by Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Latrice Monique Walker, affectionately known as The Beautiful Brown Barrister from Brownsville, made history in Brownsville Saturday, June 26, by announcing her candidacy for District Female Leader in Brownsville’s 55th Assembly District.
Latrice Monique Walker, Esq., right hand to Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, of the 11th CD, serving as her Community Development Policy Analyst, proudly threw her hat in the ring, pledging to address the ills that have assailed her community for decades.
True, this is Ms. Walker’s first foray into the political realm as a candidate. But if her passion and enthusiasm for her community and her constituents-to-be -- she’s Brownsville born and bred -- are any indicators, she is definitely the best person for the job!
Using the slogan “WALK WITH WALKER!!” she detailed many of the problems that have assailed her neighborhood, including being the last to be considered for programs, while at the same time the first to suffer cuts; being the community most likely to be targeted and profiled by police for criminal activities; being the community most likely to have underperforming educators and underperforming schools.
Starting out in a relatively soft tone by saying “To God Be The Glory, for Who am I?” she briefly reminisced about her childhood in Brownsville with her father, who succumbed to cancer when she was a child, she stated: “As a young girl my dad used to sit on this very bench right there. One day I was out here, I fell off this very little block; there was a doctor’s office across the street and my dad carried me right across the street to the doctor’s office right there.“
But her voice amped up a couple of decibels as she launched into the body of her speech, and the crowd found themselves totally mesmerized: “Your roots got to be thick in Brownsville if you want to get out here and work in the community! And every one who knows me knows that Brownsville is always on my heart; it’s always on my mind. The other day I said to Assemblyman Boyland, I’m tired of people looking at Brownsville as a hot dog and a hamburger vote! We said we need to put new leadership in Brownsville -- and we are the new leadership! We’ve got homeless issues out here! We’ve got drug abuse out here! We’ve got people who are dying on the street everyday in this community and it’s time to take it back! And it’s starting here with me! We’re out here in this heat. We’re taking it to the street. We are empowering these young people. We’re giving them jobs; we’re going to tell them about the importance of education; we’re going to talk to them about the importance about giving back to their community. Jobs not jails! We have more Black men in Brownsville who are going to jail who would have been in these facilities, but who is trying to keep them from going to jail? I AM! I am out here on the battle field with these people. That’s one thing that I always talk about with people is that you have to be hands on. Politics is a contact sport. When you’re out here and people are saying to you, what are you doing for the community? What can you say you were doing for the community, out here teaching children how to write grants. We need to be a self-sustaining community. We have been dependent on too many outside forces for far too long. You have to be hands on. You got to be out there in the street on a daily basis! So we‘re going to walk with Walker!”
She ended on a crescendo that got even those on walkers up on their feet, applauding her, and smiling at this young woman who might just be able to galvanize the energy and the apathy and forge it into the action that has so long been needed.
Latrice Walker has first hand knowledge of these challenges she spoke of, having grown up in the Glenmore Housing Projects, and received her early childhood education in the New York City Public Schools of Ocean-Hill Brownsville, P.S. 178 and I.S. 55. She obviously had parents and motivators in her life that instilled in her a life long love of learning and achievement. She received the Martin Safran Assistant Principal’s Award on behalf of her school fo having surpassed all other schools in the city. This came as a total surprise, since her school was considered as one of the City’s poorest performers. She attended Brooklyn Technical High School (one of the top high schools in the city) ; and was attended Cornell University in her junior year. She attended SUNY Purchase, and received her Juris Doctorate of Law from Pace University.
Latrice Walker acknowledges there were constant challenges in growing up in a community targeted by economic and sociological racism, but also states that these challenges are not insurmountable. “I’m living proof that you can do anything you put your mind, spirit, will and discipline to. There is nothing you can’t imagine or become, as long as you are not allowing the circumstances to dictate your destiny.”
Dressed in a chic white two piece suit, in a style that is both hip and business, Ms. Walker enthusiastically urged the crowd gathered in the sweltering heat to “WALK WITH WALKER!”
Brownsville will never be the same Latrice Walker at the helm, they’re looking at a hands on, tireless worker, advocate and supporter for the autonomy of a community long suffering under the weight of prejudice and neglect.
Assemblymember William Boyland Jr., who is making a bid for re-election, is supporting Walker’s candidacy, stating, “We have been able to bring new jobs and affordable homes to the community. But with Latrice on board, our arsenal will be complete. We have the will, the strength and the ability to make this a banner decade.”
City Councilmember Letitia James, who served as MC came out in strong support of Latrice‘s candidacy.
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who wholeheartedly endorsed the re-election of William Boyland, enthusiastically stated that “Latrice is not new to the community of Brownsville, she’s true to it!” The Congresswoman further stated Brownsville could have no better representation than Latrice to ensure the issues and concerns of the community are rectified.
Speaking of unity in the community, Congresswoman Clarke indicated broad bases interaction between her office, Assemblymember Boyland’s office as well as that of City Councilmember Letitia James. “When things assail our communities, we pledge to get it done together, so that each of us in our capacity works to provide a solution to the problem! So we have joined together in unity to build this community and to provide services that our people have been denied for so long.”
Further commenting on Walker’s candidacy, Congresswoman Clarke stated, “she has not failed Brownsville, and never will, because where Brownsville goes, she goes. We are taking this mission very seriously. We got a lot of challenges. We’re working right now to stop the NYPD on their stop and frisk practices. The New York State legislature just passed a bill to get rid of the stop and frisk data base. And I am in touch with Attorney General Holder’s office to make sure that our civil rights are protected. Our children do not need to be harassed just for walking down the street!”
Despite the heat of the day, Ms. Walker’s campaign kickoff was well attended by community members of all stripes and ages, who came to lend their support to the young woman who has been present at so many events held in their behalves. She’s assisted in legal matters when they had no means to pay or acquire legal assistance; she’s advocated for quality homes and education in a community that has been relegated to the “hot dog and hamburger vote”, working to ensure their inclusion in opportunities that were accorded other, more affluent communities.
I think it’s clear by the tone and tenor of this article that I am totally in support of Latrice Walker’s candidacy. Having had several opportunities to work closely with her in a variety of programs and events, I have been greatly impressed by her knowledge, enthusiasm, dedication, discipline and creativity. While many of us pay lip service to having the “youth” more involved in current issues, rarely has there been a person in this category (I.e. youth) who actually has a grasp on, and respect for the accomplishments of her predecessors (I.e. Civil Rights Activists), and the responsibility incumbent on her and her peers going forward, who is actually making a significant contribution to the community. She’s blazing new paths, while simultaneously learning from the lessons of history.
If you are interested in supporting this dynamic woman in her fight to bring a better quality of life to Brownsville, and hence, to the rest of Brooklyn as well, contact her campaign headquarters at 1747 Pitkin Ave. or call (718) 940-2018. Time to get out there and be a part of the process to progress. Time for Brownsville to WALK WITH WALKER
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog/ ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS
For Eclectic Black People
VIP: Views . Interests . Perspectives
6.22.2010
EVENT ALERT: Bed Stuy's Magnolia Tree Earth Center's Garden Party Awards 10 Top New Yorkers
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
On Saturday, June 26, The Magnolia Tree Earth Center’s Garden Party Fundraiser and the 2010 Hattie Carthan Founders Day will present awards to Ten Top New Yorkers at the VICTORIAN MANSION in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.
New York City prides itself on being ahead of the curve in the “green” movement. But more than 40 years ago, the late visionary Hattie Carthan, Bedford Stuyvesant’s First Lady of the Environment, saved one magnificent tree from Model City bulldozers; inspired several block associations to join in the planting of 1500 trees; and subsequently jumpstarted the neighborhood’s first “green” initiative.
Her Magnolia Tree Earth Center, which consists of three connecting brownstones on Lafayette Avenue directly across from Von King Park, is still standing, protecting the magnificent Magnolia grandi flora, from north winds.
The Board of Directors have formed a protective embrace around Mrs. Carthan’s legacy, and is working hard to bring it into the 21st century … as Mrs. Carthan would have wanted. And you can join in the effort.
There’s still time to help the Board reach its goal for the summer. Their annual Summer Solstice fundraiser – replete with lemonade, music, networking, remembrances, silent auction (including framed photograph of a window in environmentalist Harriet Tubman’s home donated by artist Olivia Cousins; a book of John James Audubon’s watercolors work donated by Bernice Elizabeth Green; Matthew Fraser’s popular Miracle Step health product, an office desk water fountain crafted by Joanna Williams), and more -- takes place this SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 4:00-8:00pm in the elegant Carthan-like setting of the historic Victorian Mansion, 247 Hancock Street, near Marcy Avenue in Brooklyn. Tickets are $40.
In addition, ten of New York’s most distinguished community leaders who exemplify Mrs. Carthan’s ideals of excellence, leadership, and proactive vision, will be awarded The Hattie Carthan Founder’s Day Award, the highest honor of the Board of Directors of the Magnolia Tree Earth Center of Bedford-Stuyvesant. Awards ceremony commences at 5:45pm.
The honorees include: Kristina Beecher, principal of The Bedford Village School/P.S. 3; Carlton Brown and Walter Edwards, COO and CEO, respectively, of Full Spectrum New York green construction firm; Pamela E. Green, Executive Director of the Weeksville Heritage Center; Sydney Katz, founder of Super Foodtown; Liam Kavanaugh, First Deputy Commissioner of New York City Department of Parks and Recreation; David McMaster, Vice President, Bartlett Tree Expert Company; Akiima Price, Chief of Education, New York Restoration Project; Dr. Vicente Sanchez, USDA Forest Service; and Antonia Yuille Williams, Director of Public Affairs, Con Edison.
This award is bestowed annually to individuals, organizations or enterprises that best exemplify the standards and vision of the late great environmentalist Hattie Carthan whose visionary work more than 40 years ago — in developing a neighborhood ecology and environment center for children — continues to inspire young people today. Her accomplishments – ahead of their time – also have contributed directly to Bedford-Stuyvesant’s active participation in New York City’s movement towards sustainability.
Says Board Chair David Mark Greaves, “These leaders, through their work and commitment to building a sustainable future for the City’s under-resourced neighborhoods where Mrs. Carthan lived and worked, are deserving of this honor. We’re proud they are part of our family and we’re proud of them.
“Also, this year, the Board is proud to announce two milestones: the 40th anniversary of the designation of the Lafayette Avenue environmental center’s 19th century magnolia grandiflora as a New York City historic landmark (New York’s only living landmark), and the debut in the fall of a perfume developed by Rodney Fitzgerald Hughes from the essence of the tree’s flower petals. The perfume, now in its 12th month of an 18-month process, will be ‘tested’ by Hattie’s Angels, Alma Carroll, Elsie Richardson and Vernell Albury, three stalwart pioneers in Bedford Stuyvesant history. And as a salute to Mrs. Carthan’s emphasis on children first, there will be music and oratorical performances by young people associated with the Center through Project Green and other programs.”
This annual summer solstice event kicks off Magnolia Tree Earth Center’s seasonal fundraisers; one is scheduled for early fall, when the much-anticipated, high-end Magnolia Grandiflora perfume will debut and in the early winter, when a possible Harvest/Winter Ball will take place.
This season’s event is being catered by Simply Elegant and will feature the R&B sounds of the popular U4RIA group. For more information, call Andrea Brathwaite: 718-387-2116. Tickets are $40. For press interviews, call Bernice Green, 718-599-6828.
This is a wonderful day to hang out in one of the most elegant ever brownstones, in one of the most elegant sections of Brooklyn and enjoy this balmy, beautiful weather.
Look to see you there!
Until then
STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
On Saturday, June 26, The Magnolia Tree Earth Center’s Garden Party Fundraiser and the 2010 Hattie Carthan Founders Day will present awards to Ten Top New Yorkers at the VICTORIAN MANSION in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.
New York City prides itself on being ahead of the curve in the “green” movement. But more than 40 years ago, the late visionary Hattie Carthan, Bedford Stuyvesant’s First Lady of the Environment, saved one magnificent tree from Model City bulldozers; inspired several block associations to join in the planting of 1500 trees; and subsequently jumpstarted the neighborhood’s first “green” initiative.
Her Magnolia Tree Earth Center, which consists of three connecting brownstones on Lafayette Avenue directly across from Von King Park, is still standing, protecting the magnificent Magnolia grandi flora, from north winds.
The Board of Directors have formed a protective embrace around Mrs. Carthan’s legacy, and is working hard to bring it into the 21st century … as Mrs. Carthan would have wanted. And you can join in the effort.
There’s still time to help the Board reach its goal for the summer. Their annual Summer Solstice fundraiser – replete with lemonade, music, networking, remembrances, silent auction (including framed photograph of a window in environmentalist Harriet Tubman’s home donated by artist Olivia Cousins; a book of John James Audubon’s watercolors work donated by Bernice Elizabeth Green; Matthew Fraser’s popular Miracle Step health product, an office desk water fountain crafted by Joanna Williams), and more -- takes place this SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 4:00-8:00pm in the elegant Carthan-like setting of the historic Victorian Mansion, 247 Hancock Street, near Marcy Avenue in Brooklyn. Tickets are $40.
In addition, ten of New York’s most distinguished community leaders who exemplify Mrs. Carthan’s ideals of excellence, leadership, and proactive vision, will be awarded The Hattie Carthan Founder’s Day Award, the highest honor of the Board of Directors of the Magnolia Tree Earth Center of Bedford-Stuyvesant. Awards ceremony commences at 5:45pm.
The honorees include: Kristina Beecher, principal of The Bedford Village School/P.S. 3; Carlton Brown and Walter Edwards, COO and CEO, respectively, of Full Spectrum New York green construction firm; Pamela E. Green, Executive Director of the Weeksville Heritage Center; Sydney Katz, founder of Super Foodtown; Liam Kavanaugh, First Deputy Commissioner of New York City Department of Parks and Recreation; David McMaster, Vice President, Bartlett Tree Expert Company; Akiima Price, Chief of Education, New York Restoration Project; Dr. Vicente Sanchez, USDA Forest Service; and Antonia Yuille Williams, Director of Public Affairs, Con Edison.
This award is bestowed annually to individuals, organizations or enterprises that best exemplify the standards and vision of the late great environmentalist Hattie Carthan whose visionary work more than 40 years ago — in developing a neighborhood ecology and environment center for children — continues to inspire young people today. Her accomplishments – ahead of their time – also have contributed directly to Bedford-Stuyvesant’s active participation in New York City’s movement towards sustainability.
Says Board Chair David Mark Greaves, “These leaders, through their work and commitment to building a sustainable future for the City’s under-resourced neighborhoods where Mrs. Carthan lived and worked, are deserving of this honor. We’re proud they are part of our family and we’re proud of them.
“Also, this year, the Board is proud to announce two milestones: the 40th anniversary of the designation of the Lafayette Avenue environmental center’s 19th century magnolia grandiflora as a New York City historic landmark (New York’s only living landmark), and the debut in the fall of a perfume developed by Rodney Fitzgerald Hughes from the essence of the tree’s flower petals. The perfume, now in its 12th month of an 18-month process, will be ‘tested’ by Hattie’s Angels, Alma Carroll, Elsie Richardson and Vernell Albury, three stalwart pioneers in Bedford Stuyvesant history. And as a salute to Mrs. Carthan’s emphasis on children first, there will be music and oratorical performances by young people associated with the Center through Project Green and other programs.”
This annual summer solstice event kicks off Magnolia Tree Earth Center’s seasonal fundraisers; one is scheduled for early fall, when the much-anticipated, high-end Magnolia Grandiflora perfume will debut and in the early winter, when a possible Harvest/Winter Ball will take place.
This season’s event is being catered by Simply Elegant and will feature the R&B sounds of the popular U4RIA group. For more information, call Andrea Brathwaite: 718-387-2116. Tickets are $40. For press interviews, call Bernice Green, 718-599-6828.
This is a wonderful day to hang out in one of the most elegant ever brownstones, in one of the most elegant sections of Brooklyn and enjoy this balmy, beautiful weather.
Look to see you there!
Until then
STAY BLESSED &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
6.17.2010
Petition to Stop Putting Half-Way Houses in the Black Community Being Circulated on iPetition
by Gloria Dulan-Wilson
We've all heard of the acronym "NIMBY" which means NOT IN MY BACK YARD -- particularly as it concerns white communities. When an insensitive city government decides to put an onerous facility in an otherwise good, upscale community, the residents come out in droves to make sure they know that they're not going to stand for it. At which point, what generally happens is the municipal agency generally finds someplace else to put it where the residents are not so particular, or so vocal or so aware of what's going on.
It's probable the case in the current situation with Sister of Providence, who, not happy with already having one half-way house in the upscale Prospect/Leffert Gardens/Flatbush neighborhood on Lenox Road, is now trying to put another one there.
In case you are not aware, a halfway house is a facility that houses returning ex-offenders to the community. They live in the midst of a residential neighborhood while trying to re-adjust to living around "regular" people.
No real problem in that, per se, whatsoever. Except when you now begin targeting a community to put additional centers there. Not a good thing. How many facilities is a Black community forced to bear because a neighboring white one doesn't want it? Is our voice and our concerns just as valid as those of the whites who have made it clear that these kids of institutions are not welcome around their children and their women. Don't we have the right to maintain our community at a level of quality and safety that others reserve for theirs?
OF COURSE WE DO!!
And it is in this very spirit that Ms. JoAnn Newbold, and others in the community, are circulating a petition asking City Council Member Matthieu Eugene to deny additional permits to Sisters of Province, or any other organization to open additional Halfway houses in an already oversaturated area. I.e., one is too many and two is outrageous. Try putting that same facility in the middle of Park Slope or Boerum Hill and see what would happen. People would start a litany of complaints about the impact on their property values, and the possibility for error and dangerous encounters. Well, the same holds true in the Black community as well.
So before you go trippin' and laying your spiel on me about the victimization of Black men, the prison, military, industrial complex, stereotyping, and the rest, let me assure you that I over understand the situation. We definitely love our brothers and sisters who have had to deal with incarceration. We definitely want to see them be able to successfully return to society and do well, hopefully with no further incursions into the realm of drugs, guns, crime, etc. We need our young black men to make it to become old (successful) Black men. But we have a little issue of recidivism to deal with, which makes it very difficult for most communities to be confident that the brother or sister have learned the "error of their ways" and are now prepared to walk the straight and narrow and become useful citizens.
The sad truth is that has been most likely not the case. And while, yes, it's true that these are indeed our brothers and sisters, we also have the obligation to deal with the greatest good for the greatest number. And at this point, with so many of our neighborhoods already under siege, putting a halfway house in a residential community is just adding insult to injury. We are already the "walking wounded" trying to make it real compared to a lot of nonsense being shoved in our faces on a consistent bases. A residential neighborhood is not the appropriate place for a half-way house.
Let me say this again: A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD IS NOT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE FOR A HALF-WAY HOUSE!!!
Interestingly enough, with all the abandoned properties HPD currently controls in a variety of neighborhoods, they can surely propose an alternative property in a more appropriately zoned area for the proposed facility. In fact, that is specifically what Ms. Newborn and the community is requesting. FIND ANOTHER PLACE -- NOT HERE IN THIS OR THE NEIGHBORING OR THE NEIGHBORING, NEIGHBORING COMMUNITY. Thank you.
They are likewise asking Matthieu Eugene and his staff to sit down and talk with them about how to facilitate and expedite this and set up some rules so that there is no further confrontation necessary.
Now, as many of you know, I have not yet mastered the technology necessary to reproduce documents in their original form in my blog. So far I have only managed to provide the HTML version. But the verbiage of the petition appears below. I will also provide you with the link so you can sign on and register your support for a young mother and resident who is trying to keep her community safe.
If you have additional questions, or concerns, or are interested in assisting in this, and other efforts to keep the Black community from being the dumping ground of unwanted programs, please feel free to let me know by posting a comment along with your email and phone number. I will be happy to get back to you, or forward it to the appropriate individuals.
iPETITION:
Deny HPD Application to build 6 story "Supportive Housing" building
Powered by iPetitions - Start your online petition now
Deny HPD Application to build 6 story "Supportive Housing" building
The Petition
We, the community of people living in Prospect Lefferts Gardens and its surrounding areas, are dissatisfied with the city's decision to change the use of the currently vacated building at 329 Lincoln Rd. We request that the proposal to approve an exemption to the existing zoning (FAR approx. 2.34) to allow construction of a building of up to 4.8 FAR - more than double the size of the existing structure - be denied by Community Board 9.
Such a building would be out of scale on this block and its size would cause it to loom over the surrounding 3 and 4 story buildings on the street as well as the backyards of the homes on Lefferts Ave.
We understand that the building to be constructed is classed as a "community facility," to be administered by Providence House, an organization operated by the sisters of the Congregation of Saint Joseph. Providence House provides short and longer-term housing for women who are recently released from prison (either having completed their sentence or on parole) and their children.
The existing building has a valid Certificate of Occupancy for 16 families. The current plan is to house 26 families in this building. We see no reason that the existing structure could not be rehabilitated to use for the stated purpose, albeit on a smaller, more neighborhood-appropriate, size. If the building is found to be unsuitable for some reason, we would suggest that it be replaced with a similar-sized building.
There are MANY unfinished and/or vacant buildings of much larger size that would be much better-suited to a facility of this nature and would cost less for the city to rehabilitate and use, as well as many vacant lots with existing appropriate zoning already in place.
We feel that this proposal is being swept by the community without the people who will be affected by it having been given access to any of the facts surrounding it, and we urge Community Board 9 to deny this application.
Signed _____________________________________
You can find this petition by logging on to www.iPetition.com. Then hit Home/Home > Categories > Business and Industry > Deny HPD Application to build 6 story "Supportive Housing" building.
The iPetition format is a great way to get a petition to the attention of those recalcitrant elected officials who forget that it takes voters to put them in office, and if they're ignored, those same voters can take you out. It is also a way that the community can come together and reinforce their concerns and support for issues they are in favor of, as well as those that are onerous to their neighborhoods.
