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THE ALTERNATIVE VOLUMEPERSPECTIVE 26 ISSUE 40

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December 17, 2015 - December 23, 2015

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Since 1989

June 28th, 2018 - July 4th, 2018

HATE –ACHIEVEMENT VOTE,” HONORED“DEFEAT WITH LIFETIME AWARDS

and a former chancellor of the I s T h e m e f o r N A A C P ’ s 1 0 9 t h A n n u a l C o n v e n t iYork o nYork New public schools system.

The Black Stars News 2015 Annual Awards Dinner will honor Mayor David Dinkins, Rep. Charles Thousands to Join Activists, Elected strategize and mobilize our members to “Our 109th Convention will be one of Officials, Celebs Rep. and Local Residents in defeat the hate and convention will be our most dynamic Conventions yet,” said Rangel, Yvette Clarke, Molding for Midterm Elections, Derrick Johnson, NAACP President R.Agenda Donahue Peebles, Barbara the gathering place for energizing our Census, Voting Rights, Redistricting, efforts over the next 365 days.” and CEO. “Some of the most powerful Arnwine, Inez Barron, Sabrina DACA and Civil Rights Advocacy. political minds in the country and from Lamb, Dr. Rudy Crew, Stephen With midterm elections rapidly Byrd, Alia Jones, and the Central Park Five survivors of gross injustice “OUR 109TH CONVENTION WILL BE ONE OF OUR MOST DYNAMIC CONVENTIONS YET.” on December 18 from 6:00pm – Johnson, NAACP President and CEO - Derrick 10:00pm at MIST Harlem, 46 West 116th Street.

“Each honoree chosen for recognition has demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision in her or his respective profession or endeavor and in some significant measure has contributed towards creating a more just society in this country,” says Black Star News founder and publisher Milton Allimadi. “Obviously much work needs to be done here and around the world.”

David Dinkins

was a member of the New York City Council, representing the 40th council district in Brooklyn, succeeding her mother, Una S. T. Clarke. In the current 114th Congress Clarke serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee, responsible for consumer protection, food safety, energy development, public health, communications, the environment, and interstate and international commerce.

Hop Summit, and Continuing Pioneering producersLegal Stephen Education Seminars.

Byrd and Alia Jones, through their The conference will feature a robust company Front Row Production, series of seminars, committee brought “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” meetings, workshops, exhibits and and “A Streetcar Named panel discussions, augmented withDesire” with a multi-ethnic cast key to inspiring keynote addresses from In 2016 bring NAACPBroadway. leadership, civil rights they and faith leaders,“Eclipsed” media, youth and political with Oscar Winner influencers.

Lupita Nyong ’O to Broadway.

Other highlights willthe include the Central Honorees, so-called 40th anniversary of collectively NAACP ACT-SO Park 5, are and (Academic, Cultural,heroes.

Technical andare individually They Scientific Olympics) final competition survivors of one of the ugliest Charles Rangel and awards, Wednesday’s highly miscarriage justice in New York’s anticipated Freedomof Fund Banquet, plus history; having been railroaded majority. She now leads The a health pavilion, retail expo, veterans’ and unjustly convicted for a crime Transformative Justice Coalition. luncheon and a diversity career fair.

they did not commit and for which Arnwine was for 26 years executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee they served long prison sentences “This year’s ranging fromconvention seven years to 13 years for Civil Rights Under the Law. before being exonerated when the Inez Barron, honoree, formerly a happens at a watershed actual rapist confessed. They are: State Assembly member, is now moment in our history Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond a New York City council member The gala starts at 6:00pm with a Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin and a champion of education for where civil rights we once cocktail hour to be followed by the Richardson, and Kharey Wise. our youth. considered permanent, dinner and awards ceremonies. There The Black Star News, which focuses Honoree Imhotep Gary Byrd is will be musical entertainment by are under attack like has on investigative journalism, a legendary radio talk show host opera singer Cassandra Douglas been featured as a result of some if never before.” and executive producer, radio DJ, and from harmonica phenomenon its news scoops, on CNN, The New R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is poet, songwriter, music recording William Galison. David Dinkins is York Daily News, The New York a leading developer and founder of artist and producer, rapper, writer honored for Lifetime Achievement Leon W. Russell Post, The Village Voice, and Brill’s The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest and community activist. He began — he was New York City’s first NAACP Chairman of the Content magazine.

