RANKIN AND MOORE CENTER FOR CHANGE
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Friday-College Day $3.00 Platinum Wash Ask about our Holiday Gift Certificates on Sale Now! 3541 Cleveland Avenue,Columbus, OH 4322 Phone: 614-263-2728 • Fax: 614-263-9505
Services Include: Mentoring Programs Step Up Tutoring Project Community Education Job Placement Program Spiritual Counseling Services Community Referral Services Ask about our Young Women of Virtue and Boys of Today, Men of Tomorrow Programs dedicated to young women 8-21 years of age and young men ages 10-18. These groups focus on leadership and character building, social etiquette, test taking skills, and job readiness. Participants will also participate in community outreach and community service projects.
Phone: 614-825-0469 Web: www.rankinandmoorecenter.com Rankin and Moore Center for Change 5937 Karl Road Columbus, Ohio 43229
Diversity Issue Page 8:
Connect to Africa
Page 9: October Champions of Diversity Page 13:
Fat Loss Fiesta Comes to Columbus
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October2010
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
WE are Champions of Diversity
TEAM UTS
Publisher/CEO Sharon S. Gordon Urban Trendsetters, LLC
Contributing Writers Delois R. Wright Les Brown A. Christina Dunlap Mykayla Bryant Tamara Fournier
Distribution
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From The Publisher
Throughout the years of publishing Urban Trendsetters we have always strived to be a publication that offers the positive view of the urban community. I have always felt that there were so many positive events and people within the urban community however it seems that the negative portrayals are the ones that make the front page. We are excited to offer a bright perspective and what we hope to be a “breathe of fresh air”, to our readers. As we move forward with the launch of our new website, radio and television shows we hope to give you additional insights to businesses, business owners, political and community leaders from a fresh vantage point. Our newest feature, Champions of Diversity will highlight companies that focus on diversity within their organizations. We know that in the next couple of year’s companies and communities will become more and more diverse and the majority will soon be the minority. We are
hopeful that this will eventually force all Americans to accept and embrace our differences and gradually change the hatreds of racism. We may finally realize that we all have the same or common goals. We all strive to make a decent wage, raise our families in safe communities, own and operate businesses in our own communities and have affordable healthcare and education for our families and children. The next big movement for Urban Trendsetters is to create a synergy between the African American and Pan African communities. Before we can begin to heal as a whole we must heal as communities. We have a lot of obstacles ahead of us and much work to do. We are looking forward to working with the Mayors of Ohio, the community organizations such as the NAACP, The Urban Leagues and other community outreach organizations to encourage them to do more grass-roots outreach campaigns and get the community involved in the programs they have available. It is one thing to get funding for great opportunities, however if the communities you are to serve do not know about the programs the organizations provide, they cannot participate. I can’t tell you how many times we learn about a great project, one week before the due date; this is very frustrating. What’s next? “Well that program did not work because no one showed up”-well maybe no one received the information. We encourage you to be pro-active in your approach to outreach and marketing. There are so many ways in which you can advertise, promote and market your business and message. Urban Trendsetters Media is only one of them. We are more than happy to design a marketing plan for your budget or lack thereof even if it means that you do not utilize us. Sometimes the program is so essential that it is necessary to do what needs to be done to get the message out, so that it is a success and so that the people that are in need are services. At a time of financial crisis such as the one we are facing now, if you have a message that needs to reach the community in order to serve the community, “let us put your business/message in the streets! Remember that we can change our community one person, then family at a time and we MUST stick together. Urban Trendsetters is your voice- USE IT!
Sharon S. Gordon sharon@urbantrendsetters.com
Copyright Urban Trendsetters News Magazine is published and distibuted monthly by Urban Trendsetters Media and Communications, LLC. Our offices are located at 2572 Oakstone DriveColumbus, OH 43213. Publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or cancel any advertisement or editorial at any time. Publisher will not be responsible for checking accuracy of items submitted for publication or for more than one wrong insertion of advertising copy. All contents of this publication are copy written 2010 by Urban Trendsetters Media and Communications.
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
October 2010
5
Community News Economic Vitality Central to Bicentennial 2012 Commemoration Mayors Coleman, Lashutka and Rinehart to Join Renewed Public Planning
As community leaders announced a renewed planning effort for the Columbus Bicentennial 2012 effort, Mayor Michael B. Coleman said economic development will be a key focus of the city’s 200th birthday commemoration. Mayor Coleman joined Franklin County Commissioners President John O’Grady, members of City Council, Organizing Committee Chair Ty Marsh, Program Management Leader Jamie Greene and other top organizers of the Bicentennial planning organization at Grange Insurance Audubon Center to urge Central Ohio residents to share their input and get involved in preparation for 2012. Residents can get involved by logging on to the new Bicentennial website, www.columbus2012.org or by emailing bicentennial2012@ C o l u m b u s . g o v . “In less than two years we as a community will take pride in our past, demonstrate faith in our future, and most importantly, advance our prosperity,” Mayor Coleman said. “It is our past that unites us as a people, but it is our
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future that inspires and motivates us toward greater civic pride, greater community purpose and greater economic vitality.” Coleman paid tribute to the three original co-chairs of the Bicentennial Commission, Bishop Timothy Clarke, Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee and Abigail Wexner for their work on the Blueprint for the Bicentennial that set the stage for today’s announcement. Coleman also introduced former Columbus mayors Dana G. “Buck” Rinehart and Gregory S. Lashutka as the new honorary leaders of Bicentennial 2012 organization. “The Bicentennial of our state’s capital provides the incentive and the opportunity to take a long-term look at where we want to be as a community,” said Commissioner O’Grady. “Franklin County has proudly partnered with both the public and private sectors on strategic economic development investments such as the Scioto Mile, Columbus Commons and the Hilton Columbus Downtown to protect the
economic health of the Central Ohio region for years to come.” Organizers laid out goals for the Bicentennial, including: •Celebration: Coordinating a year-long calendar of events that reaches every Columbus resident, attracts visitors, recognizes the beginning or completion of great projects and garners national and international attention. •Education: Bringing the city’s history accomplishments and potential to the forefront. •Inspiration: Seeding the next generation of action, with a stronger sense of who we are as a community and what we are building together. •Marketing:Generating local pride, enthusiasm and participation in Columbus’ Bicentennial Celebration and telling the Columbus story. •Action: Championing both high-profile efforts as well as those neighborhood initiatives and projects that advance our prosperity and positively impact the everyday lives of residents. “The celebration of Columbus’
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
bicentennial is a launching point for a sustained economic development campaign that I believe will positively impact our city for decades to come,” said City Council President Michael C. Mentel. “Together, we can use the events surrounding 2012 to raise awareness of Columbus and all it has to offer to individuals, families and businesses.” The Organizing Committee of the Bicentennial includes the Columbus Chamber, Columbus Partnership, Experience Columbus, Greater Columbus Arts Council, the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, the United Way of Central Ohio, The Ohio State University, the Columbus Dispatch, Nationwide Insurance and American Electric Power. The partners continue to add new members and meet regularly to help engage residents and businesses to make the most of this historic period by improving the quality of life in neighborhoods, building civic pride and telling Columbus’ story on the national level. “We all know that Columbus is among the most welcoming and innovative places in America, with creative arts, excellent restaurants, ground-breaking research and design, shopping, quality education, growing businesses and all the ingredients of a good life,” said Experience Columbus President and CEO Paul Astleford. “2012 is a year where we can step up in one voice and tell our story better.”
