8 MONTHS AND COUNTING UNTIL THE 2016 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION IN PHILADELPHIA - ARE YOU READY?

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

The City of Philadelphia, as well as the tri-state area, is about to become the focus - once again - of international, national and local media, as the plans for the upcoming 2016 Democratic Convention move into high gear!

While the Convention Center and Wells Fargo Arena are going to be the centralized location for most of the activities, the entire City of Philadelphia will be engaged in this high profile, highly politicized ritual that takes place every four years - with all the pomp and circumstance, hoopla, and hype that goes along with the ceremonious selection of a presidential candidate.

The Rev. Leah Daughtry, CEO of the Democratic National Convention, is, for the third time  coordinating the DNC here in Philadelphia - which means she must be doing something right, having coordinated the DNC Convention in Denver, CO in 2008, when Barack Obama was nominated for the Democratic Presidential Candidate; and in 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina, when he once again received his party's nomination for a second term.  This is a gargantuan undertaking, but Ms. Daughtry seem equal to the task - and what a task it is.  Political interest groups converging from all over the US, each wanting their own individual attention.  Media outlets jockeying for position to make sure their cameras are positioned to get even the slightest flutter of an eyelash!  

Rev. Leah Daughtry, CEO Democratic National Convention 

At the recent briefing held at the Wells Fargo Arena, she was grace personified as she fielded questions from all over the map.  She has assembled a team that is working tirelessly to make this as much a success as her other two conventions.  She is in the center of the storm.

And, while there are those who are integrally involved in the activities from day one, there are many who live here in Philadelphia who naively think it has nothing to do with them.  However, nothing could be further from the truth!  Whether you're just a resident, or a student, a business owner, or involved in the clergy, this is as significant for you as it is for the elected official and the wannabe  presidential candidates.  Make no mistake about it!

And the fact that the convention is being held in Philadelphia is no small coup - thanks to the efforts of Mayor Michael Nutter, who has consistently positioned Philadelphia as a world class city, and beat out top contenders, such as Brooklyn, NY for this cherished opportunity, it is now time to rise to the occasion, and show the world what you're made of.  You cannot afford to sit idly on the sidelines while the world is coming to your doorsteps!

Philadelphia Mayor Michael A Nutter and Leah Daughtry 

The Convention takes place from July 25 through the 28th, but guests will begin arriving several days prior to the kick off.  An undertaking of this magnitude will involve huge corporations, vendor services, transportation, entertainment, interaction from all stand points.  There will be media of all stripes - from local news to national and international news coverage.  It behooves you to learn as much as you possibly can about the upcoming events, and the businesses that will be involved. Job opportunities are already available in some of  the more intelligentsia and labor intensive organizations.  You need to find out who and what they are, and begin applying for them - NOW! Not at the last minute.  People will be needed to check people into hotels; into the Convention Center, to provide local specialized transportation; to work in the restaurants and many venues, to be part of hospitality programs.  And this is the time to become part of the process - NOW - not at the last minute (I know I said it before - but just wanted to emphasize the seriousness of the situation.)

Those of you who are vendors, who design Tee Shirts, buttons, banners, and memorabilia- now is the time to get started - Not only is the Democratic National Convention come to Philadelphia in 2016, but it is also the 240th ANNIVERSARY OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE - which was signed in Philadelphia in 1776!!!  So this is a doubly historical occasion all around!  There will be many opportunities to be part of American History on so many levels.   From the many tourists who won't be a part of the Convention, but will be here to be a witness to History, the opportunities abound.  From tour guides, to re-enactment specialists, catering, administrative capacities to photographical specialists.  Whatever your talent or skill - bring it out, dust it off, and make is shine!

The interesting thing about 1776 is that African Americans in Philadelphia were free and could vote at the time.  Not that we lived in the lap of luxury; or had and special privileges - but most African Americans lived in the Southern portion of Philadelphia from 7th and South onwards, right where most of the historical sections of Old Town and the exclusives neighborhoods now exist.  

