City of Philadelphia Restaurant Licensing Bill may have serious repercussions

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

Philly!!! Don't throw out the baby with the bathwater!!

There is a bill under consideration in the Philadelphia City Council that is coming up for a vote this Thursday, December 14 that sounds good on the face of it, but can turn out to do more harm than good, if not handled well.

It's called the City of Philadelphia Restaurant Licensing Bill, while it may be aiming to eradicate those stores that are a guise for sellng liquor shots and other alcoholic beverages, while simultaneously selling candy to children - exposing them to some unsavory characters in the community;  it may also be vicarously harmng those small restaurants that have less than the stated 30 patrons, but also do business in the communty. What happens if you have 10 patrons??or 15 patrons?? 

Or, what if,  as with many Asian and Caribbean businesses, you are primarily a take out business??   We all know that the use of plastic glass barriers came about during an era when these small mom and pop establshments were preyed upon by robbers – they had to construct a way that they could provide servces to their clients, and maintain their own safety as well.

Will this bill also get rid of street vendors who sell from food trucks? Will it affect carry out restaurants and set it up so that only sit down restaurants are allowed to serve food in certain areas??

The liquor licensing issue is of major concern in situations where the lines are blurred between what is and is not appropriate in our communties – and I daresay that there are many who have crossed the line big time – but again, let's not throw out the baby with the bath water.

To say that if you don't have 30 tables in your establishment means you are not a bonafide restaurant, and you should get out of the business and do something else, is disingenuous to those food establshments, such as Chinese, Caribbean, and East Indian restaurants who serve wonderful dishes, but have perhaps only walk up windows, or fewer than 10 tables. They are still good for the communties they servce. I think they have their place, as do good quality sit down restaurants and deserve to have a liquor license f they s choose and can afford it.  

And while I agree that there is a paucity of good restaurants in certain areas - specifically North Philadelphia's District 8, as well as parts of Germantown, I don't think it fair to insist that only sit down "quality" restaurants be allowed to do business. These businesses definitely serve a useful purpose - for those of us on the move, who are not looking to sit, sip and eat - these are great alternatives to the fast food restaurants. Additionally, many of them are small, and run by various ethnc groups - and serve foods reflective of their culture and the community and adds flavor and texture to our communities.

I also see there is a dire need for upscale and moderate restaurants in our communities, and am also committed to creating and maintaining the best neighborhoods for all of us - but that truly means ALL OF US.

So my question is: WHY CAN'T WE HAVE BOTH???

Additionally, who will be building, owning and operating these restaurants?? Is there funding involved to ensure that African American business owners and restauranteurs are appropriately and proportionately represented in the development and establishment of those new restaurants?

Hopefully these smaller venues ae not being lumped in with the “pop up” venues.

Additionally, has there been additional research to determine that the community is looking for and will patronize upscale good quality restaurants? If not, what happens to them when they open and there are not sufficient customers to maintain the business successfully?

This well intentioned bill really deserves some additional consideration before being pushed through.

I was at City Hall on December 4, 2017 when thousands of Asian business people were protesting outside City Hall because they were told they had to remove their bullet proof glass from their windows. I was totally puzzled at why this was being made a requirement? Still have not had a logical answer as of yet. Saying that they are a barrier in case someone has a choking hazzard is not sufficient – they are primarly take out – but the owner needs to protect him or herself from the violent elements that still exist in our city

While Philadelphia wrangles with decisions about the future of her city going forward, she needs to take a good hard look at the impact it will have on those who are working hard, providing services, and have been the backbone of some of the mom and pop businesses here for decades - and at this juncture, I'm not just talking about our Asian brothers and sisters, but across the board.

And for those restaurants that need to come up to standards, perhaps what is needed now are programs that teach them how to update, and design their shops so that they have better curb appeal - and yes, maybe put a seat or two in there for those who just might want to eat in.

The so-called: City of Philadelphia Restaurant Licensing Bill purports to help "eliminate nuisance stop-n-go establishments and create real, sit-down restaurants in our communities." The bill will be voted on during the next City Council session on Thursday, December 14, 2017.

