New York Trend NYC: March 19-25, 2020

NEW YORK TREND Serving New York City, Nassau & Suffolk Counties

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NEWMAYOR YORK TREND DAVID DINKINS, REP. CHARLES RANGEL, Serving New York City, Nassau & Suffolk Counties

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THE ALTERNATIVE VOLUMEPERSPECTIVE 26 ISSUE 40

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December 17, 2015 - December 23, 2015

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 12

March 19th, 2020 - March 25th, 2020

Since 1989

C E L E B R AT I N G HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS 30 YEAR C O N N E C T I N T E R N AT I O N A L H o n o r s

 CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH The Black Stars News 2015 Annual Awards Dinner will honor Mayor David Dinkins, Rep. Charles Rangel, Rep. Yvette Clarke, The recent CONNECT Travel Conference, a groups that would benefit from this award.

R. Donahue Peebles, Barbara It gives me the opportunity and leeway to gathering of leading tourism companies and Arnwine, Inez gathering Barron,was Sabrina uplift, enlighten, and motivate our youth and travel buyers, the industry Lamb, Dr. Rudy sessions.

Crew, Stephen empower them to attain their dreams and highlighted by extraordinary One of those dinner organized by expectations."

Byrd,events, Alia aJones, and the Central WomenPark in Travel and Tourism International Five survivors of gross injustice Stottler, President of the Women's Travel (WITTI), provided recognition to a Group, noted, "I won for our blog: https:// on December 18 from 6:00pm – couple dozen internationally outstanding www.thewomenstravelgroup.com/ atindustry MIST Harlem, women 10:00pm leaders in the for their 46 West blog/ which offers stories, tips, and 116th Street. achievements.

O u t sta n d i n g W o m e n

Among these werechosen eight for “Eachwomen honoree members of Skål International, six recognition has demonstrated of them representing Skål USA clubs. exceptional leadership and vision in Skål International is the world's largest her or his travel respective or organization of top industryprofession leaders endeavor ineighty somecountries significant which has chapters and in over worldwide with almost members measure has15,000 contributed towards representing every facet of the and in this creating a more justtravel society tourism industry.

David Dinkins

In

T r av e l

industry, I looked at the website and thought wow to be nominated by such a group was already an honor. Women have been the backbone of the travel industry, but there is still disparity when it comes to senior leadership positions. With my award, I aim to reassure women in our industry that they can do it. I worked with my club to bring the Skål Congress to Kenya and helped to restart the Skål Club of Addis Ababa. I am

Charles Rangel

S!

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

Pioneering producers Stephen

Byrd andNew AliaYork, Jones, through their Skål International my goal was to further Skål's mission of doing company Front Rowbusiness Production, among friends and“Cat sharing other's brought oneach a Hot Tin Roof” successes. I was especially delighted that and “A Streetcar Named Desire” three of us from the eight Skålleagues with a multi-ethnic cast to recognized are members of Skål New York.

Broadway. bring So, while I feel honoredIn to 2016 receivethey this award and am“Eclipsed” personally gratified that through with Oscar Winner my success I might serve as model Lupita Nyong ’Oa role to Broadway. for young Latin American women, I think it's Honorees, so-called Central true--especially in thethe travel industry--that behind every woman is likely Parksuccessful 5, are collectively and anotherindividually successful woman. I believe heroes.truly They are we want to benefit from each other's successes, survivors of one of the ugliest to benefit from these strong backbones we of justice in New York’s have in miscarriage common."

history; having been railroaded majority. She now leads The was a member of the New York Powers, president of Powers Travel and and unjustlypast convicted Transformative Justice Coalition.

City Council, representing the Event Management, presidentfor of a crime th they did not commit and for which Skål International USA, and currently the Arnwine was for 26 years executive 40 council district in Brooklyn, country,” says Black Star News ISC Counselor to Skål USA, was thrilled to they served long prison sentences director of the Lawyers’ Committee succeeding her mother, Una S. Laura Mandala, Founder of WITTI, Milton founder and publisher receive a lifetime achievement award and th ranging from seven years to 13 years recognized the following Skål women for for Civil Rights Under the Law. T. Clarke. In the current 114 Allimadi. observed, "How exciting to see so many international awards:“Obviously much work before being exonerated when the Congress Clarke serves on Inez Barron, honoree, formerly atalented female Skål International members needs to beSkål done  Jennifer Ackerson, USAhere Long and Island, actual rapist confessed.

They are: the Energy and Commerce State Assembly member, is nowbeing singled out and honored for excellence Tourismaround Marketingthe world.”

YusefatAbdus Salaam; Raymond our industry this prestigious event.

I Committee, responsible for  Dawn Drew, Skål USA New York, Travel & a New York City council memberin am truly humbled to be included in this The gala starts at 6:00pm with a Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin consumer protection, food Tourism Media and a champion of education for esteemed group." cocktail hourSkål to be by the Richardson, and Kharey Wise.  Morgan Maravich, USAfollowed Washington, safety, energy development, public our youth.

Maravich, who is a director of the Global Rising Stars in Travel dinner and awards ceremonies. There health, communications, the The Black Star News, whichasfocuses Business Travel Association and served  Hollywill Powers, Skål USA Boston, Lifetime Honoree Imhotep Gary Byrd is be musical entertainment by environment, and interstate and on investigative journalism, has Achievement Travel Cassandra Douglas a legendary radio talk show host president of Skål Washington, remarked, operainsinger international commerce. encouragement to women who love to travel. now working to grow Skål clubs in Africa. I been a result some if "Receiving the featured 'Rising Star'as award from of WITTI  Iris Salazar, Skål USA New York, Travel andtoexecutive producer, radio DJ,is a great honor. This award particularly and from harmonica phenomenonThe blog is unusual for its authenticity and am looking work with Women in Travel and Transportation its news scoops, on CNN, The New R. Donahue Peebles, honoree, is poet,International songwriter, music William Galison.

David is straight uncensored advice. I operate a tour and Tourism (WITTI) to recording form a recognizes my Daily work, efforts, andThe additional  Phyllis Stoller, Skål USA New York,Dinkins Travel York News, New York a for leading and founder ofmentorship company smart developer women travelers; the program and assist them whenwriterinvolvement in the industry as a young artist and producer, rapper, Blogginghonored for Lifetime Achievement Post,in The Voice, and Brill’s The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest blog is an extension of our 28 years of our times are hard as we face this new reality we professional travelVillage and tourism. I value  Julie — Scott, Skål Nairobi, Travel and and community activist.

He began he was New York City’s first Content magazine. small group tours. The award to me means African American-owned real are in now."

Transportation his career as a radio DJ in Buffalothis industry and appreciate to have had the African American mayor and alsorecognition that women have a travel voice. and experiences that I've had  Lavonne Wittman, Skål Pretoria, Mentor estate firm with $3.5 billion worthSalazar,atanage officer Micato Safaris, an Past Black Star News honorees 15.of For over 30 years, he’s opportunities is different than men's and is within it so far. I have an amazing network in Travelwelcomed Nelson Mandela to theThe voice operator specializing in Africa, of properties under development exotic tour have Gil Noble been a talk show host at WBLS and city after his release in 1990. often overlooked by the travel industry but of friends and included: colleagues that I like to (Like call It and past president of Skål New York, shared All of the women had a few comments about or management — he was one Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad not by WITTI. Solo women travelers are the WLIB"After radio in New YorkmeCity. Hemy tourism family, who have helped me to her thoughts.

WITTI recognized the award andCharles what it meant for Skål to honored Rep. Rangel, also of the pioneering fastest growing demographic.developerswho We are so point and shared their knowledge O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, also has a Friday nightin radio as one of its Outstanding Women Travel talk get to this receive for so much international visibility.

Lifetime Achievement, has proud tohelped represent them and to and be awarded turn around revitalize with me along the way.