W.E.B.DuBois, in his empirical study, THE PHILADELPHIA NEGRO, thoroughly details the live and times of Black people in Philadelphia from the first slave ships on through the beginning of the 20th Century.  An intensively detailed depiction of the structure of our communities before, during and after the Revolution, and the other epoch making events that impacted us during that time.  

We were resourceful then as we are now.  And with the upcoming Convention, it's time to rise and shine and get it done.  

Those interested in finding out what the opportunities and options are for the upcoming DNC Convention, should reach out to DNCPhilly 2016DNCC or demconvention.com - or your locally elected officials. 

Don't miss out - this means a great deal to all of us.

I will be providing additional updates as things progress.  In the meantime - Get Busy and Get Involved!

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

NAACP 106TH NATIONAL CONVENTION LIVING UP TO IT'S THEME AND CHALLENGE: "PURSUING LIBERTY IN THE FACE OF INJUSTICE"

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

Before I write my article, let me say this for the record:  If you are an African American, and live in Philadelphia, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, DC, Virginia, or Connecticut, you should definitely be in Philadelphia at this 106th National Convention.   This is about you.  This is about your rights - your family, neighborhoods.  This is focusing on things that impact you.  You need to be here. You need to be supporting this organization that has constantly and continuously laid its life on the line for you.  This cannot be done by remote control.  This requires us all to be a part of this process.  There are issues being discussed that will have pivotal impact on your lives.  It's not too late to be a part of this - Monday and Tuesday are the high points.  Take the time out in the name of enlightened self interest and be a part of this powerful organization.

 The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People - NAACP - set the bar very high for its 106th National Convention, and then exceeded the mark.  Sunday, July 12, 2015 was a history making day, information and action rich, leaving participants ready to get down to the business of developing viable ways and means of surmounting the challenge of "pursuing liberty in the face of injustice."  A theme so profound and appropriate, and at the same time, a challenge that the venerable organization has been tackling since its inception.  
 
How one does that in an atmosphere of the expansion of egregious miscarriages of justice perpetrated against Black men and women, either through false arrests, police brutality and murder, forcible foreclosures of Black owned properties, substandard homes, schools, health facilities, neighborhoods, rising unemployment, and massacres of innocent Black citizens, is what they are tackling over the next few days.  The end result will be an action plan that the members will then carry forth back to their respective chapters to implement in the days, weeks and months to come.

Highlights of Sunday's epochmaking roster of events included a Women's Empowerment Forum and Brunch that featured a keynote speech from Marilyn Mosby, Esq.,  Baltimore, MD's dynamic State Attorney, who indicted all six of the police officers in the violent death of Freddie Gray - who brutally beaten to death after having been arrested and hauled into a police wagon.   The youngest chief prosecutor of any major city in America, she spoke eloquently of her challenges in being elected to the position; and how what she has learned and surmounted is key to how women can maximize their own skills, talents, will, and abilities to accomplish what ever they want.  (I would be horribly remiss if I didn't mention that she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority).

Marilyn Mosby, Esq, Baltimore, MD State Attorney

The esteemed Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the legal arm of the NAACP hosted a day long series of continuing education seminars that empaneled some of the tops in their fields, covering such subjects as "The Role of Prosecutors in Police Brutality Cases; Title VI and Racism on College Campuses; Ethics: Working with Outside Counsel.

One of the most important legal issues under scrutiny by the NAACP/LDF  was Open Internet: Verizon v. FCC:  Net neutrality, which has become pretty much a buzz word, was the focus of the Open Internet session.  Panelists Hazeen Y. Ashby, Esq, Director of the Washington Bureau of the National Urban League and executive editor of the State of Black America; Kim M. Keenan, Esq., President & CEO Minority Media and Telecom Council in Washington DC; and Hilary O. Shelton, Director NAACP Washington Bureau & Senior VP for Advocacy and Policy.  

