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THE ALTERNATIVE VOLUMEPERSPECTIVE 26 ISSUE 40
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December 17, 2015 - December 23, 2015
VOLUME 27 ISSUE 13
June 8th - June 14th, 2017
Since 1989
HONOREDMANDELA WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENTHosts AWARDS NELSON D.C. Fellowship YOUNG AFRICAN LEADERS
York and a former chancellor of the The Black Stars News 2015 Annual Awards Dinner will honor Mayor New York public schools system. David Dinkins, Rep. Charles Pioneering producers Stephen Rangel, Rep. Yvette Clarke, Byrd and Alia Jones, through their Clark Atlanta University (CAU) will Technology Development Center R. Donahue Peebles, Barbara company Front Row Production, for theArnwine, fourth consecutive year host and Tech Square, in addition to other Inez Barron, Sabrina brought “Cat on a service Hot Tin Roof” 25 leaders ages 25 to 35 as part of business and community Lamb, Dr. Rudy Crew, Stephen and “A Streetcar Named Desire” the Mandela Washington Fellowship partners. Byrd, Alia Jones, and the Central with a multi-ethnic cast to for Young LeadersofInitiative Clark Atlanta’s YALI program has ParkAfrican Five survivors gross injustice Broadway. In 2016 they bring (YALI),on a partnership been cited by fellows and government December established 18 from 6:00pm – “Eclipsed” with Oscar Winner through the U.S. at Department of 46 West representatives as a model among 10:00pm MIST Harlem, Lupita Nyong ’O to Broadway. State. 116th Clark Atlanta participating U.S. institutions. Street. will welcome this fourth class of fellows to its Honorees, so-called Central Andrew Longwe,the co-founder honoree chosen for historic“Each campus June 16, beginning Park 5, are collectively of Malawi’s Capital Financialand recognition has program demonstrated an intensive, six-week of individually heroes. are Services and a 2015 CAU They Mandela exceptional leadership and and vision in academic, entrepreneurship survivors of one of the ugliest Washington Fellow said in a March David Dinkins Charles Rangel her or his respective profession or leadership training. miscarriage ofAFK justice in New 2016 interview with Insider thatYork’s endeavor and in some significant history; having been railroaded “We are tremendously excited about majority. She now leads The the sum of his interactions made him was a member of the New York measure has contributed towards The Mandela Washington Transformative Program Called a and unjustly convicted for a crime the arrival of this year’s class,” Justice Coalition. “a different business person than… City Council, representing the creating a more just society in this Fellowship th is the flagship program they did not commit and CAU President Ronald A. Johnson Model forwas InstitutionalArnwine for 26 years executivebefore the Fellowship began.” Infor which 40 council district in Brooklyn, country,” says Black Star News for the Young African Leaders they 2016 servedremarks long prison says. “The relationships developed of the Lawyers’ Committee her March to thesentences U.S. succeeding her mother, Una S. U.S.director Department of State founder and publisher Milton Initiative, which empowers th ranging from seven years to 13 years over the past three years advance forCooperation. Civil Rights Under the Law. Institute of Peace, U.S. Assistant T. Clarke. In the current 114 Allimadi. “Obviously much work emerging African Clarke leadersserves through before being exonerated when the the University’s ability to tap into Congress on Inez Barron, honoree, formerly aSecretary of State for African needs to be done here and coursework, leadership training, actual rapist confessed. They are: a global, entrepreneurial mindset Clark Atlanta University’s program the Energy and Commerce State Assembly member, is nowAffairs Linda Thomas-Greenfield around the world.” mentoring, networking, professional Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond and constitutes an expanding brain was conceived and established Committee, responsible for a New York City council membersingled out the work of 2014 CAU and support activities. gala starts at 6:00pm Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin trust ofThe emerging global leaders.with a opportunities by Professor Mesfin Bezuneh, consumer protection, food and a champion of education for Fellow Temitayo Etomi, who “upon have established records cocktail bestudents, followed by theFellowssafety, Richardson, Wise. This serves nothour onlyto our a member returning home fromand theKharey Fellowship energy development, publicPh.D., our youth. of the University’s of accomplishment in promoting dinner and awards ceremonies. There but also our faculty and alumni, economics faculty. Bezuneh’s role has employed and trained health, communications, the The Black Star News,more which focuses and positive in and includes Honoree Imhotep Gary will be the musical entertainment by extending scope and reach by innovation close coordination with Byrd is than 100 Nigerians with the aim of has environment, andchange interstate on investigative journalism, a legendary radio talk show host creating 1.2 million jobs for Nigerian singer Cassandra Douglas their organizations, of our opera academic, innovation and the U.S. Department of State’s international institutions, commerce. been featured as a result of some if communities and countries. Clark and executive producer, and from enterprises.” harmonica phenomenon entrepreneurial This Bureau of Educational Affairs radio DJ, Youth by its 2020.” news scoops, on CNN, The New R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is Atlanta’s cohort of Fellows are poet, songwriter, music recording Galison. David Dinkins is year’s William class, Johnson observed, and its implementing partner, York Daily News, The New York For more information on the a leading developer and founder of part of a larger group of 1,000 artist and producer, honored for Lifetime Achievement represents 19 different countries: the International Researchrapper, and writer2017 Mandela Post, The Village Voice, and Brill’s Washington The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest and community activist. — heCentral was New York Republic, City’s first being hosted at select U.S. higher Botswana, African Exchanges Board. Over their He beganFellowship Content magazine. Program, visit African American-owned real hisschedule, career as CAU’s a radioFellows DJ in Buffalo American mayor and alsoeducation institutions this summer Chad, African Democratic Republic of the estate firm with $3.5 billion worthsix-week Past Black Star News honorees at age 15. For over 30 years, he’s MandelaWashingtonFellowship. Nelson Mandela Congo,welcomed Djibouti, Ethiopia, Guinea, to theto participate in business and will study innovation technology, state.gov join theGil conversation of properties under development entrepreneurship, civic leadership haveand included: Noble (Like It been a talk show host at WBLS and after his release in 1990. Kenya,city Madagascar, Malawi, decision-making tools, corporate and with #YALI. For more information or management — he was one and public management institutes. Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad WLIB radio in New York City. He Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, responsibility, human design Rep. Charles Rangel, also honored about O’Brien Clark Atlanta University’s of the pioneering developerswho social also Clark Atlanta is one of 15 (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, has a Friday night radio talk Senegal, South Africa, United green entrepreneurship and for Lifetime Achievement, has institutions, 2017 Mandela Washington helpedand turn around and revitalize thinking, the only HBCU, Voza Rivers (New Heritage Theatre), show on WBAI. Republic of Tanzania, Uganda, more. CAU’s program is supported served in Congress since 1971. He focusing is Fellowship Business and theprimarily once-blighted Anacostia on business and Errol Louis (NY1 News), Amel Zambia and Zimbabwe. by sponsors whose worldwide Honoree Sabrina Lamb, founderEntrepreneurship Institute, contact a recipient of The Bronze medal for neighborhood in Fellows Washington, D.C. entrepreneurship. The will Larrieux (Entertainer), Dr. William operations routinely depend upon of World of Money, is a champion helping save soldiers behind enemyconclude Bezuneh at mbezuneh@cau.edu or A champion African-American their YALIof experience Pollard (Medgar Evers College), such high-level collaboration, of financial literacy for youth-- she 404-880-6274. during the Korean War. economic empowerment Peebles’ is “Welineare tremendously at a summit in Washington, D.C., Herm Edwards (NY Jets), Nayaba including: Theknowledge Coca-Cola Company, teaches about handling contemplating a possible Rep. Yvette Clarke isthe a Democratic after which select individuals willrun for NYC Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna excited about UPS, Allen Entrepreneurial money, budgeting and planning. 2017. six-weeks member of the US House of engagemayor in an in additional Fountain (Columbia University), Institute, Atlanta Hartsfield/ arrival of this from year’s Dr. Rudy Crew, honoree, is one of Representatives New of professional Lillian Roberts (DC37), Desiree Dancy Honoreedevelopment Barbara Arnwine, civil Jackson International Airport, the nation’s leading educators. He’s York whose 9th district covers training with lawyer, U.S. non-governmental (New York Times), Greg Floyd (Local rights is a champion of class.” IBM, Emory University, Georgia much of central Brooklyn. Before organizations, private companies and Institute 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National president of Medgar Evers College protecting voting rights of ethnic of Technology, Advanced - CAU President Ronald A.inJohnson entering Congress 2007, she government agencies. Action Network), and many others. of The City University of New minority groups — the emerging
INSIDE T HIS ISSUE: IS SUE : INSIDE THIS
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PAGE 6 JONES HOSTS BET AWARDS
December 17, 2015 - December 23, 2015
June 8 - June 14, 2017
Page 11 NYC NEW YEARS!
PAGE 11 A TALK WITH JAMES IJAMES
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E VENT S
June is CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Caribbean immigrants have been contributing to the well-being of American society since its founding. Alexander Hamilton, the First Secretary of the Treasury was from the Caribbean island of Nevis. We count among our famous sons and daughters, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Cicely Tyson, W.E.B Dubois, James Weldon Johnson, Harry Belafonte and Sidney Poitier to name a few. ICS’ effort began in 1999 with a petition to President Bill Clinton for the recognition of a Caribbean American Heritage Month. In 2000, the Institute of Caribbean Studies (ICS) began leading activities in celebration of June as Caribbean American Heritage Month in Washington DC, building on efforts started by a now defunct ad-hoc group of Washington DC residents to have
resolution official was signed by President George W. Bush on June 5, 2006. In 2006, actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph and basketball great Rick Fox were named official spokespersons for National Caribbean American Heritage Month. Learn more at www. caribbeanamericanheritage.org.
a Caribbean Heritage Month designated in Washington, D. C. in 1999. The official campaign for a National Caribbean American Heritage Month began in 2004 when a legislative bill was tabled
in Congress by Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Language was provided by ICS Founder and President Dr. Claire Nelson. The Bill was reintroduced and passed the House in June 2005 and the Senate in February 2006. A Proclamation making the
Each year, ICS works with our partners at a number of organizations to present a parade of events for varied palates. Learn more about this year’s events at www. caribbeanamericanheritage.org. The Institute of Caribbean Studies is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
REGISTER NOW for The ANNUAL WOMEN OF COLOR EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE The Seventh Annual Women of Color Empowerment Conference will take place September 8th - 10th, 2017 at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, 321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL. Registration is now open. WOCEI, in conjunction with its outstanding community partners, will host a Reception and a Comedy Show starting at 6:30 PM on Friday, September 8, 2017. The conference programming day will include a luncheon featuring Angela Rye and it will take place on Saturday, September 9, 2017 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a networking reception from 4 PM - 5 PM. The conference will conclude the weekend with its “Spirit of Sisterhood” Breakfast starting at 8:30 AM on Sunday, September 10, 2017. In past years, the leadership conference has been standing room only and has drawn federal, state and local leaders from all over the nation. Past speakers have included Trumpet Awards Founder Xernona Clayton; Judy Smith, noted crisis manager and the inspiration behind the hit television show Scandal; Africa Channel founder Paula Madison; MSNBC’s Joy Reid; Congresswoman Donna Edwards; Judge Glenda Hatchett, African Ancestry Founder Gina Paige; Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince, media mogul Cathy Hughes, and so many other leaders. The conference has included panel discussions comprised of women news anchors; election experts, technology experts, top corporate executives, health experts and legal scholars.
