African American Lifestyle Magazine

We are taking this spirit of excellence, confidence, resilience and sisterhood into the new week!!!

2024-07-01T11:21:00.005-04:00

We are taking this spirit of excellence, confidence, resilience and sisterhood into the new week!!!

Sha’Carri Richardson blazed to gold in the 100-meter at the Olympic trials with a stunning time of 10.71! 🌟 Joining her on Team USA are the incredible Melissa Jefferson and Twanisha Terry, who secured their spots for the 2024 Paris Games with second and third place finishes.

#blackwomeninsports #trackandfield #olympics2024 #excellence #confidence

#resilience #sisterhood #shacarririchardson #2024Olympics #melissajefferson #twanishaterry #paris #Paris2024 #ParisOlympics #ParisOlympics2024

5 reasons everyone needs to see “Dear White People"

2014-10-29T00:05:00.003-04:00

Tessa Thompson in "Dear White People" (Credit: Roadside Attractions)

Sundance Film Festival breakout Dear White People is making waves in more ways than one. The feature-length debut of director Justin Simien bowed with a strong opening in limited release last week and hopes to pick up steam as it begins its rollout in wider release this weekend, boosted by a strong, eye-catching social media campaign that hopes to raise awareness about the film and get people talking about the issues it addresses. One Funny or Die-esque clip to promote the movie posits “racism insurance” for white people after a seemingly pleasant conversation about Game of Thrones goes very wrong.

In the wake of Ferguson and Trayvon Martin, the Indiegogo-funded movie is an incredibly important cinematic moment for Americans, a college-set Do the Right Thing for the social media era. Whereas Spike Lee’s tour de force helped generate a dialogue about race at a time when police violence was becoming the norm, Simien’s film recognizes that we’re still dealing with the same cultural baggage over two decades later. It’s a movie that everyone should not only see, but encourage everyone else to see. Here’s some good reasons why.

1) You’re helping support the future of black cinema.

Dear White People debuts at a time when black artists and voices arewoefully underrepresented in Hollywood. Until Ang Lee won an Oscarfor Life of Pi, a non-white filmmaker had never taken home the Best Director trophy in the entire history of the Academy, and a black woman has never even been nominated (which Ava DuVernay’s forthcoming Selma hopes to change). While Alfonso Cuaron took home top honors last year, the loss for 12 Years a Slave further cemented the fact that when it comes to supporting black artists, we have a long way to go.

Of course, it’s not just an Academy problem. Hollywood’s whiteoutcontinues across the board. In an essay for the Daily Dot earlier this year, I discussed the struggles black artists face for representation in the Hollywood system; this is a burden that’s overwhelmingly placed on women of color, as black women find themselves playing slaves, doctors, nurses, and “the help” over and over again. Around the same time, Take Part’s Nicole Pasulka also crunched the numbers: “Of the more than 600 major Hollywood films released since 2007, less than 7 percent had black directors. Around 10 percent of speaking roles went to non-white actors, but for films with a black director, 40 percent of characters with speaking roles were minorities.”

Pasulka’s findings speak to an important solution: In order to create change, we need to not just fund movies with black people in them, but films made by black artists who have an investment in working to diversify a broken system. Helmed by a black director who is proving to be an important voice in a new generation of cinema, Dear White People is a great place to start.

2) But it’s not just for black people.

Movies that feature predominantly black casts generally attract black audiences, from Tyler Perry movies to the recent Jackie Robinson biopic, 42, and the successes of films like The Best Man Holiday tend to be ignored. Why? Because white people aren’t paying attention to them. On this demographic divide, Andre Seewood of Indiewire argued that it’s a problem of the Racial Empathy Gap. Seewood wrote, “A vast majority of white people don’t like black movies because they lack the empathy necessary to identify with black characters which in turn affects their ability to ‘suspend disbelief’ and surrender to the narrative of a black film. “

On the Racial Empathy Gap, Seewood cited a study from researchers at University of Milano-Bicocca and the University of Toronto at Scarborough arguing that “The human brain fires differently when dealing with people outside of one’s own race.” Seewood continued, “This study found that the degree of mental activity when White participants watched non-White men performing a task was significantly lower than when they watched people of their own race performing the same task.”

What’s heartening, though, about the early success of Dear White People is that the film’s social media engagement seems to have addressed the kinds of people who might otherwise not empathize with black narratives. As crucially important as it is for black people to see their own lives and struggles represented onscreen (which the film directly discusses), it’s just as important for others to be confronted with difference. For black folks, issues of race might be preaching to the choir, but the audience I saw Dear White People with was largely Caucasian (although surprisingly diverse all around).

In order to push for more black stories to be told, we need to keep showing that they are just as universal and important as white ones. Let’s just hope my audience was paying attention.

3) Dear White People unapologetically shows female pleasure.

One of the most hot-button debates in recent years about the Hollywood system is the ways in which mainstream cinema penalizes female pleasure. If a man gets a blowjob onscreen (see: American Pie,Scary Movie), the film can usually slide by with an R, surely prohibitive to profitability but by no means a kiss of death; the R-rated Gone Girl is causing quite the box-office stir. But films have been given the NC-17 guillotine for showing analogous oral sexin which that the person on the receiving end happens to be a woman. A memorable segment in Kirby Dick’s This Film Is Not Yet Ratedstirringly illustrated the MPAA’s long bias against films that feature female orgasm.

Dear White People’s commitment to her pleasure, too, is so brief you might miss it, but it’s nonetheless revolutionary. In the film, Veronica Mars’ Tessa Thompson plays Samantha, a would-be campus revolutionary with an incendiary radio show (called, yup, Dear White People). Although she’s dating the most eligible black man on campus, Samantha happens to be having an affair with one of her white classmates, a TA in her film studies class. In one scene together, he goes down on her matter-of-factly, as if it’s all just business as usual.

In addition to the cunnilingus aspect, what’s refreshing about the way in which the scene is presented that it’s done so without the faintest hint of slut-shaming. As a campus comedy, Simien’s script is smart enough to recognize that his students are in a crucial point of transformation, one in which their sex lives are bound to be as confusing as the rest of their lives. Thus, Sam’s choice to stray from her relationship is portrayed with empathy and frankness; sure, she might face some repercussions for cheating, but those won’t come from the filmmaker’s moral leanings or a desire to punish young women for being sexual. It’s all just a part of growing up and figuring yourself out. Isn’t that what college is for?

4) The film shows that black and white is not only black and white.

The film’s penchant for complicating narratives extends outside of the bedroom. Dear White People’s early scenes get a provocational power from Samantha’s radio addresses. As the host of the Dear White People program, Samantha offers edicts to her Caucasian classmates about race: “Dear white people, the number of black friends required to not seem racist has officially been raised to two.” Samantha’s goal is to rile up her listeners, but also make them think critically about issues of privilege and inequality, but Dear White People is smart enough to recognize that neither Sam nor the movie has all the answers. The reality is too complex for that, one difficult for any of us to navigate.

To wit, Samantha’s biggest narrative rival is Troy Fairbanks, a campus legacy who faces pressure from his father (who happens to be the Dean of Students) to succeed. For his father, that means blending in and setting a good example, whether that means running for president of his house or behaving in a way that looks presentable to alumni donors. Coco, another student on campus, just wants to be famous, and at the beginning of the film, that means playing down her Chicago roots. Coco insists, “There’s nothing Southside about me.” But when a reality TV producer is scouting talent on campus, he wants something that will be attractive to their audience. Thus, Coco begins to “black it up,” playing the sassy stereotypes expected out of black women in the media. (Not that there’s anything wrong with being sassy.)

The film’s commitment to nuance, though, is best indicated through Lionel, a shy, gay student who insists that he doesn’t identify as anything and has a difficult time finding his place on campus. He’sDear White People’s equivalent to Do the Right Thing’s Mookie, a character that’s both a surrogate for the audience (as lost as we are) and its eventual moral voice. When a blackface party on campus forces Lionel to come out of his shell and take a stand, it’s a reminder that racism isn’t just perpetrated by the KKK or pre-war slave owners. We all have a part in a system of inequality, and eventually, each one of us will be forced to pick a side. Which are you on?

5) Dear White People reminds us how important education is.

As a filmmaker, Justin Simien’s top priority is to illustrate the conflicts and complications of his web of characters, but there’s an important educational imperative to Dear White People. It’s rare that a movie with a commitment to diverse casting is made outside of aShonda Rhimes show, and even rarer still that such a movie would so overtly address issues of race, even in the title. That may be an immediate turn-off for the kinds of people who believe we live in a post-racial America, but Dear White People is an important reminder that we don’t.

From the film’s discussion of the perils of black tipping (one of its most quietly powerful scenes) to its reminder that white people a) don’t own black people’s bodies so b) they should never touch a black person’s hair without permission, it asks all of us to check our behavior and our privilege. Not only it is important to clear the air for those who might have been dealing with these issues their entire lives, but it’s also crucial for those who might not have realized they were issues at all.

When I got to the theatre, I sat next to an old Jewish woman, hunched over her popcorn bucket as she paid rapt attention to the screen. I hope she tells her friends. I hope she tells her grandsons about it. Because in real life, there is no racism insurance, so it’s everyone’s job to help get it right.

Nico Lang is the Opinion Editor at the Daily Dot, as well as a contributor to L.A. Times, Rolling Stone, and the Onion A.V. Club. You can follow him on Twitter @nico_lang.

MORE NICO LANG.