The FCC recently ruled on Open Internet under Title Two of the Telecommunications Act.  This in and of itself is considered a good thing.  However, the issue then becomes whether or not the interpretation of Title Two, which was originally enacted during the Administration of President Roosevelt in the 30's is relevant today - does it help or cripple the efficacy of Net Neutrality.  Theoritically Net Neutrality encompasses ensuring that our internet access will not be blocked, or throttled, or slowed down as the result of disparate internet companies making decisions as to whether or not a community should or could have access based on it its economic, geographic, ethnic, or racial status.  The upshot of it is that this governs broadband service - and as Attorney Kim Keenan so aptly stated, you need broadband to live. You have it on your internet, your cell phones - which is good, but does not replace the need to have it in your homes, and have it remain affordable for all families.  The results can be the difference between being able to apply for a job, get a viable education, communicate with the rest of the world.  The NAACP is concerned because the 80 million people who are not connected probably live in Black communities; and not being connected means being left behind.  

Hazeen Ashby, Esq., further explained the concern by showing how access to broadband may be divided along economic lines - anyone making less than $30,000 a year most likely would not have broadband in their homes; while there's a 30% chance of those making between $30,000 to $50,000 annually, and an almost 100% chance of those who make $75,000 and above.  28% of African Americans are living in poverty.  Even though a 300 page report has been generated in reference to the broadband, net neutrality issue, no discussion about how those in poverty will get access has been included.  "We know that without access to internet, without access to broadband at home, we will only continue the cycle of poverty."

Hilary Shelton weighed in, outlining the actions as Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Policy for the NAACP - have been meeting with the FCC and service providers.  The real issue centers around content providers and service providers.  The content providers include Google, Microsoft, etc.; service providers include Comcast, Verizon, AT&T - how things are monitored.  The issues center around who brings the most/best service; who gets to do the most expansion, and the quality of that service.  The issue of build out of their services, "which also includes job creation - good living wage jobs," according to Shelton, who further states: "AT&T is the largest unionized telecom in the country." The focus is on whether or not these providers under Title Two will be able to pick and choose, or will they have to provide service on an equal and affordable basis no matter what the neighborhood or the economic standing of its residents looks like.

Hilary O. Shelton

An equally weighty matter, and one that is impacting Black voters throughout the US, was the final panel discussion of the day, "Continuing the Fight for Voting Rights & the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act."   Panelists included Leah Aden, Esq., Assistant Counsel NAACP LDF, New York, and Julie Houk, Esq., Special Voting Counsel, Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Washington, DC.  

On the eve of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act being signed into law (August 6, 1965) by then President Lyndon Baines Johnson, the Supreme Court has seen fit to strike down Section 5 - the most essential portions of the act -  leaving Black voters disenfranchised and once again vulnerable to the racist laws that had originally been enacted to prevent us from exercising our rights as American citizens.  The situation could not be more dire.  In focusing on Shelby County, AL, the Subprime Court Decision and section five of the voting rights act, and what's happened in the past two years since they struck it down.  

The original Voting Rights, the Fifteenth Amendment, was adopted in 1871 - however, it was not enforced.  It was not until 1965 that real voting rights was granted to Black citizens across the nation, after many people had died fighting for those rights during the fifties and sixties.  Section Two is the general prohibition against discriminatory practices, and is still in effect today.  Sections 5 and 4B were seriously impacted by the Shelby County decision.  Section 5 covered the process of having to submit to the Department of Justice any proposed changes in voting process, location, dates, etc., before they were enacted so that the department could whether or not they had a deleterious effect on the right to vote.  What's important to know about Section 5 is that it required the jurisdiction to prove that their proposed changes were not discriminatory, and would not circumvent the right to vote of people in the effected jurisdiction.  Such things as changing the location, date, time of opening of the polling places, requiring special identification or classification in order to vote or other egregious acts.  Now that Section 5 has been struck down under the mistaken concept that it is no longer necessary, the burden of proving discriminatory policies now rests with the victims - requiring expensive, long and drawn out litigation.  The NAACP LDF has been continuously fighting, and in many cases winning, these cases - but some of the most racist states - Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, and others are still coming up with new ways to disenfranchise Black voters.

According to Leah Aden, Esq, "I can't impress enough how serious this year is.  This is the 50th anniversary of the voting rights passage, this is the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, where people were killed, humiliated, beaten - all to advance our right to vote.  And if this is not the year that we're going to be motivated to advance voting rights and extend the concept, then we are pretty much out of luck. THE TIME IS NOW!!!"  