Community News Dayton City Commission Takes Steps to Modify PEP Program Supporting Local, Minority, Women-Owned & Small Businesses The Dayton City Commission today took initial steps to approve changes to the Procurement Enhancement Program (PEP) Ordinance designed to assist minority, women-owned and small companies (M/W/SBE) looking to do business with the City of Dayton. The Ordinance was originally adopted on December 23, 2009, with implementation beginning July 1, 2010. A soft-launch for the “construction” portion of the Ordinance began in July while additional review of the “goods and services” was completed. The changes resulting from that review now include making the goal setting dates more timely, improving notification to certified companies bidding on goods and services, adjusting the waiver process, and other wording clarifications. Two of the more significant changes are outlined below. 1) Local and Certified Preference – amended to provide a 5 percent local preference and a 5 percent certified preference for entities bidding on City goods and competitive services, as long as they agree to match the lowest bid. A preference of 10 percent is given for a business that is a certified AND a local business. (A “local” business is defined in the Ordinance as a business located within the corporate limits of Dayton that has filed or paid a payroll or earnings tax in the most recent tax quarter and is a taxpayer in good standing with the City of Dayton.) The intent of this amendment is to expand the City’s ability to provide a cost neutral program, while allowing flexibility to support those companies qualifying for the preference. In order to receive the preference, a business must be within the stated percentage and be willing to reduce their bid to match the lowest bidder. The amendment also adds the ability to break ties with the preference given to a Dayton Local Business
that has also received HUB-Zone Certification from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). 2) Project and Contract Goals for Construction – amended to clarify the City’s right to accept or reject bids in cases when the goals are not met but the cost differential exceeds the lesser of $100,000 or 10 percent, even when the lowest bidder is responsive. “We think these modifications strengthen the PEPOrdinance and make it more effective in ensuring that all businesses -- regardless of their size or their ownership make-up -- will have a fair and equal opportunity to do business with the City,” said Tom Wahlrab, Executive Director of the Dayton Human Relations Council. The City Commission heard First Reading of the amended Ordinance at its meeting today, with a Second Reading scheduled for next week. For more information or to view the complete Ordinance, visit the City of Dayton’s web site at: cityofdayton. org, or contact the Dayton Human Relations Council at 937-333-1407.
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
October 2010
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Global News Connect To Africa Through The Partners For Africa Program All are invited to read what African Americans are saying about re-connecting to Africa and share their views on the Partners for Africa website... Visit www.pfa-partnersforafrica.org and look for the Guest Blog section.
-- The PFA program has the overall objective of building partnerships with organizations and individuals in the African American community that can contribute to the fight against HIV/ AIDS in its partner countries. Their program has particular focus on supporting organizations/programs in Africa that promote economic empowerment of women as poverty has been closely linked with the spread of the HIV/AIDS. In addition, there is a crisis developing in Africa as the number of orphaned children left to fend for themselves continues to spiral. PFA, therefore, also supports HIV/AIDS orphans. African women and children are suffering in huge numbers and disproportionately as a result of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Why Connect To Africa? Africans and African Americans share a common historical link. As already stated by the government of Ghana, African Americans are considered Diaspora Africans.
Just as Jewish Americans, Polish Americans, Mexican Americans, etc. embrace their country of origin, African Americans may also want to consider forging stronger links to their continent of origin. By starting the linking process to Africa, African Americans have the opportunity to reclaim a historical and cultural legacy that does not start with slavery in the U.S.. Exploring historical roots, can provide African Americans with greater awareness of the sophisticated civilizations and rich culture of their ancestors that is a source of pride and can build a stronger sense of historical identity. This is a powerful concept, when one considers its impact on building the self esteem of African American children and youth. Africa, in turn, stands to gain from partnerships with African Americans that would facilitate access to important knowledge transfer, and financial and technical resources that can make significant impact on the continent’s struggle against HIV/AIDS and other development challenges. For more information, visit www.pfapartnersforafrica.org or send an email to contact@pfa-partnersforafrica.org
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October2010
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Champions of Diversity Champions of Diversity Radio Series Debuts with Diversity Profile of OSU The James Breast Cancer Researcher , Bhuvaneswari Ramaswamy, MD
OCTOBER CHAMPION OF DIVERSITY During the month of October, Champions of Diversty is proud to present shows dedicated to the Healthcare Diversity Champions from The Ohio State University Medical and The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospitaland Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC-James). This week we are featuring a diversity profile and special onair Q&A withBhuvaneswari Ramaswamy, MD, a breast-cancer expert at The OSUCCC-James. As a clinical researcher in Hematology/Oncology, Ramaswamy is investigating new methods to identify which breast tumors are resistant to hormone therapy. By understanding what makes theses tumors resistant, researchers may
be able to develop alternative therapies. For example, scientists might be able to develop a co-agent that would increase the ability of these tumors to respond to hormone therapies. Ramaswamy was drawn to the breast cancer specialty by the motivation and passion breast cancer patients had for improving not just their own health, but that of other women. It’s a passion she now shares.
During the show, Dr. Ramaswamy answers important questions regarding breast cancer among African-American and Hispanic women, including risk factors, early detection and treatment. T R I P L E N E G AT I V E BREAST CANCER According to the American Cancer Society, Caucasian women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than are African-American women, but
African-American women are more likely to die of this cancer, due in part to more aggressive tumors among African-American women. Researchers at The OSUCCC-James are recruiting patients for two clinical trials for women with “triple negative” breast cancer, an aggressive form of breast cancer that resists treatment. Triple negative breast cancer accounts for about 15 percent of all cases. Young women and African American women more likely to develop the disease. Patients are said to have triple negative breast cancer when their tumors lack three hormone receptors that are used to determine treatment for other forms of breast cancer: the estrogen receptor, the progesterone receptor and the HER-2 receptor. –Continued on page 20
A Conversation with an Urban Trendsetter Noel Williams -The Columbus NAACP President Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. From the famous March on Washington lead by Dr. Martin Luther King, the sitins and boycotts to the ballot box and to the classrooms, the thousands of dedicated workers, organizers, leaders and members who make up the NAACP continue to fight for social justice for all Americans. The NAACP has several annual events and programs throughout the year including the star-studded NAACP Image Awards and community youth oriented programs including The-NAACP’s AfroAcademic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics. ACT-SO is a yearlong achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among AfricanAmerican high school students. ACT-SO includes 26 categories
of competition in the sciences, humanities, business, and performing and visual arts. More than 260,000 young people have participated from the program since its inception. Students begin the program on their local level and progress to the national
level where winners are awarded at the NAACP Annual Convention. On a local level the Columbus NAACP served over +++++ families with their Back 2 School Stay in School Program with backpacks filled with school supplies. The Columbus NAACP’s Back to School program is a free one day conference for parents with children in grades K thru 12. The focus of this conference is to increase the graduation rate of students by ensuring parent involvement. The entire conference centers around getting parents more involved in their children’s education. This year’s conference was sponsored by Pepsi, Orange Crush, The CW, Radio One, Urban Trendsetters News Magazine, Ricart Automotive, Wal-Mart, Magic Mountain, COSI, CPO, and Penn National. With more than 2,200 units from coast to coast, the NAACP is proud to be one of the largest grassroots organizations in the United States.
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
The men, women and young people who comprise the volunteer field membership form the backbone of the Association and the civil rights movement itself. There are over 75 units in Ohio alone. Known as a community activist in Columbus, leading the Columbus local NAACP Chapter as President is Noel Williams. As Media CoChair for the Columbus NAACP I have had the opportunity to work closely with Ms. Williams recently. Because membership does have its privileges when asked by Penn National Gaming to act as Minority/ Diversity Inclusion Administrator for the new Columbus Hollywood Casino, Ms. Williams chose Urban Trendsetters Media and for that we are grateful. I wanted to take an opportunity to allow our readers and update or insight of her role, vision and mission for the Columbus NAACP in the next few years. –Continued on page 20
October 2010
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Trendsetter Speaks Between the Lines: The Eddie Long Sex Scandal Silence Doesn’t Make The Issue Of Church Molestation Go Away
Between Anthony
the Lines: By Asadullah Samad
Anthony Asadullah Samad *The on-going (and ever-increasing) sex scandal of one of black America’s most prominent (and extravagant) “Mega-Preachers,” Bishop Eddie Long got the nation talking. They’re not just talking about the event itself. Black America is in a debate, on Facebook, on Twitter, on blogs and chat rooms, in editorial commentary as to whether we, as a community, should even be talking about this. Is that a question that we even have to ask? This is beyond gossip. The depth of the truth will never be known, but when photos of Bishop Long posing in body suits in his bathroom show up on the internet, sexual impropriety is at least “a given.” This is one of the biggest skeletons in the closets of the black church. A huge skeleton that fell out of the Catholic Church a decade ago. It might not be just a skeleton bone in the black church. We might be stumbling up on a whole graveyard. We know this is not a singular occurrence in a single church.
