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THE ALTERNATIVE VOLUMEPERSPECTIVE 26 ISSUE 40
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HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Gov. Cuomo Awards $6.8 Mil to "HIGH-NEED" School Districts The Andrew Black Stars Newshas 2015 Annual attendance, academic achievement, Governor M. Cuomo
York and a former chancellor of the school programs like these actively (Schenectady) - $798,400 engage students in age-appropriate Oswego Opportunities Inc. Awards will honor Mayorand are less likely to be involved in NewCounty York public schools system. announced $6.8Dinner million in Empire risky behaviors during the afterschool educational and recreational activities, (Fulton) - $104,000 David Dinkins, Rep.funding Charles State After-School Program Pioneering producers Stephen hours. and offer families opportunities for Yonkers City School District Rangel, Rep. Yvette Clarke, has been awarded to 15 high-need Byrd and Alia Jones, through their meaningful engagement in their (Yonkers) - $800,000 school R. districts and community-based Donahue Peebles, Barbara Acting State Office of Children and company Front Row Production, children's education. The Board of YWCA of Western New York organizations across theBarron, state. This Arnwine, Inez Sabrina Family Services Commissioner Sheila brought- $398,400 “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” Regents and I are grateful to Governor (Lackawanna) fundingLamb, will support the availability of Dr. Rudy Crew, Stephen J. Poole said, "After school programs and “A Streetcar Named Desire” Cuomo for providing critically needed Cornell Cooperative Extension 4,250 Byrd, new slots these programs, AliatoJones, and the Centralimprove academic and social success with a multi-ethnic cast to resources to prevent violence and Association of St. Lawrence County bringing the total in children. And, parents have peace Park Five number survivorsupoftogross injustice Broadway. In 2016 they bring 89,000. funding, in to the – onThis December 18addition from 6:00pm “Eclipsed” with Oscar Winner $2.4 million awarded to Long Island in 10:00pm at MIST Harlem, 46 West Lupita Nyong ’O to Broadway. September, brings the total expansion 116th Street. to $10 million. With last year's $35 "After-school programs Honorees, the so-called Central honoreethe chosen for million “Each commitment, total number Park 5, are collectively and not only help students of Empire State After-School awards recognition has demonstrated individually heroes. They are now totals $45 million. exceptional leadership and vision in stay on track outside the survivors of one of the ugliest David Dinkins Charles Rangel her or programs his respective profession "After-school not only help or classroom, but offer miscarriage of justice in New York’s endeavor and inoutside some significant students stay on track the history; having been railroaded majority. She now leads The wasat-risk a member of the youth theNew York measure has contributed classroom, but offer at-risk youth towards and unjustly convicted for a crime Transformative Justice Coalition. City Council, representing the creating aformore just society the opportunity socialization andin this thopportunity for they did not commit and for which Arnwine was for 26 years executive 40 council district in Brooklyn, accesscountry,” to critical says services they may not Black Star News socialization and access they served long prison sentences director of the Lawyers’ Committee succeeding her mother, Una S. otherwise receive," Governor Cuomo founder and publisher Milton th ranging from seven years to 13 years for Civil Rights Under the Law. T. Clarke. the current 114 to criticalInservices…..” said. "By bolstering our after-school Allimadi. “Obviously much work before being exonerated when the Congress Clarke serves on programs across the done state, we can Inez Barron, honoree, formerly a needs to be here and actual rapist confessed. They are: Energy and M. Commerce the Gov. Andrew Cuomo guide even morethe students toward State Assembly member, is now around world.” Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond Committee, responsible for the path to success and ensure each a New York City council member The gala starts at 6:00pm with a Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin consumer protection, food and every New York student has the and a champion of education for cocktail hour to be followed by the Richardson, and Kharey Wise. safety, energy development, public opportunity to thrive." ourstudents youth. involved in safe, keep our (Parishville-Hopkinton) - $174,400 dinner and awards ceremonies. There of mindhealth, in knowing that their children communications, the TheVernon Black Star News, which "This funding will continue to expand productive activities." Mount City School Districtfocuses Honoree Imhotep Gary Byrd is cared for inand a safe and will be musical entertainment by are being environment, interstate and on investigative journalism, has after school programs for students in nurturing environment that is also fun a legendary radio talk show host (Mount Vernon) - $584,000 opera singer Cassandra Douglas Awardees international commerce. high-need areas across the state," said and enriching. been featured as a result of some if The variety of offerings producer, and from harmonica phenomenon Newand Yorkexecutive City School District radio DJ,According to the scoops, Office ofon Child Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. its news CNN, The New R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is (Queens in after-school programs help children poet, songwriter, music recordingDevelopment - University of District 27) - $502,400 William Galison. David Dinkins is "We want to ensure that children in York Daily News, The New York leading developer and founder of Children exploreanew activities and interests in artistof and producer, Promise, NYCrapper, writerPittsburgh, afterschool programs honored for Lifetime Achievement underserved communities have the Post, The Village Voice, and Brill’s The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest addition to what they learn during the (Bronx and District 09) - $320,000 community activist. He begangive children the opportunity to thrive — he was York City’s same access and New opportunities to first school African Content magazine. American-owned real The his day." Sports & Arts Schools career as ainradio DJ in Buffaloin an environment that encourages African American mayor and also programs and resources that will help estate firm with $3.5 billion worthFoundation creative expression. Past and Black Star News honorees at ageInc. 