African American-owned real as a radio DJ in Buffalo African American mayor and also National Board of Directors Thousands to Join Activists, Elected Officials, andbillion Localworth Residentshis in career Molding Agenda for estate firm Celebs with $3.5 Past Black Star News honorees at age 15. For over 30 years, he’s welcomed Nelson Mandela to the of Rights, properties under development Midterm Elections, Census, Voting Redistricting, DACA and Civilbeen Rights Advocacy. a talk show host at WBLS and have included: Gil Noble (Like It city after his release in 1990. or management — he was one More information about the 2018 Soledad Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, WLIB radio in New York City. He Charlesforemost Rangel,civil alsorights honored NAACP National Convention, including of the the pioneering developerswho NAACP,Rep. the nation’s approaching, theme, “Defeat Hate the fields of activism, hip-hop and O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, also has a Friday night radio talk for Lifetime Achievement, a detailed schedule of events may beTheatre), helped turn around andofrevitalize organization, has announced its 109thhas – Vote,” exemplifies the nature the academia are coming to San Antonio Voza Rivers (New Heritage show on WBAI. found by visiting naacpconvention.org. servedbeginning in Congress since July 1971. He legislative is the and once-blighted Anacostia Convention, Saturday, advocacy work to be to engage us. With a newly energized Errol Louis (NY1 News), Amel Honoree Sabrina Lamb, founder a recipient of The Bronze medal for 14 through Wednesday, July 18 at the done atneighborhood this year’s convention.

Each Youth and College Department, under in Washington, D.C. Larrieux (Entertainer), Founded in 1909, the NAACP isDr. theWilliam of World of Money, a champion helping save soldiers behind Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center,enemyyear, thousands travel the Convention the leadership of Tiffany DenaisLoftin, A champion oftoAfrican-American Pollard (Medgar Evers College), of financial literacy for youth-- shenation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan 900 E Market St. the Korean War. to set policies, programs and plansPeebles’ and Civic Engagement line during economic empowerment is a revamped Herm Edwards (NY Jets), Nayaba civil rights organization.

Its members of action for the comingayear.

Recent Department under the leadership teaches knowledge aboutofhandling contemplating possible run for NYC “This year’s happens Rep. convention Yvette Clarke is aatDemocratic Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna issues mayor facing the nation, such as implicit Jamal Watkins, Conventionand participants money, budgeting planning. throughout the United States and the in 2017. a watershed moment in US our House history of member of the world are the premier advocates for civil Fountain (Columbia University), bias, the growing popularity of hate are in for a powerful experience.” where civil rights we once considered Dr. Rudy Crew, honoree, is one of rights in their communities.

You can Representatives from New Lillian Roberts (DC37), Desiree Dancy Barbara Arnwine, groups,Honoree and continued threats to civil civil permanent, under like There are anation’s number leading of key events taking He’s read more about the NAACP’s work and the educators.

York are whose 9thattack district covers (New York Times), Greg Floyd (Local rights by the Trump rights lawyer,administration, is a champion of never before,” said Leon W. Russell, place at NAACP’s 109th Convention our six 237), “Game Changer” issue areas by much of central Brooklyn. Before will be protecting Rev. Al Sharpton (National at the forefront of this year’s president of Medgar Evers College voting rights of ethnic that attendees NAACP Chairman of the National Board can look forward to visiting Action NAACP.org.

Convention’s agenda. entering Congress in 2007, she Network), and many others.