I urge you to take the time to register your support in this matter. As members of the Black community, we have to stand together for quality of life in our communities, or remain the dumping ground for those other neighborhoods who have the good sense to do so for themselves.
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
We've all heard of the acronym "NIMBY" which means NOT IN MY BACK YARD -- particularly as it concerns white communities. When an insensitive city government decides to put an onerous facility in an otherwise good, upscale community, the residents come out in droves to make sure they know that they're not going to stand for it. At which point, what generally happens is the municipal agency generally finds someplace else to put it where the residents are not so particular, or so vocal or so aware of what's going on.
It's probable the case in the current situation with Sister of Providence, who, not happy with already having one half-way house in the upscale Prospect/Leffert Gardens/Flatbush neighborhood on Lenox Road, is now trying to put another one there.
In case you are not aware, a halfway house is a facility that houses returning ex-offenders to the community. They live in the midst of a residential neighborhood while trying to re-adjust to living around "regular" people.
No real problem in that, per se, whatsoever. Except when you now begin targeting a community to put additional centers there. Not a good thing. How many facilities is a Black community forced to bear because a neighboring white one doesn't want it? Is our voice and our concerns just as valid as those of the whites who have made it clear that these kids of institutions are not welcome around their children and their women. Don't we have the right to maintain our community at a level of quality and safety that others reserve for theirs?
OF COURSE WE DO!!
And it is in this very spirit that Ms. JoAnn Newbold, and others in the community, are circulating a petition asking City Council Member Matthieu Eugene to deny additional permits to Sisters of Province, or any other organization to open additional Halfway houses in an already oversaturated area. I.e., one is too many and two is outrageous. Try putting that same facility in the middle of Park Slope or Boerum Hill and see what would happen. People would start a litany of complaints about the impact on their property values, and the possibility for error and dangerous encounters. Well, the same holds true in the Black community as well.
So before you go trippin' and laying your spiel on me about the victimization of Black men, the prison, military, industrial complex, stereotyping, and the rest, let me assure you that I over understand the situation. We definitely love our brothers and sisters who have had to deal with incarceration. We definitely want to see them be able to successfully return to society and do well, hopefully with no further incursions into the realm of drugs, guns, crime, etc. We need our young black men to make it to become old (successful) Black men. But we have a little issue of recidivism to deal with, which makes it very difficult for most communities to be confident that the brother or sister have learned the "error of their ways" and are now prepared to walk the straight and narrow and become useful citizens.
The sad truth is that has been most likely not the case. And while, yes, it's true that these are indeed our brothers and sisters, we also have the obligation to deal with the greatest good for the greatest number. And at this point, with so many of our neighborhoods already under siege, putting a halfway house in a residential community is just adding insult to injury. We are already the "walking wounded" trying to make it real compared to a lot of nonsense being shoved in our faces on a consistent bases. A residential neighborhood is not the appropriate place for a half-way house.
Let me say this again: A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD IS NOT THE APPROPRIATE PLACE FOR A HALF-WAY HOUSE!!!
Interestingly enough, with all the abandoned properties HPD currently controls in a variety of neighborhoods, they can surely propose an alternative property in a more appropriately zoned area for the proposed facility. In fact, that is specifically what Ms. Newborn and the community is requesting. FIND ANOTHER PLACE -- NOT HERE IN THIS OR THE NEIGHBORING OR THE NEIGHBORING, NEIGHBORING COMMUNITY. Thank you.
They are likewise asking Matthieu Eugene and his staff to sit down and talk with them about how to facilitate and expedite this and set up some rules so that there is no further confrontation necessary.
Now, as many of you know, I have not yet mastered the technology necessary to reproduce documents in their original form in my blog. So far I have only managed to provide the HTML version. But the verbiage of the petition appears below. I will also provide you with the link so you can sign on and register your support for a young mother and resident who is trying to keep her community safe.
If you have additional questions, or concerns, or are interested in assisting in this, and other efforts to keep the Black community from being the dumping ground of unwanted programs, please feel free to let me know by posting a comment along with your email and phone number. I will be happy to get back to you, or forward it to the appropriate individuals.
iPETITION:
Deny HPD Application to build 6 story "Supportive Housing" building
Powered by iPetitions - Start your online petition now
Deny HPD Application to build 6 story "Supportive Housing" building
The Petition
We, the community of people living in Prospect Lefferts Gardens and its surrounding areas, are dissatisfied with the city's decision to change the use of the currently vacated building at 329 Lincoln Rd. We request that the proposal to approve an exemption to the existing zoning (FAR approx. 2.34) to allow construction of a building of up to 4.8 FAR - more than double the size of the existing structure - be denied by Community Board 9.
Such a building would be out of scale on this block and its size would cause it to loom over the surrounding 3 and 4 story buildings on the street as well as the backyards of the homes on Lefferts Ave.
We understand that the building to be constructed is classed as a "community facility," to be administered by Providence House, an organization operated by the sisters of the Congregation of Saint Joseph. Providence House provides short and longer-term housing for women who are recently released from prison (either having completed their sentence or on parole) and their children.
The existing building has a valid Certificate of Occupancy for 16 families. The current plan is to house 26 families in this building. We see no reason that the existing structure could not be rehabilitated to use for the stated purpose, albeit on a smaller, more neighborhood-appropriate, size. If the building is found to be unsuitable for some reason, we would suggest that it be replaced with a similar-sized building.
There are MANY unfinished and/or vacant buildings of much larger size that would be much better-suited to a facility of this nature and would cost less for the city to rehabilitate and use, as well as many vacant lots with existing appropriate zoning already in place.
We feel that this proposal is being swept by the community without the people who will be affected by it having been given access to any of the facts surrounding it, and we urge Community Board 9 to deny this application.
Signed _____________________________________
You can find this petition by logging on to www.iPetition.com. Then hit Home/Home > Categories > Business and Industry > Deny HPD Application to build 6 story "Supportive Housing" building.
The iPetition format is a great way to get a petition to the attention of those recalcitrant elected officials who forget that it takes voters to put them in office, and if they're ignored, those same voters can take you out. It is also a way that the community can come together and reinforce their concerns and support for issues they are in favor of, as well as those that are onerous to their neighborhoods.
I urge you to take the time to register your support in this matter. As members of the Black community, we have to stand together for quality of life in our communities, or remain the dumping ground for those other neighborhoods who have the good sense to do so for themselves.
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
6.12.2010
EVENT ALERT: Life After Death: An Analysis of the Persona that Was/Is Fela Anikulapo Kuti
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
If you loved FELA on Broadway, you will love this recently opened exhibit, being presented by the Santana Group, including Marilyn Nance, Al Santana, Ali Santana & Rafia Santana.
Their Opening Reception was Thursday June 10,2010, with continuing views from Friday, June 11 through August 6, 2010 at the famed Caribbean Cultural Center African Diasporic Institute (CCCADI)
408 W 58th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues, New York NY 10019;
Tel: 212-307-7420 ext 3008
Curated by Shantrelle P. Lewis & featuring the work of The Santana Group: Marilyn Nance, Al Santana, Ali Santana & Rafia Santana.
This exhibition pays tribute to one of the African Diaspora's most influential living ancestors as well as critiques the complexity of his persona.
Life after Death is a visual homage to a musical genius and one of contemporary history's most powerful protest artists including never before seen photography by Marilyn Nance of Fela at the Africa Shrine, Lagos Nigeria.
AL SANTANA: www.alsantana.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Caribbean-Cultural-Center-CCCADI/38677036796
Marilyn Nance http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/video/nance/nance.html
These images are so striking, but my skills run to writing so I'm not able to reproduce them for you here. So you'll just have to go and see them for yourself. If you've seen the musical production, FELA, on Broadway, you have some idea of how wonderful, colorful, and poignant these can be. Make it your business to go, and while you're at it, take some friends with you.
Fela the man, artist, musician, activist was a force of nature!! I know, I met him when he performed here in New York at Studio 54. His energy was contagious. When he performed, if you were dancing to his music, it was like an endurance test. Songs could last as long as twenty to thirty minutes. He had a message to impart to the rest of the world that the powers that be in Nigeria and Great Britain did not want to be heard. He was a man on fire, AND a man of fire - literally! And for someone to capture that energy is truly a work of art, and something to be experienced first hand. Check it out for yourselves though.
An, oh yes, if you haven't gone to see FELA, the musical on Broadway, what are you waiting for - the sequel? It's one of the most dynamic, important pieces ever produced. Kudos to Bill T. Jones for having the insight, creativity and courage to bring it!
But I digress. Do your SELF a favor, make it your business to see this artistic homage to FELA. Have a wonderful summer.
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
If you loved FELA on Broadway, you will love this recently opened exhibit, being presented by the Santana Group, including Marilyn Nance, Al Santana, Ali Santana & Rafia Santana.
Their Opening Reception was Thursday June 10,2010, with continuing views from Friday, June 11 through August 6, 2010 at the famed Caribbean Cultural Center African Diasporic Institute (CCCADI)
408 W 58th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues, New York NY 10019;
Tel: 212-307-7420 ext 3008
Curated by Shantrelle P. Lewis & featuring the work of The Santana Group: Marilyn Nance, Al Santana, Ali Santana & Rafia Santana.
This exhibition pays tribute to one of the African Diaspora's most influential living ancestors as well as critiques the complexity of his persona.
Life after Death is a visual homage to a musical genius and one of contemporary history's most powerful protest artists including never before seen photography by Marilyn Nance of Fela at the Africa Shrine, Lagos Nigeria.
AL SANTANA: www.alsantana.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Caribbean-Cultural-Center-CCCADI/38677036796
Marilyn Nance http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/video/nance/nance.html
These images are so striking, but my skills run to writing so I'm not able to reproduce them for you here. So you'll just have to go and see them for yourself. If you've seen the musical production, FELA, on Broadway, you have some idea of how wonderful, colorful, and poignant these can be. Make it your business to go, and while you're at it, take some friends with you.
Fela the man, artist, musician, activist was a force of nature!! I know, I met him when he performed here in New York at Studio 54. His energy was contagious. When he performed, if you were dancing to his music, it was like an endurance test. Songs could last as long as twenty to thirty minutes. He had a message to impart to the rest of the world that the powers that be in Nigeria and Great Britain did not want to be heard. He was a man on fire, AND a man of fire - literally! And for someone to capture that energy is truly a work of art, and something to be experienced first hand. Check it out for yourselves though.
An, oh yes, if you haven't gone to see FELA, the musical on Broadway, what are you waiting for - the sequel? It's one of the most dynamic, important pieces ever produced. Kudos to Bill T. Jones for having the insight, creativity and courage to bring it!
But I digress. Do your SELF a favor, make it your business to see this artistic homage to FELA. Have a wonderful summer.
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
ATTENTION COLLEGE STUDENTS: Fundraising/Special Events Intern Wanted For Summer Internship + BONUS EVENT ALERT FELA ON DISPLAY
By Gloria Dulan Wilson
This was sent to me by a good friend in the film and photography industry. If you have a college student in your family or in your community, please pass it on to him. I apologize for sending it after the date, but I just received it myself. I am making the assumption that it is still available, or he would not have sent it to me. So, give it a shot:
Fundraising/Special Events Intern for summer internship to work two to three days per week, twenty plus hours during Summer 2010. Looking for someone who is energetic, articulate with strong writing skills, highly organized and passionate about development and outreach for theatre and film.
Rico Workshop, a nonprofit production company in NYC is seeking a development and outreach intern to support its fundraising and outreach efforts for the upcoming production of Aime Cesaire’s A Season in the Congo, one of Cesaire’s most relevant works that explores themes of racism, colonial repression and political betrayal. The play will be presented in the Fall of 2010 as a multi-media production with projected film, video, soundscapes and choreography.
· Intern will report directly to project director and work closely with the producer and the development committee of the project, learning all aspects of organizing a successful outreach and fundraising campaign.
· Responsibilities include: donor research, event planning, grant proposal writing. Must be a strong writer, have excellent communication skills, work well under limited supervision and be extremely organized.
· Requirements: The intern candidate needs to be interested in the field of development, event planning and management, fundraising, communications and media relations. Helpful if candidate has knowledge or prior experience in theater and media production.
· This position is open from today, June 10 through August 31, 2010. Please consult your college or university to confirm that credit is allowed for summer internships. There is no pay; there is a small stipend of $75 per week for expenses.
· This internship will be a great opportunity to understand organizational challenges of producing edgy cultural programming. It will provide a rich experience working with a project that pushes the limits of cultural expansion, promotes creativity, and propagates political theater.
If you are interested or know anyone who may be interested, please respond to Rico Workshop Productions at ricosp8@gmail.com.
Thank you.
Al (Santana)
Process Is Everything
video sales
www.alsantana.com
Al Santana is not only a very dear friend and associate, but one of the leading photographers and producers in the world today. That said, anyone working with him,or one of his associates is truly "walking in high cotton." And to be working on a production by the great Aime Caesaire is truly a monumental opportunity. Hopefully this will launch a career for one of you, and a long standing relationship, as well. Actually, even if you don't get the internship, it would behoove you to maintain communications with these two great men for future reference and opportunity.
Just to clue you in on who Al Santana is, he just opened an exhibit that will be the buzz for quite some time to come, entitled:
Life After Death: An Analysis of the Persona that Was/Is Fela Anikulapo Kuti
© The Santana Group: Marilyn Nance, Al Santana, Ali Santana & Rafia Santana
Opening Reception was Thursday June 10,2010, with continuing views from Friday, View
June 11 through August 6, 2010 at the famed Caribbean Cultural Center African Diasporic Institute (CCCADI)
408 W 58th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues, New York NY 10019;
Tel: 212-307-7420 ext 3008
Curated by Shantrelle P. Lewis & featuring the work of The Santana
Group: Marilyn Nance, Al Santana, Ali Santana & Rafia Santana.
This exhibition pays tribute to one of the African Diaspora's most influential living ancestors as well as critiques the complexity of his persona. Life after Death is a visual homage to a musical genius and one of contemporary history's most powerful protest artists including never before seen photography by Marilyn Nance of Fela at the Africa Shrine, Lagos Nigeria.
I wish I could copy some of these images for you so you could see how striking they are, but my skills run to writing. So you'll just have to go and see them for yourself. If you've seen the musical production, FELA, on Broadway, you have some idea of how wonderful, colorful, and poignant these can be. Make it your business to go, and while you're at it, take some friends with you. Fela was a force of nature, and for someone to capture that in picture and on canvas is truly a work of art. Check it out for yourselves though.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Caribbean-Cultural-Center-CCCADI/38677036796
Marilyn Nance
http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/video/nance/nance.html
So respond to the Internship opportunity and make it your business to see the homage to FELA. Have a wonderful summer.
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
This was sent to me by a good friend in the film and photography industry. If you have a college student in your family or in your community, please pass it on to him. I apologize for sending it after the date, but I just received it myself. I am making the assumption that it is still available, or he would not have sent it to me. So, give it a shot:
Fundraising/Special Events Intern for summer internship to work two to three days per week, twenty plus hours during Summer 2010. Looking for someone who is energetic, articulate with strong writing skills, highly organized and passionate about development and outreach for theatre and film.
Rico Workshop, a nonprofit production company in NYC is seeking a development and outreach intern to support its fundraising and outreach efforts for the upcoming production of Aime Cesaire’s A Season in the Congo, one of Cesaire’s most relevant works that explores themes of racism, colonial repression and political betrayal. The play will be presented in the Fall of 2010 as a multi-media production with projected film, video, soundscapes and choreography.
· Intern will report directly to project director and work closely with the producer and the development committee of the project, learning all aspects of organizing a successful outreach and fundraising campaign.
· Responsibilities include: donor research, event planning, grant proposal writing. Must be a strong writer, have excellent communication skills, work well under limited supervision and be extremely organized.
· Requirements: The intern candidate needs to be interested in the field of development, event planning and management, fundraising, communications and media relations. Helpful if candidate has knowledge or prior experience in theater and media production.
· This position is open from today, June 10 through August 31, 2010. Please consult your college or university to confirm that credit is allowed for summer internships. There is no pay; there is a small stipend of $75 per week for expenses.
· This internship will be a great opportunity to understand organizational challenges of producing edgy cultural programming. It will provide a rich experience working with a project that pushes the limits of cultural expansion, promotes creativity, and propagates political theater.
If you are interested or know anyone who may be interested, please respond to Rico Workshop Productions at ricosp8@gmail.com.
Thank you.
Al (Santana)
Process Is Everything
video sales
www.alsantana.com
Al Santana is not only a very dear friend and associate, but one of the leading photographers and producers in the world today. That said, anyone working with him,or one of his associates is truly "walking in high cotton." And to be working on a production by the great Aime Caesaire is truly a monumental opportunity. Hopefully this will launch a career for one of you, and a long standing relationship, as well. Actually, even if you don't get the internship, it would behoove you to maintain communications with these two great men for future reference and opportunity.
Just to clue you in on who Al Santana is, he just opened an exhibit that will be the buzz for quite some time to come, entitled:
Life After Death: An Analysis of the Persona that Was/Is Fela Anikulapo Kuti
© The Santana Group: Marilyn Nance, Al Santana, Ali Santana & Rafia Santana
Opening Reception was Thursday June 10,2010, with continuing views from Friday, View
June 11 through August 6, 2010 at the famed Caribbean Cultural Center African Diasporic Institute (CCCADI)
408 W 58th Street between 9th and 10th Avenues, New York NY 10019;
Tel: 212-307-7420 ext 3008
Curated by Shantrelle P. Lewis & featuring the work of The Santana
Group: Marilyn Nance, Al Santana, Ali Santana & Rafia Santana.
This exhibition pays tribute to one of the African Diaspora's most influential living ancestors as well as critiques the complexity of his persona. Life after Death is a visual homage to a musical genius and one of contemporary history's most powerful protest artists including never before seen photography by Marilyn Nance of Fela at the Africa Shrine, Lagos Nigeria.
I wish I could copy some of these images for you so you could see how striking they are, but my skills run to writing. So you'll just have to go and see them for yourself. If you've seen the musical production, FELA, on Broadway, you have some idea of how wonderful, colorful, and poignant these can be. Make it your business to go, and while you're at it, take some friends with you. Fela was a force of nature, and for someone to capture that in picture and on canvas is truly a work of art. Check it out for yourselves though.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Caribbean-Cultural-Center-CCCADI/38677036796
Marilyn Nance
http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/video/nance/nance.html
So respond to the Internship opportunity and make it your business to see the homage to FELA. Have a wonderful summer.
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
6.09.2010
EVENT ALERT RIVERSIDE FAMILY ARTS ACTIVITIES
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Following are details regarding The Riverside Theatre’s 12th Annual NY Family Arts Festival, offering free multicultural performances and activities for families throughout June.
THE RIVERSIDE THEATRE PRESENTS:
12th ANNUAL NEW YORK FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL IN CELEBRATION OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND FAMILY
Celebrate the Family through Exciting Multicultural Performances and Activities
Currently celebrating its 50th Anniversary, The Riverside Theatre is presenting its 12TH Annual New York Family Arts Festival, a festival of interactive multicultural weekend activities for families to enjoy from Friday, June 11 - Monday, June 28 at the Theatre, 91 Claremont Ave. (bet. 120th & 122nd St.), Morningside Heights. All Festival events are free of charge to attend.
Incorporating the Theatre’s anniversary theme, From Legacy to Promise, all Festival events and activities will feature not only established artists, but new, up and coming talent as well. The Festival continues to empower and celebrate family through fun culturally innovative performances, workshops and dialogues offering opportunities to share creative experiences and improve communication. The Festival will feature performances from multicultural artists and interactive workshops ranging from dance and storytelling to music and theater. Following is a schedule of the fun and exciting events that families will be able to enjoy during the month-long Festival:
Friday, June 11: Artz, Rootz, Rhythm – 7:00 p.m.
Co-sponsored by the Harlem Arts Alliance, outstanding young talent and seasoned performers will bring the Theatre’s Legacy to Promise theme to life. Experience the delightful emerging dancers of Uptown Dance Academy and the sensational 14-year-old guitarist Solomon Hicks. Then swing to the superb jazz music of the 100-year-old New Amsterdam Musical Association. Hosted by Phyllis Yvonne Stickney.
Saturday, June 12: Iranian Cultural Village – 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Co-Sponsored by Iran Heritage Magazine, the Persian Arts Festival and PAAIA, the Iranian Cultural Village will feature a day of cultural activities, performances and food celebrating the rich arts and culture of Iran—a culture whose civilization dates back thousands of years.
2:00 p.m. Exhibits & Displays (calligraphy, books and art, Persian artifacts, traditional and regional
costumes)
3:00 p.m. Iranian Dance Workshop - Learn Mahali and Gilan folk dances, including the Qashqa’l scarf
dance.
4:00 p.m. Crafts Workshop - Learn backgammon and how to write your name in Persian.
5:00 p.m. Classical Persian Music Demonstration with Dr. Iraj Jannatei Ataet.
6:00 p.m. Crafts Workshop - Enjoy making various beaded creations.
7:00 p.m. Ballet Afsaneh & Ranna Dance Group Performance - Niloufar Talebi and Bobek Salehi present a dynamic, theatrical spoken word and music performance bridging the ancient world with the now. Also enjoy the riveting sounds of Haale’s Persian Sufi Rock.
Sunday, June 13: Saeko Ichinohe Dance Company: “Imaginary Beings from Japan” – 2:00 p.m.
Dances of fascinating creatures (RYU (Dragon), DARUMA, Fire-eating Bird and more) in colorful costumes followed by the audience participating in a workshop to learn traditional Japanese children’s games.
Friday, June 18: Power of Drum V, “Next Generation” – 7:00 p.m.
In keeping with its 50th Anniversary theme, Power of Drum —hosted by Michael Wimberly—showcases the next generation of up and coming drummers and percussionists. Enjoy young artists who have been mentored by some of New York’s finest musicians—playing jazz, rock and music from around the world.