15. For over 30 years, he’s exploration welcomed Nelson them grow both inside andMandela outside to theBoard of Regents Chancellor Betty of properties under development (Queens District 30) $672,000 They provide inspiring and enriching have included: Gil Noble (Like It A. Rosa said, "Strong afterschool been a talk show host at WBLS and the classroom. investment is city afterThis his release in 1990. or management — he was one New York Center for Interpersonal activities that the kids cannot receive programs provide a wide range Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad WLIB radio in New York City. He an investment in our youngest New Rep. Charles Rangel, also honored Development, Afterschool programs allow of the of benefits forpioneering the childrendeveloperswho and O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, Yorkers and the future of New York also hasInc. a Friday night radio talk elsewhere. (Staten Island District 31) - $256,000 children to discover their potential and turnitaround and revitalize who need most. When we State." for Lifetime Achievement, has familieshelped Voza Rivers (New Heritage Theatre), show on WBAI. served in Congress since 1971. He can is increase New York City School District uncoverErrol theirLouis interests and be a Amel part the once-blighted Anacostia access to these safe, (NY1 News), First announced as partmedal of Honoree Sabrina Lamb, founderof his/her own community. Afterschool (Manhattan District 05) - $582,400 a recipientinofJanuary The Bronze for neighborhood in Washington, educational opportunities, we're lifting D.C. Larrieux (Entertainer), Dr. William the Governor's 2018 State of the State, of World of Money, is a champion East Side House, Inc. is a structured and resourceful helping save soldiers behind enemyup the A entire community and ensuring champion of African-American Pollard (Medgar Evers College), fundingline wasduring enacted the 2018-2019 (Bronx District 07) -literacy $360,000 of financial for youth-- sheenvironment that invests in a child's theinKorean War. peace of mind forempowerment working parents.Peebles’ It's economic is Herm Edwards (NY Jets), Nayaba Budget allowing districts to receive CareerVisions - NY teaches knowledge about handlingdevelopment - from social emotional a critical investment inathe future run of for NYC contemplating possible Rep. Yvette Clarke is a Democratic Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna five-year grants of $1,600 per student. (Bronx money, District 11) - $288,000 budgeting and planning. development, to better understanding our children." mayor in 2017. member of the US House of University), Districts must adopt quality indicators Maspeth Town Hall, Inc. of theirFountain interests (Columbia and goals, to State Education Commissioner Dr. Rudy Crew, honoree, is one of Representatives from New assessing environment, staff-to-student Lillian Roberts (DC37), Desiree Dancy Honoree Barbara Arnwine, civil (Queens District 24) - $800,000 identifying their likes and dislikes, MaryEllen Elia said, "Support for interaction student outcomes. the nation’s leading educators. He’s Yorkand whose 9th district covers (New York Times), Greg Floyd (Local Sunnyside Community Services, Inc. to valuing team efforts and taking rights lawyer, is a champion of and families in need Research shows that children who Before our students much of central Brooklyn. 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National president of Medgar Evers College chances in a safe environment where protecting voting rights of ethnic (Queens District 24) - $160,000 end when the dismissal participate in quality afterschool entering Congress in 2007, she cannotminority School District of New they are mentored and encouraged. Action Network), and many others. of The City University groups — the emerging Schenectady bell rings. Community-based afterprograms have higher school
INSIDE T HIS ISSUE: IS SUE : INSIDE THIS
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N AT ION AL
CBC: W e H ave Lo s t A L OT
The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has released a 3:26 mini
documentary explaining what African Americans have lost under the Trump Administration and why it’s important for them to vote in November. From safety and security to healthcare, equality and justice and other issue areas, the mini documentary details how a number of policies and programs implemented by President Trump and his Administration have hurt African Americans and other marginalized communities. “President Trump has been in office for almost two years and during that time African Americans and other marginalized communities have lost a lot. There is no question that our community – and the country – are worse off now than they were before President
Trump took office," said CBC Chairman Cedric L. Richmond (D-LA-02). "If we don’t want to lose more than we’ve lost
already, we must vote in the next election and future elections. Our grandparents and greatgrandparents fought and died for the right to vote and we should make sure we exercise that right
no matter how low or high the stakes are. The stakes couldn’t be higher right now.” On the campaign trail in 2016,
then-presidential candidate Donald Trump asked African Americans “What the hell do you have to lose” in reference to voting for him. During the CBC’s first and only meeting
with President Trump in March of 2017, the Caucus responded to this question with a 130-page policy document entitled “We Have A Lot To Lose: Solutions to Advance Black Families in the 21st Century.” The document was handdelivered to President Trump during the meeting, but President Trump and his Administration never responded to the problems and solutions detailed in it. They also didn’t facilitate meetings between the CBC and Cabinet officials at the Department of Justice, Department of Education, and Department of Housing and Urban Development even though they said they would. As a result, the CBC declined a second meeting with President Trump on June 22, 2017.