It would be a good idea if you and your neighbors would come to the season on Wednesday December 14 - it starts at 8:00AM, and voice you concern about making sure it is not also  eradicating the small mom and pop food places, many of which are also good, safe businesses in our neighborhoods.

We have to be careful - I personally have nothing against upgrading our communities and making them bright, wonderful, positive prosperous places to live; but beware of "gentrification" disguised as improvement. Gentrification, when we do it ourselves, can be beautiful, and can bring neighborhoods together; as long as we make sure that we are not pushing our own in the process.

There is definitely a better way to raise the standards, while we move forward to upgrade our neighborhoods.

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria

This article appeared in Philadelpha City Council;  of course, my commentary is either highlighted in Yellow or red.  

December 4, 2017

Philadelphia – December 4, 2017 – City Council’s Committee on Public Health and Human Services approved an amendment to Bill No. 170963, which creates new licensing requirements regarding restaurant establishments, and passed the bill out of committee with a favorable recommendation on Monday. The bill was introduced by Councilwoman Cindy Bass (8th District) on November 2 and will be heard on first reading at the Council stated meeting on Thursday.

“The stop-n-go business model, which allows beer and liquor to be sold to adults alongside candy and soda for children, with little to no food sales, can no longer exist in Philadelphia,” said Councilwoman Cindy Bass, who chairs the Committee. “I’m excited that we are moving this important conversation on quality of life and acceptable business practices in Philadelphia forward. This represents a step in the right direction and demonstrates what we can accomplish when government, community and business work together.”

The bill seeks to help business owners come into compliance with state law by categorizing business licenses as “small establishment” licenses and “large establishment” licenses. Large establishments are intended to be sit-down restaurants and are defined as businesses with tables and seating for at least 30 patrons where food is expected to be consumed on the premises. Under the provisions of the bill, large establishments are required to have a minimum of one bathroom that is publicly accessible without passing through a food preparation area. New small establishments must also have an available restroom facility as required by the Plumbing Code, while already-existing small establishments are not affected by this provision.

As amended, the bill also provides that the Department of Licenses and Inspections will work to determine and announce regulations on the use or removal of any physical barrier between restaurant employees serving food and restaurant customers by January 1, 2021.

“As a sit-down restaurant staff should be available to meet the needs of dining room guests—for example, to assist if a patron is choking or having an allergic reaction,” Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley testified during the hearing Monday. “The proposed bill will also align the City laws with the state liquor code, which requires 30 seats for a food service establishment to be eligible for a liquor license,” Farley said. 

 (So a boutique restaurant, that has a smaller footprint, but is no less elegant and upscale, cannot get a liquor license if it has less than 30 seats, and if it does not have the funds or budget to sustain such a large scale operation – it's just SOL/SMH?) Will the City be providing financial assistance for Black owned businesses that wish to open restaurants in the Philadelphia area and seek a liquor license for their clientele, or will they have to take it elsewhere?

“I will reiterate that this bill is an important step to ensure that the City’s restaurants provide appropriate facilities for customers and serve as an asset and not a nuisance to our communities,” said Department of Licenses and Inspections Commissioner David Perri on Monday. “The best way the city can achieve this is to make minimal changes to our food license categories to accurately identify food establishments by their size, seating capacity, and facilities, so that we know who is operating as a sit-down restaurant and who is operating more as a take-out or convenience store where food is not necessarily consumed on premises.”

“If a business owns a restaurant liquor license, it should operate as a restaurant and comply with the rules set forth by the state and the city,” Andrew Trackman, executive director of the Germantown United CDC, testified Monday. “If they don’t, they need to comply with the rules by operating as a sit-down restaurant, or sell their license and get into another business.”??????

“Councilwoman Bass and all other city councilpersons who have been consistent in trying to make wayward stop-n-go owners do better–we applaud you,” said Thera Martin, testifying Monday on behalf of the Allegheny West Foundation and the North 22nd Street Business Association. “We appreciate all the work you have done to bring attention to this chronic and long-standing major concern in our neighborhoods.”

Said Cornelia Swinson, executive director of Johnson House Historic Site and board secretary for the Germantown Special Services District, “Councilwoman Bass represents the kind of leadership that we need right now. This bill may help usher Philadelphia towards its next level of socially conscious civic engagement. I want to express my deep appreciation for the ‘vision’ embodied in her proposed bill that seeks to begin to break down stereotypes about marginalized communities and their value.”

