & Mobile Engagement Street Action Teams) is a citywide multiagency initiative to address street homelessness in which hundreds of highly-trained notfor-profit outreach staff, including licensed social workers, canvass the streets 24/7/365, proactively engaging homeless New Yorkers, offering services and assistance, and working to gain their trust with the goal of addressing the underlying issues that may have caused or contributed to their street homelessness in order to ultimately help these individuals transition off the streets. HOMESTAT encapsulates all of New York City’s street homeless outreach efforts across the board, including: our commitment to continually redoubling those efforts by investing further in our not-forprofit partners who coordinate
led by CUCS in partnership with Goddard-Riverside and Breaking Ground in Manhattan; Breaking Ground in Brooklyn and Queens; BronxWorks in the Bronx; Project Hospitality on Staten Island; and BRC in the subways), HOME-STAT outreach teams working around the clock across the five boroughs, building relationships by making regular—often daily—contact with street homeless New Yorkers: getting to know them, developing trust, and sharing information about the resources available to them. Not-for-profit outreach provider partners and outreach teams also have psychiatrists who perform psychiatric evaluations on the streets and thereby help outreach teams understand and better meet the individual needs of each street homeless New Yorker. These clinicians and psychiatrists help outreach teams make more effective connections with clients, many of whom have fallen through every social safety net, and who may be difficult to engage, in many cases due to potential mental health or substance use challenges. HOME-STAT also provides aftercare services,
June 14, 2018 - June 20, 2018
continuing to work with individuals who receive placements to ensure that they get the supports they need to remain in housing and off of the street.
EQUIPPING HOME-STAT OUTREACH TEAMS WITH NEW TOOLS AND RESOURCES
In addition to redoubling and enhancing proactive round-theclock street outreach efforts, DHS operates facilities dedicated to serving street homeless New Yorkers—and is in the process of opening more. Drop-In Centers and Safe Havens are low-barrier programs specifically targeted toward homeless individuals who may be resistant to accepting other services, including traditional shelters. Both Drop-In Centers and Safe Havens are equipped with on-site services and staff who work closely with the clients to deepen those relationships, stabilize their lives, and encourage them to transition further off the streets, and ultimately into permanent housing. These facilities are often the first step towards bringing street homeless New Yorkers indoors. Drop-in Centers provide baseline services with the goal of meeting immediate needs for individuals, such as showers, meals, and clothing. They also have on-site case management services and provide an immediate option for individuals who want to transition off the streets Safe Havens are transitional housing options geared toward chronic street homeless individuals. Safe Havens only take referrals from street outreach teams, offer overnight beds, and have physical and program characteristics more suitable for engaging street homeless New Yorkers, who may be more resistant to accepting services, including case management services to stabilize chronically homeless individuals in an effort to move them into permanent housing We are nearly tripling the number of beds dedicated to supporting street homeless New Yorkers citywide since 2014, with hundreds of beds opened during this Administration, hundreds more coming online this year, and an additional commitment to another 250 beds, increasing the operating total from roughly 600 beds to nearly 1,800 beds.
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BUSINE S S
EMERGE Launches Leadership Acceleration Program At the Emerge Leadership Group, have partnered with such global organizations as Kohler, Mercedes-Benz, Lockheed Martin, Dell, Tennant Company, Olympus, McDonalds, TJX and many others to help accelerate and increase the effectiveness of new leaders, existing first-line leaders, leaders of leaders and those preparing to move into enterprise leadership. Emerge is offering a one year high-touch program to transform manager into high-effective leaders.
The program includes the following steps: Step 1: Awareness of Changing Leadership Expectations: QuickStartTM (new managers within 30-days after promotion) A program specifically designed for newly promoted first-line supervisors and managers (leaders of others) with key topics that include discussions on the changing organizational expectations from “Leading Self” to “Leading Others.” Other topics include valuing contribution and impact and not just performance, understanding transition obstacles, and fully grasping the need to shift one’s approach to their work. Step 2: Changing Leadership Approach to Meet New Expectations
The Leadership Transition (All First-Line Leaders) - A leadership transformational workshop that enables participants to make the psychological shift from a Leading-Self mindset to the Leading-Others mindset. The process includes feedback, Key Leadership Accountabilities, Transition Action Planning, and on-going leadership transition activities.