WHAT DID THE ELECTION RESULTS MEAN? NAACP PRES SPEAKS OUT
President and CEO of the NAACP Derrick Johnson stated,
that the democracy works for everyone.”
“This was a remarkable wave of grassroots activism that swept across the country — with women and people of color leading the way. From a U.S. House of Representatives that reflects the will of the people to the passage of Amendment 4 in Florida, which restored voting rights to convicted felons, this election was an overwhelming rebuke of Trump and Trumpism, and a show of support for candidates who look like America and campaigned on a bold, forward-looking and inclusive vision. But let’s be clear, voter suppression played a huge role in the silencing of the political voices of the Black community and all people of color. As we saw in Georgia and Tennessee, Republicans engaged in a massive voter suppression strategy that has included further rolling back the Voting Rights Act.
Now we must hold all elected accountable as we fight to ensure that the democracy works for everyone. We must also prepare for the 2020 Census, and the imminent threat that the 2020 Census will substantially undercount African-Americans and other people of color in communities throughout the United States. Such a dramatic undercount will especially dilute the votes of racial and ethnic minorities, deprive their communities of critical federal funds and undervalue their voices and interests in the political arena. We can’t let this administration use yet another mechanism to devalue and stifle the voices of people of color. We will continue to resist attacks on our communities, will fight for fundamental structural changes to our political system to restore the balance of power back to the people, and we will propel a visionary movement in 2020.
“Now we must hold all elected accountable as we fight to ensure
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The NAACP will continue to energize voters to turn out and elect individuals that will stop the divisive policies and rhetoric that has loomed over this country for the past two years. We will not let this election distract or dissuade us.” 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 by visiting NAACP.org.
“NOW WE MUST HOLD ALL ELECTED ACCOUNTABLE AS WE FIGHT TO ENSURE THAT THE DEMOCRACY WORKS FOR EVERYONE.”
November 8, 2018 - November 14, 2018
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N E W S / N AT I O N A L
A G A IN S T A L L T IDES
VOTERS H E A D I NG TO T HE B A L LOT B OX Not even the force of two tropical storms could stop the momentum that NAACP is building in the state of North Carolina. In the span of two weeks, Hurricane Florence and Hurricane Michael ravaged the southeastern regions of the state, affecting counties where African Americans predominantly reside. As a leader in the Black community, NAACP swiftly got to work. The hurricanes didn’t just leave rubble and shattered glass in their wake, they left thousands of people displaced or homeless, and the NAACP recognizing the importance of these people’s right to vote worked with other partners to convince the state to extended voter registration in the affected areas. And come November 6, we’re doing everything in our power to make sure they don’t end up hopeless. We are letting them know that their voice still matters. North Carolina is still their home, and even when natural forces beyond their control try to take their hope away, they still have the power of their vote. We know that this November, we literally cannot afford to sit out of the midterm elections. That’s why NAACP embarked on an aggressive civic engagement campaign calling on people of color across the nation to vote; our lives depend on it. In North Carolina, this statement rings painfully close to home. When you are forced to evacuate your home because of a hurricane, or when instead you stay because you simply don’t have the financial means to leave, you need elected officials
that believe in climate change. You need elected officials that will make adequate provisions for lower-income families who often feel the worst of the hurricane. You need elected officials who are not just willing to pick up a check, but also a shovel and get to work.
ones, were gone. Many in local and state government did little to minimize the possible impact that the storms would have on victims voting rights.
As thousands of North Carolinians evacuated, a smaller number came home to find out that their cars, houses, and worst of all, their loved
On our end, we’re doing everything we can to ensure those who were impacted by the hurricane don’t get left behind. To date, we’ve–along
So when we say your life depends on your vote, we mean it.
with our partners–registered more than 17,500 people to vote across the state, and we will be sponsoring Souls to the Polls events throughout the state with the intent to increase voter turnout. This election is about respect. Respect for our communities, where we’ve come from, and what we stand for. On November 6, I implore you to vote in leaders who respect these values. Your life depends on it.
This election is about respect. Respect for our communities, where we’ve come from, and what we stand for.
Owner/Publisher Executive Editor Editor-In-Chief Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams
Online Editorial Director Rachel Breton Hamlett
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VOLUME 28 ISSUE 29
November 8, 2018 - November 14, 2018
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PUBLISHER SPE AKS It’s My Grieving…Don’t Tell Me When To Stop! By Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams So as a therapist, I am asked this question by every new client, “When will I be better?” It’s a common question because we don’t want to feel pain, neither do we
want to suffer or experience the torment of heartbreak. And for most of our physical pain, there is a medicinal remedy that helps the pain ease, lessen, or completely go away. If we have a headache, we can take Advil or Tylenol, for an upset stomach, Pepto Bismol, for a runny nose and cold symptoms and a cough Robitussin usually does the trick. If our symptoms lead to a diagnosis of anxiety, depression or other forms of mental distress, we can be treated with a medication. But, what is the treatment for a broken heart, betrayal by a lover, the pain of a breakup or worse the sudden and unexpected death of your spouse? I have thought long and hard on this topic because others around me will not let me stop thinking about it. It’s their questions, responses and criticisms that are expressed to me if I happen to look sad, feeling melancholy or if I cry. Some of the most popular remarks have included, “Are you still crying over that?” the “that” being the death of my husband of thirty years. “When
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are you going to get over it?” The “it” is referring to the betrayal by my husband. “How long has ‘this’ been?” The “this” being the situation I am in due to the circumstances surrounding my husband’s death.
