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HONORED W O M E WITH N ’ S LIFETIME H I S T OACHIEVEMENT R Y M O N TAWARDS H

York and a former chancellor of the New York public schools system.

The Black Stars News 2015 Annual Awards Dinner will honor Mayor David Dinkins, Rep. Charles Rangel, Rep. Yvette Clarke, R. Donahue Peebles, Barbara Arnwine, Inez Barron, Sabrina Lamb, Dr. Rudy Crew, Stephen Byrd, Alia Jones, and the Central Park Five survivors of gross injustice on December 18 from 6:00pm – 10:00pm at MIST Harlem, 46 West 116th Street.

WOMEN’S VOICES: SHAPING THE CIT Y Pioneering producers Stephen the vast gender disparity in public of the launch, during History their Byrd and AliaWomen’s Jones, through C it y H al l D i s pl ay C e le brat e s artwork and monuments around the Month,company couldn’t be more appropriate.”

Front Row Production, City. Portraits of eight female figures brought on a in Women’s Hot Tin Roof” The New Yorkers“Cat featured will be displayed in City Hall along ICONIC NYC WOMEN “A Streetcar Named Desire” Voices:and Shaping the City are: with biographical information and

with a multi-ethnic to  Alice Austen, an LGBTQ cast “amateur” photographer whoseInwork is they a window Broadway.

2016 bring into her“Eclipsed” New York with City experience; Oscar Winner  Antonia Pantoja, Puerto Lupita Nyong ’O toRican Broadway. educator and community activist; Honorees, the so-called opera Central  Beverly Sills, Brooklyn-bred “Each honoree chosen for Park 5, are collectively and soprano; recognition has demonstrated individually heroes. They  Dorothy Day, co-founder of theare exceptional leadership and vision in survivors of one of the David Dinkins Charles Rangelrealize that we as a “As New Yorkers Catholic Worker movement andugliest her or his respective profession or miscarriage of justice in New York’s City have utterly failed to adequately newspaper; endeavor and in some significant history; havingthe been majority.

She now leads The was a member of the New York recognize the contributions of women  Frances Perkins, firstrailroaded ever measure has contributed towards and unjustly convicted for a crime Transformative Justice Coalition.

City Council, representing the and try to fix it, this City Council is female United States cabinet member; creating a more just society in this th they did not commit and for which Arnwine was for 26 years executive 40 council district in Brooklyn, proud to lead the way in creating  Dorothy Lee, a Chinese-American country,” says Black Star News they served long prison sentences public monuments to our City’s “Rosie the Riveter” at the Brooklyn director of the Lawyers’ Committee succeeding her mother, Una S. founder and publisher Milton ranging from seven years to 13 years monumental women,” said Speaker for Civil Rights Under the Law. Navy Yard; T. Clarke. In the current 114th Allimadi. “Obviously much work before being exonerated when the Corey Johnson.  Shirley Chisholm, the country’s Congress Clarke serves on Inez Barron, honoree, formerly a needs to be done here and first African-American Congresswoman actual rapist confessed.

They are: the Energy and Commerce “Most New agreemember, that the is now StateYorkers Assembly around the world.” who represented Brooklyn’s Twelfth Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond Committee, responsible for future ais New female, but City the past was member York council for sevenJr., terms and McCray, Kevin The gala starts at 6:00pm with a Antron consumer protection, food femaleand too,aand the entire City needs for DistrictSantana champion of education ran a ground-breaking presidential cocktail hour to be followed by the Richardson, and Kharey Wise. safety, energy development, publicto do aour better job of celebrating that youth. campaign in 1972; dinner and awards ceremonies. There health, communications, the fact and telling stories that have gone The News,famed which focuses ZoraBlack NealeStar Hurston, will be musical entertainment by environment, and interstate and untold Honoree for far too Imhotep long. I am Gary proud Byrd is  andon investigative journalism, has legendary radio talk show host writer, anthropologist, and fixture of opera singer Cassandra Douglas international commerce. beyonda words that Shirley Chisholm, been featured as a result of some if and executive producer, radio DJ,the Harlem Renaissance. and from harmonica phenomenon Frances Perkins, and Antonia its news scoops, on CNN, The New R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is “As Chair of the Committee on poet, songwriter, music William Galison. David Dinkins is Pantoja will now grace the samerecording City York Daily News, The New York a leading developer and founder of artist producer, rapper, writerWomen, I am delighted and deeply honored for Lifetime Achievement Hall walls asand George Washington The Village and Brill’s The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest and community activist. He beganmovedPost, that the City CouncilVoice, and New— he was New York City’s first and Thomas Jefferson. The men we Content magazine.

African American-owned real have memorialized his career asina this radio DJ in BuffaloYork Historical Society have joined building African American mayor and also to honor the women estate firm with $3.5 billion worthhave gone Blacksome Star of News honorees at age 15. For overfemale 30 years, he’s forces Past without strong welcomed Nelson Mandela to the who have made a lasting impact on It of properties under development representation have included: Gil Noble (Like alongside themat forWBLS far and been a talk show host city after his release in 1990. our city.

This special installation is a or management — he was one too long.”

Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad WLIB radio in New York City. He Rep. Charles Rangel, also honored wonderful start to our celebration of of the pioneering developerswho O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, also has Historical a Friday night radio talk Society Women’s History Month, and begins for Lifetime Achievement, has helped turn around and revitalize “The New-York Voza Rivers (New Heritage Theatre), show on WBAI. is thrilled to partner with the City to address the pervasive absence served in Congress since 1971. He is the once-blighted Anacostia Errol Louis (NY1 News), Amel CouncilHonoree and heartened

by Lamb, Speaker Sabrina founderof women from what is considered a recipient of The Bronze medal for neighborhood in Washington, D.C. Larrieux (Entertainer), Dr. William support our Center “official” history. Beginning in March, of World ofofMoney, is a champion helping save soldiers behind enemy A champion of African-American Johnson’s Pollard Eversbe College), for Women’s History,” said Valerie visitors to City (Medgar Hall will finally able of financial literacy for youth-she line during the Korean War. economic empowerment Peebles’ is Herm Edwards (NY Jets), Nayaba Paley, teaches senior vice president, chiefhandlingto learn about some of the women knowledge about contemplating a possible run for NYC Rep. Yvette Clarke is a Democratic Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna historian, and director of the City Council Speaker Corey Johnson and iconic selection of women whose money, budgeting andCenter planning. who changed New York, and the mayor in 2017. member of the US House of Fountain (Columbia University), for Women’s History. “By showcasing and the New-York Historical Society’s contributions to New York City history world, for the better,” said Council Dr. Rudy Crew, honoree, one ofMember fromrecently New Lillian Roberts (DC37), Desiree work on the walls ofisCity CenterRepresentatives for Women’s History Honoree Barbara Arnwine, civil our important deserve public recognition.

The Helen Rosenthal, Chair of Dancy th the nation’s leading educators.

He’s York whose 9 district covers (New York Times), Greg Floyd (Local Hall, the City Council reminds all New announced Women’s Voices: lawyer,reflects is a champion specialrights installation the New of the Committee on Women. much central 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National Yorkers of the vital contributions of Shaping the of City, a newBrooklyn. display inBefore York City president of Medgar Evers College Council voting and Speaker protecting rights of ethnic “New York City women have played entering 2007, she Johnson’s the city’s story. The timing City Hall createdCongress to honor aindiverse andhistory many others. commitment to the addressing role in Network), our City’s rich City University of New a hugeAction minority groups — emerging womenoftoThe inspirational quotes that help define their legacies. Women’s Voices: Shaping the City will be unveiled at City Hall on Friday, March 1, 2019, at the start of Women’s History Month in conjunction with the Council’s monthlong Herstory celebration.

INSIDE T HIS ISSUE: IS SUE : INSIDE THIS

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NEWS

A l l F a i t h s U n i t e F o r N AT I O N A L W E E K o f P R AY E R The Balm In Gilead, one of the country’s pioneering organizations in leading a multi-faith community in the fight against HIV/AIDS, announces the 30th Annual National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS (originally the Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS) March 3-10, 2019. The Week engages people of all faith to unite in prayer for the eradication of HIV/AIDS.

What began in 1989 as a pioneer movement to mobilize Black churches to fight HIV/AIDS (The Harlem Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS) in the Black community of New York City, exploded into a multi-country, multi-faith movement to stop the AIDS pandemic among African Americans. After twenty years of executing the highly successful Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS and mobilizing thousands of congregations across the United States and the Caribbean to engage in a week of education, service, advocacy and prayer, the Balm In Gilead renamed the Week, The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS.

The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS continues to be observed in throughout the United States in large and small congregations in urban and rural areas of the country.

According to the CDC, African Americans account for a higher proportion of new HIV diagnoses

and people living with HIV, compared to other races/ ethnicities. In 2017, African Americans accounted for 13% of the US population but 43% of the new HIV diagnoses in the United States and dependent areas.

Although the urgency of the matter of HIV appears to have gone silent, the leadership of the African American faith community is more critical than ever before.

While The Week engaged thousands of multi-faith leaders and congregations last year as its first year as The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, President Barack Obama said in a statement to the Balm In Gilead, “…Although we have made great strides in the fight against HIV/ AIDS, our battle is far from over.”

This year, during The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS March 6-12, The Balm

In Gilead is calling on all leaders and people of faith to unite with purpose, compassion and hope to do the following:  Educate every American about AIDS facts;  Encourage and support HIV Testing;  Advocate for the availability of compassionate care and treatment for all those living with the disease in every community in America and  Love, unconditionally, every person living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.  Faith leaders are invited to submit a statement of acknowledgement, prayer and education for posting on NWPHA. org.

The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is the inclusive, expansion of the highly successful Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS. It was the nation’s FIRST

national mobilization campaign that specifically focused on HIV/ AIDS. The campaign has provided AIDS information to well-over 5 million African Americans through the engagement of Black congregations of every sector across the United States.

Launched in 1989 as the Harlem Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, the week engaged Harlem’s Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and traditional faith communities brought national attention to the critical and urgent need to engage faith communities in addressing HIV/AIDS, especially in the African American community.

The Balm In Gilead is a 501(c) (3), not-for-profit organization whose mission is to improve the health status of people of the African Diaspora by building the capacity of faith communities to address life- threatening diseases, especially HIV/AIDS in the United States and in Africa.

Census Bureau to Host 2020 CENSUS NEWS CONFERENCE One year out from Census Day 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau will host a 2020 Census news conference on April 1, 2019.

Census Bureau Director Dr. Steven Dillingham will brief the public on the status of operations and what they can do to help ensure a complete and accurate count in their community. In addition, the Census Bureau will unveil the 2020 Census communications campaign tagline.

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While the country will respond to the census in 2020, crucial milestones that prepare the Census Bureau to count everyone in the nation are happening now. Over the next year, the Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of workers; supporting the formation of state, local, and tribal Complete Count Committees; preparing an accurate address list; and continuing to roll out the integrated partnership and

communication campaign.

More details about how to

March 7, 2019 - March 13, 2019

access this news conference are coming soon.

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NEWS APOLLO THEATER Pre sents

WOW: WOMEN

The Apollo Theater revealed

the line-up for the third annual WOW – Women of the World Festival. Presented over four days in various spaces at the iconic cultural theater, the WOW Festival runs from March 12-17 and will feature workshops, activities, programming, and performances with artists, community leaders, writers, thinkers, activists, and leaders exploring a variety of issues across cultural, civic, and social boundaries with a focus on empowerment and activism.

Participants include Poet Nikki Giovanni, Educator Johnnetta B. Cole; Finance Expert Suze Orman; Musician Alice Smith; White House Correspondent April Ryan; Comedian Mugga, and more to be announced. WOW Apollo will feature more than a dozen events, many of the events free or low cost.