I would not be where Voza Rivers (New Heritage Theatre), and Transportation, I thought a lot about show on WBAI. Wittmann, the 2019 President of Skål that. Furthermore, be a woman served in Congress since 1971. He for is doingthe I am without my tribe(NY1 and I love that itAmel keeps once-blightedtoAnacostia something WITTI said, that 'women have International, said, "It is an absolute honor Errol Louis News), of the Board of Skål in New is an honor D.C. Honoree Sabrina foundergrowing with more faces. I decided in college a have recipient of The Bronze medal for long been the backbone of the Lamb, travel and neighborhood in York, Washington, for me to received the outstanding Dr. William weekly benefits to my business." to followLarrieux my heart (Entertainer), to an industry called of World of Money, is a champion tourism industry.' When I first heard that helping save soldiers behind enemythat brings mentorship award, especially from a A champion of African-American Pollard (Medgar Evers College), Scott, who is an inbound tour operator at on!' because be the financial literacytofor youth-- shetourism and this shows that following your women-based organization specifically in line during the Korean War. economic empowerment Peebles’ Iisthoughtof'Right passionHerm does work, that doing I love Edwards (NYwhat Jets), Nayaba Bunson Travel in Kenya and Secretary of backbone of anything you need to have travel and tourism. The award has come at teaches knowledge about handlingand working hard...works. This is an award contemplating a possible run for NYC Rep. Yvette Clarke is a Democratic Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna the Skål International Council, made these a substantial backbone yourself and I to a very opportune time to embrace the rise of money, budgeting and planning. I will always treasurer and I am grateful for mayor in recognized 2017. comments.

"Being

by WITTI at consider myself in that company of women member theindustry.

US House of the African womanof in our As Skål Fountain (Columbia University), was quite an honor to be the Top Women in Travel as an Outstanding stand not just for what they believe, International President 2019from and aNew proudly Dr.up Rudy Crew, honoree, is one ofthe selection. It Representatives Lillian Desiree Dancy Honoree Barbara Arnwine, civil who recognized withRoberts all of the (DC37), other awardees, Woman in Travel and Transportation is but for each other. And that's also why it's th award is of huge South African woman, the the nation’s leading educators.

He’s York whose 9 district covers (New York Times), Greg Floyd (Local rightshonor lawyer, is a champion especially my fellow Skålleagues. To have such a great to me. When I was firstof so significant to me that eight women from significance not only to me but to my country much of central Brooklyn.

Before so many female Skålleagues recognized 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National president of Medgar Evers College protecting rightswho of isethnic Skål were represented among this year's nominated by a fellowvoting Skålleague, as 54% of our population is below the age work in Network), the travel andand tourism entering in 2007, she a believer many others. in the African travel immediate past presidentof of New for theirAction of The City University minority groups — and thetourism emerging winners. As of 24. This is one ofCongress the most important industry is a testament to where Skål

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INSIDE T HIS IS SUE :

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

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December 17, 2015 - December 23, 2015

March 19, 2020 - March 25, 2020

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N AT ION AL

HUMANITIES GRANTS Avail able at

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES The NEH Awards for Faculty program seeks to strengthen the humanities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by encouraging and expanding humanities research opportunities for individual faculty and staff members. Awards support individuals pursuing scholarly research that is of value to humanities scholars, students, and/ or general audiences.

The next application deadline is April 8, 2020 for projects beginning in 2021 and 2022. The program offers applicants flexibility in project types and award periods. Common to all projects must be humanities research. Eligible projects include humanities research in primary and secondary materials leading to the development of books, monographs, peer-reviewed articles, e-books, digital materials, translations with annotations or a critical apparatus, critical editions, or other scholarly resources; humanities research related to institutional or community

goals or interests; and humanities research leading to the improvement of an existing undergraduate course.

For complete details, please see the Notice of Funding Opportunity.

The program is open to all faculty and staff members, including fulltime, part-time, adjunct, and retired faculty and staff at HBCUs. The awards support the equivalent of two to twelve months of full-time work and carry a stipend of $5,000 per month (full-time equivalent).

CONNECT INTERNATIONAL Honors Outstanding Women In Travel (cont'd from cover)

International is today as an organization.

Part of my success in this industry is from the relationships formed with Skål, so I am delighted to have received this award with so many Skålleagues by my side."

Drew, who is the former publisher of National Geographic Traveler and CEO of MOSTE, had some insightful comments.

"WITTI has evolved from the casual lunch meetings with just a few of us to become an organization that supports and recognizes the achievements of women on all levels of the industry. I am very proud to have been selected by my peers for this honor. It means so much to have the recognition and the friendship of the many women who have been industry leaders.

My company operates worldwide and is based in New York City. We specialize in destination development for travel and tourism, destination marketing, and film production. I am founder and CEO of MOSTE and Dawn Drew Independent Productions.

I have known about Skål for many years.

But spending the evening with the other WITTI winners who are members of Skål really turned my head. Such wonderful, supportive, fun, powerful women! I look forward to each and every opportunity to be with them and to work with them."

Ackerson, president of ALON Marketing Group, which specializes in tourism marketing and training, offered her observations. "The award has given me the opportunity to appreciate my own

contributions to the industry. Besides moving at a steady pace for a very long time, my company has always focused first on our clients and not on myself or our company. It is a great feeling to take a moment to reflect and realize that I have made an impact to win an award of this stature. To win it amongst these other prestigious women is beyond gratifying. My company is a tourism marketing company and has assisted supplier businesses small and large on how to achieve their goals in tourism, specifically on how to work effectively with the tourism travel trade. ALON Marketing Group is based in Farmingdale, Long Island, NY, where I have been a member of Skål in New York and Long Island for many years."

The conference was highlighted with an hour conversation with President Barack Obama, who discussed his life in the White House, its impact on his family, and what it was like to be a former President and most importantly a discussion on tourism promotion. Tourism promotion was one of his key initiatives to rebuild the national economy. His discussion did not include any aspects of American politics in 2020.

Skål International USA is the largest national committee of Skål International with 2,000 members and 45 clubs throughout the United States and its territories. Several new markets, including Houston, Savannah and San Antonio are future sites under consideration for activating new Skål clubs.

NATIONAL MUSEUM Of AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC Grand Opening After more than 20 years in development, the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) is ready to open its doors to music lovers of all ages. The 56,000 square foot facility located in the heart of downtown Nashville will officially open to guests on Thursday, September 3, 2020 kicking off a Labor Day weekend packed with grand opening events that will help introduce NMAAM to Nashville and the world. Advance tickets can now be purchased from the NMAAM website with general admission ticket prices ranging from $13 to $24.

"We're extremely excited to announce our September grand opening date for all of the music fans who have been anxiously awaiting the debut of this museum," said H. Beecher Hicks III, NMAAM President and CEO. "This museum is a unique place that tells a special story. Our hope is that no matter your age, race or preferred music genre, within this museum you can find something that stirs your soul, pleases your ears and moves your feet. We encourage everyone to start planning their 2020 trips to Nashville and purchase your tickets to this first-of-itskind institution dedicated to celebrating incredible people and moments in American history."

NMAAM will open to guests on September 3 as the anchor tenant of

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the Fifth + Broadway development. Fifth + Broadway is one of the largest mixed use developments in the region that includes retail, residential and office space right at the center of downtown Nashville on historic Broadway.

Upon opening, guests who visit the museum will be immersed in generations of musical history created and inspired by the work of African Americans. NMAAM features seven content galleries—six permanent and one rotating—that chronicle Black musical traditions from the 1600s up to the present day. More than 50 genres and sub-genres of American music are explored from spirituals and gospel, to jazz, blues, hip-hop, R&B and more.

Advance tickets for general admission to the museum are now available online from the museum website, www. nmaam.org. All admission tickets are timed, with tours scheduled every 30 minutes. The first tour group will enter at 9:00 a.m. and the last tour block will be sold at 4:00 p.m. with the museum closing at 5:00 p.m. daily. Guests will be able to select their time slot based upon ticket availability.