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The presence of gay men in black churches, and not just in the choir, is significant. This is an issue waiting to break in probably every city in America where in some church, somewhere a worshipper has been violated. A whole bunch of preachers are, as my grandfather used to say, as “nervous as a ho in church,” because they are the whores in church. So when it breaks, it’s gonna break big. And it’s not as if the people don’t see it. I was in a conversation with a single mother a couple month’s ago where she was looking for a church home for her son. She wants him to know God but is “concerned” about the huge gay male she sees in the churches she’s attended. Her solution? Put in the Nation of Islam where he can get “manhood” training. It is now the silent concern in the black church that has nothing to do with “homophobia,” but everything to do with “predator-phobia” (the label Long’s alleged victims assigned to him) and young boys getting sexually “turned out” in church. Don’t get me wrong. We all need saving, but when the church house becomes the pick-up club (as it has become in many situations-the music, the dress, the informality, the absence of the word), it was just a matter of time before secular popular norms spilled over into the pulpit. Looking for God and a changed life is what we seek in the church. When we find something else, do we turn our heads like we do in the street? The issue here is, should it be public conversation about molestation in the church, or are we expected to be silent on this issue. Sometimes, God makes examples, even of his witnesses, to bear witness to a greater lesson of truth. And Eddie Long is one of God’s larger witnesses (time will tell if he’s one of the better ones). Make no mistake about, Eddie Long is LARGE. He takes “megachurchin’ to a whole nother level.
Folk in California, and other parts of the country, ain’t seen no preacher rollin’ like this. Maybe Creflo Dollar and T.D. Jakes are his contemporaries in the “prosperity preachin’” business. Maybe? I attended his church a couple years ago while at a family reunion in Atlanta and all I could say was, “Wow!” 640 acres of commerce endeavor, helicopter landing pad and 30,000 worshippers, he cup truly runneth over. But the decadence of Eddie Long’s New Birth Missionary Baptist Church goes beyond the “blessings without measure” that God promises those courageous in their faith. The trappings of materialism were the bait used to allegedly seduce young men. This is not about exploiting one preacher’s foibles. This is not about the politics (and hypocrisies) of black homophobia—even though Eddie Long, himself, is on record as being anti-gay and has even been called a homophobe in published reports. This is about the continuing crisis of church exploitation (notice I didn’t say religious exploitation) of spiritually vulnerable worshippers and what I call “the devils in the pulpit.” The Church house is supposed to be the safe house for those spiritually and emotionally afflicted. Yet, we see another instance where the guise of “being pleasing in the sight of God” exploits those looking for spiritual guidance. This goes far beyond the “traditional” preacher “layin’ hands” on lonely women seeking a “godly” men in the church. This is a different type of seduction, similar when Moses went to the mountaintop to talk with God
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and came back to find “his people” worshipping the golden calf. These days, the Shepard is at the front of the line, dagglin’ the golden calf and this wicked, worldly seduction begins from there. Long daggled the golden calf, God given trappings of materialism, to entrap those God blessed him to spiritually empower. That is not okay! Certainly, Bishop Long has his supporters and they have been vehement in their support. And his church has done a lot of good in the Atlanta community. But is the good worth the damage being to done to young men (the number yet to be determined) seduced by the trapping of “God-given” prosperity? No amount of good can cover an evil deed done in God’s name. And what good is a great edifice built in the name of good if it houses evil and its witnesses bear false witness. Is our silence worth the souls we’re trying to save? Not if they hide the sins of the father. Psalms 32:1 says “Blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven and whose sin is covered (God hides).” No man is perfect, but hypocrisy in the pulpit, by one of his “shepards” prying on the sheep,” is one sin God will never hide. Not even God will be silent on it. Then why should we? Anthony Asadullah Samad, Ph.D., is a national columnist, managing director of the Urban Issues Forum (www. urbanissuesforum.com) and author of the upcoming book, REAL EYEZ: Race, Reality and Politics in 21st Century Popular Culture. He can be reached at www.AnthonySamad.com.
Young & Trendy
New website
“For girls Only”
There is a new program for young ladies that are making a difference in young women across the country called Pretty Girlz Empowerment. “Pretty Girlz” is a dynamic and innovative “Empowerment” not-forprofit program based in Columbus, Ohio. This Leadership Development
Program services “Girlz” ages 7 to 18 locally at various Columbus, City Park and Recreation facilities as well as within other community organizations. “Pretty Girlz” program was designed to help young “Girlz” achieve in school, avoid teen pregnancy, and instills in the participants “Empowerment” to obtain goals that they may view as impossible. The Pretty Girlz Empowerment organization believes that every girl is a precious “Jewel” with unique gifts and possessing “Diva”like strengths. With the teenage Pregnancy rate on the rise again, Pretty Girlz has also recognize that pregnancy risk and lack of education are becoming huge challenges in the “Urban” community creating enormous hurdles for young females seeking to overcome stereotypes, poverty and gender barriers. “Pretty Girlz
Empowerment’s founder Tamara D. Brooks has made very important organizational commitments: To increase high school graduation and the college acceptance rates; to elevate young ladies self esteem to alleviate and/or reduce the pregnancy rate among teens 12–17 year of age. “I was a teenage mother”, says Ms. Brooks a 39 year old mother of 3, a visionary Entreprenuer, Program/Business Developer and Philanthropist, “with a lot of hurdles in my way. If it wasn’t for positive “Mentors”, and a community driven grandmother who was always in the shadows coaching me, I would have lost my vision. A lot of my focus to succeed was because I had two children to provide for. I don’t want that to be the motivation for today’s young females who feel
like they don’t have family support, or who are under a lot of peer pressure to do the WRONG thing. ” The “Pretty Girlz” curriculum is unique and focuses on helping girls build leadership skills such as: selfreflection; critical thinking and how to make sound decisions; goal setting; clear communication, discovering their hidden talents and accepting personal accountability. As a result, the young ladies of “Pretty Girlz” develop a true sense of personal “Empowerment”. “Pretty Girlz” is rapidly becoming known among girls, funders, –Continued on page 21
RANKIN & MOORE CENTER FOR CHANGE-Challenging Youth to do the Right Thing!
Founded by Anthony J. Pullens, of Columbus, Ohio the Rankin and Moore Center for Change, is a nonprofit organization that was created as a community resource center. Named after the founder’s grandparents, The Rankin and Moore CFC serves to provide youth, children, families the best prevention tools available to deal with the issues of drugs and alcohol, peer pressure, conflict resolution, and other destructive behaviors that affect our communities. The Rankin and Moore Center for change is a faith-based community outreach organization that works
tirelessly to reach out to and literacy tutoring services the youth, children and for grades K through 10th. This families of this program is available from October community. While a lot of 2010 through May 2010 every year. their services are based on Community Education helping to give youth and Community education classes children the necessary are offered to schools, churches, skills they need to become employment agencies, and individuals productive adults, we of all ages. Subjects Included: also help their parents, care-givers Learning how to deal with challenging and other adults. The services situations, drugs and alcohol of Rankin and Moore include: dependency, conflict resolution, Mentoring Programs and One peer pressure, bullying, violence on One Mentoring Services prevention, and other destructive Our mentoring program meets twice decisions that affect our community a month to offer group mentoring for Job Placement Program young boys and girls between the ages Spiritual Counseling Services of 8 to 18. One on One mentoring for Community Referral Services all youth and children. We match all Supportive Services to assist youth and children with an adult that families with basic needs, such as: meets there need of the child and their shelter, health, child care, and food. family. Our program is open to all February 2011 the Rankin and youth and children ages 3-16 years old. Moore Center for Change will salute Step Up Tutoring Project prominent African American leaders Services provided: math, reading, from Columbus with their first annual
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
African American Celebration. This event will honor the center’s mentors as well as people in the community that the center has chosen as “torch bearers and great examples of our youth. It is important that young African American children have the opportunity to meet individuals that look like them and have possibly been where they have been, in successful roles within their community”state Pullens. Of those being honored in 2011 are Bishop Timothy Clarke, Second Baptist Church, Pastor Emeritus, Leon Troy, New Salem Minster of Music, Milton Ruffin and Director of the Ohio Drug and Alcohol Administration, Angela Cornelius Dawson. For more information about the Rankin Moore Center for Change’s services as well as how you may donate or sponsor this organization visit their website at www.rankinandmoorecenter.com.