Launched in 2010, the Festivals have developed a reputation as a space where world-renowned artists, performers, and political and social activists come and participate, alongside thousands of people of all genders, to celebrate achievements and imagine a gender equal world together. The unique Festival model creates ways for participants and campaigners, women and men, to take part in WOW, to amplify their own causes, or start new initiatives, which have a wide impact on communities. To date, WOW has reached over 2 million people in 17 countries on 5 continents across more than 60 festivals. The Apollo Theater is proud to be WOW’s New York home and its programming centers on issues and topics of interest to Women of Color. Tickets and RSVP links to WOW Apollo are available now at

OF THE

www.wowapollo.com.

WORLD FESTIVAL

Offering an incredible range of powerful voices and insights, this year’s WOW Festival at the Apollo will include:  A conversation between Poet Nikki Giovanni and National Council of Negro Women President Johnnetta B. Cole on

addressing shade representation in the media and helping young people better understand the history and current climate of colorism  A full range of free events take place on Sunday, March 17, including conversations between icons and thought-leaders including educator and activist Angela Davis in a sit-down with WOW Founder Jude

Tuesday, March 12  Apollo’s world-famous Amateur Night takes center stage and will feature special guest artist to be announced, adding even more sparkle to Wednesday, March 13 evening  Multi-talented comedian and film star Mugga at the mic, hosts an allwomen Comedy Night on Thursday, March 14  Heralded singer Alice Smith and performer Liv Warfield take the stage on Friday, March 15  Things heat up on Saturday, March 15 thanks to a full day of offerings including a Women and Money with Suze Orman, the world’s personal finance expert  Also on Saturday: WOW 2019’s Teen Summit featuring panelists from theater, journalism, modeling, podcast/radio, and comedy,

Kelly; White House Correspondent/ Journalist April Ryan and many more workshops and conversations that center around issues important to women of color  Interactive sessions and WOW bites—energized bite-sized talks, such as Work, Women, and Spirituality: A Sisters’ Cypher; Women Auto Know, a workshop on car maintenance; and Leadership Hacks for Women, a panel sharing perspectives and practical advice to women of all ages—round out Sunday’s docket “The Apollo Theater is a cultural and civic anchor and we are proud to provide an avenue for meaningful exchanges of ideas,” said Kamilah Forbes, Executive Producer of the Apollo Theater. “It’s a true honor to produce this event again this year, and to be able to provide a forum for important cultural discussions

that further amplify the smart and powerful messages of these incredible women.”

“WOW was built around a number of ‘ThinkIns,’ which consisted of conversations we had with hundreds of woman in our community who suggested topics, ideas, and concerns that were of importance to them,” said Jamilla Deria, Apollo Theater’s Program Director. ‘As we honor the contributions of women from around the globe and continue to share the wisdom of these powerhouses, we also aim to cultivate the individuality, strength, creativity, and fierceness of the future generations.”

The WOW Foundation Director and WOW Founder Jude Kelly said, “WOW – Women of the World Festivals are designed to be agents of change in their host cities, reflecting the community, supporting progress and powerful conversations about issues affecting women and girls. It’s such a gift to have a continued partnership with the Apollo Theater and to be able to provide a platform for this amazing lineup of women, representing massive breadth and depth of both professional and life experience.”

Past participants of the Apollo’s WOW have included Nobel Prize Winner Leymah Gbowee; Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o; Phoebe Robinson (of Two Dope Queens); Olympian Gabby Douglas; actress Gabourey Sidibe, Iyanla Vanzant, Macy Gray, and Women’s March leaders, Tamika Mallory and Carmen Perez.

For more information please visit www.wowapollo.com or www.

ApolloTheater.org/WOW for updates and more information on the festival.

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NEWS

OPIOID LAWSUIT SEEKS COMPENSATION FROM DRUG MANUFACTURERS The Beasley Allen Firm and The CK Hoffler Firm filed a lawsuit against opioid manufacturers and distributors on behalf of the City of Flint, Michigan, alleging the marketing of these drugs in Flint contributed to the creation of the opioid epidemic, a public health and safety crisis in the City. Responding to the opioid crisis has required the City to sustain economic damages and to continue to bear a significant financial burden.

The City is represented by Tricia (CK) Hoffler, along with the Beasley Allen lawyers Rhon E. Jones, Navan Ward, Ryan Kral, Jeff Price and Will Sutton.

“We filed this lawsuit because, like other communities across the country, the opioid epidemic has left a terrible mark on the City of Flint,” said Flint Mayor Dr. Karen W. Weaver. “The problems that accompany opioid addiction, including overdose, crime, and sadly, death, force the City to spend money to address emergencies to protect its citizens. While it has clearly strained our resources, and created yet another challenge for our community, I have no doubt that our resilience and persevering nature will help us rebuild in the wake of this devastating crisis. But, the first step in the recovery process is to demand that pharmaceutical companies and others be held accountable.”

Beasley Allen and CK Hoffler have filed similar lawsuits on behalf of individuals, municipalities, counties, and other government entities in

“The opioid epidemic has become so pervasive, it’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t been touched by it in some way” multiple states. In fact, the Beasley Allen firm has a robust opioid practice in various states including Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee, including its representation of the State of Alabama in its opioid lawsuit against Purdue Pharmaceuticals.

“The pharmaceutical industry consistently refused to investigate suspicious orders of prescription opiates and turned a blind eye in favor of making a profit,” said Hoffler. “They put profits over people, and they intentionally misled doctors and the public about the risks of these dangerous drugs, and municipal governments are left struggling to cope with the consequences. In addition to its huge toll on human life, the opioid epidemic has an economic cost of about $504 billion annually to communities throughout the country. The impact of their conduct is devastating and they need to be held accountable. ” “The opioid epidemic has become so pervasive, it’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t been touched by it in some way,” said Angela Wheeler, the City Attorney for Flint.