CityWorkshop, University of New minority groups — the emerging such asofanThe of Directors. “We intend to organize, LGBTQ a Hip-

INSIDE T HIS ISSUE: IS SUE : INSIDE THIS

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PAGE 3 "WATCHING OPRAH" NewYorkTrendnyc

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PAGE 7 DEBRA LEE STEPS DOWN

December 17, 2015 - December 23, 2015

June 28, 2018 - July 4, 2018

Page 11 NYC NEW YEARS!

PAGE 8 NY FILM DEBUT

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NE WS WALGREENS Joins With Health Organizations To Provide Free HIV Testing Walgreens and Greater Than AIDS, a leading national public information response to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic, are working with 220 health departments, AIDS service organizations, and other community organizations to help provide free HIV testing and information at participating Walgreens stores in more than 180 cities on National HIV Testing Day was on Wednesday, June 27th.

support for outreach.

Walgreens and Greater Than AIDS are helping the participating testing partners to expand the free HIV testing to even more locations this year with a focus on heavily affected communities.

Since 2011, more than 40,000 HIV tests have been conducted as part of the activation.

BioLytical Laboratories and OraSure Technologies, Inc. are donating test kits and Abbott Rapid Diagnostics is providing

“Walgreens has supported people living with HIV/AIDS since the beginning of the epidemic more than 30 years ago,” said Glen Pietrandoni, senior director, patient care and advocacy, at Walgreens. “Early testing can mean access to effective treatment and the opportunity to go on to live a healthy normal lifespan. In addition, with proper adherence to medication,

Local agencies will be at participating Walgreens stores to provide free, confidential, and fast test results on site, without the need to schedule an appointment. Counselors will be on hand to answer questions about HIV prevention and treatment options, including PrEP, a medication that offers another effective means of protection for those testing negative for HIV.

successfully treated patients cannot easily transmit the virus to others. As we continue to work towards an end to HIV/AIDS, it is crucial that testing and trusted resources on treatment are made more widely available within communities.”

The community partnership is part of an ongoing commitment

by Walgreens and Greater Than AIDS to broaden the reach of HIV testing and information in non-traditional settings and to support the outreach of local organizations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends HIV testing as part of routine health care. An estimated 1.1 million people in the United States are living with HIV and approximately 1 in 7 are unaware of their status.

“There are more options than ever to prevent and treat HIV,” said Tina Hoff, Senior Vice President and Director, Health Communications and Media Partnerships at the Kaiser Family Foundation, which leads Greater Than AIDS. “The first step is knowing your status. This collaboration normalizes HIV testing as part of everyday life, while helping to educate about these advances.”

The community partnership is part of an ongoing commitment

by Walgreens and Greater Than AIDS to broaden the reach of HIV testing and information in non-traditional settings and to support the outreach of local organizations. Year round, HIVtrained pharmacy staff are available at more than 1,000 Walgreens locations nationwide, including communities with high HIV prevalence, offering oneon-one, confidential medication counseling to support treatment adherence, and assisting with other care needs, such as identifying financial assistance options.

For a complete list of participating Walgreens locations

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June 28, 2018 - July 4, 2018

and supporting partners for this year’s National HIV Testing Day, as well as additional information about HIV testing, including yearround testing sites, visit www. greaterthan.org/walgreens.

Walgreens (walgreens.com), a provider of trusted care in communities since 1901, is included in the Retail Pharmacy USA Division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBA), the first global pharmacyled, health and wellbeing enterprise. Approximately 8 million customers interact with Walgreens in stores and online each day, using the most convenient, multichannel access to consumer goods and services and trusted, cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services and advice.

As of Aug. 31, 2017, Walgreens operates 8,100 drugstores with a presence in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with its omnichannel business, Walgreens.com. Approximately 400 Walgreens stores offer Healthcare Clinic or other provider retail clinic services.

Greater Than AIDS is a leading national public information response focused on the U.S. domestic HIV epidemic. While national in scope, Greater Than AIDS focuses on communities most affected. Through targeted media messages and community outreach, Greater Than AIDS and its partners works to increase knowledge, reduce stigma and promote actions to stem the spread of the disease.