· Hear the funky textured precision of Brooklyn’s top drum line, the BK Steppers.
· Witness the percussive virtuosity of 7-year-old Miguel Russell, features with the dynamic percussion
of Baba Don Eaton.
· Experience the explosive youth division of the Harambe Dance Company led by the powerful Frankie Malloy
Jr.
Saturday, June 19: Stories on Stage, Memories of Nueva York Childhoods – 7:00 p.m.
These delightful stories from four award-winning Hispanic authors evoke the spirit and voices of our community’s past, present and future.
· A Very Special Pet, by Nicholasa Mohr
· Lunch at the Biltmore: An Outing with My Father, by Pulitzer Prize winner Oscar Hijuelos
· Fiesta, 1980, by Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Diaz
· The Maid’s Daughter, by Julia Alvarez
Sunday, June 20: The Clowns (Los Payasos) – 2:00 p.m.
Featuring Dr. Glory’s Youth Theatre, families enjoy an original musical written, directed and choreographed by Dr. Glory Van Scott.
In the mythological planet of “WuTalway” live the people called: “WuTalwaylalaeezers,” who along with their queen called “oh yeah – sis,” decide that the only emotion they will allow to be expressed on their planet is laughter. In order to accomplish this, they kidnap famous clowns from Earth--Los Payasos, Harlequin, Scaramouche, Pagliacci Pierrot, Emmett Kelly and their leaders Columbia Alpha, Columbia Beta, and their Joyous Creature called Appearance.
Find out what shocks the WuTalwaylalaeezers, and how Los Payasos teach them about the beauty and marvelous wonders of humanity.
Saturday, June 26: Aesop Family Fable – 7:00 p.m.
Join M.C. D. Cross for a Jazzed, Popped, Hip-Hopped and Beat-Boxed version of Aesop’s fables, with performances from award-winning actress and activist Vinie Burrows, and FABLE (Ronnie Haynie, Lorenzo Von Smith, Tequan Worthen). Families get to form performance teams and help bring randomly selected Aesop fables to life with only their creative voices.
Sunday, June 27: Harlem Speaks: Latin Jazz – 2:00 p.m.
In collaboration with The Jazz Museum in Harlem, audiences will enjoy a captivating interview with one of the most sought-after musicians on the contemporary Brazilian jazz scene, drummer Vanderlei Pereira. Combining a prodigious knowledge of Brazilian rhythms with dazzling technique and a distinctive touch, Vanderlei has captivated audiences with his unique and electrifying performances.
Attendees are invited to bring their dancing shoes to swing to baião, ciranda, the syncopated maracatú and the driving, straight-ahead xote…the richness of Brazil rhythms—as Brazilian Jazz Quintet masterfully performs.
Tuesday, June 1 - Monday, June 28: Latin Roots: Washington Heights/Inwood
The Latin Roots: Washington Heights/Inwood exhibit celebrates the diverse cultural and historical importance of Washington Heights and Inwood by honoring three remarkable local heroes: Edilio Paredes, master bachata musician; Moises Perez, public advocate, community leader and founder of Alianza Dominicana; and Rosita Romero, pioneering feminist, community leader and founder of the Dominican Women’s Development Center. Their dedication to supporting and encouraging the development of Washington Heights and Inwood has had a major impact on Northern Manhattan and beyond.
The New York Family Arts Festival is a June celebration of interactive multicultural performances and events, sponsored by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, The New York Times Community Affairs Department and JPMorgan Chase. All events of the New York Family Arts Festival are free of charge. For more information or to RSVP to attend Festival events, the public can call 212-870-6784 or log on at www.theriversidetheatre.org.
WHAT: 12th ANNUAL NEW YORK FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL
WHEN: TUESDAY, JUNE 1 – MONDAY, JUNE 28
WHERE: THE THEATRE OF THE RIVERSIDE CHURCH
91 CLAREMONT AVENUE (BET. 120TH & 122ND ST.)
MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS
COST: FREE, CALL 212-870-6784 TO RSVP EVENT ATTENDANCE
Directions: To get to The Riverside Church by subway take the 1 to 116th St. and walk to 91 Claremont Avenue (bet. 120th & 122nd St.) one block west of Broadway.
Following are details regarding The Riverside Theatre’s 12th Annual NY Family Arts Festival, offering free multicultural performances and activities for families throughout June.
THE RIVERSIDE THEATRE PRESENTS:
12th ANNUAL NEW YORK FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL IN CELEBRATION OF CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND FAMILY
Celebrate the Family through Exciting Multicultural Performances and Activities
Currently celebrating its 50th Anniversary, The Riverside Theatre is presenting its 12TH Annual New York Family Arts Festival, a festival of interactive multicultural weekend activities for families to enjoy from Friday, June 11 - Monday, June 28 at the Theatre, 91 Claremont Ave. (bet. 120th & 122nd St.), Morningside Heights. All Festival events are free of charge to attend.
Incorporating the Theatre’s anniversary theme, From Legacy to Promise, all Festival events and activities will feature not only established artists, but new, up and coming talent as well. The Festival continues to empower and celebrate family through fun culturally innovative performances, workshops and dialogues offering opportunities to share creative experiences and improve communication. The Festival will feature performances from multicultural artists and interactive workshops ranging from dance and storytelling to music and theater. Following is a schedule of the fun and exciting events that families will be able to enjoy during the month-long Festival:
Friday, June 11: Artz, Rootz, Rhythm – 7:00 p.m.
Co-sponsored by the Harlem Arts Alliance, outstanding young talent and seasoned performers will bring the Theatre’s Legacy to Promise theme to life. Experience the delightful emerging dancers of Uptown Dance Academy and the sensational 14-year-old guitarist Solomon Hicks. Then swing to the superb jazz music of the 100-year-old New Amsterdam Musical Association. Hosted by Phyllis Yvonne Stickney.
Saturday, June 12: Iranian Cultural Village – 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Co-Sponsored by Iran Heritage Magazine, the Persian Arts Festival and PAAIA, the Iranian Cultural Village will feature a day of cultural activities, performances and food celebrating the rich arts and culture of Iran—a culture whose civilization dates back thousands of years.
2:00 p.m. Exhibits & Displays (calligraphy, books and art, Persian artifacts, traditional and regional
costumes)
3:00 p.m. Iranian Dance Workshop - Learn Mahali and Gilan folk dances, including the Qashqa’l scarf
dance.
4:00 p.m. Crafts Workshop - Learn backgammon and how to write your name in Persian.
5:00 p.m. Classical Persian Music Demonstration with Dr. Iraj Jannatei Ataet.
6:00 p.m. Crafts Workshop - Enjoy making various beaded creations.
7:00 p.m. Ballet Afsaneh & Ranna Dance Group Performance - Niloufar Talebi and Bobek Salehi present a dynamic, theatrical spoken word and music performance bridging the ancient world with the now. Also enjoy the riveting sounds of Haale’s Persian Sufi Rock.
Sunday, June 13: Saeko Ichinohe Dance Company: “Imaginary Beings from Japan” – 2:00 p.m.
Dances of fascinating creatures (RYU (Dragon), DARUMA, Fire-eating Bird and more) in colorful costumes followed by the audience participating in a workshop to learn traditional Japanese children’s games.
Friday, June 18: Power of Drum V, “Next Generation” – 7:00 p.m.
In keeping with its 50th Anniversary theme, Power of Drum —hosted by Michael Wimberly—showcases the next generation of up and coming drummers and percussionists. Enjoy young artists who have been mentored by some of New York’s finest musicians—playing jazz, rock and music from around the world.
· Hear the funky textured precision of Brooklyn’s top drum line, the BK Steppers.
· Witness the percussive virtuosity of 7-year-old Miguel Russell, features with the dynamic percussion
of Baba Don Eaton.
· Experience the explosive youth division of the Harambe Dance Company led by the powerful Frankie Malloy
Jr.
Saturday, June 19: Stories on Stage, Memories of Nueva York Childhoods – 7:00 p.m.
These delightful stories from four award-winning Hispanic authors evoke the spirit and voices of our community’s past, present and future.
· A Very Special Pet, by Nicholasa Mohr
· Lunch at the Biltmore: An Outing with My Father, by Pulitzer Prize winner Oscar Hijuelos
· Fiesta, 1980, by Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Diaz
· The Maid’s Daughter, by Julia Alvarez
Sunday, June 20: The Clowns (Los Payasos) – 2:00 p.m.
Featuring Dr. Glory’s Youth Theatre, families enjoy an original musical written, directed and choreographed by Dr. Glory Van Scott.
In the mythological planet of “WuTalway” live the people called: “WuTalwaylalaeezers,” who along with their queen called “oh yeah – sis,” decide that the only emotion they will allow to be expressed on their planet is laughter. In order to accomplish this, they kidnap famous clowns from Earth--Los Payasos, Harlequin, Scaramouche, Pagliacci Pierrot, Emmett Kelly and their leaders Columbia Alpha, Columbia Beta, and their Joyous Creature called Appearance.
Find out what shocks the WuTalwaylalaeezers, and how Los Payasos teach them about the beauty and marvelous wonders of humanity.
Saturday, June 26: Aesop Family Fable – 7:00 p.m.
Join M.C. D. Cross for a Jazzed, Popped, Hip-Hopped and Beat-Boxed version of Aesop’s fables, with performances from award-winning actress and activist Vinie Burrows, and FABLE (Ronnie Haynie, Lorenzo Von Smith, Tequan Worthen). Families get to form performance teams and help bring randomly selected Aesop fables to life with only their creative voices.
Sunday, June 27: Harlem Speaks: Latin Jazz – 2:00 p.m.
In collaboration with The Jazz Museum in Harlem, audiences will enjoy a captivating interview with one of the most sought-after musicians on the contemporary Brazilian jazz scene, drummer Vanderlei Pereira. Combining a prodigious knowledge of Brazilian rhythms with dazzling technique and a distinctive touch, Vanderlei has captivated audiences with his unique and electrifying performances.
Attendees are invited to bring their dancing shoes to swing to baião, ciranda, the syncopated maracatú and the driving, straight-ahead xote…the richness of Brazil rhythms—as Brazilian Jazz Quintet masterfully performs.
Tuesday, June 1 - Monday, June 28: Latin Roots: Washington Heights/Inwood
The Latin Roots: Washington Heights/Inwood exhibit celebrates the diverse cultural and historical importance of Washington Heights and Inwood by honoring three remarkable local heroes: Edilio Paredes, master bachata musician; Moises Perez, public advocate, community leader and founder of Alianza Dominicana; and Rosita Romero, pioneering feminist, community leader and founder of the Dominican Women’s Development Center. Their dedication to supporting and encouraging the development of Washington Heights and Inwood has had a major impact on Northern Manhattan and beyond.
The New York Family Arts Festival is a June celebration of interactive multicultural performances and events, sponsored by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, The New York Times Community Affairs Department and JPMorgan Chase. All events of the New York Family Arts Festival are free of charge. For more information or to RSVP to attend Festival events, the public can call 212-870-6784 or log on at www.theriversidetheatre.org.
WHAT: 12th ANNUAL NEW YORK FAMILY ARTS FESTIVAL
WHEN: TUESDAY, JUNE 1 – MONDAY, JUNE 28
WHERE: THE THEATRE OF THE RIVERSIDE CHURCH
91 CLAREMONT AVENUE (BET. 120TH & 122ND ST.)
MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS
COST: FREE, CALL 212-870-6784 TO RSVP EVENT ATTENDANCE
Directions: To get to The Riverside Church by subway take the 1 to 116th St. and walk to 91 Claremont Avenue (bet. 120th & 122nd St.) one block west of Broadway.
NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATORS PLEASE STOP MESSING WITH OUR FAMILIES: PRESERVE KINCARE PROGRAMS
by Gloria Dulan-Wilson
I woke up to this alarming message from AARP this morning, and couldn't even do my basic meditations before I got this off my chest.
I am sure that I stand with so many families throughout the state of New York, as well as the host of families right here in the down state areas of New York, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, etc, who are really kind of tired of having to remind you that people come first, then things.
Families first. Get it? This means that when it comes to budgetary issues, cuts to such issues as kinship programs should never have been on the table in the first place. And to see a headline of this nature from AARP, where many of you who sit there in office right now probably would not have made it had it not been for some relative who stepped in and took care of you when a parent could not, is absolutely ludicrous. And likewise, there are many of you who are known for having helped those in your community who were abandoned by family members or left without family members for reasons beyond their control.
Why such a measure would even be on the table, except to increase funds to help them do even more, I do not understand. What I do know, is that New York is headed for a collision unless it really goes after the real source of the dollars that we need to plug the gaping holes in our budget -- those miscreants on Wall Street. Somehow they have become sacred cows. Somehow, because they are the "big dogs" they are getting a pass, while focus is on the small fish who have little to no clout.
The phrase HELP MAIN STREET, NOT WALL STREET, needs to have a corollary: PUNISH WALL STREET, NOT MAIN STREET. Jesse Jackson once that you have to get the money back from where the money went. Well that's where the money, the ancillary jobs, the industries, etc. went. Our families should not have to bear the brunt of this issue.
So let's stand up to Wall Street and their threats, and make them pay restitution to New York for having put us in the middle of this madness to begin with. Our children, regardless of who their caregivers are, deserve the benefit of knowing that their legislators are on their side and supportive of their living, growing and thriving in a state that cares about them and their families.
Below is the article I received from AARP:
Across New York State, approximately 400,000 children are being raised in kinship families, by grandparents and other relatives. These families are not part of the formal foster care system. They are our traditional, timeless “child welfare” system.
Family members care for children when parents are unable to do so for many reasons. In fact, most children in informal kinship care would be in foster care were it not for grandparents and other relatives. Numerous studies have found that children living in kinship families have better outcomes than children in foster care. The average total cost of placing a child in the foster care system is $46,000. It saves the state money to keep children in the informal kinship system and not place them in an expensive foster care system.
Programs that help these caregivers are now being threatened by the proposed state budget. These programs are not only effective, they save money for the state and its localities. Please click here to learn more and send a message to your legislators urging them to protect these caregivers and the children they support.
I lifted this from the letter I received from AARP. Not having all the computer skills to repro it the way I received it, however, means that you are receiving only the text, as opposed to text and graphics. However rudimentary it may appear, the contents are the same. So please, cut, paste and complete the form and send it to your New York State Assembly member and your senator. Wouldn't hurt to write Governor Paterson a letter as well.
Kincare Programs Could Save the State $46,000 per Child
AARP strongly recommends that the Legislature restore the $2 million in funding to OCFS and the 10% that was cut from the Navigator program. This money will go a long way to helping thousands of Kincare families. It will also save the State money, and, very importantly, it will produce better outcomes for children.
Please fill out the fields below and send a message to your legislators today!
* Name of Your State Representative or Representatives
Your Contact Information:
*Required fields
* Title:
* First Name:
* Last Name:
* Your Email:
* Address 1:
Address 2:
* City:
* State / Province:
* ZIP / Postal Code:
Phone Number:
REJECT CUTS TO KINCARE PROGRAMS:
Dear [Decision Maker],
As a constituent, I am extremely concerned with the Governor's proposal to severely cut funding to Kincare programs in New York State. These programs provide case management, respite, support groups, advocacy and legal assistance. They are the only support for more than 350,000 children in private kinship arrangements. I am writing to ask you to reject the Governor's proposed $2 million in funding to OCFS and the 10% that was cut from the Navigator Program in the 2010-2011 Executive Budget.
These programs are not only effective, they save money for the state and its localities. In New York, the average cost of a child in non-specialized foster care is on average $46,000. The average cost of kinship programs is approximately $500 per child. The total cost of all of the state's kinship programs is less than the cost for just 136 children in foster care.
In addition to cost implications, there are numerous studies showing that children raised by family members live in safer and more stable homes than children in the care of non-relatives. A recent study, published in the June 2008, Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, found that children living in kinship families have better outcomes than children in foster care.
I urge you to reject these cuts and fully restore this critical funding which helps thousands of New York families, saves the state money in more expensive foster care, and achieves better outcomes for children.
Please keep me posted on your efforts to protect grandparents and other relatives raising children in New York State.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Now if you complete this, you can email it to AARP and they will direct it to your legislator. Or you can go online to AARP and download the actual petition letter and it will reach your representative. Regardless of what you decide to do, you need to do it ASAP. Rudimentary is better than nothing.
Naturally, I signed the petition and it will be presented to my Assemblymember this morning. In the interim, I hope that when you receive it, you will do the same. We are not just in a battle for money and finances, there is a balance being struck here for ethics, decency and moral purpose.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
I woke up to this alarming message from AARP this morning, and couldn't even do my basic meditations before I got this off my chest.
I am sure that I stand with so many families throughout the state of New York, as well as the host of families right here in the down state areas of New York, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Westchester, Long Island, etc, who are really kind of tired of having to remind you that people come first, then things.
Families first. Get it? This means that when it comes to budgetary issues, cuts to such issues as kinship programs should never have been on the table in the first place. And to see a headline of this nature from AARP, where many of you who sit there in office right now probably would not have made it had it not been for some relative who stepped in and took care of you when a parent could not, is absolutely ludicrous. And likewise, there are many of you who are known for having helped those in your community who were abandoned by family members or left without family members for reasons beyond their control.
Why such a measure would even be on the table, except to increase funds to help them do even more, I do not understand. What I do know, is that New York is headed for a collision unless it really goes after the real source of the dollars that we need to plug the gaping holes in our budget -- those miscreants on Wall Street. Somehow they have become sacred cows. Somehow, because they are the "big dogs" they are getting a pass, while focus is on the small fish who have little to no clout.
The phrase HELP MAIN STREET, NOT WALL STREET, needs to have a corollary: PUNISH WALL STREET, NOT MAIN STREET. Jesse Jackson once that you have to get the money back from where the money went. Well that's where the money, the ancillary jobs, the industries, etc. went. Our families should not have to bear the brunt of this issue.
So let's stand up to Wall Street and their threats, and make them pay restitution to New York for having put us in the middle of this madness to begin with. Our children, regardless of who their caregivers are, deserve the benefit of knowing that their legislators are on their side and supportive of their living, growing and thriving in a state that cares about them and their families.
Below is the article I received from AARP:
Across New York State, approximately 400,000 children are being raised in kinship families, by grandparents and other relatives. These families are not part of the formal foster care system. They are our traditional, timeless “child welfare” system.
Family members care for children when parents are unable to do so for many reasons. In fact, most children in informal kinship care would be in foster care were it not for grandparents and other relatives. Numerous studies have found that children living in kinship families have better outcomes than children in foster care. The average total cost of placing a child in the foster care system is $46,000. It saves the state money to keep children in the informal kinship system and not place them in an expensive foster care system.
Programs that help these caregivers are now being threatened by the proposed state budget. These programs are not only effective, they save money for the state and its localities. Please click here to learn more and send a message to your legislators urging them to protect these caregivers and the children they support.
I lifted this from the letter I received from AARP. Not having all the computer skills to repro it the way I received it, however, means that you are receiving only the text, as opposed to text and graphics. However rudimentary it may appear, the contents are the same. So please, cut, paste and complete the form and send it to your New York State Assembly member and your senator. Wouldn't hurt to write Governor Paterson a letter as well.
Kincare Programs Could Save the State $46,000 per Child
AARP strongly recommends that the Legislature restore the $2 million in funding to OCFS and the 10% that was cut from the Navigator program. This money will go a long way to helping thousands of Kincare families. It will also save the State money, and, very importantly, it will produce better outcomes for children.
Please fill out the fields below and send a message to your legislators today!
* Name of Your State Representative or Representatives
Your Contact Information:
*Required fields
* Title:
* First Name:
* Last Name:
* Your Email:
* Address 1:
Address 2:
* City:
* State / Province:
* ZIP / Postal Code:
Phone Number:
REJECT CUTS TO KINCARE PROGRAMS:
Dear [Decision Maker],
As a constituent, I am extremely concerned with the Governor's proposal to severely cut funding to Kincare programs in New York State. These programs provide case management, respite, support groups, advocacy and legal assistance. They are the only support for more than 350,000 children in private kinship arrangements. I am writing to ask you to reject the Governor's proposed $2 million in funding to OCFS and the 10% that was cut from the Navigator Program in the 2010-2011 Executive Budget.
These programs are not only effective, they save money for the state and its localities. In New York, the average cost of a child in non-specialized foster care is on average $46,000. The average cost of kinship programs is approximately $500 per child. The total cost of all of the state's kinship programs is less than the cost for just 136 children in foster care.
In addition to cost implications, there are numerous studies showing that children raised by family members live in safer and more stable homes than children in the care of non-relatives. A recent study, published in the June 2008, Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, found that children living in kinship families have better outcomes than children in foster care.
I urge you to reject these cuts and fully restore this critical funding which helps thousands of New York families, saves the state money in more expensive foster care, and achieves better outcomes for children.
Please keep me posted on your efforts to protect grandparents and other relatives raising children in New York State.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Now if you complete this, you can email it to AARP and they will direct it to your legislator. Or you can go online to AARP and download the actual petition letter and it will reach your representative. Regardless of what you decide to do, you need to do it ASAP. Rudimentary is better than nothing.
Naturally, I signed the petition and it will be presented to my Assemblymember this morning. In the interim, I hope that when you receive it, you will do the same. We are not just in a battle for money and finances, there is a balance being struck here for ethics, decency and moral purpose.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
6.07.2010
BSREB Host Spotlight on Businesses
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
The 75 Year Old Historic Bedford Stuyvesant Real Estate Board Hosts Spotlight on Businesses and A Salute to its’ Past Presidents
On Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 6pm, the BSREB will host a special evening reception to focus a Spotlight on Businesses that are related to the real estate industry and will pay tribute to its’ most recent past presidents.
The businesses spotlighted have unique survival skills and are note-worthy of a salute to have stayed afloat during this present stormy phase of the real estate industry.