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Education Trends
The NOTTEN S.T.E.M. School -What is a STEM School? STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, and a STEM School focuses on these subjects to help our nation’s youth gain the skills required to succeed in today’s challenging world. This includes the ability to think critically, solve complex problems, and drive advancements in science and technology. While the future stability of our economy is unknown and we currently face an economic downturn, parents will take comfort in knowing that science and engineering jobs are growing 70 percent faster than other occupations. This means STEM School students will be at an advantage when competing for the hightech, high-wage jobs of the future. This program was fueled by America’s high demand for educated individuals to fill the job openings requiring highly skilled STEM workers in order to keep some of the nation’s most innovative companies right here in the U.S. STEM Schools are now emerging across the nation, state by state, to keep America ranked as one of the leading nations in technological breakthroughs and scientific research. However, just like all important programs, funding can often be scarce or inadequate. As of right now, private investors and state programs are scraping together enough money to advance the STEM School program because they understand that investing in our nation’s education is one of the most important strategies for maintaining a strong, stable economy in the future. The Notten STEM School opened its doors in August 2010 and began it’s quest to grow and educate the communities future scientist and engineers. This new Charter school’s mission is “to engage under-represented populations of kindergarten through eighth grade students in rigorous academic coursework and activities that help them solve meaningful problems and equips them with the academic
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competencies and real world tools to succeed as high school and college students and as employees in high growth STEM careers.” The curriculum developed by the Ohio Department of Education and the 21st Century Skills Standards will be the foundation for the school’s academic program. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) instructional program is a series of mini courses that will be taught in conjunction with the curriculum. Notten School will use the STEM program developed by a national organization that is the worldwide leader in developing preengineering programs for middle school and high school pupils. Why the STEM Emphasis? STEM program links students’ learning opportunities by using an interdisciplinary approach through inquiry-based and project-based learning activities. Research Council states these approaches to learning are ideal since students’ naturally like to explore, experiment, problem solve, and invent at a young age. Project-based, hands-on learning encounters help students make sense of academic concepts as they simulate real life experiences. Core subject skills are strengthened as students apply skills in a variety of ways. Studies show that there is exponential projected job growth is forecast for STEM careers, however there is much needed concern with persistently low math and science scores in under-represented populations. “Columbus has a high percentage of economically disadvantaged students and some of the strategies used that are provided by Notten School have proven very successful in raising achievement with that population. The engineering component provides excellent opportunities to fine tune problem solving and critical thinking skills for real world problems. We utilize the Project Lead the Way Program. Students in many, many schools
throughout the U.S. using Project Lead the Way STEM programs have shown substantial increases in test scores across all subjects. Students understand how skills they are learning in the classroom can be applied to life. The program also promotes cooperation, going beyond the classroom for answers and managing time/resources and Practices using written and/or visual mediums to communicate with a wide variety of audiences. Implementation of STEM Program The Notten STEM School begins teaching children while their minds are still ripe and fresh. Kindergarten through second grade students will access a traditional curriculum to develop strong language arts, writing and math skills in preparation for
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
the STEM program. Beginning at the 3rd – 5th grade level, students will begin the STEM program with the Project Lead the Way aerospace science curriculum. As students approach the 6th–7th grade, they will complete another formal Project Lead the Way STEM program, Gateway to Technology, which is comprised of 5 units (Design and Modeling, The Magic of Electrons, The Science of Technology, Automation and Robotics and Flight and Space), and is designed to help all students explore math, science, and technology to transition to the high school preengineering classes. Lastly, 8th graders will complete an introductory biomedical sciences course, Principles of the Biomedical Sciences. It is the first of –Continued on page 21
The Journey Fat Loss Fiesta - Fat Loss Made Easy
America’s Fat Loss Coach is coming to Columbus!
(Columbus) Robert Ferguson, M.S., C.N., “America’s Fat which promotes eating the Loss Coach” is bringing his Fat Loss foods you love and losing weight. Fiesta workshop to Columbus. The Ferguson’s approach is geared toward Fat Loss Fiesta – Fat Loss Made Easy, people who are done with diets and will be held on October 16, at the want to change the way they live. First Church of God, 3480 Refugee The incidence of obesity is not much Road, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. better for children. The CDC reports Ferguson’s approach to diet and that 18% of teens and 20% of children weight loss is attracting attention, six – 11 years of age are overweight. especially among people who have During the Columbus event, Ferguson experienced limited or short term will introduce his “Fat Loss Coaching success on any number of diet plans for Parents” program. The program and programs. Americans spend an is designed to equip parents and estimated $42 billion each year on grandparents with the information and diet and weight loss products. Yet, tools they need to guide their children, according to the Centers for Disease from toddlers to teens, toward Control (CDC), more than a third of better food and lifestyle choices. all American adults are overweight; Robert Ferguson has been featured more than a third are obese. nationally on Access Hollywood, The event is presented with support Good Morning America, The from the African American Male Mo’Nique Show and The 700 Wellness Walk as well as local Club. He is the founder and CEO physician, Dr. Bernadette Anderson. of Diet Free Life, LLC. Robert is a Among the scheduled presenters consultant to church ministries, parent at the event, Dr. Anderson has lost organizations, wellness companies, 80 pounds on Ferguson’s program, and Gold’s Gym. He also co-authored after a life long battle with weight Ricki Lake’s AllStride, a book issues. She is currently leading a dedicated to ending childhood obesity. local group of men and women The Columbus Fat Loss Fiesta-Fat Loss also using the Ferguson program. Made Easy event is open to the public; The Columbus Fat Loss Fiesta will registration is required. To register also include information on the please visit: www.dietfreelifestore. Food Lovers Fat Loss System®, a com. For more information, call program Ferguson co-developed, Kimberly King, 614-323-5416
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October 2010
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Fit &Trendy
How to Guard Your Child from Peer Pressure It is that time of the year again, as your kids are going back to school, it is important to know how Peers can influence your children’s lives, even if we don’t realize it. Peer’s can influence your children’s lives just by spending time with them weather it be in the classroom, or out at the community center. Kids learn from one another. It is only natural to learn from other people in our age group. Peer pressure can have positive influence on our children’s lives, especially our school age children. For example a student in a math class figured out an easier way to solve a math problem. Or in English class some one figured out an easier way to remember the vocabulary spelling list and the other peers in the class use those same techniques. They might also see friends joining sports teams and because of that they might be apt to joining them as well. These are all positive influence of peer pressure. Sometimes, however, peer’s influence each other negatively. These peer pressures include gossiping, cheating on an exam; or smoking and using drugs. Peer pressure sometimes involves pushing kids to experiment. The pressure of fitting in can override our children’s values, leading children to do something they would not have done otherwise, because they want the approval of the group. Peer relationships are especially important to teens. Because of this, teens want to be liked or fit in. So they go along with the group. Some will give in to peer pressure because they want to be friends with what they believe are the “cool” kids at school. Other children give into peer pressure because they are curious and want try something new that the other kids are doing. Some even simply go along with the crowd. . As a parent, what can you do with
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children who are going back to school and might be facing these pressures? Well, you can begin by having open communication with your children. The more your child talks to you, the more influence you have on their lives and the more they will likely tell you about things that they are interested in and about their friends. Be the parent. Children respond positively when they know you’re the parent and that you have expectations. While being their friend is good; listening to their feelings and reminding them of what you expect from them sets boundries and allows you to share your concerns. Your children learn from you; so be clear with your rules and be consistent when disciplining your children. You can help your children by asking them what they might do in different situations , like what would you do if a friend asked you to smoke a cigarette, or what would you do if your friends were gossiping about someone you know? This will help your children know what to do and say if they are pressured to do something negative. While, illegal substance abuse is an issue for teens; parents should be increasingly aware that the new drug of abuse comes right out of their medicine cabinet. According to the Institute of Medicine, Teens are increasingly turning to prescription drugs to get high or promote physical or mental attributes. In fact, prescription drugs are now the drugs of choice for 12 and 13 year olds, used more than any other illicit street drug except marijuana. Everyday 2,500 kids ages 12 to 17 try a painkiller for the first time. In addition, one in five teens report abusing prescription medications to get high. Two in five teens believe that prescription medications are safer than illegal drugs. At TWC Pharmacy and Wellness Center LLC and Nexus Counseling
T WC
Pharmacy and Wellness Center LLC
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– Continued on page 22
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Fit & Trendy
Dr. Robert S.D. Higgins to speak at the 3rd Annual Excellence in Healthcare Banquet The Community Property Development Corporation, a 501C3 nonprofit and an affiliate of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, is sponsoring the 3rd Annual Excellence in Healthcare Banquet on Tuesday November 9, 2010 at 6:00pm. The event will feature Dr. Robert S.D. Higgins, Director, Comprehensive Transplant Center and Chief, Division of Cardiac Surgery, at The Ohio State University Medical Center. Dr. Higgins will be addressing “The Real Facts on Metabolic Syndrome and You”. Metabolic Syndrome is characterized by a group of metabolic risk factors. Some of the factors are abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure; Insulin resistance and others. People with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Metabolic syndrome has become increasingly common in the United States. It is estimated that the syndrome affects 1 in 5 Americans. Many of the residents in our community are unaware of how early prevention may save lives. This fund raiser will help us do outreach, screenings and education in the central city about this treatable medical condition.