Step 3: Driving Leadership Execution/Building Leadership Capability Core Leadership Skills (All FirstLine Leaders) - Targeted, skillbased, leadership development modules (e.g., coaching, delegation, providing feedback, etc.) designed to sustain and enhance new leader development over time. Each course offers tangible and easy to implement skills that will impact the strength of the manager and the productivity of the team. Available in both eLearning and live formats. Step 4: Tracking Results/ Behavior Change/Effectiveness - Leadership Effectiveness Assessment Data. "The Emerge Leadership Transition Process has been named one of the two most impactful leadership development initiatives that Rogers has undertaken over the last three years." (CEO, Guy Laurence, Rogers
Communications, following a survey of over 10,000 employees) "We hit a home run when we partnered with the Emerge Leadership Group to facilitate the transition of our future leaders. The workshops they
provide, coupled with their transition tracking process, provide the tools we need to benchmark and measure the contribution that our leaders will make to our company over time." (Roger Evans, Leadership Development Program Manager, Lockheed Martin)
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ENTER TAINMENT
Megachurch Drama ' G R E E N L E A F' Returns This Fall
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network announced today that the third season of its hit megachurch drama "Greenleaf," from global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B), awardwinning writer/producer Craig Wright ("Lost," "Sixrenewed Feet Under") and executive ABC has its popular producers Clement Virgo ("The Book family comedy for ("The a fifth of Negros"), Kriss Black-ish Turner Towner season. "The Soul Man") and Romanoffs," Oprah Winfrey will premiere on Tuesday, The pickup never inAugust question August 28 andwas Wednesday, 29 at p.m. eachisnight. season, — 10 Black-ish oneLast of ABC’s "Greenleaf" was Wednesday night's strongest and most acclaimed #1 original cable series for Africancomedies, andand it comes from American women averaging over 2 sister total studio ABCinStudios. million viewers Live+3. The
‘black • ish’
and entrepreneur Patti LaBelle ("American Horror Story," "Daytime Divas") guest stars in the recurring role of Maxine Patterson-a famous Christian motivational speaker and the CEO of a global Christian self-help empire; an old friend of Lady Mae's (Lynnshow, Whitfield) The critically praised from college days, Maxine will be Lady known for tackling hot-button Mae's sounding board and greatest ally issues suchattempts as police brutality, as Lady Mae to consolidate her power at Calvary. Black Lives Matter and the
done before - survive as the sole head pastor of a megachurch after a major rift between its founding couple. Grace, meanwhile, works undercover in the company of Rochelle, hoping to discover Rochelle's motives and true identity before the Bishop is swept away on a raging river of vanity and desire. Across town at Triumph, Jacob (Lamman Rucker) and Kerissa (Kim Hawthorne) try not to make the same mistakes Bishop and Lady Mae made as they work to build their own evangelical empire and manage parenting their teenage daughter Zora (Lovie Simone), but the roots of sin delve deep and old habits die hard. Sophia's (Desiree Ross) faith is tested when an unforeseen medical issue arises; Charity (Deborah Joy Winans) struggles to make peace
with Kevin (Tye White) and find her place in the world; and Grace works to keep an abused woman from death row for the crime of defending her own life. Meanwhile, Darius (Rick Fox) finds himself in conflict due to being entangled in an increasingly strained relationship with Grace.