General admission ticket prices are as follows: individual/adult ticket (18 years and above) is $24.95, youth ticket (7-17 years) is $13.50, senior ticket (65 years and above) is $18.75, student/educator/military ticket (must

show I.D.) is $18.75 and children's ticket (6 years and below) is free when accompanied by a paid adult. Guests who wish to spend more than one day in the museum may purchase a multiday pass for up to three days for $37.50 at all levels. Guests can also explore becoming a museum member to receive unlimited entry for a year and access to exclusive content and museum discounts. Memberships start in the range of $25 to $50 per individual.

For additional information, please visit the Membership section of the website or call 615-488-3310. Please note that listed ticket prices do not include local taxes and fees and prices are subject to change.

Group rates are available for parties of 15 or more people. Anyone interested in tour group pricing should contact groupsales@nmaam.org to coordinate their group's visit.

March 19, 2020 - March 25, 2020

The full list of grand opening activities for NMAAM and Fifth + Broadway will be released in the upcoming months. Be sure to follow @TheNMAAM across all social media to stay up-to-date on the latest details.

About the National Museum of African American Music  The National Museum of African American Music, set to open in Labor Day weekend 2020, will be the only museum dedicated solely to preserving African American music traditions and celebrating the central role African Americans have played in shaping American music.

Based in Nashville, Tenn., the museum will share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to honor Black musical heroes of the past and the present. For more information, please visit www.blackmusicmuseum.org.

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NEWS

MINORITY BUSINESSES Urge Congress To Provide Financial Relief The Airport Restaurant & Retail Association (ARRA) and Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) urged airports and Congress to quickly pass financial relief for airport restaurateurs and retailers given the unprecedented business impact caused by the spread of the Coronavirus and resultant COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of both organizations, which include restaurants, gift shops and retail stores, have been seriously impacted given the rapid decline in airline bookings and passenger counts which are falling at unprecedented rates.

Further, several state and municipalities are closing restaurants, including at airports, to help contain the spread of COVID-19. All stakeholders in the industry—airlines, airports, airport retailers and restaurateurs, and other related companies—are financially suffering.

The associations represent a $10 billion industry made up of firms of varying sizes, including many small and local businesses which contribute $2.5 billion

to airport revenue streams. Together these businesses employ more than 125,000 workers in U.S. airports.

The restaurants and retail shops are a vital part of the airline passenger’s travel experience, and a major revenue source on which airports depend for their operations, development and bond financing.

John Clark, Chair of AMAC commented, “Our members are suffering tremendous sales losses exceeding 50% and in some cases as high as 90%. The industry is facing a major financial crisis. Many businesses, including those classified as small and/ or disadvantaged, may not be able to continue operations.”

Restaurateurs and retailers in the aviation sector are contracted by airports, airlines and third-party developers to provide passengers a full range of food, beverage and retail services. Pat Murray, Chair of the ARRA explained, “our members’ ability to retain and pay employees, as well as pay rents to airports, has been seriously

jeopardized. Some of our members will likely be unable to meet our debt obligations and will be forced out of business if quick action is not taken to provide relief.”

The two associations urged airports to engage with their members quickly and adopt mitigating actions to save the businesses:  Waive rent, other fees and the imposition of penalties for at least six (6) months with the opportunity to extend depending on the extent and impact of the crisis.  Suspend and defer concessionaires’ capital investment requirements.  Provide operational flexibility including, but not limited to adjustments to operating hours, locations and menus/product selections as well as selective temporary closing of stores and restaurants in order to better align with passenger volumes and flows and

ESSENCE Announces Departure ESSENCE, the number one media, technology and commerce company serving Black women, today announced that Michelle Ebanks, Chief Executive Officer of Essence Communications, Inc., will step down from the role of CEO as of March 31, 2020 to pursue other opportunities and to join the board of Essence Ventures, parent company of ESSENCE. In her board capacity, Ebanks will advise on strategic partnerships and new growth opportunities, including the development of a diversity and inclusion capability that supports the advancement of people of color in the workplace. ESSENCE has commenced a search for her successor, and Ebanks will assist with the transition and search process. During the transition period, Richelieu Dennis, founder & chairman of Essence Ventures, will have direct oversight of the company, working closely with its senior leadership team on continued transformation and strategy execution.

“When I joined ESSENCE, I could not have imagined this extraordinary journey and how it would transform me as a person and as a leader,” said Ebanks. “I will always be grateful for the opportunity, but most importantly for the impact that ESSENCE continues to have on tens of millions of Black women globally. Since I began, my priority has been to position ESSENCE for its

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next phase, and we’ve done that. The brand has been reestablished as 100% Black-owned and is well-positioned for continued success through what is a remarkable time of transformation and reinvention.”

Ebanks continued, “Richelieu is strongly committed to ESSENCE’s mission of serving Black women deeply – as well as empowering equality, investing in community and expanding ESSENCE into the global media, technology and commerce business that it has always had the potential to be. Over the past couple of years, I’ve often called ESSENCE a 50-year-old start-up, with a richness of legacy and poised to leverage new and unlimited opportunity in ways never done before. As the brand celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, I am as excited to see what the future holds for the next 50 years.”

reduce the impact on employees.

ARRA and AMAC strongly support the airports’ request for emergency financial assistance and flexibility to help sustain operations, preserve jobs and bonds, including assistance and flexibility for concessionaires during this critical time. ARRA and AMAC urged Congress and the Administration to also provide financial relief and assistance to airport concessionaires to ensure business continuity, secure loans and make debt service payments. Specific measures ARRA and AMAC urge Congress and the Administration to act upon are:  Provide grants and low-interest or interest-free loans to concessionaires to allow concessionaires to cover operating expenses.  Provide loan guarantees to concessionaires to assure their ability to continue making debt service payments and secure loans for their ongoing capital investment requirements.

o f Michelle Ebanks,

Culture grew to become the world’s largest cultural, music, entertainment and empowerment experience – responsible for more than $4 billion in economic impact since it began. The Festival marked its 25th anniversary in 2019 and routinely attracts more than 500,000 international attendees over July 4th weekend.

“There aren’t enough words to express the gratitude, recognition and admiration that we have for everything Michelle has brought to ESSENCE over nearly 20 years – her vision, her leadership, her advocacy, and her

CEO

determination,” said Dennis.

“We value her commitment to uplifting and empowering our community, as well as to building a successful business with an unmatched team of women executives who are leading the way.

We are excited to continue to work alongside her on the board of Essence Ventures as we open new opportunities, access, expertise and possibilities for Black women and people of color in the most engaging, authentic and innovative ways possible. This is only the beginning.”

Ebanks, who has been at the helm of ESSENCE since 2001, has emerged as a foremost authority on women, the multicultural market and a passionate brand steward. She led ESSENCE’s transition to a multi-media brand and architected its cross-platform expansion and diversification – helping to guide ESSENCE into a powerhouse comprising digital, video, television and experiential. Under Ebanks’ leadership, the ESSENCE Festival of

March 19, 2020 - March 25, 2020

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BUSINESS Opportunities The Small Business Administration has helped to power the American dream for many African American entrepreneurs across the nation and in the Southeastern Region.

The SBA backed $210 million in loans to African American owned small businesses across the 8 Southeastern states last fiscal year. $2.3 billion in federal contracts were awarded to the SBA’s 8(a) certified firms; small businesses that have proven to be economically disadvantaged. Over 100,000 start-up and existing entrepreneurs last year were counseled and trained through the extensive resource partners we work with such as SCORE, the Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers and Veterans Business Outreach Centers. The SBA has driven entrepreneurs successfully to the website LenderMatch to help connect a lender to the specific loan needs of a small business owner. We are reaching more entrepreneurs today more than ever before; and this is just the beginning.

for

BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES Are Thriving

Last year, I was humbled by receiving the Drum Major for Justice Award from the President of the Perry County Civic League, Albert Turner, at the historic Marion Baptist Academy located in Marion, Alabama.