According to Aden, it is not by accident that we are witnessing an assault on our voting rights; it's because of the changing nature of this country.  There are things that we can do to fight back and should be doing.  Section Two was not struck down by the Supreme court that is still viable and can still be used. There are things that the federal government can do, as well as lawyers, and ordinary citizens going forth to defend the gains we have won and to advance voting rights.

As Aden so appropriately stated, the reason for the assault on our rights to vote stem from the election results of 2008 and 2012, when we overwhelmingly elected Barack Obama as the First Black President of the United States. Our power both overwhelmed and frightened the white infrastructure.  We turned out in record numbers.  The 2010 Census revealed the emerging People of Color nation; we were changing democracy, and we would soon become the majority.  So basically what they have done is set it up to prevent people from either registering, or voting through a series of bogus laws.  "These forms are set up by elected officials and are coming at us in a myriad of forms from all different directions."   Some of them include the requirement for voter ID, change of polling places, and barriers to voting.

Aden recommends that we begin to be the eyes and ears in our own communities, and put them on notice that we are not only aware of what they are doing, by calling them out, but begin to gather petitions and evidence against those jurisdictions that are taking major swipes at local area residents' rights to vote.  "We see you, we see what you are proposing, and we are watching out for you...we're coming after you!"     Texas is one of the most egregious - with a law that allows a concealed hand gun license as a valid ID for voting, but will not allow students to use their identifications to do the same.

Bringing the issue closer to home, New York State Assemblymember Latrice M. Walker revealed that New York State has just recently purged over 160,000 voters from their rolls, allegedly because they had not voted in an election in the past two years.  It was not known whether or not any of the voters were notified, or if a roster of those names have been maintained or revealed - so it's not just the southern states that are committing crimes against our rights to vote.  

Of course, concommitant with that is our responsibility to get out and make sure that each and every African American 18 and older is not only registered to vote, but actively voting regardless of what the election may be for.

Aden also spoke of the issue of using "at large" elections to prevent  predominantly Black communities from electing their own people. When a candidate is running at large, it lessens the impact of the vote from within his or her own constituency.  This is one of the factors that has played out in Ferguson and other predominantly Black areas surrounded by predominantly white areas.  

The pressure is on to get Congress to reinstate the Voting Rights Amendment Act and the Voting Rights Advancement Act,  Each bill is different, but represent responses by Congress to what the Supreme  Court did, which was to physically undo the work of Congress by stripping Section 5 of being operable; it will provide new coverage provision.  It will ultimately restore notice of voting changes, because thousands of voting changes are proposed across the country....and will strengthen it as well."    
The highpoint of the evening was the Open Public Mass Meeting, when thousands of convention goers came together to be greeted by Congressman Chaka Fattah, Mayor Michael Nutter, and Philadelphia NAACP President Min. Rodney Muhammad.  With the highpoint of the event being the keynote speech by Roslyn M. Brock, Chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors.

The entire program for the evening was already charged with energy and enthusiasm, as evidenced by the New York Contingency, led by the great Hazel Dukes, Dr. Marcella Maxwell, Karen Boykin Towns, Geoffrey Eaton, and others.  The event was hosted by Leon W. Russell, Chair of the 106th Annual Convention Planning Committee, and Vice Chair of the NAACP National Board of Directors.

The nearly standing room only even was regaled by gospel songs performed by the Nick Reynolds and Family Affair Choir of Philadelphia.  

Roslyn Brock left the audience on such a high note, extolling the virtues and accomplishments of the NAACP and the fact that when things looked the worst, the darkest and the most dire, the NAACP was always there in the middle of the fray, pressing onward for justice - for liberty and freedom - for the rights of all!

What a wonderful way to start off a Sunday, energized and ready to fact the agenda for Monday, which will include issues on Redistricting, The Role of Prosecutors in Criminal Justice Reform, Keynote Speaker President Cornell William Brooks, Esq., Governor Tom Wolf, Hon. Congressman G. K. Butterfield, US Senator Bob Casey and others.  

