New York Trend NYC: December 22 – 28, 2022

NEW YORK TREND

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE CHALLENGES FBI’S HATE CRIME REPORT

newyorktrendnyc.com

MAYOR DAVID DINKINS, REP. CHARLES RANGEL, HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

-- By NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE

National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the 2021 FBI Hate Crimes Statistics Report:

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

crimes and the lack of timely data on these incidents put whole communities and its residents at risk. Compared to last year, 22 percent fewer law enforcement agencies across the country, the lowest number of agencies

law enforcement agencies are providing accurate hate crimes data for us to formulate tangible and effective responses to impacted communities.

“After the domestic terroristic attack in Buffalo, NY, the

"Yesterday's release for the 2021 FBI Hate Crimes report shows an egregious underreporting of hate crimes in cities across the country where we have seen hate crime attacks on our most vulnerable communities. Still, amongst the jurisdictions reporting, the trends are alarming.

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

Marc H. Morial NUL President &

The report shows that 64.8% of victims were targeted due to their race, ethnicity, or ancestry, while 15.6% were targeted due to sexual orientation. Of the 8,673 hate crimes reported, 41% of them have been committed against the Black community alone.

The gala starts at 6:00pm with a cocktail hour to be followed by the dinner and awards ceremonies. There will be musical entertainment by opera singer Cassandra Douglas and from harmonica phenomenon William Galison. David Dinkins is honored for Lifetime Achievement — he was New York City’s first African American mayor and also welcomed Nelson Mandela to the city after his release in 1990. Rep. Charles Rangel, also honored for Lifetime Achievement, has served in Congress since 1971. He is a recipient of The Bronze medal for helping save soldiers behind enemy line during the Korean War Rep. Yvette Clarke is a Democratic member of the US House of Representatives from New York whose 9th district covers much of central Brooklyn. Before entering Congress in 2007, she

in two decades, submitted data for the 2021 report because many have not yet transitioned to the National Incident-Based Reporting System.

a leading developer and founder of The Peebles Co., the nation’s largest African American-owned real estate firm with $3.5 billion worth of properties under development or management — he was one of the pioneering developerswho helped turn around and revitalize the once-blighted Anacostia neighborhood in Washington, D.C. A champion of African-American economic empowerment Peebles’ is contemplating a possible run for NYC mayor in 2017.

This includes some of the nation's largest jurisdictions, like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. As the nation grapples with rising political tensions and concerns about violent crime, we need to know that

Honoree Barbara Arnwine, civil rights lawyer, is a champion of protecting voting rights of ethnic minority groups — the emerging

National Urban League joined several leading civil rights groups in calling on President Biden to host a Hate Crimes Summit to give groups a platform to acknowledge the lasting impact these incidents have on our communities.

poet, songwriter, music recording artist and producer, rapper, writer and community activist. He began his career as a radio DJ in Buffalo at age 15. For over 30 years, he’s been a talk show host at WBLS and WLIB radio in New York City. He also has a Friday night radio talk show on WBAI

Honoree Sabrina Lamb, founder of World of Money, is a champion of financial literacy for youth-- she teaches knowledge about handling money, budgeting and planning.

The Summit was held in September and provided a necessary first step to addressing the spread of

Dr. Rudy Crew, honoree, is one of the nation’s leading educators. He’s president of Medgar Evers College of The City University of New

CELEBRATING30 YEARS!

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

violence and preserving our democracy. We are now working to ensure the solutions coming out of that summit are being implemented.

Pioneering producers Stephen Byrd and Alia Jones, through their company Front Row Production, brought “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and “A Streetcar Named Desire” with a multi-ethnic cast to Broadway. In 2016 they bring “Eclipsed” with Oscar Winner Lupita Nyong ’O to Broadway.

Central

miscarriage of justice in New York’s history; having been railroaded and unjustly convicted for a crime they did not commit and for which they served long prison sentences ranging from seven years to 13 years before being exonerated when the actual rapist confessed. They are:

The Black Star News, which focuses on investigative journalism, has been featured as a result of some if CNN, The New York Daily News, The New York Post, The Village Voice, and Brill’s Content magazine.

“We must demand that our leaders at the state and local level take all necessary steps to protect vulnerable communities, and we will continue to work with the Biden Administration and Congressional leadership to hold perpetrators of hate crimes accountable and address the root causes and spreaders of hate and bias before they become violent.”

Past Black Star News honorees have included: Gil Noble (Like It Is), Rep. Maxine Waters, Soledad O’Brien (CNN), Ms. Camille Cosby, Voza Rivers (New Heritage Theatre), Errol Louis (NY1 News), Amel Larrieux (Entertainer), Dr. William Pollard (Medgar Evers College), Herm Edwards (NY Jets), Nayaba Arinde (Amsterdam News), La-Verna Fountain (Columbia University), Lillian Roberts (DC37), Desiree Dancy (New York Times), Greg Floyd (Local 237), Rev. Al Sharpton (National Action Network), and many others.

Yusef Abdus Salaam; Raymond Santana Jr., Antron McCray, Kevin Kharey Wise.

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE CONCERNED ABOUT UNDERREPORTING IN FBI’S ANNUAL HATE CRIME STATISTICS REPORT

Photo Source: nul.org

“The continuous rise in hate

“….THE 2021 FBI HATE CRIMES REPORT SHOWS AN EGREGIOUS UNDERREPORTING OF HATE CRIMES IN CITIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY…”

CEO

DECEMBER IS NATIONAL STRESS - FREE MONTH

Tis the season to be jolly, right?  Although the holidays are all about cheer and joy, they can also be challenging for many. Some of the holiday activities can be a little overwhelming, giving way to holiday stress — cooking meals, shopping, cleaning, entertaining and traveling, to name a few. For these reasons, December is recognized as "National Stress-Free Family Holiday Month."

When stress is ignored or bottled up, it can be mentally and emotionally draining and affect overall health. Luckily there are certain things that we can do to cope with stress and manage the holiday season.

Acknowledge your feelings. Everyone— adults, teens and even children –experiences stress from time to time.

1

need to do.

3 Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities

4 Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression.

5Ask for help. Sometimes stress can exceed what we are able to manage, even with the support of family and friends. In times like these, reach out to your healthcare provider or mental health professional.

Knowing yourself, your stressors, and the techniques to cope with stress can make all the difference in having a stress-free holiday. Enjoy the holidays!

NEW NETWORK FORMED TO BROADCAST MAJOR HBCU SPORTS

These days, the HBCU sports scene is getting a lot of attention from the sportsloving public, thanks largely to the spotlight being shone on these storied programs through Black sports legends coming back home to serve as coaches.  Now, PRC Communications, through its BCSBN (Black College Sports Broadcasting Network) division, is bringing HBCU sports into the homes of more fans through a newly created

network of local television stations in the nation’s largest television markets. The new network has broadcast HBCU football, and now, starting Saturday, January 7, 2023, will broadcast HBCU basketball.

"PRC Communications is proud to partner with the CIAA, the nation's oldest black college athletics conference, to broadcast an impressive schedule of basketball

games, showcasing the pageantry, tradition, and excitement of the games," said Pierre Cromartie, President and Chief Executive Officer of PRC Communications, and a 30year veteran of television.

PRC Communications, through BCSBN, will broadcast HBCU basketball double header games on eight consecutive Saturdays beginning on January 7, 2023, and ending on February 25, 2023.  All sixteen basketball game broadcasts will be preceded by a 30-minute pre-game show titled, “HBCU GameTime.”