During the ceremony I explained, “I accept this honor on behalf of our lost loved ones whose deaths have paved our path. I know without any uncertainty that I would not be here today without the sacrifices of those like brother Jimmie Lee Jackson who was killed organizing for voter rights here in Marion. And for the life and legacy of Marion’s favorite daughter Coretta Scott King.” I mention this award and this occurrence, because it helps to show just how important history is and it ties right into this year’s theme for Black History Month: African Americans and the Vote, recognizing the struggle for voting rights among both black men and women throughout American history.

We have come so far over time, and yet

we have a lot more work to do. My job won’t be finished until each and every African American owned small business

has knowledge of what opportunities exist for them towards their success from the programs and services of the SBA to the multiple growth options made available through Opportunity Zones, through supply chain demand, through public and

private contracting opportunities, access to capital, and the list goes on. I look forward to continuing to deliver services and opportunities to black-owned businesses across the nation through my role as Regional Administrator for the SBA and as a Policy Advisor on Entrepreneurship & Innovation for the White House office of American Innovation.

The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start and grow their businesses.

It delivers services to people through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

U n iv e r s i t y S p o n s o r s H I G H S C H O O L B U S I N E S S F O R U M Fall semester of college is right around the corner, and a local nonprofit organization is making sure student athletes are looking toward their future on and off the field.

Student ACES, a nonprofit based in Palm Beach County that serves all of South Florida, recently held a Captains Summit at St. Thomas University. The summits are a day-long event where high school students

are mentored by leaders including university presidents and former professional athletes.

The students learn leadership skills and also participate in team-building activities.

Buck Martinez, who cofounded the nonprofit with daughter Krissy Webb, said the summits are held at universities for a reason. “You’re basically demonstrating to

kids that the future might be here for them so this is a great opportunity for them to come and register at school and possibly be a future student at this university,” Martinez said. “We would welcome every university to host Captains Summits.”

With support and funding from Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), the nonprofit has been able to host several of these Captains Summits along with countless workshops at South Florida schools. The goal of all the events is to inspire and develop high school student athletes to become young men and women of character, honor and integrity. “Investing in the development of high school students who can be outstanding future employees is part of our commitment to working with the communities we serve to help make them better places to live, work and raise a family,” said Pam Rauch, FPL’s vice president of external affairs and economic development.

At the Feb. 21 summit, the students learned from St. Thomas University President David Armstrong; Plantation-native Quadtrine Hill, who played football for the University

of Miami and then professionally for a short time before reinventing himself as a professional boxer; and Charles Johnson, former Florida Marlins player and World Series champion. Two former Student ACES students, now studying at St. Thomas University, led the team-building exercises.

“I think it’s so awesome that you’re here because you took the first step toward leadership,” Armstrong told the students.

“This university is about leadership. We educate leaders for life.”

Hill said looking back at his youth, he can think of peers who would have benefited from a similar mentorship.“The Student ACES program is so important because a lot of the kids don’t have somebody they can use as a mentor, that can teach them the leadership skills, that can teach them the right way to act, the right way to behave, the right way to be a professional and be successful,” Hill said. “I love this program because this program is designed to teach them those leadership skills and those skills to success.”

For more information about Student ACES, visit www.studentacesforleadership.com.

Owner/Publisher Executive Editor Editor-In-Chief Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams

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VOLUME 30 ISSUE 12

March 19, 2020 - March 25, 2020

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If I could do one thing, I’d have a daycare closer to work.

If you could do one thing for your community, what would it be? More daycare centers? More funding for Head Start? Completing the 2020 Census is a safe and easy way to inform how billions of dollars in funding flow into your community for hundreds of services. Respond online, by phone, or by mail.

Complete the census at:

2020CENSUS.GOV Paid for by U.S. Census Bureau.

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ENTER TAINMENT

HARRIET TUBMAN

GOES TO

CONGRESS

In commemoration of Harriet Tubman Day on March 10, internationally renowned actress, Gwendolyn BrileyStrand, brought Harriet Tubman to the Halls of Congress, and she brought some passengers with her. Local 1-2 of Utility Workers Union of America, AFLCIO, Worcester County NAACP Branch, and HR 1242 Resilience Project were present to encourage Congress to introduce legislation to rename Virginia Inside Passage to the Harriet Tubman Waterway.

Passage, along with several bays located in Virginia, Maryland and Delaware was the corridor for freedom along the Eastern Shore of Delmarva Peninsula and saw countless enslaved Africans take this route to emancipate themselves from the shackles of slavery. Harriet Tubman made 13 trips between her home in Dorchester County on the Delmarva Peninsula. The mouth of this waterway begins at the Chesapeake Bay, which was the entry point of many slave ships arriving from West Africa.

On September 24, 2016, Ms. Briley-Strand was given the honor of introducing the President of The United States Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, President George W. Bush, former First Lady Laura Bush, and all the dignitaries and celebrities at the Grand Opening of the African American Museum Of History And Culture in Washington DC.

This legislation is designed to bring a wave of healing to the United States of America. In no way is this aimed to rewrite history, but to acknowledge the past, and move our country towards the future. This waterway will honor the enslaved who traverse this route, and the abolitionists and Native Americans who gave refuge to them along the way. There are no appropriations needed from Congress for the Harriet Tubman Waterway Act.

Wherever there was a waterway, it was an escape route for the enslaved. The Virginia Inside

NAT GEO WILD PREMIERES 'CRITTER FIXERS: COUNTRY VETS' Nat Geo WILD premiered its newest series CRITTER FIXERS: COUNTRY VETS this weekend. Airing Saturday's at 10/9c, the show follows lifelong friends Drs. Vernard Hodges and Terrence Ferguson who own and operate Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital, located 100 miles south of Atlanta.

Together with their loving staff, these physicians bring real heart, soul and a lot of humor to their treatment and care of more than 20,000 patients a year across their two locations. Between emergency visits to the office and farm calls throughout rural Georgia, this special team is constantly bombarded with unique cases. From a police dog with cactus thorns around her eye to a potbellied pig with life-threatening lacerations, for the Critter Fixer team, there is no such thing as "normal."

Friends for more than two decades, Drs. Vernard Hodges and Terrence Ferguson own Critter Fixer Veterinary Hospital in Bonaire, Georgia. Drs. Hodges and Ferguson are breaking barriers while fixing critters, paving the way for black veterinarians in the south. The inimitable duo in CRITTER FIXERS: COUNTRY VETS is constantly bombarded with unique cases across their two locations, treating more than 20,000 patients a year. Drs. Hodges and Ferguson consider each patient family and are willing to do whatever it takes to make

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care attainable for patients of all kinds.

When they aren't rushing to a case, they're impacting their local community through volunteering efforts and donating resources to inspire a new generation of vets.

"Nat Geo WILD is proud to be the leading network for entertaining veterinarian content. CRITTER FIXERS: COUNTRY VETS transport viewers to rural

environments across the country to underscore the expansive range of animal care from the Deep South to the Midwest.

With the new series, we're hoping to immerse viewers within the daily lives of two dedicated duos - each who are grassroots champions for the diverse animals within their region and the communities where they live and work," says Janet Han Vissering,

March 19, 2020 - March 25, 2020

senior vice president of development and production at Nat Geo WILD. "The addition of these highly experienced, authentic and inspiring credentialed doctors combined with their unique narratives are sure to evoke the deeply emotional human-animal connections our viewers expect from Nat Geo WILD - and at the same time remain wildly entertaining."

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ENTER TAINMENT WHAT TO WATCH

What to watch across all BET platforms the week of March 19-25, including “Tyler Perry’s Ruthless” on the premium streaming service BET+, New episodes of “Tyler Perry’s Sistas,” “Twenties” and “Boomerang” on BET, “Being” on BET Her, “Finding” on BET’s YouTube Channel and more.