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June 8 - June 14, 2017
www.newyorktrendnyc.com
NE WS
NAACP DENOUNCES VANDALISM AGAINST AFRICAN-AMERICANS The NAACP will not sit by idly while our people continue to be assailed by racist and cowardly actions. Furthermore, we call on the Trump Administration to stand up and speak out against these attacks.”
bled and u o tr ly p e e d re a e “W inous acts of e h e th y b d e rb tu is d nesday.” d e W n o d e rr u c c o t racism tha -Leon Russell
Board Chairman of the NAACP
The NAACP issued the following statement after a noose was found recently at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. and after NBA star LeBron James’ house in Los
Angeles, California was defaced with the N-word. “We are deeply troubled and disturbed by the heinous acts of racism that occurred on Wednesday,” said Leon Russell,
“Atrocious acts like those committed on Wednesday demonstrate the divisive animus that is pervasive throughout our country. The NAACP stands with the Smithsonian and with Mr. James and is wholly committed, now more than ever, to protecting equal rights of all persons and to eliminating race-based discrimination in the United States. We will not be deterred,” said Derrick Johnson, Vice Chairman of the NAACP. Board Chairman of the NAACP. “Leaving a noose – a symbol and weapon of hate – in front of the new National Museum of African American History and Culture and vandalizing the home of NBA superstar LeBron James, underscore the recent increase in hate crimes committed against African-Americans under the Trump Administration.
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas here.
HOWARD UNIVERSITY NAMES NEW CHIEF OF STAFF Howard University President Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick named D. Paul Monteiro, Jr. as the new Chief of Staff for the Office of the President. He will begin his duties June 5, 2017. Monteiro will serve as a member of President Frederick’s senior management team. In this role, he will be responsible for directing the overall operations of the Office of the President and will interface with Cabinet members, Board of Trustees and University stakeholders. Monteiro brings over a decade of governmental, nonprofit and higher education experience. He has gained expertise working at the White House and across all branches of the federal government in several key roles. Most recently, he led the NewYorkTrendnyc
- D. Paul Monteiro, Jr., the new Chief of Staff for the Office of the President Community Relations Service at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the program created by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to help to mitigate community tensions in high-profile discrimination
cases by working with elected officials, law enforcement executives, protest leaders, advocacy groups and other relevant stakeholders. Monteiro will replace former Chief of
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Staff Mrs. LaRue Barkwell who has retired after 40 years of service at Howard University. She is currently serving in the President’s office to aid with the transition. www.newyorktrendnyc.com | 3
BUSINE S S
ODYSSEY MEDIA Awards 50K To ‘Success’ Contest Winner said everybody was a winner. LAMIK Beauty is an eco-chic cosmetics company, and the LAMIK name is an acronym that stands for “Love and Makeup in Kindness”. The company’s mission is to help women and girls realize that “beauty is revealed, not applied”. LAMIK has a flagship retail store in Houston, Texas, and retails their products. The second-place winner is Janel Young, owner of Nava Pets, Inc. Nava Pets is an all-natural pet care company. They manufacture a line of pet treats, dog food, and health treatments that are human grade, safe, and nontoxic. Janel won the audience over when she demonstrated her commitment to providing quality products by noting that she has “personally taste tested her products.” Nava Pets was certified as a Green Business Company in 2017.
The finalists came onstage the first night, and the room erupted in support; the atmosphere was electric. Odyssey Media’s Founder & CEO, Linda Spradley Dunn stressed the importance of helping entrepreneurs, and Richelieu Dennis, CEO of Sundial Brands, matched Linda’s $25K prize
money. In total Odyssey was able to award more than $50K! Our winner, Kim Roxie, attended her first Odyssey event, In the Black, in Houston, Texas. She is the founder and president of LAMIK Beauty. When the contest was announced, she was hesitant
BLACK PARTNERS Form
Multi-Billion Dollar Supply Chain
African Bean Company is the first nationally certified, African American owned coffee supply company
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providing national distribution. The company’s coffee is branded Roots Java Coffee.
to apply but received a phone call from Odyssey Woman Sheretta M. West, who encouraged her to go for it! Kim’s presentation, authenticity, warmth, and expert knowledge of her company wowed the judges and the audience. Notably, when Kim won, she recognized each contestant and From small communities on the Mississippi Delta to Brownstones in Harlem, African Americans have historically been devoted coffee consumers—helping to drive this multi-billion dollar industry. African Bean Company, founded in 2010 by Dr. Fitzgerald Hill, is making history as he and his partner, Clifton L. Taulbert (President & CEO) ensure that African Americans are now on the owner/supply side of the industry. This is truly historic. The Company’s rich tasting coffees are the result of beans grown by independent Rwandan farmers in the fertile, high mountain region of the country. These farmers, many of whom survived the horrific genocide, are now transforming their lives and their country by growing and harvesting the most sought after coffee beans in the world. Taulbert, who heads the operations of this national company, always smiles when asked about their market receptivity. “It’s not easy to
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Our third-place winner is Sonia Smith-Kang, founder/designer of Mixed Up Clothing. A talented and passionate clothing designer, Sonia’s California-based company is a children’s clothing line that sources fabric and trims from all over the world to showcase and celebrate the beauty of cultural diversity. tackle a market that is dominated by major international corporations with little or no room for a start-up company to play,” Taulbert said. “However, African Bean Company is here for the long haul. Using entrepreneurial tactics and plain ol’ hard work, they are making their way into homes (Online) with their signature 12 oz. bags of Ground and Whole Bean, along with their cases of filter and fractional packs for hospitals, country clubs, restaurants, and academic institutions commercially delivered across America. The premium brand’s smooth taste is rapidly becoming a highly sought-after item for holidays and special occasion gift giving and corporate gifts by loyal customers worldwide.” African Bean Company, LLC is a privately owned black enterprise with operational headquarters in Tulsa, OK. To learn more go to rootsjava. com or call (918) 584-0414.