This is History in the Making in Real Time - The NAACP - and You need to be a part of it.

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

Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK 
 Gloria









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EVENT ALERT: THE FIRST WEEK IN MAY IS PACKED WITH ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS - ARE YOU READY???

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:  In case you haven't noticed, the month of May is jam cram packed with activities - so much so that you are either going to want to clone yourself, or do things in shifts.  And if you think the list of activities and events in this posting is long, you should see what I didn't include!  It's twice the length.  There's pretty much something for everyone at different levels here - so take advantage of the richness of the events and enjoy.  GDW

Freedom Fighters Demonstration Reenactment of THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEMONSTRATIONS TO DESEGREGATE GIRARD COLLEGE -- Mayor Nutter to deliver remarks.   This event is a reenactment of the 1965 Civil Rights Demonstrations to Desegregate Girard College. Front Gate corner of Girard and Corinthian Aves. Girard College, 2101 South College Ave.  Come out and witness a pivotal point of Philadelphia History!

 

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA TO HOST COLLEGE SIGNING DAY

                     WHEN:      Friday, May 1, 2015               11:00 a.m.

WHO:  City Officials, Deputy Secretary John King, U.S. Department of Education

                            

WHAT:      The City of Philadelphia will host its first College Signing Day celebration to recognize 2,000 college-bound, Philadelphia high school seniors.  These graduating seniors will pledge their intentions to attend and graduate from the higher education institution of their choice. 

College Signing Day is a part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher initiative, which seeks to inspire and support students across the country to pursue and complete a post-secondary degree.

                      WHERE:   St. Joseph’s University, Michael J. Hagan Arena, 2450 N. 54^th   Street         

PREMIERE OF SITTIN' IN the MUSICAL a story of  America's Black youth and civil rights activists.

by Lisa Hopkins, a Philadelphia native,  who grew up hearing about these movements from her mother, who as a young girl originally from Liberia, participated in these acts to hasten the tearing down of Jim Crow and segregationist rules. RAY KROC CENTER 4200 Wissahickon Avenue. 

Sankofa Academy

 

We are honored to share with you our latest fundraiser which will take place on Saturday, May 2, 2015.  Please excuse the short notice as there was a great deal of planning needed in order to present a really great event.  

If you are unable to attend, please free to make a donation and share with others.  We have learned a great deal from planning an event with the capacity of 500 people.  As a result, in the future we will be able to provide notices in a more timely manner.

Please go to our web site for information related to on line and off line ticket purchases!:  

http://thesankofainternationalacademy.weebly.com/events.html

From: Sankofa Academy <sankofainternationalacademy@gmail.com>
To: sankofainternationalacademy@gmail.com
Cc:
Date: Thu, 23 Apr 2015 15:01:09 -0400
Subject: May 2, 2015 Sankofa International Fundraiser
On behalf of The Sankofa International Academy we would like to thank you for supporting our events

JAZZ AT SISTAS' PLACE - BROOKLYN, NY

Sistas' Place, 456 Nostrand Avenue, at the corner of Jefferson Avenue, where Jazz A Music of the Spirit Lives and Culture is our Weapon, presents its Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival and African Liberation Month offering with a Tribute Lee Morgan featuring trumpeter Robert Rutledge, saxophonist Jon Beshay, pianist Richard Clements, bassist Michael Max Fleming and drummer Joe Blaxx.

Lee Morgan was one of the great trumpeters and composers in this music. Robert Rutledge has brought together a fine group of musicians to honor the substantial contribution made by Lee Morgan during his short career, close to two decades, as a performing artist.

 
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Don't Miss This!

Admission to Sistas' Place is $20 in advance (718-398-1766 ) and $25 at the door.

Subject: WADFF 2015 Program Booklet Attached - Click on Yellow Links Below for Trailers to Films

Hey Folks,

We'll be there from 10 until 6, so drop by if you get  a chance.

FOR A SAMPLE OF FILMS TO BE SCREENED, PLEASE SEE BELOW.