R e n e w e d F o r S e as o n 5 By ABC
onlydrama-filled question season about will its future The feature guest starsextent including was the of multiple creatorEmmy®, Kenya Golden Globe® and Grammy Barris’ involvement as he has Award-winning actor Beau Bridges been in discussions exiting ("Homeland"), who plays about Bob Whitmore, the anddeal charming founder of hisfolksy overall at the studio. Harmony of Hope Ministries-a massive Created, executive produced and denomination with churches all over the directed will by Barris, Black-ish world-who use any unsavory tooltells at thedisposal story ofto the his win. Johnsons—an affluent African-American family Iyanla Vanzant, six-time New York Times' best-selling author, struggling to raise theiracclaimed kids in spiritual life coach and star of OWN's the largely white culture of wellpopular "Iyanla: Fix My Life," portrays to-do suburbia. herself helping Charity (Deborah Joy Winans) finally find her place in the Greenleaf family. Multiple Grammy Award-winning recording artist, actress,
In season has threebeen of "Greenleaf," all N-word, nominated the turbulent forces that Grace's for seven Primetime Emmys, (Merle Dandridge) return to Memphis includingthreaten two fortooutstanding unleashed destroy not just the churchseries, her family built,with but the comedy along family itself. Fallout from last season's multiple Golden Globe noms, shocking revelation of Bishop's (Keith including a best actress win David) infidelities with Lady Mae's for Tracee Ellis Ross, and a (Lynn Whitfield) sister Mavis (Oprah Winfrey), as well as reverberations TCA Award for Outstanding from his current dalliance with that Achievement Comedy. insidious Jezebel,inRochelle Cross (LeToya Luckett) lead to all-out Black-ish stars Anthony war in the Greenleaf home, setting the Bishop Anderson asonDre, Rosscourse as and Lady Mae a collision Rainbow, as Zoey, that, unless Yara God orShahidi Grace intervenes, can only end one way:as divorce. In Jr., the Marcus Scribner Andre wake of the marital mayhem, Lady Miles Brown as Jack,with Marsai Mae rushes to reconnect Maxine Martin as Diane, Jenifer Patterson (Patti LaBelle), an old friend and nowas a world-famous Christian Lewis Ruby, and Laurence motivational speaker, in an attempt Fishburne as Pops. to reclaim her forsaken call to preach and thus do what no First Lady has
"Greenleaf" is produced for OWN by Lionsgate in association with Harpo Films and Pine City. Executive producers are Oprah Winfrey, Craig Wright ("Lost," "Six Feet Under"), Clement Virgo ("The Book of Negroes"), and Kriss Turner Towner ("The Romanoffs," "The Soul Man") Viewers can catch up on the show's complete first and second seasons on Netflix.
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ENTER TAINMENT DEBRA LEE TO STEP DOWN FROM After a trailblazing career in television and entertainment spanning over 30 years at BET Networks, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B sted NYSE: VIA, VIA.B) Debra Lee is stepping down from her position as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET Networks, effective Monday, May 28, 2018. Lee, who began her career with the company as its first VP and General Counsel in 1986, was elevated to President and COO in 1996 and became Chairman and CEO in 2005. Lee’s determination to make a real difference and give back greatly influenced BET Networks’ reinvigorated approach to developing authentic programming that both entertains and inspires the AfricanAmerican community. She worked tirelessly to raise the consciousness of viewers by respecting, reflecting and elevating the BET Networks audiences in a meaningful way. During Lee’s time at the helm, the network has enjoyed record-breaking success, including the 2014 series premiere of “The Game,” the mostwatched sitcom premiere in cable TV history with 7.68 million viewers, and the 2017 hit mini-series “The New Edition Story,” which brought in 28.4 million viewers from the initial run through subsequent encores, making it the highestrated TV biopic of all time. On Lee’s watch she oversaw the launch of the Network’s website, BET.com, developed BET Her, the first network for African-American women, and acquired television rights to “BLACK GIRLS ROCK”!™ Lee also launched Leading Women Defined, an annual conference where notable African American women, including Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Venus Williams, Issa Rae and Erykah Badu, to name a few, gathered each year for insightful debates and conversations on issues that impact their community and families. Additionally, she championed BET’s breast cancer campaign “BET Goes Pink,” the education platform “BET Next Level,” award-winning voting campaign “BET Vote Your Voice” and several telethons for Florida, Haiti and Katrina under the “SOS: Saving OurSelves” initiative. Lee’s focus on diverse, high-quality scripted programming that positively highlights the African-American experience has set BET Networks apart from other brands desperate to reach the coveted black audience. Shows such as “Being Mary Jane,” “The Real Husbands of Hollywood,” and “In Contempt”
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have helped BET Networks remain the #1 network among AfricanAmerican viewers for the past 17 years. Lee’s commitment to music and live entertainment led to the creation of one of the most popular award shows on television, “The BET Awards,” as well as the launch of the first festival weekend under the Viacom umbrella, The BET Experience. Her impact on the music industry led her to become the first woman to date to receive the Recording Academy’s prestigious Salute to Industry Icons Award. Following her departure from the company, Lee, a well-respected industry executive, plans to stay involved in the media industry and continue her role on corporate and non-profit boards. In addition, Lee also plans to continue her
BET brand and its employees and today, more than 32 years later, I still see myself as the protector and defender of a brand that I have helped to grow as a top destination for audiences across the globe. I have called BET Networks home for over three decades and this team is part of my extended family.” “In addition to the legacy I have built for BET Networks in the media landscape, I am also extremely proud of the legacy of values that I helped to instill at the network during my tenure. My belief that we can do well and do good has been a guiding principle and one that I hope you will continue after my departure. Together, we have built a worldclass brand that connects with fans through the power of storytelling and we have attracted and nurtured top talent across the globe.”