“As a result, communities like the City of Flint are struggling to provide services to the overwhelming numbers of people affected by

the opioid epidemic. It is a huge strain on resources and the opioid makers and distributors must be held accountable for unleashing this curse upon the nation and countless communities.”

In 2016, Genesee County, where the City of Flint is located, had an opioid prescribing rate of 119.7 for every 100 people, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The City of Flint is among the 10 Michigan cities with the highest number of drug-related overdose deaths between 2013 and 2015.

Nationally, opioids are responsible for killing more than 183,000 people since 1999, according to the CDC. In 2016 alone, 42,000 people in the U.S. died from opioid overdoses.

Defendants include Purdue Pharma L.P.; Purdue Pharma, Inc.; The Purdue Frederick Company, Inc.;

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, LTD.; Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.; Cephalon, Inc.; Johnson & Johnson; Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. n/k/a Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Janssen Pharmaceutical Inc. n/k/a Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Noramco, Inc.; Endo Health Solutions Inc.; Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Allergan PLC f/k/a Actavis PLS; Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. n/k/a Actavis, Inc.; Watson Laboratories, Inc.; Actavis, LLC; Actavis Pharma, Inc. f/k/a Watson Pharma, Inc.; Mallinckrodt plc; Mallinckrodt LLC; McKesson Corporation; Cardinal Health, Inc.; and AmerisourceBergen Drug Corporation.

The complaint is filed in the Eastern District of Michigan.

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

WOMEN’S VOICES: SHAPING THE CIT Y since the beginning,” said Council Member Margaret S. Chin, CoChair of the Council’s Women’s Caucus. “It is time that we recognize leaders like Dorothy Lee who blazed a trail as the only Chinese American woman working at the Brooklyn Navy Yard during World War II. I hope everyone will stop by City Hall to visit the Women’s Voices: Shaping the City exhibit. I want to thank both the New York Historical Society and Speaker Johnson for acknowledging that women’s history is New York’s history.”

“With only 11 women in the City Council and none in citywide office, it’s clear that we need to end the culture of exclusion that tells women to wait their turn when they aspire

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to lead. I want to thank Speaker Corey Johnson for doing his part by recognizing the incredible accomplishments that New York women have achieved and showing any young girl who visits City Hall that they too can one day become a talented artist, an enterprising CEO, or even a member of the New York City Council,” said New York City Councilwoman Carlina Rivera, CoChair of the Council’s Women’s Caucus.

“Public artwork and monuments must be reflective of our city and our history. As Chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee, I am proud that the NYC Council is taking the initiative to improve the gender diversity

(cont'd from cover)

of public arts in City Hall and to recognize women activists for their vast achievements and contributions to our city,” said Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, Chair of the Cultural Affairs Committee.

The New-York Historical Society, one of America’s preeminent cultural institutions, is dedicated to fostering research and presenting history and art exhibitions and public programs that reveal the dynamism of history and its influence on the world of today.

Founded in 1804, New-York Historical has a mission to explore the richly layered history of New York City and State and the country, and to serve as a national forum for the discussion of issues surrounding the making and meaning of history.

March 7, 2019 - March 13, 2019

New-York Historical’s Center for Women’s History is the first of its kind in the nation within the walls of a major museum. Its work explores the lives and legacies of women who have shaped and continue to shape the American experience. As a hub for scholarship and education, the Center demonstrates how women across the spectrum of race, class, and sexuality exercised power and effected change. Guided by a committee of distinguished historians and informed by the latest research, the Center features permanent installations, temporary exhibitions, and a vibrant array of talks and programs, enriching the cultural landscape of New York City and creating new opportunities for historical discovery. To learn more, visit nyhistory.org.

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THE AR T S

NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE Celebrates its 50 th Anniversary In celebration of its 50th anniversary as it’s poised for a major capital redevelopment project of its current site, Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s National Black Theatre (NBT) is taking it to the streets with a robust season of programming and partnerships that transcends the walls of its building. As a cultural anchor in Harlem for the last half century, NBT has been at the forefront of transforming lives and community through the power of theater. Through its new program, NBT Beyond Walls, the institution will now produce activities citywide, nationally and internationally. Highlights of NBT’s 50th season include partnerships and programming with Carnegie Hall, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and the World Famous Apollo Theater; the national tour of the critically acclaimed one-woman show The Peculiar Patriot; and the ongoing cultural exchange with the international sister institution, the National Black Theatre of Sweden, established in Stockholm in November 2018. Founded in 1968, the oldest continually run Black theater in New York City and one of America’s longest continually operated theaters run by women of color will celebrate its half-century mark through October 2019.

Under the theme Liberation: A Journey Beyond Walls, NBT, the nation’s first revenue-generating, sustainable Black arts complex, will present six productions this

winter and spring — including several commissions of plays, dance programs and a musical — in traditional theatrical spaces, as well as outdoor sites. National Black Theatre was founded on October 24, 1968.

“In the catalytic year of 1968 when my mother, Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, founded NBT, her commitment was not to the western canon of theater but to the liberation of her people. She used theater as an entry point for Black artist to come into relationship with their divinity and the audience to come into relationship with being active citizens within their communities; and so, as a result of this awakening, the two would take transformative actions around the healing of our national consciousness,” said National Black Theatre CEO Sade Lythcott.

“Fifty years later NBT finds itself more committed than ever to Dr. Teer’s vision and the reimagining of what Harlem, America and indeed the world might look like when the healing principle of Black liberation is central. I hope you will all join us on this journey beyond walls.”

“As an organization we have been cultivating programs and investing to uplift important artists for a half-century. NBT Beyond Walls is an opportunity for us to share the cultivation of our pedagogy unapologetically. We are America’s home for presentpulse Black theater, and because of the brilliance of our founder Dr.

Barbara Ann Teer and a holy host of dynamic leaders such as Adetunde “Tunde” Samuel and Fredrica L. Teer, we now have the opportunity to take center stage and own that birthright,” said NBT Artistic Director Jonathan McCrory.

