Who can EVER forget? Take a moment of silence. Light a candle. Say a prayer. Do not forget what the cities in the Gulf region went through in late August 2005.
Where were you? What did you do? What have you done? How were you affected?
This is an excellent video that’s about 27 minutes of runtime narrated by Brian Williams from NBC Nightly News.
Every year thousands upon thousands of people of Caribbean descent come out to Brooklyn, New York to enjoy the parade, concerts, and related festivities associated with the West Indian American Day Parade and Carnival. Now in its 42nd year, it’s one of those events that West Indians from across the US do not want to miss, and a great experience for those who are not of West Indian descent as well. All you need is a love of music and culture and partying and you’ll be guaranteed a good time. In all these years, I have never made it out to this festival, however, I regularly attend Caribana in Toronto in August. This year, I hope to be in NYC so I can attend my first of what will hopefully be many years.
The actual parade is on Monday, September 7 from 11:00am to 6:00pm at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park (parade starts from Utica Ave and Eastern Pkwy) and is absolutely FREE.
Here’s slideshow footage I found on YouTube from last year’s parade.
Read More…
West Indian American Day Carnival Association- www.wiadca.com
(BLACK PR WIRE)– Schools segregated by gender seemingly went out of fashion in the 1970’s yet proponents of this system of simultaneously educating boys and girls, just in different classrooms or schools, are affecting a comeback of the old system. Public schools across the nation, many in predominantly African American locales, are utilizing this system of separating the girls from the boys in hopes of improving reading and math scores by alleviating distractions.
According to statistics provided by the National Association for Single Sex Public Education (NASSPE) website, single-sex schools break down gender stereotypes. Girls are most likely to study computer science and technology in single-sex education environments than girls educated in a coed facility. Furthermore these girls are more likely to compete in and excel at competitive sports than are girls attending coed schools. Boys attending single gender schools are said to study more openly renouncing the notion that studying and academic success is “not cool.”
Opponents of same-sex education state that this method of educating youth could end up stereotyping and discriminating against students based on gender. While boys and girls do often learn in different ways due to the subtle differences in their brain trajectories, not all girls and boys learn the same way or have the same strengths. Proponents of this education initiative, on the other hand, opine that because girls and boys are so diverse in their interests and strengths, single gender environments offer the unique and extraordinary education opportunity for both to excel academically without being labeled or stereotyped based on their gender. Perhaps only time, student opinion and test scores will tell.
To go to an info page for The Black Gay Men’s Network click HERE or on graphic above.
THE STIMULUS PACKAGE
Black Gay Men’s Network 7th Annual Retreat Location: Eden Roc, Renaissance Beach Resort, Miami, FL Dates: October 1st – October 4th
MEDIA ALERT
August 21, 2009
Los Angeles, CA– The Black Gay Men’s Network, a professional network committed to creating soulful, loving connections among Black gay men, will host its seventh annual retreat Thursday, October 1 Sunday, October 4, 2009 at the Eden Roc Renaissance Beach Resort, in Miami, FL. Under the banner The Stimulus Package, this years retreat is geared to equip Black gay men with the tools necessary to stimulate their lives and the lives of others, as well as help them build bonds of friendship and expand their social and professional networks.
The four-day event will focus on some of main struggles confronting today’s Black gay men, including such themes as Self Discovery, Relationships & Dating, Sexuality, Health & Wellness, Politics, Spirituality and Finances. These issues will be addressed via a series of classes, workshops and Q&A panels conducted by a variety of noted experts in their respective fields.
Additionally, openings for qualified speakers/presenters are still available; contact information for interested persons is provided below.
“We are extremely excited about this year’s retreat,” says Phill Wilson, Founder and CEO of the Black AIDS Institute. “While this is a great opportunity for social bonding and fellowship, it also provides a unique setting for Black Gay men to collectively address some of the major issues affecting our community, and the greater Black community as a whole.”
The Black Gay Men’s Network is a product of the Black AIDS Institute, the nations first and only HIV/AIDS policy center dedicated to reducing HIV/AIDS health disparities by mobilizing Black institutions and individuals in efforts to confront the epidemic in their communities. The Stimulus Package retreat is a manifestation of the Networks mission of empowering Black gay men to develop strong alliances, improve their health status and help affect social change.
For more information about the The Stimulus Package retreat, and/or to inquire about participating as a presenter, please contact Charlie Baran at 213-353-2610 or visit thebgmnetwork.com/Home_Page.html.
Breakdown of Retreat Themes:
Self Discovery will place Black Gay men on the road to being more effective for themselves and others through self-recognition and introspection.