 Reflections Unheard: Black Women in Civil Rights

Morning Showcase Screening 11:15am

www.wmm.com/advscripts/wmmvideo.aspx?pid=259

Little Brother , Annual Installment - 1:15pm,

 www.littlebrotherfilm.com  

Scroll down to view trailer

Narrative Shorts, 1:45 pm,

Soko Sonko, http://youtu.be/5n65UWtLwsY

&

Dear Nina , www.thedearninastory.com

On My Own , Feature Documentary - 3:45 pm

www.indiegogo.com/projects/on-my-own--2

  

Afua’s Diary, Narrative Feature-5pm

www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HV0Fd8DzTI

 

Brooklyn Links | P.O. Box 50013 | Brooklyn | NY | 11205

 Philadelphia Jazz Project  

First Fridays @ Arch Street Meeting House - 

May 1, 2015

FYI!

Reply-To: Philadelphia Jazz Project <info@philajazzproject.org>

Join Philadelphia Jazz Project and the Producer's Guild for First Fridays at Arch Street Meeting House, May through September 2015. https://sunrafirstfriday.eventbrite.com View this email in your browser PJP and the Producer's Guild are collaborating with the Arch Street Meeting House to present a series of exciting, First Friday events from May thru September 2015. Based on our Listening Parties, these events will consist of pre-recorded musical selections, live performances, social dancing, free refreshments, vendors, games, prizes and more. The live performances will include musicians, poets, comedians and more.

Arch Street Meeting House - 320 Arch Street - Philly, PA 19106 7pm to 10pm  Admission is FREE! Parking is available - $10.00 per car for the evening, https://sunrafirstfriday.eventbrite.com.  Parking space is limited and will be provided on a first come-first served basis.  The lot is located at the rear of the Arch Street Meeting House.  To enter make a left off of 4th Street.  A sign will be posted for your convenience. May 1 | Out Of This World Featuring music from & influenced by the universal traveler & musician, Sun Ra. Dance Instruction: Intergalactic Soul Train Line Poet: Lamont Dixson Musicians: Kwami Hadi - Trumpet June 5 | The Fearless Voices Featuring music from some of our bravest musical voices like Nina Simone & Gil Scot-Heron. Dance Instruction: Philly Bop Poet/Comedian: Yolanda Wisher Musicians: Sanovia Garrett - Vocals July 3 | Chasing The Trane Featuring music from & influenced by the Philly Jazz colussus, John Coltrane Dance Instruction: Cha Cha Musicians: Parris Love - Vocals / Bernard Samuel – Piano / Bert Harris - Bass   August 7 | Summer Madness Featuring cool, yet frisky music, perfect the hot summer nights. Dance Instruction: Free Style Poet: Michelle Myers Musicians: Ayumi Perry- Vocals / Jeff Scull - Guitar   September 4 | The Thin Line Featuring music dancing on the thin line between Jazz & R&B/Rock. Dance Instruction: Line Dance Poet: Beth Feldman Brandt Musicians: Lee Mo – Vocals & Dan Hanrahan - Guitar About The Meeting House:  The Arch Street Meeting House stands as an enduring symbol of the people who created Pennsylvania as a "Holy Experiment." It was built to house the men's and women's Yearly Meetings, which were the business sessions of the Religious Society of Friends for Philadelphia and Environs, and remains as one of the oldest active houses of worship in the City.  FAQs   Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?  All events are family friendly, no age limit or ID requirement.  What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?  Walking Distance from public transportation, Route 48, etc.  Parking is available - $10.00 per car for the evening. Prepaid Parking Reservations available on eventbrite.  Parking space is limited and will be provided on a first come-first served basis.  The lot is located at the rear of the Arch Street Meeting House.  To enter make a left off of 4th Street.  A sign will be posted for your convenience. What can/can't I bring to the event?  You can bring your own food, light refreshments will be provided.  Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?  Contact organizer at info@philajazzproject.org.  Is my registration/ticket transferrable?  Registration is FREE and transferrable.   Philadelphia Jazz Project (PJP) works to inspire a network to support, promote, archive and celebrate the diverse elements within the Philadelphia jazz community, with the larger goal of connecting to the global community. Philadelphia Jazz Project is a sponsored project of the Painted Bride Art Center, with funding provided by The Wyncote Foundation. Our mailing address is: Philadelphia Jazz Project ℅ Painted Bride Art Center 230 Vine Street Philadelphia, PA  19103 http://www.philajazzproject.org unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences

MAY 10 MOTHER'S DAY - 

HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY TO ALL MY SISTER/MOMS, MY PARTNER MOMS, MY FRIENDS WHO WANNA BE MOMS - AND TO MY MOTHER WHO HAS JOINED THE ANCESTOR, AND MY GRANDMOTHERS WHO ARE THERE WITH HER - 

 TO ALL THE MOMS THE WORLD OVER WHO DID THE RIGHT THING AND LOVED THEIR CHILDREN TO LIFE AND SUCCESS - STAY BLESSED & ECLECTICALLY BLACK 

- and to me, a proud Mom, and my daughter Kira and daughter-in-law Traci, two Moms of whom I'm very proud - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

 MAY 11, 2015

 BOOK SIGNING PARTY FOR DR. DICK BARNETT'S BOOK "THE ATHLETE NEGRO"

DR. DICK BARNETT

CLYDE FRAZIER'S WINE AND DINE RESTAURANT IS HOSTING  A BOOK SIGNING PARTY FOR DR. DICK BARNETT'S BOOK "THE ATHLETE NEGRO" 

485 TENTH AVENUE @ WEST 37TH STREET,  FROM  5PM-7:30PM

Brother Leslie Wyche enthusiastically wrote:  "FOR THOSE, WHO REMEMBER, DICK BARNETT WAS A NEW YORK KNICK WHO WON TWO (2) WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP NBA BASKETBALL TITLES. HE WAS CHARACTERIZED AND NOTED AS "FALL BACK BABY" FOR HIS UNSTOPPABLE JUMP SHOT!!! CHEERS!!!"

 Zach Husser, Sr. wrote:  "Dear Family of Friends, "Book Signing" taking place on Monday, May 11, 2015 at Walt "Clyde" Frazier's Restaurant. The book signing as well as meet and greet Dr. Dick Barnett, a former New York Knick Championship Player, is taking place from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Clyde's Restaurant is located 

at 485 10th Avenue on the corner of 37th street. We look forward to having your family and friends there to purchase the book, meet some great people, and do your networking.The book, "The Athlete Negro," is a compelling story that all of Us have to read. Spread the word to your family of friends.  In the Interest of Supporting One Another,Brother Zach Husser, National Communications Advisor Fathers in Education Campaign, Incorporated    www.fathersineducation.org 

 The book The Athlete Negro: The Awakening was originally written in 2007 and "takes a critical look at the world of the Black professional athlete and their struggle to work together to build a collective cadre of resources, relationships, and networks to impact regeneration in the African American community; and break the conspiracy of silence between Black professional athletes and the community itself."
Dr. Barnett holds a PhD in education from Fordham University, and taught Sports Management after his 14 year career in professional basketball nine of which were with the New York Knicks.

 CEMOTAP IS BUSY AS USUAL - 

PLENTY TO BE, DO, LEARN

  

1  BOOK PARTY FOR RUSSELL MAROON SHOATZ

Saturday May 2, 2015   4:00pm - 8:00pm

104 Harvard Ave. Maplewood, N.J. 07040

"T.J's Juice Joint"

Nourishment for the mind, body, and soul. You are invited as we celebrate and promote the writings of Black revolutionary and Political Prisoner, Russell Maroon Shoatz. Support the project with the purchase of a book ($20), along with your choice of a healthy snack, and a fruit or vegetable juice. Special Guests include Russell III, and Sharon Shoatz, who will give an update on Maroon's case. We look forward to sharing good food and fellowship. Hope to see you there!

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BEPAA Master Leadership Class:  “What Can Today’s Black Leaders Learn From

The Leadership of Brother Medgar Evers?”

Speakers:   Brother Donnie Whitehead Community Organizer;   Brother James C. McIntosh

Co-Chair CEMOTAP.