On the basketball side of the ledger, games will feature teams from the CIAA, which includes Winston-Salem State University, Bowie State University, Virginia State University, Fayetteville State University, Elizabeth City State University, Virginia Union University, Shaw University and Lincoln University, PA

According to Cromartie, an entire season of Black college basketball games will be shown on local television stations for the first time in history, as opposed to cable. The games will broadcast in fifty of the nation’s largest television markets, from New York to California. The website, www.bcsbn.com,

provides the television market and stations where the games will broadcast. As alumni and hardcore fans of HBCU basketball know, the games on the court are rivaled by cultural attractions off the field like the highintensity pep bands, soulful cheerleaders, and, of course, the colors and friendly competition between the fraternities and sororities.

The broadcasts will also allow PRC to showcase the academic side of the equation at America’s treasured HBCU institutions. This will include a look at their campuses, their individual history, their leading alumni, as well as other sports, and their academic, business and political accomplishments.

Finally, Cromartie talked about what sparked the idea: “In discussions I had with friends and family who attended HBCUs, I learned of their disappointment in not being able to watch their school's sporting events or those of other HBCUs on local television stations. Many did not have, and did not want to pay for, a cable or satellite service to see HBCU football or basketball games. Listening to their disappointment, I decided to research the idea of creating an infrastructure that could broadcast black college sports. Thus, BCSBN was created.”

NEW CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP

HAKEEM JEFFRIES is an American politician and attorney. In 2022, he was elected to lead the House of Democrats, succeeding Nancy Pelosi. He will become the first Black person to lead one of the two major parties in either chamber of Congress A native of Brooklyn, New York, this rising political star studied political science at Binghamton University and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1992. During his time at Binghamton, Jeffries became a Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity member. Jeffries completed graduate studies at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University, where he earned a Master of Public Policy degree in 1994. He attended the New York University School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctorate and was a member of the New York University Law Review

Jeffries was first elected to Congress in 2013 after serving in the New York State Legislature. Now in his fifth term in the

House of Representatives, he currently serves as a member of the House Judiciary Committee and House Budget Committee

Before being elected House Democratic Leader, Jeffries was the fifth highest-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives Jeffries is also the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and the former whip of the Congressional Black Caucus. Before serving in Congress, Jeffries served six years in the New York State Assembly

In Congress, Jeffries is a tireless advocate for social and economic justice. He has authored several bills, including the Slain Officer Family Support Act of 2015, the Keep America’s Refuges Operational Act and the First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill.

Jeffries will be sworn in as House Democratic Caucus Chair in January 2023 when the new Congress is seated. Jeffries is a turning point in the history of the United States Congress.

2 Give yourself a break. Spending some minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you

you enjoy.

Photo Credit: August de Richelieu via Pexels

Pierre Cromartie, President/CEO

Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

AMAZON STUDIOS DEBUTS NEW VIRTUAL PRODUCTION STAGE

AMAZON STUDIOS today announced the opening of Stage 15, its new virtual production stage, and formation of the new Amazon Studios Virtual Production (ASVP) department. The stage combines two former stages to accommodate an LED wall that is 80 feet in diameter and 26 feet tall. The first feature film to shoot on the new Stage 15 will be family holiday comedy Candy Cane Lane, directed by Reginald “Reggie” Hudlin and starring Eddie Murphy

The ASVP department will shepherd each project on Stage 15, transferring institutional knowledge along with an optimized workflow developed in partnership with— and powered by—Amazon Web Services (AWS). The division has a full-time executive, engineering, and creative team of 20 that has been operating in stealth mode since 2020 on the design, pipeline, and build-out of Stage 15. Working with the volume wall, production creatives can interact with digital assets and processes in a manner that mirrors live-action to enable digital world capture, visualization, performance capture, simulcam, and in-camera visual effects.

Every shot taken on Stage 15 ends up in the AWS cloud in real time, with the ability to safely and securely distribute assets around the globe.

The ASVP team is also developing a VFX

technology for Candy Cane Lane. Advances in production and our industry continue to astound me and the volume wall is an impressive innovation for our business. For a production like this, with such a large scope, it’s an invaluable storytelling tool,” said

can rig up to 350,000 pounds of lights and production gear to its truss.

 Stage 15 was originally built in 1940 and was home to productions that included It’s a Wonderful Life, Star Trek (TV show), Batman (TV show), RoboCop, Airplane, The Three Amigos, and Armageddon

In addition to the LED volume wall, the massive new stage will include a 2-story building within its walls, dubbed “The Sandbox at Stage 15.” This structure will include a virtual location-scouting volume, a performance-capture volume, a techscouting volume, a green screen simulcam stage, and a client-facing VIP viewing area for visiting executives, filmmakers, and guests.

and virtual production asset management system that lives on the AWS cloud, allowing production teams to catalogue, search, preview and re-purpose production assets. This powerful back-end system will reduce the lag time that productions typically experience when transferring files and assets from set to editorial, VFX, and postproduction vendors and facilities.

ASVP FEATURES AND BACKGROUND

Stage 15 is a 34,000-square-foot structure including the LED volume, a “Sandbox” lab, and 17,000 square feet of space dedicated to set construction and production support.  The ASVP LED volume contains 130,700 cubic feet of interactive space. 

This space will also feature a second, smaller LED stage, with a completely mobile LED wall, camera-tracking system, and control cart, along with an engineering workshop, scanning, 3D-printing, production workspace, and equipment storage.

Amazon Studios is the home for talent, creating and producing Original films and television series for a global audience.



AMAZON STUDIOS VIRTUAL PRODUCTION POWERED BY

AWS

Stage 15 is fully connected into the AWS cloud, and is an integrated part of the production-in-the-cloud ecosystem. The facility provides a camera-to-cloud workflow, with direct connection from Stage 15 to AWS S3 storage to make dailies instantly available to creative teams from any location.

“With the combination of AWS and Amazon Studios innovation is inevitable,” said Chris del Conte, global head of VFX, Amazon Studios “When you mix the worlds of entertainment and technology, it allows us to take everything to the next level.”

“The ASVP team are terrific collaborators and I am delighted to utilize this new

Amazon filmmakers may access ASVP as a consultation resource for all phases of a production, from concept planning through post.

 The ASVP volume wall is composed of over 3,000 LED panels and 100 motion capture cameras.



The volume includes a full LED ceiling with drop-out panels, so that productions

Original series premiere exclusively on Prime Video, which is available in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Amazon Studios also produces and acquires Original movies for theatrical release and exclusively for Prime Video, in addition to producing Original content for IMDb TV, Amazon’s premium free streaming service.

ZUCKERBERG INITIATIVE TRANSFORMS LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

Kingmakers of Oakland is on a mission to improve the lives of Black boys and build a stronger education system for all students. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is committing $4.8 million to bring their comprehensive, research-backed school improvement approach to more schools and districts across the country.

Kingmakers works hand-in-hand with districts to help them get a full understanding of their community’s unique needs. They partner on building the capacity of schools to make improvements, helping teachers form deep relationships with students that ultimately increase learning and life outcomes.

“In Oakland, Kingmakers established a strong track record of improving student outcomes,” said Sandra Liu Huang, head of education at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative “They are a national leader in helping school districts apply research to transform the culture and conditions of a school to increase student success across the board.”

Launched as the African American Male Achievement program (AAMA)

in the Oakland Unified School District in 2010, Kingmakers later became an independent nonprofit. A 2019 study of AAMA by researchers at Stanford University showed that students who participated in Kingmakers’ programs were more likely to graduate high school. The same study also showed a positive impact on students who didn’t participate in a specific Kingmakers program, but who benefited from school-wide improvements as a result of their school’s partnership with Kingmakers

Kingmakers’ comprehensive approach is grounded in six drivers of systems change: culturally relevant pedagogy and curriculum; Black male teacher recruitment, training and retention; youth voice and leadership; community and family engagement; narrative change; and policy change. Within this framework, their focus is shaped by local needs. From its inception, Kingmakers has used listening exercises and assessments to design programming tailored to each district in order to foster lasting change.