Relationships & Dating will give brothers perspective and clarity on dealing with their own relationships and dating habits; this will be broken into three sessions: Love, Broken Hearts and Fight or Flight?.
Sexuality will be a free-flowing, lunchtime discussion about sex, open to everyone.
Health & Wellness will give the Black Gay man insight and information about health issues in the Black Gay community.
Spirituality will discuss the following questions: How do I live a full life and reconcile my religion & sexuality? and How do we address the stigma and shame of homosexuality in the Black community?.
Politics will address the questions of Are We Equal? and Is Obama Doing Enough?.
Finances will discuss such topics as Budgeting & Planning, Donations & Volunteering and Succession Planning, among other vital financial issues.
Black Gay Men’s Network
The Black Gay Men’s Network Mission Statement The Black Gay Men’s Network draws its strength from Black gay men around the world who are committed to creating soulful, loving connections with other Black gay men to transform our society, improve our health status, and make the social change we seek. The Network is a community of successful black gay men who unite their collective expertise, vision and creativity to provide leadership within the Black gay community and society at large. Our goals are ambitious, but attainable, and worthy of our ancestors’ sacrifice.
Who are we?
The Black Gay Men’s Network is a product of the Black AIDS Institute’s Gay Men’s Retreat originated by its founder Phil Wilson and other Black gay men close to the Institute who saw the need to build the individual and collective power of Black gay men as resources to ensure the survival of the Black community. The Network is committed to promoting the active participation of self-actualized Black Gay Men in all aspects of community life. To accomplish this, the Network is made up of brothers supporting brothers coming together to create opportunities for career development, social connection, loving relationships, and educational outreach. The Network provides skills-building in leadership development, financial wealth, physical and mental health, and spiritual wellness.
Why we exist?
For many of our brothers, living and thriving as a black gay man can be a challenging endeavor when stigma and discrimination continue to affect our reality. Arguably, the relative invisibility of successful, healthy, black gay men available to young brothers struggling with their identity exacerbates the problems of integration, and visibility that we face. The Network provides professional, social and educational resources to men at various stages of life who are seeking a healthy community, peers and role models for success. The Network offers an environment of acceptance, professional development, social engagement, accessible information and training tools for black men to enhance their lives and enrich their spirits.
How will we accomplish this?
Each man in The Network comes to self- acceptance and empowerment in his own way and in his own time. But each of us is invested in ensuring that the next generation of black gay men has the benefit of our wisdom, experiences and judgment to use for their benefit. The Network creates social, business and educational environments for Black gay men that engender pride and wellness instead of reinforcing clichés of objectification and dysfunction. The Network seeks to bridge relationships between private industry, public and private philanthropy and our black, grassroots, not-for-profit, community-based organizations committed to enhancing our civil rights, social justice, physical, social, and professional well-being. Accordingly, members are expected to add to the synergy of The Network by offering their unique perspectives, personal talents and professional skills in creating our new paradigm: gay black men supporting gay black men.
About the Black AIDS Institute:
The Black AIDS Institute is the only national HIV/AIDS think tank in the U.S. focusing exclusively on Black people. The Institute offers training, technical assistance and capacity building; disseminates information and provides advocacy and mobilization from a uniquely and unapologetically Black point of view. The Institute’s motto is “Our People, Our Problem, Our Solution.” For more information, visit www.blackaids.org.
I don’t even really watch football, but Michael Vick’s story has really caught my attention. I think it’s because he’s a black man, a celebrity in his own right, who has done wrong- not to a human but to animals. It strikes an inner debate with me on what the appropriate punishment should have been/be and how angry I should be.
I’m glad he got signed to the Eagles. As the news has reminded us, and I have lived to see, Philly is a town with some tough fans (forget Santa, I used to see them boo kids at halftime during Sixers games). If there’s a city where he can definitely sink or swim.
Here’s the interview Michael Vick did on 60 Minutes last night. It was his first interview since being released from prison.
I’ve seen it a few times now. Something about his voice lacks passion, like he is saying what he should be saying hoping that the public will love him again. I mentioned to some folks on Twitter yesterday that I would want to see him actually interact with dogs in order for me to really see if he has changed his outlook. You can tell a lot from watching someone physically interact with animals.
I did see a sadness in Vick’s eyes. I do think he’s paid a price that has hit his pockets, career, and reputation. However, watch the part where he’s talking to kids in Atlanta. Would you be moved by those words? He definitely needs some more coaching.
I’ve forgiven Vick and feel he deserves a second chance and have always spoken that way, but I know a lot of you feel differently. Additionally, I hope those dogs that they rescued from his home can truly be rehabilitated.