“This is not about plexiglass,” said Bass. “This is about what community members want, what community members demand and what community members deserve. We want sit-down restaurants in our neighborhoods that value our business and serve food with dignity and respect.

“I want to thank lawmakers in Harrisburg, Commissioner David Perri of the Department of Licenses and Inspections, Health Commissioner Dr. Tom Farley, community members from the 8th District and around the City of Philadelphia, and my Council colleagues for their work on helping improve quality of life in all our city’s neighborhoods,” Bass said. “Through this legislation, I believe we can create a healthy and successful business model that functions with dignity and thrives in our communities.”

# # #

Councilwoman Cindy Bass represents the 8th Council District, which includes Germantown, Mt. Airy, Nicetown, Tioga, Chestnut Hill, portions of Logan, and West Oak Lane. She is Chair of Council’s committees on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs and Public Health and Human Services.

As stated earlier, it is hoped that Philadelphia will not "Throw out the baby with the bath water," in their urge to purge the city of the scourge of pop up stores.  Maybe limit the number per community, and make them adult only, no children under 18 allowed, and not within x feet of a school, would be a better course of action.  

GDW EVENT ALERT EXTRA!!!: Pennsylvania State Rep Stephen Kinsey and City Councilwoman Cindy Bass Host Town Hall Meeting & Community Programs

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

The dynamic team of Bass and Kinsey are at it again - out to do some good for their constituents - starting with a town hall meeting that will be held at Center In The Park, Thursday, October 27 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM

Needless to say, there has definitely been a shift in the atmosphere, and many are concerned about their communities and future possibilities that have surfaced as of late.

This is a time to come out, come together and move the agenda forward.

For those constituents who are having difficulty obtaining gainful employment, State Representative Kinsey is presenting a job fair on Saturday, October 29.

Continued after the Break:

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With the temperature plummeting to the lower forties, weatherization and heat assistance is also an important issue.  Join him and his staff on November 10, to receive assistance in those areas and find out how you can lower your utilities doing a few simple tricks.

Finally, on November19, the week prior to Thanksgiving, State Representative Kinsey will host a Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings.  Make sure you're signed up to participate and enjoy the wonderful cuisine.

For those of you who are interested in the ongoing activities and accomplishments of your dynamic  Representatives - Stephen Kinsey and Cindy Bass, feel free to log on to their websites or contact their local offices to speak with their community liaisons:

Stephen Kinsey:  http://www.pahouse.com/Kinsey/About/Biography/  

Address: 5952-54 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19144

Phone:(215) 849-6592

https://www.facebook.com/RepKinsey/

Cindy Bass:  http://cindybass.com

Address: 4439 Germantown Ave A, Philadelphia, PA 19144

Phone:(215) 685-9182

Hours: 

Open today · 9AM–5PM

https://www.facebook.com/cindy.bass1

These are but a few of the ongoing efforts to provide quality service and support to their constituents.

Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

Gloria 

We are now less than two weeks away from the most critical Presidential Election of our history.  No one can afford to sit home, or waste their votes.  I urge you and your family, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances to all get out and cast your vote on November 8, 2016.  If you need assistance getting to the polls, or are not sure where your polling place is, make sure you contact your representative ahead of time so that you may receive assistance.  There can be no excuse or reason for not exercising your responsibility and right to vote in this election on November 8, 2016.   GDW

Now that you know, what are you going to do?

Abandoned Buildings - When to Demolish and When to Renovate - A Cautionary Tale in Philadelphia

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

I'm trying to be calm as I write this post - but I'm actually outraged, frightened and perplexed at the same time - and it appears there's nothing I can do about it.

Starting from the beginning, last Wednesday, August 17, 2016, we - meaning my neighbors and myself - were awakened at 7:00 AM by loud banging on our doors.   It was the Philadelphia Fire Department telling us we had to evacuate our residence because a portion of the back wall of the adjacent abandoned building had collapsed.