Health, as well as a member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church. The Community Property Development Corporation was created in 2000 to address the critical need for healthcare and other social services on the near Eastside of Columbus. The Gateway Health and Wellness Center is the first project of the CPDC, whose mission is to provide community resources in the areas of healthcare, education and economic development. The Gateway Health and Wellness Center is now the corporate address for resident physician Dr. A. Mark White, Tech Corp, Events by Linzy and our newest residents and Dr. Pamela Gant and Dr Robert Gardner of the Gateway General Dentistry. This banquet will allow CPDC to increase our outreach activities about the metabolic syndrome to the residents within the central city. “Financial support is critical so that we can continue our mission to provide information about resources and affordable services in healthcare to address the mind, body and soul. There are still sponsorship opportunities available and we ask that you join us for a night dedicated to healthy lives in the Columbus community” states Iris Cooper, Event Chair. For more information on how you can support and attend this event contact the Gateway Health and Wellness Center at 614) 223-0253 or email nbretz@thegatewaycenter.info.
The Excellence in Healthcare Banquet will be held in the banquet hall of the beautiful Gateway Health and Wellness Center located on the St. Paul Campus at Jefferson and Long Streets in Columbus. This event will also feature the “Cheryl Boyce Excellence in Healthcare Award” for leading professionals in Black healthcare. Cheryl Boyce is a long time advocate for minority healthcare and the Director for the Ohio Commission on Minority
Save the Date! November 9, 2010 6:00 pm The Community Property Development Corporation presents The 3rd Annual Excellence in Healthcare Banquet & Cheryl Boyce Excellence in Healthcare Awards Featuring Keynote Speaker Dr. Robert S.D. Higgins, M.D., MSHA New Medical Research Chair, Director, Comprehensive Transplant Center Chief, Division of Cardiac Surgery The Ohio State University Medical Center
Topic: The Metabolic Syndrome – How OBESITY, DIABETES and CARDIOVASCULAR problems plague the Black community. Gateway Health and Wellness Center 112 Jefferson Avenue, Columbus Ohio 43215
Tickets: $50. Students and Seniors: $30. Corporate sponsorships and group tickets available (614) 223-0253 or email nbretz@thegatewaycenter.info
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October 2010
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Trendy Palette
Celebrate Halloween With Fun Family Activities -With little witches, warlocks and ghosts galore, the spookiest day of the year is just around the corner. But, why wait until nighttime to join the festivities? This Halloween, celebrate from one spook-filled hour to the next with a variety of activities the entire family will enjoy. Following are a few ideas likely to make your next Halloween celebration a real scream: • Don’t Throw Away the Seeds. Save the seeds from your pumpkin carvings and turn them into a healthy Halloween snack. First, let clean seeds dry on a paper towel for 10 minutes. Next, spray a muffin pan with butter-flavored, nonstick cooking spray, placing seeds in the cups and turning them to coat lightly. For a flavorful touch, let kids sprinkle on cinnamon and sugar, garlic salt or popcorn seasoning. Finally, bake in a preheated oven at 350º F, turning once, for 10 to 20 minutes or until brown and slightly crisp. • Make a Pumpkin Man. Choose pumpkins or gourds in three different sizes. Insert a dowel or garden stake through the center of each to hold them together and then add stick arms, clothes, a hat and fun facial features. Set your pumpkin man on the porch or near the front door to greet nighttime trick-or-treaters. • Prepare a Bone-Chillin’ Brew. Quench everyone’s thirst with an easy-tomake punch concoction that’s sure to keep the party alive. Start with Punch flavor NESTLÉ® JUICY JUICE®. Mix it with frozen lemonade concentrate and lemon-lime soda and refrigerate. Next, pour water into plastic gloves and fasten with rubber bands or twist ties. Then line a baking sheet with paper
towels and place filled gloves on paper towels. Freeze for three hours or until firm. Once the “hands” are frozen, cut gloves off and let the hands float in the punch. • Host a Hair-Raising Bash. Invite friends and neighborhood kids to celebrate the holiday with costume contests, monstrous music and freaky foods, such as this recipe for Spiderweb Munch. This crispy snack is topped with a layer of melted chocolate and decorated with a thin piping of peanut butter to create creepy “webs.” And don’t forget to add a candy spider on top for an even spookier flair. For more Halloween activities and recipe ideas, you can visit NestleFamily. com and VeryBestBaking.com. Spiderweb Munch (Makes 12−16 servings) 2 cups (12-ounce package) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels 1 cup creamy peanut butter, divided ⅓ cup powdered sugar 3 cups toasted rice cereal HEAT morsels and ¾ cup peanut butter in small, heavy-duty saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth; remove from heat. Add sugar; stir vigorously until smooth. PLACE cereal in large bowl. Add 1 cup melted chocolate mixture; stir until evenly coated. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Using small metal spatula, shape into 10-inch circle with slightly raised 1-inch-wide border. Pour remaining chocolate mixture in center of circle; spread to border. FOR SPIDERWEB: PLACE remaining peanut butter in small, heavy-duty plastic bag. Cut tiny corner from bag; squeeze to pipe concentric circles on top of chocolate. Using wooden pick or tip of sharp knife, pull tip through peanut butter from center to border. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until firm. Cut into wedges.
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Heath & Wellness
“The Custodian of a Sacred Art” designer fragrance copies, and has an inventory of 20 original fragrances to suit every personal taste and style. Higher calling fuels perfume passion “Even though we’re on earth, every perfumer imagines and tries to capture the fragrances of Paradise,” said Abdul-Zahir. Through continuous research and development, Abdul-Zahir has formulated a line of products with all natural ingredients. He truly is committed to making Malik Abdul-Zahir, 60, his mark in is passionate about the the health perfume business and care industry. has been honing his E v e r y perfumery expertise for product over 32 years. Founder of reflects his the House of Rihaz, a line dedication of original and holistic to high scents, Abdul- Zahir has standards focused exclusively for and love of the past three years to fragrances. perfect and formulate his own line Abdul-Zahir has acquired expertise of natural products.. Gifted with in the Western commercial perfume a keen sense of intuition, Abdul industry. However, his primary Zahir has the unique capability to training is rooted in the Islamic culture. design fragrances to suit individual He was trained in the science of Attars tastes and styles. Creating personal in Egypt and is also trained in the Sufi fragrances truly is one of Abdul- science of scents as a healing factor. Zahir’s biggest passions, aside from The Eastern culture has played a vital being the father of 15 children, nine role in the history of perfumery and is who have graduated from college. Abdul-Zahir’s biggest influence. The Two years ago,Abdul-Zahir Islamic culture has been influencing partnered with Oils by Nature in a others in the field of perfumery for new business venture called ObN® centuries. Renaissance technologists Skincare. Thebwhole line is made drew both methods and materials from hand selected, premium raw from the Muslim world. Malik Abdulingredients and created in controlled Zahir has studied and utilized many batches with the utmost attention to of the practices of perfumery that quality. Through his partnership with first appeared in Islamic culture. Oils by Nature, ObN® Skincare now Abdul-Zahir strives to carry on the comes “Direct from Nature” to YOU. traditions of perfume set forth in ObN® Skincare LLC also creates the Muslim world. He realizes that
Islam has had an important role in the story of perfumes. While managing to conserve the early practices and achievements in the field perfumery, Islam advanced the level of chemical and pharmaceutical technology. Through the study of these contributions, Malik Abdul-Zahir was inspired to make his own contributions to the chronicle of perfumes. With his attention to detail and keen sense of smell, Abdul-Zahir was drawn into the business of perfumes. He incorporates this culture into every product he creates. In a world full of chemically altered products, he knows “natural” is the way to go. Why I chose to be a Lover of Fragrances, Islam and the World of Perfume The Arabs played a leading role in the development of aromatic healing by creating an advanced level of chemical and pharmaceutical technology. They had established extensive trade routes, which connected India, China, the Mediterranean and Indonesia with the Arab world. Spices and essential oils were sold and used as precious commodities. Through the trade routes these spices and essential oils were made available to the entire civilized world. Without the Arab world, the knowledge of the Greeks and Romans may have been lost forever. Arabic scientists made great improvements in the technique of distillation and established a vast body of research literature regarding essential oils. They created the first solid soap, which was scented with aromatics. Ibn-Sina, known in the West, as “Avicenna” was an Arabic alchemist, astronomer, philosopher, mathematician, physician, poet who wrote the famous Canon of Medicine. He used essential oils extensively in his practice and dedicated one of his over 100 books solely to the use of medicinal plants. The history of perfume goes back