Are you glad that he got signed to the Eagles?
Do you think he will be able to fully rebound? If so, will it be as a changed man?
What do you think about that statement about how he found God at his lowest point in prison?
Have you forgiven Michael Vick? Were you ever mad at Michael Vick?
Rhythm citrus liqueur hosted its launch party while also celebrating the premieres of “Trek to the Holy Land” and “Skin” during HBO’s New York International Latino Film Festival (NYLIFF), now in it’s 10th year. The event was held at High Line Ballroom in New York City on Saturday, August 1, 2009.
Described as the premier 70 proof citrus liqueur, Rhythm’s launch party included performances by Ron Browz, Jive Recording artist Lee Carr, Elliot Zimet (The Hip Hop Magician) and other celebrity guests dropping in.
Elliot Zimet (Hip Hop Magician) @Rhythm Launch party 8/1, photo by Shareif Ziyadat
Rhythm girls & "Suits" on @Rhythm red carpet 8/1, photo by Shareif Ziyadat
TREK Producer Edward Harris & Exec. Prod. Adrienne Smith, photo by Shareif Ziyadat
Damon Dash & Amelia Moore of Host of Daily Dose TV, photo by Shareif Ziyadat
Ron Browz, Stacy (Rhythm Brand Exec) & Lee Carr, photo by Shareif Ziyadat
Jive Recording artist Lee Carr performing @ Rhythm Launch party 8/1, photo by Shareif Ziyadat
Rapper Ron Browz entertaining the Rhythm crowd 8/1, photo by Shareif Ziyadat
About Rhythm
Rhythm is the new citrus liqueur containing caffeine, ginseng, and other energy-enhancing ingredients. Boosted with 23 different citrus flavors, B6 & B12 vitamins, Taurine, Guarana, and more, RHYTHM keeps you in the groove and feeling “hangover” free the next morning. Rhythm, owned by RJS Spirits, comes from a family of beverages and spirits. We are all connected. Rhythm connects us.
In the wake of the tragic attack on the World Trade Center, the Rev. Al Sharpton assembled delegation to travel to Israel and Palestine to meet with leaders on both sides of the turmoil in the Middle East. Filmmaker Edward Harris was among those visiting the region, and his camera vividly documents the group’s meetings with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister of Israel Shimon Peres and President of the Palestine Authority Yasser Arafat. Candid sessions with the renowned spokesmen on both sides of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict provide viewers with the background and history of the Holy Land and the circumstances that have made them mortal enemies. The group was also follows the path to Golgotha where many believe Jesus Christ was crucified and to see where His body rested in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Harris’s camera captures another perspective of the world’s most beautiful and dispute land in modern times. (source NYLIFF)
A genetic abnormality caused Sandra Laing, born of white parents in South Africa, to look like a black person. This strange twist fuels Anthony Fabian‘s strong drama, based on a true story. Sophie Okonedo is superb in the lead, as are Sam Neill and Alice Krige as her caring but occasionally out-of-touch parents. (source: NYLIFF)
Click HERE for a full list of films in the festival.
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NEW YORK, June 25 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) celebrates its 10th Anniversary as the premier Latino film festival in the country, unspooling in New York City from Monday, July 27 to Sunday, August 2, 2009. This year, NYILFF will debut in its new venues at the Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 9 (260 West 23rd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues) and the School of Visual Arts Theater (333 West 23rd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues). Tickets go on sale July 04 and will be available at the festival’s box office at Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 9 and the festival’s web site: http://www.NYLatinoFilm.com. NYILFF is presented by HBO®.
Major stars that will be igniting the screens this year’s festival are Benjamin Bratt, John Leguizamo, Calle 13, Ruben Blades, Vin Diesel, Christina Milian, Andy Garcia, Ray Liotta, Jim Jones, Kerry Washington, Brandon Routh, Illeana Douglas, Shannyn Sossamon, Lara Flynn Boyle, Esai Morales, Ericka Alexander, Voltio, Tego Calderon, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Victor Rasuk, Kuno Becker, Ana de la Reguera and Al Sharpton.
“We are very excited to be celebrating our 10th Anniversary,” says Calixto Chinchilla, Executive Director. “The NYILFF began as a dream to showcase our talent and to empower Latinos. We’ve been fortunate to have grown in size and stature. This year, we have everything; highly anticipated Hollywood premieres to independent films from filmmakers across the globe, industry forums, music showcases and free outdoor events for everyone.”