A neighbor to the south of us had observed it, and called it in to the Fire Department.  We had to wait outside until  Licensing and Inspections (L & I) arrived to determine whether our home was habitable, or if it had been compromised by the other property. No fewer than three fire trucks were parked in front of our home - as we drowsily made our way downstairs and to the street.  We could see nothing  initially wrong with the building - which was a twin to the one we resided in - but they had already gained access to the back of the property and found the problem.

When the L & I inspector arrived, we were given 15 minutes to get our things and exit the property, go to red cross or a friend or a relative.  At the time, I was quite pleased to know that they were so responsive and had taken quite an interest in our welfare and safety.  So we all coped with the situation as best we could, and by 1:00 that afternoon we were informed that the wall had been secured and we could return home.

The L & I contractors boarded up the house, secured the perimeter, and put orange warning signs on the doors indicating there was danger and not to enter the premises.   Embarrassing, but necessary. We basically grimaced and bore the indignity as best we could.

Thinking everything was all right, we resumed the business of living.

However, on Monday, August 22, we were awakened by banging on the walls of the abandoned property next door.  The sound of a ripsaw blasted through the morning - 8:00AM!!! When many of us - including yours truly - are not yet out of bed, or fully awake.

When we emerged from our home, we found that they had begun to demolish the premises - there were bricks all over the yard, rafters, red dust covered our porch and furniture; and the sounds of buzz saws penetrated everything making it impossible to talk on the phone or hold a conversation.

When I exited my home to go to a doctor's appointment, there was so much powder  and dust from the red brick coating the front porch, it became slippery and difficult to walk.  The railing was covered with red dust which got on my clothes and hands.  They had neglected to tarp our property so we would not suffer from the resulting debris. 

Truck delivering dumpster to the demolition site

Demolition crew throwing debris into dumpster

I spoke with two of the demolition crew and asked why they were tearing down the building after it had already been secured - and they replied, "The City - they say tear it down; so we tear it down."

When I asked how long was it going to take - they stated, "It is not so easy to tear it down - it's a tough building."  Which goes to the reason that I'm posting this article:

The fact that an outer wall collapsed on the building should not have automatically led to the conclusion that the entire property needed to be demolished.  It's like going after a gnat with an elephant gun.  Now the foundation and stability of the property I reside in is being compromised as a result of this.  Our entire building shakes at least four or five times an hour when they used the sledge hammer to knock something out - so much so that I have had objects fall from the shelf, and debris is now forming in the kitchen.

Additionally, it is apparent that the building was in much better shape than originally assumed, and it would have cost far less to have renovated it and made it habitable than to have torn it down.  Perhaps it would have been more intelligent to have offered it to a developer; or find out if the owner of the property next door would have been interested in obtaining the building - and with a possible grant from the city, rehabilitated the property.  At the very least, maybe a "gut" reno - where the interior was demolished, leaving the shell to be renovated would have been a better course of action.

Philadelphia architecture and structures are remarkably sound and resilient.   With the new Landbanking Commission, it would have been an opportunity to save one of these fine old structures, than to have had the demolition derby come in and get paid to wreck it and render it useless.

They explained that after they tore down the building - which is proving much tougher than they anticipated, they would then stucco the outer wall of our building.  Well whoopie!!! 

I'm not knocking the efficiency of  Licensing and Inspections - but I do think that there should have been more consideration before they made the decision to demolish.  Additionally, the owner of the premises should have been advised of the fact that they were going to demolish the building; and perhaps even some coordination between L & I and the Land Bank Commission could have come up with a better solution.

According to my landlady - who owns the property I reside in, she had made an offer to the former owner of the property to purchase the building several years ago, after they had relocated to California for his "health".  They continued to claim that they were going to return - when 10 years later, they did not, and the building, absent human life, began to deteriorate.  

No tarp so dust and debris fell on our porch as well - our home is to the right

Mind you, there are  thousands of eyesores in the city of Philadelphia that should be either demolished or renovated - some have been standing like specters over the communities for decades.  They have to be the bane of the existence of residents who want to have decent neighborhoods.  These are buildings where a good bulldozer is the only solution to the situation.  

However, the demolition of the twin adjacent to where I reside -which is proving to be stronger than Fort Knox, was not one of those properties - probably the same amount of money spent to demolish it would have rendered it a wonderful residence for a family in need of a decent affordable home.  