The Kaiser Family Foundation, a leader in health policy analysis, health journalism and communication, is dedicated to filling the need for trusted, independent information on the major health issues facing our nation and its people. The Foundation is a non-profit private operating foundation based in San Francisco, California.

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NEWS “Watching Oprah”

Exhibit Opens at National Museum of African American History and Culture “Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture,” opens June 8 at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, and continues through June 2019. The exhibition will use the story of Winfrey and her 25year daytime talk show as a lens to explore contemporary American history and culture, especially issues of power, gender and the media. It will feature video clips on a range of subjects, interactive interviews with Winfrey, costumes from her films Beloved and The Color Purple and artifacts from Harpo Studios in Chicago, home of The Oprah Winfrey Show.

spirituality and philanthropy—were rooted in her African American identity and upbringing.”

In the first section, America Shapes Oprah, key events in Winfrey’s life are considered in relationship to the broader political, social and cultural changes happening in the country. Artifacts include items from Winfrey’s childhood when

Winfrey Show, which dominated daytime TV from 1986 through 2011. Watched by millions in 145 countries, the show won 48 Daytime Emmy Awards, and featured a wide range of celebrities and challenging, rarely discussed topics such as beauty, relationships, sexual abuse and current affairs. Winfrey herself received a Daytime Emmy

that takes visitors to the first level of the History Galleries. The exhibition is supported by MGM Resorts International, Target, Bank of America, and FedEx Corporation. The public can join the online conversation using #WatchingOprah and explore the exhibition online at www.nmaahc. si.edu/watchingoprah.

Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998. The exhibition comes full circle with a section titled Oprah Shapes America. It explores Winfrey’s global influence that extends far beyond the world of TV, journalism and entertainment.

The phenomenon of “The Oprah Effect”—Winfrey’s ability to shape public opinion and change people’s lives—has long been a subject of fascination and debate; it has raised important questions about the relationship between race, gender and power and about whose voices deserve to be heard and whose perspectives and experiences matter.

About the National Museum of African American History and Culture:

“This exhibition examines the power of television,” said Lonnie G. Bunch III, the museum’s founding director. “Just as Oprah Winfrey watched TV coverage of the civil rights movement and was shaped by the era in which she was born and raised, she has gone on to have a profound effect on how Americans view themselves and each other in the tumultuous decades that followed.

She has a place in the museum with a long line of women who did extraordinary things in their time— Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells, Maya Angelou— women who worked to redeem the soul of America.”

Winfrey was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, won seven Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Talk Show Host, received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award and is the nation’s first self-made African American female billionaire. This new Smithsonian exhibition probes the way in which America shaped Winfrey and how Winfrey’s work has shaped America.

The exhibition is in three sections: America Shapes Oprah, 1950s–1980s, The Oprah Winfrey Show and Oprah Shapes America. Museum curators Rhea L. Combs and Kathleen Kendrick put Winfrey’s story into context for visitors: “During her 25 years on broadcast television, her remarkable ability to connect in a familiar way with diverse audiences was crucial to her success. Many of the values she espoused on her show—including empowerment, education,

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she was deeply affected by the working women in her life, as well as artists, authors and activists whose works gave voice to the experiences of African American women. Among the highlights: the high school diploma earned

by Carlotta Walls, one of the “Little Rock Nine” who integrated Central High School in Arkansas in 1957; a pennant carried by Edith Lee Payne, a 12-year-old girl from Detroit, at the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom; images of women activists, including Pauli Murray, an attorney and Episcopal priest who helped organize the March on Washington, and Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm; and works by artist Elizabeth Catlett.

The exhibition also examines the evolution of The Oprah

“Watching Oprah” is located in the museum’s Special Exhibitions gallery, a 4,300-square-foot exhibition space located on the concourse level near the elevator

June 28, 2018 - July 4, 2018

The National Museum of African American History and Culture opened Sept. 24, 2016, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Occupying a prominent location next to the Washington Monument, the nearly 400,000-square-foot museum is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive cultural destination devoted exclusively to exploring, documenting and showcasing the African American story and its impact on American and world history. For more information about the museum, visit nmaahc.si.edu, follow @NMAAHC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.