“Our 10th Anniversary is a testament to the strong support we receive from our corporate partners and the community, at large,” says Elizabeth Gardner, Executive Director. “The NYILFF has come a long way since 1999, and we continue to break ground as the #1 showcase for Latino and Urban films and filmmakers.”
“We congratulate the NYILFF on reaching a 10-year milestone,” said Lucinda Desir, vice president, Acquisition and Multicultural Marketing at HBO. “Their spirit, passion, energy and commitment to the Latino film community are just some of the reasons why we come back every year. They have truly raised the NYILFF to the premier Latino festival that it is today.”
10th ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
OPENING NIGHT – Tuesday, July 28 LA MISSION. Opening Night is the New York premiere of LA MISSION, starring Benjamin Bratt, Jesse Borrego, Erika Alexander, Jeremy Ray Valdez and Talisa Soto Bratt. LA MISSION is writer-director Peter Bratt’s rich and powerful story of a man’s journey toward redemption through his struggle with violence and homophobia. The film is produced by Benjamin Bratt, Alpita Patel and Peter Bratt. Sponsored by Heineken.
JOHN LEGUIZAMO TRIBUTE: – Wednesday, July 29 WHERE GOD LEFT HIS SHOES. The NYILFF and Tres Generaciones® Tequila are proud to honor John Leguizamo, a great Hollywood success, a shining example to our community, and a long-time supporter of NYILFF. Leguizamo will be honored with the Tres Generaciones COA Award, a special award created by the brand to recognize outstanding achievements in Latino filmmaking. The film is the story of Frank, Angela, and their two children who are evicted from their New York City apartment and have no choice but to move into a homeless shelter. After a few difficult months, good news comes on Christmas Eve: a nearby housing project has an apartment available immediately, but Frank needs a job to qualify. While the rest of the city prepares for Christmas, Frank and his stepson roam the cold streets of New York trying to find a job by day’s end. Where God Left His Shoes is the story of a family that refuses to break apart during the darkest time of their lives and discovers that they will survive as long as they have each other.
DOMINICAN NIGHT – Thursday, July 30 DON’T LET ME DROWN. Directed by Cruz Angeles. In a post-September 11th world overflowing with fear and hate, two Latinos discover that sometimes the only thing that can keep them from drowning is love. Presented by Heineken, sponsored by HBO and the Dominican American Professional Alliance.
CLOSING NIGHT – Saturday, August 1 THE LINE. Directed by James Cotten, LA LINEA is the story of rival mobsters and mysterious assassins waging warfare on the mean streets of Tijuana. It is a gripping crime drama with an all-star cast that includes Andy Garcia, Ray Liotta, Esai Morales, Armand Assante, Bruce Davison, Jason Connery, Michael DeLorenzo, Joe Morton, Valerie Cruz, Jordi Vilasuso, Danny Trejo, Kevin Gage and Gary Daniels. Presented by DIRECTV Mas, sponsored by Heineken and Tres Generaciones® Tequila.
PREMIERES
CALLE 13: SIN MAPA. Calle 13′s innovative fusion of urban music with pan-regional sounds from across Latin America has garnered a Grammy, Five Latin Grammy awards, and worldwide critical acclaim. In Sin Mapa, we join the socially outspoken duo on their journey “Without a Map” across South America for an exploration of indigenous music and culture.
LOS BANDOLEROS/FAST & FURIOUS. Los Bandoleros is the never-before-shown in theaters short film that reveals what happened to ex-con Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) after his disappearance at the end of the original adrenaline-pumping blockbuster, “The Fast and the Furious.” Living as a fugitive in the haven of the Dominican Republic, Dom’s tranquil life is eventually affected by a series of political and personal events, including his friendship with Don (Don Omar), Tego (Tego Calderon) and Han (Sung Kang), and the unexpected appearance of Letty (Michelle Rodriguez).
This leads to the latest adventure in the series, “Fast & Furious”. When a tragedy brings Dom back to Los Angeles, his long dormant feud with FBI agent Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) threatens to reignite — until they discover a common enemy. Dom and Brian declare a precarious truce, as they try to outmaneuver their adversary and exact revenge. From convoy heists to precision tunnel crawls across international lines, the two men push the limits of what is possible behind the wheel as they live for speed, drive for the rush and break all the rules!
RED APPLES FALLING. An uncensored look into the life and music of Harlem rap superstar Jim Jones and his Dipset Byrdgang. Rappers Mel Matrix, Sandman, NOE, Freeky Zeeky and Chink Santana comprise the most dangerous assembly of talent and muscle to emerge in decades from the streets of NY. Their real life stories, uncovered in hard-hitting interviews by Angie Martinez, weave together gritty realism with musical interludes.