NBT will produce the two workshop productions from NBT’s current I AM SOUL Playwright Residency, Lee Edward Colston’s The First Deep Breath and Eric Micha Holmes’ Mondo Tragic. The First Deep Breath follows Pastor Albert Jones as he plans a special church service to honor his late daughter Diane on the sixth anniversary of her death. But when his eldest son, Abdul-Malik, returns home from

prison, the first family of Mother Bethel Baptist Church is forced to confront a hornet’s nest of longburied secrets. Directed by Malika Oyetimein, the production runs from February 13 to 17 at NBT. Mondo Tragic investigates how shockumentaries (or “mondo” films) from the ’60s and ’70s shaped a biracial man’s racial journey. When the lead character becomes captivated by the prospect of documenting the life of a public figure, he is forced to reckon with memory and fantasy, film and documentary, and Blackness and Africanness. Directed by Miranda Haymon, Mondo Tragic runs at NBT February 27 to March 3.

Harry Belafonte Tribute at Aaron Davis Hall Audiences will have another chance to celebrate the life of the trailblazing entertainer and activist Harry Belafonte with artists who knew him well, as the uplifting and dynamic concert “Turn the World Around: The Music and Legacy of Harry Belafonte” returns to Aaron Davis Hall on Friday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m. Presented by City College of the Arts (CCCA), the musical tribute on the icon’s 92nd birthday will feature songs from the Belafonte songbook performed by members of the Belafonte Alumni Group, a collection of artists who have performed with the star for decades. Vocalists Ty Stephens and Branice McKenzie as well as keyboardist and longtime Belafonte musical director Richard Cummings Jr. will be among the performers.

A legend who has set a trailblazing path in the entertainment industry, Belafonte first emerged on the world

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stage as a singer who introduced the masses to calypso music with hit songs including “Matilda,” “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)” and “Jump in the Line.” His talent as an actor led to his starring roles in groundbreaking films such as Carmen Jones (1954), Island in the Sun (1957) and Buck and the Preacher (1972). An internationally acclaimed performer, Belafonte has perhaps inspired even more people through his work as an activist and tireless fighter for social justice. A dedicated humanitarian, he was a personal friend to and worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the fight for civil rights in U.S., fought in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa and continues to work with and inspire younger artists in the struggle to end modern-day injustices.

In the “Turn the World Around” tribute concert, the Belafonte Alumni Group will present audiences with renditions of some of his best-known

songs as well as messages and personal anecdotes of life with the legendary entertainer from alumni members and other notables. A reception, open to concert ticket holders, will be held following the concert.

Both Melvin and El-Sanusi passed away in 2018.

This event comes as City College Center for the Arts celebrates the 40th anniversary of Aaron Davis Hall, Harlem’s oldest performing arts center. For four decades, the world’s top artists, scholars and leaders have blessed the stages of Aaron Davis Hall, including Belafonte, Alicia Keys, Nancy Wilson, President Barack Obama and David Letterman. In addition to celebrating the birthday of the entertainer and humanitarian, the concert will also be dedicated to the memories of Harold Lee Melvin, Belafonte’s personal assistant and hair stylist, and Daa’iya El-Sanusi, treasured radio personality and Belafonte Alumni Group member.

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ENTER TAINMENT N E W N Y C R ESTAU R A N T A L E RT

E LY S I A N F I E L D S C A F É

C asual Greek- Me d iterr a ne a n D ining , Lu nch, B ru nch - Di n ner The Columbia University community is now more vibrant with the arrival of Elysian Fields Café, where guests can enjoy delectable traditional and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine while relaxing and socializing in an exciting, rustic-modern space with a pop of a metropolitan feel.

The 5,500 square-foot space is beautifully divided in two sections.

The 3000 sq. ft. Café seats 200 and is located at 1207 Amsterdam Avenue at 119th and 120th Streets extending nearly the entire city block. The main dining room boasts a full bar with an eclectic collection of carefully curated craft beers and boutique wines and spirits. Top mixologists perfect the classics and create the most modern and new cocktails in a lively, yet personal setting.

The lower level known as “The Apollo Room” (1,500 square feet) features a full wine bar boasting classic and current vintages in a space radiating the warmth of a sunken living room or vintage speakeasy. The seating area is perfect for socializing, engaging in

a match of chess or simply relaxing in diverse space with soaring ceilings and chandeliers. The private area duals as an extension of seating for the

celebrations or any corporate needs.

Elysian Fields Café offers the finest in casual Mediterranean dining serving an extended selection of

Feta and Falafel ($4.95 - $16.95).

Inventive salads range from Beet & Spinach with goat cheese and walnuts to Kale Caesar with shaved Parmesan and pita croutons to the classic Greek with feta and Kalamata olives topped off with your choice of grilled chicken, shrimp or salmon.

Highlights include Eggs Élysées - three organic eggs, feta and fries or traditional Souvlaki – chicken, pork, beef or lamb served with country salad, fries and tzatziki ($14.95 - $18.95.)

Delicious, shareable platters for two or more include the tasty Seafood Platter with delicately fried calamari, grilled shrimp and octopus, salmon kefte, mussels, and clams at $45.95 or the perfectly prepared Mixed Grille – a combination of beef, chicken, lamb and pork Souvlaki served with a loukaniko sausage at $34.95.

main restaurant and it will be used on weekends for live music “Jazz – Blues” or can be used as a unique, warm, intimate space for private parties,

Greek specialties with a modern twist. Small plates offerings include Cauliflower Fritto, Grilled Octopus, Grilled Chili Peppers, Sesame

Elysian Fields Café is located at 1207 Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan at 119th Street within the Columbia University community. Serving Lunch, Brunch & Dinner every day from 11am – 11pm Elysianfieldscafe.com or 212.837.1389

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ENTER TAINMENT

C e l e b r a t i o n of

HIP HOP

This has got to be the most impressive lineup of Hip-Hop legends and music icons ever to be assembled.