Pimp sues Nike for not warning shoes could be dangerous if used to beat people

2014-01-16T12:17:00.003-05:00

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

Sirgiorgio Clardy in June 2012.

A Portland pimp is suing Nike for not placing a warning label in their shoes specifying that they could be used as a dangerous weapon -- after he was sentenced to 100 years in prison for brutally beating a john with his sneaker.

Sirgiorgio Clardy, 26, claims Nike should have placed a warning in the shoes warning consumers that the kicks have the potential to be used as a dangerous weapon, according to The Oregonian newspaper. Clardy is seeking $100 million for what he believes was the shoe manufacturer’s oversight.

In June, Clardy repeatedly stomped on the face of a client with his Jordan Nike shoes when the man refused to pay Clardy’s prostitute. The man required stitches and plastic surgery after the beating.

Clardy was sentenced to 100 years in prison for beating the man as well as attacking an 18-year-old prostitute so violently that she bled from her ears.

Clardy has been charged with numerous felonies and misdemeanors, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.

The jury in Clardy’s most recent case called him a “dangerous offender” and classified his shoes as “a dangerous weapon” in order to assure he received the longest prison sentence possible, according to The Oregonian.

Clardy wrote a three-page complaint against Nike from the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution where he is incarcerated, reported The Oregonian. In the claim he said Nike “failed to warn of risk or to provide an adequate warning or instruction,” by not cautioning that their shoes are “potentially dangerous.”

The suit has not yet been served to Nike, The Oregonian said.

Nike spokeswoman Mary Remuzzi said the company had no comment regarding the lawsuit.

R.I.P. to political strategist Arnold Pinkney, consultant to Jesse Jackson, Frank Jackson and others

2014-01-14T12:59:00.000-05:00

The Rev. Otis Moss Jr., left, supported the Rev. Jesse Jackson, seated, whom he urged to run for president. Arnold Pinkney and former Rep. Louis Stokes also backed Jackson. (Photo by former Plain Dealer Photographer Jim Gayle. Courtesy Of The Gayle Family)

Longtime friends Arnold Pinkney (left) and the Rev. Otis Moss Jr. chat during a break in the 10:30 a.m. service at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio, Sunday, February 17, 2008. Pinkney was the guest speaker who delivered today's sermon on the "Keepers of Faith, Hope and Heritage Day" at Olivet. (Chris Stephens/The Plain Dealer)

Arnold R. Pinkney February 3, 1974. (William G. Vorpe / The Plain Dealer)

Cleveland resident and activist Arnold Pinkney speaks at an NAACP gathering at Lancers Steak House in Cleveland during election night November 4, 2008, as election results are tallied for the presidential race. (John Kuntz / The Plain Dealer)

Unclaimed funds in Northeast Ohio total $7 million...SEE IF YOUR ON THIS LIST!

2014-01-14T10:28:00.000-05:00

A list in Cuyahoga County was released that totaled $7 million in unclaimed funds on its website.

Recently, new procedures were set forth for the public to have the ablity to claim millions of dollars in unapplied funds that have remained on deposit in the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts office.

The County Clerk of Courts office determine the final amount of unapplied funds on deposit after combing through decades of paper and electronic records.

To find out if you have unclaimed funds in Cuyahoga County, click here.

"FitzGerald also announced Monday that the County Clerk of Courts office will now be required to post a list of unapplied funds on deposit each January for public review. Any funds posted online will be transferred to the County Treasury after 31 days." as stated from newnet5.com.

For Ohio's unclaimed funds list, click here.

Planning College Campus Visits? 3 Important Criteria to Look for in Evaluating Dining

2013-12-23T13:45:00.003-05:00

This is a busy time of year for aspiring college students.

Those who met early application deadlines in November now face filling out the hefty Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. And students who didn’t apply early should be working hard on applications to meet regular deadlines, usually in January.

“There’s a lot to get done and one of the most important things to remember is to know your deadlines and meet them,” advises David Porter, a consultant to colleges and universities throughout North America and author of “The Porter Principles,” a guide to college success through social engineering, (www.porterkhouwconsulting.com).

As students and their families visit college campuses, Porter says they should pay attention to the classroom outside of the classroom and the details of campus life: What are the wholesome opportunities for socially rich student engagement and study on-campus? What extra-curriculars are offered and how accessible are they? What does the college paper reveal about campus issues, concerns and opportunities? One often overlooked feature is the structure of campus dining, Porter says.

“Many universities require freshmen to live on campus for the first year because administrators know that students who live and dine on campus have higher GPAs and higher graduation rates than those who don’t. A properly socially engineered dining/learning commons is central to the day-to-day lives of all students living on-campus and is crucial for face-to-face social networking and study with fellow students,” he says.
“But these same universities often fail to realize that student dining is as much – even more -- a factor in developing a sense of community and predicting future success. This is the centerpiece of ‘the classroom outside of the classroom’.”

He offers these suggestions for evaluating campus dining commons:

• Is there a centralized dining hall (or halls), or are food locations scattered? A dining commons is the living room of the campus, a place where students come together and pause long enough to meet, talk, make friends, see and be seen, relax, study and collaborate. “These are all vital not only to bonding but to learning how to socialize with fellow students from a wide variety of backgrounds in a neutral environment,” Porter says. “That provides once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to develop and nurture valuable networking skills for their personal and future professional lives. If the meal plan encourages them to scatter across campus – or go off campus – to pick up fast foods eaten in isolation, vital opportunities are lost, he says.

• What are the hours of operation?Students live on a different clock than most of us. For many students, 11 p.m. is the middle of the day. Is the dining/learning commons open, thus respecting and being conducive to their (not our) lifestyle? If so, does it offer more than microwave pizza and hot dogs? These are all vital not only to bonding but to learning how to socialize and collaborate with current and new friends in a wholesome, social, safe on-campus environment,” Porter says. “If the place isn’t open when they’re hungry, they’ll go elsewhere and miss that socialization opportunity.”

• How far is the dining hall from dorms and the academic core of campus? “I once consulted with a university that was mystified about why two dining halls got lots of student traffic, while the third – the most beautiful -- was largely ignored,” Porter says. “When I visited, I discovered the dining hall had been built on top of a rather steep hill on the far edge of campus. The location offered great views, but the climb was a bear!” Dining halls should be within easy reach of both dorms and classroom buildings in the academic core or students simply won’t use them.

About David Porter
David Porter, FCSI, is chief executive officer and president of Porter Khouw Consulting, Inc., a foodservice master planning and design firm based in Crofton, Maryland. David has more than 40 years of hands-on food service operations and consulting experience and is a professional member of the Foodservice Consultants Society International. Porter Khouw Consulting has worked with more than 350 clients to conduct market research and develop strategic plans, master plans and designs for the college and university market. Porter is a graduate of the prestigious hospitality program at Michigan State University and has been recognized repeatedly as a leader in his field.

Save Our African American Treasures

2013-12-19T13:21:00.001-05:00

Save Our African American Treasures

Saturday, January 11th, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, January 12th, 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

African-American Research Library and Cultural Center

2650 Sistrunk Blvd.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311

The program is free and open to the public, all are welcome.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture will host “Save Our African American Treasures: A National Collections Initiative of Discovery and Preservation,” a two day program to help south Florida residents identify and preserve items of historical and cultural significance.Participants are invited to bring up to three personal items for a 15-minute, professional consultation with experts on how to care for them. The specialists will serve as reviewers, not appraisers, and will not determine an item’s monetary value. Objects such as books, photographs, ceramics, metalwork and textiles no larger than a shopping bag (furniture, carpets, firearms and paintings are excluded) can be reviewed.The “Treasures” program also includes the following activities:

All Day Saturday and Sunday! Hands-on Preservation: In this hands-on activity, participants are invited to learn how to properly store letters, pack garments and prepare photographs for preservation storage and presentation.Community Partners Expo: Learn more about the wonderful resources available in South Florida! Community Partners will distribute materials and answer questions from members of the public.

Saturday 11:00 a.m. / Sunday 12:30 p.m. Black Broward Speaks: A presentation from three local repositories on how each acquired, preserved and made accessible an extensive collection of photographs of blacks in Broward County, dating as far back as the 1890s. Photographs depict the agricultural past, civil rights struggles, thriving business communities, and social life.

Saturday 12:00 p.m. / Sunday 1:30 p.m. Personal Collection Disaster Planning: When a disaster strikes, personal keepsakes are among the top items to be saved. Unfortunately, these items are often forgotten until after the damage has been done. This discussion will provide information on the necessary steps to care for your treasures before, during and after disasters.

Saturday 1:00 p.m. / Sunday 2:30 p.m. Saving Your Family Photographs and Papers: Great Aunt Mary left you with the responsibility of preserving the family photographs and papers — now what do you do? Learn how light, heat, and humidity affect your family collections. Discover some simple things you can do to be a good steward of your family paper and photography collections.

Saturday 2:00 p.m. / Sunday 3:30 p.m. Preserving Digital Memories: Digital photographs and other new media are fragile and require special care to keep them useable. As new technologies appear for creating and saving our personal digital information, older ones become obsolete, making it difficult to access older content. Find out more about the nature of the problem and learn some simple, practical tips for preserving your digital memories.

Saturday 3:00 p.m. / Sunday 4:30 p.m. Preserving Clothing and Textiles: What is a "textile" in the museum world? Rag dolls, flags/banners, hats, lace, linens, needlework, quilts/blankets, uniforms, upholstery/curtains — think fabric. Come and get some tips on how to better preserve your daughter's christening gown, your grandmother's wedding dress, or your father's military uniform from a professional who works in the field of textile preservation.