WHAT-TO-WATCH SPOTLIGHT  “TYLER PERRY’S RUTHLESS” PREMIERES TODAY, MARCH 19 ON BET+ #Ruthless @RuthlessBETplus “TYLER PERRY’S RUTHLESS,” a spin-off of the hit television series “Tyler Perry’s The Oval,” tells the riveting story of a woman named Ruth who kidnaps her young daughter to join her in the dark underworld of a fanatical religious cult. “TYLER PERRY’S RUTHLESS” is the first new original series from Tyler Perry to stream on BET+, a joint venture between BET Networks and Tyler Perry Studios. First three episodes, of the one-hour drama, are available now with new episodes launching every Thursday. “TYLER PERRY’S RUTHLESS” stars Melissa L. Williams, Matt Cedeño, Lenny D. Thomas, Yvonne Senat Jones, Baadja-Lyne Odums, Jaime Callica, Nirine S. Brown, Blue Kimble, Stephanie Charles, Hervé Clermont, Anthony Bless, and Bobbi Baker. “TYLER PERRY’S RUTHLESS” is executive produced, written, and directed by Tyler Perry. Michelle Sneed also served as Executive Producer of the series for Tyler Perry Studios. For images, bios and additional show assets go to: https://www. betpressroom.com/program/tyler-perrysruthless/  “BEING” SEASON SEVEN AIRS SATURDAYS AT 10: 00 PM ET/PT ON BET HER @BETHerTV Season seven of BET Her hit docu-series, “BEING,” returns to chronicle the lives of dynamic African American women and their intimate stories of struggle, perseverance, and success in the entertainment industry.

Each one-hour episode will highlight one of music and entertainment's most compelling figures, featuring never-before-seen photos, videos, revealing interviews and more. This season will document the lives of Deborah Cox, Arlan Hamilton, Angela Yee, Yandy Smith and Kemba Smith. “Being: Angela Yee” premieres Saturday, March 21.  “TYLER PERRY’S SISTAS” AIRS WEDNESDAYS AT 9:00 PM ET/PT ON BET & BET HER #SistasOnBET Episode #121 “From The Balcony” airs Wednesday, March 25 - The dating game has Danni at a disadvantage when her feelings get the best of her. Andi tries to be strong for Gary.

Karen stands strong on her principles. Sabrina opens up in the midst of a tragedy.

“TYLER PERRY’S SISTAS” follows a group of single black females as they navigate their “complicated love lives,” careers and friendships through the ups-and-downs of living in a modern world of social media and unrealistic relationship goals. The one-hour drama takes viewers on a roller coaster ride of emotions and hilarious moments that are the epitome of #squadgoals. KJ Smith, Mignon, Ebony Obsidian, Novi Brown, DeVale Ellis, Chido Nwokocha, Anthony Dalton, Brian Jordan Jr., and Kevin A. Walton star in “TYLER PERRY’S SISTAS.” For images, bios and additional show assets go to: https://www. betpressroom.com/program/tyler-perryssistas/  “TWENTIES” AIRS WEDNESDAYS AT 10:00 PM ET/PT ON BET & BET HER #TwentiesOnBET Episode #105 “Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing” airs Wednesday, March 25 - A earthquake shakes up the girls’ relationships.

Marie becomes wary of Chuck when a night watching porn together goes awry. Hattie grows more fond of Ida when tasked with sorting her old manuscripts, leading to a heart-to-heart that proves both intimate and endearing. The

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on

BET, BET+

episode features guest appearances by Sean “Big Sean” Anderson and NBA Player Iman Schumpert.

“TWENTIES,” from Executive Producer and Creator Lena Waithe, centers around a screenwriter, Hattie, and her girlfriends Marie and Nia as they pursue their dreams and love, while testing the limits of “diversity, equity, and inclusion” in Los Angeles. While they live separate lives, the girls lean on each other for guidance as they navigate their twenties. Jonica T. Gibbs, Christina Elmore, and Gabrielle Graham star in “TWENTIES.” Lena Waithe executive produced with Susan Fales-Hill, who co-show ran with

and

BET Digital

Waithe and Halle Berry, “BOOMERANG” is a half-hour subversive, smart, serialized comedy, fueled by romance, friendship, gender politics, love, and of course, sex. Starring Brittany Inge, Tetona Jackson, Leland Martin, Lala Milan, Tequan Richmond and RJ Walker, the series follows a group of childhood friends who are looking to make their own mark in the world… all while navigating their feelings for each other.

For images, bios and additional show assets go to: https://www.betpressroom.com/program/ boomerang/ Following are some of the week’s additional highlights on BET:  FRIDAY, MARCH 20

 “DJANGO UNCHAINED” AT 8:00 PM ET/ PT– Starring Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Samuel L. Jackson.  SUNDAY, MARCH 22  “TYLER PERRY’S THE FAMILY THAT PREYS” AT 6:00 PM ET/PT– Starring Tyler Perry, Alfre Woodard, Sanaa Lathan, Kathy Bates, and Taraji P. Henson.  “STOMP THE YARD” AT 9:00 PM ET/PT – Starring Columbus Short, Meagan Good, Ne-Yo, Darrin Henson, Laz Alonso, Valarie Pettiford, and Chris Brown.  MONDAY, MARCH 23  “TYLER PERRY'S TEMPTATION: CONFESSIONS OF A MARRIAGE COUNSELOR” AT 6:00 PM ET/PT– Starring Jurnee SmollettBell, Lance Gross, Brandy Norwood, Vanessa Williams, Robbie Jones, and Kim Kardashian.  TUESDAY, MARCH 24  “TYLER PERRY’S MEET THE BROWNS” AT 9:00 PM ET/PT – Starring David Mann, Tamela Mann, Tyler Perry, Lamman Rucker, LaVan Davis, Rick Fox, Chloe Bailey, Angela Bassett, Lance Gross, and Sofia Vergara.  WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25  “TYLER PERRY’S SISTAS” AT 9:00 PM ET/ PT ON BET & BET HER.*  “TWENTIES” AT 10:00 PM ET/PT ON BET & BET HER.*  “BOOMERANG” AT 10:30 PM ET/PT ON BET & BET HER.* **Descriptions are listed above under “What To Watch” Spotlight section.

Following are additional highlights now streaming on BET+: To subscribe to BET+ visit https://www.BET. com/BETPlus

Waithe. Rishi Rajani and Andrew Coles also executive produced. Justin Tipping directed the pilot, and, also executive produced. For images, bios and additional show assets go to: https:// www.betpressroom.com/program/twenties/  “BOOMERANG” AIRS WEDNESDAYS AT 10:30 PM ET/PT ON BET & BET HER #BoomerangOnBET Episode #203 “Don’t Wanna Love You” airs Wednesday, March 25 - The powers of influence are explored when social media influencer, Tia, lands a high-paying onenight gig at a strip club while David comes under the influence of a new megachurch.

The episode will feature a guest appearance

by Jaleel White. Executive Produced by Lena

 “BLACK-ISH” MARATHON STARTING AT NOON ET/PT — Starring Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Yara Shahidi, Marcus Scribner, Miles Brown, Marsai Martin, Laurence Fishburne, Jenifer Lewis, Jeff Meacham, Peter Mackenzie, and Deon Cole.  “TYLER PERRY’S DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN” at 5:30 PM ET/PT – Starring Kimberly Elise, Steve Harris, Shemar Moore, Cicely Tyson, and Tyler Perry.  “ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMINS” at 8:30 PM ET/PT — Starring Mike Epps, Ice Cube, and Eva Mendes.  SATURDAY, MARCH 21  “RAY” AT 4:30 PM ET/PT – Starring Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, and Regina King.

March 19, 2020 - March 25, 2020

 “FIRST WIVES CLUB” ON BET+ #FirstWivesTV @FirstWivesclub After neglecting their friendship, best friends Ari (Ryan Michelle Bathe), Hazel (Jill Scott) and Bree (Michelle Buteau) reunite to help each other through rough patches in their lives.