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ENTER TAINMENT LAURYN HILL & NAS Join For DYNAMIC TOUR
GRAMMY® Award-winning powerhouse Ms. Lauryn Hill and anthemic rap superstar Nas are ready to rule the world on their co-headlining tour. Produced by Live Nation, the incomparable music experience will lift off September 7 in Chicago, IL and feature special guests, comedian Hannibal Buress and reggae artist Chronixx, on various tour stops. Multi-platinum artist Ms. Lauryn Hill rose to prominence as the lone female member of The Fugees, one of the biggest selling R&B acts around the world. Her solo career soared when The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was released nearly twenty years ago, earning her five GRAMMY® Awards and leaving a beautifully indelible mark in music history. Nas has become a global phenomenon in his own right with eight platinum and multi-platinum albums
under his belt, along with a staggering 13 GRAMMY® nominations. Together on their newly announced tour, they will visit 17 cites across the United States and Canada. Citi® is the official pre-sale credit card of the tour featuring Ms. Lauryn Hill and Nas. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase pre-sale tickets beginning Wednesday, May 31 at 10:00 a.m. local time until Thursday, June 1 at 10:00 p.m. local time through Citi’s Private Pass® program. For complete pre-sale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com. Tickets for the tour go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, June 2 at 10 a.m. local time. Exclusive VIP packages and additional ticket information can be found at livenation.com.
LESLIE JONES TO HOST 2017 “BET AWARDS”
BET Networks, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B sted NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), today revealed comedian and actress Leslie Jones as host for this year’s "BET Awards." Her first major award show gig, Leslie joins a long line of stand-up comedians that have rocked the role, including Chris Rock, Mo’Nique, Kevin Hart and Chris Tucker. This year’s broadcast marks 17 years of unexpected performances, trailblazing moments, super dope talent, and entertainment’s most provocative players. The iconic show continues to be a cultural rule breaker steeped in reinvention with some of the most memorable moments in Award show history. The “BET Awards” has set the standard for one of the most intently unconventional, newsprovoking broadcasts. The 2017 “BET Awards” will air LIVE on Sunday, June 25 at 8 pm ET from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, CA on BET.
A staple on the Saturday Night Live writing team, Leslie Jones gained oncamera popularity after a memorable performance during the show’s “Weekend Update” segment where she played herself. Now in her third year on the cast, Jones is known to be a talented and fiercely independent performer whose brash and unapologetic riffs can ruffle feathers. Leslie starred in Paul Feig’s reboot of “Ghostbusters”, with other film credits that include Chris Rock’s “Top Five,” Judd Apatow’s “Trainwreck”, the animated film “Sing” and the upcoming “Masterminds.” “I am so excited to be hosting The BET Awards this year,” said Saturday Night Live star Leslie Jones, “BET was the first network and place where I was on TV - I am looking to turn this whole experience into a joyful homecoming.” As previously announced, Beyoncé dominates this year’s nominations with a total of seven including ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist,’ ‘Best Collaboration’ with Kendrick Lamar for “Freedom,” ‘Video of the Year,’ and ‘Album of the Year’ for Lemonade. Bruno Mars follows with five nods including
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‘Album of the Year,’ ‘Best Male R&B/ Pop Artist,’ and ‘Video of the Year’ for “24K Magic.” Other nominees include Solange, nominated for four awards and who is up against sister Beyoncé for ‘Best Female R&B/Pop Artist.’ Chance the Rapper and Migos receive four nominations as well, Chance the Rapper nominated for ‘Best Male Hip-Hop Artist’ and ‘Best New Artist’ and Migos for ‘Best Group’ and ‘Best Collaboration’ for their #1 hit “Bad and Boujee” with Lil Uzi Vert.
BET Networks recognizes artists, entertainers, and athletes across 19 categories with the “BET Awards” 2017 nominations. The nominations are selected by BET’s Voting Academy, which is comprised of fans and an esteemed group of entertainment professionals in the fields of television, film, music, social media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and the creative arts. The 2017“BET Awards” will premiere around the world on BET’s international networks. It will air in the UK on Tuesday, June 27th at 9:00pm BST, in Africa on Tuesday, June 27th at 8:00pm CAT, and in France on Wednesday, June 28th at 9:00pm CEST. Internationally, fans in 100 countries can also stream the 2017 “BET Awards”live with BET Play, BET International’s subscription video on demand application. The iOS and Android app, which also features current and classic BET television series, documentaries, standup comedy and legendary musical performances, will carry a live feed of the red carpet and the Awards, and is available for download now in the iTunes and Google Play stores for $3.99 a month following a seven-day free trial. Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment serves as Executive Producer. Connie Orlando, BET's Senior Vice President of Music and Specials serves as Executive Producers for BET Networks. The “BET Awards” will take place along with the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles from June 22-25, 2017. BET.com/betawards is the official site
for the “BET Awards”and will have all the latest news and updates about this year's show. VIP Packages for the 5th year of the BET Experience weekend are better than ever and now on-sale. In addition to VIP amenities throughout the weekend and incredible seats for STAPLES Center shows, three levels of BETX VIP Packages offer guests the only opportunity to purchase tickets to the highly-anticipated “BET Awards”, broadcast live from Microsoft Theater. Last year the in-demand VIP Packages sold out, so guests are encouraged to purchase now before the allotment is depleted. Full package amenities and pricing for the Diamond, Platinum and Gold VIP Packages can be found by visiting BETExperience.com or
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by calling (877) 234-8425. General tickets for the BET Experience at L.A. LIVE presented by Coca-Cola® are on sale now at http://www.axs.com/ betexperience. Download the BETX '17 app powered by AT&T, the #1 source for everything BETX, including real-time event updates, full schedules, BET Fan Fest wristbands, daily prizes, ticket giveaways, live streams and much more. Follow the BET Experience on Twitter @betexperience for the latest and greatest and join the hottest conversation by using #BETX. Feel free to also check us out online at http:// www.betexperience.com.