LIFE IS HOT IN CRACKTOWN. Based on the 1993 best-selling novel by Buddy Giovinazzo, LIFE IS HOT IN CRACKTOWN shows the gritty, hard realities of a neighborhood, as well as the struggling, proud people who attempt to survive. The intertwining stories come together in a powerful climax of love and salvation, showing that despite the obstacles of life in the inner city, humanity and hope can still prevail.
ASSAULT IN THE RING. For the first time ever, the HBO Sports(R) Documentary ASSAULT IN THE RING reveals the real story behind the infamous 1983 Luis Resto-Billy Collins Jr. fight at Madison Square Garden — a boxing match turned thirty-minute criminal assault.
BRING IT ON: FIGHT TO THE FINISH. Christina Milian stars as sassy cheer captain Lina Cruz, whose world is turned upside-down when her family moves from the urban streets of East Los Angeles to the sunny beach town of Malibu. At her new school, Lina clashes with Avery, the ultra-competitive all-star cheer captain, while also falling for Avery’s super-cute brother, Evan. Lina’s always been able to rise to a challenge, but can she create a new all-star squad, beat Avery at the Spirit Championships, and still keep her romance with Evan? Hot music, fierce competition and high-flyin’ fun continue in this all-new movie!
OTHER PREMIERES
– PARAÍSO. Directed by Leon Ichaso.
– SULTANES DEL SUR (Sultans of the South). Directed by Alejandro Lozano.
– LA CLAVE. Directed by Mariella Sosa.
– ROAD TREK TO THE HOLY LAND. Documentary featuring Al Sharpton.
As the leading U.S. Urban Latino Film festival with an estimated annual audience of 25,000, the NYILFF’s continued growth and success is due, in part, to its unique position as the only Latino film festival specifically targeting the second and third generation, English-dominant, acculturated Urban Latino – an increasingly powerful demographic that has caught the attention of Madison Avenue. According to the latest Pew Research Center figures, Latinos will comprise nearly 30% of the entire U.S. population in the next few decades and is growing at a rate 2-3 times faster than the general population. By all accounts, any marketer wishing to add new consumers MUST target the Latino demographic.
The 2009 NYILFF is presented by HBO, and made possible with the additional support of HBO Latino, Heineken, DIRECTV Más, American Airlines, The Hollywood Reporter, Daily News/VNY, Telemundo, WNBC, 103.5 KTU and 93.1 WPAT FM. The NYILFF is also proud to have as Benefactors Café Bustelo, Clarins, CNN, El Diario La Prensa, El Especial/El Especialito Newspapers, glaceau, Maya Entertainment, nocheLatina.com, Tres Generaciones® Tequila and Cinelatino. Venue partners are Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 9, School of Visual Arts Theater, New York Restoration Project, Imagenation and Showbiz Software. Technology partners are Analog Digital and Audio Video Group. Special Thanks to Avid Technology Inc., Crunch, National Association of Latino Independent Producers, Screen Actors Guild, Urban Latino Media Group and the Mayor’s Office of Film, Theatre and Broadcasting®.
About the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF)
Celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2009, The New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) is now the premier Urban Latino film event in the country. The NYILFF’s mission is to showcase the works of the hottest emerging Latino filmmaking talent in the U.S. and Latin America, offer expansive images of the Latino experience, and celebrate the diversity and spirit of the Latino community. Programming includes the flagship film festival in NYC, new music and art showcases, free community events, scholarships, and a nationally recognized short film competition in partnership with HBO. The NYILFF has been endorsed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s NYC Latin Media and Entertainment Commission since its inception in 2003.
On my way to the airport on Friday morning, I caught part of an interview with Marion Barry on satellite radio station Shade 45. He was there with perhaps the film producer (I honestly didn’t catch that detail) talking about this documentary.
Well, it looks like the documentary on his life airs tonight on HBO “The Nine Lives of Marion Barry.”
I’m not sure I’ll catch it tonight, but I definitely am interested in watching it. Once you see it, let me know what you think.
Article I wrote for July 2009 edition of JENESIS magazine (www.jenesismagazine.com) about the AIDS epidemic in DC. I’m just cropping it down to fit this blog and placing it here in case you missed seeing it online. There’s been a lot of discussion about DC in particular over the past several months after learning that rate has been on the rise. I’d love to know your thoughts.
Here are live links to the references listed at the end of the article
50% of your donation (less Pay Pal fees) will go to Emerge Global charity (http://emergeglobal.org/). The other 50% funds the sweat equity I put into my work for your enjoyment. My hope is that one day I will be able to donate 100% to charity.
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