about another’s traumatic experience and helping or wanting to help another person who has been directly affected by such tragedy. This type of trauma shows itself with the same general range of symptoms as those who have
admit that some days I am okay. On those days I feel empowered, engaged, faith-filled and strong as the survivor of tragedy and death. Other days, I may feel sad, emotional and I am tearful and reflective on times when I felt life was
“I hid when I saw you in the mall because your life was falling apart so badly. I didn’t want it to rub off on me.”
been personally victimized by the event. So, if I accept the tenets of this theory, it would force me to re-evaluate my responses to the probing questions by others about my mental status. But I am not going to do that.
at its best! But then there are those days when the squint in my eyes, the expression on my face and the growl in my voice says, “are you feeling lucky today?” “Warning…approach with caution.”
You see the difference in those experiencing vicarious trauma is that these individuals probably care and really do have your best interest at heart. And just because these could be family members doesn’t mean this is the case. One fake friend actually said to me: “I hid when I saw you in the mall because your life was falling apart so badly. I didn’t want it to rub off on me.” Then she added, “I finally feel comfortable speaking to you now.” Really? I wanted to scream at her, call her names for being so insensitive and so selfcentered. I wanted to make a hell-raising scene right there in the mall. Instead, I raced to my car to cry.
My fluctuation between these mood swings are signs that I am a work in progress. And the fact that I recognize and can accept the fact that I have not completely healed from the death of my husband indicates that there really is not a timetable for when my grieving will end. It also begs the question of whether or not my grief will ever end. I believe that losing someone who you loved, no matter the circumstances, leaves us all with a degree of loss, regret and even a broken heart. And there are seasons in our lives when the only real cure is to feel the pain – the problem is we rarely have an opportunity to grieve in private.
Do you really want to know the responses I suppress in my subconscious to these cold-hearted, rude, intrusive, insensitive and sometimes condescending comments? My subconscious mind which would have me say, “Mind your f business,” “None of your business,” and “Why you all in my business?” This is why I hold my tongue during these encounters. Instead, I will conjure up some polite way to say, “Stay out my business,” like “I agree I should be over it,” or “I am working on it,” and the big bullshit response, “I know you are saying this to me out of love.” Still, I wonder why are those around me affected by my thoughts, behavior, and expressions of mourning, grief, anger, confusion, and despair at times over losing my spouse? Clinicians explain that they are experiencing vicarious trauma. Vicarious trauma is the stress that results from learning
To some, my words might sound bitter, angry, and harsh and I might agree to an extent because I am not too proud to admit that I still waffle between all of these emotions. I can honestly
November 8, 2018 - November 14, 2018
There will always be people– related or not, fake friends or not – who are just being nosy and don’t care to realize or accept the fact that there is a grieving
-- cont'd on Page 10 www.newyorktrendnyc.com
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BUSINE S S PROFILE by Ann Brown Adekunle has loved robots since he was a kid. And his childhood dreams have led him into a major deal with Apple and it has to do with crafting robotics. The 26-year-old British-Nigerian entrepreneur is co-founder of Reach Robotics and creator of MekaMon, which has been called the world’s first gaming robot and a real-life battlebot with next-gen augmented reality gameplay.
IMPACTS TECH WORLD
how robotics could fuel the imagination of school kids and give a way into STEM to those students that might not have considered that path. I even pitched to The Prince’s Trust — an organization in the UK that supports young entrepreneurs. But by the time I got to the penultimate year of my studies, I realized that this idea had potential beyond the classrooms. I’d be pairing robotics with gaming as part
required some imagination. MekaMon is a first — a gaming robot with AR capabilities — an unfamiliar concept to most!
of my teaching — but what if I could do the same in a new breed of consumer technology?
core to our development but has added an additional layer of complexity as we aim to deliver a cutting-edge gaming experience. I need the very best talent so we could realize this vision. Luckily, we’ve built a fantastic team at Reach, packed with the best engineers and developers in the industry and we’re working hard to bring the future of robotics to the world.
The New York Trend: What have been
some challenges in growing the company? Silas Adekunle: Building the robotics and the software of MekaMon in tandem is
up validates the years of hard work from the team. Also, I spend a lot of my travelling these days, so it’s always a real thrill to get back to the office to see a new animation or an update to AR battle. The floor of our office is quite literally crawling with MekaMon — so stepping through the door after a business trip to see the robot that I first sketched out over five years ago evolving in front of my eyes is just incredible.
Adekunle, was included in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for European Technology, and Reach Robotics signed an exclusive distribution deal in November 2017 with Apple and his $300 “battlebots” were put in Apple stores in the United States and Britain. And to think Adekunle made the first prototype of the robots in his college dorm room at the University of West England. In 2013 he met Chris Beck and they co-founded Reach Robotics. Adekunle tells The New York Trend how he got into tech and why his inventions are different.