Too late now!

In the future, however,  the City of Philadelphia  should come up with a better way of making determinations as to the efficacy of the structures - and determine whether or not it makes sense to turn it over to a developer; a resident interested in and capable of renovation - before demolishing it.

In reference to the property adjacent to us, now that there is no turning back, perhaps they should give the vacant land to the owner of the twin to be put to good use as a yard space - it's clear that it's way too late to stop the madness at this point (SMH).

I placed a call to Mr. Stallworth of Licensing and Inspection, who initially came out last Wednesday to inspect the property after the collapse of the back wall, but  got no answer from his office phone; and the message on the cell phone said that no answering or voice mail had been set up.  

I subsequently contacted City Councilwoman Cindy Bass' office.  She was out in the field, but her scheduler stated she would contact her to have her drive by the property to see the destruction.  I had wanted to consult with them before I made any additional moves.

The damage has been done in this situation; but going forward, there should be more consideration than what we were given in the decision to demolish or renovate.  And I daresay the newer buildings that are being constructed aren't nearly as sound as some of the old, original Philadelphia architectural masterpieces.  The amount of time it's taking to tear this one down is proof of that.  

Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria 


NOTE:  Gloria Dulan-Wilson is the former Housing Coordinator for the City of Jersey City, and oversaw several renovations of properties in the Jersey City community under the late Glenn D. Cunningham, Mayor of Jersey City; additional she is the former Executive Director of an Affordable Housing program in Brooklyn; a NACA (Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America) Advocate for first time homebuyers.




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GDW EVENT ALERTS: Wow! July Took Off Like A Rocket and Is In High Gear

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

Just to show you how fast July is moving, people are sending me announcements about events on the same day the event is taking place! Even they can't keep up with their own schedule.  Today's the 8th - I'm two days behind on these event alerts because of other events still on the calendar. 

Get ready folks, it's only gonna get worse - or is it better?  We are moving faster than the speed of thought right now.  

Sooooo...... for the sake of my own sanity, I'm going to slow it down a bit; take it back a notch, and do a rewind to this past Monday, July 4th.  I had the pleasure and privilege of covering WAWA's Welcome America 4th of July Celebration and Party on the Parkway, where they honored TSOP (The Sounds of Philly) and the great producers, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.  What a great tribute to these two great men, whose prolific talent has  greatly enriched the music industry.  What a treasure these two have amassed and shared with us through so many time honored artists.

KENNY GAMBLE

LEON HUFF

Performing in honor of these two great icons were Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, The Intruders, and The O'Jays!!!   Eddie Levert was dancing on that stage like he was a kid!! They were spectacular.  Backing them was none other than the Urban Guerilla Orchestra  (UGO), who didn't miss a beat!   They were so great, that kids, who were there to see artists from their own generation, were dancing in the aisles, and by the time they played the Soul Train Theme, the audience had formed a soul train line and was dancing around the lawn and in front of the stage.  The entire show was broadcast live on NBC-TV/Philly Channel 10. Mind you, it was pouring buckets outside - but neither the artists nor the band missed a beat.  And the audience remained throughout the entire performance.  Kudos and congratulations to brothers Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff for sharing your talent and creativity with the world.



A MOMENT OF CONTEMPLATION BEFORE WE MOVE ON:
BEP
Before we begin, let's take a moment to offer condolences to the families, friends and loved ones who lost friends over this past three day period of violence here in the US.  This is a cry for the curtailment of police brutality; for justice for all, not just for some; for the confiscation of ALL WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION - from the police as well as those who have bought them illegally.  And for the replacement of  police weapons with tazers, stun guns and tranquilizer guns - there is no need for such heavy artillery in a civilized society.  Outlaw them all!! My prayers go out to all my brothers who are targets of these people with licenses to kill - they need to be revoked.  Stay Safe, Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK - Gloria 

Now, for what lies ahead in terms of upcoming events:

NEW YORK
THE HAMPTONS - NOW THROUGH AUGUST - BOOK YOUR RESERVATIONS -
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/155c0bafc456389c

NOW THRU JULY 15  - VOTE FOR EBONY JO-ANN BLUES VOCALIST

The 2016 Blues Blast Music Awards

SKIP TO CONTENT

Become an informed voter! 