For more Treasures event information, visit nmaahc.si.edu/Programs/FLTreasures, email treasures@si.edu or call (877) 733-9599.

“Save Our African American Treasures” is made possible with support from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

The Power of Our Shared Vision and Partnership (Outgoing president and CEO of the national NAACP statement)

2013-12-16T13:43:00.002-05:00

Ben Jealous

The Power of Our Shared Vision and Partnership

By Benjamin Todd Jealous

Two decades ago, as a young organizer in Mississippi, I learned that there are only two types of temporal power: organized people and organized money. I also learned that in a democracy, the people can win every time - but only if we are organized.

Today, when I reflect back on my half-decade at the helm of the NAACP, I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together as we organized our communities. We have abolished the death policy in five states, defended voting rights from coast to coast, freed multiple wrongfully incarcerated people, and shrunk prison systems. We have increased funding for health care, defended the rights of workers, held wayward mortgage companies accountable and curbed the school-to prison-pipeline in multiple states. We have built powerful bridges to help faith communities join the struggle for marriage equality and against the scourge of HIV, and come to the aid of our allies in the struggles for environmental protection and immigrants rights. Through all this, we have dramatically expanded the ranks of those who would assist us in combating racial discrimination in the streets and at the ballot box.

Five years ago, the NAACP was what it had been for most of the past half century; the biggest civil rights organization in the streets. Today, we are that and also the biggest online, on mobile and at the ballot box as well.

All of this success is testament to the power of our shared vision and partnership to come together for a stronger, more inclusive America.

Things could have gone a different way. Since 2010, far-right wing extremists have repeatedly and simultaneously attacked the most basic civil rights protections of most Americans. They've attacked women's rights, affirmative action, workers rights, immigration, LGBT equality, food security, health care, and even our right to drink clean water and breathe clean air. One has to wonder whether their decision to attack all of us all at once was motivated by mere greed or by an even more devious design to ensure that we would Balkanize as we each retreated into a defensive posture.

However, together, we chose the courageous path. We have marched forward arm in arm, repeatedly embracing the motto of the three musketeers: all for one, and one for all. As a result: we have passed powerful anti racial profiling legislation in New York City and even abolished the death penalty in Maryland with the help of leaders in the LGBT community; passed marriage equality bills from coast to coast with increased support from faith leaders and communities of color; and most recently we have built a powerful defense-and offense-for voting rights by pulling the entire progressive family together in ways incomparable in recent memory. Occasionally, we have even picked up new conservative friends and allies.

Today, as I prepare to leave my position at the NAACP, I am confident that there is a bright future for both the Association and the larger civil and human rights struggle.

We may have started this century like we started the last: fighting assaults on our voting rights and pushing back against attacks on our most basic civil and human rights. Nonetheless, this time we have a distinct advantage. We know that no matter what happens in the courts, every year our ability to defend and expand civil and human rights protections at the ballot box, in statehouses and on city councils will increase. Moreover, as organizers, we understand that while the future will come no matter what, we have the power to make the future come faster.

Benjamin Todd Jealous is the outgoing president and CEO of the national NAACP.
Contact: Ben Wrobel 917-846-0658 bwrobel@naacpnet.org @NAACPPress

Nelson Mandela dead at 95

2013-12-05T18:38:00.001-05:00

The world has lost one of the most influential, transformational, and profoundly good leaders. Even 27 years behind bars, he became better instead of bitter. Although he may have lost his freedom, he never lost his vision. Upon his release from prison he sought reconciliation instead of revenge. We pay homage to Nelson Mandela who has passed away today at the age of 95.

Who is liable if a guest gets food poisoning or drives home drunk?

2013-12-05T10:36:00.001-05:00

Could You Be Serving Up A Lawsuit with That Dinner?

Who is liable if a guest gets food poisoning or drives home drunk?

As millions of Americans host and attend Thanksgiving dinners across the street or across the country, many may be unaware of the risks. According to Trusted Choice^® and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) party hosts need to understand their responsibilities when inviting others into their homes and serving food and drinks.

“All hosts should be aware that if someone drives drunk or becomes sick after consuming food at a holiday party, the host could actually be liable,” says Robert A. Rusbuldt, Big “I” president & CEO. “In fact, a casserole could bring just as many risks as a cocktail. Before hosting a party this holiday season, you may want to consult with a Trusted Choice^® independent insurance agent and ask questions.”

A 2012 survey by Trusted Choice^® and IIABA found that almost three-fourths of homeowners had served food in their home that was prepared by someone other than themselves. That means more than 111 million homeowners in the United States have put themselves at risk for a lawsuit by just feeding their guests.

The Big “I” and Trusted Choice^® provide the following tips for holiday hosts and guests.

Watch What You Eat and Feed Others: Even if food was prepared outside your home by a caterer, another guest, a local deli or the neighborhood pizza joint, YOU could be held liable if someone becomes ill from consuming it on your property. Make sure that you check food and don’t put anything out that you suspect may be undercooked, spoiled or contaminated. Use only reputable food purveyors. Follow proper food-handling, heating/cooling and storage recommendations. When in doubt, throw it out.

Mix up the Activities, not just the Cocktails: If the party centers on drinking, guests will likely drink more. Schedule entertainment or activities that do not involve alcohol. Provide safe filling food for guests and alternative non-alcoholic beverages. Know who the designated drivers are ahead of time.

Party Elsewhere: Host your party at a restaurant or bar that has a liquor license, rather in a home or office to decrease your liability.

Call a Cab, Get a Room or Have a Slumber Party: Arrange transportation or overnight accommodations for those who cannot or should not drive home.

Just Say No: Do not serve guests who are visibly intoxicated. Stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is scheduled to end. Stay alert and always remember your responsibilities as a host. You might also consider hiring an off-duty police officer or professional bouncer to discreetly monitor guests’ sobriety or handle any alcohol-related problems as guests leave.

Do Your Homework: When hosting a holiday party, individuals should look to the liability portion of their homeowners or renters insurance policy to protect them if they are sued and found liable for an accident involving a guest who drank or got sick after consuming food at their home. Consumers should regularly review their liability coverage limits to ensure they are adequately covered should an accident or illness occur.

Know Your State Laws and Statutes: In many states, party hosts can be held liable if a guest is involved in an alcohol-related accident. Many courts have found hosts liable for damages their party guests cause as a result of consuming alcohol and then driving motor vehicles. Many states have also enacted statutes that can be interpreted as mandating non-commercial social host liability. So, if a guest or third party is injured in an accident that is related to alcohol consumption and the drinking can be linked to you, you could be held responsible for the payment of medical bills, vehicle repair costs, lost time from work and — in the worst case — claims for wrongful death resulting in huge monetary settlements.

Consider an Umbrella Policy: While holiday partygoers and hosts alike should act responsibly and know their limits, consumers need to acknowledge that most risks cannot be entirely eliminated. But planning ahead and learning about what’s involved in hosting a reception is the best defense. Purchasing a personal “umbrella” liability policy — providing $1 million or more in additional coverage over the limit of a standard homeowners or renters policy — may be a prudent move for the frequent party host.

“Thanksgiving dinner or even a neighborhood holiday potluck could have disastrous results for the host if someone is stricken with food-poisoning,” says Madelyn Flannagan, Big “I” vice president for education and research. “Whether the food served came from your kitchen, a five-star caterer or a pizza delivery truck, if you serve it, you could be liable if anyone gets sick.”

The survey was conducted for Trusted Choice^® via telephone by International Communications Research (ICR), an independent research company in Media, Pa. Interviews of a nationally representative sample of 760 homeowners were conducted in November and December 2012. More information about ICR can be obtained athttp://www.icrsurvey.com.

Trusted Choice^® agencies are insurance and financial services firms. They represent multiple insurance companies, offering individuals and business owners a variety of coverage choices, customized insurance plans to meet specialized needs as well as advocacy support. These firms adhere to a pledge of performance, committing them to providing excellent customer service. For more information, go towww.TrustedChoice.com.

Founded in 1896, the Big “I” is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of approximately a quarter of a million agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products. Web address: www.independentagent.com.

Positive Breathing To Raise Money To Transform Charter Bus Into A Mobile Clinic to Help Needy Children with Asthma

2013-11-26T13:32:00.000-05:00

Shammara Norris, co-founder of Positive Breathing

Positive Breathing To Raise Money To Transform Charter Bus Into A Mobile Clinic to Help Needy Children with Asthma

ABC Television Soap Opera Star Marc Anthony Samuel of General Hospital to Record Public Service Announcement To Raise Awareness and Funds

Positive Breathing, a community health organization focused on addressing the needs of asthma patients, has launched a fundraising campaign to secure $25,000 needed to transform a charter bus into a mobile clinic to bring services directly to children with asthma. Actor Marc Anthony Samuel of ABC television’s General Hospital has joined the campaign and will star in a series of public service announcements.

Founded in 2011 by Daydrick and Shammara Norris, Positive Breathing serves the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolis by helping children, families, and caregivers learn about and manage asthma. Through partnerships, the organization offers free testing and supplies for people in the community.

“Asthma occurs at a disproportionally higher rate among some ethnic groups, especially African-Americans,” said Shammara Norris. “African-American children in some areas are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with asthma. We are pleased President Obama recently signed the new EpiPen Law that will protect children with asthma and severe allergies.”