The New York Trend: How did you first get into tech?
Silas Adekunle: Growing up in Nigeria, I
was fortunate that both of my parents worked in STEM fields. My father was a biochemistry teacher (and then head teacher) while my mother was a medical nurse, meaning I had ample opportunity to interact with technology and gain scientific knowledge. I’d spend hours dissecting gadgets and developing devices that I later realised were rudimentary robots. I also loved biology and wanted to become an Engineer or Zoologist.
The New York Trend: What led you to robotics?
Silas Adekunle: We moved over to the
UK when I was 11 and there was a little bit of a culture shock in terms of access to technology. I’d never used a computer before so I had to pick things up very quickly in order to feed my curiosity. I also joined an after-school robotics club. Given my early interests, robotics was a natural next step for my degree. At UWE, in Bristol, I learned to code and it was there that I had the first spark of an idea that would lead to MekaMon. As a student, I taught in local schools and after noticing a disengagement with the materials of my students’ curriculum, I bought some robotics kits into the classroom. I combined that tech with some gaming principles and the reaction of the kids was just incredible. So I took it one step further and created a “Reaching Robotics” program designed around the framework of robotics and gaming in education.
The New York Trend: When did
you decide you wanted to be an entrepreneur? Silas Adekunle: I kept building on these ideas through University. I could see
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The New York Trend: Why did you start
Reach Robotics? Silas Adekunle: From the moment that I created my first “real” robot in my teenage years, I knew I wanted to make a living through robotics. It has the power to entertain, inspire and educate and bring joy to people. After running the “Reaching Robotics” programs in schools, I had a larger scale in mind, I created the very first prototype — a robot I called “Mecha Monsters.” It was built with knowledge garnered from the classroom that people want and expect more from consumer robotics. By Spring 2013, I was pitching my idea. Not long after, I met Chris Beck and John Rees who would become CTO and COO of the newly founded Reach Robotics.
The New York Trend: What were some
initial challenges when you started the company? Silas Adekunle: Starting a business was naturally a huge challenge. When I started out, I had amazing support from my university and the Bristol Robotics Lab — but communicating the potential of MekaMon, as well as the technology itself, to people outside of that world
The New York Trend: What are your goals
before the end of the year? Silas Adekunle: We’ve just announced the launch of MekaMon V2. It’s going be available from the 16th October so it’s all hands on deck at the moment but we’re really excited for people to see the advancements we’ve made. Then it will be a case of finishing up plans for next year! Now that we’re commercially available I’m getting used to thinking a year, 18 months, two years in the future so that we can deliver the best possible experience and availability for our users.
The New York Trend: What do you like the most of what you do? Silas Adekunle: What brings me the most joy is anonymously seeing someone experiencing MekaMon for the first time, the way their eyes light
November 8, 2018 - November 14, 2018
The New York Trend: Do you feel STEM is
getting more diverse? Silas Adekunle: Not as quickly as I think we’d all like to see. I believe you have to work to improve access from a very early age. Consumer technology has huge potential within STEM education, both as a teaching aid and as a means to inspire the next generation, whatever their backgrounds to aspire to a career in STEM. Play is an excellent tool for learning — making MekaMon, and consumer robotics as a whole, an ideal pathway into engineering, game design and coding. I’m also very aware of the value of role models in encouraging young people to pursue a career in STEM. We desperately need more visible figures in tech that look like those kids who are aspiring to work in these industries and this should be followed up with practical initiatives like mentoring.
The New York Trend: What’s next for you? Silas Adekunle: Keep building on our advancements at Reach! We had a very successful initial launch of MekaMon last year and we are constantly working to improve the user experience and, crucially, get this technology in the hands of more people.
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BUSINE S S
INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDED
On October 18, 2018 Long Island Business News Top 50 Women in Business Awards now in its 18th recognized the most dynamic, influential women in the Long Island region in diverse positions such as CEOs, Non-for-Profit Leaders, and Rising Professionals in their respective industries.
“The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. salutes the entire group of inductees into this year’s class of “Top 50 Women” for the work they are doing daily setting the bar for future generations to emulate their accomplishments.” Phil Andrews, President, Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. About: Sharon Davis-Edwards LIBN Top 50 Women Hall of Fame Honoree – Sharon Davis-Edwards, is the President and CEO of S.J. Edwards, Inc., a Freeport based company she founded in 2005. She has more than 30 years of experience in Insurance, Financial Services and Employee Benefits. Since starting her career in the 1980’s she has held numerous sales, recruiting and management
PICTURE: Left to Right: Phil Andrews President Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc., Bonita Clark, LIAACC Volunteer Committee, Sharon Davis, SJ Edwards, Inc./VP Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, LIBN Top 50 Women Hall of Fame Honoree (3 time honoree) Lori Vavrinec, Director of Marketing at Fidels-Care, LIBN Top 50 Women Award Honoree, Renee Daniel Flagler, Girls, Inc. Executive Director, Top 50 Women Award Honoree.