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QUEEN LATIFAH, JILL SCOTT, TO STAR IN ‘FLINT ’
Golden Globe® and Grammy® Award-winner and Oscar®-nominee Queen Latifah (Star, The Rap Game) is set to executive produce and star in the Lifetime Original Movie Flint, alongside Grammy®winner Jill Scott, Screen Actors Guild Award®-winner Betsy Brandt (Breaking Bad) and Independent Spirit Award®-nominee Marin Ireland (Sneaky Pete, Hell or High Water). The project, from Sony Pictures Television, marks a reunion for Queen Latifah, Scott, Zadan and Meron who collaborated on Lifetime and Sony’s recordbreaking film, Steel Magnolias, the third most-watched original telecast ever in the network’s history. Inspired by the Time magazine cover story, “The Toxic Tap,” by Josh Sanburn, the project follows the true story of three women from Flint who sought justice following the wrongdoing committed against the residents of the city who were unknowingly drinking and using lead-laden water. Their actions inspired a national movement for safe drinking water despite the political powers working against them at every turn. Scott, Brandt
and Ireland will portray real-life activists and Latifah will play a fourth resident, fighting to expose the poisoning of the community during the horrific events of the water crisis.
also executive produce and Mark Nicholson serves as co-executive producer. Oscar®-nominee Bruce Beresford will direct from a script by Barbara Stepansky.
Flint begins production next week.
Sony Pictures Television, a Sony Pictures Entertainment company, is one of the television industry’s leading content providers, producing and distributing programming worldwide in every genre and for every platform. In addition to one of the industry’s largest libraries
Executive producers of the Oscar®winning Chicago, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron executive produce along with Emmy®-winning journalist, Katie Couric. Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere from Flavor Unit
DISNEY’S Young Adult TV Picks Up Steam
Freeform, Disney’s young adult television and streaming network, continues to grow its roster of original series by ordering scripted comedy “college-ish” (working title), a spin-off of ABC’s award-winning hit series “black-ish,” starring breakout star Yara Shahidi as Zoey Johnson and Deon Cole as Charlie Telphy. Freeform has ordered 13 episodes of the half-hour, single-camera comedy which is set to premiere early 2018 on Freeform and the Freeform Appavailable on connected TV, mobile devices and online. “college-ish” follows the Johnson’s
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eldest daughter Zoey (Yara Shahidi) as she heads off to college and quickly discovers that not everything goes her way once she leaves the nest. From “black-ish” executive producer Kenya Barris comes a contemporary take on the current issues facing both students and administrators in the world of higher education. Yara is joined by ”black-ish”’s Deon Cole (Charlie), who moonlights as an adjunct marketing professor, as well as funny new characters both in the administration and student body who all reflect the complex
and hilarious points of views that populate college campuses. “I never thought they’d let me put ‘black-ish’on the air let alone give me a spin-off. I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity to continue working with Yara and the rest of this talented young cast. To any aspiring writers struggling to make it out there, I highly advise adding an ‘–ish’ to any working title you might have. It seems to be the move,” said Kenya Barris. “Our goal at Freeform is to celebrate the power, possibility and inclusivity
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of award-winning feature films, television shows and formats, Sony Pictures Television (SPT) boasts a current program slate that includes top-rated daytime dramas and game shows, landmark off-network series, original animated series and critically acclaimed primetime dramas, comedies and telefilms. In addition to its US production business, SPT has 17 whollyowned or joint venture production companies in 13 countries and also maintains offices in 31 countries. SPT’s worldwide television networks portfolio includes 150 channel feeds available in 178 countries, reaching more than 1.3 billion cumulative households worldwide. SPT also creates original content for and manages the studio’s premium streaming network, Crackle. Additionally, SPT owns US production company Embassy Row and is a part owner of the cable channel Game Show Network (GSN). SPT advertiser sales is one of the premier national advertising sales companies and handles the commercial inventory in SPT’s syndicated series as well as the Rural Media Group and DoctorOZ.
of youth culture through our shows,” said Karey Burke, executive vice president, Programming & Development, Freeform. “Kenya Barris blazes new trails in the funniest way possible with ‘collegeish’ and we can’t wait to get schooled by the incredibly talented Yara Shahidi, who is the perfect addition to our Freeform family.” Kenya Barris, Anthony Anderson, Laurence Fishburne, Helen Sugland and Brian Dobbins are executive producers of the series, from ABC Studios. The show was written by Kenya Barris and Larry Wilmore. Part of the Disney|ABC Television Group, Freeform connects to audiences and goes beyond entertainment with bold original programming and immersive social engagement. The network delivers a unique mix of quality original and acquired series, plus fan favorite movies and the holiday events “13 Nights of Halloween” and “25 Days of Christmas.” The Freeform app is a service that allows viewers with participating TV subscription services access to 24/7 live viewing of the network, as well as continued on-demand access via a wide array of devices.
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R&B Songstress CHANTÉ MOORE Releases New Music Video Now with her 7th album, prophetically titled “The Rise of the Phoenix“, dropping September 2017, the wait is over. The world will experience the first collection from the master songstress in nearly four years! “The Phoenix is a powerful mythological symbol of renewal,” she says. “It lives a long life, burns to ashes, but reemerges more beautiful and more powerful than ever. I relate to that.”
Songwriter/producer/actress/singer extraordinaire Chante’ Moore was born to sing! In fact her name in French literally means “to sing.” With 6 albums under her belt, more than 20 charting singles and collaborations with musical royalty such as Prince, The Isley Brothers, R. Kelly and Babyface, Moore is a proven force to be reckoned with. CHANTE’ MOORE is currently on a national promotional tour in support of the single and upcoming album; cities include: Cincinnati, Birmingham, Atlanta, Orlando, Miami, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Oakland, Los Angeles, New York and New Orleans, just to name a few. Fans can also catch Chante’ Moore during the 2017 Essence Music Festival as Chante’ will be participating in this year’s festivities.