According to the American Lung Association, more than 25.9 million Americans have asthma including 7.1 million children. Of those children, more than 4.1 million had an asthma attack within the year.

Daydrick Norris, a registered nurse and caseworker, was a medic serving ambulances, emergency rooms, and fire departments for 12 years. Shammara Norris was a respiratory therapist specializing in adult care, who changed her focused to children in 2007.

One of their biggest concerns is asthma medication containing heavy amounts of steroids. When given constantly to children, these drugs can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of diabetes. Positive Breathing hopes the mobile clinic will help monitor these health issues and others.

“The mobile clinic will provide free treatment and screening for asthmatics, asthma education and management and follow up care,” said Shammara Norris. “We’ve served about 550 students this year. Once we become mobile, we’ll be able to serve more.”

Positive Breathing Organization recently purchased a charter bus and announced a capital campaign to raise $25,000 to transform it into a mobile clinic.

To learn more about Positive Breathing, please visit our website: www.positivebreathing.org.

Please find us on social media:
Facebook: Positive Breathing Organization
Twitter: @asthmaspeaks
Instragram: asthmachasers

2014 URBAN CAR, TRUCK AND GREEN VEHICLE OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED Mercedes-Benz CLA, Chevrolet Silverado & BMW i3

2013-11-26T13:18:00.000-05:00

2014 URBAN CAR, TRUCK AND GREEN VEHICLE

OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED

Mercedes-Benz CLA, Chevrolet Silverado & BMW i3

Winners to be honored at the 18th Annual Urban Wheel Awards

DETROIT, Mich., November 20, 2013 - Decisive Media has announced "The 2014 Urban Vehicles of the Year" by a panel of independent automotive journalists specializing in enthusiast and consumer automotive content. Winners will be honored at the 18th Annual Urban Wheel Awards (UWA), the official multicultural event of the North American International Auto Show, on January 12, 2014, at the Marriott Renaissance hotel, Detroit, MI.

The UWA judging panel spent several months determining the most stylish, practical, and attainable new vehicles for 2014 by driving and evaluating dozens of cars and trucks in a variety of North American urban settings before settling on the three winners.

The Urban Vehicles of The Year are promoted in jointly coordinated multimedia campaigns by the three winning companies, Decisive Media, UWA's organization and media partners, multicultural and mainstream media including international business media, social media, automotive, online car buying services, as well as auto trade groups. One of the first vehicle awards announced each year, the Urban Vehicles of the Year have consistently honored cars and trucks in the last seven years that went on dominate many other top awards.

Produced by Decisive Media, the awards have also earned the trust of many auto dealerships who use the auto consumer and multicultural content to attract car buyers. Decisive Media launched its first magazine introducing consumer automotive content for the growing multicultural market in July 1995 and also entered digital media by becoming the first automotive print magazine in the United States to launch a website. Complimentary subscriptions of Decisive magazine and a Decisive Latino are available online at www.decisivemagazine.com and www.decisivelatino.com, which is accessible on all contemporary mobile platforms.

The 2014 Urban Vehicles of the Year winners are:

Urban Car of the Year: Mercedes-Benz CLA

Runners-up: Chevrolet Impala and Toyota Corolla

According to UWA juror and syndicated automotive reviewer Arv Voss of Auto Impressions: "The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA lacks nothing in terms of outstanding performance attributes and sexy, visual magnetism. It was designed to take one's breath away, and does so effortlessly. Further, the CLA comes equipped, not stripped. This new four-door coupe easily qualifies as a new star in what is already an impressive Mercedes-Benz stable."

Freelance reviewer Joe Tralongo said: "In the past, Mercedes-Benz's attempts to create a cool, sub $30K entry-level car have met with mixed results. But, with the introduction of the stunning CLA sedan, Mercedes-Benz's luck may have just taken a turn for the better. Aggressive styling, decent performance and available AWD make the CLA an easy car to live with year round. Toss in the panache of owning a car adorned with the three-point hood ornament for about the same price as a nicely equipped more prosaic offering, and the CLA begins to look like an upwardly mobile ladder climber's dream come true."

Urban Truck of the Year: Chevrolet Silverado

Runners-up: Hyundai Santa Fe and Range Rover Sport

UWA juror and freelance automotive reviewer Mary Chapman said of the Silverado: "The new Chevrolet Silverado's exterior lines are cleaner and squarer, and set off by just the right amount of tasteful bling. An absolutely beautiful truck, the Silverado's also undergone a host of structural upgrades, making it even more robust. Further, it can be fitted with three engines, including a new, remarkably efficient 4.3-liter V6 with 285 horses. This new Chevrolet displays improved performance all around."

Freelance reviewer Mark Elias said: "GM continues to refine its bread and butter pickup truck. In highline crew cab trim, it is fully capable as a utility vehicle. But it's also so good, it can go from being the second vehicle in the garage to the ONLY vehicle in the garage."

Urban Green Vehicle of the Year: BMW i3

Runners-up: Cadillac ELR and Honda Accord Hybrid

Of the BMW i3, UWA juror and freelance automotive reviewer Christopher Jackson said: " The BMW i3 is a serious effort to infuse a premium brand with a "green" heritage. The BMW i3 is as stylish as it is environment-friendly and high-tech."

Mary Chapman said: "BMW's first from scratch all-electric production car is touted to have a range of up to 100 miles, attain the equivalent of 93 mpg, and get from zero to 60 in seven seconds. Further, with its light-weight carbon body and dried-grass composite instrument panel, the all-new BMW electric car takes the notion of being "green" quite literally."

The multicultural/multi-gender Urban Vehicles of the Year judging panel is comprised of some of the most notable and respected automotive reviewers in the country. The panel also includes: Motorweek's Yolanda Vazquez, Frank Washington of AboutThatCar.com, Camilo Alfaro of Autoproyecto, and Ken Panton of eCityofStyle.

“Honoring the Legacy: A Tribute to African-Americans in Golf”

2013-11-26T13:04:00.000-05:00

World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum to present

“Honoring the Legacy: A Tribute to African-Americans in Golf”

Exhibit will be collaborative effort including The PGA of America, PGA TOUR, USGA

The World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum has begun creative development on “Honoring the Legacy: A Tribute to African-Americans in Golf” – a new, permanent exhibition that will recognize the triumphs and contributions of African-Americans in the game. With the generous support of The PGA of America, the PGA TOUR and the USGA, the exhibition is expected to open in late spring 2014.

The exhibition will detail the long, rich history of African-Americans in golf, from the difficult beginnings in the late 1800s for pioneers such as John Shippen, to the progress and challenges of today. The exhibition will also highlight the struggles and successes of notable golfers like World Golf Hall of Fame member Charlie Sifford during the Civil Rights era and major personalities such as Althea Gibson, Joe Louis and Tiger Woods.

“It was an honor to be the first African-American inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame,” said Sifford, who was enshrined in 2004. “I am excited that this project is happening now and that fans will be able to see and learn from the stories of other great African-Americans in the game.”

With contributions from The PGA of America, the PGA TOUR and the USGA, the Hall of Fame will create an exhibit that incorporates rare photographs, audio, video and memorabilia like Sifford’s ground-breaking PGA player card from 1960, combined with innovative technology.

“The PGA of America recognizes the historical importance of communicating the many stories of African-Americans who have overcome great adversity to advance the game they love so much,” said Peter Bevacqua, Chief Executive Officer of The PGA of America. “We are thrilled to play a role in developing this ground-breaking exhibit, which will honor PGA members and many others who opened new doors of opportunity for generations to come.”

“The PGA TOUR is very pleased to support this important exhibit and to help acknowledge and honor the pioneers and champions of African-American golf,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. “We look forward to working with The PGA of America, USGA and the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum to help present this story in a compelling and educational manner.”

“African-Americans have made significant contributions to the game since it first took firm hold in America in the late 19th century,” said USGA Executive Director Mike Davis. “We are pleased to be working alongside The PGA of America and the PGA TOUR to support this important project and lend our expertise to an exhibition that pays tribute to African-Americans who through their courage, perseverance and love of the game overcame many obstacles to make the game more accessible to all.”

Best-selling author Pete McDaniel will serve as the lead writer on the project. McDaniel is the author of the acclaimed book “Uneven Lies: The Heroic Story of African Americans in Golf’’ and co-wrote and
co-produced the documentary “Uneven Fairways.” He is a member of both the African American
Golfers Hall of Fame and National Black Golf Hall of Fame.

In addition, artist Mario Chiodo, renowned for his compelling sculptures based on history and social justice, will be bringing to life pivotal moments of African-Americans in golf. Chiodo has created monuments around the country, including the Harriet Tubman/Thomas Garrett Memorial in

Wilmington, Del., the Contrabands Freedman's Memorial in Alexandria, Va., and "Remember Them: Champions for Humanity" in Oakland, Calif., the largest human rights monument in the Western United States.
“We hope that this exhibition will serve as both an educational and inspirational force that will highlight the power of the human spirit and golf’s core values,” said Jack Peter, Chief Operating Officer of the World Golf Hall of Fame. “We are thrilled that The PGA of America, the PGA TOUR and the USGA share our vision for this project and thankful that these organizations, Pete McDaniel and Mario
Chiodo are all part of this historic venture.”

For more information, including photos, about the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum and “Honoring the Legacy: A Tribute to African-Americans in Golf,” visitWorldGolfHallofFame.org.