Together, they navigate music superstar Hazel's tabloid-ridden divorce, campaign manager Ari's unsatisfying marriage to her political candidate husband, and orthopedic surgeon Bree's cheating husband. Tired of always being the ones to make sacrifices in their lives, Ari, Hazel and Bree vow to prioritize their friendship and have more fun. Along the way, the women learn that as long as they have each other, there's nothing they can't do. The 9-episode, half-hour, scripted series, “First Wives Club,” is based on the popular 1996 film from Paramount Pictures, which featured Diane Keaton, Bette Midler, and Goldie Hawn. Executive produced and written by Tracy Oliver, writer for the box office hit, “Girls Trip.” For images, bios and additional show assets go to: https://www. betpressroom.com/program/first-wives-club/  “BIGGER” on BET+ #BiggerOnBET “BIGGER,” a half-hour scripted comedy starring Tanisha Long, Angell Conwell, Rasheda Crockett, Chase Anthony, and Tristen Winger, takes place in the East Atlanta neighborhood, Little Five Points. The series follows a single-black-woman who is dealing with the threat of marriage to a boring-in-bed boyfriend and the sudden, random death of a college acquaintance. The tragedy drives her ambitious group of friends to take a deeper look at their stagnant lives, asking themselves— is there something bigger and better in life. The first three episodes of the series will be made available at launch with additional new episodes rolling out on a weekly basis. “BIGGER” was created by Felisha Marye and executive produced by Will Packer and Devon Shepard, who also served as the showrunner. For images, bios and additional show assets go to: https://www.betpressroom. com/program/bigger/  “SACRIFICE” on BET+

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WHAT TO WATCH on BET, BET+ and BET Digital #SacrificeFilm BET+’s new original movie “SACRIFICE” starring Paula Patton (“Hitch,” “Precious”), takes place in Los Angeles following Daniella Hernandez, played by Patton, a highly soughtafter entertainment lawyer. The legal thriller tracks Daniella as she navigates the nefarious lives of her rich and famous clients. Daniella has a reputation that proves problematic to LA Law enforcement, forcing her to be at odds with her sorority sister turned nemesis District Attorney Beverly Rucker. In an attempt to protect her often unscrupulous clients, Daniella enlists the services of her resourceful assistant and a young ex-hacker and tech genius. “SACRIFICE” is executive produced, written, and directed by Chris Stokes. Marques Houston also serves as the film’s co-executive producer for Footage Films. For images, bios and additional show assets go to: https://www. betpressroom.com/program/sacrifice/  “AMERICAN GANGSTER: TRAP QUEENS” on BET+ #AmericanGangster An adaption of the groundbreaking, critically acclaimed television version American Gangster, “AMERICAN GANGSTER: TRAP QUEENS” will give audiences a look into the lives and trials of some of America’s most notorious female gangsters. Each episode employs first-person accounts from the women themselves and cinematic re-creations to give viewers a fully immersed experience into the twisted criminal lives they led.  “DARK MONEY” on BET+ #DarkMoney

“DARK MONEY” tells the fictional story of the Mensahs, an ordinary working-class family from North London whose youngest son, Isaac (Max Fincham), upon returning home from filming a major Hollywood movie, shatters the family’s world when he reveals he was abused by a renowned filmmaker while abroad. The fourpart BET+ original explores the impossible set of decisions and the consequences that follow when Issac’s parents, Manny (Babou Ceesay) and Sam Mensah’s (Jill Halfpenny) decide to accept a substantial pay-off in return for their silence. A timely and relevant story about the struggle to heal, protect those you love, and seek justice in the face of unfathomable trauma; attempting to answer the question “what is the real cost of silence?”  “PREACHER LAWSON: GET TO KNOW ME” ON BET+ #GetToKnowMe In BET+’s first original comedy special, “PREACHER LAWSON: GET TO KNOW ME,” Preacher offers a hilarious spin on his life experiences, including his run on American’s Got Talent, and his ongoing life struggles with kitten allergies, veganism, and cold weatherinduced ashiness. The hour-long special is now available exclusively through BET’s new streaming service. Filmed at the renowned Vic Theatre in Chicago, “GET TO KNOW ME” is directed by Brian Volk-Weiss, and produced by Comedy Dynamics, A Nacelle Company, the team behind dozens of Grammy award-winning comedy programs, as well as platinum-level specials like Ali Wong’s Baby Cobra and Tiffany Haddish’s She Ready: From The Hood

To Hollywood.

Additionally, the first twelve episodes of season one of “TYLER PERRY’S THE OVAL,” original film “INFLUENCE,” thousands of TV episodes and movies from the best Black creators are available to stream now exclusively on BET+, all in one place, commercial-free.

Following are additional digital highlights to read and watch on BET Digital:  “FINDING” #FindingBET BET’s original music series, “FINDING,” based on the long-lost talents of the ‘90s and early 2000s industry scene highlight hit-makers prepared to peel back the layers of their rise to stardom and rewinding to R&B and hip-hop’s prized era. “FINDING,” season 2 features Lil’ Zane, Chingy, Nicole Wray, Case, Young Bloodz, Murphy Lee and more. Watch and share Lil’ Zane’s episode now at: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=31CP7rM6i70&list=PLJ HDZGUl8IlqTLU_4oJD8MIZPrqHYMz9k  “THE KICK-BACK COUCH: TWENTIES” A rotating list of guests, including everyone from some of your internet faves to weekly home-viewers, jump in for a hilarious weekly reaction/recap video covering the latest episode of Lena Waithe’s “TWENTIES.” Watch and share the link below: https://www.bet. com/shows/twenties/the-kickback-couch.html  “BOOMERANG” AFTERSHOW: In a funny and occasionally over-the-top recap series, Lena Waithe catches up with the breakout stars of her hit show “BOOMERANG” to get their reactions and in-depth character

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analysis on situations in the show. Check out and share the link: https://www.facebook. com/watch/?v=2745788722185236  “BET BUZZ”: 5 daily topical news and entertainment videos BET Digital launched a new daily video series highlighting the trending topics of the day.

From celebrity news and election insights to COVID-19 updates, BET.com has you covered.

Watch and share the link: Zion Williamson Vows to Help Arena Workers: https://www. bet.com/video/news/bet-buzz/zion-williamsonvows-to-help-arena-workers.html  “106&PARK: MIC CHECK” BET relaunches the beloved music franchise with a new weekly video series featuring music artists answering social media questions from their fans. Watch and share the links below featuring Masego:  BET.com - https://www.bet.com/video/ amplified/season-1/exclusives/masego-106and-park-mic-check.html  BET YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=c1nvbxURcgo&t=18s Exploring influencers in the style, beauty, and lifestyle space, BET.com launched their weekly Glam Gap video series featuring Honey Pot founder Beatrice Dixon discussing her startup journey and the positive response she received after the backlash to her Black History Month ad for Target. Watch and share the links:  BET Her YouTube: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=Jr9-SeRccYg&t=34s  BET.com: https://www.bet.com/video/theglam-gap/season-1/full-episodes/the-glamgap-episode-103.html

A BLACK MAN DID THIS

Mark Dean developed the first industry standard PC interface.

This Black History Month, we celebrate unknown and unsung Black innovators, inventors and contributors who have helped shape, change and improve our world.

Learn more at aarp.org/blackcommunity

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LI TERATURE NEW BO O K

Mile stone as #1 in Ethnic Demographic Studie s & #1 Hot New Release On A M A Z O N R e ache s

Our Stories Our Voices

Black Men Speak Their Truth Our Stories Our Voices Black Men Speak Their Truth | Book 1 reached milestone as No. 1 in Ethnic Demographic Studies and No. 1 Hot New Release on Amazon. com. Black Men telling their stories and speaking their truth will give readers a glimpse into their live as well as provide an inspiration for many generations into the future.

R e v i ew  “There is a silent code that exists among men which calls for us not to speak about our early life experiences, because we were raised, and society led us to believe, that keeping those feelings and emotions inside were an integral part of becoming a man. To talk about them would be a sign of weakness and would also lead to an emotional unraveling.