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to Egypt, although it was prevalent in East Asia as well. Early perfumes were based on incense, not chemicals, so aromas were passed around through fumes. The Roman and Islamic cultures further refined the harvesting and manufacturing of perfumery processes to include other aromatic ingredients. Thus, the ancient Islamic culture marked the history of modern perfumery with the introduction of spices and herbs. Fragrances and other exotic substances, such as Jasmine and Citruses, were adapted to be harvested in climates outside of their indigenous Asia. The extraction of fragrances was perfected through steam distillation. In turn, the Islamic cultural production of fragrances and distillation technology inspired the scientific communities of western culture during the fourteenth century, especially in France, which brought further cultivation of these raw materials and introduced chemical-based perfume. Perfumery Globalized Modern innovation in the history of perfume can be credited to the West, but the cultural conceptualization still belonged to Islam. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “The taking of a bath on Friday is compulsory for every male Muslim who has attained the age of puberty… [and then] the using of perfume if it is available.” (Bukhari). The use of spiced and fragranced perfume during the Renaissance was exclusive to the royalty and wealthy for the purpose of covering body odors related to their sanitary habits. Thus, perfumery as an industry was established in the West. This is where the history of perfume denotes the association of perfume with the upper class. It wasn’t until the eighteenth century that the Grasse region of France harvested aromatic plants to –Continued on page 21
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Business Africa United reveals the other side of a continent A new movie starring five young unknowns is tipped to match the success of Slumdog Millionaire Tracy McVeigh and Vanessa Thorpe Among the recent flurry of mainstream films set in Africa there has been an inescapable common thread. Blood Diamond, The Last King of Scotland, Shooting Dogs and The Constant Gardener: all well-received, all acclaimed, and all with white protagonists heroically engaging with a dangerous and savage continent. That pattern may be about to change. Later this month five young, unknown Africans will walk up the red carpet in London’s Leicester Square to the British premiere of a film which discards the usual Hollywood stereotypes. Africa United, dubbed “the rookies’ project” by its makers, features a cast of children aged 11 to 15 who had never acted before; a writer producing his first script and a director making her first feature film. It has already been compared favourably to Slumdog Millionaire, and indeed, is being distributed by Pathe, the company behind Danny Boyle’s Oscar winner. The former Sudanese child soldier turned rap star Emmanuel Jal, who plays a villain, is the only name audiences may recognise, and for him it was an acting first. Africa United is a road movie about five children who travel 3,000 miles to reach the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Their backgrounds are as diverse as the continent – Fabrice, a middle-class football protégé; Dudu, a Rwandan Aids orphan with a true sense of determination; Beatrice, his God-loving and gentle little sister; Celeste, a proud teenage sex worker; and Foreman George, a traumatised former child soldier from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The early screenings have seen rapturous acclaim for the performances, and at the Toronto Film Festival last month it won a standing ovation. “That was an
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insane moment and a big relief,” said director Debs Gardner-Paterson. But it was the timing of Africa United, coming after the huge success of the 2010 World Cup, amid signs of growth and peace across many of the continent’s nations, that made it so important, said Gardner-Paterson. “There’s a whole side to Africa that is just not being seen. It’s such a trick to pull off, but what we hoped was to make a family film that doesn’t avoid that side of things. Show kids here that there are kids like you in other situations who are incredible human beings. There are so many good stories and so many great people, entrepreneurial, clever, joyful. There is so much ingenuity and creativity, it’s outrageous. “My cousin, who is 14, read the script and said ‘You’ve got it wrong, this kid has a mobile phone, you don’t get that in Africa’, and I was like, yes you do, and that’s the point. There’s a whole side of Africa that you just don’t see.” Her mother was raised in Rwanda and Gardner-Paterson was determined to shoot in the country, along with scenes filmed in South Africa and Burundi. Africa United became a British-Rwandan co-production. “The scenery is off the chart, amazing, and I felt it was morally wrong to just settle for filming the whole thing in South Africa because it was easier,” she said. The impetus for Africa United came from Eric Kabera, a Rwandan raised in a refugee camp in Congo, who has made himself a driving force in developing east African film. For him, too, the timing for such an uplifting film was right. “I go to film festivals and people say, ‘Here comes the genocide guy,’ because my work has focused so much on that period, but now it is time to show different stories from
Africa. There is more here than civil war. Let’s not brush over the issues but let’s not ignore the hope. This film is a transit point for people to start looking differently, through the eyes of children, at Africa. The football is just a metaphor, but I hope it will unleash many more stories from the continent.” But not all stories about Africa are found in Africa. One of the most remarkable twists the production of the film took was the search for the boy who would play Fabrice. The role required remarkable footballing skills along with the acting. And with just five weeks to go before shooting began, the original choice pulled out. Enter the African migrant. Producer Mark Blaney was in Norwich for Christmas when his mother-in-law handed him a newspaper cutting. A local boy whose mother had fled the 1994 genocide in Rwanda was trying out for Norwich City. “It was a complete fluke. Luckily there weren’t too many Rwandan surnames in the Norwich phone book,” said Roger Nsengiyumva, 16. His mother Illuminée had been a bride for only two days when violence erupted. Within a month, her Tutsi husband John had been murdered by the same Hutu neighbours who had toasted the couple’s future. By 1996, she had found her way to Norwich with her baby son. Within weeks of Blaney finding him, Roger was on a flight back to his homeland and struggling to learn an African accent and work out how to act. “It was scary, but once I got into the swing of it I loved it and it’s definitely what I want to do,” said Roger, who has already gone on to complete another acting role in a BBC drama. “In Africa United I was playing who I might have been if I’d stayed in Rwanda, although my character
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Fabrice is really quite well off, but I do think about who I might have been without the education I’ve been able to get in England.” Fabrice is spotted by a football scout looking for young players to represent Africa at the World Cup ceremony in Johannesburg and told to turn up at an audition in the Rwandan capital, Kigali. A wrong bus leads to the epic journey. In line with storytelling traditions, the character Dudu’s thoughts are shown in animation, something which was in the original screenplay, said writer Rhidian Brook. “When the producers called me in to talk about it, there was a desire to do a film about Africa that wasn’t about a catastrophe or a safari. I had been travelling with my family for a year and living in places affected by Aids and I don’t think I could have written this film without doing that. I wrote about the journey first in the book More Than Eyes Can See.” The novelist, better known for the award-winning The Testimony of Taliesin Jones, wrote the screenplay just over a year ago, and admits that football is not what the film is really about. Football in a way is just ‘the McGuffin’,” he said. “We had come up with a pitch line which was strong: five kids walk 3,000 miles to get to the opening of the World Cup.” Dudu, the orphan with the briefcase and a line in malapropisms, was the first character to take shape. In the film he is played by Ugandan Eriya Ndayambaje, now aged 14. “I thought it was very African to have a story within a story, but some of the producers were worried it might hand-brake the drama,” said Brook. Continued on page 23
CrewCo Financial Group Bio
CrewCo Financial Group came together from three generations. CrewCo Financial is a “Capital Acquisitions Consulting” firm which specializes in assisting companies in obtaining working capital. This is done from our expertise and affiliations within the financing industry; we assist companies with their focus on growth with an infusion of capital. CrewCo Financial can assist companies from the startup phase to the company that has been established for years.