barriers and share your authenticity with the world. I leave with pride, gratitude, and joy for a life-changing professional and personal journey. Continue to do it “for the culture” and much success to you all. You deserve it.”
“I feel a tremendous amount of gratitude to our parent company, Viacom, for their continued belief in the power of the BET brand and their unwavering support of my long and fulfilling career here. I would especially like to thank Bob Bakish for supporting me as I start the next chapter in this exciting journey.” “I could not be prouder of the enormous amount of talent and creativity at BET Networks today and I will always be BET’s number one fan, rooting for each and every one of you as you continue to break
tremendously, we respect her decision and understand her desire to leave at the very top of the game with a legacy of significant contributions that spans decades. I have seen first-hand how the network has grown under her direction, and I know that she will bring that same innovative thinking and strategic vision to her future pursuits. Debra has groomed an amazing group of senior executives, and I am confident that BET Networks will continue to flourish under their leadership.”
Bob Bakish Statement: “Debra’s vision and creativity have cemented BET Networks as a premier network for African Americans and lovers of black culture. As BET continues to move forward, we will always be grateful to Debra for her leadership and commitment to creating top-notch entertainment that both entertains and empowers. Her passion for the BET brand has resulted in countless wins and has allowed BET to stay competitive in a growing media landscape.” "While we will all miss Debra
“I have called BET Networks home for over three decades and this team is part of my extended family.” -Debra Lee
commitment to diversity and inclusion by advancing the rights of women and girls as well as people of color through her work with Times Up and The Recording Academy Diversity & Inclusion Task Force, to name a few. Lee’s annual gathering of prominent African American women, Leading Women Defined, will also continue under her leadership. “In 1986 I joined BET Networks to be its very first in-house counsel. As a young corporate attorney I saw my role as the protector of the
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ENTER TAINMENT
Ac to r J AY ELLI S Na med A B F F Cel ebr i t y Am bas sad o r 22nd American Black Film Festival (ABFF) returns to Miami, June 13-17, 2018 with an exciting lineup of film screenings, events and innovative programming. This year, the week’s schedule will include several new experiences, classes and networking opportunities for festival attendees. The festival, in its 22nd year, is dedicated to introducing emerging content creators of African descent to the industry at large and is recognized as one of the leading film festivals in the world. Actor Jay Ellis will serve as the 2018 ABFF Celebrity Ambassador. Ellis currently stars as ‘Lawrence’ on HBO’s critically-acclaimed comedy series, ”Insecure,” which follows a young African-American woman as she navigates familiar insecure situations in Los Angeles, while Lawrence, her ex-boyfriend, faces his own expectations for himself and his professional and personal success and happiness. Ellis
also starred as ‘Bryce “Blue” Westbrook’ on the hit BET series, “The Game.” His additional television credits include roles on “Masters of Sex,”, “Grace and Frankie,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “NCIS.” On the big screen, Ellis is currently on location in Cape Town, South Africa filming “The Maze” for Sony Pictures, with producer Neal Mortiz. Ellis recently wrapped production on the indie, “A Boy. A Girl. A Dream: Love on Election Night,” with castmates Omari Hardwick and Meagan Good, directed by Qaism Basir. “It’s an honor to serve as ambassador for the 2018 American Black Film Festival. Jeff’s vision for ABFF and his continued passion to create a platform for storytellers and content creators of color has been inspiring to me and many others. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of building on the mission of ABFF,” says Jay Ellis. “We are delighted to welcome Jay Ellis to the ABFF family. His commitment to new and diverse stories embodies the
mission of this festival. Jay’s career trajectory exemplifies the importance of supporting and uplifting our own. We feel very fortunate to have him as our 2018 ambassador and are excited about what his participation will bring to our event,” said Jeff Friday, CEO of ABFF Ventures. Festival passes are on sale now at www.abff.com, and offer three different levels of access to festival screenings,
official and premium events. Questions regarding registration may be directed to info@abffventures.com. Sponsors for the American Black Film Festival are HBO® (Founding and Presenting Sponsor); Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (Host and Presenting Sponsor); Turner (Premier Sponsor) and Walter Kaitz Foundation (Industry Partner).