Listen to all of the nominated artists before you vote here.

GET THE OFFICIAL POLL BY LOGGING ON TO :   http://www.BluesBlastMagazine.com.
Contemporary Blues Album – stream nominee’s music HERE

JULY 8, 2016

ACCESSIBLE ART SOIREE 

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/155c0f1c7a7d483e

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2016

YOUNG AFRICANS COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE = YACE

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/155c0e6c248bd9c8

SATURDAY, JULY 9, 2016

** Invitation to Press **Rooftop Films Presents: The New York Premiere of
GOODNIGHT BROOKLYN – THE STORY OF DEATH BY AUDIO

WHATJoin Rooftop Films as they recreate the legendary DIY rock scene of Williamsburg’s fondly remembered, recently shuttered Death By Audio with the New York premiere of Matthew Conboy’s feature film Goodnight Brooklyn – The Story of Death By Audio. 

WHERE
On the Roof of The Old American Can Factory232 3^rd Street, Gowanus, Brooklyn

SHOW DETAILS
8:00PM Doors Open
8:30PM Live Music by Growing
9:00PM Film Begins
10:30PM Q&A with Filmmaker Matthew Conboy
11:00PM After-Party with Live Music by Grooms and A Place to Bury Strangers

JULY 11, 2016

RSVP TODAY:
bit.ly/WhereTheRoadsEnd

JULY 16, 2016

HARLEM BOOK FAIR

http://www.harlembookfair.com/#!harlem-book-fair/cp78

This is pitiful - what used to be a 2-day event and the pride of harlem has been relegated to one day and is over by 5:00 pm.  If that does not tell you that Harlem is under siege, nothing will - SMH  Where is the leadership in Harlem? Where are the Harlemites? WTFU Harlem

JULY 31, 2016
BOARD FOR THE EDUCATION OF PEOPLE OF AFRICAN ANCESTRY (BEPAA )INVITES YOU TO ITS 18TH ANNUAL TRIBUTE “REMEMBERING DR. JOHN HENRIK CLARKE”
On Sunday July 31, 2016 at 3:00 PM at  Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church at 222 Tompkins Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11216
THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER IS : Dr. Marimba Ani, Pan African Scholar and Author of the book YURUGU. 
ADMISSION IS FREE !! For Further Info Call (347)907-0629
HOME

A

 CONFIRMED APPEAR

PHILADELPHIA

ALL SUMMER  LONG 

ENJOY CONCERTS AND MOVIES AT THE DELL EAST
http://www.mydelleast.com
http://www.ticketmaster.com/Dell-Music-Center-tickets-Philadelphia/venue/16503



ENJOY CONCERTS AND MOVIES AT THE MANN MUSIC CENTER

http://www.manncenter.org/events/list

JULY 8, 2016

Reelblack and PEC celebrate with a special tribute to Aretha Franklin.  ARETHA: THE QUEEN OF SOUL (1988/ 1 hour) is an American Masters documentary that covers her career up until she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. ARETHA: LIVE IN PARIS '71 is a 20 minute concert film originally shown on French TV. Friday July 8 at The United Bank Building, 3750 Lancaster Avenue.  Admission is $5.00 (includes refreshments).

STAY CONNECTED: ALL SUMMER LONG : JULY 8 -- AUGUST 16, 2016 CITY COUNCILWOMAN CINDY BASS PRESENTS: JAZZ IN THE PARK https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/mwillis%40pahouse.net/155c70e9aa02005c?projector=1 MUSIC IN THE PARK  https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/mwillis%40pahouse.net/155c70e9aa02005c?projector=1 PRAISE IN THE PARK https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/mwillis%40pahouse.net/155c70e9aa02005c?projector=1 SUMMER EVENTS https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#search/mwillis%40pahouse.net/155c70e9aa02005c?projector=1

JULY 14, 2016

State Rep. Vanessa L. Brown to host business owner luncheon, Thursday, July 14 - 1:30PM at the Dornsife Center For Neighborhood Partnerships - 3509 Spring Garden St. 