positions with John Hancock, Aetna (now VOYA Financial), E.G. Bowman, Inc. and Benefits Planning Corporation. Her success can be attributed to her ability to help families prepare for and protect their financial future. She also
helps corporations design Employee Benefit plans and programs that meet the needs of their employees. Sharon and her team are known for their longterm relationships with many clients, who appreciate their honesty, integrity and quality customer service. Her
motto is “We don’t have clients, we have friends”. A true professional, she holds licenses in life insurance and health insurance and has successfully completed the FINRA Series 6, 7, and 63 examinations. Sharon has been acknowledged for her work by 100 Black Men of Long Island, TD Bank, The Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, Total Faith Network, and Long Island Power Women in Business. She has been interviewed by Long Island Business News and has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Long Island three times. She has appeared on Channel 7’s “Here and Now” with Sandra Bookman and currently serves as the Vice President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce. Her passion is to give back by mentoring and supporting new businesses and entrepreneurs. She truly believes that “When you help others you help yourself.” In spite of these accomplishments, her greatest accomplishment, by far, is being a devoted daughter, a loving sister, a dedicated mother and a doting grandmother.
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ENTER TAINMENT
KELLY PRICE AND KELLY ROWLAND IN NEW DRAMA SERIES
“AMERICAN SOUL”
BET Networks today announced
Kelly Price and Kelly Rowland are boarding AMERICAN SOUL, the newest scripted drama series that chronicles the untold rise of Soul Train. The powerhouse singers will pull double duty on the music-based series, showcasing both their incredible voices and acting chops. Kelly Price joins the cast as a series regular, while Kelly Rowland will portray Soul legend Gladys Knight, who was instrumental in launching Soul Train to national prominence. Rowland will also record an original version of Knight’s classic hit, “Midnight Train to Georgia” for the role. Grammy®-nominated Kelly Price will play “Brianne Clarke,” the extremely wise yet cautious head of the Clarke household. Brianne’s children, Simone and Kendall, are rising stars in Los Angeles, but she is wary of what a life as entertainers could bring them. Kelly Price has forged her own career path in music, when she first earned the reputation as one of the industry’s most sought-after songwriters, before becoming a Grammy-nominated artist in her own right. Her first two albums, Soul of a Woman and Mirror Mirror both went platinum and launched Price to R&B prominence. Proving versatile off the stage, Price has pivoted to the small screen as she recently recurred on Bounce’s series, Saints & Sinners. Price is represented by Lynn Richardson (Sunni Gyrl Entertainment) and Laura Pallas (Pallas Management Group). In a multi-episode guest starring role, Grammy® Award-winning Kelly Rowland will portray the legendary Soul singer, Gladys Knight. As one of the first performers young Don Cornelius books for Soul Train, Gladys Knight proves instrumental in the national syndicated launch of Soul Train. Don impresses Gladys with his groundbreaking vision, and turns a would-be business transaction into a true friendship. Kelly Rowland is a 4-time Grammy® Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and executive producer. A global pop star since the age of 16, Kelly grew up in the spotlight as a member of Destiny’s Child, one of the best-selling groups of all time. Rowland has blossomed into a stunning solo artist who has released four successful studio albums, which have topped music charts all over the world. Kelly’s beautiful voice and effervescent personality have also generated success in television, film and fashion. Rowland has had guest starring turns on “Girlfriends,” “Empire” & “Being Mary Jane”, as well as executive producing her very own docu-series, “Chasing Destiny” on BET
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in 2016. She also appeared as a judge for the immensely popular shows, “The X Factor” (UK 2011 and US 2013), and “The Voice Australia”. Most recently, she participated as a guest mentor on the new season of NBC’s “The Voice” (US) working alongside Jennifer Hudson. Kelly also added a new title to her name as published author with the release of her literary debut “Whoa, Baby!” which chronicles the trials and funny tribulations of being a new mother. Rowland is represented by The Gersh Agency. As previously announced, the series features a cast of multi-talented actors including Sinqua Walls (Power, The Breaks) who will play a young Don Cornelius. Series regulars also include Jason Dirden (Greenleaf), Iantha Richardson (This Is Us), Christopher Jefferson, Katlyn Nichol, and Jelani Winston. Everyone knows Soul Train, but not everyone knows what happened when the music stopped. AMERICAN SOUL is the untold story of the struggle to make the dream of Soul Train come true. Inspired by the personal trials and professional successes of a young, ambitious and troubled impresario Don Cornelius, the 70s period drama is an unflinching look at the entrepreneur, his Soul Train dancers, and musicians set against the backdrop of a cutthroat Hollywood – how they work, play, rise and fall. The series chronicles “the hippest trip in America” and what became of one of the most prominent and ground-breaking television shows for African-American culture.
Sunday, 10/28/2018 • 11 am-2 pm • 285 Jay Street, Brooklyn NY 11201
WWW.CITYTECH.CUNY.EDU/OPENHOUSE EXCELSIOR SCHOLARSHIP YOU MAY BE ABLE TO ATTEND CITY TECH TUITION-FREE!