Moore’s most personal album yet, “The Rise of the Phoenix” is rich with emotion and personal revelations about Chanté’s life and feelings. Infectious dance tracks, sensual ballads and anthems of heart-and-soul capture Moore’s impressive vocal dexterity, songwriting skills and production ingenuity to thrill her legion of avid fans and quench the soul music lovers longing for real R&B. “This album reflects where I am now in my life. I am perfecting myself. I continue to learn how to burn away the old mindset, the negativity that weighed me down so I can become the best me. I am the Phoenix rising and I’m living my life again!“ Connect with CHANTE’ MOORE Website: www.ChanteMoore.com Twitter: @IAmChanteMoore Instagram: @IAmChanteMoore Facebook: /ChanteMoore
Owner/Publisher Executive Editor Editor-In-Chief Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams Assistant to Publisher, Administrative Zoie Williams International Correspondent Ann Brown Travel Editor Jim Weaver Contributing Editor Justin Williams Circulation Manager Robert L. Taylor
Art Director Jessica R. Doughty Emeritus Office & Subscription Manager Sophie Taylor Social Media Zoie A. Williams Writers Ezra Mechaber Deardra Shuler Jim Weaver Anastasia Williams Justin Williams Teresa Williams
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VOLUME 27 ISSUE 13
Sean “Diddy” Combs and Naomi Campbell brought his new documentary from Live Nation Productions, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A Bad Boy Story, to London for a special screening at the Curzon in Mayfair. Fresh from the success of the world premiere at the 16th Annual Tribeca Film Festival, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Naomi Campbell were joined by Cassie, Bozoma Saint John, Jourdan Dunn, Salma Hayek, Lupita Nyong’o, Winnie Harlow, Poppy Delevingne, Tinashe, Nick Grimshaw, Dean & Dan Caten, Alesha Dixon, Alice Dellal, Tamara Beckwith, Nellee Hooper, Skin, Clara Amfo, Reggie Yates, Goldie, Jay Jopling, Slick Woods and Eric Underwood for the evening. Following the preview, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Naomi Campbell co-hosted an exclusive dinner at Loulou’s where guests dined on smoked salmon followed by roast poussin, wild mushrooms and Madeira sauce, with apple sorbet, fruit salad and chocolate for dessert. Platinum Paloma’s with DeLeón Tequila and CÎROC Driver cocktails flowed as guests partied into the early hours with DJ Magnum. Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A Bad Boy Story, produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs, and Heather Parry, alongside executive producers Michael Rapino, Andre
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Online Editorial Director Rachel Breton Hamlett
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Harrell and Alex Avant, explores the passion and personalities of Bad Boy and will be released exclusively on Apple Music on June 25. Directed by Daniel Kaufman, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A Bad Boy Story is an exclusive look behind the scenes at the history of Bad Boy through a complex portrait of the label’s mastermind, Sean “Diddy” Combs, as he tries to reunite his Bad Boy Family in the course of a frantic three week rehearsal period. As they prepare to celebrate the label’s 20th anniversary, the film traces Bad Boy’s emergence in Harlem and Brooklyn, follows it’s meteoric rise, explores the tragic killing of Biggie Smalls, and celebrates Bad Boy’s influence in reshaping music, fashion, marketing and culture. “I knew this was a story that should be shared with the world. Heather Parry and Live Nation Productions, and Director Daniel Kaufman, helped create this very special documentary,” says Sean Combs on the making of the film. “Now I’m blessed to also be working with Apple Music to showcase the film and share Bad Boy’s history and impact with fans. The support Live Nation, Apple Music and everyone on the team has given to this project is a true testament to the Bad Boy legacy.”
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ACHIE VEMENT S
2017 GOVERNOR’S STERLING AWARDS Announced
Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Sterling Council today announced that the Florida Department of Health in Bay County is the recipient of the prestigious Governor’s Sterling Award for 2017. Additionally, the Governor’s Sterling Sustained Excellence Awards were given to: The Orange County Public Schools Operations Division, the Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County, and the Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County. “The Governor’s Sterling Award winners reflect our focus of making Florida the best state in the nation to live, work and raise a family. I am pleased that Florida is leading the nation and I congratulate this year’s topperforming Sterling Award recipients. This award is the highest recognition an organization in Florida can receive for performance excellence. In its 25th year, the Governor’s Sterling Award process is an efficient tool for all organizations that saves Florida businesses millions of dollars annually,” said Florida Sterling Council Chairman John Pieno. These coveted awards will be bestowed at the 2017 Governor’s Sterling Award Banquet at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes on Friday, June 2, 2017.
2017 Governor’s Sterling Award Recipients For 25 years, the Governor’s Sterling Award has recognized organizations and businesses in Florida that have successfully achieved performance excellence within their management and operations. The Florida Department of Health in Bay County is part of the integrated State Department of Health. With 170 full time employees and approximately a $10 million annual budget, it provides critical Public Health services to the County’s 181,635 residents and approximately 300,000 tourists annually. These services include Epidemiology and Disease Control, Diabetes Services Program, Environmental Public Health, Public Health Preparedness and Response, Healthy Start, Women
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Infants and Children (WIC), Pediatric Dental Services, Immunizations, Vital Statistics’ Records, Public Health Promotion and Services, and HIV/AIDS Medical Management. Services are provided at three primary locations in Panama City, eight WIC locations and throughout the County via the Miles of Smiles Dental Bus and the Mobile Medical Bus. In the immunization program the percent of twoyear-old children immunized has increased 21 percentage points, and customer engagements through community outreach has increased from 77 in 2014 to 389 in 2016, exceeding the Florida Department of Health target of 180. The percent of client satisfaction/engagement surveys with satisfactory or better rating has increased from 97 percent in 2013 to 99 percent in 2014 and 2015. External customer satisfaction by program shows 100 percent satisfaction in the Sexual Risk Avoidance, Epidemiology, Healthy Start, Tobacco Prevention, and Vital Statistics programs. The Revenue to Expense Ratio has been sustained at a mean average of 100.96 percent in the last three fiscal years, exceeding peer county health departments. The Florida Department of Health in Bay County is a first-time recipient of the Governor’s Sterling Award and joins Florida Department of Health recipients in Miami-Dade and St. Johns Counties.