Christopher Chatmon, Founder and CEO of Kingmakers of Oakland observes, “Changing systems and changing narratives

takes multiracial, intergenerational and cross-functional collaboration among educators, students, families, communities and policymakers. When we combine their knowledge with what the research tells us about the type of environments that help students thrive, then we can truly build school cultures that set every young king–and all students–up for success.”

Standing with a growing community of partners, CZI is working to equip teachers with the research, tools, and partners they need to center students’ well-being in support of academic achievement and

success. For more information about how CZI and our grant partners are supporting student and teacher well-being, visit chanzuckerberg.com/education/wellbeing

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative was founded in 2015 to help solve some of society’s toughest challenges — from eradicating disease and improving education, to addressing the needs of our local communities. Our mission is to build a more inclusive, just, and healthy future for everyone. For more information, please visit www.chanzuckerberg.com

TUSKEGEE U BOARD CHAIR JOINS FORTUNE 500 BOARDS

Tuskegee University Board Chair Norma Clayton shows her ongoing dedication to Tuskegee and its mission, and has recently been appointed to share her insight and experience as a new board member of two corporations – The Goodyear Tire & Rubber

“We

said

“

operations, technology, innovation and human resources will be invaluable to Goodyear and its shareholders as we build our business and fulfill our role of enabling mobility in a fast-evolving industry.”

She was named to the Nucor Corporation board last summer.

“Norma brings extensive experience in the areas of business management, manufacturing operations, technology and innovation leadership, human resources and international business,” said Leon J. Topalian, President and Chief Executive

Officer of Nucor “We are fortunate to have her join the Nucor team.”

Trustee Clayton has served as a Tuskegee University Board of Trustees member since 2009 and Board Chair since 2019. She retired from Boeing in 2016 after 20 years of service. Throughout her career, she held leadership roles across engineering; plant operations and optimization; manufacturing excellence; quality and product safety; sourcing, supply chain and procurement; and human resources. Prior

Reggie Hudlin, director of Candy Cane Lane

Company and Nucor Corporation

are very pleased to welcome Norma Clayton to Goodyear’s Board of Directors,”

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President Richard J. Kramer as part of its announcement Nov. 28.

Norma’s global leadership experience in manufacturing,

A group of students in the Kingmakers of Oakland program. Photograph courtesy of Kingmakers of Oakland.

NY CARES ANNUAL COAT DRIVE SUPPORTS NEW YORKERS IN NEED

New York Cares, the largest volunteer network in New York City, today announced the official launch of its 34th Annual Coat Drive. For the second year, New York Cares is launching Coats+, a fundraising campaign with a continuing focus on distributing warm winter coats with care, while also addressing food insecurity through meal distributions. New York Cares Executive Director Sapreet K. Saluja and New York Cares Chief Program Officer Arlene Lozano were joined today at K-8 school, PS/MS 31 X, The William Lloyd Garrison School in the Bronx

by Principal Elisha Boyd

New York Cares’ Coat+ fundraising campaign aims to distribute brand new winter coats, and addresses other essential needs like hunger. Every $25 donation will provide a New Yorker with a warm winter coat, as well as ten meals. In 2021, New York Cares volunteers delivered more than 33 million meals to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.

For this year’s coat drive, New York Cares is aiming to raise $600,000 and hopes to distribute more than 60,000 coats to New Yorkers in need. Ten thousand new coats will be donated in partnership with national nonprofit, Operation Warm, and New York City Community Schools, to support local students and families, including students in temporary housing. The coat drive will serve all five boroughs through meal distributions and coat deliveries.

“As New Yorkers struggle with the rising costs of food, rent and basic necessities, food insecurity in New York City remains at a historic high. As temperatures drop, it is imperative to help the many families and individuals who are struggling to choose between a warm coat and a bag of

groceries,” said Sapreet K. Saluja

Director of New York Cares “Over the last 34 years, New York Cares has mobilized tens of thousands of volunteers to support and uplift our communities through the distribution of two million coats to our neighbors in need during the coat drive.”

“Schools are the centers of our communities and hubs of support for our young people and their families,” said Schools Chancellor David C. Banks “I’m grateful to New York Cares and our school communities for coming together to provide our students with the resources they need to keep warm and

safe this winter.”

From today through December 31, 2022, individuals and organizations can set up virtual Coats+ fundraisers at newyorkcares. org/coats. Every dollar goes directly to a coat supplier and supports volunteer programs addressing hunger, ensuring that coats and meals reach people who need them most quickly and safely. While virtual fundraisers are encouraged, a limited number of drop-off locations will be available in each borough for New Yorkers who wish to donate a new or gently used, freshly laundered coat. All donations are tax deductible.

ABOUT THE 34TH ANNUAL NEW YORK CARES COAT DRIVE

Since 1989, the New York Cares Coat Drive has collected over two million winter coats for men, women, and children throughout the city. For more information on setting up a virtual Coats+ fundraiser and for other ways to help keep New Yorkers warm, visit newyorkcares.org/coat-drive

The sponsors for this year’s New York Cares Coat Drive are the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, PJT Partners, The Amine Family, The Shapiro Family, Adam & Jodi Zotkow, Julie Turaj and Robert Pohly

HOW TO DONATE COATS

IN-PERSON

In addition to virtual fundraisers, New Yorkers can also donate gently-used, freshly laundered coats at several public sites around the city through December 31, 2022. Please visit New York Cares’ coat drive map at newyorkcares.org/coat-drive/map, which includes information on this year’s partners with exact times and locations, and additional collection sites.

The following Hub Sites are New York Cares partners that can receive, store and distribute thousands of coats to the communities they operate in:

 Mott Haven Community Partnership (South Bronx)

 Coalition for the Homeless (Manhattan)

 Staten Island Community Partnership (Staten Island)

 The River Fund (Central Queens)

 Brooklyn Defender Services (East Brooklyn)

 And many more sites citywide.

TUSKEGEE U BOARD CHAIR JOINS FORTUNE 500 BOARDS

to joining Boeing, she spent several years leading plant operations and sourcing at Lockheed Martin, and prior to that, she held management roles in manufacturing and engineering at General Electric, after starting her career at General Motors

She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Administration from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Master of Arts degrees in both Business Management and Human Resources Development from Webster University

“The work Chair Clayton does to advance the university and set direction for global organizations like these is to be commended,” said Tuskegee President Charlotte P. Morris “The demands for her time and the influence she garners is a

testament to the depth of experience and leadership she brings to the organization.”

© 2022 Tuskegee University

to the editor. Photographs and manuscripts will not be returned.

VOLUME 32 ISSUE 28

Due to federal and state regulations concerning the operations of non-essential businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic and deliveries, please be advised that regularly scheduled deliveries may be delayed or adjusted to meet these regulations at the discretion of the distributors and publisher requires to adhere to the mandates. @2020

, Executive

(Photo Credit: New York Cares)

FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM LAUNCHED FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Almost half of all college students say money management is a bigger challenge than any other they may face, according to the U.S. Department of Education To empower students as they embark on their higher education journeys, leading information services company Experian and HomeFree-USA’s Center for Financial Advancement® (CFA) have launched the CFA Credit Academy. More than 250 scholars from 14 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will learn and train to share financial literacy, credit education and leadership basics.