November 8, 2018 - November 14, 2018
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PROFILE S
POWER PROFILE
Carla Hall, Chef Carla Hall is an Emmy-winning cohost of ABC’s Emmy Award-winning popular lifestyle series “The Chew,” seated alongside restaurateur and “Iron Chef America” star Michael Symon, as well as entertaining expert Clinton Kelly.
Carla Hall is best known as a competitor on Bravo’s “Top Chef” and “Top Chef: All Stars” where she won over audiences with her fun catch phrase, “Hootie hoo,” and her philosophy to always cook with love. Carla’s approach to cooking blends her classic French training and Southern upbringing for a twist on traditional favorites. She is committed to health and balance in everyday living. Her cookbooks are “Carla’s Comfort Food: Favorite Dishes from Around the World” and “Cooking with Love: Comfort Food That Hugs You.” She is a true believer that, “If you’re not in a good mood, the only thing you should make is a reservation.” A native of Nashville, Hall received a degree in Accounting from Howard University, but traveling through Europe awakened her passion for food and inspired a new career
path. She attended L’Academie de Cuisine in Maryland where she completed her culinary training, going on to work as a Sous Chef at the Henley Park Hotel in Washington, D.C. She also served as executive chef at both The State Plaza Hotel and The Washington Club, and has taught classes at CulinAerie, Sur la Table and her alma mater, L’Academie de Cuisine. Carla is also active with a number of charities and not-for-profit organizations that reflect her passion for causes close to her heart. She serves as a Board Member for the Pajama Program and GenYouth. Carla also actively works with Chef Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen Chef Network, DC Central Kitchen, The USO, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Feeding America, WCR (Women Chefs and Restaurateurs), and she serves on the advisory boards for the Edible Academy for the New York Botanical Gardens and for the Food and Finance School in New York City. When she is not in NY filming “The Chew,” she lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband, Matthew Lyons, and stepson Noah. Source: www.abc.go.com
RAENA WHITE To Make Broadway Debut As M a t r o n " M a m a" M o r t o n i n C H I C A G O The Broadway company of the Tony Award-winning, record-breaking hit musical Chicago, will welcome Raena White as "Matron "Mama" Morton" in her Broadway debut starting Monday, September 10, 2018 at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St.). Raena White's theatrical credits include the national tour of The Lion King, Off-Broadway's Sistas the musical and regional productions of Dreamgirls (Jeff award nominee for her portrayal of Effie), Ain't Misbehavin', Ragtime and Jesus Christ Superstar Gospel. BA, University of Michigan.
Raena White as Effie in Dreamgirls
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As of September 10, 2018, Chicago stars Michelle DeJean as Roxie Hart, Amra-Faye Wright as Velma Kelly, John O'Hurley as Billy Flynn, Evan Harrington as Amos Hart, Raena White as Matron "Mama" Morton and R. Lowe as Mary Sunshine. As previously announced, Israeli Recording Artist Shiri
Maimon will star as Roxie Hart beginning September 21, and Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. will star as Billy Flynn beginning October 6. With a legendary book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, Chicago is now the #1 longestrunning American musical in Broadway history. Produced by Barry and Fran Weissler, Chicago is the winner of six 1997 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Recording. Directed by Tony Award winner Walter Bobbie and choreographed by Tony Award winner Ann Reinking, Chicago features set design by John Lee Beatty, costume design by Tony Award winner William Ivey Long, lighting design by Tony Award winner Ken Billington, sound design by Scott Lehrer and casting by Stewart/Whitley.
November 8, 2018 - November 14, 2018
Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today's tabloids. Tickets for Chicago are available through Telecharge.com, by calling 212-239-6200, and in-person at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St.; New York, NY) box office. Regular box office hours are 10 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday, and Noon to 7:00 pm Sunday. Visit www. ChicagoTheMusical.com for more information.
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HE ALTH
CHANCE THE RAPPER Donating $1 Million To Mental Health Services Chance the Rapper says he’s
donating $1 million to help improve mental health services in Chicago. The Chicago native announced the news during his second annual summit for his nonprofit SocialWorks on Thursday, which he streamed live via Twitter. To start, six different mental wellness providers will receive $100,000 grants in Cook County, Illinois. Chance called the new initiative My State of Mind, which will serve as a mental health resource for Chicagoans. Summit attendees included members of the Illinois Health Department of Human Services and Chicago Department of Health.
Adults with AMI who Did Not Receive Treatment Adults with AMI Reporting Unmet Need Adults with AMI who are Uninsured Adults with Disability who Could Not See a Doctor Due to Costs Youth with MDE who Did Not Receive Mental Health Services Youth with Severe MDE who Received Some Consistent Treatment Children with Private Insurance that
Did Not Cover Mental or Emotional Problems Students Identified with Emotional Disturbance for an Individualized Education Program Mental Health Workforce Availability But when you look at access to health care for adults, Illinois drops down to number 22. Since the 1960s, the number of beds in Illinois’ state-run psychiatric
hospitals has decreased to fewer than 1,500 from 35,000, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The latest closures in 2012, including the Tinley Park center, coincided with Chicago shuttering half of its 12 mental health clinics. Indeed, mental illness has been effectively criminalized in Illinois. Currently, the largest mental health hospital in Illinois is not even a hospital — it’s Cook County Jail.