However, in the book Our Stories Our Voices: Black Men Speak Their Truth, this code is shattered into thirteen pieces when the exact same number of African-American co-authors courageously share their deepest secrets and unique life journeys as they turned pain into power, and trauma into triumph.

This book is a must read for anyone

interested in understanding the personal challenges and lifechanging experiences of black men in America.”‘  Dr. Jeffrey R. Gardere (aka Dr. Jeff) M. Phil, M.S., D. Min, Ph.D., ABPP is a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Jeff is known as “America’s Psychologist” and has appeared on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Dr. Oz, The Maury Povich Show, Fox News, CNN and many more major news outlets.

The Collaborative Experience is currently compiling a collection stories by African American male authors entitled, “Our Stories Our Voices: Black Men Speak Their Truth” (OSOV), which is set to debut in February 2020 for Black History Month. The book is going to be a treasure chest of life-changing stories written by African-American men who are driven to change the narrative of black males in America.

Readers can expect to be uplifted and encouraged by stories of faith, hope and answered prayers, as contributors share how they overcame their tragedies and turned them into triumphs.

“FRANCHISE: The Golden Arches in Black America” Franchise reveals the untold history of how fast food became one of the greatest generators of black wealth in America. wealth in America. This March, the Colin Powell School is pleased to welcome Dr. Marcia Chatelain to The City College of New York as she presents her new book, Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America.

From ci v i l ri gh ts to Fe rg u so n , Franchise reveals the untold history of how fast food became one of the greatest generators of black

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Marcia Chatelain is a Provost’s Distinguished Associate Professor of History and African American Studies at Georgetown University.

She is a leading public voice on the history of race, education, and food culture. The author of South Side Girls: Growing Up In The Great Migration, Chatelain lives in

Washington, DC. Often blamed for the rising rates of obesity and diabetes among black Americans, fast food restaurants like McDonald’s have long symbolized capitalism’s villainous effects on our nation’s most vulnerable communities. But how did fast food restaurants so thoroughly saturate black neighborhoods in the first place? In Franchise, acclaimed historian Marcia Chatelain uncovers a surprising history of cooperation among fast food companies, black capitalists, and civil rights leaders, who in the troubled years after

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King’s assassination believed they found an economic answer to the problem of racial inequality. With the discourse of social welfare all but evaporated, federal programs under presidents Johnson and Nixon promoted a new vision for racial justice: that the franchising of fast food restaurants, by black citizens in their own neighborhoods, could finally improve the quality of black life. Synthesizing years of research, Franchise tells a troubling success story of an industry that blossomed the very moment a freedom movement began to wither.

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E VENT S

SPRING 2020 SOUTH STREET SEAPORT Museum Events

South Street Seaport Museum announces the upcoming March and April schedule of events and exhibitions. The Museum, located at 12 Fulton Street, NYC, is open Wednesdays-Sundays in February and March from 11am-5pm. General admission is $20 ($14 for seniors and students, children ages 8 and below are free). Tickets are available at seaportmuseum.org.

Museum memberships are also available at seaportmuseum.org/membership.

Step inside 12 Fulton Street at Schermerhorn Row to begin a seaport adventure, followed by a visit to the Street of Ships on Pier 16. Museum admission includes on-going exhibition Millions: Migrants and Millionaires abroad the Great Liners, 1900-1914 as well as access to historic ships: ship Wavertree and lightship Ambrose are available to tour as part of the admission experience.

MARCH SPECIAL EVENTS CELEBRATE PI DAY ON WAVERTREE: Why is a porthole round?

Explore the world of circles on tall ships through activities for all ages. The number pi, which is used in measuring circles, is approximately 3.14, so on March 14 (3.14) we celebrate Pi Day. Hands-on circle-based activities include working with the capstan, compasses, and navigational charts.

Throughout the day on Saturday March 14.

Activities are included in general admission tickets for the day. More information and museum admission at https:// southstreetseaportmuseum.org/

MINIMATES CLASSES FOR CHILDREN AGED 18 MONTHS – 3 YEARS: Our earlychildhood program resumes in March, in a new downstairs gallery space! MiniMates uses themed songs, stories, art projects, and hands-on activities to teach program participants and their caregivers about boats and ships, marine life, and artifacts in a playgroup setting. “A great “salty” authentic NYC experience for our child.” says a parent. “My son’s favorite class.” Spring session runs from March 25 to May 21. More information and Registration at https://

southstreetseaportmuseum.org/minimates

SOUTH STREET SEAPORT MUSEUM PARTICIPATES IN MAYOR’S OFFICE IMMIGRANT HERITAGE WEEK 2020: Tour lightship Ambrose, the ship that lit the way to America for millions of immigrants from 1908 to 1932. It was Irish immigrant engineer John Wolfe Ambrose who lobbied for a channel to make New York Harbor safer and more accessible to increasingly large ships, and the channel and the lightships anchored there were named for him. Tour the original Lightship Ambrose at the dock at South Street Seaport Museum and learn how this historic ship lit the way for millions of future Americans. Daily Apr 15 – 19, included in museum admission. Tours at 1 and 3 daily. (Museum open 11 – 5). https:// southstreetseaportmuseum.org/ambrose/ ONGOING EVENTS AND PERMANENT EXHIBITIONS EXHIBITION: Millions: Migrants and Millionaires aboard the Great Liners, 1900-1914, familiarizes viewers with passenger life aboard ocean liners, the defining differences between travel for wealthy Americans in First Class and future Americans immigrating to the United States in Third Class, and the continuing importance that immigration plays in American history. Millions is one of the first exhibitions to examine, side-byside, the dichotomy between First-Class and Third-Class passengers aboard ocean liners in the early 20th century. From 1900 to 1914, nearly 13 million immigrants traveling in Third Class arrived in the United States. During this same period, America’s wealthiest citizens, totaling no more than a hundred thousand passengers each year, traveled to Europe in First Class, spending the equivalent of over $11.5 billion on luxury vacations. Even though First-Class and Third-Class sailed on the same ships, their journeys were worlds apart. This exhibition features both original and reproduced artifacts from the South Street Seaport Museum’s permanent collection including ocean liner memorabilia and ephemera, ceramics, and luggage trunks from both immigrants and First-Class passengers.

The exhibition highlights a few ship models of New York Harbor working vessels that played critical roles in immigration, including a model of the Museum’s lightship Ambrose (LV-87).

INTERACTIVE EXHIBITION: STREET OF SHIPS/PIER 16: the South Street

Seaport Museum is home to a fleet of five historic vessels: the 135 yearold Wavertree, cargo ship and flagship of the Seaport Museum’s fleet, now back from a 13-million dollar, 18-month, cityfunded restoration; the Historic National Landmark 1907 lightship Ambrose; schooners Pioneer and Lettie G. Howard, both award-winning sail training vessels; and W.O. Decker, one of the last steampowered, wooden tugs built in New York.

Self-guided experiences on Wavertree and guided tours of Ambrose are available to Museum visitors. Ship access is weather permitting and guided tours of Ambrose are offered several times daily.

VISIT THE CARGO HOLD OF WAVERTREE: Included in the price of admission, the South Street Seaport Museum now offers a new level of access

A M ERIC A N S Y M P HONY ORC HE S TRA Sa l u t e s AMERIC AN S YMPHONY ORCHES TRA

culminates its 2019-20 Vanguard series on March 12 with a tribute to the genredefying genius of the great Duke Ellington on the stage of Carnegie Hall, where the composer played a series of annual concerts and premiered many of his greatest works, including Black, Brown, and Beige and New

World A-Comin’.

The evening, conducted by ASO’s music director Leon Botstein, features two world premiere arrangements of New World A-Comin’ and Three Black Kings for Jazz Trio and Large Orchestra by American jazz pianist, composer, arranger, bandleader, and teacher Marcus Roberts, who performs

with his Marcus Roberts Trio. His method of writing for trio and orchestra is to blend the two ensembles, the seemingly different worlds of Jazz and Classical they each represent, and the contrasting approaches of improvisational and written musicmaking into a collage that is uniquely and unmistakably American.