“Experian is a committed innovative partner. Understanding and mastering credit is of significant importance to the CFA Scholars. The CFA Credit Academy provides the training, tools, coaching and mentoring in a clear relevant manner that will enable the scholars to achieve their personal goals,” said Gwen Garnett, HomeFree-USA Center for Financial Advancement®

Executive Director

The HomeFree-USA 2022 Money4Life Leadership Conference kicked off CFA’s eight month program and included an orientation of the credit education program with Experian’s credit education experts. Students will gain an understanding of credit and its importance, so they can become knowledge ambassadors for their peers, family and their communities. In addition to live sessions and self-paced content, the CFA Credit Academy culminates with a hackathon competition in April, challenging all students to form teams of four at participating HBCUs to build the next best credit education program for their peers. The winning team will earn a $40,000 scholarship, sponsored by Experian “This program normalizes and modernizes the conversation about credit and overall financial health. Through our partnership with the CFA, we want to ensure these students are visible within the credit ecosystem for more equitable lending when they’re ready. Access to fair and affordable credit can help them, and all consumers, get a college degree, buy a car or a home,

start a business, and ultimately build wealth and achieve greater financial success,” said Raudy Perez, Experian North America’s senior director for diversity, equity and inclusion partnerships.

consumers. That can make homeownership, the greatest driver of generational wealth, an even bigger challenge for underserved communities.

As part of its mission of financial inclusion

Empowering Opportunities™ harnesses Experian’s data, analytics and technology to help clients provide more affordable credit access to diverse communities. The Mortgage Bankers Association recently honored Experian with its 2022 DEI Leadership Award. To learn more about Experian’s work in diverse communities: visit www.experian.com/diversity HomeFree-USA is a nonprofit started by Marcia and Jim Griffin in 1994 with a vision to close the homeownership gap. The organization gives African Americans the guidance they need to achieve and sustain homeownership, and bridges the gap between financial strength and homeownership for people of color across America.

As a HUD-intermediary, HomeFree-USA serves the diverse interests of 6.3 million consumers through its nationwide network of over 50 affiliated community-based nonprofits that specialize in guiding people to first-time homeownership, sustainability and increased financial capacity.

Experian is the world’s leading global information services company. During life’s big moments – from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers – we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organizations to prevent identity fraud and crime.

Experian research shows there are 28 million US consumers who are unable to participate in the mainstream financial ecosystem today because they don’t have a financial identity. Credit invisibility more frequently impacts underserved communities with 26% of Hispanic consumers and 28% of Black consumers unscoreable or invisible compared to 16% of White and Asian

and empowerment for all, Experian partners with HomeFree-USA to provide continuing education for its housing counselors and resources for their clients. The company created the Home Preservation Grant, which supported homeowners at risk of losing their homes due to COVID-related hardships with credit education and mortgage relief. Inclusion Forward – Experian

We have 21,700 people operating across 30 countries and every day we’re investing in new technologies, talented people, and innovation to help all our clients maximize every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.

Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group.

Source: Experian

GRANT TO FUND HBCU CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESEARCH HUB

Texas Southern University’s Center for Justice Research has received a $351,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation through the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity to form the HBCU Criminal Justice Research Hub. The Hub will facilitate a two-year collaboration between HBCU researchers, community organizations, and community members working toward reducing mass incarceration and violent crime.

“The Walmart Foundation grant will open up new opportunities for collaboration, strengthening our partnerships here in Houston while widening our reach and impact across other U.S. cities and crimeimpacted communities,” commented Dr. Howard Henderson, Director of the Center for Justice Research “Community input will be vital to this work, and Hub meetings will necessarily involve community members with lived experience of the impacts of violent crime and mass incarceration.”

The Criminal Justice Research Hub is part of a broader network of community leaders, nonprofits and policymakers working together to advance criminal justice prevention initiatives, made possible by the Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity “We must be more intentional about creating meaningful opportunities for young

people at the highest risk of becoming justice-involved and providing resources to communities that will help to break the cycle of incarceration for Black young adults,” said Dr. Marvin Carr, Director, Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity “We’re excited to support Texas Southern as they launch the HBCU Criminal Justice Research Hub to further this work.”

The Hub will leverage the strength of these collaborations to work toward solutions to rising violent crime rates. Hub researchers will also conduct need assessments in Houston and researchers’ respective cities to determine culturally responsive, datadriven interventions and policy solutions. “Texas Southern University is committed to finding solutions for urban issues through

our outstanding faculty researchers, including the team in the Center for Justice Research,” said Dr. Lesia L. CrumptonYoung, Texas Southern University President “CJR plays a critical role in community-based criminal justice reform efforts and advocacy. We thank the Walmart Foundation for this gift that will enhance their efforts and assist the university and our community as we continue on our path to Carnegie R1 research status.”

The Hub will also focus on researcher development, incorporating the Center’s Researcher Development and Training Institute and focusing on cultivating a diverse cohort of criminal justice researchers and social engineers. “CJR’s work continues to support and diversify the field of criminal justice researchers by providing opportunities to engage in solutions-oriented projects in the community,” Dr. George Kieh, Dean of the Barbara Jordan–Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs said.

The HBCU Criminal Justice Research Hub aims to expand the capacity of HBCUs to provide solutions for the crime and incarceration problems facing communities around the country and seeks to address the root causes of mass incarceration and violent crime.

DR. HOWARD HENDERSON, FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER FOR JUSTICE

Photo Source: blackprwire.com

BLACK ARTISTS CELEBRATED IN MUSEUM EXHIBIT

As a nod to its national prominence as the leading nonprofit advocating for the protection and human rights of the Black transgender community, the Marsha P. Johnson Institute (MPJI) will lead a panel discussion for the "The Color Is: Renaissance Weekend" event at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center

“The Color Is: Renaissance Weekend” is a two-day experience this weekend with a symposium and closing ceremonies to celebrate the "Nick Cave/Jack Cave: The Color Is Fashion Exhibition.”

“The Color Is” is a celebration of learning, fellowship and community bonding, bridging a myriad of artists, thinkers, and students for a final engagement to explore the layers of Black culture, history, innovation, and overall artistry the exhibit evokes.

On Friday, Dec. 9, MPJI Founder and Executive Director Elle Moxley will be in conversation with Danny Dunson, Director of Curatorial Services at DuSable Museum, for “The Power in Presentation” discussion about resistance in fashion. They will discuss personal style as an act of resistance and how self-identity, Black art and power, Black Lives Matter, hip-hop, and the integral part fashion plays in other pivotal Black movements.

“Artistic expression has been central to my life and identity,” Moxley said. "My experiences and identities have given me access to a multitude of understandings about how I see the world. This symposium is a celebration that we can be many things if we accept the invitation life gives us to

tell our own stories. That is where liberation begins and I am proud that the Marsha P. Johnson Institute could play a role in this expression and our collective joy and resistance."

On Friday Dec. 9, to close out the symposium, Moxley will moderate a panel with Nick Cave, Jack Cave, and Michaela Angela Davis. They will discuss the power

layered elements of Black culture is not complete without the voice of the Black transgender community that has been in the forefront of so many fashion moments and movements."

Moxley is a renowned Black liberation artist, model, storyteller, director, producer, community organizer, and speaker from Columbus, Ohio. Currently, she is the CEO of

Keynotes at The Movement for BLACK Lives inaugural convening, Harvard University, Columbia University, and the Schomburg Center for Research in BLACK Culture Davis is an award-winning producer, magazine editor, activist, and writer. Most recently, she collaborated with Oprah Winfrey and Tracee Ellis Ross as Executive Producers to create a six-episode docuseries called The Hair Tales Moxley’s connection to her hair as an extension of her identity was also featured, along with stories from Issa Rae, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, CHIKA, Marsai Martin, and Chloe Bailey

"The Color Is” exhibition has been curated for the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center by Dunson. The exhibition has been developing since 2021 and was initially shown as a live performance at The Art Edge Gala produced and presented by the MCA and held at the historic Daniel Burnham-designed Roundhouse of the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center "The Color Is" is a companion exhibition to "Nick Cave: Forothermore," a city-wide celebration of the Chicago-based artist.

and intersection of art in all its mediums, including fashion, film, TV, production, and more.