These business owners include:
Donnell Williams, RVP, NAREB and owner of Destiny Real Estate;
Eustace Greaves, Greaves Financial Services;
Douglas Anderson, Construction Online;
Edward Lawson, Allstate Insurance;
David Lucas, D. Real Estate;
Alonzo Cartlidge, Our Gang Travel Agency;
May C Davy, Esq., CPA,
Halcyon DeSouza, Megastar Real Estate;
Mark Dana, Yellowbook; and
James Salnave, Leadership Development Institute, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc,
Roodneyse Bichotte, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Economic Development.
The event will be held at the The Artcurian Art Gallery, 22 Chapel St., Brooklyn, NY 11201. Tickets-- $40.
Honorary Chairs include, Wayne Devonish, Executive Director Bedford Stuyvesant Multi-Service Center,
Richard Trouth, Executive Director, Neighborhood Housing Services of Bedford Stuyvesant; and
Kevin Powell, Author, political activist and public speaker.
At 73 years old, the BSREB has thrived under the leadership of many outstanding leaders. The most recent include Jacqui Weeks, Joyce Turner and Richard Flateau
“Without the foresight and tenacity of these past leaders and business owners, the African American community would have had a much less impact in the Brooklyn Real Estate market says, Barbara Haynes, current president.
“This is an organization with a history that needs to be shared with today’s businesses and leaders,” says Emerson Atkins, owner Atkins Real Estate Co. “We have survived many market down turns and as we salute these businesses, we celebrate their successes and the past presidents on whose shoulders we all stand.”
The Bedford Stuyvesant Real Estate Board Inc. (BSREB), established in 1937, is a non-profit organization comprised of New York State licensed real estate brokers, appraisers, bankers, developers, engineers, exterminators, general contractors, mortgage brokers, property managers, interior decorators and insurance brokers. They strive to preserve the status, honor and dignity and safeguard the interest of the community that the Bedford Stuyvesant Real Estate Board, Inc. services and promote the general efficiency and professional standards of the real estate business.
BSREB, Inc. is an active member of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, inc. (NAREB) the oldest and largest trade association in America.
The Bedford Stuyvesant Real Estate Board, Inc. is a Membership Oriented Professional Organization of Real Estate Professionals and Affiliate Businesses that support the Brooklyn Real Estate Community.
BSREB Members service the Brooklyn and Queens Community with additional affiliates in the TRi-State Area and on the national level.. BSREB Membership provides duel Membership with the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.
Membership is Open to all Professional Members of the Real Estate and Business Communities. Provides Education, Technology and Marketing Seminars and Opportunities for all members. Increases Membership visibility throughout the Tri-State area and specifically within the Brooklyn Community.
For Tickets and more information regarding the event, go to www.bsreb.com or call 718-638-8199.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
The 75 Year Old Historic Bedford Stuyvesant Real Estate Board Hosts Spotlight on Businesses and A Salute to its’ Past Presidents
On Tuesday, June 15, 2010, 6pm, the BSREB will host a special evening reception to focus a Spotlight on Businesses that are related to the real estate industry and will pay tribute to its’ most recent past presidents.
The businesses spotlighted have unique survival skills and are note-worthy of a salute to have stayed afloat during this present stormy phase of the real estate industry.
These business owners include:
Donnell Williams, RVP, NAREB and owner of Destiny Real Estate;
Eustace Greaves, Greaves Financial Services;
Douglas Anderson, Construction Online;
Edward Lawson, Allstate Insurance;
David Lucas, D. Real Estate;
Alonzo Cartlidge, Our Gang Travel Agency;
May C Davy, Esq., CPA,
Halcyon DeSouza, Megastar Real Estate;
Mark Dana, Yellowbook; and
James Salnave, Leadership Development Institute, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc,
Roodneyse Bichotte, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Economic Development.
The event will be held at the The Artcurian Art Gallery, 22 Chapel St., Brooklyn, NY 11201. Tickets-- $40.
Honorary Chairs include, Wayne Devonish, Executive Director Bedford Stuyvesant Multi-Service Center,
Richard Trouth, Executive Director, Neighborhood Housing Services of Bedford Stuyvesant; and
Kevin Powell, Author, political activist and public speaker.
At 73 years old, the BSREB has thrived under the leadership of many outstanding leaders. The most recent include Jacqui Weeks, Joyce Turner and Richard Flateau
“Without the foresight and tenacity of these past leaders and business owners, the African American community would have had a much less impact in the Brooklyn Real Estate market says, Barbara Haynes, current president.
“This is an organization with a history that needs to be shared with today’s businesses and leaders,” says Emerson Atkins, owner Atkins Real Estate Co. “We have survived many market down turns and as we salute these businesses, we celebrate their successes and the past presidents on whose shoulders we all stand.”
The Bedford Stuyvesant Real Estate Board Inc. (BSREB), established in 1937, is a non-profit organization comprised of New York State licensed real estate brokers, appraisers, bankers, developers, engineers, exterminators, general contractors, mortgage brokers, property managers, interior decorators and insurance brokers. They strive to preserve the status, honor and dignity and safeguard the interest of the community that the Bedford Stuyvesant Real Estate Board, Inc. services and promote the general efficiency and professional standards of the real estate business.
BSREB, Inc. is an active member of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, inc. (NAREB) the oldest and largest trade association in America.
The Bedford Stuyvesant Real Estate Board, Inc. is a Membership Oriented Professional Organization of Real Estate Professionals and Affiliate Businesses that support the Brooklyn Real Estate Community.
BSREB Members service the Brooklyn and Queens Community with additional affiliates in the TRi-State Area and on the national level.. BSREB Membership provides duel Membership with the National Association of Real Estate Brokers.
Membership is Open to all Professional Members of the Real Estate and Business Communities. Provides Education, Technology and Marketing Seminars and Opportunities for all members. Increases Membership visibility throughout the Tri-State area and specifically within the Brooklyn Community.
For Tickets and more information regarding the event, go to www.bsreb.com or call 718-638-8199.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
FABFEST IS HERE!!!
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Just received this from Political and Community Action Diva, Una Clarke, former New York City Council Member, and mother of Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. June is going to be one of the busiest months ever! This is actually the 3rd full calendar Event Alert I've posted in two days. You will surely never be bored or idle in New York City, regardless of which boro you happen to be in. And I strongly recommend you definitely avail yourself of FABfest. It's been way over due, with such a grand confluence of cultures in Brooklyn, you will find some of the best of everything. And that's not hype, that's fact.
So, brothers and sisters: MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
FABFEST IS HERE!!!
Free Outdoor Festival—Sundays, 12noon—6pm, June 6 through 27, on Fulton Street between Lafayette Avenue and South Oxford Street,in Fort Greene, Brooklyn
FABfest, a month-long three-block street festival, jumpstarts Brooklyn summertime fun, featuring fashion shows, reggae and gospel concerts,chef demonstrations, activities for kids, dance parties, author readings,community mural painting, and a tribute to Michael Jackson Headlining artists include Victor LaValle, Urban Word Poets, DJ Reborn,Jahdan Blakkamore, Geka Jones, and Matt Shadetek of Dutty Artz
Presented by the FAB Alliance, the newly formed Fulton Street Business
Improvement District in Clinton Hill and Fort Greene Brooklyn, N.Y./May 21, 2010— FABfest is a weekly street festival on Sundays in June (June 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2010) from 12noon—6pm.
Every Sunday in June, Fulton Street heats up with a blazing line-up of outdoor performances, readings, cooking and environmental demonstrations,family activities, games, and sports.
Closing Fulton Street to all car & bus traffic, FABfest transforms three blocks of Fulton Street into a pedestrian-friendly public space where locals can stop, shop, party, and play while enjoying neighborhood eats, arts, activities, fashion, and culture.
Each FABfest kicks off with a salsa dance party at 12noon and the fun continues
until 6pm, rain or shine! With FABfest, neighborhood businesses, property owners, organizations, and residents take over the street with free activities that
highlight the variety and vibrancy of local entrepreneurs and artists. FABfest
partners include many Fort Greene and Clinton Hill businesses and organizations, ranging from local churches to BAM to StoryCorps, and CakeMan Raven.
“Fulton Street in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill is as Brooklyn’s premiere destination for good eats, arts, and recreation. FAB Alliance is proud to provide a new and creative opportunity for driving foot traffic to Fulton Street, while celebrating the abundance of neighborhood-based talent,” said Wellington Sharpe, President of
the FAB Alliance.
For updates on the list of activities and schedules (still in development), visit
faballiance.org
LIST OF EVENTS - BY DAY (Subject to change):
FABfest Sunday, June 6, 12noon–6pm:
• Salsa Dance Party & Dance Lessons
• Children's Clothing Swap
• Fashion Show featuring designers along Fulton Street, including Courtney
Washington, Moshood, Michael Shane Bridal, Jacob's Garden, Tribal Truths, Raif
Atelier, Super Nova, Swagga 360, B2 Gear and Senagelese Fashion Center
• StoryCorps Listening Sessions at Greenlight Bookstore
• Crafts, activities and giveaways for kids all day
• 3-on-3 Soccer Games for Kids hosted by Ft. Greene Soccer
• Streetside Mad Libs game for all ages
• Environmental demos and activities presented by Habana Outpost
• Pet CPR and First Aid classes presented by Brooklyn Cares Veterinary Clinic
• Fitness evaluations and information from Crunch
• Walking tour of historic Fort Greene with Adrienne Onofri, author of WALKING
BROOKLYN (a different tour to be given on each day of FABfest)
FABfest Sunday, June 13, 12noon–6pm:
• Salsa Dance Party & Dance Lessons
• Live Gospel Concert featuring the Lafayette Inspirational Ensemble
• Toasters Delight: a Reggae Party featuring DJs Geko Jones and Matt Shadetek
of Dutty Artz, Jahdan Blakkamore, Cool Places Soundsystem, Gael Dubourg DJ Gravy, and special guests. Toasters Delight celebrates the June 15th BAMcinemaFEST screening of the Brooklyn indie film Wah Do Dem. Visit BAM.org for screening info.
• A "Taste of Fulton" with Cooking Demos and Food Tastings featuring chefs from Fulton Street restaurants and shops such as Desserts by Michael Allen, One Greene Sushi, Soule, Smoke Joint, Deniz, Buka, Dajeh, Kush; plus demos on butchering and mozzarella-making by Greene Grape Provisions and coffee by Outpost Lounge; also Louisa Shafia, author of LUCID FOODS will be preparing vegetarian dishes from her book with organic produce from MetFoods Supermarket
• Moonshine reading at Greenlight Bookstore with Max Watman, author of CHASING THE WHITE DOG, followed by a tasting at Greene Grape Wine Store
• Red Velvet Cupcake Decorating Contest for Children hosted by Cake Man
Raven
• Write your own six-word memoir of our community with Rachel Fershleiser,co-editor of the SIX-WORD MEMOIRS, hosted by Greenlight Bookstore
• Crafts, activities and giveaways for kids all day
• Streetside Mad Libs game for all ages
• Environmental demos and activities presented by Habana Outpost
• 3-on-3 Soccer Games for Kids hosted by Ft. Greene Soccer
• Walking tour of historic Fort Greene with Adrienne Onofri, author of WALKING
BROOKLYN (2nd of 3 different tours)
FABfest Sunday, June 20, 12noon–6pm:
• Salsa Dance Party & Dance Lessons
• Performances on the mainstage presented by Greenlight Bookstore, all with a focus on local artists and organizations including
- Performance poetry by URBAN WORD
- Stand-up comedy from the STEAM BOAT series
- Readings by authors such as VICTOR LaVALLE, TOURE & NELSON GEORGE and more
• Environmental demos and activities presented by Habana Outpost
• Walking tour of historic Fort Greene with Adrienne Onofri, author of WALKING
BROOKLYN (3rd of 3 different tours during FABfest)
• SONYA Collaborative Action Mural with Ellie Balk - participatory painting
allowing residents to make their mark on a collective community image
• Crafts, activities and giveaways for kids all day
• Streetside Mad Libs game for all ages
• 3-on-3 Soccer Games for Kids hosted by Ft. Greene Soccer
FABfest Sunday, June 27, 12noon–6pm:
• Salsa Dance Party & Dance Lessons
• BK Misses MJ: On the anniversary of his passing, Brooklyn remembers the life
and legacy of the King of Pop Michael Jackson with an all-day music tribute and
community dance party featuring DJ Reborn
• Readings and prizes from Brooklyn literary magazines A Public Space,
Armchair/Shotgun, BOMB, and Electric Literature hosted by Greenlight
Bookstore
• Literary trivia contest
• Dogs on Parade presented by Fort Greene PUPS and Brooklyn Cares
Veterinary Clinic, plus Pet CPR and First Aid classes and Ask the Trainer
sessions for pet owners
• Crafts, activities and giveaways for kids all day
• Streetside Mad Libs game for all ages
• 3-on-3 Soccer Games for Kids hosted by Ft. Greene Soccer
• SONYA Collaborative Action Mural with Ellie Balk - participatory painting
allowing residents to make their mark on a collective community image
• Environmental demos and activities presented by Habana Outpost
(Schedules subject to change. To get updates, visit faballiance.org)
About The FAB Alliance
The Fulton Area Business (FAB) Alliance is a newly formed Business Improvement District working on behalf of property owners, merchants, residents and stakeholders along Fulton Street in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill—from Rockwell Place to Classon Avenue (plus adjacent blocks of Lafayette, Greene and Putnam Avenues). Goals are to retain current businesses and improve the atmosphere to make this area of Fulton Street a clean, safe and retail diverse environment that is a destination for people work, shop, dine and play. For more information, visit: faballiance.org
FABfest is produced and presented by FAB Alliance.
Directions
SUBWAYS: 2, 3, 4, 5 to Nevins St.; A, C to Lafayette Ave.; G to Fulton; M, N, Q,
R, W to DeKalb Ave. LIRR to Atlantic Ave. (NOTE: Check mta.info for weekend
construction changes). Buses: B25, B26, B52, B38.
Please call 718-928-3322 or visit us at faballiance.org for more information
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Just received this from Political and Community Action Diva, Una Clarke, former New York City Council Member, and mother of Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. June is going to be one of the busiest months ever! This is actually the 3rd full calendar Event Alert I've posted in two days. You will surely never be bored or idle in New York City, regardless of which boro you happen to be in. And I strongly recommend you definitely avail yourself of FABfest. It's been way over due, with such a grand confluence of cultures in Brooklyn, you will find some of the best of everything. And that's not hype, that's fact.
So, brothers and sisters: MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
FABFEST IS HERE!!!
Free Outdoor Festival—Sundays, 12noon—6pm, June 6 through 27, on Fulton Street between Lafayette Avenue and South Oxford Street,in Fort Greene, Brooklyn
FABfest, a month-long three-block street festival, jumpstarts Brooklyn summertime fun, featuring fashion shows, reggae and gospel concerts,chef demonstrations, activities for kids, dance parties, author readings,community mural painting, and a tribute to Michael Jackson Headlining artists include Victor LaValle, Urban Word Poets, DJ Reborn,Jahdan Blakkamore, Geka Jones, and Matt Shadetek of Dutty Artz
Presented by the FAB Alliance, the newly formed Fulton Street Business
Improvement District in Clinton Hill and Fort Greene Brooklyn, N.Y./May 21, 2010— FABfest is a weekly street festival on Sundays in June (June 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2010) from 12noon—6pm.
Every Sunday in June, Fulton Street heats up with a blazing line-up of outdoor performances, readings, cooking and environmental demonstrations,family activities, games, and sports.
Closing Fulton Street to all car & bus traffic, FABfest transforms three blocks of Fulton Street into a pedestrian-friendly public space where locals can stop, shop, party, and play while enjoying neighborhood eats, arts, activities, fashion, and culture.
Each FABfest kicks off with a salsa dance party at 12noon and the fun continues
until 6pm, rain or shine! With FABfest, neighborhood businesses, property owners, organizations, and residents take over the street with free activities that
highlight the variety and vibrancy of local entrepreneurs and artists. FABfest
partners include many Fort Greene and Clinton Hill businesses and organizations, ranging from local churches to BAM to StoryCorps, and CakeMan Raven.
“Fulton Street in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill is as Brooklyn’s premiere destination for good eats, arts, and recreation. FAB Alliance is proud to provide a new and creative opportunity for driving foot traffic to Fulton Street, while celebrating the abundance of neighborhood-based talent,” said Wellington Sharpe, President of
the FAB Alliance.
For updates on the list of activities and schedules (still in development), visit
faballiance.org
LIST OF EVENTS - BY DAY (Subject to change):
FABfest Sunday, June 6, 12noon–6pm:
• Salsa Dance Party & Dance Lessons
• Children's Clothing Swap
• Fashion Show featuring designers along Fulton Street, including Courtney
Washington, Moshood, Michael Shane Bridal, Jacob's Garden, Tribal Truths, Raif
Atelier, Super Nova, Swagga 360, B2 Gear and Senagelese Fashion Center
• StoryCorps Listening Sessions at Greenlight Bookstore
• Crafts, activities and giveaways for kids all day
• 3-on-3 Soccer Games for Kids hosted by Ft. Greene Soccer
• Streetside Mad Libs game for all ages
• Environmental demos and activities presented by Habana Outpost
• Pet CPR and First Aid classes presented by Brooklyn Cares Veterinary Clinic
• Fitness evaluations and information from Crunch
• Walking tour of historic Fort Greene with Adrienne Onofri, author of WALKING
BROOKLYN (a different tour to be given on each day of FABfest)
FABfest Sunday, June 13, 12noon–6pm:
• Salsa Dance Party & Dance Lessons
• Live Gospel Concert featuring the Lafayette Inspirational Ensemble
• Toasters Delight: a Reggae Party featuring DJs Geko Jones and Matt Shadetek
of Dutty Artz, Jahdan Blakkamore, Cool Places Soundsystem, Gael Dubourg DJ Gravy, and special guests. Toasters Delight celebrates the June 15th BAMcinemaFEST screening of the Brooklyn indie film Wah Do Dem. Visit BAM.org for screening info.
• A "Taste of Fulton" with Cooking Demos and Food Tastings featuring chefs from Fulton Street restaurants and shops such as Desserts by Michael Allen, One Greene Sushi, Soule, Smoke Joint, Deniz, Buka, Dajeh, Kush; plus demos on butchering and mozzarella-making by Greene Grape Provisions and coffee by Outpost Lounge; also Louisa Shafia, author of LUCID FOODS will be preparing vegetarian dishes from her book with organic produce from MetFoods Supermarket
• Moonshine reading at Greenlight Bookstore with Max Watman, author of CHASING THE WHITE DOG, followed by a tasting at Greene Grape Wine Store
• Red Velvet Cupcake Decorating Contest for Children hosted by Cake Man
Raven
• Write your own six-word memoir of our community with Rachel Fershleiser,co-editor of the SIX-WORD MEMOIRS, hosted by Greenlight Bookstore
• Crafts, activities and giveaways for kids all day
• Streetside Mad Libs game for all ages
• Environmental demos and activities presented by Habana Outpost
• 3-on-3 Soccer Games for Kids hosted by Ft. Greene Soccer
• Walking tour of historic Fort Greene with Adrienne Onofri, author of WALKING
BROOKLYN (2nd of 3 different tours)
FABfest Sunday, June 20, 12noon–6pm:
• Salsa Dance Party & Dance Lessons
• Performances on the mainstage presented by Greenlight Bookstore, all with a focus on local artists and organizations including
- Performance poetry by URBAN WORD
- Stand-up comedy from the STEAM BOAT series
- Readings by authors such as VICTOR LaVALLE, TOURE & NELSON GEORGE and more
• Environmental demos and activities presented by Habana Outpost
• Walking tour of historic Fort Greene with Adrienne Onofri, author of WALKING
BROOKLYN (3rd of 3 different tours during FABfest)
• SONYA Collaborative Action Mural with Ellie Balk - participatory painting
allowing residents to make their mark on a collective community image
• Crafts, activities and giveaways for kids all day
• Streetside Mad Libs game for all ages
• 3-on-3 Soccer Games for Kids hosted by Ft. Greene Soccer
FABfest Sunday, June 27, 12noon–6pm:
• Salsa Dance Party & Dance Lessons
• BK Misses MJ: On the anniversary of his passing, Brooklyn remembers the life
and legacy of the King of Pop Michael Jackson with an all-day music tribute and
community dance party featuring DJ Reborn
• Readings and prizes from Brooklyn literary magazines A Public Space,
Armchair/Shotgun, BOMB, and Electric Literature hosted by Greenlight
Bookstore
• Literary trivia contest
• Dogs on Parade presented by Fort Greene PUPS and Brooklyn Cares
Veterinary Clinic, plus Pet CPR and First Aid classes and Ask the Trainer
sessions for pet owners
• Crafts, activities and giveaways for kids all day
• Streetside Mad Libs game for all ages
• 3-on-3 Soccer Games for Kids hosted by Ft. Greene Soccer
• SONYA Collaborative Action Mural with Ellie Balk - participatory painting
allowing residents to make their mark on a collective community image
• Environmental demos and activities presented by Habana Outpost
(Schedules subject to change. To get updates, visit faballiance.org)
About The FAB Alliance
The Fulton Area Business (FAB) Alliance is a newly formed Business Improvement District working on behalf of property owners, merchants, residents and stakeholders along Fulton Street in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill—from Rockwell Place to Classon Avenue (plus adjacent blocks of Lafayette, Greene and Putnam Avenues). Goals are to retain current businesses and improve the atmosphere to make this area of Fulton Street a clean, safe and retail diverse environment that is a destination for people work, shop, dine and play. For more information, visit: faballiance.org
FABfest is produced and presented by FAB Alliance.
Directions
SUBWAYS: 2, 3, 4, 5 to Nevins St.; A, C to Lafayette Ave.; G to Fulton; M, N, Q,
R, W to DeKalb Ave. LIRR to Atlantic Ave. (NOTE: Check mta.info for weekend
construction changes). Buses: B25, B26, B52, B38.