On Friday, March 15, 2019, 10 pm at famed New York venue SOBs (204 Varick St., NYC) a celebration of the 46th Anniversary of Hip Hop will take place with an all-star lineup — from Full Force to the Force MDs to Sparky D. The music-packed night will also include several honors. Among the honorees are: the late and beloved Mr. Magic; legendary entertainer Melba Moore; African-American scholar John Blassingame; actress and TV/radio personality Claudia Jordan; Melissa Harville Lebron, the Black woman to solely own a NASCAR team; Hip-Hop legend Luvbug Starski; and the Original Boys.

Besides celebration the 46 anniversary of Hip Hop, the event will also mark several other landmark anniversaries — Black Ivory’s 50th anniversary, The Full Force Brothers’ 30th anniversary appearance in the hit film “House Party,” and The Ladies Of SKYY’s 30th anniversary.

And you can count on some of Hip Hop’s icons, such as GrandWizzard Theodore, Reggie Well, and the Original Clark Kent, to be in the house.

Showtime is Midnight! The event will be hosted by Hip Hop Queen Sharock, Radio/TV Host Claudia Jordan, Love & Hip Hop Tara Wallace, and The Original Spindarella.

This spectacular event is being produced by Van Silk and Rapamania Inc., RM Management, Hip Hop Ambassadors.

GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW Enters Its 13 th Year in NYC This February, the unPOPable GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW, begins its incrediBUBBLE 13th year in New York City. New York’s MUST SEE bubble extravaganza, GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW has had 4,659 performances in the Big Apple and has been seen by over 779,000 people at New World Stages (340 West 50 Street).

In 2007, performer Fan Yang brought his unique brand of bubble artistry to New York City and has since wowed bubble lovers of all ages. Its original New York production was only intended to be a nine-performance limited engagement, but audiences were immediately delighted with the unbubblievable experience 8 | NewYorkTrendnyc

March 7, 2019 - March 13, 2019

and the demand for tickets grew. 12 years later, GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW continues to amaze with mind-blowing bubble magic, spectacular laser lighting effects, and momentary soapy masterpieces that make you smile, laugh, and feel like a kid again.

GAZILLION BUBBLE SHOW has made its mark in the US with resounding audience and critical acclaim having been called “enchanting” (NY Times) with“ingenious bubble wizardry” (The New Yorker).

It’s “a dazzling succession of bubbles in mind-blowing configurations” (Time Out NY) that “…earns its claim on the word spectacular” (NYTheatre. com). “An unforgettable extravaganza!” (City Guide). www.newyorktrendnyc.com

HE ALTH

NYC Launches CHILD BLOOD LEAD TESTING

The NYC Health Department has launched a public awareness campaign to encourage parents to get their children’s blood tested for lead. When exposed to lead, children can develop learning and behavior problems. While 80 percent of NYC children are tested at least once before their third birthday, only 50 percent of children are tested at both ages 1 and 2, as required by law. In addition, the campaign encourages parents to report peeling paint to their landlord or call 311. Peeling lead paint is the primary source of exposure to lead for children in New York City. The $1.5 million campaign will run through April and features citywide subway, radio and digital ads in English, Spanish, Russian, Yiddish, and Chinese languages.

The ads will also be placed in bus shelters, salons and convenience stores in neighborhoods with lower blood lead testing rates and higher rates of elevated blood lead levels in young children. The campaign is part of LeadFreeNYC, the City’s roadmap to eliminating childhood lead exposure.

“With LeadFreeNYC the City has a comprehensive roadmap to further protect children from ever being exposed to lead in the first place — and ensuring that all children are tested for lead in blood at ages 1 and again at 2 is a critical part of this effort,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Herminia Palacio. “This new campaign provides families and clinicians with the information they need to ensure all children are tested.”

“Children under 3 are at greatest risk for lead exposure, because they explore the world by putting things in their mouths and their bodies are still growing,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot.

“Most children exposed to lead do not look or feel sick. The only way to know for sure if they are exposed is by getting a blood lead test. We encourage all parents and guardians to get their children tested.”

New York State law requires all children to be tested for lead at ages 1 and 2 by their health care provider.

Providers must also assess children for exposure to lead until age 6 and test them if a risk of exposure is found.

The lead testing awareness campaign complements recent efforts by the City to reduce childhood lead exposure. Last July, the City announced a change in its lead-related inspection protocols, becoming one of the

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first jurisdictions in the country to conduct environmental investigations for all children under 18 years old with a blood lead level of 5 micrograms per deciliter or higher.

The Health Department recently implemented an intensive effort to identify children who recently missed their one-year or two-year blood lead test and to contact these families by letter, urging them to have their children tested. Also in 2018, the Department began issuing quarterly lead surveillance reports which show a variety of indicators, including data on elevated blood lead levels in children who are in private versus public housing. The Department continues to collaborate with Medicaid managed care plans to improve testing compliance and provides annual testing guidance to health care providers.

The Health Department, through its Healthy Homes and Environmental Health Assessment and Communication Programs, has developed a comprehensive approach to address elevated blood lead levels in children and adults and to reduce lead hazards in homes and communities. This includes follow-up investigations of individuals with elevated blood lead levels, environmental interventions and enforcement activities, education and outreach, surveillance and research. Visit nyc.gov/leadfree for more information.

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E VENT S Summit for Black Women To Reconvene in NEW ORLEANS Building on the historic success of the 2018 Power Rising Summit, Black women will reconvene in New Orleans, Louisiana from February 22nd – 24th, 2019. Last year’s summit brought together Black women across ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, socio- economic status, and gender experience. This year’s summit comes on the heels of a historic and transformative election in which Black women led the effort to elect the most diverse and female Congress in our nation’s history with more than 20 black women serving in Congress for the first time ever. The summit is excited to announce two inspiring speakers this year, women who have been leading efforts to improve the lives of Black women and all women in this country, Senator Kamala Harris (D- CA) and Former Georgia Minority Leader and Founder and Chair of Fair Fight Action Stacey Abrams.