RSVP on Facebook at this link: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1621904274711648/

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BEPAA Master Leadership Class:  “What Can Today’s Black Leaders Learn From The Leadership of Brother Malcolm X”

 Speakers  Brother William Sales- Educator, Activist and Scholar,  Ms. Ilyasah Shabazz - Author & Daughter of Malcolm X

Or RSVP on Facebook at following link:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1051733004866978

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“What Can Today’s Black Leaders Learn From The Leadership of Ancestor Patrice Lumumba”

   Professor Yaa-Lengi Ngemi-Educator, Author, Activist and Scholar  Maurice Carney-Executive Director Friends of the Congo

 RSVP  on Facebook at following Link:

 https://www.facebook.com/events/1612181492361169/

5
LAST LECTURE IN SERIES BY DR. McINTOSH AT TAMERRY TEMPLE ON 5-6-15

The War To Control The African Mind

Topic Bobby Wright- Mentacide

​

6  CENTRAL BROOKLYN JAZZ CONSORTIUM JAZZ FESTIVAL SERIES DATES

May-AfricanLiberation Month/Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival

Saturday, May 9th-TK Blue

Saturday, May 16th-Alan Palmer (Malcolm X's Legacy, 50 Years On, Part ll)

Saturday, May 23rd-Dwight West (A Tribute to Amiri Baraka)

Saturday, May 30th-The New Cookers-featuring Kenyatta Beasley and Keith Loftis

Saturday , June 6th-Winard Harper, (Birthday Celebration!)

 7

Askia  Toure was one of the architects of The Black Arts Movement and a key figure in the concept

 of Black Fire. The Cultural Café of the East Orange, NJ Public Library has a  Book Signing for Askia Toure

8

​Mama Marimba Ani presents Abakosem Sunsum 2015

http://bit.ly/1bQ2xHG

Forward this to a friend. Un-subscribe or update your email address here. The 11th Annual PEN World Voices Festival starts THIS MONDAY throughout NEW YORK CITY Events Are Selling Out Daily! See Select Highlights Below + Get Tix Now! THREE MINDS, NINETY MINUTES  Moderated by Vanity Fair staff editor Anderson Tepper, these conversations get up close with three top African writers: Adéwálé Àjàdí (Nigeria), activist and author of the hit play Abyssinia; Alain Mabanckou (Republic of the Congo), winner of the coveted French Prix Renaudot in 2006; and Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor (Kenya), whose first novel, Dust, was published to rave reviews last year. Get event info + Buy a $10 ticket with promo code AKILA2015. Feel Free to FORWARD This Message! 2015 PEN WORLD FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS... » STORIES THAT TRAVELED (for Children's Book Writers): May 06, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Get event info + Buy a $10 ticket. » IN AND OUT OF AFRICA: A salon-style house party! Come out to grab a drink! May 9 2015 at 3 p.m. Get event info + Buy a $10 ticket with promo code PEN2015. SPECIAL OFFER To the POB! and AKILA WORKSONGS network: Use promo code AKILA2015 and receive the PEN Members' Discount to select activities. For ticket information, call 866.811.4111 or click HERE to see all the On Africa events at PEN World Voices Festival. PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature On Africa: May 4 - 10, 2015 | New York City #PENFest #PENFestOnAfrica

POWER FILMS - The BOOK of NEGROES! View this email in your browser Share Tweet Forward (Click image for full details) The BOOK of NEGROES Kidnapped in Africa and subsequently enslaved in South Carolina, Aminata must navigate a revolution in New York, isolation in Nova Scotia and treacherous jungles of Sierra Leone, in an attempt to secure her freedom in the 19th century. Following the showing there will be a discussion..... COME & HAVE YOUR SAY!!! ------------------------- Other Events for your diary..... Exclusive performance & interview from EMPRESS IMANI Exclusive performance & interview from MIKEL AMEEN WWW.ALKEBULAN.ORG Friend Us Follow Us Tendai MWARI unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences

 May is going to get real busy real fast - of course you can act like you didn't know and just stay home and be bored - but what a waste of time that would be - Get out there and be a part of the action!

Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK 
Gloria Dulan-Wilson