Please call 718-928-3322 or visit us at faballiance.org for more information
Stay blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
EVENT ALERT: WOODIE KING AND NEW FEDERAL THEATRE PRESENTS AN UNPRECEDENTED MONTH LONG SERIES OF GREAT BLACK PLAYS AND PLAYWRIGHTS
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
This is an absolute treat. Woodie King, Jr. Founder/CEO Henry Street Players, producer, writer, has assembled some of his favorite productions over the past 35 years to be reprised in readings. The concept being that since many of our contemporary youth missed the opportunity of being exposed to many of these great artists; and the likelihood of their being showcased on Broadway is somewhere between slim and none; he is providing an opportunity for them to witness the greatness of the writers. Coupled with the greatness of the celebrity guest artists who have given their consent to participate in these performances, it will be a wonderful time for all.
There will be such celebrity guest readers as Danny Glover, Ruby Dee and others. To find out who, when and where, contact Woodie King at New Federation - or just go and be pleasantly surprised.
I saw Lou Myers (formerly of Different World, and a renowned star of stage and screen, this past Sunday in the performance of Robert Johnson: Trick The Devil).
There is also opportunity for interaction with the playwrights as well as the artists in a Q and A after the performance, so inspiring playwrights have an opportunity to do some meaningful brainpicking.
The productions will be held at the National Black Theatre (NBT) in Harlem, 2031 Fifth Avenue (bet. 125th &126th); and the Castillo Theatre (CT) in Midtown 543 W. 42nd St. (between 10th and 11th Aves.) So mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some of the finest in Black Theatre.
JUNE 4
Black Girl
By J. E. Franklin
Director: Passion
(CT)
JUNE 5
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide
Ntozake Shange
Director: Trezana Beverly
(CT)
Tod, The Boy Tod
By Tavin Wilks
Director: Tavin Wilks
(CT)
JUNE 6
Robert Johnson: Trick The Devil
By: Bill Harris
Director: Ed Smith
Guest Star Artist: Lou Myers
NBT
Mom, How Did You Meet The Beatles?
By: Adam P. Kennedy &
Adrienne Kennedy
Director: Imani
NBT
JUNE 7
Do Lord Remember Me
By: James deJongh
Director: Reggie Life
(NBT)
JUNE 11
Meetings
By: Mustapha Matura
Director: Seret Scott
CT
JUNE 12
Sty of the Blind Pig
By: Phillip Hayes Dean
Director: Patricia White
CT
JUNE 13
A Recent Killing
By: Amiri Baraka
Director: Hampton V. Clanton
CT
Ceremonies in Dark Old Men
By Lonnie Elder
Director Clinton Turner Davis
NBT
When Chickens Came Home to Roost
&
Zora
By: Laurence Holder
Director: Allie Woods
NBT
JUNE 14
Sherlock Holmes & The Hand of Othello
By: Alexander Simmons
Director: Eric Coleman
NBT
JUNE 18
What the Winesellers Buy
By: Ron Milner
Director: Justin Lord
CT
JUNE 19
Long Time Since Yesterday
By: P.J. Gibson
Director: Bette Howard
CT
Top Dog/UnderDog
By Suzan-Lori Parks
Director: Jamie Richards
CT
JUNE 20
The Amen Corner
By: James Baldwin
Director: Chuck Patterson
NBT
The Black Terror
By: Richard Wesley
Director: Nathan George
NBT
JUNE 21
No Place to Be Somebody
By: Charles Gordone
Director : Ajene D. Washington
NBT
JUNE 25
Wedding Band
By: Alice Childress
Director: Chuck Smith
CT
JUNE 26
Crumbs From The Table of Joy
By: Lynn Nottage
Director: Marjorie Moon
CT
Flyin’ West
By Pearle Cleage
Director: Lydia Fort
CT
JUNE 27
Boogie Woogie and Booker T
By Wesley Brown
Director: A. Dean Irby
NBT
In the Wine Time
By: Ed Bullins
Director: Mansoor Najee-Ullah
NBT
Tickets for performances are available at www.theatremania.com (866-811-4111) or at NBT 2031 Fifth Avenue. New Federal Theatre Members admitted Free by presenting their membership cards. For additional information call (212) 353-1176, or visit NFT’s webste: www.newfederaltheatre.org
Our arts are a reflection of our culture. There's nothing more eloquent. I strongly urge you to get out and support our artists - take your family and friends. We have much to be proud of.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
This is an absolute treat. Woodie King, Jr. Founder/CEO Henry Street Players, producer, writer, has assembled some of his favorite productions over the past 35 years to be reprised in readings. The concept being that since many of our contemporary youth missed the opportunity of being exposed to many of these great artists; and the likelihood of their being showcased on Broadway is somewhere between slim and none; he is providing an opportunity for them to witness the greatness of the writers. Coupled with the greatness of the celebrity guest artists who have given their consent to participate in these performances, it will be a wonderful time for all.
There will be such celebrity guest readers as Danny Glover, Ruby Dee and others. To find out who, when and where, contact Woodie King at New Federation - or just go and be pleasantly surprised.
I saw Lou Myers (formerly of Different World, and a renowned star of stage and screen, this past Sunday in the performance of Robert Johnson: Trick The Devil).
There is also opportunity for interaction with the playwrights as well as the artists in a Q and A after the performance, so inspiring playwrights have an opportunity to do some meaningful brainpicking.
The productions will be held at the National Black Theatre (NBT) in Harlem, 2031 Fifth Avenue (bet. 125th &126th); and the Castillo Theatre (CT) in Midtown 543 W. 42nd St. (between 10th and 11th Aves.) So mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy some of the finest in Black Theatre.
JUNE 4
Black Girl
By J. E. Franklin
Director: Passion
(CT)
JUNE 5
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide
Ntozake Shange
Director: Trezana Beverly
(CT)
Tod, The Boy Tod
By Tavin Wilks
Director: Tavin Wilks
(CT)
JUNE 6
Robert Johnson: Trick The Devil
By: Bill Harris
Director: Ed Smith
Guest Star Artist: Lou Myers
NBT
Mom, How Did You Meet The Beatles?
By: Adam P. Kennedy &
Adrienne Kennedy
Director: Imani
NBT
JUNE 7
Do Lord Remember Me
By: James deJongh
Director: Reggie Life
(NBT)
JUNE 11
Meetings
By: Mustapha Matura
Director: Seret Scott
CT
JUNE 12
Sty of the Blind Pig
By: Phillip Hayes Dean
Director: Patricia White
CT
JUNE 13
A Recent Killing
By: Amiri Baraka
Director: Hampton V. Clanton
CT
Ceremonies in Dark Old Men
By Lonnie Elder
Director Clinton Turner Davis
NBT
When Chickens Came Home to Roost
&
Zora
By: Laurence Holder
Director: Allie Woods
NBT
JUNE 14
Sherlock Holmes & The Hand of Othello
By: Alexander Simmons
Director: Eric Coleman
NBT
JUNE 18
What the Winesellers Buy
By: Ron Milner
Director: Justin Lord
CT
JUNE 19
Long Time Since Yesterday
By: P.J. Gibson
Director: Bette Howard
CT
Top Dog/UnderDog
By Suzan-Lori Parks
Director: Jamie Richards
CT
JUNE 20
The Amen Corner
By: James Baldwin
Director: Chuck Patterson
NBT
The Black Terror
By: Richard Wesley
Director: Nathan George
NBT
JUNE 21
No Place to Be Somebody
By: Charles Gordone
Director : Ajene D. Washington
NBT
JUNE 25
Wedding Band
By: Alice Childress
Director: Chuck Smith
CT
JUNE 26
Crumbs From The Table of Joy
By: Lynn Nottage
Director: Marjorie Moon
CT
Flyin’ West
By Pearle Cleage
Director: Lydia Fort
CT
JUNE 27
Boogie Woogie and Booker T
By Wesley Brown
Director: A. Dean Irby
NBT
In the Wine Time
By: Ed Bullins
Director: Mansoor Najee-Ullah
NBT
Tickets for performances are available at www.theatremania.com (866-811-4111) or at NBT 2031 Fifth Avenue. New Federal Theatre Members admitted Free by presenting their membership cards. For additional information call (212) 353-1176, or visit NFT’s webste: www.newfederaltheatre.org
Our arts are a reflection of our culture. There's nothing more eloquent. I strongly urge you to get out and support our artists - take your family and friends. We have much to be proud of.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
TENANTS SAY NO TO RENT HIKES: JOIN THE REAL RENT REFORM CAMPAIGN NOW
by Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Well, hear we go again with the "Haves" vs. the "Have Nots", better known as the Rent Guidlines Board Hearings. And if it wasn't so ludicrous, it might even be taken seriously as an attempt on the part of the City of New York to provide orderly, justifiable rental increases. But really, it's a joke being played on New Yorkers, and we've danced to this game for quite some time now. And while we've done so, we've continued to lose ground to those who see us as their personal cash cows.
NEW YORK TENANTS SAY: NO RENT HIKE!
Every year landlords bully the Rent Guidelines Board into giving them a rent increase. This year is no exception.
According to the R. G. B.’s 2009 Income and Expense Study, landlords are doing quite well; pocketing an average of thirty-seven cents of every dollar of tenant’s rent. Nevertheless, this year the R.G.B. is proposing a rent hike range of 4% to 7.5% for one year leases and 4.5% to 8.5% for two year leases. This is not acceptable to tenants! Especially not at a time when most of us are paying a third of our incomes for rent and more than one in four of us are paying least half of our income one rent.
We believe that the RGB’s proposal will further divide us into a city of haves and have-nots and that it is time for drastic change. Tenants & Neighbors calls for a rent freeze and for a reform of the RGB.
Join us in demanding:
* No rent hike this year!
* Reform the RGB so that tenants have an equal voice!
Testify at the RCB Hearings (See schedule)
JOIN THE REAL RENT REFORM CAMPAIGN NOW
TENANTS& NEIGHBORS Contact: 212-608-4320, ext. 316
Rent Guidelines Board Meeting Schedule
Public Meeting: Thursday, June 3, 2010 9:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.,
Department of City Planning, Spector Hall, 22 Read Street, Manhattan
There is no opportunity to testify at this meeting
Public Hearing: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 4:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.,
LaGuardia Performing Arts Center 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City
(Use entrance on Van Dam Street, just north of 47th Avenue)
Train: 7 train to 33rd Street in Queens
Tenants can testify at this hearing
Public Hearing: Wednesday, June 17, 2010 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.,
The Great Hall at Cooper Union, 7 East 7th Street, Manhattan
Train: R, W to 8th Street or 6 to Astor Place
Tenants can testify at this hearing
Final Vote: Tuesday, June 24, 2010 5:30 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.
Note: The RGB reserves the right to cancel or reschedule public meetings.
To confirm the schedule or to register to testify at one of the hearings,
Call the RGB at 212-385-2934 est. 11 or go to www.housingnyc.com
Process By Which the Rent Guidelines Board Determines The Guidelines (for your edification, I pulled this from their website the comments in ALL CAPS is me):
How To Communicate Your Views
Meetings
Hearings
Voting Meetings
How to Obtain Meetings/Hearings Schedule
Final Orders and Explanatory Statements
Each year, the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) establishes the lease guidelines for rent stabilized apartments and hotels. The Rent Stabilization Law sets forth the factors that must be considered by the Board prior to the adoption of rent guidelines. These include:
1. the economic condition of the residential real estate industry in N.Y.C. including such factors as the prevailing and projected (i) real estate taxes and sewer and water rates, (ii) gross operating maintenance costs (including insurance rates, governmental fees, cost of fuel and labor costs), (iii) costs and availability of financing (including effective rates of interest), (iv) over-all supply of housing accommodations and over-all vacancy rates,
(NOTE THEY START THEIR LEVEL OF CONCERN WITH THE STATE OF THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY, NOT WITH THE STATE OF THE TENANTS WHO ARE RENTING FROM THEM, WHO ARE AFFECTED BY ADVERSE ECONOMIC FORCES SUCH AS UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDER EMPLOYMENT. THE RULE OF PEOPLE FIRST IS TOTALLY IGNORED; IT'S MORE "POCKET FIRST" WITH THEM. WE'VE BEEN REDUCED TO STATS AND PER CENTAGES. NOTHING TO DO WHATSOEVER WITH QUALITY OF LIVING, DELIVERY OF SERVICES OR ANY OF THE OTHER ISSUES THAT ARE ALSO FACTOR IN DETERMINING THESE THINGS FROM A PEOPLE-ORIENTED STANDPOINT.)
2. relevant data from the current and projected cost of living indices for the affected area, and
(THIS CAN'T POSSIBLY BE A TRUE STATEMENT, OR THE INFORMATION IS DISTORTED, BASED ON THE UPPER LEVEL SALARIES RECEIVED IN MID-TOWN MANHATTAN, AS OPPOSED TO REAL LIFE INCOMES OF MOST NEW YORKERS WHO ARE FORCED TO CHOSE BETWEEN ROOF OVER HEAD OR FOOD ON THE TABLE BECAUSE OF UNCONSCIONABLE RENT INCREASES -- HOW CAN YOU ASK THE FOX TO MIND THE HENHOUSE. THE INFORMATION IS GATHERED BY INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE A VESTED INTEREST IN INFLATING INCOMES SO THEY ARE FRAUDULENTLY REFLECTIVE OF THE INCREASED RENTS AS OPPOSED TO THE REAL SALARIES THAT WOULD INDICATE THEY ARE LITERALLY AND DELIBERATELY PUSHING FAMILIES OUT OF THEIR HOMES BY DISTORTED ECONOMIC INDICES)THEIR GOAL IS TO PUSH THE RENTS UP ABOVE THE MAGIC $2000 PER MONTH SO THEY CAN DECONTROL THE UNIT AND INCREASE RENTS AT WILL.
QUESTION: WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN NO ONE CAN AFFORD THE RENTS? HOW MANY NEW YORKERS CAN BE EVICTED AND PUSHED INTO THE STREETS BEFORE EITHER THE CITY WAKES UP TO ITS OWN STUPIDITY, OR THE PEOPLE BEGIN TO PUSH BACK AND TAKE BACK THEIR RIGHTS?
3. such other data as may be made available to it. WHAT AN INTERESTING CONCEPT. THE TENANTS AND RESIDENTS OF NEW YORK HAVE BEEN PROVIDING RELEVANT DATA FOR DECADES, AND THE RENT GUIDELINES HAND PICKED BOARD HAS CONSISTENTLY IGNORED THEM. I SHOULD SAY CONSISTENLY AND CALLOUSLY IGNORED THEM. IT THE BOARD IS TO BE COMPRISED TOTALLY OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE MADE UP OF THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY AND THEIR FRIENDS, WHO REALLY ADVOCATES FOR THE TENANTS. BY THE WAY, SINCE IT'S BEEN ASCERTAINED THAT MOST OF THE PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET IN NYC WERE HORRIBLY OVER PRICE, AND PEOPLE WERE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR INFLATED VALUE, IT STANDS TO REASON THAT THE SAME PROBLEM ACCRUES TO THOSE OVER INFLATED RENTALS THAT WERE BASED ON THE SALES AND MARKET DATA THAT HAS BEEN RIGGED BY THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY. IT MAY WELL BE THAT THERE SHOULD BE AT LEAST A 35% ROLL BACK ON RENTALS JUST AS THERE IS FOR THOSE OVER INFLATED PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET.
How To Communicate Your Views
I STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT WE AS THE TENANTS OF NEW YORK WHO MAKE UP THE MAJORITY POPULATION OF NEW YORKERS STOP JUST PROTESTING, AND BEGIN TAKING ACTION. WE NEED OUR OWN LAWYER (JOHNNY COCHRANE IS DEAD SO CHOSE WISELY), AND BEGIN TO DEVISE ACTION ORIENTED PROTOCOLS THAT NOT ONLY SEND CLEAR MESSAGES TO THE RGB THAT THEIR LEGITIMACY IS OVER IN NEW YORK, BUT EFFECTIVELY PUTS FAIR AND EQUITABLE AND - MOST OF ALL TRULY AFFORDABLE - RENT IN NEW YORK IS A RIGHT NOT AN OPTION.
Members of the public are invited to attend meetings and hearings held by the RGB. Those wishing to do so may communicate their views to the RGB via two methods:
1. Testify at Hearings (details below)(Please note, however, that the public cannot address the Board at meetings.)
2. Submit written testimony: You may submit your views in writing by addressing them to the Chairman, or any Board member, c/o NYC Rent Guidelines Board, 51 Chambers St., Suite 202, New York, NY 10007 or by email: chair@housingnyc.com
The following is a summary of the annual procedures by which the RGB determines lease renewal guidelines for rent stabilized apartments and hotels:
Meetings
The Board typically holds eight to ten meetings per year to discuss its research agenda, review staff reports and to hear testimony from invited guests including public officials, housing experts and industry and tenant representatives. In accordance with the Open Meetings Law every meeting of the Board must be open to the public, except when circumstances warrant executive sessions. While the public may attend any public meetings, they are not allowed to address the Board unless invited.
Public notice of any meeting scheduled at least one week in advance must be provided to the press and conspicuously posted in a public location at least 72 hours before the meeting. Notice of meetings scheduled less than one week in advance must be given, to the extent practicable, to the press, and publicly posted at a reasonable time before the meeting. The schedule of Board meetings is usually discussed and resolved in the early spring and is published in the City Record.
Hearings
The Rent Stabilization Law and City Charter mandates annual hearings prior to the adoption of rent guidelines. Separate hearings are held for the apartment and hotel sectors. Notice of the hearings is provided in the City Record for eight days and at least once in a newspaper of general circulation at least eight days before the hearing. The hearings are usually held in mid-June just prior to the Board's July 1st deadline for promulgating new guidelines.
Any person who wishes to testify has a legal right to do so, and the Board has traditionally allowed three minutes for each speaker, alternating between owner and tenant representatives. Speakers have also been permitted to register in advance of the hearings and pre-registered speakers are given priority in the order of speakers. The hearings usually begin with testimony from public officials invited by the Board. Details on how to speak at the hearings can be found in the Public Notice, which will be released a few weeks prior to the hearings.
Voting Meetings
Two meetings are held each year for a vote on rent adjustments: the meeting to adopt proposed guidelines discussed above, and the meeting to adopt the final guidelines. At voting meetings, the public may attend and listen to proceedings, but may not address the Board. While the Chair and the Board establish the order of business, a typical voting meeting will proceed as follows:
* Board members attention will be called to drafts of the apartment (and loft) orders in their folders. At the meeting on the proposed guidelines, these drafts will consist of the prior year's order with blank spaces where rent adjustments will be entered. Approving this "boilerplate" language will usually be the first order of business. At the meeting to consider the "final" guidelines, members will have copies of the proposed orders. The first order of business will typically be to adopt the language of the proposed orders except insofar as they are amended at that meeting.
* Board members attention will then be called to the hotel orders and a similar process of boilerplate approval will occur.
* The floor will be opened to proposals on apartment guidelines for one and two year leases. Other elements of rent adjustments such as supplemental increases for low rent apartments or a vacancy factor for sublets may be "packaged" with the apartment guidelines. Votes are taken on each proposal in accordance with Roberts Rules, until at least five votes can be mustered for an apartment order.
* Loft guidelines are considered separately in a like fashion.
* The Board will then consider the "special guideline" for units coming out of rent control.
* The next order of business is usually the "hotel" orders. There are five groups of hotel stabilized units: Class A and Class B hotels, rooming houses, SRO's and lodging houses. These groups may be addressed separately or together. Voting proceeds in the same fashion as for apartments.
* Any special or new items of business may be introduced at any time, but any material change in the order of business will require a majority vote.
* Once all business has concluded at the final meeting, the Chair will ask the Board to approve staff preparation of explanatory statements reflecting the information presented to the Board and the major findings of the year (i.e. price index, income and expense data, witness testimony etc.). These will be circulated to Board members prior to publication.
* A motion to adjourn will be taken.
How To Obtain Meetings/Hearings Schedule
The meetings/hearings schedule for the year is usually determined by the middle of February. However, meetings are subject to change, following the procedures described above. Members of the public may obtain the schedule of meetings/hearings by:
1. Checking the Meetings section of our website
2. Writing the RGB at: NYC Rent Guidelines Board, 51 Chambers St., Suite 202, New York, NY 10007, Attn: Meetings/Hearings Schedule
3. E-mailing the RGB: ask@housingnyc.com
4. Calling the RGB: (212) 385-2934
Final Orders and Explanatory Statements
Usually about one week after the final vote, the Board's orders and related explanatory statements are filed with the City Clerk and published in the City Record. The Rent Stabilization Law directs that the filing of the Board's orders and its findings--i.e. the explanatory statements--must be completed not later than July 1st of each year.
Once the language of the orders is reviewed and approved by Corporation Counsel, the orders and explanatory statements should be published in the City Record as soon as is practicable. The final orders and explanatory statements should be forwarded to City Council for its information and published at least 30 days (by August 31st) before the first effective date of the orders (October 1st).
The guidelines themselves go into effect for leases being renewed and vacancies occurring on or after October 1st of the same year, and on or before September 30th of the following year. Most hotel/SRO tenants do not have leases and pay the new rent immediately upon the effective date of the hotel guidelines--which is also October 1st. The orders of the Board are final unless found to be unlawful by a court of competent jurisdiction. A 1991 court ruling indicates that any legal challenge to the Board's orders must be initiated within four months.
After they are filed with the City Clerk, the public may view and/or download Orders and Explanatory Statements in the Rent Guidelines section of our website: Apartments/Lofts and Hotels.