“We need a new space to get information on how they feel and where they can go,” Chance said. According to Mental Health America, the state of Illinois ranks #11 in overall mental health resources. The list was compiled by grading different factors including: Adults with Any Mental Illness Adults with Dependence or Abuse of Illicit Drugs or Alcohol (Marijuana, Heroin, Cocaine) Adults with Serious Thoughts of Suicide Youth with At Least one Past Year Major Depressive Episode (MDE) Youth with Alcohol Dependence and Illict Drugs Use (Marijuana, Heroin, Cocaine) Youth with Severe MDE
It’s My Grieving…Don’t Tell Me When To Stop! (cont'd from p. 4) process. And going through this process, which has no expiration date, is the medication. I believe they also watch us who grieve and they are forced to face the devastatingly scary question of “Could this be me someday?” Unfortunately, the answer to that question is ‘Yes.’ One day you will walk in my shoes. We are all mortal creatures with an end date and each one of us will lose several loved ones and friends in their lifetime. How you handle your grief might be very different from how I have handled the mine. From my experience, I can confirm that grieving is a roller coaster ride and there are stages of grief. First, the shock of what you cannot fully comprehend invades your brain. It’s as if you are watching yourself in a movie in very slow motion. Even the voices of sorrow and expressions of regret, are unintelligible. The words sound garbled like unintelligible sounds. I can recall this stage clearly. It hit me minutes after I was informed that my husband’s heart was “flat,” and “we are calling the
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morgue.”
has come to an abrupt end.
There is the stage of denial. You are telling yourself that this did not happen. It was all a bad dream. I am going to sleep and when I wake up, life will be upright again. But you are awakened by the sun in your face and look over to see the bed is empty. Next, someone walks into your bedroom with bloodshot eyes from crying and asks, “Are you ok?” I recall responding, “Why would I not be ok?” And then there was that look of fear on the face of your child that says they are in pain, scared and has been crying, but now they look scared for you — their mom. In a hesitant voice, your child reminds you of what yesterday brought. “Ma, don’t you remember?” “Remember what? I ask.” “Mom, you’re scaring me.” Again, I asked why? And in a loud shriek, my child calls out for help. An adult family member runs in and hears from my child that she is scared, something is wrong with me. “Mom doesn’t remember Dad died yesterday.” And with that declaration, I scream and cry into the pillow because my denial
The denial stage can last longer or shorter in time. For me, I was not allowed the luxury to linger in that period. Then there is the stage that I call “devastating grief mixed with numbness.” I felt like I was just going through the motions or like I was being led and pushed as if I was blind and had a guide dog leading me through the world. For me this stage lasted the longest. Every day I awoke I felt as if I was in a hole and climbing was my daily job. But the climbing never got me out of the hole. This stage took me through a whirlwind of emotions that vacillated between depression and despair and hope and hopelessness. So how did I get to a stage where I can function and sometimes not feel numb… through the grieving process is still ongoing? In experiencing the stages, I don’t
November 8, 2018 - November 14, 2018
remember pulling myself out of each one. It is very weird, at least for me, that one day I woke up and I started feeling better. I can equate it to how a toddler learns to walk. No one teaches a baby to walk, one day they are crawling everywhere. Then one day they stand, but plop back down on their butt, numerous times. Each time they stand they feel more sure of themselves. And then the day comes when that baby stands and takes one step all alone. That was me. I crawled, then I pulled myself up, holding onto something or someone and then the day came where I could walk without help. But I do still hurt and have serious regrets that sometimes present as resentment. I have unanswered questions of “Why me?” I don’t understand the master plan. I talk to God on the daily, on the hour, on the minute, some days every second. I am looking for that answer to the question, ‘When will my grieving end?” For now, that is a question that does not have an answer.
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BOOKS Tune in to
WRITERS on WRITING featuring:
Todd Steven Burroughs Author of "Marvel's Black Panther: A Comic Book Biography, From Stan Lee to Ta-Nehisi Coates"
Dr. Brenda Greene interviews Todd Steven Burroughs, author of Marvel's Black Panther: A Comic Book Biography, From Stan Lee to Ta-Nehisi Coates (Diasporic Africa Press, 2018). Dr. Greene and Burroughs discuss the origins of Black Panther, considered the first Black superhero in American mainstream comics, and the different representations of Black Panther from the 1960s to the present.
“
WRITERS
THE AUDIENCE REACHES � A FEVER PITCH! - Entertainment Weekly
on
WRITING Radio show
With Dr. Brenda M. Greene, Executive Director of The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY WNYE 91.5 FM Sundays, 7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Listen Online: http://wmec.mec.cuny.edu/ NewYorkTrendnyc
ON BROADWAY
TICKETMASTER COM or - • GROUPS -  Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 W. 46th St. between Broadway and 8th Ave. @ DonnaSummerBway • TheDonnaSummerMusical.com
November 8, 2018 - November 14, 2018
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8 kids a day are accidentally killed or injured by FAMILY FIRE. FAMILY FIRE is a shooting involving an improperly stored gun, often found in the home.
ENDFAMILYFIRE.org
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November 8, 2018 - November 14, 2018
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