About the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum
The World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum preserves and honors the history of golf and the legacies of those who have made it great. The Hall of Fame and Museum, located at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla., serves as a steward of the game through engaging, interactive storytelling and exhibitions featuring artifacts, works of art, audio, video and photography significant to the history of golf and its members.
The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 nonprofit institution and is allied with 26 national and international golf organizations, including The European Tour, LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, The R&A and USGA. To learn more about the Hall of Fame or to lend support, visit www.WorldGolfHallofFame.org.

About The PGA of America
Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has maintained a twofold mission: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, The PGA enables its professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering world-class championships and innovative programs, The PGA of America elevates the public’s interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. As The PGA nears its centennial, the PGA brand represents the very best in golf.

About the PGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR is the world’s premier membership organization for touring professional golfers, co- sanctioning more than 130 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, Web.com Tour, NEC Series-PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, PGA TOUR Canada and PGA TOUR China.

The PGA TOUR’s mission is to entertain and inspire its fans, deliver substantial value to its partners, create outlets for volunteers to give back, generate significant charitable and economic impact in the communities in which it plays, and provide financial opportunities for TOUR players.

Worldwide, PGA TOUR tournaments are broadcast to nearly 945 million households in 225 countries and territories in 32 languages. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations in order to maximize charitable giving. In 2012, tournaments across all Tours generated more than $130 million for local charitable organizations, bringing the TOUR’s all-time total of charitable contributions to $1.86 billion.
The PGA TOUR's web site is PGATOUR.COM, the No. 1 site in golf, and the organization is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

About the USGA

The USGA conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open, as well as 10 national amateur championships, two state team championships and international matches. Together with The R&A, the USGA governs the game worldwide, jointly administering the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status, equipment standards, and World Amateur Golf Rankings. The USGA's working jurisdiction comprises the United States, its territories, and Mexico.

The USGA is a global leader in the development and support of sustainable golf course management practices. It serves as a primary steward for the game’s history, and funds an ongoing “For the Good of the Game” grants program. Additionally, the USGA’s Course Rating and Handicap systems are used on six continents in more than 50 countries.

As the Founding Partner of the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum and World Golf Village, Shell Oil Company played a lead role in supporting the development and growth of the institution, which opened in 1998. Since then, their continued involvement has led the way for others to join in support of the Hall of Fame & Museum’s mission.

KYM WHITLEY AND FRIENDS DECK THE HALLS IN “RAISING WHITLEY: HO, HO, HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS”

2013-11-21T11:45:00.002-05:00

Saturday, November 23 at 8:00 PM ET/PT

Join Kym, baby Joshua and the rest of the Villagers as they take a hilarious and heartwarming look back at 2013 with one of TV’s most lovable unconventional families in an all-new holiday special airing this Saturday on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. All Kym wants is a little holiday down time with her toddler son, but as always Casa Whitley is a non-stop frenzy of activity! Nobody knocks as everyone from “The Village,” Kym and Joshua’s surrogate family of friends, stop in for some early holiday fun. It’s the most celebratory (and chaotic) Christmas that Kym and little Joshua have ever seen!

We’ll join mother and son as they trim the Christmas tree with the rest of the Village– Wendell, Sam, Demetrius, Stacey, Val and Harold -- outdoing one another and of course adding their two cents, whether welcome or not! We'll literally invite ourselves to the party -- pushing through the front door just like one of Kym's Villagers- as we watch Kym, the adorable Joshua and their friends celebrate the best of last season (Kym's love/hate battle w/ food, working out, trying to date, the fabulous world of Wendell, the Village's lack of boundaries, etc.).

It all builds to the arrival of Rodney, adoptive father to Joshua and Kym’s newest tenant, and leads toa special peek at the brand new season of RAISING WHITLEY! Has shacking up lit a romantic spark between Kym and Rodney? Or have things gotten too close for comfort since we last left them? Find out on this very special holiday episode of RAISING WHITLEY, followed at 8:30 PM ET/PT by the holiday special “Life With LaToya: A Jolly Jackson Christmas.”

For more information about “Raising Whitley” on OWN, please visit: www.oprah.com/RaisingWhitley

Kent State Names Alumna Barbara Broome as Its New College of Nursing Dean

2013-11-21T11:06:00.000-05:00

Kent State Names Alumna Barbara Broome as Its New College of Nursing Dean

Barbara Broome, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, has been named Kent State University’s new dean of its College of Nursing. Broome currently serves as associate dean, professor and chair of the Community-Mental Health Department at the University of South Alabama College of Nursing. The announcement was made by Todd Diacon, Kent State’s senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.

Broome, who received both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing from Kent State, returns to her alma mater to begin serving as its College of Nursing dean on March 17, 2014. Broome succeeds Susan Stocker, Ph.D., who has served as interim dean since Aug. 1, 2013. Stocker held the interim position while she maintained her duties as dean of Kent State University at Ashtabula and a search for a permanent dean was conducted. Stocker will return to her position as dean of Kent State Ashtabula.

“We are exceptionally fortunate to have someone with Barbara Broome’s talent and experience joining our team,” Diacon said. “As an administrator in one of the nation’s five largest nursing programs at the University of South Alabama, Barbara well understands the needs of Kent State’s nursing program, which is the second largest in Ohio. In short, we are thrilled to welcome Dean Broome back to Ohio.”

Broome said she is honored to return to the Kent State family.

“As a graduate of Kent State’s College of Nursing, I know firsthand the exceptional quality of education,” Broome said. “The faculty members are outstanding and are committed to student learning. I have traveled extensively, and it seems I always meet a proud Kent State graduate.

“The regional campus system impacts so many people,” she continued. “I began my education at Kent State Trumbull, and well, the rest is history. The Kent community is more exciting and dynamic than ever before. I am truly excited to return to Kent State and to make a difference.”

Broome has been with the University of South Alabama since 1999, first serving as an assistant professor in its College of Nursing and then later as assistant dean, associate dean, associate professor and ultimately as associate dean and professor. After receiving a master’s from Kent State, Broome served as an assistant professor of nursing, as well as a recruiter, advisor and mentor to nursing students at the university’s Kent and Trumbull campuses. She received her Ph.D. in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh.

Her research and areas of interest include mental health, adult health, women’s health, and minority issues and aging issues in urinary incontinence in men and women. She is the developer of the Broome Pelvic Muscle Self-Efficacy Scale, which has been translated into several languages and has been used in national and international studies. Broome has written numerous chapters in books and journal articles on topics such as bullying, incontinence, aging and mentoring. She is a reviewer for several journals and is a co-editor for many national journals and international journal. She also has secured funding in excess of $2.5 million for mental health education, elderly health screening and continence care.

Broome is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing. Broome’s memberships include the American Association of University Women, the American Nurses Association, the Association of Black Nursing Faculty, the Alabama Organization of Nurse Executives, the International Academy of Nursing Editors, the National Black Nurses Association, the Southern Nursing Research Society, the Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates, and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses.

She has received several honors and awards, including the University of South Alabama’s Faculty Senate 50 Outstanding Faculty Member Award and the university’s 50 Outstanding Research, Scholarly and Creative Accomplishments Award, both received in May 2013. Broome also was the invited commencement speaker at Kent State University at Trumbull in May 2011, and she received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Kent State’s College of Nursing in 2000.

For more information about Kent State’s College of Nursing, visit www.kent.edu/nursing.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s PBS docu-series “The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross”

2013-11-21T10:11:00.000-05:00

Henry Louis Gates, Jr.’s critically acclaimed PBS docu-series “The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross,” will air Tuesday November 26^th at 8pm ET/PT on PBS.

PREVIEW CLIPS:

EPISODE 4: MAKING A WAY OUT OF NO WAY (1897-1940) – AIRED NOVEMBER 12, 2013 AT 8PM ET/PT

During the Jim Crow era, African Americans struggled to build their own worlds within the harsh, narrow confines of segregation. At the turn of the 20th century, a steady stream of African Americans migrated away from the South, fleeing racial violence and searching for better opportunities in the North and the West. Leaders like Ida B. Wells, W.E.B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington and Marcus Garvey organized, offering vastly different strategies to further black empowerment and equality. Yet successful black institutions and individuals were always at risk. At the same time, the ascendance of black arts and culture showed that a community with a strong identity and sense of pride was taking hold in spite of Jim Crow. “The Harlem Renaissance” would not only redefine how America saw African Americans, but how African Americans saw themselves.

Clip #1: Racist Images in Jim Crow Era

Racist images in the Jim Crow era were used as propaganda to send messages that demeaned African-Americans and legitimized violence against them. The images and stereotypes used to represent African-Americans changed with the times. As historian David Levering Lewis explains, white America's representations of African-Americans were quite different before and after the Civil War.

Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SG4MSypTHy8&feature=youtu.be

Clip #2: Case Against Jim Crow

Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4ZtTv3MRnk&feature=youtu.be

EPISODE 5: RISE! (1940-1968) – AIRED NOVEMBER 19, 2013 AT 8PM ET/PT

Examines the long road to civil rights, when the deep contradictions in American society finally became unsustainable. Beginning in World War II, African Americans who helped fight fascism abroad came home to face the same old racial violence. But this time, mass media — from print to radio and TV — broadcast that injustice to the world, planting seeds of resistance. And the success of black entrepreneurs and entertainers fueled African-American hopes and dreams. In December 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man on a city bus in Montgomery, Alabama, heralding the dawn of a new movement of quiet resistance, with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as its public face. Before long, masses of African Americans practiced this nonviolent approach at great personal risk to integrate public schools, lunch counters and more. As the civil rights movement scored one historic victory after another, non-violence was still all too often met with violence — until finally, enough was enough. By 1968, Dr. King, the apostle of non-violence, would be assassinated, unleashing a new call for “Black Power” across the country.