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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, MercedesBenz, 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 hightouch 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 LeadingSelf mindset to the LeadingOthers 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)

S B A I n c r e as e s D isast e r Le n d in g for Small Biz

The U.S. Small Business Administration prides itself in the efforts it takes to help small business owners recover from disasters. The SBA 7(a) Loan Program is aiding in that effort by offering the Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program. This Pilot Program was authorized on October 16, 2017 and is available through September 30, 2020.

With hurricane season upon us, SBA wants to make sure SBA Lenders and small businesses are aware that this Pilot Program is available for SBA Express Lenders to provide immediate loans up to $25,000 with a 50% SBA guaranty for small businesses located in the

counties affected by a Presidentiallydeclared disaster. An important part of recovery is the availability of immediate cash to assist the small business with rebuilding and continuing or restarting its operations while awaiting long-term disaster financing.

The EBL Pilot Program permits a very streamlined delivery available through existing SBA Express Lenders. Small business owners are not required to apply for an SBA disaster loan in order to qualify for an EBL loan and are advised to contact their bank as soon as possible to determine eligibility.

Lenders must be authorized as SBA Express Lenders at the time of the

Presidential disaster declaration in order to offer this assistance.

SBA 7(a) Lenders that do not already participate in the SBA Express program are encouraged to contact their local SBA District Office to find out how to participate in order to best assist their local small business owners in the unfortunate circumstance of a disaster. A Program Guide outlining the full procedures applicable to the Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program is available on the SBA’s website.

For further assistance, please contact Robert Carpenter, Acting 7(a) Policy & Program Chief, or your local SBA District Office.

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ENTER TAINMENT

MARYWh J. at B L IGE N first HOL LYWNOeOeDd WA LK E veAWA ryRDBEDLASTAR C K OPerson s fortherself o onROtheFemoreaFA dME female artist. Influenced at an personal

The Hollywood Chamber of ‘the geometry being Commerce is of proud toBlack’ announce is a book that probes into the J. that singer and actress Mary effects of anti-Blackness on the Blige will be honored with the Black community.

Divided into five 2,626th star on the Hollywood segments: receiving, internalizing, Walk of Fame on Thursday, January unlearning, and resisting; 11, 2018 atloving 11:30 a.m.

PST. the book delves into how the The star will be dedicated inBlack the community andatinternalizes category ofreceives Recording 6201 anti-Blackness, how theincommunity Hollywood Boulevard front of can unlearn and resist antiEastown.

Blackness, and how the community “Mary J. Blige oneBlackness of the most can begin to loveisit’s in a popular singers of our world that does not let it.generation.

Fansare willliving be thrilled her star “We throughtoasee Black on the Boulevard as Black her career creative renaissance. milestones celebrated on this creatives areare finding innovative ways very famous sidewalk,” stated Ana to confront how anti-Blackness has Martinez, Producer of the Walk been threaded into the bricks in our of Fame ceremonies. foundations.

This book Helping is part to this Emcee and Hollywood Chamber rebirth,” the author explains.

President/CEO Leron Gubler to unveil bebook guest While the the first star half will of the speaker Sean “Diddy” delves into themes such Combs. as The Hollywood ChamberBlack of police brutality, colorism, Commerce which administers womanhood, toxic masculinity, and the popularhate; star ceremonies internalized the second half encourages who are the of the book ispeople about restoring unable to attend and fans around community. Many of the poems in the world to watch the event this section touch on unlearning exclusively on www.walkoffame. self-hate, fostering love within the com.

The iconic Grammy® Awardcommunity, strengthening winning andand Golden Globe the fight against anti-Blackness. nominated singer, songwriter, What makes book revolutionary actress and the philanthropist, Mary is that it isn’t just Black J. Blige is a figureabout of inspiration, suffering.