Lights, Camera, Action!
The New York African Film Festival Is Underway For 28 years, Mahen Bonetti, the founder and Executive Director of African Film Festival, Inc. (AFF), has been celebrating African cinema in New York City. The non-profit arts organization was founded in 1990 and showcases works of African filmmakers and develops ways to share the vision and culture of African film with American and international audiences. This year the New York African Film Festival started May 16 and will run through June 10. Born in Sierra Leone, Bonetti lives in Manhattan with her husband and their daughter. She recently told The New York Trend more about this year’s festival. New York Trend: What are some of the highlights for this year’s festival? Mahen Bonetti: This year’s festival celebrates a milestone for the AFF: 25 years of bringing innovative and cutting-edge cinema from Africa and its diaspora to the premier cinema houses of New York. The program will highlight the pioneers of classical African cinema in dialogue with the new generation of filmmakers—women, youth, and a crop of avant-garde and experimental artists. It is an exciting program that reflects an amalgamation of all the major themes from our archive: modern days, ancient nights. The festival also pays homage to Nelson Mandela in this year of his centennial. The 2018 festival will also present a digital art exhibition, a panel discussion on art and activism and live performances. New York Trend: Why do you feel the festival has had such longevity? Mahen Bonetti: Because each generation of filmmakers on the continent and in the diaspora puts its
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own spin on the African story. When the festival started 25 years ago, there was a lack of faith in the viability of African-centered cultural programming, especially on the scale of a festival. We were told no one would be interested. But the response showed a hunger for art of the caliber and vision that we offered through the festival. The AFF is also a home for both established and new filmmakers who find a platform here that offers them opportunities to develop a sophisticated audience and exposure to cultural and academic institutions that buy their work. We are also invested in bridging the space between the audience and the artists through post-screening conversations in which the artists are front and center yet engaged with an intelligent and curious audience. It is a whole package of quality, innovation, audience development and textured contextualization of the films through programming that includes panel discussions, art exhibitions and live performances. New York Trend: Can you explain your tagline: “More than just a festival?” Mahen Bonetti: This has been the identity of AFF from the beginning. The organization started 28 years ago with a series of community programs and a biannual festival. Then we realized that it was important to provide a biennial context for African film and began to curate art exhibitions, master classes and panel discussions in tandem with the festival. But the organization is not limited to the film festival itself. In its present incarnation, AFF offers yearround arts and culture programming on a global scale and in collaboration with world-class institutions, from MOMA
to the Guggenheim to the Brooklyn Academy of Music. We also serve as a resource for filmmakers and a range of institutions and professionals — from the court system that may call us about translation services to doctors who are looking for information about a medical issue addressed in the films we screen. New York Trend: Do you feel Hollywood has really embraced diversity–or is it just a phase? Mahen Bonetti: If we put this issue in its global context, Bollywood and Nollywood, respectively have a bigger market than Hollywood. So, we are celebrating the homegrown film industries that are poised to grow even bigger. Nigeria and South Africa have
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created a star system and audiences in Africa go to the cinema to see local films. To speak truth to power, the issue of Hollywood’s diversity doesn’t inform the work we do. Instead, we are focused on and responding to the future: 60% of the African population is under 40. We are embracing the diversity in film from Africa and its diaspora. We want to extend that conversation even further. There is so much exchange going on between the younger diaspora artists who are collaborating and producing work in music, film, and other arts. They are the bright lights on the continent, the next incarnation of modern African art. This is the future where exciting things are going to happen.