”The DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center is thrilled to have The Marsha P. Johnson Institute as a sponsor of The Color Is Renaissance Weekend," said Danny Dunson, Director of Curatorial Services and Community Partnerships at DuSable "This event celebrating the multi-

Forever Free Productions and the Director of the short film documentary “Black Beauty,” in addition to serving as leading MPJI. A freedom fighter advocating for Black Trans Lives and Black women’s stories, Moxley has led campaigns including “Raise The Debate,” #SayHerName National Day of Action, and the first-ever National Day of Action for BLACK Trans Women in 2015. As a thought leader, she has delivered

MPJI seeks to eradicate systemic, community, and physical violence that silences our community from actualizing freedom, joy, and safety. In part, this mission is addressed through locating culturally competent resources for basic necessities like housing, food security, legal and financial support, health/wellness, employment, social support, and more. Learn more at marshap.org

Source: Marsha P. Johnson Institute

HUMANITIES COLOR OF CHANGE CELEBRATES DISMISSAL OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE

Recently, the indictment against Tracy McCarter, a Black woman and survivor of domestic violence, was dismissed but not sealed by Judge Diane Kiesel This comes two weeks after Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg asked Judge Kiesel to drop the second-degree murder charges against McCarter for the death of her abusive husband. The decision not to seal Tracy’s case for the next sixty days means that District Attorney Bragg can still reconsider refiling charges against McCarter

“We celebrate justice for Tracy McCarter’s, which is long overdue,” said Sakira Cook, co-interim Vice President of Color of Change, the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. “Tracy has suffered from the systematically racist and misogynist justice system that criminalized and incarcerated her for protecting herself from domestic violence. Her experience should serve as a lesson for other police, prosecutors and judges who believe that punishing victims is the remedy to trauma.”  McCarter was arrested for the murder of her abusive husband after he threatened and attacked her in her apartment in March 2020. McCarter was held on Rikers Island for six months until she was released to home confinement, where she has had to stay for over two years.

McCarter’s case was a major political topic during the 2020 Manhattan District Attorney race following organizers’ advocacy. DA Bragg initially tweeted his support for McCarter and other survivors of domestic violence but declined to drop the case during his first ten months in office. Justice organizations, including Color Of Change, Survived and Punished NY and Envision Freedom Fund, called on DA Bragg to fulfill his promise of not prosecuting McCarter through rallies, petitions and social media. A petition with over 21,000 signatures was delivered to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office advocating for Tracy’s

freedom this fall. In November, he finally decided to dismiss the case. “We applaud DA Bragg for ultimately recognizing this injustice,” said Cook

“This decision is a testament to Tracy’s unwavering advocacy for herself and all criminalized survivors, as well as the power of community organizing,” said Siobhan Dingwall of Survived and Punished NY, a volunteer-run organization committed to eradicating prisons, policing and the criminalization of survivors of abuse. “We are committed to continuing to support Tracy and her family as she heals, and organizing to build a world where all survivors are met with care and support, not police or cages. Still, the judge’s decision to not seal the case for the next 60 days is a clear example of a judge abusing their discretion to extend control over Tracy, and an attempt to retaliate and quell communal support for her. The judge’s choice words and clear biased viewpoints are littered throughout her decision and directly contradict the District Attorney’s submissions that Tracy only acted in self-defense.”

“We celebrate Tracy’s victory over the criminal punishment system after years of fighting for her freedom. While Judge Kiesel’s decision to dismiss the indictment is a welcome outcome—albeit without an immediate seal—following DA Bragg’s motion to drop the charges, we’re furious that such a fight was necessary to prevent the so-called justice system from victimizing a survivor of domestic violence,” said Angel Parker, the Court Watch NYC program coordinator of Envision Freedom Fund, a Black-led organization working to achieve freedom for all people through the dismantling of the criminal legal and immigration systems. “We also celebrate the power of the people to unite behind Tracy in the long-term fight to ensure that the other survivors are met with support and healing rather than police, prosecution, and prison.”  McCarter’s long-fought freedom will help

prevent other people enduring domestic violence from being prosecuted for their survival. It is long past due that survivors, particularly Black women and other genderoppressed people, are protected from facing punishment and incarceration for saving their own lives.

Color Of Change is the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. We help people respond effectively to injustice in the world around us. As a national online force driven by over 7 million members, we move decision-makers in corporations and governments to create a more human and less hostile world for Black people in America. Visit www.colorofchange.org

Survived & Punished NY is an affiliate of Survived and Punished, a national collective dedicated to ending the criminalization of survival with other affiliates in Chicago and

California. The volunteer-led organization includes community organizers, survivor advocates, legal experts, and policy advocates, including currently and formerly incarcerated survivors. S&P organizes to de-criminalize efforts to survive domestic and sexual violence, support and free criminalized survivors, and abolish gender violence, policing, prisons, and deportations. Visit www.survivedandpunishedny.org/

Envision Freedom Fund (formerly Brooklyn Community Bail Fund) works alongside impacted communities to dismantle the oppressive and interconnected criminal legal and immigration systems. With freedom as our guiding principle, we invest in innovative campaigns and programs that aim to win long-term, transformative change, while meeting the urgent needs of community members in the present.

There’s nothing quite like local. That’s why your local AARP creates experiences with your community in mind. We’re neighbors, connecting you to free events, learning opportunities, and resources right in your backyard. Wherever you live, we’re here to help your money, health, and happiness live as long as you do.

Find us at aarp.org/local

We’re here for you. Here in your neighborhood.

FIRST WALDORF PROPERTY PLANNED FOR COSTA RICA

-- By ANN BROWN

Hilton announced the signing of the first Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts property in Costa Rica, the newbuild Waldorf Astoria Guanacaste, currently under construction and expected to open in 2025. Exceptionally located on a peninsula with unobstructed ocean views, Waldorf Astoria Guanacaste will offer 190 guest rooms and 25 Waldorf Astoria branded residences in the tropical paradise of Guanacaste known for its dramatic scenery, lush forests and beautiful beaches. The property will focus on sustainable luxury with an emphasis on architecture that blends into the surroundings, native flora and fauna, and offerings that connect guests with the natural environment. All resort vehicles utilized on the property will be electric.  “Hilton has always been committed to serving any guest, for any travel need,

anywhere in the world, and we’re thrilled to expand our presence with the first Waldorf Astoria in Costa Rica,” said Chris Nassetta, President and CEO, Hilton “Costa Rica is a fast-growing and highly soughtafter destination that is an ideal place to introduce the world-class personal service of our Waldorf Astoria brand. We look forward to sharing our signature hospitality and creating unforgettable stays for our guests in

this serene and beautiful location.”