Beginning suffering, transformation and at empowerment, and ending empowerment, ‘the making heratone of the defining geometry of being Black’ is a voices of the contemporary music journey about healing racial trauma. era. With a track record in the The book will break your heart open music realm of eight multi-platinum in the beginning, fill it with love in albums, nine Grammy® Awards the middle, and sow it back up at (with a staggering 32 nominations) the andend. worldwide sales of more than 50 million albums. Blige ventured “Our community needs healing, and into acting where she has already Ireceived believe this book is a step towards nominations for a 2018 that,” Ogorchukwu says.SAG Award Golden Globe, a 2018 ‘the geometry of being Black’Award is and a 2018 Critic’s Choice available on Amazon from June all for Best Supporting Actress22 2018.

The ISBN theinbook is 978recognizing her for work the Netflix 1719276009. film “Mudbound” opposite Carey Mulligan and Garrett Hedlund.

Ogorchukwu, is a Nigerian The film premiered to rave reviews American artist and activist. a last year at Sundance and As is now UC Berkeley graduate who studied available to stream on Netflix. social sciences, it is her mission Born in the Bronx, New York,to to create content that speaks Blige began moving people with the communities that are often her soulful voice when at 18 she overlooked in society. Contact the signed with Uptown Records author at Ogorchukwuu@gmail.com. in 1989, becoming the MCAdistributed label’s youngest and

early age by the music of Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and Gladys Knight, Blige brought her own gritty, urban-rooted style—fusing hip-hop, soul and honest, frank lyrics—to the forefront on her 1992 debut album What’s the 411?

The multi-platinum set, executive produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs, quickly spun off several hits, including two R&B No. 1s: You Remind Me and Real Love.

Blige helped redefine R&B and began forging a unique niche

second album, 1994’s My Life.

Blige is an artist who uses her gift of song to lift spirits and touch lives while bringing her heart, soul and truth to those who are willing to listen. She is loved for her passionate, chart-topping hits like “Be Without You”, “No More Drama” and “Family Affair” all of which have made her a force in music.

And so began the Blige movement: connecting legions of -- cont'd on Page 9

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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

June 28, 2018 - July 4, 2018

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ENTER TAINMENT 'A BOY. A GIRL. A DREAM' T O S C R E E N AT B A M C I N E M A F E S T

After sold-out screenings at Sundance, ABFF and the San Francisco Film Festival this year, A Boy. A Girl. A Dream. is making its New York debut tonight, Friday, June 22, 9:30PM, Peter Jay Sharp Building (30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn NY 11217) during the renowned BAM Cinema Fest. Director Qasim Basir (Destined, Moozlum) will participate in a Q&A immediately following the screening.

Starring Omari Hardwick (Starz' "Power"), Meagan Good ("Minority Report," Think Like a Man Too), Jay Ellis (HBO's "Insecure"), and Kenya Barris (ABC's "black-ish"), A Boy. A Girl. A Dream is set on the night of the 2016 Presidential election, when "Cass" (Hardwick), an L.A. club promoter, takes a thrilling and emotional journey with "Free" (Good), a Midwestern visitor.

She challenges him to revisit his broken dreams - while he pushes her to discover hers.

Written by Basir and Samantha Turner, A Boy. A Girl. A Dream. was produced by Datari Turner through his production banner Datari Turner Productions.

Executive producers on the film are Jash'd Kambui Belcher, Louis Steyn, TJ Steyn, Jamal Chilton, Tim Weatherspoon, Phil Thornton, Meagan Good, and Omari Hardwick.

A Boy. A Girl. A Dream. will be released in the Fall through Samuel Goldwyn Films.

Follow the film on Instagram at @boygirldream_movie and Facebook.com/boygirldream.

For media requests, contact Nakia Hicks (nakia@ one35agency.com).

Datari Turner Productions is a California-based Film and Television production company founded by Datari Turner in 2010. Follow @datariturner on Instagram and Twitter for more information.

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’

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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

June 28, 2018 - July 4, 2018

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).

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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.

June 28, 2018 - July 4, 2018

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 28, 2018 - July 4, 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 28, 2018 - July 4, 2018

www.newyorktrendnyc.com | 11

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 28, 2018 - July 4, 2018

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