2017 Governor’s Sustained Excellence Award Recipients Florida Department of Health in MiamiDade County, a unit of the Florida Department of Health, is the county health department located in Miami. It provides population/community-based services to the county’s 2.7 million residents and close to 16 million annual visitors. The department’s core competencies include: collaboration and partnerships; public health emergency preparedness; epidemiology, disease control and prevention; public health environmental regulations; and public health promotion and services.
The department has maintained high levels of customer satisfaction, with an overall satisfaction of over 92 percent annually from 2013 through 2016. At 97.2 percent, tuberculosis patients completing therapy within 365 days exceeds the national target of 90 percent. Measures of the performance of health outcomes for infants, children, and expectant mothers show a reduction in low-birthweight infants from 9.1 percent in 2010 to 8.4 percent in 2015, out-performing the state average of 8.6 percent. The Consortium for a Healthier Miami-Dade (The Consortium) consists of over 900 volunteer members representing 161 organizations. This cohesive partnership uses evidence-based practices to improve health outcomes in the community through a focus on healthy behaviors and activities. The number of activities spearheaded by The Consortium increased substantially from 24 in 2011 to 223 in 2015. These activities are directly linked to moving the needle of the health measures/ indicators in the Community Health Improvement Plan. The organization systematically considers societal well-being and benefit as part of its strategy and daily operations. These efforts transcend its mandated duties and take a holistic approach to the health of the community. For example, through its Consortium, the organization’s “Healthy Happens Here” initiative works with over local 175 restaurants to create healthier menu choices for restaurant patrons with a focus on low fat and nutrient dense meals. The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County is the only organization to be recognized as a three-time recipient of the prestigious Governor’s Sterling Award (2012, 2006, and 2002) and two-time recipient of the Governor’s Sustained Excellence Award (2014 and 2017). The Florida Department of Health in MiamiDade County is the most recognized Governor’s Sterling Award organization in the state of Florida. The Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County is part of the integrated State Department of Health. With 66
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full time employees and approximately $5 million annual budget, it serves as the Local Chief Health strategist for the community, and provides critical Public Health services to the County’s 235,000+ residents and over 7 million annual visitors. These services include: Population Health – Population-based Disease Prevention, Epidemiology, Environmental Health Services, Emergency Preparedness and Community Resilience, Vaccine Preventable Disease Prevention/Immunizations, Health Protection, and Health Promotion Services; Clinical Services of Public Health Significance – Oral Pediatric Health Care, Communicable Disease Management and Treatment, HIV/AIDS Medical Management and Treatment, Family Planning services, Healthy Start, WIC, and Vital Statistics. Services are primarily provided in a purpose built public health green energy efficient LEEDS compliant building. In 2017, for the 6th consecutive year, St. Johns County has been ranked #1 in the state of Florida in both Health Outcomes and Health Factors by the University of Wisconsin and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s County Health Ranking’s Report. Other significant outcomes include: customer satisfaction rates consistently higher than 98 percent; employee satisfaction rates greater than 91 percent; and consistently top rating for surveillance of and timely responsiveness to potential local public health threats including disaster response and recovery efforts. The Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County received the Governor’s Sterling Award in 2009, the Governor’s Sterling Sustained Excellence Award in 2011, and the Governor’s Sterling Award again in 2015! The Orange County Public Schools Operations Division provides essential goods and services to more than 203,000 students and 22,000 employees in 188 schools and 16 facilities located in Orange County, Florida. The Orange County public school system is the tenth largest in the nation and is the fourth largest in Florida. The Operations Division manages the functions of Procurement, Transportation, Food and Nutrition Services, Environmental Compliance, Safety and Emergency Management, Building Code Compliance, and the District Police department. The Operations Division demonstrates a focus on cost containment through improved efficiency and sustained performance. In 2015, the Food and Nutrition Services Department, using the Procurement Services Department, rebid contracts for commodities purchases and achieved a substantial savings over market costs. The amount of dollar savings achieved through competition rose from $12.2 million in 2012 to $24 million in 2016. Overall bus daily average ride time was reduced from 43 minutes, one way, in 2012 to 28.6 minutes in 2016, exceeding the target of 45 minutes which is based on the Florida Association for Student Transport benchmark. The Orange County Public Schools Operations Division received the prestigious Governor’s Sterling Award in 2014. The Division is a first-time recipient of the Governor’s Sustained Excellence Award.
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HONORS & AWARDS have brought to world, the HBA celebrates Black women for all that they do and will continue to do.
For the past 36 years, the Harlem Business Alliance (HBA) has honored black brilliance with their annual awards gala. This annual must attend celebration is the pinnacle fundraising event for the nonprofit. This year’s theme, ‘Black Women Did That’ shone the spotlight on excellence – honoring nine outstanding women, a first for the organization, which traditionally honors both women and men. Saluting the magic, brains, grace and determination of black women, the organization will acknowledge them in the following categories: business, communications, government, community service and newly added science technology engineering, art and math (STEAM).
The Harlem Business Alliance has pledged its service as an advocate for the preservation and retention of Harlem’s business community for over 36 years. Programs include, but are not limited to: Harlem’s first co-working space; first adult stem program; 10,000 entrepreneurs served through programs and services; 2,000 entrepreneurs received one-on-one counseling and over 1,200 workshops. With HBA’s guidance, their clients’ small businesses bloomed from concept to tangible product, street vendor to store owner and food enthusiast to food artisan. Disrupt Harlem Code Squad was launched in Fall 2015, the first hyper focused program to connect young adults with entrepreneurship options via technology. Lastly, the HBA acknowledges when you educate a woman, you educate a generation; this inspired the groundbreaking Lillian Project, a tailored entrepreneur incubator for native born African American women.