March 19, 2020 - March 25, 2020

at seaportmuseum.org.

BOWNE & CO.: Established by Robert Bowne in 1775, Bowne & Co. holds the distinction of being New York’s oldest operating business under the same name. After growing as a financial printer throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Bowne & Co. Inc. partnered with the Seaport Museum in 1975 to open a 19thcentury-style print shop at 211 Water Street in the South Street Seaport Historic District.

Today, it is comprised of the Bowne & Co. Printing Office, a workspace that continues the age-old tradition of job (or small batch) printing using seven historic presses from South Street Seaport Museum’s working collection, alongside Bowne & Co. Stationers, 19th-century-style emporium selling gifts and fine goods. Bowne & Co., Stationers is open seven days a week from 11am-7pm.

Duke Ellington

Grammy Award-winning vocalist Catherine Russell, best known for her album Harlem on my Mind and her appearance as a featured artist on the soundtrack album for the HBO TV series Boardwalk Empire, also joins the evening. Duke Ellington’s musical style employed a unique blend of classical and jazz compositional techniques that also combined improvisation with written works, making him one of the most influential jazz composers of all time.

Although he considered his compositions “beyond category” and he never defined himself as a jazz composer, his instrumental groupings, improvisational skills and jazz arranging brought the world a notable American sound that can be heard in works like Sophisticated Lady and Harlem.

His symphonic suite Three Black

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to Wavertree, a 134-year-old ship built of riveted wrought iron and the iconic centerpiece of the “Street of Ships” at South Street. For the first time, visitors can take a tour into the belly of the ship to view the breathtaking main cargo area as tours are conducted into the massive lower hold space to a viewing platform. Tickets are available

Kings demonstrates his focus on musical form and jazz composition. Ellington said his aim in writing Night Creature—which premiered at Carnegie Hall in 1955—was “to try to make the symphony swing.”

Leon Botstein will provide the musical context for the program in a lively, 30-minute Conductor’s Notes Q&A session, free for all ticket holders, one hour before the concert.

ASO: Duke Ellington Thursday, March 12, 2020 at Carnegie Hall (Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage) Conductor’s Notes Q&A 7 PM Concert 8 PM Leon Botstein, Conductor Marcus Roberts Trio Marcus Roberts, Piano Rodney Jordan, Bass Jason Marsalis, Drums Catherine Russell, Singer Three Black Kings (world premiere arrangement by Marcus Roberts) New World A-Comin’ (world premiere arrangement by Marcus Roberts) Satin DollHarlemSophisticated LadyNight Creature for Jazz Band and OrchestraBlack, Brown and Beige Suite

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END NO TE S P u b l i c A r t b y P h i l ly W o m e n , H o n o r i n g P h i l ly W o m e n Timed for Women’s History Month (March 1 to 31, 2020), Philadelphia, the City of Sisterly Love, welcomes the #SisterlyLove Project, featuring new, original street art that celebrates history-making Philadelphia women at outdoor locations throughout the city.

Here’s a look at the 10 Philadelphia artists, their 20 subjects and the locations where the works appear. The exhibit is curated

by Ginger Rudolph and streetdept. com, presented by Live Nation Philadelphia and supported by VISIT PHILADELPHIA®.

1 Artist: Marian Bailey is a self-taught visual artist who specializes in acrylic and digital portraiture. Marian currently creates a variety of bold, colorful illustrations, primarily focusing on highlighting the beauty of Blackness and hyper-focusing on darkskinned women. Her goal is to offset antiBlack narratives permeating society.

featuring work from more than 100 local, independent artists and makers. Formerly known as Rainbow Alternative, Nicole has spent the last decade-plus mixing politics with pop culture and pushing her big, queer, feminist agenda.

5 Artist: Nilé Livingston is an awardwinning visual artist and graphic designer whose repertoire spans more than 20 murals in Philadelphia. Her work has been exhibited in the African American Museum of Philadelphia and recognized by both Rad Girls, an organization that celebrates women’s accomplishments, and The Colored Girls Museum, the only U.S. institution dedicated exclusively to the history of Black girls in America.

6 Artist: Nicole Nikolich/Lace In The Moon is a queer, self-taught crochet street artist and installation artist. The

yarnbomber’s work highlights equality for women, mental health awareness, LGBTQ rights and pop culture. She was nominated for the Rad Girl 2019 Artist of the Year Award, has created an installation for the Philadelphia International Airport and has participated in National Yarn Bombing Day in Trivento, Italy.

7 Artist: Monica O is an independent web designer, illustrator and wood burner fueled

by Italian hoagies in South Philly. A graduate of Tyler School of Art with a BFA in Graphic & Interactive Design, Monica has worked on web, print and event design for a client list that includes Coca Cola, Klarna and Virgin Group.

8 Artist: Old Broads is a street art initiative that utilizes humorous depictions of elderly women to challenge the marginalization and stereotypes about aging women. Founded

2 Artist: Manuela Guillén is a freelance painter, muralist and digital illustrator who lives and teaches Spanish art in North Philadelphia. Born in Miami to Cuban and Salvadorian immigrant parents, Manuela is inspired by plants, tropical colors and her cultural upbringing. Her work aims to bring awareness to art education and sociopolitical and environmental issues.

3 Artist: Hope Hummingbird is a ceramicist and street artist. In late 2016, in an effort to spread hope, she started hanging blue-andwhite porcelain hummingbirds throughout the city. Hope now displays portraits of women who have shown strength and resilience in their lifetime. Her goal is to both honor these women and to illustrate their relevance and power in order to inspire action today.

4 Artist: Nicole Krecicki/Taped Off TV is a stencil artist and co-owner of the South Street Art Mart, a retail consignment store

9 Artist: Symone Salib is a Cuban-Egyptian portrait painter and street artist who uses acrylic paint and illustration to highlight the lives of people, with an emphasis on people of color and a goal of vibrantly sharing stories that connect and resonate with people of different backgrounds. Symone strives to create a space where people are not only seen but also heard 10 Artist: Marisa Velázquez-Rivas was born in Puerto Rico, raised in Venezuela and weathered in the U.S., where she’s recently found comfort and safety in illustrating and wheat pasting street art messages about social and political issues. By day, she works as a design director at Universal Music Group, where her clients include Eminem, Ice Cube, Blink 182 and Lady Gaga.

Maria Veláquez-Rivera installs a wheat paste portrait of NIzah Morris at Philly AIDS Thrift @ Giovanni's Room - Photo by C. Benner

BROWN SUGAR Celebrates Women's

Brown Sugar, the popular subscription streaming service from Bounce, will feature both a curated collection and popular returning titles in honor of Women's History Month this March.

in 2014 as a series of stickers, Old Broads has expanded to wheat pastes, murals and paintings.

History Month with Movies

The Women of Brewster Place

To celebrate, March's curated collection will include the classic hit Foxy Brown starring Pam Grier, Frankie and Alice starring Halle Berry, the multigenerational coming of age story The Women of Brewster Place featuring Oprah Winfrey and more.

Fan favorites returning to Brown Sugar in March include the World War II film Sudie and Simpson starring Louis Gossett Jr., the martial arts comedy Bamboo Gods and Iron Men directed by Cesar Gallardo and a Fred "The Hammer" Williamson lineup including the classic crime story Black Caesar, its sequel Hell Up in Harlem and the popular drama The Hammer.

Brown Sugar is available on Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Comcast Xfinity X1, Amazon Channels, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Kindle, Android and Apple smartphones and tablets and web browsers via BrownSugar.com. There

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is a free 7-day initial trial period for subscribers with a retail price of $3.99/

month thereafter. Visit www.BrownSugar. com for more information. Brown Sugar

March 19, 2020 - March 25, 2020

and Bounce are both a part of The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP).

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300 miles

>> How a silver lining forms >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >>

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