The 2019 Power Rising Summit will also feature speakers across various industries including author, educator, and commentator, Melissa HarrisPerry, Congresswoman Karen Bass, Beverly E. Smith, President, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Linda Goler Blount, MPH, President & CEO of Black Women’s Health Imperative, and Reverend Traci Blackmon, the Executive Minister of Justice & Local Church Ministries, United Church of Christ. With more speakers to be announced over the next two weeks.

Power Rising 2019 will once again assemble to provide a safe space for a cross-section of Black women to have meaningful and challenging conversations, connect on critical

issues, and commit to future collective work. In attendance will be Black women representing 35 states including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington, DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia,Washington state, and West Virginia.

“In the midst of this moment of urgency and social and political unrest, we have once again been called forward to unite as Black women…”

While Black women continue to excel in many areas of life including politics; business and entrepreneurship; academia; and entertainment and media, there remain a host of racial barriers that impact black women’s ability to succeed. Regardless of education and income level, Black women are four times more likely than white women to die in childbirth.

Despite being enrolled in college at a higher rate than any other group, Black women are still paid 61 cents for every dollar paid to white men. The 2019 Power Rising Summit will celebrate the gains Black women have made from politics to the C- Suite, while also strategizing on how to leverage this power to create equity that recognizes the unique challenges facing Black women.

“In the midst of this moment of urgency and social and political unrest, we

have once again been called forward to unite as Black women not only to leverage our collective wisdom to develop actionable avenues for ourselves, our communities, and our futures but also to lift one another up in inspiration, joy, and sisterhood,” said Rev. Leah Daughtry, a convener of Power Rising. “Last year we brought together over 1,000 women from all walks of life. From grassroots activists to political neophytes to stay at home moms to elected leaders, to CEOs and entertainers, we know of no other conference that equalizes everyone.

This year we aim to expand that experience to even more participants.

Our hope is that every woman walks away with newfound contacts and friendships, a renewed sense of hope, and a plan to take action back home in their own communities.”

- Rev. Leah Daughtry Power Rising Over the course of the weekend, Black women and girls will take part in over 50 workshops and panel discussions bolstered by Power Rising’s five pillars of activism and engagement: Culture, Community and Society; Business and Economic Empowerment; Education, Technology, and Innovation; Health & Wellness; and Political Empowerment.

The Summit will also include timely and necessary conversations around #MeToo and sexual assault of Black women and girls.

C H O C O L AT E E X P O Ta k e s F l i g h t at Av i at i o n M u s e u m

The Chocolate Expo , America’s

largest and most unique chocolate festival, will be returning to Long Island’s spectacular Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, NY, on Sunday, March 3, 2019, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.

among others.

Unusual chocolate items at The Chocolate Expo include Bacon Bites’ chocolate-covered bacon, chocolateflavored pumpkin seeds from Super

Drink More Good and chocolatescented personal care products from ScrubIt NH. Wine tastings and sales will be offered

by Adirondack Winery, Fire Island

At The Chocolate Expo, attendees will get to taste, purchase, celebrate and otherwise indulge in delicious gourmet chocolates, baked goods, specialty foods, gelato, cheeses, wines, spirits, hard ciders, craft sodas and much more from local and regional vendors, while touring one of the largest air and space museums in the world. In the Museum’s atrium lobby, guests will be greeted by Aurora Gourmet’s chocolate fountains overflowing with milk chocolate, dark chocolate and white chocolate to cover a choice of fresh fruits, marshmallows, pretzels and crisp rice treats.

Participating chocolatiers in this year’s event include Chocolate Moonshine, Chocolates U, Emalyn Sweets, Raw Chocolate Love, Twizzle’s Tasty Treats, Teacher’s Recipe Fudge, The Cocoa Exchange and The Pretzel Princess,

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Seedz, raw cookie dough treats from Whipped Up, chocolate vodka from Olde York Farm, chocolate wine from Pazdar Winery, chocolate soda from

Winery and Warwick Valley Winery.

Ciders by Doc’s Hard Ciders and spirits from Lake George Distillery and Black Dirt Distillery will round-out the line-up

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of alcoholic beverages at this year’s Chocolate Expo.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission, food artist Nancy Baker, who has been featured on Food Network, will re-create a scene from a famous photo of the moon landing using a delicious combination of chocolates, cookies and colored sugars.

More than 25 authentically-costumed Star Wars characters from the 501st Empire City Garrison will descend on The Chocolate Expo and be available for selfies and other picture-taking opportunities from approximately 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Free face painting and balloon twisting activities for children will take place in the Museum’s Junior Jet Club.

Admission to all air & space exhibits is included with admission to The Chocolate Expo. Additionally, free admission to shows in the JetBlue Airways Planetarium (regularly $9/adult and $8/child) will be included, as well.

“Space Junk” will be shown at 12 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

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END NO TE S

Billie Holiday Theatre Host’s WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH PROGRAM

The Billie Holiday Theatre in collaboration with Frank Silvera Writers’ Workshop announces the cast and selected writers for the third annual monologue showcase, 50in50: Letters to Our Daughters to honor Women’s History Month on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at 3pm and 7pm at the Kumble Theater at LIU, Brooklyn.

In response to a curatorial statement by 2018 MacArthur “Genius” Fellow Dominique Morisseau, fifty original monologues – selected from hundreds of submission from women of the African Diaspora from across the globe – will be read by renowned actors Marsha Stephanie Blake (Orange is the New Black, The Merchant of Venice on Broadway), Ebony JoAnn (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom on Broadway, Grown Ups), Jasmine Cephas Jones (Hamilton on Broadway, Dog Days, Mistress America), LaChanze (The Color Purple and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical on Broadway), Terria Joseph (Empire, Autumn at The Billie), Celestine Rae (No More Mr. Nice Guy, Boardwalk Empire), Angelica Ross (Her Story, Pose), Michele Shay (Seven Guitars and Raisin in the Sun on Broadway) Phyllis Yvonne Stickney (How Stella Got Her Groove Back, The Women of Brewster Place), and Pauletta Pearson Washington (She’s Gotta Have It, The Old Settler and Autumn at The Billie).