The 36th Annual Harlem Business Alliance Awards Gala was held on Wednesday, May 3rd, at Mist Harlem (46 West 116th Street). Sponsors for the event included: Airbnb, Harlem Community Development Corporation, City National Bank and Barefoot Wine and Bubbly. This year’s honorees were: Sylvia Rhone (Business Person of the Year, Music Executive Icon), Jeanne Wardford (Chairman’s Award, W.K. Kellogg Foundation), Vera Moore (Entrepreneurship Award, CEO, Vera Moore Cosmetics), Dyana Williams (Percy Sutton Award, Entertainment powerhouse and CEO, Influencer Entertainment), Glynda C. Carr (Government Service Award, Advocate and Political Strategist), Kimberly Peeler-Allen (Government Service Award, Political Fundraiser and Event Planner), Jodie Patterson (Community Service Award, Entrepreneur and Activist), Dr. Aletha Maybank (STEAM Award, Deputy Commissioner for New York City Department of Health) and La-Verna J. Fountain (Woman
of Action Award, VP for Strategic Communications & Construction Business Initiatives at Columbia University). Past honorees include: Marcus Samuelsson (Chef & Restaurateur), Lisa Price (Founder, Carol’s Daughter) and Rhys Powell (President and Founder of Red Rabbit). “Growing up surrounded by strong, intelligent Black women,
running thriving businesses and organizations throughout Harlem – Black Girl Magic was always the rule. Not the exception,” says Regina Smith, Executive Director of HBA. This year’s theme ‘Black Women Did That’ recognizes the silent power of countless black women who fueled numerous movements from the Underground Railroad, Civil Rights, and to innovations in space, science, arts and entrepreneurship. In recognition of the success and inspiration they
The Harlem Business Alliance (HBA) was founded in 1980 by a group of prominent Harlem business leaders who recognized the void that had resulted from years of disinvestment and abandonment in Harlem and the critical need to mobilize the existing businesses and organizations to come together as a collective voice. Incorporated in 1990 as a class 402 501(c) (3) corporation, HBA has worked diligently to establish Harlem as an economically self-sustaining community. For more information, visit www.hbany.org.
WVU Commencement Features HONORARY DEGREE for BILL WITHERS About 4,500 degrees are being issued as part of West Virginia University’s commencement weekend, including an honorary doctorate for “Ain’t No Sunshine” singer Bill Withers. 10 | NewYorkTrendnyc
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END NO TE S
CHICAGO BLUES FESTIVAL Gets Underway
The Chicago Blues Festival is the largest free blues festival in the world and remains the largest of Chicago’s Music Festivals. During three days on five stages, more than 500,000 blues fans prove that Chicago is the “Blues Capital of the World.” Past performers include Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, B.B. King, the late Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy and the late Koko Taylor. This year’s festival kicks-off with Billy Branch & The Son of Blues with special guests Lurrie Bell, Freddie Dixon, J.W.S. Williams, Carlos Johnson, Carl Weathersby, Bill McFarland and Chicago Fire Horns and Mae Koen & The Lights. The Chicago Blues Festival takes place from June 9-11, 2017 from 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. at Millennium Park, located at 201 E. Randolph Street, in Chicago, IL. Admission is free.
A- byTalk With ‘KILL MOVE PARADISE ’ Director James Ijames Ann Brown
Looking for a thought-provoking play to go to? You might want to check out the National Black Theatre, “Kill Move Paradise.” The production will mark the New York City debut of Philadelphia-based award-winning playwright James Ijames. “Kill Move Paradise” follows four Black males who have to confront the reality of their pasts and scramble to make sense of their new world all the while dealing with racism and police brutality. Ryan Jamaal Swain, Donnell E. Smith, Clinton Lowe and Sidiki Fofana star in “Kill Move Paradise.” Ijames has appeared regionally in productions at the Arden Theatre Company, the Philadelphia
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Theatre Company, the Wilma Theatre, Baltimore Center Stage, Mauckingbird Theatre Company, People’s Light and Theatre and Interact Theatre Company. Ijames’ plays have been produced at Flashpoint Theater Company, Orbiter 3, and Theater Horizon and have received development with PlayPenn New Play Conference, The Gulfshore Playhouse, the Wilma Theater, Azuka Theatre, Interact Theatre and Victory Garden. Ijames is also a 2011 Independence Foundation Fellow, a 2015 Pew Fellow and the 2015 winner of the Terrence McNally New Play Award for “White” and the 2015 Kesselring Honorable Mention Prize winner for “…Miz Martha.” The production officially opens June 3rd. Ijames gave The New York Trend the inside scoop. Q: What sort of pressure did you feel, this being your New York City debut? A: I don’t really feel pressure but I do feel a great deal of anticipation. I feel really good that National Black Theatre and Saheem Ali are bringing my work to NYC. It feels right. Q: What do you want the audience
to take away from this project? A: My hope is that the audiences will leave energized to effect change in their communities. I think we often become desensitized to police brutality and black death. I hope that this play makes us look at each other differently, more closely and with greater care. Q: Why is it important that this project is seen? A: Aside from the political issue of police brutality that I’m examining I also hope that people will see this project because it places
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black bodies in a highly theatrical space. I crave this as an audience member and a large part of why I wrote the play was to create a play that would push audiences to see black performers in a new light and also black theatre in a new light. I want to disorient people in order to open them up to the possibility of looking at the world differently. I hope people come to see this play to contemplate what is possible. Even in the face of death we can make beautiful things and evoke joy and laughter.
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