Clips #1: Ruby Bridges Interview, School Integration:

Ruby Bridges was the first African American to attend William Frantz Elementary School in 1960 in New Orleans.

Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzuS8CI-sSI

EPISODE 6: A MORE PERFECT UNION (1968-2013) – AIRING NOVEMBER 26, 2013 AT 8PM ET/PT

After 1968, African Americans set out to build a bright new future on the foundation of the civil rights movement’s victories, but a growing class disparity threatened to split the black community in two. As hundreds of African Americans won political office across the country and the black middle class made unprecedented progress, larger economic and political forces isolated the black urban poor in the inner cities, vulnerable to new social ills and an epidemic of incarceration. Yet African Americans of all backgrounds came together to support Illinois’ Senator Barack Obama in his historic campaign for the presidency of the United States. When he won in 2008, many hoped that America had finally transcended race and racism. By the time of his second victory, it was clear that many issues, including true racial equality, remain to be resolved. Now we ask: How will African Americans help redefine the United States in the years to come?

Clip #1: Questlove on Soul Train / Black is Beautiful

Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmsBG0LmdOo&feature=youtu.be

For additional information, please visit: http://www.thirteen.org/13pressroom/press-release/the-african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross-with-henry-louis-gates-jr-2/

November is National Family Caregivers Month

2013-11-19T14:22:00.001-05:00

Across the country 42 million people, primarily women, between the ages 40 – 60 are faced with the challenge of providing care to their older family members and friends each and every day. They may not know it, but they are caregivers, and they play an extraordinary role in supporting those we love.

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and as part of the Ad Council’s Caregiver Assistance campaign with AARP, we have released a series of new Public Service Advertisements (PSAs) that explore the many roles caregivers take on and provide resources to help them cope with their daily responsibilities.

New research from AARP suggests that caregiving can take a tremendous toll on the caregiver’s personal health and overall wellbeing. And yet, many caregivers do notself-identify as such and can be reluctant to ask for help. As part of our campaign, we’ve developed a number of online platforms to help recognize caregivers everywhere for the important work they do:

· The new website, ThanksProject.org, where you can share a message of thanks with a caregiver you know and post it publicly alongside other messages from people across the country to illustrate the number of caregivers nationwide.

· A hilarious new video from comedian Jeff Foxworthy who says, “You might be a caregiver if…”

· A new online quiz to help identify if you are a caregiver.

· Our hashtag #ThanksProject, which you can use to spread caregiver “thank yous” throughout social media, and #CareSupport for other general caregiving tweets, Google+, Pintrest and Instagram posts.

· Beautiful new social media images that showcase the different roles caregivers may play, which you can share across your different social media channels, plus campaign PSA images are available to be shared from AARP’s Pinterest page.

If you are a caregiver, or you know someone who is, please be a part of this important campaign. Visit aarp.org/caregiving for more tools and resources.

BITEME launches Kickstarter Campaign 2013

2013-11-19T14:11:00.001-05:00

One of New York's favorite shrunken desserts is growing and wants to take
everyone along for the journey.

New York, NY (November 6, 2013)--- The growth of BITEME Cheesecakes has become a movement and with the recent launch of their ‘Kickstarter’ campaign, the brand is putting the power in the hands of consumers.

In early 2012, Justice Hall and Tyreece Johnson began selling BITEME on the waterfront of Brooklyn at the famous Smorgasburg, within time BITEME Cheesecakes was catering to corporate events, being sold at local NYC cafes and even landing BITEME a feature on Ina Garten's “The Barefoot Contessa,” on the Food Network.

Now almost two years later their manual technique of making the divine cheesecakes can no longer keep up with the growing demand and is being sought after by New Yorkers and those visiting New York on a daily basis. “For the past year we have been scouting downtown Manhattan to find BITEME a home. We've worked with realtors and found tons of small "very small" locations that could work with our small BITEME theme. Our idea is to have a "Express shop" a place were our cakes are delivered from our production kitchen to our store.”

With less than 40 days left on their Kickstarter Campaign, BITEME is committed to becoming 100% funded and is asking for everyone’s help to do so. Beyond just helping fellow entrepreneurs achieve their goals, the BITEME team is inciting a ‘call to action’ to help create jobs. Creating jobs for bakers, designers, manufactures, delivery people and a sales team, not only in New York, but also their hometown of Flint Michigan and ultimately across the nation. The various packages BITEME has crafted for Kickstarter are sensational, spanning from personalized certificates and souvenir buttons to t-shirts, cheesecakes, sponsored events and even the opportunity to create your own flavor.

In addition, the Kickstarter cheesecake packages are offering an increased savings as opposed to ordering them via the website (www.bitemecheesecakes.com). BITEME's pride is in their creative bite size approach to one of America’s favorite desserts, their hard work ethic, their unique/delicious flavors and their lifelong commitment to providing their customers the best cheesecakes ever. We encourage everyone to join the movement, spread the word and pledge.

About the BITEME:
The idea of BITEME Cheesecakes was birthed from the creative visual of Co-Founder/Brand Director, Justice Hall and the culinary talents of co-founder/Culinary Artist Tyreece Johnson. The two were long time friends from Flint, Michigan, who happen to relocate to the Big Apple to pursue their careers. It was the popular cupcake craze that was sweeping the bakery fronts of New York City that connected the idea. Tyreece was well-known for his famous one of a kind cheesecakes and Justice had the vision of branding the cheesecake to a bite size treat. Tyreece and Justice decided to rent a kitchen to see where this dream could take them. Before they knew it BITEME Cheesecakes was no longer a dream but a company.

African-Americans are the most likely to value postsecondary education, according to first-ever Houston Education Survey

2013-11-19T13:38:00.000-05:00

African-Americans are the most likely to value postsecondary education, according to first-ever Houston Education Survey

Harris County residents clearly acknowledge importance of education

HOUSTON – (Nov. 12, 2013) – African-Americans are the most likely of all ethnic groups to emphasize the importance of postsecondary education, according to the 2013 Houston Education Survey. This and other findings were revealed in the first-of-its-kind report from Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research.

The survey offers a comprehensive look at Harris County residents’ attitudes toward education, their aspirations for their children, their evaluations of the public schools and their support for a variety of reform proposals.

Importance of education

One of the study's key findings is that African-Americans (at 90 percent) were the most likely to insist that success today requires education beyond high school, followed by Asians (at 85 percent) and Latinos (at 78 percent). Anglos (at 64 percent) were the least inclined to say that postsecondary education is necessary for success in today’s economy. Moreover, fully 92 percent of all parents with school-aged children (regardless of ethnicity) said they hoped their child will be able, at a minimum, to graduate from college.

"The survey provides no evidence whatsoever to support the belief that blacks or Latinos do not value education as much as Anglos and Asians do," said survey authorStephen Klineberg, Kinder Institute co-director and Rice professor of sociology. "The educational disparities have much more to do with resources and income inequalities than with any presumed differences in aspirations or values."

According to Klineberg, the coming together of globalization and automation has created a new kind of economy in Houston and America, one in which the good blue-collar jobs are disappearing and income inequalities are rapidly growing, predicated primarily on the attainment of high-quality education.

Klineberg noted that Harris County residents now clearly understand these new realities, with more than three-fourths of the survey participants asserting that success today requires education beyond high school; less than a fifth believed instead that there are many ways to succeed with no more than a high school diploma.

”In the new economy, education matters more today than ever before in American history," said Klineberg. "If Houston’s young people, 70 percent of whom are African American and Hispanic, are unprepared to succeed in today’s knowledge economy, it is difficult to envision a prosperous future for the region as a whole."

Quality of education

The respondents were divided (48 responding “yes,” 46 percent responding “no”) on whether public schools in the Houston area "have enough money, if it were used wisely, to provide a quality education." The number calling for more spending climbed to 55 percent among those living in the service area of Houston Independent School District (HISD).

"The public’s recognition of the need for additional funds was confirmed in the 2012 election, when a whopping 69 percent approved a $1.89 billion bond to upgrade or rebuild the HISD schools," Klineberg said.

Survey participants who had children in the public schools were more likely than those without school-aged children to believe that the schools in their district have been getting better. They were far more inclined than those without school-aged children (by 74 to 57 percent) to give high grades (A's and B's) to the public schools in their district, and especially (with 85 percent A's or B's) to the schools their own children were attending.

Educational disparities

When asked about the importance of different factors that contribute to the educational achievement gaps, the respondents viewed parental involvement and student effort as more critical than the quality of teaching or the impact of poverty. Nevertheless, 80 percent cited differences in teaching quality and 72 percent thought that "poverty, crime and instability in the communities where the students live" were among the most important contributors to ethnic differences in educational outcomes.

"Just 10 percent of Anglo children -- but more than a third of black and Latino children -- are living in poverty,” Klineberg said. "And these stark differences in income and wealth are surely critical factors in generating the achievement gaps."

According to HISD records, fewer than 7 percent of all black and Latino high school seniors in 2011 scored at or above the level that indicates college readiness on standardized tests.