THERE SHOULD BE A FORENSIC INVESTIGATION OF THE RGB FOR ANY AND ALL OF THEIR PAST DECISIONS TO DETERMINE WHETHER ANY OF THE RENT INCREASES GRANTED IN THE LAST 10 YEARS THAT INCREASED RENTS IN THE MOST DEPRESSED AREAS OF NEW YORK AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THEY WERE EQUITABLY DETERMINED. AS WITH THE RESIDENTS OF STUYVESANT TOWN, THERE HAVE BEEN SOME EGREGIOUS ACTS OF DECEPTION, DISTORTION, AND GREED. NOW IS THE TIME TO PUT A STOP TO THESE PRACTICES. AS WITH EVERYTHING ELSE, THE RGB CAN NOT BE BUSINESS AS USUAL WHILE THE REST OF NEW YORK IS TWISTING IN THE WIND. THEY EITHER HAVE TO BE REFORMATTED OR DISMANTLED AND REPLACED.
GET UP! STAND UP! STOP THE MADNESS,
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Well, hear we go again with the "Haves" vs. the "Have Nots", better known as the Rent Guidlines Board Hearings. And if it wasn't so ludicrous, it might even be taken seriously as an attempt on the part of the City of New York to provide orderly, justifiable rental increases. But really, it's a joke being played on New Yorkers, and we've danced to this game for quite some time now. And while we've done so, we've continued to lose ground to those who see us as their personal cash cows.
NEW YORK TENANTS SAY: NO RENT HIKE!
Every year landlords bully the Rent Guidelines Board into giving them a rent increase. This year is no exception.
According to the R. G. B.’s 2009 Income and Expense Study, landlords are doing quite well; pocketing an average of thirty-seven cents of every dollar of tenant’s rent. Nevertheless, this year the R.G.B. is proposing a rent hike range of 4% to 7.5% for one year leases and 4.5% to 8.5% for two year leases. This is not acceptable to tenants! Especially not at a time when most of us are paying a third of our incomes for rent and more than one in four of us are paying least half of our income one rent.
We believe that the RGB’s proposal will further divide us into a city of haves and have-nots and that it is time for drastic change. Tenants & Neighbors calls for a rent freeze and for a reform of the RGB.
Join us in demanding:
* No rent hike this year!
* Reform the RGB so that tenants have an equal voice!
Testify at the RCB Hearings (See schedule)
JOIN THE REAL RENT REFORM CAMPAIGN NOW
TENANTS& NEIGHBORS Contact: 212-608-4320, ext. 316
Rent Guidelines Board Meeting Schedule
Public Meeting: Thursday, June 3, 2010 9:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.,
Department of City Planning, Spector Hall, 22 Read Street, Manhattan
There is no opportunity to testify at this meeting
Public Hearing: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 4:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.,
LaGuardia Performing Arts Center 31-10 Thomson Avenue, Long Island City
(Use entrance on Van Dam Street, just north of 47th Avenue)
Train: 7 train to 33rd Street in Queens
Tenants can testify at this hearing
Public Hearing: Wednesday, June 17, 2010 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.,
The Great Hall at Cooper Union, 7 East 7th Street, Manhattan
Train: R, W to 8th Street or 6 to Astor Place
Tenants can testify at this hearing
Final Vote: Tuesday, June 24, 2010 5:30 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.
Note: The RGB reserves the right to cancel or reschedule public meetings.
To confirm the schedule or to register to testify at one of the hearings,
Call the RGB at 212-385-2934 est. 11 or go to www.housingnyc.com
Process By Which the Rent Guidelines Board Determines The Guidelines (for your edification, I pulled this from their website the comments in ALL CAPS is me):
How To Communicate Your Views
Meetings
Hearings
Voting Meetings
How to Obtain Meetings/Hearings Schedule
Final Orders and Explanatory Statements
Each year, the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) establishes the lease guidelines for rent stabilized apartments and hotels. The Rent Stabilization Law sets forth the factors that must be considered by the Board prior to the adoption of rent guidelines. These include:
1. the economic condition of the residential real estate industry in N.Y.C. including such factors as the prevailing and projected (i) real estate taxes and sewer and water rates, (ii) gross operating maintenance costs (including insurance rates, governmental fees, cost of fuel and labor costs), (iii) costs and availability of financing (including effective rates of interest), (iv) over-all supply of housing accommodations and over-all vacancy rates,
(NOTE THEY START THEIR LEVEL OF CONCERN WITH THE STATE OF THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY, NOT WITH THE STATE OF THE TENANTS WHO ARE RENTING FROM THEM, WHO ARE AFFECTED BY ADVERSE ECONOMIC FORCES SUCH AS UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDER EMPLOYMENT. THE RULE OF PEOPLE FIRST IS TOTALLY IGNORED; IT'S MORE "POCKET FIRST" WITH THEM. WE'VE BEEN REDUCED TO STATS AND PER CENTAGES. NOTHING TO DO WHATSOEVER WITH QUALITY OF LIVING, DELIVERY OF SERVICES OR ANY OF THE OTHER ISSUES THAT ARE ALSO FACTOR IN DETERMINING THESE THINGS FROM A PEOPLE-ORIENTED STANDPOINT.)
2. relevant data from the current and projected cost of living indices for the affected area, and
(THIS CAN'T POSSIBLY BE A TRUE STATEMENT, OR THE INFORMATION IS DISTORTED, BASED ON THE UPPER LEVEL SALARIES RECEIVED IN MID-TOWN MANHATTAN, AS OPPOSED TO REAL LIFE INCOMES OF MOST NEW YORKERS WHO ARE FORCED TO CHOSE BETWEEN ROOF OVER HEAD OR FOOD ON THE TABLE BECAUSE OF UNCONSCIONABLE RENT INCREASES -- HOW CAN YOU ASK THE FOX TO MIND THE HENHOUSE. THE INFORMATION IS GATHERED BY INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE A VESTED INTEREST IN INFLATING INCOMES SO THEY ARE FRAUDULENTLY REFLECTIVE OF THE INCREASED RENTS AS OPPOSED TO THE REAL SALARIES THAT WOULD INDICATE THEY ARE LITERALLY AND DELIBERATELY PUSHING FAMILIES OUT OF THEIR HOMES BY DISTORTED ECONOMIC INDICES)THEIR GOAL IS TO PUSH THE RENTS UP ABOVE THE MAGIC $2000 PER MONTH SO THEY CAN DECONTROL THE UNIT AND INCREASE RENTS AT WILL.
QUESTION: WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN NO ONE CAN AFFORD THE RENTS? HOW MANY NEW YORKERS CAN BE EVICTED AND PUSHED INTO THE STREETS BEFORE EITHER THE CITY WAKES UP TO ITS OWN STUPIDITY, OR THE PEOPLE BEGIN TO PUSH BACK AND TAKE BACK THEIR RIGHTS?
3. such other data as may be made available to it. WHAT AN INTERESTING CONCEPT. THE TENANTS AND RESIDENTS OF NEW YORK HAVE BEEN PROVIDING RELEVANT DATA FOR DECADES, AND THE RENT GUIDELINES HAND PICKED BOARD HAS CONSISTENTLY IGNORED THEM. I SHOULD SAY CONSISTENLY AND CALLOUSLY IGNORED THEM. IT THE BOARD IS TO BE COMPRISED TOTALLY OF INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE MADE UP OF THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY AND THEIR FRIENDS, WHO REALLY ADVOCATES FOR THE TENANTS. BY THE WAY, SINCE IT'S BEEN ASCERTAINED THAT MOST OF THE PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET IN NYC WERE HORRIBLY OVER PRICE, AND PEOPLE WERE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR INFLATED VALUE, IT STANDS TO REASON THAT THE SAME PROBLEM ACCRUES TO THOSE OVER INFLATED RENTALS THAT WERE BASED ON THE SALES AND MARKET DATA THAT HAS BEEN RIGGED BY THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY. IT MAY WELL BE THAT THERE SHOULD BE AT LEAST A 35% ROLL BACK ON RENTALS JUST AS THERE IS FOR THOSE OVER INFLATED PROPERTIES ON THE MARKET.
How To Communicate Your Views
I STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT WE AS THE TENANTS OF NEW YORK WHO MAKE UP THE MAJORITY POPULATION OF NEW YORKERS STOP JUST PROTESTING, AND BEGIN TAKING ACTION. WE NEED OUR OWN LAWYER (JOHNNY COCHRANE IS DEAD SO CHOSE WISELY), AND BEGIN TO DEVISE ACTION ORIENTED PROTOCOLS THAT NOT ONLY SEND CLEAR MESSAGES TO THE RGB THAT THEIR LEGITIMACY IS OVER IN NEW YORK, BUT EFFECTIVELY PUTS FAIR AND EQUITABLE AND - MOST OF ALL TRULY AFFORDABLE - RENT IN NEW YORK IS A RIGHT NOT AN OPTION.
Members of the public are invited to attend meetings and hearings held by the RGB. Those wishing to do so may communicate their views to the RGB via two methods:
1. Testify at Hearings (details below)(Please note, however, that the public cannot address the Board at meetings.)
2. Submit written testimony: You may submit your views in writing by addressing them to the Chairman, or any Board member, c/o NYC Rent Guidelines Board, 51 Chambers St., Suite 202, New York, NY 10007 or by email: chair@housingnyc.com
The following is a summary of the annual procedures by which the RGB determines lease renewal guidelines for rent stabilized apartments and hotels:
Meetings
The Board typically holds eight to ten meetings per year to discuss its research agenda, review staff reports and to hear testimony from invited guests including public officials, housing experts and industry and tenant representatives. In accordance with the Open Meetings Law every meeting of the Board must be open to the public, except when circumstances warrant executive sessions. While the public may attend any public meetings, they are not allowed to address the Board unless invited.
Public notice of any meeting scheduled at least one week in advance must be provided to the press and conspicuously posted in a public location at least 72 hours before the meeting. Notice of meetings scheduled less than one week in advance must be given, to the extent practicable, to the press, and publicly posted at a reasonable time before the meeting. The schedule of Board meetings is usually discussed and resolved in the early spring and is published in the City Record.
Hearings
The Rent Stabilization Law and City Charter mandates annual hearings prior to the adoption of rent guidelines. Separate hearings are held for the apartment and hotel sectors. Notice of the hearings is provided in the City Record for eight days and at least once in a newspaper of general circulation at least eight days before the hearing. The hearings are usually held in mid-June just prior to the Board's July 1st deadline for promulgating new guidelines.
Any person who wishes to testify has a legal right to do so, and the Board has traditionally allowed three minutes for each speaker, alternating between owner and tenant representatives. Speakers have also been permitted to register in advance of the hearings and pre-registered speakers are given priority in the order of speakers. The hearings usually begin with testimony from public officials invited by the Board. Details on how to speak at the hearings can be found in the Public Notice, which will be released a few weeks prior to the hearings.
Voting Meetings
Two meetings are held each year for a vote on rent adjustments: the meeting to adopt proposed guidelines discussed above, and the meeting to adopt the final guidelines. At voting meetings, the public may attend and listen to proceedings, but may not address the Board. While the Chair and the Board establish the order of business, a typical voting meeting will proceed as follows:
* Board members attention will be called to drafts of the apartment (and loft) orders in their folders. At the meeting on the proposed guidelines, these drafts will consist of the prior year's order with blank spaces where rent adjustments will be entered. Approving this "boilerplate" language will usually be the first order of business. At the meeting to consider the "final" guidelines, members will have copies of the proposed orders. The first order of business will typically be to adopt the language of the proposed orders except insofar as they are amended at that meeting.
* Board members attention will then be called to the hotel orders and a similar process of boilerplate approval will occur.
* The floor will be opened to proposals on apartment guidelines for one and two year leases. Other elements of rent adjustments such as supplemental increases for low rent apartments or a vacancy factor for sublets may be "packaged" with the apartment guidelines. Votes are taken on each proposal in accordance with Roberts Rules, until at least five votes can be mustered for an apartment order.
* Loft guidelines are considered separately in a like fashion.
* The Board will then consider the "special guideline" for units coming out of rent control.
* The next order of business is usually the "hotel" orders. There are five groups of hotel stabilized units: Class A and Class B hotels, rooming houses, SRO's and lodging houses. These groups may be addressed separately or together. Voting proceeds in the same fashion as for apartments.
* Any special or new items of business may be introduced at any time, but any material change in the order of business will require a majority vote.
* Once all business has concluded at the final meeting, the Chair will ask the Board to approve staff preparation of explanatory statements reflecting the information presented to the Board and the major findings of the year (i.e. price index, income and expense data, witness testimony etc.). These will be circulated to Board members prior to publication.
* A motion to adjourn will be taken.
How To Obtain Meetings/Hearings Schedule
The meetings/hearings schedule for the year is usually determined by the middle of February. However, meetings are subject to change, following the procedures described above. Members of the public may obtain the schedule of meetings/hearings by:
1. Checking the Meetings section of our website
2. Writing the RGB at: NYC Rent Guidelines Board, 51 Chambers St., Suite 202, New York, NY 10007, Attn: Meetings/Hearings Schedule
3. E-mailing the RGB: ask@housingnyc.com
4. Calling the RGB: (212) 385-2934
Final Orders and Explanatory Statements
Usually about one week after the final vote, the Board's orders and related explanatory statements are filed with the City Clerk and published in the City Record. The Rent Stabilization Law directs that the filing of the Board's orders and its findings--i.e. the explanatory statements--must be completed not later than July 1st of each year.
Once the language of the orders is reviewed and approved by Corporation Counsel, the orders and explanatory statements should be published in the City Record as soon as is practicable. The final orders and explanatory statements should be forwarded to City Council for its information and published at least 30 days (by August 31st) before the first effective date of the orders (October 1st).
The guidelines themselves go into effect for leases being renewed and vacancies occurring on or after October 1st of the same year, and on or before September 30th of the following year. Most hotel/SRO tenants do not have leases and pay the new rent immediately upon the effective date of the hotel guidelines--which is also October 1st. The orders of the Board are final unless found to be unlawful by a court of competent jurisdiction. A 1991 court ruling indicates that any legal challenge to the Board's orders must be initiated within four months.
After they are filed with the City Clerk, the public may view and/or download Orders and Explanatory Statements in the Rent Guidelines section of our website: Apartments/Lofts and Hotels.
THERE SHOULD BE A FORENSIC INVESTIGATION OF THE RGB FOR ANY AND ALL OF THEIR PAST DECISIONS TO DETERMINE WHETHER ANY OF THE RENT INCREASES GRANTED IN THE LAST 10 YEARS THAT INCREASED RENTS IN THE MOST DEPRESSED AREAS OF NEW YORK AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THEY WERE EQUITABLY DETERMINED. AS WITH THE RESIDENTS OF STUYVESANT TOWN, THERE HAVE BEEN SOME EGREGIOUS ACTS OF DECEPTION, DISTORTION, AND GREED. NOW IS THE TIME TO PUT A STOP TO THESE PRACTICES. AS WITH EVERYTHING ELSE, THE RGB CAN NOT BE BUSINESS AS USUAL WHILE THE REST OF NEW YORK IS TWISTING IN THE WIND. THEY EITHER HAVE TO BE REFORMATTED OR DISMANTLED AND REPLACED.
GET UP! STAND UP! STOP THE MADNESS,
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
6.05.2010
The Sad News About "Little" Gary Coleman
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Such a sad ending for (“little”) Gary Coleman. I was so shocked to learn of his passing on the news. It really caught me, as I’m sure it did his family, off guard.
Gary was really a sweet kid, with a great deal of good luck, wrapped inside an odd-mixture of misfortune. Kind of like a Dickensian dilemma, only this time the character is Black.
I lived on the “left coast” for nine years, as the result of a marriage that relocated my family from New York to California (a/k/a LaLa Land).
The primary industries are movie making and TV production -- from practically every aspect. I worked in Hollywierd for a while, when I couldn't get a position in education. At the time they were hiring people to work with Norman Lear‘s Tandem Productions. My typing skills really came in handy, because I knew absolutely nothing about TV production at the time. And as far as I know, I had no marketable talent (except for the fact that I loved to talk -- but there were no opps for Black/female/talk radio show hosts at that time -- not even with KJLH-FM, the Black station.
So I started out as a lowly script typist. Actually it was a lot of fun, and a lot of hard work, because it was back in the days of IBM Correcting Selectrics (typewriters to you kids)-- i.e., no computers. When you had to make changes, or add new lines in a script, you had to type the whole thing over on a different color paper, and have it delivered to the artists, directors and producers in time for rehearsal the following day.
I had the pleasure and honor of working for none other than the great Norman Lear at Metro Media when Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges were starring in Diff’rent Strokes. Back in the day (30 years ago - wow!) it was one of the top rated shows on TV. Norman Lear had a record of having more sit-coms (situation comedies) with African American artists or themes.
“The Jeffersons“ and “The Facts of Life” were also staples at Metro Media, as well as “One Day At A Time“. “All In The Family” and “Good Times” had ceased production, and you only saw Bill Macy, from “Maude” on occasion when he came to represent a new talent he had “discovered.” Metro Media in those days was jumping. In fact, most of the stores and deli's in the area catered to the production crew and writers, who were some there over night working on a script. In fact, the Denny’s in the area was the only Denny’s at the time that was 24 hours and actually served grits -- because of Sherman Helmsley, Isabel Sanford, and the other African American artists. They were the only Denny’s also that served breakfast 24 hours, and provide take out and deliveries.
Though I had the title of “associate producer” I really only was a glorified script typist. Sometimes, though, I could make a suggestion and they’d actually include it in the script! Norman Lear was on a roll. Not only did he have Diff’rent Strokes, and The Jeffersons, and "The Fats of Life", but he was making forays into reality TV, as well.
Unfortunately, he was at least 15 to 20 years ahead of his time with the “Baxters” - the show I worked with. It was a show that dealt with real problems, using a comical setting, and then had a live studio audience weigh in on what was or was not appropriate or doable. Now you just use real people, who are real ignorant, have no sense of propriety or decency, or discretion, who will get on the camera and say anything under the guise of "keeping it real," while a live audience hoots, hollers, yells obscenities and eggs them on. I think they call it "Jerry Springer", or is it "Maury Povich"? Don't think Norman Lear could have come up with a reality show like that; his high moral character wouldn't let him sink that low. He loved people too much.
Almost all Norman Lear's productions took place under the Tandem/TAT logo. I admit that I was in 7th Heaven working for Norman. He used to stop at my desk which was up front to chat occasionally, or bum a cigarette from me. I had a great deal of respect for Lear and his avant garde concepts of comedy. He was a Connecticut Yankee who had a father very much like the character Carroll O’Connor played (Archie Bunker); but Norman was a fantastic human being. All of his productions shared the same studios for rehearsal; with tapings on different days, so we all crossed each other’s paths frequently. Particularly two young, precocious little artists who had the run of the entire studio.
“Little” Gary Coleman was somewhat of a phenomenon on the set. He was tiny, articulate, precocious, and mischievous, all at the same time. And he was most definitely spoiled. How could he not be? His parents appeared to be very nice people, who were totally in awe of the fact that their baby, who had nearly died because of his kidney problem, had not only landed a starring role in a national production, but was succeeding very well at it. They were thankful for what truly had to be a gift from God. I don’t think I ever heard either his mother or dad forbid him anything. If they were hesitant about something, “Little” Gary would cross his arms, put on that pouty face, with those cute little chubby cheeks of his, and threaten not to do the show. The producers would cajole him (while quietly freaking out), and he would get his way. Gary and Todd Bridges, because they were the youngest on the set, practically dominated the production studios.
Even at 10, Gary kind of knew that he was the “boss” of his family. If he didn’t get his way, he wouldn’t perform right on camera, or he would conveniently forget his lines until he got his way. So he was not a kid you could discipline. His mother also thought that consequences might somehow set off kidney problems or a reaction of some sort. They were always between the proverbial rock and the hard place in raising him.
Gary and Todd were always trying new things when they were between rehearsals (a euphemism for getting into mischief). They used to Xerox their faces to see if it would print. So you had sheets and sheets of papers with images of their ears, lips, noses, full faces on them scattered every where. At that time, Todd was the “well behaved” kid, who seemed to have had a slightly more professional background, and Gary was all over the place. By California State Law, they had teachers and social workers and were schooled on the set. But it wasn't always easy to get them to sit through their education sessions. They were like two worms in hot ashes! Wriggling in and out of everything.
When Diff'rent Strokes did the show with Muhammad Ali, Gary tried to give him directions on what to do in front of the camera. The Champ was busy playing pranks on the crew and would forget his place. He was amazed at how anyone as small as Gary could be so smart, and speak so well. He was really a fun loving kids who had amazing talents.
Since I was working on a different series, “The Baxters”, which failed in the ratings, I moved on to another production company, and lost track of the Metro Media crew. The incident of Todd Bridges, as an adolescent and his run in with the law, ending up incarcerated, totally blew my mind, because he was a very polite, well spoken kid when I knew him. But, you never know what’s in the back of anyone’s mind. Dana Plato, whom I did not know very well, likewise had her woes, as chronicled by the tabloids.
But the assumption was, that with his success in the show, Gary would be set for life. So it was really sad to hear about Gary’s break up with his parents. Initially, I kind of shrugged it off with my usual comment: “Oh well, that’s hollywierd.” I was happily back in New York 3,000 miles away from the plasticity of it all.
But it’s clear from the news reports and other incidences that “Little” Gary never really enjoyed his life after Diff’rent Strokes ended. I always thought his parents loved him very much, but felt very intimidated by him. True, in some measure they depended on him. But they were so grateful that he was alive, that he probably could have gotten away with murder, and they would have done nothing to stop it. That’s why it was extremely sad to learn that he had sued them for having “stolen” his money. Since they were deeply religious, I seriously doubted the veracity of that allegation.
Over the years as the news would sporadically come up with some new story about Gary, I would say a little prayer for him. My mother really loved Gary. As she had with Michael Jackson, she quietly mentioned his passing, “Well, the little guy didn’t make it. So sad.“ I knew instantly she was talking about “Little” Gary. She always loved precocious children (she had to, she raise four of us - talk about a handful!) She always enjoyed the show, and Gary’s acting ability fascinated her. My Mom who has battled some life and death issues of her own, is alive and well at 87. Though he was 42 when he died, to her he was still “the little guy.”