Business
We have assisted churches, The CEO of CrewCo Financial Group construction contractors, is Jeffrey E. Cole. He was born in development companies etc…. Ann Arbor, Michigan and raised in The Executive Officers of Tennessee. Jeffrey Cole graduated CrewCo Financial are Frank from Millington Central High School Crews, Reggie Crews, and and has been an entrepreneur since Jeffrey Cole. Frank B. Frank the age of 16. He holds a Bachelors Crews is the CFO of CrewCo of Science in Psychology from Financial Group and was born Tennessee State University and and raised in Columbus, Ohio. works as an “Information Technology He graduated from East High Support Analyst” for Ohio Health. School. Frank Crews went to Jeffrey Cole has a vast amount work for Nationwide Insurance of experience with investments, in 1953 as a janitor. After graduating currency trading, and hedge funding from The Ohio State University, he which is a viable characteristic in was promoted to a Systems Analyst heading up CrewCo Financial Group. for the Medicare Program. Later he Jeffrey Cole gained his training for became a Hearings Officer for the consulting from his mentor, Phil Medicare Program and was received Doushey, who is very successful in a vast amount of accolades for his the “Capital Acquisitions” industry. accomplishments at Nationwide. The COO of CrewCo Financial After 38 years of service Frank Crews Group is Reginald Crews. He was retired, several years later he went born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. into business with his son Reginald He graduated from Linden McKinley Crews and grandson Jeffrey Cole. High School. He holds a Bachelors in Communications from Ohio University in the Cutler College honors program where he also studied in NewYork City . He was the first black student and first graduate of Black Studies at Ohio University and managed the student union. Reginald has worked for DeVry, WCKX, WBNS, Colgate-Palmolive in marketing and advertising. He has been the Executive Producer for a Gospel Radio show for over 22years and has worked in television as well. Reginald is also President and CEO of Crews Brothers Advertising and has received numerous awards and accolades for his expertise in the advertising industry. Reginald Crews gained his training for consulting from his mentor, Phil Doushey, who is very successful in the “Capital Acquisitions” industry. For more information on the services and products offered by CrewCo Financial Call 614-443-3665
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
October 2010
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Continued Page –Continued from page 9
by the National Cancer Institute.
Consequently, treatments for other forms of breast cancer, which target one or more of these receptors, are not effective for triple negative breast cancer, and women who develop the disease generally have a poor prognosis.
“Until very recently, chemotherapy was the only option for patients with triple negative breast cancer,” says Shapiro, a leading breast cancer authority. “We believe these novel agents offer new hope for these individuals.” For more information, call the JamesLine at 614-2935066 or 1-800-293-5066.
October Champion
Researchers at OSUCCC-James developed and initiated the two separate triple negative breast cancer treatment trials, which are funded –Continued from page 9
Noel Williams
Sharon: What is the core mission and vision of the Columbus NAACP? Noel: Mission is to advance the position of minority groups by all appropriate means; including combating any acts of discrimination against minority groups; while also engaging in increasing the level of economic, political, social and educational empowerment. Sharon: How did you begin your journey with the NAACP? Noel: I started in the NAACP as the Chair of Labor & Industry. As that committee chair we resolved over 300+ job discrimination complaints, assisted members in being reinstated to their jobs received monetary awards, established relationships with labor organizations across the state of Ohio. Also, the committee under my leadership held one of Columbus Ohio very 1st job fairs. During that event approximately 500 employers attended and many applicants secured employment. Sharon: What is your vision for the Columbus NAACP in the near future? Noel: I must start this answer with educating your readers on the past then move to the present then forward to our future. The Civil Rights movement is a three prong movement. That is, political, social and economical. We as African Americans have achieved socially in
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ABOUT THE CHAMPIONS OF that we can live and eat any place we like. Politically we have achieved, there are many African Americans in political offices, we have achieved all the way to the highest office in the land, the office of President of the United States. But economically as a people we have not arrived. That is, we are still the last hired, the 1st fired, we do have employment retention which denies us the opportunity to save, invest and build generational wealth for our children’s children. A lack of financial freedom denies us the opportunity to build businesses which will employ others, build and sustain our communities. Collectively economically we are still in 3rd country status. We earn less, receive less of the business contract, save and invest less than any other race of people. Upon approach Penn National Gaming it was all about economics. We successfully advocated and currently are partnering with Penn National for jobs and economical opportunities for African Americans and all minorities. As such the future for the Columbus NAACP is to continue working toward economical liberation for us collectively through relationships and advocating with corporate America (Columbus), labor organizations, and government. The Columbus NAACP continues to advocate against “taxation without representation” which means we pay taxes but we do not receive our share of the wealth. We will continue working and moving forward on
DIVERSITY RADIO SHOW Champions of Diversity is a weekly radio show series that profiles the movers and the shakers within our local for profit and non-profit companies and government agencies, who promote and demonstrate the value that diversity brings to their perspective organizations. Champions of Diversity also celebrates those individuals, past, present and future who have, are and will pave the way for greater our children receiving a quality educational via such programs and events as our Back-to-School/ Stay-In-School and Civil Right Celebration. We must educate not only our children but we must educate our parents. As the saying goes “Only the Educated are Free” thus education has been and will always be our route to freedom. We will continue to build our membership but most importantly we will secure a permanent location for the Columbus NAACP, i.e., a building. Sharon: We know the NAACP as the oldest civil right organization in the country, how relevant is the NAACP today? Noel: This question has been asked of National NAACP leaders including me as a local leader. Here is what I told Columbus NAACP members in recent correspondence, “Many times the question is asked as a genuine inquiry other times with an accusatory tone. Regardless of the questioner’s intent, the answer has been the same: ask President Obama if the NAACP’s centurylong pursuit of equality is relevant to him being the 1st African American President of the United States. Ask Mayor Michael Coleman, Columbus 1st African American Mayor. Ask Jeanette Bradley the 1st African American woman to be Lt. Governor for the State of Ohio. Ask anyone who lived through the Jim Crown era if the NAACP’s agitation for passage of the Voting Rights is relevant to
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
understanding and acceptance of the overall value, need and importance of diversity within their professional and personal experiences and lives. Tune into the Champions of Diversity Radio Show every Sunday morning at 8AM on REWIND 103.5 FM, Mega 103.1 Hispanic Radio or log on towww.ChampionsOfDiversity. com to access each show on demand as a podcast. Also access Champions of Diversity on Facebook.
Americans of all colors being able to vote and hold office without fear for their lives. Ask many minority workers or college graduates such as myself if the NAACP’s efforts to expand our horizons of opportunity have relevancy today?” Sharon: What are the benefits of being a member of the NAACP and why is it important? Noel: Membership has its privileges! You know that to be true. As Columbus NAACP President I will always make sure our membership is represented 1st. Honestly, as previously stated the NAACP has secured many freedoms for us all. Under my leadership, we have successfully gotten over 150 people reinstated to lost jobs, secured approximately $21,000 in back pay for complainants, increase parent participation in schools by 5%, awarded $5,000 in scholarships, and financial impacted over 6 schools with scholarships via the Civil Rights Celebration, increased NAACP visibility in the courts, increased membership by 15% and currently addressing Columbus police harassment issues with the US Department of Justice. Therefore, the Columbus NAACP is a strong advocate for jobs, justice and education. You never know when you might need it and you want the NAACP to be there. Join the fight by becoming a Columbus NAACP member TODAY! – Continued on next page
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As I usually say to someone I first meeting, “what’s name? Oh I don’t believe I have seen your name on my membership roles. Here is your membership application— Join Today! The NAACP is still as relevant today as it was in the 60’s because contrary to popular belief, although we have had many victories and overcome many obsticals as a community and as a people we still have a long way to go. If you are interested in becoming an active member of the Columbus NAACP, and would like more information on how you can “get involved” visit their website at www.columbusnaacp.com.
and public/private entities as the “Empowerment Program” for girls’ self development. The program provides girls with a safe place, diverse workshops that focus on personal /professional development and self-esteem. “I believe these core areas lead to better life choices and an opportunity for young ladies to realize their full potential”, says Ms. Brooks, “ Our young ladies are like “Lotus” flowers ready to bloom. We need more programs to show our “Girlz” that they have talent...that they are “Beautiful” and they are not just sexual or imperfect objects as the media portrays”.
Noel Williams
Girls
“While developing the program I decided that a great way to reach teens is via internet,” says Ms.