"Because of inadequate preparation for college work, because so many also need to work while enrolled in classes and because of the continually increasing tuition costs coupled with inadequate financial aid, far too few of Houston’s young people are able to go to college or to make it through to graduation," the report said.

Educational initiatives

The survey asked about a variety of proposals for school reform. More than 60 percent favored spending more for after-school programs, for expanding the school day and year and for establishing more charter schools. The respondents gave their strongest support (at 70 percent) to "paying for universal preschool education to ensure that all low-income children are ready for kindergarten."

"This represents a strong consensus on the importance of providing universal access to quality early childhood education," Klineberg said. "More generally, it reflects the broader finding that Harris County residents are increasingly coming to recognize the critical importance of improved education for Houston’s prospects."

"Human resources are now more important than natural resources in building the conditions for prosperity," the report concludes. "If Houston is to succeed in this high-tech, global, knowledge-based economy, it will need to provide considerably greater access to quality education, starting in early childhood, proceeding through high school and college and into lives of continual learning."

The Houston Education Survey is the second of three focused surveys that are together called the "SHEA" studies (Surveys on Health, Education and the Arts), which are designed to assess the experiences, beliefs and attitudes of Harris County residents with regard to these three critical areas of urban life. The separate surveys complement the annual Kinder Institute Houston Area Survey, which for 32 years has been tracking America's fourth largest city in the midst of fundamental transformation.

The Survey Research Institute at the University of Houston conducted the interviews with 1,200 individuals between Jan. 29 and March 17, 2012. Seventy-two percent of the respondents were reached by landline and 28 percent by cellphone. The three SHEA studies were supported by a special grant from Houston Endowment Inc.

For more information or to obtain a copy of the survey report, visit www.kinder.rice.edu.

This news release can be found online at http://news.rice.edu/.

Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews.

Related Materials:

Stephen Klineberg bio: http://sociology.rice.edu/Content.aspx?id=122

Kinder Institute for Urban Research website: http://kinder.rice.edu/

Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,708 undergraduates and 2,374 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice has been ranked No. 1 for best quality of life multiple times by the Princeton Review and No. 2 for "best value" among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/AboutRiceU.

Tomorrow Is World Diabetes Day

2013-11-13T14:52:00.000-05:00

Find hundreds of diabetes-related news articles at DiabeticConnect.com

Tomorrow Is World Diabetes Day

It's easy for anyone to get involved in World Diabetes Day and Diabetes Awareness Month. We've put together a list of simple things you can do. Click the button to learn more.

Pledge to Make a Small Change to See Big Diabetes Results

Get Inspired by Joslin 50-Year Medalists

ADA Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes

Remington College Cleveland Campus Holds 3 Lives Blood Drive

2013-11-13T12:52:00.001-05:00

Remington College Cleveland Campus

Holds 3 Lives Blood Drive

Minority donors needed for December 5 blood drive

Event date: Thursday, December 5

Time: 10 am - 2 pm
Blood partner: LifeShare Community Blood Services

Location: Remington College Cleveland Campus - 14445 Broadway Ave. in Cleveland

On the web: www.3Lives.com

Remington College continues its 3 Lives effort to recruit minority blood donors and help supply local hospitals with blood. 3 Lives is a national effort held in partnership withAmerica's Blood Centers and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America. The effort has resulted in more than 8,200 pints of blood collected since the program began.

The goal for 2013 is to pass the 10,000 pint mark!

3 Lives facts

ONE pint of blood can save up to THREE lives.
The need for blood is high, but only about 5% of eligible donors regularly donate blood. Minority donors are in very high demand.
African American blood donors provide blood with unique antigens vital for people battling sickle cell and other life-threatening diseases.
Sickle cell trait occurs in high frequency among African Americans and/or Hispanics; more than 80,000 people in the U.S. have sickle cell disease.

AJ Green, 3 Lives national spokesperson

Singer AJ Green, spokesperson for the 3 Lives campaign, has been battling sickle cell disease for most of his life and requires monthly blood transfusions.

"There are tens of thousands of people like me who require regular donations as part of our treatment," said Green. "My goal is to get more people of color to become regular blood donors and help save lives."

While the primary goal of the 3 Lives campaign is to recruit minority donors, everyone is encouraged to donate blood. All the blood collected will be used to help people in the Cleveland area.

About Remington College: Non-profit Remington College, headquartered in Heathrow, FL operates 19 college campuses throughout the United States offering career focused diploma, bachelor and associate degree programs in a variety of career fields. For more information, please visit remingtoncollege.edu. For the latest news about Remington College, visit today.remingtoncollege.edu. Remington College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs and other school administered programs.

Share My Lesson Posts Lessons on Nelson Mandela

2013-11-06T13:03:00.000-05:00

Share My Lesson Posts Lessons on Nelson Mandela to Coincide with

Upcoming Motion Picture “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”

Exclusive clips of the movie are currently available on the site

WASHINGTON—Share My Lesson, the nation’s largest online site for teaching resources, has posted lesson plans and other materials about former prisoner and South African President Nelson Mandela to coincide with the upcoming release of the feature film,

“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.”
Share My Lesson is partnering with the film’s producers, The Weinstein Company, and the Nelson Mandela Foundation to bring this unique, high-quality, multimedia resource to classrooms nationwide. The lessons plans for grades 9-12, which are aligned to the Common Core State Standards, are available for educators, parents and other registered members, free of charge, at www.sharemylesson.com/mandela.

In addition, Share My Lesson and The Weinstein Company are offering educators who download the resources a chance to take their class of 30 students to see the movie. Three exclusive movie clips are now available for view at www.sharemylesson.com/mandelafilm, in addition to primary sources made accessible thanks to the Nelson

Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg. “Lessons based on this rare and true hero are multi-dimensional and multi-disciplinary. Teachers will be able to show clips of the movie in class to bring Mandela’s incredible story alive and lead students through discussions that will help broaden their thinking about Mandela’s imprisonment, his yearning for a democratic and non-discriminatory country, and the legacy of his sacrifice and accomplishments,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten.

The motion picture tells the inspirational story of Mandela, from his humble beginnings in Transkei, South Africa, to his 27-year incarceration for treason, to his eventual release to become the president of a fully participatory, democratic South Africa. Mandela’s story and the film provide educators with an opportunity to dive into the issues of freedom and forgiveness, equality and equanimity, reconciliation and redemption. The movie opens in selectcities Nov. 29, with a nationwide release Dec. 25.

ABOUT THE NELSON MANDELA FOUNDATION

www.nelsonmandela.org

8th Annual Women of Color Foundation Leadership Development Institute & Awards Luncheon - Thursday, November 7th at Cleveland State University

2013-11-04T13:16:00.002-05:00

Women of Color Foundation to host 8^th Annual Leadership Development and Training Institute

Awards Luncheon to Recognize Three Outstanding Women

The Women of Color Foundation (WOCF), and its generous presenting sponsors, Cleveland Clinic, American Greetings Corporation and WEWS NewsChannel 5; along with Cleveland State University, Forest City, Fifth Third Bank, Dominion, the Call & Post Newspapers, The Cleveland Women’s Journal, Thacker-Martinsek, LPA, and Max’n Out Entertainment, has announced its 8^th Annual Women of Color Foundation Leadership Development & Training Institute and Awards Luncheon. The event is being co-hosted by Cleveland State University (CSU), and will take place on Thursday, November 7, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., at CSU’s beautiful, new, state-of-the art Student Center at 2121 Euclid Avenue, in the 3^rd Floor Ballroom. 75 scholarships are available for college students and women who cannot afford to pay for the event. Scholarship applications are available on-line. Registrations are $75 per person, and include the Awards Luncheon, the Networking Reception and all workshops and materials.

The Institute will include an Annual Awards Luncheon, where the Women of Color Foundation recognizes three outstanding women of color. The recipient of 2013 Professional Woman of the Year (ISIS Award) is Marsha Mockabee, President/CEO, Urban League of Greater Cleveland; and the recipient of the 2013 Young Professional Woman of the Year (STAR Award) is Dr. Ellen Burts-Cooper, Senior Managing Partner, Improve Consulting and Training Group. Alexandria Johnson Boone Founder and Chairwoman, Women of Color Foundation, and Pamela Marshall Holmes, Senior Director, Community Outreach, Cleveland Clinic will present these two awards.

The 2013 Stephanie Tubbs Jones Courage Award, given in honor of the late U. S. Congresswoman for the 11^th District of Ohio, will be presented to Charmaine Brown, Director, Diversity & Inclusion at Forest City. This award is presented annually by Barbara Tubbs Walker, the sister of the late Congresswoman. Sarah Buduson, News Reporter at WEWS-TV NewsChannel 5, will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies of the Luncheon.

The Institute also includes several informative workshops. A 2-hour morning workshop, The Estelle Shorter Holmes Lecture: “Rising to the Top: My Struggles, Challenges and Successes” will feature a prominent local woman who has risen to the top of her profession and is passionate about helping other women in their career journey to the top. This annual lecture is part of the 2^nd Annual American Greetings Speaking of Women: A Dialogue Series for Women in Leadership. This will be one of the highlights of the day, said Alexandria Johnson Boone, chairwoman and founder of the WOCF.

Two afternoon workshops (immediately following the awards luncheon), will include

prominent women from northeast Ohio, who will share their experience, insights and expertise

with Institute participants.