The hotel marks a milestone signing for Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand, as it welcomes a new and highly sought-after destination to its portfolio of more than 30 exclusive properties around the world and builds upon the luxury brand’s presence of iconic resorts in the Caribbean and Latin America, such as Waldorf Astoria

Los Cabos Pedregal and Waldorf Astoria Cancun, which opened earlier this month.   Waldorf Astoria Guanacaste is part of the Cacique Costa Rica community set to offer retail, residences, and wellness experiences in ways that highlight Guanacaste’s natural wonders and connect guests to the local community. Ideally situated on Guanacaste’s Cacique peninsula, Waldorf Astoria Guanacaste will offer the perfect backdrop for adventure seekers, sunbathers and nature lovers alike with the area’s impressive volcanic landscapes, intimate beach coves and tropical forests. The destinationinspired barefoot luxury resort will also offer convenient access to Guanacaste’s international airport (LIR – Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport) and two nearby beach towns featuring lively restaurants, bars and local shops, truly embracing Costa Rica’s “Pura Vida” lifestyle.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL BOSTON

-- By ANN BROWN Five-Star MANDARIN ORIENTAL,

BOSTON  is ready for the holiday season and will offer guests a festive holiday stay with experiences, events and offerings from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. Plan a weekend getaway to enjoy Boston at the holidays, go on a Newbury Street shopping spree, have a night at The Nutcracker with Boston Ballet, or take time for self-care and holiday stress-relief at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental

Beginning November 28, the hotel lobby will be opulently decorated with a grand holiday tree, perfect for gazing while relaxing by the lobby’s fireplace. Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Spa Gift Cards can also be purchased at a dedicated station in the Lobby beginning November 25, a luxurious and well-deserved gift for loved ones.

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HOLIDAY HOT COCOA & TREATS BAR

Have an afternoon treat with a complimentary hot cocoa bar and holiday sweets available in the lobby from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. daily from December 1 to January 1.

 LIVE JAZZ ENTERTAINMENT IN THE LOBBY LOUNGE – SATURDAY EVENINGS

IN DECEMBER

Select Saturdays during the holiday season, gather in the Lobby Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Boston to enjoy live jazz music with a holiday flair. During the live jazz sessions, enjoy a special champagne and wine bar in the lobby from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on December 3, December 10, December 17, and December 31. Toast with friends and family before going out on the town. A light lounge food menu will also be available.

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FESTIVE DECORATED SUITES

Make Mandarin Oriental, Boston your holiday “home away from home”– with your suite including a 7.5-foot holiday decorated tree in gold and jewel tones. Enjoy holiday amenities such as champagne and chocolate truffles, milk and cookies and more.

Mandarin Oriental, Boston is also the only luxury hotel in Boston with fully equipped kitchenettes, making it feel even more like home for extended holiday stays. Available December 1, 2022, through January 1, 2023; holiday trees are priced at USD 500 for stay duration, plus taxes and gratuities. In addition to the Menorah that will be featured in the lobby beginning December 18, Menorahs can also be added to the suites; pricing available upon request.

Mandarin Oriental, Boston is ideally situated in the city’s chic Back Bay neighborhood, just steps from Boston’s best shopping and holiday attractions. The Holiday Shopping in Back Bay package will be offered beginning November 28 and is the perfect option to get you into the vibrant mood of the season. Accommodations are accompanied by: a 10 percent discount at Elisha Daniels Style Studio & Boutique at Mandarin Oriental, Boston, a USD 100 dining credit at Ramsay’s Kitchen, a holiday gift welcome amenity, and complimentary parking. Guests also have exceptionally convenient access to other area shopping in Copley Place, on Newbury Street and more. Available through January 2, 2023. For reservations or more information, please call +1 (617) 535 8888

 HOLIDAY DINING AT RAMSAY’S KITCHEN – THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S EVE Ramsay’s Kitchen, with a menu inspired by Chef Gordon Ramsay’s global travels, will be open on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve and serving special holiday menus. A traditional Thanksgiving feast will be available for $70 per adult and $30 per child. A festive Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menu is offered for $125 per person, plus $65 for wine pairings. New Year’s Eve details to come!

Reservations are available online and can also be made with the Concierge team. Menus are available here: Thanksgiving and Christmas. Private Dining is also available for intimate holiday dinners.

– a perfect holiday gift that also gives back. It is sustainably designed by Beacon Design of New England. For those simply interested in donating, the Mandarin Oriental, Boston team will facilitate guest donations at the Front Desk and at the Spa.

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NIGHT AT THE NUTCRACKER WITH BOSTON BALLET

Available as an add-on guest experience, Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutracker mesmerizes audiences of all ages and is Boston’s favorite holiday tradition. As a guest of Mandarin Oriental, Boston, you’ll enjoy VIP Member’s Lounge access during pre-performance reception and intermission, a special Boston Ballet ornament welcome amenity, and more. The Nutcracker performs at The Citizen Bank Opera House from November 25 through December 31, 2022. VIP experience pricing varies based upon ticket availability and can be provided upon request from our Guest Relations team. Tickets are non-refundable, non-changeable and non-transferable. All sales are final.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BOSTON FAN ORNAMENTS TO BENEFIT FRANCISCAN CHILDREN’S

Exclusive holiday ornaments with signature Mandarin Oriental Fan design elements, locally made in New England and in partnership with Massachusetts Bay Trading Company, will be available for purchase at the Gift Card station in the lobby starting December 10 and throughout the holiday season. Proceeds will be donated to Franciscan Children’s in Boston, the hotel’s charitable partner, which provides a compassionate and positive environment where children with mental health challenges, complex medical conditions, or special education needs receive outstanding care from experts committed to helping children reach their full potential. The ornament is brass with 24 karat gold plating and packaged in a gorgeous black box with black velvet interior and gold ribbon

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SILENT NIGHT AT THE SPA AT MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BOSTON – DECEMBER 14

For those looking for a peaceful retreat or digital detox during the hectic holiday season, The Spa will host their annual Silent Night event from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on December 14. The complimentary night of contemplative calm amidst the hustle and bustle of the busy (and noisy) holiday season allows guests to enjoy the Spa in silence: no music and no talking for this one special hour. Guests will join Reiki Master and Yoga Instructor Shannon McNally for a group meditation and restorative yoga class using the power of breath work, reiki energy healing and restorative postures. Reconnect with yourself and find the calm within for the season and new year ahead.

Spa social channels will also go dark for this evening. The event is complimentary, but reservations are required; for reservations or more information, please call +1 (617) 535 8820 or email mobos-spa@mohg.com

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HANUKKAH MENORAH LIGHTING –DECEMBER 18-26

The Lobby will showcase a Menorah for Hanukkah, lit at sundown nightly from December 18 through 26 for all guests to enjoy.

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LUXURIOUS CITY EVENT SPACES FOR HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

The Oriental Ballroom, Gallery and wing of event spaces, all with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Back Bay, offer the perfect city setting for a holiday celebration. Event spaces fit from 20 to 350 guests and are ideal for holiday dinners, galas and cocktail receptions.

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NEW YEAR’S EVE PACKAGE – BOSTON’S FIRST NIGHT

Celebrate the new year in style, with a luxurious overnight stay in Boston’s Back Bay. Book the New Year’s Eve package and enjoy an in-room Bottle of Champagne and Holiday Treats, a holiday fan ornament amenity to take home, live jazz music from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. in the lobby, early check-in and late check-out, and convenient access to First Night activities around Back Bay. Email mobos-reservations@mohg.com to book your New Year’s Eve stay.

or email mobos-reservations@mohg.com. All reservations are subject to availability.

A MUSIC SAGA DEBUTS HIGH ON BILLBOARD CHARTS

MOJA: A Music Saga, an eightvolume set of the history of Black Music from the drums of Africa to America’s Jazz, Blues, and Gospel; latest inspiring single, “Triumph,” debuts at #35 on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 Indicator Chart and fuels launch of “MOJA Did You Know?” factoids on social media.

“Triumph” is making its way across radio formats with its fusion of r and b, hip hop, African beats, gospelinfused vocals, and inspirational lyrics featuring MOJA’s Co-executive Producer, Grammy-nominated

composer, producer, Ghanian-born, East St. Louis, IL raised master of the djembe (a West African drum) Weedie Braimah and Munir Zakee on the Silver Talon label.