But, despite his talent and his hard work, the little genius that was Gary Coleman, never found peace in life. May he rest in peace now that he’s made his transition. Regardless of the crap the tabloids continue to try and dredge up, he’s beyond all that pain now.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
Such a sad ending for (“little”) Gary Coleman. I was so shocked to learn of his passing on the news. It really caught me, as I’m sure it did his family, off guard.
Gary was really a sweet kid, with a great deal of good luck, wrapped inside an odd-mixture of misfortune. Kind of like a Dickensian dilemma, only this time the character is Black.
I lived on the “left coast” for nine years, as the result of a marriage that relocated my family from New York to California (a/k/a LaLa Land).
The primary industries are movie making and TV production -- from practically every aspect. I worked in Hollywierd for a while, when I couldn't get a position in education. At the time they were hiring people to work with Norman Lear‘s Tandem Productions. My typing skills really came in handy, because I knew absolutely nothing about TV production at the time. And as far as I know, I had no marketable talent (except for the fact that I loved to talk -- but there were no opps for Black/female/talk radio show hosts at that time -- not even with KJLH-FM, the Black station.
So I started out as a lowly script typist. Actually it was a lot of fun, and a lot of hard work, because it was back in the days of IBM Correcting Selectrics (typewriters to you kids)-- i.e., no computers. When you had to make changes, or add new lines in a script, you had to type the whole thing over on a different color paper, and have it delivered to the artists, directors and producers in time for rehearsal the following day.
I had the pleasure and honor of working for none other than the great Norman Lear at Metro Media when Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges were starring in Diff’rent Strokes. Back in the day (30 years ago - wow!) it was one of the top rated shows on TV. Norman Lear had a record of having more sit-coms (situation comedies) with African American artists or themes.
“The Jeffersons“ and “The Facts of Life” were also staples at Metro Media, as well as “One Day At A Time“. “All In The Family” and “Good Times” had ceased production, and you only saw Bill Macy, from “Maude” on occasion when he came to represent a new talent he had “discovered.” Metro Media in those days was jumping. In fact, most of the stores and deli's in the area catered to the production crew and writers, who were some there over night working on a script. In fact, the Denny’s in the area was the only Denny’s at the time that was 24 hours and actually served grits -- because of Sherman Helmsley, Isabel Sanford, and the other African American artists. They were the only Denny’s also that served breakfast 24 hours, and provide take out and deliveries.
Though I had the title of “associate producer” I really only was a glorified script typist. Sometimes, though, I could make a suggestion and they’d actually include it in the script! Norman Lear was on a roll. Not only did he have Diff’rent Strokes, and The Jeffersons, and "The Fats of Life", but he was making forays into reality TV, as well.
Unfortunately, he was at least 15 to 20 years ahead of his time with the “Baxters” - the show I worked with. It was a show that dealt with real problems, using a comical setting, and then had a live studio audience weigh in on what was or was not appropriate or doable. Now you just use real people, who are real ignorant, have no sense of propriety or decency, or discretion, who will get on the camera and say anything under the guise of "keeping it real," while a live audience hoots, hollers, yells obscenities and eggs them on. I think they call it "Jerry Springer", or is it "Maury Povich"? Don't think Norman Lear could have come up with a reality show like that; his high moral character wouldn't let him sink that low. He loved people too much.
Almost all Norman Lear's productions took place under the Tandem/TAT logo. I admit that I was in 7th Heaven working for Norman. He used to stop at my desk which was up front to chat occasionally, or bum a cigarette from me. I had a great deal of respect for Lear and his avant garde concepts of comedy. He was a Connecticut Yankee who had a father very much like the character Carroll O’Connor played (Archie Bunker); but Norman was a fantastic human being. All of his productions shared the same studios for rehearsal; with tapings on different days, so we all crossed each other’s paths frequently. Particularly two young, precocious little artists who had the run of the entire studio.
“Little” Gary Coleman was somewhat of a phenomenon on the set. He was tiny, articulate, precocious, and mischievous, all at the same time. And he was most definitely spoiled. How could he not be? His parents appeared to be very nice people, who were totally in awe of the fact that their baby, who had nearly died because of his kidney problem, had not only landed a starring role in a national production, but was succeeding very well at it. They were thankful for what truly had to be a gift from God. I don’t think I ever heard either his mother or dad forbid him anything. If they were hesitant about something, “Little” Gary would cross his arms, put on that pouty face, with those cute little chubby cheeks of his, and threaten not to do the show. The producers would cajole him (while quietly freaking out), and he would get his way. Gary and Todd Bridges, because they were the youngest on the set, practically dominated the production studios.
Even at 10, Gary kind of knew that he was the “boss” of his family. If he didn’t get his way, he wouldn’t perform right on camera, or he would conveniently forget his lines until he got his way. So he was not a kid you could discipline. His mother also thought that consequences might somehow set off kidney problems or a reaction of some sort. They were always between the proverbial rock and the hard place in raising him.
Gary and Todd were always trying new things when they were between rehearsals (a euphemism for getting into mischief). They used to Xerox their faces to see if it would print. So you had sheets and sheets of papers with images of their ears, lips, noses, full faces on them scattered every where. At that time, Todd was the “well behaved” kid, who seemed to have had a slightly more professional background, and Gary was all over the place. By California State Law, they had teachers and social workers and were schooled on the set. But it wasn't always easy to get them to sit through their education sessions. They were like two worms in hot ashes! Wriggling in and out of everything.
When Diff'rent Strokes did the show with Muhammad Ali, Gary tried to give him directions on what to do in front of the camera. The Champ was busy playing pranks on the crew and would forget his place. He was amazed at how anyone as small as Gary could be so smart, and speak so well. He was really a fun loving kids who had amazing talents.
Since I was working on a different series, “The Baxters”, which failed in the ratings, I moved on to another production company, and lost track of the Metro Media crew. The incident of Todd Bridges, as an adolescent and his run in with the law, ending up incarcerated, totally blew my mind, because he was a very polite, well spoken kid when I knew him. But, you never know what’s in the back of anyone’s mind. Dana Plato, whom I did not know very well, likewise had her woes, as chronicled by the tabloids.
But the assumption was, that with his success in the show, Gary would be set for life. So it was really sad to hear about Gary’s break up with his parents. Initially, I kind of shrugged it off with my usual comment: “Oh well, that’s hollywierd.” I was happily back in New York 3,000 miles away from the plasticity of it all.
But it’s clear from the news reports and other incidences that “Little” Gary never really enjoyed his life after Diff’rent Strokes ended. I always thought his parents loved him very much, but felt very intimidated by him. True, in some measure they depended on him. But they were so grateful that he was alive, that he probably could have gotten away with murder, and they would have done nothing to stop it. That’s why it was extremely sad to learn that he had sued them for having “stolen” his money. Since they were deeply religious, I seriously doubted the veracity of that allegation.
Over the years as the news would sporadically come up with some new story about Gary, I would say a little prayer for him. My mother really loved Gary. As she had with Michael Jackson, she quietly mentioned his passing, “Well, the little guy didn’t make it. So sad.“ I knew instantly she was talking about “Little” Gary. She always loved precocious children (she had to, she raise four of us - talk about a handful!) She always enjoyed the show, and Gary’s acting ability fascinated her. My Mom who has battled some life and death issues of her own, is alive and well at 87. Though he was 42 when he died, to her he was still “the little guy.”
But, despite his talent and his hard work, the little genius that was Gary Coleman, never found peace in life. May he rest in peace now that he’s made his transition. Regardless of the crap the tabloids continue to try and dredge up, he’s beyond all that pain now.
Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson
6.02.2010
Event Alert - Event Alert - Event Alert
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
I hope all of you had a wonderful and memorable Memorial Day Holiday. I certainly did. I did my favorite thing to do on such a week end, while others are getting away from New York, I'm getting in to New York. And that's exactly what I did. And I had a blast. As always I went to Dance Africa which is held annually at BAM. If I miss that, I feel as though I have missed the whole beginning of Summer.
In addition to running into wonderful friends that I hadn't seen in quite some time: Woodie King, Jr., Ebony Jo Ann, Rome Neal, Eric Frasier, Karma Stanley, artist Charlotte Ka; Zainab Wai-Lansana (from Sierra Leone),I also had the opportunity to pay homage to a few friends that we won't see any more on this side of the planet: Sister Makeda Searson, who always had a booth at Dance Africa every year without fail. We lost her at the beginning of the year, but many of the merchants who usually had booths next to her had not been notified of her passing. We spent some time reminiscing on what a special sister she was.
But it's impossible to go through that event and not find out about even more events coming up. So, in the interest of keeping you up to date, I'm calling an event alert right now. Hope you can avail yourselves of some of these programs. There are, of course, some overlapping dates. You know how we do. We wouldn't be New Yorkers if we didn't have 25 things going on at the same time. But it makes it possible for you to pick and choose -- or go to all of them, or not -- any way you choose. Just go out and enjoy
:
Friday, June 4 2010 1:00 - 3:00 Senior Outreach and Information Forum sponsored by
Assemblymember Annette M. Robinson and State Senator Velmanette Montgomery
First AME Zion Church
480 Tompkins Ave Brooklyn, NY (718) 399-7651
Will include estate planning; Wills & Estates; Scam prevention;
Weatherization; and Update on Medicare
FRIDAY, JUNE 4 at 5:30PM
AFRICAN VOICES HONORS WOODIE KING, JR. & OTHERS
At Con Edison Auditorium (4 Irving Place @14th and Union Square, NYC)
Ellie Charles Awards Honoree Bios
Herb Boyd is an awarding winning author and journalist who has published nineteen books and countless articles for national magazines and newspapers. Brotherman—The Odyssey of Black Men in America—An Anthology (One World/Ballantine, 1995), co-edited with Robert Allen of the Black Scholar journal, won the American Book Award for nonfiction. In 1999, Boyd won three first place awards from the New York Association of Black Journalists for his articles published in the Amsterdam News. Among his most popular books are Black Panthers for Beginners (Writers & Readers, 1995); Autobiography of a People—Three Centuries of African American History Told By Those Who Lived It (Doubleday, 2000); Race and Resistance—African Americans in the 21st Century (South End Press, 2002); The Harlem Reader (Crown Publishers, 2003); We Shall Overcome—A History of the Civil Rights Movement (Sourcebooks, 2004); and Pound for Pound—The Life and Times of Sugar Ray Robinson (Amistad, 2005).
In 2006, Boyd worked with world music composer Yusef Lateef on his autobiography The Gentle Giant which was published by Morton Books of New Jersey. His book, Baldwin’s Harlem, a biography of the writer James Baldwin was published by Atria Books (Simon & Schuster) in January, 2008. In 2010, he collaborated with Simeon Wright, the first cousin of Emmett Till, on his memoir Simeon’s Story—An Eyewitness Account of the Kidnapping of Emmett Till, Lawrence Hill, Chicago. He is also working with filmmakers Keith Beauchamp and Eddie Harris on several documentary projects.
Woodie King, Jr. is a founder and Producing Director of New Federal Theatre in New York City. New Federal Theatre has presented over 200 productions in its 39 year history. His directional credits are extensive and include work in film as well as theater. He directed at Cleveland Playhouse, Stage West, Virginia Museum Theatre, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse, Northlight Theatre, New Federal Theatre, The Ensemble Studio, Arena Stage, GeVa Theatre, American Place Theatre, Jomandi Theatre, Center Stage of Baltimore, Indiana Repertory Company, Studio Arena in Buffalo, New York Shakespeare Festival, Billie Holiday Theatre, St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre, and Crossroads Theatre Company. In 1985, he was nominated for a Joseph Jefferson Award for Boseman and Lena and in 1987/88 season he won a NAACP Image Award for directing Checkmates at Inner City Cultural Center (Los Angeles). In 1988, he directed Checkmates on Broadway. In 1987, he directed Charles Dutton in Splendid Mummer at American Place Theatre; in 1990, God’s Trombones at the Ford’s Theatre, and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at Detroit Rep. In 1991/92; he directed A Raisin in the Sun and The Member of the Wedding, both at GeVa. He directed Good Black Don’t Crack and Love And Marriage and New York City at Billie Holiday Theatre in Brooklyn and produced and directed Robert Johnson: Trick The Devil for which he won AUDELCO Awards as Best Director and Best Play of the Year in 1993 and A Raisin in the Sun, starring Esther Rolle and Kenny Leon, at The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. He directed Angels in America: Millennium Approaches at Ohio State University in 2006 and also directed The Piano Lesson at Tennessee Repertory Theatre in Nashville. Woodie King Jr. was a visiting professor at Oberlin College, Florida State University, and Ohio State University in addition to directing at these universities, he has taught at Yale, Penn State, North Carolina A&T, Columbia, NYU, Hunter, and Brooklyn College. Mr. King is a Graduate of Will-0-Way School of Theatre in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; Lehman College in New York; and received his MFA in directing at Brooklyn College. He is currently a visiting professor at Sarah Lawrence College where last season he directed Lynn Nottage’s Crumbs from the Table of Joy. Last season he also directed Derek Walcott’s The Odyssey at SUNY Purchase. Mr. King is the recipient of an Obie Award for Sustained Achievement, a TCG Peter Zeisler Award, AEA’s Paul Robeson Award, AEA’s Rosetta LeNoire Award; an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Wayne State University, a Doctorate of Fine Arts from the College of Wooster; and Honorary Doctorates from Lehman College and John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Sonny Fortune, the great alto saxophonist, flutist and composer, is also a riveting improvisor who can play inside or out with a logic and passion that never loses the listener. Manhattan's now-defunct Jazz club Sweet Rhythm went out with a bang by hosting Sonny's first-ever live recording, featuring his current quartet of http://www.michaelcochrane.com/"Michael Cochrane, http://davidhappywilliams.com/home.html David Williams, and http://www.stevejohnsjazz.com/ Steve Johns. Sonny's had major media attention, with features on 48 Hours and CBS Sunday Morning, and in his monthly Jazz Times article, Nat Hentoff stated that Sonny "ought to be a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master." Sonny's at the peak of his powers, so book him now.
In the new Millennium, Fortune has continued to tour as a leader both in the U.S. and abroad. In 2003 Sonny released the first CD, Continuum, on his own label, Sound Reason. In addition to acquiring the rights to his Blue Note CD’s from the 1990’s, and re-releasing them on Sound Reason in 2005 as the Trilogy Collection, Sonny recorded You and the Night and the Music for 18th & Vine, a 2007 CD which spent 3 weeks at #2 and 3 months in the Top Twenty on the JazzWeek chart measuring radio airplay. In 2010 Sound Reason released Fortune’s first-ever live recording, Last Night at Sweet Rhythm, with his current quartet featuring Michael Cochrane on piano, David Williams on bass, and Steve Johns on drums. Sonny’s impressive body of work has led Nat Hentoff to state, in his monthly article for JazzTimes, that Sonny “ought to be a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master.”
Betty Dopson is a known community activist, journalist and organizer. She is perhaps best known as the award winning former public relations director of Harlem Hospital Center where she served for over 15 years and for her organization, CEMOTAP, Committee to Eliminate Media Offensive to African People. For the past 23 years CEMOTAP, an all African media watch organization which she co-founded in 1987, has defended the image, heritage and history of African people through social and grassroots activism.
Dopson won national acclaim while at Harlem Hospital by founding an annual event called Harlem Babies Day. The event invited individuals from around the world who were born in the hospital, to return for a day of celebration. The annual event brought favorable international press and financial support to the municipal hospital. The Babies Day celebration is now being replicated by hospitals across the nation.
Her second retirement was three years ago after serving for 13 years as Director of the Southern Queens Park Association Beacon School located in Southeast Queens. She refers to it as her dream job where she worked with children and adults offering after school courses, GED Prep, Computer basics, Music instruction, Social work assistance, ESL, Homework Help and sports activities for students.
She has given essential service to community organizations such as The Board for the Education of People of African Ancestry; The Needles Eye, a drug treatment program located in Youngstown, Ohio; and WISOMMM, Women in Support of the Million Man March as well as the Dr. Adelaide Sanford Charter School, both located in Newark, New Jersey.
About the Ellie Charles Artists Awards
Each year, African Voices presents the Ellie Charles Artists Awards to honor artists, community activists and other educators for their contributions to society. The award is named in honor of our first chairperson Eleanor “Ellie” Charles who dedicated her life to supporting the arts, education and young people. In 1998, legendary photographer Gordon Parks became the first artist to receive African Voices’ prestigious artist award. Past honorees are Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison, poet/activist Sonia Sanchez, actress/activist Ruby Dee, poet/book publisher Jessica Care Moore, radio personality/poet Imhotep Gary Byrd, Harlem Arts Alliance founder Voza Rivers and award-winning authors Walter Mosley, Wole Soyinka, Amiri Baraka and actress Phyllis Yvonne Stickney.
Buy Tickets for the Event!
Friday, June 4, 2010 from 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
2010 CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION
The 44th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence
Council Chambers, City Hall
New York, New York
THE EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
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Saturday • JUNE 5 • 7:30PM
Sunday • JUNE 6 • 3PM
Something Positive in Concert
The Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus
Flatbush Ave at Willoughby Ave
This annual tribute to the company’s founder, Cheryl Byron will feature her signature work Ancestral Chant, an exciting new installment to Sweet Nina Suite honoring Nina Simone by Michael Manswell, the spectacular Carnival Tapestry by Sonny Salina and newly minted works by the company’s Sade Small & Danielle Cassimir. Something Positive is a community-based, performing arts and education organization dedicated to the art and culture of the African Diaspora and its cross-cultural influences. Tickets: $25
Saturday June 5, 2010 @ 9:00PM
ROME NEAL'S BANANA PUDDIN' JAZZ 7TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
NYUORICAN POET'S CAFE
238 East 3rd St., (bet. Ave. B & C) F Train to 2nd Ave)
RSVP (212) 780-9386 email: romekyn@earthlink.net
special guests: Onaje Allen Gumbs, TS Monk, Grady Tate, TCIII, Charli Persip, Danny Mixon, Lou Myers, Adam Wade, Gerald Hayes, Cynthia Scott, Tulivu Donna Cumberbatch, Martha Redbone, Patience Higgins, Eric Frazier, Dwight West, Stanley Banks, Aaron James, Danny Holgate, Cobi Narita, Kaz Ooka, among others.
Be There to Celebrate 7 Years of Musical Excellence!!!
and remember
COMPLIMENTARY HOME MADE BANANA PUDDIN' FOR ALL!!!
Sunday, June 6 (3:00 pm & 7:00 pm) LENA! The Story of A Black Cinderella
Lafayette Grill and Bar, 54 Franklin St., (bet. Broadway & Lafayette)
Dinner and a Show and a wonderful tribute to our dear departed diva Ms. Lena Horne, has its World Premiere, Sunday June 6. Nickolas Long - writer, producer/director, has brought together a stellar cast. You will love it (and wait until you see Ethel Waters!)
Tuesday, June 8 7PM Caribbean Cultural Theater Poets & Passion
St. Francis College - Callahan Center
Thomas Glave: US JAMAICA
Mervyn Taylor : Trinidad & Tobago
182 Remsen Street (Court & Clinton Streets), Brooklyn, NY 11201
THURSDAY, JUNE 10 AT 5:30 PM
COUNCILMEMBER MATHIEU EUGENE CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
TAKE THE 4/5/6 TRAIN TO BROOKLYN BRIDGE STOP
OR 2/3 TRAIN TO PARK PLACE STOP
THE EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. TO RSVP (718) 287-8762
Saturday, June 19 at Frederick P. Rose Hall: PAN JAZZ @ 7:00 PM.
Lincoln Center, Broadway & 60th Street, Manhattan
Ticket prices for Pan Jazz 2010 “Folklore Tales of the Caribbean” start at $45.
Tickets may be purchased at Jazz at Lincoln Center (212-721-6500) or online at: www.panjazz.com. Pan Jazz 2010 is a production of Abstract Entertainment Inc.
The steel pan talent being featured will this year highlight the next generation of dynamos of the instrument, including Leon Foster Thomas, Andre White and Freddie Harris Jr. Thomas, White and Harris have all served serious notice that they are ready to assume a place in the front ranks of pan soloists, White having also already notched his first Panorama win as arranger in the 2008 Brooklyn Panorama. Complementing musicians include the versatile horn player Etienne Charles (who is no stranger to the Pan Jazz stage), bassist Benjamin Williams, drummer Brennen Temple and saxophonist Jacques Schwarz-Bart.
Preceding the show will be a “Taste of the Caribbean Festival,” from 4:30 to 6:30 PM in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Atrium. A smorgasbord of Caribbean food and drink, as well as live entertainment, will be served up to Pan Jazz ticket holders.
Sponsors for this pre-show bonus feature are Tropical Paradise Restaurant, Sugarcane, Negril Village, Spoonbread and Allan’s Bakery and more.
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THURSDAY, JUNE 22 AT 5:30 PM
NY CITY COMPTROLLER JOHN C. LIU
Surrogate Court House
31 CHAMBERS ST, NY NY
TAKE THE 4/5/6 TRAIN TO BROOKLYN BRIDGE STOP
OR 2/3 TRAIN TO PARK PLACE STOP
THE EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. TO RSVP (212) 669-3450
Wednesday June 30th 2010 @ 10:00am – 7:00pm
Brooklyn Borough Hall
All Day Cultural Presentation and Symposium
Caribbean American Heritage Month
THE EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
SUNDAY, June 8, 2010
STREETBALL
7PM, Tuesday, June 8 at National Black Theatre
(2031 Fifth Avenue (b/w 125 & 126th Sts.)