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MEDIA
PR EXEC JOINS ‘THE NEW EDITION’
When you think about Black PR Wire, you think of highly unique minds who create new and creative avenues to distribute news, write articles, and make continuous waves in the media world. Now the leading Black news distribution company enhances that dynamic with their new edition to the team - Joseph Ellick Jr., who serves as the Newsroom Editor and National News Correspondent for Black PR Wire. “I’m so blessed and excited to be a part of the Black PR Wire team. The opportunity has really motivated me and this is just the beginning of some exciting things that are on the horizon,” says an elated Joe. Joe brings an invaluable amount of writing and editing experience, knowledge and community engagement to the table. The proud graduate of Florida Memorial University, with a Bachelor’s degree in English, TV Broadcast and Communications, he is a natural fit to serve as the Corporate Editor and Host/ Producer of Thrivin’ Online, the company’s You Tube channel, which makes its official debut later this summer.
“I’m so blessed and excited to be a part of the Black PR Wire team. The opportunity has really motivated me and this is just the beginning of some exciting things that are on the horizon.”
Joe is an avid reader and is always striving to build and sharpen his craft and feed his hunger to grow and learn more. He has successfully produced award winning pieces for Revolt TV, NASCAR, and The Trayvon Martin Foundation, to name a few. He has also penned a number of articles that have been published online and in multiple publications including The South Florida Times and Black College Today.
division, and was instrumental in developing various events for the community as President of NABJ (National Association of Black Journalists) at the FMU chapter.
While at FMU, South Florida's only Historical Black College and University (HBCU), he created the first-ever student published magazine, entitled “The Roar Magazine.” He also produced the first sports broadcast
Black PR Wire is the nation’s first and largest online Black newswire distribution company and is a powerful leader in effective news delivery services. With a comprehensive database and listing of over 1200 Black
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(African American, Caribbean and Haitian) organizations and media, Black PR Wire posts and distributed news and information to Black media, influencers, faith-based groups and prominent community organizations throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean. Services can be purchased online anytime, any where 24/7; or by simply calling our newsroom at 1-877-BLACKPR.
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Have some news to share? Or want to know what's happening in your community. Then connect with Black PR Wire. Like us on Facebook (BlackPRWire CorporatePage), follow us Twitter (@BlackPRWire) and be sure to make Black PR Wire your online source for Black News! To connect with Joe, and for more information on Black PR Wire, give us a call at 1-877-BLACKPR or visit www.blackprwire.com. www.newyorktrendnyc.com | 9
TECH NOLOGY CBC TECH TASK FORCE Unveils S.M.A.R.T Principles Members of the Congressional Black Caucus Diversity Task Force unveiled a set of principles to guide growth in the technology industry that is shared widely in diverse communities and parts of the country. For the culmination of their return delegation to Silicon Valley, members unveiled new “S.M.A.R.T. Investment Principles” to build a more inclusive and equitable technology sector. Congressional Black Caucus Diversity Task Force Co-Chairs, Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) and Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13), were joined by Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Financial Services, and Congressman Gregory Meeks (NY-05), also a member of the Financial Services Committee, in Silicon Valley on April 30-May 1 to announce the five principles addressing building the talent pipeline and building Black wealth in tech.
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“During our visit to Silicon Valley last year, we were appalled at the slow progress tech companies were making to ensure diversity and inclusion,” said Congressman G. K. Butterfield. “It is unacceptable for companies of this magnitude to not lead in the building of an economy that works for all, where everyone has a fair shot to thrive. So, we returned to Silicon Valley this week with specific action items- the S.M.A.R.T. Investment principles. The goal is for these principles to guide companies in ensuring a strong economy and equal opportunity for all.”
investments in communities of color. This is why the CBC’s TECH 2020 initiative developed goals with these new S.M.A.R.T. investment principles. These
actionable steps are ideas that companies can adopt toward achieving meaningful representation and inclusion in the tech industry.”