Adding to the celebration of “Triumph” cracking the Billboard Top 40 Indicator Chart, MOJA: A Music Saga is launching “MOJA Did You Know?” factoids on Instagram, Facebook, and social media platforms. Through these short educational, and entertaining facts, you will learn the history of black music and the Muziki family as they

take you on an audio-musical journey through seven generations filling your spirit with music and knowledge from Africa to Cuba, to the United States.

The complete eight-volume set of MOJA: A Music Saga was submitted for a Grammy Award Nomination consideration by voting members of the Recording Academy. Grammy Award nominations will be announced on November 15. MOJA: A Music Saga, volumes 1-8, are available for Free on Spotify for your listening experience or at: www. Mojasaga.com

DESSOFF CHOIRS PRESENTS HOLIDAY CONCERTS

Hailed as “one of the great amateur choruses of our time (New York Today) for its “full-bodied sound and suppleness (The New York Times),” The Dessoff Choirs today announced its annual holiday concert series. Now in its 98th year, The Dessoff Choirs continues to shepherd audiences into the holiday spirit with three performances in some of New York City’s most beautiful churches. This

arrangements of classics including a candlelit rendition of Silent Night

ABOUT THE DESSOFF CHOIRS

The Dessoff Choirs, one of the leading choruses in New York City, is an independent chorus with an established reputation for pioneering performances of choral works from the Renaissance era through the 21st century. Since its founding in 1924, Dessoff’s concerts,

Temple Dessoff’s recent discography includes MARGARET BONDS: THE BALLAD OF THE BROWN KING AND SELECTED SONGS, a debut recording of Margaret Bonds’s crowning achievement, which was cited as a “Best Classical Recording of 2019” by WQXRFM Radio; REFLECTIONS, featuring music by Convery, Corigliano, Moravec, and Rorem; and GLORIES ON GLORIES, a collection of American song featuring

Director of New York City’s The Dessoff Choirs, known for their performances of great choral works from the preBaroque era through the 21st century. An Associate Professor, Director of Choral Studies and Voice Department Coordinator at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, he has also joined the faculty at Manhattan School of Music. He was the founding Artistic Director of “Voices of Haiti,”

season’s offerings include the popular sing-along of Handel’s Messiah followed by a pair of concerts comprising carols and seasonal favorites. The holiday season kicks off with what has become an annual tradition for singers all across New York City: the annual singin of Handel’s Messiah in Harlem’s Union Theological Seminary. The 40+ member The Dessoff Choirs will be joined by audience members of all ages and singing capabilities.

“One of the highlights of our season is singing ‘Hallelujah!’ side by side with our neighbors,” says Malcolm J. Merriweather, Dessoff’s ninth Music Director “It doesn’t get more festive and warmer than that!”

The following weekend, Dessoff performs a pair of Welcome Yule! concerts celebrating Mother and Child, the miracle of childbirth, and Mary in her universal aspect as mother of all Prophets, and co-redemptress with Christ. John Tavener’s Mother and Child (2022) will be alongside standard holiday fare and contemporary

professional collaborations, community outreach, and educational initiatives are dedicated to stimulating public interest in and appreciation of choral music as an art form that enhances the culture and life of our times. With repertoire ranging over a wide variety of eras and styles, Dessoff’s musical acumen and flexibility has been recognized with invitations from major orchestras for oratorios and orchestral works. Past performances include Britten’s War Requiem and Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 with Lorin Maazel in his final performances as Music Director with the New York Philharmonic

Over the course of its nearly 100-year history, Dessoff has presented many world premieres, including works by Virgil Thomson, George Perle, Paul Moravec, and Ricky Ian Gordon; the first American performance in nearly 100 years of Montemezzi’s opera La Nave with Teatro Grattacielo; and the American premieres of Philip Glass’s Symphony No. 5 and Sir John Tavener’s all-night vigil, The Veil of the

composers from Billings to Ives The Dessoff Choirs is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and by funds from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Please visit dessoff.org for more information. 

ABOUT MALCOLM J. MERRIWEATHER

Conductor and baritone, Malcolm J. Merriweather enjoys a versatile career with performances ranging from the songs of Margaret Bonds to gems of the symphonic choral repertoire. The baritone can be heard on the GRAMMY nominated recording of Paul Moravec’s Sanctuary Road (NAXOS). Hailed by Opera News as “moving… expertly interpreted,” Margaret Bonds: The Ballad of the Brown King & Selected Songs (AVIE) has earned considerable praise around the world. He is Director of the New York Philharmonic Chorus and Music

a 60-member

Merriweather’s 2022-2023 began with leading the Choir of Trinity

Street in three performances (staged) of Considering Matthew Shepard In his new appointment as Director of the New York Philharmonic Chorus, he is preparing the professional choir for three programs throughout the season for Maestro Jaap van Zweden including Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony for the reopening of David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center. With the Dessoff Choirs he conducts Duruflé’s Requiem, Bach’s St. John Passion and motets by Vicente Lusitano, the first Black published composer. This season includes the long-awaited release of the premiere recording of Margaret Bonds’s Credo and Simon Bore the Cross with the AVIE label. His solo baritone engagements include Messiah at Carnegie Hall; Sanctuary Road with the Cincinnati May Festival and the Penn Square Music Festival

children’s choir in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, operated by the Andrea Bocelli Foundation. Maestro

Wall

Christmas Carol AT MERCHANT’S HOUSE

This December, as Summoners Ensemble Theatre’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL AT THE MERCHANT’S HOUSE resumes long-anticipated live performances for its 10th holiday season, we are delighted once again to offer performances virtually! For $35, join Mr. Dickens and watch online, from anywhere and on your schedule. Your pay-per-view ticket is good for three viewings of our holiday classic anytime between now and December 30, 2022.  All proceeds will help keep us thriving

as we move through the continuing COVID crisis and beyond, ensuring that Summoners Ensemble Theatre can continue bringing classic literature to life and the landmark 1832 Merchant’s House Museum remains a pillar of education about life in 19th century in New York.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL at the MERCHANT’S HOUSE, Charles Dickens in New York, 1867, is presented online by Summoners Ensemble Theatre in

association with the Merchant’s House Museum. Performances were filmed in the landmark 1832 Merchant’s House Museum, New York City’s only 19th century family home preserved intact, inside and out.

Pay-per-view is $35 and allows patrons to unlimited views, anytime between November 23, 2022 and December 30, 2022.

View online at  www.summonersensemble.org

AMERICAN MODERN OPERA PRESENTS ‘EL NINO’

American Modern Opera Company (AMOC) and The Cathedral of St. John the Divine present contemporary composer John Adams’ El Niño: Nativity Reconsidered with libretto by Peter Sellars and concept by Julia Bullock on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at 7:30pm at The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue, (at 112th Street) in Manhattan. Tickets are $5-45 (choose-what-you-pay) and are available online at https://www.stjohndivine. org/calendar/42514/el-nino-nativityreconsidered or in person at the Cathedral’s box office.

This chamber music arrangement was first performed at The Met Cloisters in 2018 in the beautiful San Martín at Fuentidueña chapel. The New York Times called it “intimate, affecting and quietly rich with activism.” The piece, which celebrates Latin American poets and the voices of women, returns for a one-night-only engagement this holiday season at a different New York City

landmark. The cast of this Christmas oratorio, an AMOC* production, features company members soprano Julia Bullock, countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, bass-baritone Davóne Tines, violinists Miranda Cuckson and Keir GoGwilt, cellist Coleman Itzkoff, bassist Doug Balliett, flutist Emi Ferguson, percussionist Jonny Allen,

Trinity Wall Street. This special performance will be conducted by rising star Christian Reif, who created the new arrangement and premiered the initial iteration of the piece at the Cloisters in 2018. A rarely performed work, El Niño “ruminates on the notion

that with the promise of new life, there is the equal threat of inexplicable violence and sacrifice,” said Bullock, “one of opera’s fastest-rising stars” (Vanity Fair), who curated the selections being performed.