$12 in advance / $15 at the door
(member discount applies)
Directed by Demetrius Wren, STREETBALL is a fast-paced documentary that tells the stories of South Africa's 2008 Homeless World Cup team. The Homeless World Cup is an annual soccer tournament that draws teams from over 56 countries-comprised of the homeless and excluded. The South African squad consists of disenfranchised citizens, many of whom are ex-convicts, former gangsters, orphans and recovering drug addicts who band together to represent their country, proving that no one is beyond redemption.
This evening will feature live music, cocktails, food from MADIBA and a special Q&A with director Demetrius Wren and athletes from South Africa's Homeless World Cup team via SKYPE!
Food Sponsor
Quiznos Coupon
Strategic Partners in South Africa
BlackAge Media, Cross Path Culture and G-Ozone
NOTE: Wedesnsday, June 16: Join ImageNation as we celebrate the World Cup in South Africa and South African Youth Day with a special screening of STREETBALL
Friday, June 18 | 7 - 11pm: A Summer Night to Remember! Dwyer Cultural Center
An Afro-Cuban Jazz + Dance Party Not to be Missed!
Tickets: $15 | Includes complimentary glass of wine
To Purchase Tickets click here or call 212.222.3060
* Advance Purchase Recommended. Capacity limited.
Dwyer Cultural Center
258 St. Nicholas Avenue at W. 123rd Street
between Frederick Douglass Blvd & St. Nicholas Ave
212.222.3060 | info@dwyercc.org
Saturday, June 19, MEN'S HEALTH FAIR: In Celebration of National Men's Health Week
sponsored by Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson
Restoration Plaza Amphitheatre,
1368 Fulton St., Brooklyn, NY
10:00am- 2:00pm
Show your support by wearing Blue
June 20, 1010 REAL MEN COOK Father's Day 2 - 6PM
MiniSINK TOWNHOUSE 142nd Street & Malcolm X Blvd (a/k/a Lenox Ave.)
Celebrating Fatherhood, Family and Community and support REAL MEN by purchasing a ticket for you, your father, your family, the fathers in your life.
REAL MEN COOK takes place on Father's Day, Sunday, June 20 from 2 - 6pm at Minisink Townhouse, 646 Malcolm X Blvd. (aka Lenox Avenue) at 142nd Street.
Real Men Cook has become a tradition as the largest and longest-running national Father's Day celebration of its kind. It is an annual event that honors fathers and the positive accomplishments of men in the community, past and present. It also provides a broad look at "real men" even beyond fathers to coaches, teachers and others with or without children, who care.
Please help raise funds for NYC Mission Society which has been serving families and children in NYC for nearly 200 years.
Saturdays: June 5, 12, 19, 26 4-DAY DV/DVD PRODUCTION INTENSIVE WORKSHOP
from KARMA STONZ PRODUCTIONS
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TELEVISION (718) 469-4379
email: karmastonz@aol.com
1115 Nostrand Ave, Bkln NY (#44 to Empire Blvd; #2/5 to Sterling St)
1:00 - 4:00 PM
Learn to Write,Direct, Shoot and Edit and Produce Your Own You Tube Show
Create a Music Video
Create a protfolio for yourself
Create Your Own Short Movie or Documentary
*Each participant provides own equipment
Tuesday June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 NUTTIN' BUT THE BLUES OPEN MIC AT THE SUGAR BAR
HOSTED BY NICK ASHFORD AND FEATURING EBONY JO ANN & THE BACK ALLY PLAYERS
8:00 PM; ADM. $10.00 2-DRINK MINIMUM,
254 W. 72ND ST. (212) 579-0222
Two Steps Down Every Second Sunday from 5 - 9 pm
Hosted by Jazz Vocalist Steve Cromity
240 Dekalb Ave., bet. Vanderbilt & Clermont
(718) 399-2020
NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE
Fertile Ground
BA's Communication Arts Program Showcasing New Talent
2nd Thursday of Each Month (June 10th & July 8th)
Backed up by NBT's House Band
(212) 722-3800
I hope all of you had a wonderful and memorable Memorial Day Holiday. I certainly did. I did my favorite thing to do on such a week end, while others are getting away from New York, I'm getting in to New York. And that's exactly what I did. And I had a blast. As always I went to Dance Africa which is held annually at BAM. If I miss that, I feel as though I have missed the whole beginning of Summer.
In addition to running into wonderful friends that I hadn't seen in quite some time: Woodie King, Jr., Ebony Jo Ann, Rome Neal, Eric Frasier, Karma Stanley, artist Charlotte Ka; Zainab Wai-Lansana (from Sierra Leone),I also had the opportunity to pay homage to a few friends that we won't see any more on this side of the planet: Sister Makeda Searson, who always had a booth at Dance Africa every year without fail. We lost her at the beginning of the year, but many of the merchants who usually had booths next to her had not been notified of her passing. We spent some time reminiscing on what a special sister she was.
But it's impossible to go through that event and not find out about even more events coming up. So, in the interest of keeping you up to date, I'm calling an event alert right now. Hope you can avail yourselves of some of these programs. There are, of course, some overlapping dates. You know how we do. We wouldn't be New Yorkers if we didn't have 25 things going on at the same time. But it makes it possible for you to pick and choose -- or go to all of them, or not -- any way you choose. Just go out and enjoy
:
Friday, June 4 2010 1:00 - 3:00 Senior Outreach and Information Forum sponsored by
Assemblymember Annette M. Robinson and State Senator Velmanette Montgomery
First AME Zion Church
480 Tompkins Ave Brooklyn, NY (718) 399-7651
Will include estate planning; Wills & Estates; Scam prevention;
Weatherization; and Update on Medicare
FRIDAY, JUNE 4 at 5:30PM
AFRICAN VOICES HONORS WOODIE KING, JR. & OTHERS
At Con Edison Auditorium (4 Irving Place @14th and Union Square, NYC)
Ellie Charles Awards Honoree Bios
Herb Boyd is an awarding winning author and journalist who has published nineteen books and countless articles for national magazines and newspapers. Brotherman—The Odyssey of Black Men in America—An Anthology (One World/Ballantine, 1995), co-edited with Robert Allen of the Black Scholar journal, won the American Book Award for nonfiction. In 1999, Boyd won three first place awards from the New York Association of Black Journalists for his articles published in the Amsterdam News. Among his most popular books are Black Panthers for Beginners (Writers & Readers, 1995); Autobiography of a People—Three Centuries of African American History Told By Those Who Lived It (Doubleday, 2000); Race and Resistance—African Americans in the 21st Century (South End Press, 2002); The Harlem Reader (Crown Publishers, 2003); We Shall Overcome—A History of the Civil Rights Movement (Sourcebooks, 2004); and Pound for Pound—The Life and Times of Sugar Ray Robinson (Amistad, 2005).
In 2006, Boyd worked with world music composer Yusef Lateef on his autobiography The Gentle Giant which was published by Morton Books of New Jersey. His book, Baldwin’s Harlem, a biography of the writer James Baldwin was published by Atria Books (Simon & Schuster) in January, 2008. In 2010, he collaborated with Simeon Wright, the first cousin of Emmett Till, on his memoir Simeon’s Story—An Eyewitness Account of the Kidnapping of Emmett Till, Lawrence Hill, Chicago. He is also working with filmmakers Keith Beauchamp and Eddie Harris on several documentary projects.
Woodie King, Jr. is a founder and Producing Director of New Federal Theatre in New York City. New Federal Theatre has presented over 200 productions in its 39 year history. His directional credits are extensive and include work in film as well as theater. He directed at Cleveland Playhouse, Stage West, Virginia Museum Theatre, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse, Northlight Theatre, New Federal Theatre, The Ensemble Studio, Arena Stage, GeVa Theatre, American Place Theatre, Jomandi Theatre, Center Stage of Baltimore, Indiana Repertory Company, Studio Arena in Buffalo, New York Shakespeare Festival, Billie Holiday Theatre, St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre, and Crossroads Theatre Company. In 1985, he was nominated for a Joseph Jefferson Award for Boseman and Lena and in 1987/88 season he won a NAACP Image Award for directing Checkmates at Inner City Cultural Center (Los Angeles). In 1988, he directed Checkmates on Broadway. In 1987, he directed Charles Dutton in Splendid Mummer at American Place Theatre; in 1990, God’s Trombones at the Ford’s Theatre, and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at Detroit Rep. In 1991/92; he directed A Raisin in the Sun and The Member of the Wedding, both at GeVa. He directed Good Black Don’t Crack and Love And Marriage and New York City at Billie Holiday Theatre in Brooklyn and produced and directed Robert Johnson: Trick The Devil for which he won AUDELCO Awards as Best Director and Best Play of the Year in 1993 and A Raisin in the Sun, starring Esther Rolle and Kenny Leon, at The Alliance Theatre in Atlanta. He directed Angels in America: Millennium Approaches at Ohio State University in 2006 and also directed The Piano Lesson at Tennessee Repertory Theatre in Nashville. Woodie King Jr. was a visiting professor at Oberlin College, Florida State University, and Ohio State University in addition to directing at these universities, he has taught at Yale, Penn State, North Carolina A&T, Columbia, NYU, Hunter, and Brooklyn College. Mr. King is a Graduate of Will-0-Way School of Theatre in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan; Lehman College in New York; and received his MFA in directing at Brooklyn College. He is currently a visiting professor at Sarah Lawrence College where last season he directed Lynn Nottage’s Crumbs from the Table of Joy. Last season he also directed Derek Walcott’s The Odyssey at SUNY Purchase. Mr. King is the recipient of an Obie Award for Sustained Achievement, a TCG Peter Zeisler Award, AEA’s Paul Robeson Award, AEA’s Rosetta LeNoire Award; an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Wayne State University, a Doctorate of Fine Arts from the College of Wooster; and Honorary Doctorates from Lehman College and John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Sonny Fortune, the great alto saxophonist, flutist and composer, is also a riveting improvisor who can play inside or out with a logic and passion that never loses the listener. Manhattan's now-defunct Jazz club Sweet Rhythm went out with a bang by hosting Sonny's first-ever live recording, featuring his current quartet of http://www.michaelcochrane.com/"Michael Cochrane, http://davidhappywilliams.com/home.html David Williams, and http://www.stevejohnsjazz.com/ Steve Johns. Sonny's had major media attention, with features on 48 Hours and CBS Sunday Morning, and in his monthly Jazz Times article, Nat Hentoff stated that Sonny "ought to be a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master." Sonny's at the peak of his powers, so book him now.
In the new Millennium, Fortune has continued to tour as a leader both in the U.S. and abroad. In 2003 Sonny released the first CD, Continuum, on his own label, Sound Reason. In addition to acquiring the rights to his Blue Note CD’s from the 1990’s, and re-releasing them on Sound Reason in 2005 as the Trilogy Collection, Sonny recorded You and the Night and the Music for 18th & Vine, a 2007 CD which spent 3 weeks at #2 and 3 months in the Top Twenty on the JazzWeek chart measuring radio airplay. In 2010 Sound Reason released Fortune’s first-ever live recording, Last Night at Sweet Rhythm, with his current quartet featuring Michael Cochrane on piano, David Williams on bass, and Steve Johns on drums. Sonny’s impressive body of work has led Nat Hentoff to state, in his monthly article for JazzTimes, that Sonny “ought to be a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master.”
Betty Dopson is a known community activist, journalist and organizer. She is perhaps best known as the award winning former public relations director of Harlem Hospital Center where she served for over 15 years and for her organization, CEMOTAP, Committee to Eliminate Media Offensive to African People. For the past 23 years CEMOTAP, an all African media watch organization which she co-founded in 1987, has defended the image, heritage and history of African people through social and grassroots activism.
Dopson won national acclaim while at Harlem Hospital by founding an annual event called Harlem Babies Day. The event invited individuals from around the world who were born in the hospital, to return for a day of celebration. The annual event brought favorable international press and financial support to the municipal hospital. The Babies Day celebration is now being replicated by hospitals across the nation.
Her second retirement was three years ago after serving for 13 years as Director of the Southern Queens Park Association Beacon School located in Southeast Queens. She refers to it as her dream job where she worked with children and adults offering after school courses, GED Prep, Computer basics, Music instruction, Social work assistance, ESL, Homework Help and sports activities for students.
She has given essential service to community organizations such as The Board for the Education of People of African Ancestry; The Needles Eye, a drug treatment program located in Youngstown, Ohio; and WISOMMM, Women in Support of the Million Man March as well as the Dr. Adelaide Sanford Charter School, both located in Newark, New Jersey.
About the Ellie Charles Artists Awards
Each year, African Voices presents the Ellie Charles Artists Awards to honor artists, community activists and other educators for their contributions to society. The award is named in honor of our first chairperson Eleanor “Ellie” Charles who dedicated her life to supporting the arts, education and young people. In 1998, legendary photographer Gordon Parks became the first artist to receive African Voices’ prestigious artist award. Past honorees are Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison, poet/activist Sonia Sanchez, actress/activist Ruby Dee, poet/book publisher Jessica Care Moore, radio personality/poet Imhotep Gary Byrd, Harlem Arts Alliance founder Voza Rivers and award-winning authors Walter Mosley, Wole Soyinka, Amiri Baraka and actress Phyllis Yvonne Stickney.
Buy Tickets for the Event!
Friday, June 4, 2010 from 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
2010 CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION
The 44th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence
Council Chambers, City Hall
New York, New York
THE EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
********************************************
Saturday • JUNE 5 • 7:30PM
Sunday • JUNE 6 • 3PM
Something Positive in Concert
The Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus
Flatbush Ave at Willoughby Ave
This annual tribute to the company’s founder, Cheryl Byron will feature her signature work Ancestral Chant, an exciting new installment to Sweet Nina Suite honoring Nina Simone by Michael Manswell, the spectacular Carnival Tapestry by Sonny Salina and newly minted works by the company’s Sade Small & Danielle Cassimir. Something Positive is a community-based, performing arts and education organization dedicated to the art and culture of the African Diaspora and its cross-cultural influences. Tickets: $25
Saturday June 5, 2010 @ 9:00PM
ROME NEAL'S BANANA PUDDIN' JAZZ 7TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
NYUORICAN POET'S CAFE
238 East 3rd St., (bet. Ave. B & C) F Train to 2nd Ave)
RSVP (212) 780-9386 email: romekyn@earthlink.net
special guests: Onaje Allen Gumbs, TS Monk, Grady Tate, TCIII, Charli Persip, Danny Mixon, Lou Myers, Adam Wade, Gerald Hayes, Cynthia Scott, Tulivu Donna Cumberbatch, Martha Redbone, Patience Higgins, Eric Frazier, Dwight West, Stanley Banks, Aaron James, Danny Holgate, Cobi Narita, Kaz Ooka, among others.
Be There to Celebrate 7 Years of Musical Excellence!!!
and remember
COMPLIMENTARY HOME MADE BANANA PUDDIN' FOR ALL!!!
Sunday, June 6 (3:00 pm & 7:00 pm) LENA! The Story of A Black Cinderella
Lafayette Grill and Bar, 54 Franklin St., (bet. Broadway & Lafayette)
Dinner and a Show and a wonderful tribute to our dear departed diva Ms. Lena Horne, has its World Premiere, Sunday June 6. Nickolas Long - writer, producer/director, has brought together a stellar cast. You will love it (and wait until you see Ethel Waters!)
Tuesday, June 8 7PM Caribbean Cultural Theater Poets & Passion
St. Francis College - Callahan Center
Thomas Glave: US JAMAICA
Mervyn Taylor : Trinidad & Tobago
182 Remsen Street (Court & Clinton Streets), Brooklyn, NY 11201
THURSDAY, JUNE 10 AT 5:30 PM
COUNCILMEMBER MATHIEU EUGENE CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO
COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
TAKE THE 4/5/6 TRAIN TO BROOKLYN BRIDGE STOP
OR 2/3 TRAIN TO PARK PLACE STOP
THE EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. TO RSVP (718) 287-8762
Saturday, June 19 at Frederick P. Rose Hall: PAN JAZZ @ 7:00 PM.
Lincoln Center, Broadway & 60th Street, Manhattan
Ticket prices for Pan Jazz 2010 “Folklore Tales of the Caribbean” start at $45.
Tickets may be purchased at Jazz at Lincoln Center (212-721-6500) or online at: www.panjazz.com. Pan Jazz 2010 is a production of Abstract Entertainment Inc.
The steel pan talent being featured will this year highlight the next generation of dynamos of the instrument, including Leon Foster Thomas, Andre White and Freddie Harris Jr. Thomas, White and Harris have all served serious notice that they are ready to assume a place in the front ranks of pan soloists, White having also already notched his first Panorama win as arranger in the 2008 Brooklyn Panorama. Complementing musicians include the versatile horn player Etienne Charles (who is no stranger to the Pan Jazz stage), bassist Benjamin Williams, drummer Brennen Temple and saxophonist Jacques Schwarz-Bart.
Preceding the show will be a “Taste of the Caribbean Festival,” from 4:30 to 6:30 PM in the Jazz at Lincoln Center Atrium. A smorgasbord of Caribbean food and drink, as well as live entertainment, will be served up to Pan Jazz ticket holders.
Sponsors for this pre-show bonus feature are Tropical Paradise Restaurant, Sugarcane, Negril Village, Spoonbread and Allan’s Bakery and more.
********************************************************
THURSDAY, JUNE 22 AT 5:30 PM
NY CITY COMPTROLLER JOHN C. LIU
Surrogate Court House
31 CHAMBERS ST, NY NY
TAKE THE 4/5/6 TRAIN TO BROOKLYN BRIDGE STOP
OR 2/3 TRAIN TO PARK PLACE STOP
THE EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. TO RSVP (212) 669-3450
Wednesday June 30th 2010 @ 10:00am – 7:00pm
Brooklyn Borough Hall
All Day Cultural Presentation and Symposium
Caribbean American Heritage Month
THE EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
SUNDAY, June 8, 2010
STREETBALL
7PM, Tuesday, June 8 at National Black Theatre
(2031 Fifth Avenue (b/w 125 & 126th Sts.)
$12 in advance / $15 at the door
(member discount applies)
Directed by Demetrius Wren, STREETBALL is a fast-paced documentary that tells the stories of South Africa's 2008 Homeless World Cup team. The Homeless World Cup is an annual soccer tournament that draws teams from over 56 countries-comprised of the homeless and excluded. The South African squad consists of disenfranchised citizens, many of whom are ex-convicts, former gangsters, orphans and recovering drug addicts who band together to represent their country, proving that no one is beyond redemption.
This evening will feature live music, cocktails, food from MADIBA and a special Q&A with director Demetrius Wren and athletes from South Africa's Homeless World Cup team via SKYPE!
Food Sponsor
Quiznos Coupon
Strategic Partners in South Africa
BlackAge Media, Cross Path Culture and G-Ozone
NOTE: Wedesnsday, June 16: Join ImageNation as we celebrate the World Cup in South Africa and South African Youth Day with a special screening of STREETBALL
Friday, June 18 | 7 - 11pm: A Summer Night to Remember! Dwyer Cultural Center
An Afro-Cuban Jazz + Dance Party Not to be Missed!
Tickets: $15 | Includes complimentary glass of wine
To Purchase Tickets click here or call 212.222.3060
* Advance Purchase Recommended. Capacity limited.
Dwyer Cultural Center
258 St. Nicholas Avenue at W. 123rd Street
between Frederick Douglass Blvd & St. Nicholas Ave
212.222.3060 | info@dwyercc.org
Saturday, June 19, MEN'S HEALTH FAIR: In Celebration of National Men's Health Week
sponsored by Assemblywoman Annette M. Robinson
Restoration Plaza Amphitheatre,
1368 Fulton St., Brooklyn, NY
10:00am- 2:00pm
Show your support by wearing Blue
June 20, 1010 REAL MEN COOK Father's Day 2 - 6PM
MiniSINK TOWNHOUSE 142nd Street & Malcolm X Blvd (a/k/a Lenox Ave.)
Celebrating Fatherhood, Family and Community and support REAL MEN by purchasing a ticket for you, your father, your family, the fathers in your life.
REAL MEN COOK takes place on Father's Day, Sunday, June 20 from 2 - 6pm at Minisink Townhouse, 646 Malcolm X Blvd. (aka Lenox Avenue) at 142nd Street.
Real Men Cook has become a tradition as the largest and longest-running national Father's Day celebration of its kind. It is an annual event that honors fathers and the positive accomplishments of men in the community, past and present. It also provides a broad look at "real men" even beyond fathers to coaches, teachers and others with or without children, who care.
Please help raise funds for NYC Mission Society which has been serving families and children in NYC for nearly 200 years.
Saturdays: June 5, 12, 19, 26 4-DAY DV/DVD PRODUCTION INTENSIVE WORKSHOP
from KARMA STONZ PRODUCTIONS
GLOBAL ALLIANCE TELEVISION (718) 469-4379
email: karmastonz@aol.com
1115 Nostrand Ave, Bkln NY (#44 to Empire Blvd; #2/5 to Sterling St)
1:00 - 4:00 PM
Learn to Write,Direct, Shoot and Edit and Produce Your Own You Tube Show
Create a Music Video
Create a protfolio for yourself
Create Your Own Short Movie or Documentary
*Each participant provides own equipment
Tuesday June 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 NUTTIN' BUT THE BLUES OPEN MIC AT THE SUGAR BAR
HOSTED BY NICK ASHFORD AND FEATURING EBONY JO ANN & THE BACK ALLY PLAYERS
8:00 PM; ADM. $10.00 2-DRINK MINIMUM,
254 W. 72ND ST. (212) 579-0222
Two Steps Down Every Second Sunday from 5 - 9 pm
Hosted by Jazz Vocalist Steve Cromity
240 Dekalb Ave., bet. Vanderbilt & Clermont
(718) 399-2020
NATIONAL BLACK THEATRE
Fertile Ground
BA's Communication Arts Program Showcasing New Talent
2nd Thursday of Each Month (June 10th & July 8th)
Backed up by NBT's House Band
(212) 722-3800
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