“We founded CBC TECH 2020 in 2015 to address the lack of inclusion and racial equity in Silicon Valley. While we’ve made some progress toward techquity recently, the pace of change in the tech sector has been far too slow,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “Ensuing a pipeline of qualified students of color isn’t enough to obtain racial equity in tech. We must make intentional
June 14, 2018 - June 20, 2018
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END NO TE S JU N E I S C A R IB B E A N H E R I TA G E M O N T H ! achievement in their activities in school, community Chef Gary– Jamaica; Sati Roti – Trinidad & Tobago & Chef Doris Rodney – The Hills Restaurant Bar & Grill– Guyana. This year, one of the judges of the CBC Culinary Championship will be a Celebrity Chef and winner of the Food Network’s cooking show, Chopped. At this celebration with ‘all you can eat’ delicious Caribbean food, there will be opportunity for business owners and professionals to network as well enjoy the cultural display. Early bird tickets are $15 sold before May 15th at cbc5thanniversary.eventbrite. com or $30 at the door. For more information on CBC see www.caribbeanbizconnection. com or send an email to info@ caribbeanbizconnections.com.
Caribbean Business Connections, CBC, celebrates Caribbean American Heritage month and 6 years of working with small business owners to connect them with their prospective customers and to provide them with the necessary expertise to grow their business. On June 6th, CBC will host a cultural extravaganza showcasing Caribbean culture in cuisine, fine arts, folk music and dance. This event will be held at Mirelle’s Restaurant, 170 Post Ave., Westbury, NY 11590. Part of the proceeds will go to Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (USA) Inc. (UJAA) High School Graduate Awards. This Awards Program offers cash awards to graduating US high school seniors of Jamaican heritage who have demonstrated outstanding
SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE Launched For Father’s Day Here’s a fun way to celebrate and honor dad! In recognition of Father’s Day and Men’s Health Month in June, Black PR Wire (BPRW) has launched a social media challenge. Entitled #FathersofWisdom, the campaign will showcase messages of empowerment related to health. “Having your father as a strong influence in your life is not only a blessing but something you will
cherish until the end of time. Life has a way of making your path cloudy but your father is always there to guide you. For instance, my dad, who has said the same quotes for years to the point where I know them by heart, like It’s not how you start it’s how you finish or It takes time, patience is a virtue, has been steadily giving me advice throughout the years. A father is always the person you can turn to - and it’s because of their wisdom,” shared Joe Ellick,
BPRW’s Newsroom Editor. Ready to enter the contest and share your father’s wisdom? Here’s what you do … In 140 characters or less, tell us the best advice your dad has provided. Send a pic or two as well. Post it on Twitter using the hashtag #fathersofwisdom. Send it to Newsroom@ BlackPRWire.com and be sure to include your contact info.
We’re posting your message on our Black PR Wire Corporate Facebook page too. Follow us on Twitter @BlackPRWire and like us on Facebook. And go to our website www.BlackPRWire.com; sign up for Thrivin, and get all sorts of special savings and deals. All submissions will receive 10% off of BPRW services, and the winner gets a $100 Visa Gift Card. Act Now – deadline is June 14th. Black PR Wire is a powerful leader in effective news delivery services. With a comprehensive database and listing of over 1200 Black (African American, Caribbean and Haitian) organizations and media, Black PR Wire is incomparable to any news distribution service targeting the Black market. Services of Black PR Wire include e-mail press release distribution, audio and video messages, social media posting, video messages, e- newsletters and much more! Be sure to make Black PR Wire your online source for Black News 24/7! For more information on Black PR Wire give us a call at 1-877-BLACKPR or visit www. blackprwire.com.
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June 14, 2018 - June 20, 2018
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NO ONE GETS A DIPLOMA ALONE. If you’re thinking of finishing your high school diploma, you have more support than you realize. Find teachers and free adult education classes near you at FinishYourDiploma.org.
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June 14, 2018 - June 20, 2018
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