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Notten School sa four-course sequence, which equips them with an excellent overview
of the issues and career opportunities waiting in the field of medicine. Saxon and Harcourt textbooks to be used for reading, math, social studies, and science and centralized computer labs are available for all students. School Overview Students of the Notten STEM School receive the much needed attention often not found in traditional public schools as classes are no more than 20 students per class. There are Counselor’s on staff and to level the playing (learning field) students wear uniforms. Free and reduced meals as well as free transportation are provided. –Continued from page 17
Sacred Art
accommodate the growing demand for fragranced and spiced perfumes. Perfumery flourished! The world history of perfume came to a head. France is still the perfume center of modern-day Europe, which trades with the United States. The latter, however, has established its own perfume industry and trades with the rest of the world. Perfumery is now a world conglomeration and serves as a major division
of the world fashion industry. The history of perfume is now globally involved. Natural scents are superior “Discovering the art of natural perfumery is like crossing the threshold of a beautiful old house and finding it utterly intact and splendidly furnished—but deserted, as if it had been suddenly abandoned,” said Abdul-Zahir. It took centuries to discover ways of extracting scent from aromatic materials. Yet just as a full palette of natural
Brooks, “People today are ALWAYS in front of their computers so I created sort of an online magazine to attract my audience”. To date the organization serves over 7 thousand girls worldwide by hosting a Face Book page where thousands of “Girlz”, 80% youth and 20% career women serving as virtual mentors interact daily. A “Mentor” blog was also created so that “Empowering” women could give their story and words of encouragement to young ladies to inspire them. Some of these women include Actress/Author Pam Grier, Publisher/Author/CNN Contributor Karen Hunter, Dames Bond, LLC Founder Marry B. Relotto and Community Relations Officer for JP Morgan Chase, Cinnamon Pelly. “I wanted “Pretty Girlz” to serve a diverse group of girls crossing out economic and racial barriers while providing
opportunities for all “Pretty Girlz” to interact with one another. Sometimes “Empowering” women can’t come to every session due to travel or their work schedule but still want to donate their time, so I created the mentor blog to give them that opportunity to share and encourage virtually, to still being able to inspire someone with their story. I was happy to get the response from women all over the WORLD, that was inspiring to me alone”. To learn more about “Pretty Girlz Empowerment” and how your “Pretty Girl can participate go to www. prettygirlzempowerment.blogspot. com, or check out their group and Face Book page @ www.facebook.com/ pages/pretty-girlz/203089567831. To get information locally to enroll your child please call 614625-8815 for more information.
Notten STEM School is a non-profit charter/community school and funding is provided by The State of Ohio and Federal Government. The school’s governing board meets monthly and everyone is invited to attend sessions. Kids Count of Dayton, Inc is the school’s sponsor (oversight entity) and the school must adhere to the same regulations as any public district school. If you are interested in discovering your child’s full potential you may want to consider a visit to the Notten STEM School. Interested parents and caregivers are encouraged to contact the school to receive a tour or visit their upcoming Open House. For more information contact the Notten STEM School at 614-
essences became available, commercial perfumers began to set them aside in favor of synthetic ingredients, which are cheaper, sturdier, and more uniform in quality. Unfortunately, they have none of the richness or complexity of the natural ingredients, and they result in “linear” fragrances that strike the senses bluntly, all at once. Natural essences contain minute traces of various materials, which is why Moroccan rose smells different from Bulgarian rose
or Egyptian rose. Synthetics can approximate the dominant qualities of the natural essences, but they cannot capture the same subtlety or softness, nor can they mimic the way natural perfumes evolve on the skin, uniquely in response to body chemistry. On the basis of their relative volatility—how long they remain perceptibly fragrant— essences are classified as top (or head), middle (or heart), and base notes. Intense and profound, base notes evolve over the course of
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
hours or even days. They are often thick and syrupy, and most are derived from bark (sandalwood), roots (angelica), resins (labdanum), lichens (oak moss), saps (benzoin, peru balsam), and grasses (patchouli, vetiver). Flowers—geranium, rose, jasmine, orange flower, tuberose, violet leaf, ylang ylang—have always provided the most precious heart notes. Heady, dramatic, intense, sometimes sickly sweet, heart notes give
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Arts & Entertainment
Raz B Written by Mykayla Bryant
Raz B came on the scene in 2001 as a founding member and a 4th of the quartet B2K. After a few short years, multiple chart topping albums, sold out concerts, and a multi milliondollar movie B2K broke up in 2004 at the peak of their career. Now 6 years after the break up Raz B is older, more mature, with a new outlook on the entertainment industry and telling you to “Follow his lead”. Raz B is well known for his community awareness efforts and
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group our trained professionals can help with this growing problem. For more information or to make an appointment to discuss how to help your child deal with peer pressure contact: TWC Pharmacy and Wellness Center LLC Nexus Counseling Services 3343 Agler Road, Suite 1500 Columbus, Ohio 43219 Tel. 614-473-9500 Counseling Services 614-414-7885
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October2010
family-value life visions. Part of his career plan is to release a cosmopolitan record that will convey positive messages and in his own words “ bring families together”. With appreciation and respect for Michael Jackson’s “We are the World” Raz B is ready to present something like it. Raz B states, “…We have incredible artistry and athlete power in the new millennium…it’s now time for the new generation of music to continue the MJ journey with Heal the World”.
The Heal the World cosmopolitan provides an opportunity to give something significant, guidance and mentorship to today’s youth and help fund local and front-line community services and programs everywhere that otherwise may not receive consistent financial and moral support. This project is a grassroots effort to build support. The cosmopolitan will feature collaborations with a host of young evolving super stars and many of his close friends such as Nick Cannon, Chris Brown, Paris Hilton, Mario,
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3LW, Raven-Symone’, Ray-J and other members of B2K. Along with the release of the “Heal the World” project, Raz B has another solo venture in the making. Anticipating the release of his solo album titled “Raz B: Boy 2 King”, Raz B hopes to bridge cultures through entertainment and create music that speaks from his soul to the souls of many. The video for “Follow My Lead”, the first single, is nearly ready and will be the light and fire for “Boy 2 King”.
body to blends, imparting warmth and fullness, and they bring out the best in the other notes. Head notes reach our sense of smell first, forming the scent’s initial impression and quickly dissipating. Many of them are familiar from cooking: herbs and spices such as coriander, spearmint, black pepper, cardamom, juniper, basil, tarragon; citruses such as lime, bitter orange, blood orange, tangerine and pink grapefruit. “I have learned to work with these essences by immersing myself in them and in the rich literature of the perfume masters of a century ago,” said Abdul-Zahir. “I feel privileged to have the opportunity to create with these precious essences, and I see myself as custodian of a sacred art.” For more information about ObN® Skincare or CEO Malik Abdul-Zahir, visit www.OBNskincare.com.
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Continued from page 18 “I am very glad we kept it. All the children acting punched above their weight. It was a huge gamble and so all credit to Pathe for gambling on it. “It is a rookie film really. We are all rookies, as this is my first screenplay and the director’s first film. This, we think, was the first film shot in Burundi.” He said that Slumdog Millionaire, with its similar theme of the underdog triumphing over adversity, was the reason they tookAfrica United to Pathe. “Slumdog was a very slick film and Danny Boyle is a brilliant director,” said Brook, “but this is more engaging, I think, because we have got five very strong characters. It all comes down to creating characters you care about.”
Like Slumdog, the makers of Africa United have been very conscious of the issues of working in a developing country and insist all of the children, none of who come from destitute or slum backgrounds, have been carefully looked after. Pathe is donating 25% of the film’s net profit to Comic Relief. So Africa United stands to change not just the mindsets of British audiences and the fortunes of its talented cast, but will also put back into the places from where the story sprang. As Dudu says in the film: “Impossible is nothing.” Africa United goes on general release on 22 October. The Commitments A 1991 film adaption of the novel by Roddy Doyle, directed by Alan Parker, about a group
of jobless Dublin youngsters who form a soul band. The cast were mostly unknowns with no acting experience. La Boum (The Party) by Claude Pinoteau, 1980, a joyful and charming film, perfectly captured the essence of teenage life in France in the 1980s. The movie’s phenomenal success launched the career of its then unknown lead, Sophie Marceau. Stand by Me A 1986 American film based on a Stephen King short story, The Body. Four misfit boys go looking for the missing body of a local teenager in Oregon. It was the 15-yearold River Phoenix’s first big-screen outing, making the late actor a star. Breaking Away A small-town teen obsessed with the Italian cycling team and his three working-class
Urban Trendsetters | More Than A Magazine. It’s A Lifestyle
friends are the central characters in US family classic, set in an Indiana college town. Made in 1979, it still gets regularly voted one of America’s favourite “feelgood” movies, and launched the careers of young unknowns Dennis Quaid and PJ Soles. Slumdog Millionaire The 2008 British film (right) follows the lives of three Indian children and conveyed both the energy and laughter of the Mumbai slums and their grimness. The film was a huge worldwide hit.
October 2010
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