Live music will be performed by Maritri Garrett.

As part of its continued expansion, The

Billie will bring its monologue showcase to the dynamic and newly-created WACO Theater Center in Los Angeles, California for its West Coast premiere. The Waco Theater Center show will also feature Pauletta Washington and Phyllis Yvonne Stickney.

“50in50 is a global platform for Black women that speaks to the intersectionality of class, age, ability, gender identity, nationality, and sexual orientation in the 21st century” said Dr. Indira Etwaroo, Executive Director, BHT. “I am proud that we are able to provide a relevant space for artistic expression where 50 fiercely brilliant women writers can have their story come to life through live theater. These are all stories that need to be told and heard. It is not lost on us that 50in50 has become increasingly meaningful over the last two years of its existence, as women continue to grapple with historical injustices and social norms that would oppress, rather than liberate.

We are deeply honored to bring 50in50 to the audiences at the WACO Theatre Center in LA.”

Eraina Ferguson, Felicia Fitzpatrick, Franceli Chapman, Geraldine Ezigbo, Ife Basim, Jackie Torres, Jameelah Nasheed, Jorjina Amefia-Koffi, Kaypri, Kendra Ann Flournoy, Kim Brandon, La’Needra “Lulu” Cornelious, Lexis Green, Lisa B. Thompson, Lola Cooper, Lyndor Jackson, Marcelle DaviesLashley, Marcia Pendelton, Marleen Jasper, Marlow Wyatt, Paula Gillison, Penny Middleton, Renee JoshuaPorter, Robin Turner, S. Pearl Sharp, Safiya Bandele, Samantha Godfrey, Shalewa Mackall, Sharlee Taylor, Shemetra Carter, Sylvia Gail Kinard, Tajh, Terria Joseph, and Yoreel Fraser Trumpet.

Since its inception in 1972, The Billie has continued to reinforce its role as a leader in presenting and championing

Black storytelling and as a vital resource for its surrounding Bedford Stuyvesant community and beyond.

TICKET INFORMATION General admission

tickets for the performances at the Kumble Theatre are $25 and available for purchase online at thebillieholiday. org and Eventbrite.com. For tickets by phone, call (718) 636-0918. Tickets are also available in person at the Billie Holiday Theater Administrative Offices at Restoration Plaza, 1368 Fulton Street | Monday – Friday 4 – 7pm and Saturday 12 – 4pm. $25 VIP Membership tickets for “Friends of Billie” are available with an added $50 donation to support the theater’s mission and available with upgraded purchase at any of the locations noted above.

Through a blind adjudication process, The Billie and FSWW selected the following 50 writers’ monologues to be read: Amanda Graham, AriDy Nox, Arielle C Knight, Ashley Thomas, Benja Thomas, Bridget Doman, Camika Spencer, Colette Boston, Courtney Mericle, Cynthia L Dorsey, Daphne Busby, Debra Bramlett, Desiree Rucker, Dietra Kelsey, Donna WalkerKuhne, Elisabeth Giffin Speckman,

BOBBY BROWN’S FOUNDATION Partners to Combat Domestic Violence The Bobbi Kristina Serenity House (“BKSH”), a nonprofit founded by singer Bobby Brown, and his wife Alicia Etheredge-Brown, tosupport victims of domestic violence, and Dorchester, Mass.-based Brookview House (“Brookview”) has announced a partnership to jointly combat domestic violence in Massachusetts. Under their agreement, Brookview will respond to all Massachusetts inquiries connected through the BKSH hotline from victims of domestic violence seeking assistance and resources in the state. BKSH will provide fundraising and publicity support to Brookview, which provides safe, supportive housing and on-site programs to families experiencing homelessness, many of which are victims of domestic violence.

In the near term, BKSH is assisting with fundraising and awareness efforts around Brookview’s annual luncheon and symposium, the Power of the Purse, which is taking place on Thursday, April 11th at the Seaport Hotel Plaza Ballroom. The event features a celebrity purse auction and is designed to raise awareness and financial support for the courageous moms of Brookview who are relentless in their efforts to lift their children out of homelessness.

“The impact of domestic violence not

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only affects men and women,” stated Bobby Brown. “It impacts our children and can keep them from becoming healthy leaders in my home state, Massachusetts. We are excited to join Brookview House and combine our resources to help these families move forward with their lives.”

According to U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) the number of people experiencing homelessness in families with children in Massachusetts grew by a stunning 94 percent from 2007-2018. Each year, Brookview provides 370 women and children experiencing homelessness with a safe, supportive environment in which to live and acquire and practice skills to pursue education, job training and employment in order to achieve long-term stability and economic independence. “Domestic violence and the need to seek safe shelter is the leading factor behind family homeslessness driving mothers and their children to our doors,” said Deborah Hughes, president and CEO of Brookview House. “We have long admired the work and mission of the Bobbi Kristina Serenity House and are so pleased to join forces with their team to tackle this urgent crisis together.”

Recognized nationally for its successful model, 92 percent of mothers who have

lived at Brookview maintain permanent housing after leaving, and 88 percent of the children who participate in Brookview’s Youth Development Program graduate high school, compared to the national average of only 25 percent. Brookview’s programs for youth include licensed childcare and

classrooms for education and training onsite. At-risk women and children who live in the community are also invited to participate in Brookview’s programs and services that encompass health, education, life skills, employment training, civic engagement, and financial, emotional, and behavioral support.

Singer Bobby Brown is photographed for Us Weekly on June 1, 2016 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Christopher Patey/ Contour by Getty Images)

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