The luncheon is designed to help local residents navigate state regulations as they expand, start or relocate small business in Pennsylvania. Local business and financial institutions will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice, as well on state assistance for current and new businesses, including grants and low-interest loans. Minority businesses can also learn about special state programs that allow minority-run businesses to compete in the state bidding process."

Although the lunch is free, an RSVP is required. Email vbrown@pahouse.net or call (215) 879-6615.

JULY 17, 2016 

KAPPA ALPHA PSI COOK OUT - RAIN OR SHINE
12:00-6:00PM

CHAMOUNIX AND GREENLAND DRIVE (FAIRMOUNT PARK)
CONTACT RODNEY JACKS (215) 778-9773
rodney.jacks17@yahoo.com
Bring:  Lawn Chairs, food, umbrellas, tents, and supplies to supplement what they have!!
Come and have some fun in the sun with 
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. - Philadelphia Alumni Chapter 

NEW JERSEY

We say "People need to do something about our youth"

Here's the chance....

This Sat. July 9th, 2016  

S.T.E.P.  “Annual Youth Acknowledgement Ceremony 

Fundraiser and Dinner 

With your support we can continue our efforts in helping curb the random violence, the un-interupted effects of the school to prison pipeline, the recruitment of into gang life and so many of the other pitfalls that await our young Black men....Those who would otherwise become the Leaders we so passionately say we want and we need..

But we must give our young Kings a fighting chance!

DIVINE ONES!

WE'RE BAAACK!! CONTINUING THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE, LOVE AND, THE NEW "GOOD MEDICINE" CD!

COME ON OUT!  NO COVER, NO RESERVATION!

ALL ACCESS ENTERTAINMENT GROUP PRESENTS

Ty Stephens&TheSoulJaazz

The PRIORY @ St Joseph Plaza

233 W Market St. Newark, NJ 07103

Info: (973) 242 8012

FRIDAY JULY 8TH, 2016 No Cover, No Reservation

7 PM to 11 PM ~ Food or Beverage Purchase Required

Secured parking. Facebook: St. Joseph Plaza and Priory Jazz Club. 

CDs and T Shirts Available For Purchase

BALTIMORE, MD

AUGUST 3 - 6, 2016

NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 
http://nul.iamempowered.com/content/save-date-2016-national-urban-league-conference-0

GREENBELT, MD

Friday, August 19th, 2016 Official Invitation 2nd Annual Africa Gives Back International Gala This Year's Cause EVERYDAY WARRIORS - EDUCATION IS KEY Building a Technical Skills School & Center in West Africa You are cordially Invited, Please Save the Date Friday August 19th, 2016 Come and Experience a Lively Night of Culture, with a Traditional Dance Ensemble by an African Dance Troupe, Celebrity Awards, Red Carpet, Contemporary Fashion Exhibit,  Traditional Cuisine, Prizes and Sounds for the Dance Party by Popular Afro-Beats DJ. SPECIAL PERFORMANCES and Much More!!! Location:  Martins Crosswinds Ballroom 7400 Greenway Center Drive Greenbelt, MD 20770 Time: EVENT: 10pm - 3am Early Arrival Strongly Suggested --------------- The Gala will be a fun-filled evening, while raising awareness and critical funding for the Construction of Technical Skills Center & School in Rural Sierra Leone in West Africa.   A portion of the proceeds from the Gala will be used to fund construction, and ship the supplies and rations to Sierra Leone, in order to assist with the completion of the Technical Skill School & Center .

ATLANTA, GA

JULY 15-17, 2016

 Afrikan Sustainability <blacksustainabilitysummit@gmail.com> 

 The Liberated Minds Black Homeschool & Education Expo in Atlanta, GA on July 15-17.  Baba Cordell presented at our 2016 Summit on the importance of family and survival.  He and his wife are celebrating their 5^th Anniversary of this Expo this year and wanted to share this opportunity with our extended family. This is an opportunity to connect with Afrikan/Black homeschoolers, educators, parents, & families dedicated to cooperative economics. If you do not live in the area, no worries, there will be other events and activities to come your way.  What is The Liberated Minds Black Homeschool & Education Expo?  LOG ON TO THE LINK BELOW AND FIND OUT.

 www.LiberatedMindsExpo.com