“El Niño is one of my favorite pieces of music,” said Ms. Bullock “It’s one of John and Peter’s greatest collaborations and explores the central themes of the nativity – miracles, the unique relationship between mother and child, and gift giving. The reason to develop this distilled rendering of El Niño with John’s and Peter’s blessing, was to enable more people to experience this extraordinary work.”

“During this season of giving, we believe that El Niño should be seen by anyone and everyone, without barrier of cost,” said Courtenay Casey, Executive Director, American Modern Opera Company “We are thrilled to be partnering with St John the Divine and are humbled to be presenting this special work to their community.”

NYC OPERA PRESENTS ‘ ALL IS CALM ’

New York City Opera celebrates the holidays with All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 at Sacred Heart University Community Theatre, 1420 Post Road, Fairfield, CT, presented in association with Bodhi Tree Concerts and with the support of Kings Alley Performances: Wed 12/7 and Thu 12/8 at 7:30pm, Fri 12/9 at 8pm and Sat at 11am (family performance). Tickets are $45 for adults, $25 for children and are available at shucommunitytheatre.showare.com/ NewYorkCityOpera

All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 tells the true story of the first Christmas Eve of World War I, when soldiers across the Western Front laid down their weapons to celebrate Christmas together. For 48 hours to more than a week on some battlefronts, soldiers on all sides declared a truce and ate and drank together, played soccer, and sang carols. This beautiful retelling of the events, based on the firsthand accounts of soldiers who lived it, is woven together with traditional carols and patriotic songs, celebrating the unique way that the holiday season can bring us all together.

All is Calm is a holiday show like no

other, guaranteed to put the whole family in the holiday spirit, with such favorites as “Silent Night,” “Auld Lang Syne,”

“The First Noel,” “O Tannenbaum,” and “Angels We Have Heard on High,” sung a cappella in various languages, including English, German, and French. These traditional songs fostered the

spirit of Christmas warmth in the midst of a war, and as a play with music, All Is Calm captures a snapshot of this moment when the war stopped, and these people put aside their differences to celebrate Christmas.

The all-male, fourteen-person cast

includes Glenn Seven Allen, Michael Boley, Shelby Condray, Nicolas Davis, Walter DuMelle, John Robert Green, Spencer Hamlin, Andrew Konopak, Dimitrie Lazich, Brian James Myer, Jordan Weatherston Pitts, Timmy Simpson, Michael Sokol, and WooYoung Yoon

All is Calm is written by Peter Rothstein, with musical arrangements by Erick Lichte and Timothy C. Takach, directed by Richard Stafford and conducted by Juan Carlos Acosta, with dialect coaching by Vanessa Dinning, scenery designed by John Farrell, costumes designed by Stephanie Bauerle, and lighting designed by Susan Roth

“New York City Opera is thrilled to be presenting All Is Calm this December,” said Michael Capasso, General Director, New York City Opera. “It’s a beautiful and moving work that my friend and longtime collaborator Diana DuMelle – the Director of Bodhi Tree Concerts – introduced me to. We’re excited to be partnering on this new production featuring several members of the original Bodhi Tree production and to begin our collaboration with SHU!”

pianist Conor Hanick, with guest artists mezzo-soprano Rachael Wilson and The Choir of

NOTES

HBCU BAND EXPERIENCE COMES TO TV

AspireTV, the network that celebrates and reflects Black culture and urban lifestyle, is premiering the limited series 6 Minutes to Glory: The HBCU Band Experience on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. ET. Two episodes will debut each week for three weeks.

The series is a tribute to the distinctive and fascinating culture of Black Marching Bands – The Halftime Show. Focused on one HBCU band

episode later in the year.

6 Minutes to Glory: The HBCU Band Experience is part of Publicis Media’s APX Content Ventures Inclusion Investment Fund. This fund, which was announced in July 2021 as part of Publicis Media’s Once & For All Coalition launch, will be used to help its partners develop over 20 programs spotlighting diverse voices and storylines.

said Cheryl Harris, Allstate’s Chief Procurement Officer “We are truly excited about celebrating, amplifying, and honoring HBCU culture.”

“Students put their hearts and souls into their schools’ band performances, and when they take center stage in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands, all the hours poured into perfecting their craft will have been worth it,”

Producers.

PREMIERE SCHEDULE :  Saturday, Jan. 14

8 p.m. ET - Bethune-Cookman University – the Marching Wildcats  8:30 p.m. ET - North Carolina A&T –the Blue and Gold Marching Machine   Saturday, Jan. 21

8 p.m. ET - Tennessee State University – the Aristocrat of Bands 8:30 p.m. ET - Norfolk State University – the Spartan Legion Band    Saturday, Jan. 28

8 p.m. ET - Alabama State University – the Mighty Marching Hornets

8:30 p.m. ET - South Carolina State University – the Marching 101

To find aspireTV on cable in your area, go to https://aspire.tv/channel AspireTV is also available nationally on DirecTV and can be watched on DirecTV Stream or Philo

ABOUT ASPIRETV

AspireTV is the television network that celebrates and reflects Black culture and urban lifestyle in a way that is inspiring, authentic and entertaining. AspireTV offers reality series, specials and independent films as well as beloved dramas, contemporary comedies and provocative documentaries that allow you to connect and … see yourself here. AspireTV is available in the top 50 African American markets including New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www. aspire.tv, facebook.com/AspireTV,  @TVaspire on Twitter and  @TVaspire on Instagram.

The HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands is the original and largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities

per episode, viewers will get an insider look at the band through the eyes of the students, their thoughts on why they chose an HBCU, and the excitement of being selected to participate in the HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands. The season will highlight bands from six Historically Black Colleges & Universities including Norfolk State University, Tennessee State University, North Carolina A&T, Bethune-Cookman University, Alabama State University and South Carolina State University. We’ll hear about band members’ dreams, their inspiration for attending an HBCU and joining the bands, and how each school’s band has their own traditions that make them truly unique. These six schools are the bands that will be competing at the 18th HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands legacy showcase in Atlanta, Ga., on Feb. 4, with tickets available to the public. AspireTV will capture footage from the showcase to air as an additional

“Our partnership with APX Content Investment Fund and Allstate as a presenting sponsor is a win-win for our agency and advertising partners, Black owned creative supply chain vendors and ultimately, our audience of BIPOC TV viewers who identify as passionate, lifestyle enthusiasts seeking programming like this made by and for them,” said Ty Johnson, Vice President, National Ad Sales Southeast Region, Branded Content + Multicultural Strategy & Development, aspireTV

“Allstate is passionate and intentional about increasing our support of diverse businesses and supply chain partners. Through this sponsorship, we are investing in the APX Content Ventures Fund’s goal to advance minority media representation. We are proud to spotlight the significance of HBCU bands as they symbolize the rich heritage of HBCU’s and for the contribution they make as brand ambassadors for their schools,”

“

said Tom Grabowski, founder of the HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands.

6 Minutes to Glory: The HBCU Band Experience will allow viewers to see a glimpse of what it’s like to be an HBCU marching band member and will inspire the future generation to dream of one day playing a part in an HBCU marching band.”

6 Minutes to Glory: The HBCU Band Experience is produced by Go Media Productions with Wayne Overstreet and Len Gibson serving as Executive

(HBCU) marching band and dance team showcase in the world. The annual event welcomes 60,000 attendees in Atlanta, Ga., each year. Festivities also include the HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands college fair, bringing thousands of attendees who can learn about more than 45 HBCUs and their academic and band programs. Visit the HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands website for more information: AllStarBattleoftheBands. com