“Women in the Workplace; Our Rights and Responsibilities!” will be

moderated by Diane E. Citrino, Esq., Partner, Thacker-Martinsek, LPA and

“Emerging Women Leaders in Politics: It is Our Time!” will be moderated by Dr. Mittie

Davis Jones, Chairperson, Department of Urban Studies, Maxine Goodman Levin College of

Urban Affairs at CSU.

The Symposium will culminate with the traditional COLORS Networking Reception. For

more information on Women of Color Foundation events, including registration, scholarships and/or sponsorship opportunities, please call 216-391-4300, ext. 311 or visit the website at:

www.womenofcolorfoundation.com

Kicking Off the Holiday Shopping Season Avant-Garde Style

2013-11-04T12:54:00.001-05:00

Local Art Show Showcases DIY Artists and Crafters

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, which means the madness of holiday shopping is just around the corner. With many Pinterest and Etsy inspired artisans and crafters, the 2013 West Side Fall Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show is a great place to start finding those personalized, trendy, and unique gifts.

The show features over 100 local vendors that hand-make each item. Not only are there endless gift options, but the show offers crafts and decorations for the home too! Some handmade items expected in the show are jewelry, clothing, pet fashion accessories, home décor and more!

Cleveland native and founder, Becki Cooper, personally handpicks the Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show vendors to best suit the needs of the shows’ customers each season.

“The shows are not just fun to attend, but also showcase a lot of creative and unconventional items. As we put on more of these events each season, we are constantly recruiting even more talent with each show. Attendees can always expect to see some of their favorite previous vendors as well as brand new vendors at each show,” said Cooper.

“What’s nice is that everything is very affordable, too,” explains frequent show attendee, Bailey Treister. “I never really liked having the same stuff as other people, and being able to afford unique things on an affordable budget is definitely a bonus in attending the Avant-Garde events!”

The upcoming two-day 2013 West Side Fall Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show will be held November 16th and 17th at the Rocky River Memorial Hall - 21016 Hilliard Boulevard, Rocky River, Ohio, 44116, located next to the recreation center. Admission is $3 and children under 12 are free. There will also be concessions on site. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Drink Local, Drink Tap., a non-profit organization that inspires individuals to recognized and solve our water issues through creative education, events, and providing safe water access for people in need.
The Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows are based around Ohio year-round. They feature an eclectic selection of the area’s most talented artisans and crafters. A portion of all proceeds goes to charity at each show. To learn more about the Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows visit www.avantgardeshows.com, or via twitter @AvantGardeShows, on Facebook at Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows (Rebecca Adele Events) and on Pinterest and LinkedIn.

America’s Largest Media Companies, the Partnership for a Healthier America, Let’s Move!, MyPlate and Pinterest Join to Make Healthier Recipes Easy to Find and Share

2013-11-04T12:37:00.000-05:00

Epicurious, Food Network, Hearst Magazines, Meredith and Time, Inc. are compiling and pinning thousands of recipes that align with USDA Guidance for Healthier Eating

Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) Honorary Chair First Lady Michelle Obama announced today that five of the nation’s largest media companies, as well as Pinterest, an online tool millions use to find the inspiration for their lives, joined PHA, Let’s Move!, and USDA’s MyPlate to make it easier for millions of people to put healthier meals on the table every day.

Epicurious, Food Network, Hearst Magazines, Meredith and Time Inc., through an agreement with PHA, are making available thousands of nutritious recipes that align with guidance that support USDA’s MyPlate, and are labeling, compiling and promoting these recipes on their most popular cooking websites.

More than 3,000 recipes have been identified across 18 websites, and today nearly 1,000 of these recipes have been collected on a new Pinterest page associated with the effort, providing a one-stop-shop where parents, beginner home cooks and even the most experienced chefs can find and share healthier recipes.

“As a mom, I know how challenging it can be to think of new meal ideas that your kids will like and that will be good for them,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “This partnership takes the guess work out of finding healthy recipes and gives parents the information and the tools they need to make healthy choices for their families every day.”

Over the next two years, partners will roll out 250 MyPlate-inspired recipes each month on individual brand websites as well as on the PHA MyPlate Pinterest page. Brands participating in the effort include:

· Allrecipes.com

· Better Homes & Gardens

· CookingLight.com

· CountryLiving.com

· Delish.com

· Diabeticliving.com

· EatingWell.com

· Epicurious.com

· Everyday with Rachael Ray

· FamilyCircle.com

· FoodNetwork.com

· GoodHousekeeping.com

· MyRecipes.com

· Parents.com

· RealSimple.com

· Redbookmag.com

· Recipe.com

· Woman’sDay.com

“PHA’s goal is always to make the healthy choice the easy choice for busy parents and families,” said PHA CEO Larry Soler. “To do that, we have to meet home cooks where they are—and millions of them visit our partner sites as well as Pinterest every month to find tasty recipes. Compiling healthier recipes, making them easy to find and educating people about how they fit into a healthy, balanced meal is a great way to give parents and families the tools to help reverse this epidemic.”

PHA’s key partners in this effort include:

Let’s Move!—First Lady Michelle Obama launched Let’s Move! on February 9, 2010 to unite the country around our kids’ health and create real support for families to live healthier lives. Since then parents, business leaders, educators, elected officials, military leaders, chefs, physicians, athletes, childcare providers, community and faith leaders, and kids themselves have stepped up to improve the health of our nation’s children.

USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion (CNPP)—CNPP is the USDA agency tasked with developing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) and promoting the guidelines to reach consumers of all ages through innovative guidance and resources supporting the MyPlate food icon atChooseMyPlate.gov and through USDA’s cutting edge SuperTracker. As subject matter advisors, CNPP will provide educational information for the effort as well as ensure that recipes being promoted and compiled align with the guidelines.

Pinterest—Pinterest is a tool that helps people discover and organize the things they love. Millions of people turn to Pinterest every day to find inspiration, including ideas for healthy recipes. Pinterest will help with ongoing promotion of the effort and serve as a social media advisor for the effort.

Epicurious—As one of the most recognized digital food brands, Condé Nast's Epicurious is proud to support PHA and Mrs. Obama’s Let’s Move! campaign in an effort to make healthy meal planning for families accessible and achievable. In addition to pinning healthy, family-friendly recipes to MyPlate Recipe Pinterest group boards, Epicurious will create and post to its site original content – including features, recipes, and videos – that addresses raising healthy eaters. Epicurious has worked to promote Let's Move! since its inception, culminating in the first Healthy Lunchtime Challenge and Kids' State Dinner last August. The brand reaches more than 20 million cross-platform users each month across its website, app, and social media channels.

Food Network—a unique lifestyle network, website and magazine that connects viewers to the power and joy of food, Food Network (www.foodnetwork.com) strives to be viewers' best friend in food and is committed to leading by teaching, inspiring, empowering and entertaining through its talent and expertise. Food Network is distributed to more than 100 million U.S. households and averages more than 9.9 million unique web users monthly. Food Network has a growing international presence with programming in more than 150countries, including 24 hour networks in Great Britain, India, Asia and Africa. Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI) is the manager and general partner.

Hearst Magazines—Hearst Magazines is a unit of Hearst Corporation, one of the nation’s largest diversified media and information companies. With 20 titles in the U.S., Hearst is a leading publisher of monthly magazines in terms of total circulation and reaches 83 million adults. Delish, a partnership with MSN, celebrates the world of food, helping home cooks prepare easy, inventive family meals. It is the go-to source for recipes, menus, dinner ideas and cooking tips from trusted brands like Country Living, Good Housekeeping,Redbook, Woman’s Day and more.

Meredith—Meredith digital's mission is to mobilize millions of women to live their dreams—and everyday life in between. Meredith reaches over 40 million every month through its digital properties including Allrecipes.com, BHG.com, EatingWell.com, Recipe.com, DiabeticLiving.com, RachaelRayMag.com, Parents.com and FamilyCircle.com and is excited to create and spotlight recipe collections, menus, articles and slideshows that are MyPlate inspired. Meredith’s brands know that busy moms want to make healthy and nutritional food choices for their families and the MyPlate symbol will inspire them make great meals that are also delicious and satisfying.

Time Inc.—Time Inc., a division of Time Warner, is one of the largest branded media companies in the world. The Time Inc. Lifestyle Group is comprised of All You, Coastal Living, Cooking Light, Health, MyRecipes.com, Real Simple, Southern Living, Sunset and This Old House. With a total audience of more than 55 million, these trusted brands help today’s woman enjoy new and rewarding experiences while keeping her engaged every day. This year, Time Inc. is the exclusive media sponsor of PHA's Building a Healthier Future Summit, taking place March 6 to 8 in Washington DC.

For information about MyPlate and the USDA Dietary Guidelines, visit www.choosemyplate.gov.

For healthy recipes, visit www.pinterest.com/MyPlateRecipes.

The Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) is devoted to working with the private sector to ensure the health of our nation’s youth by solving the childhood obesity crisis. In 2010, PHA was created in conjunction with – but independent from – First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! effort. PHA is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that is led by some of the nation's most respected health and childhood obesity experts. PHA brings together public, private and nonprofit leaders to broker meaningful commitments and develop strategies to end childhood obesity. Most important, PHA ensures that commitments made are commitments kept by working with unbiased third parties to monitor and publicly report on the progress our partners are making. For more information about PHA, please visit www.aHealthierAmerica.org and follow PHA on Twitter @PHAnews.

African American Lifestyle Magazine

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Share My Lesson Posts Lessons on Nelson Mandela to Coincide with

Upcoming Motion Picture “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”

Exclusive clips of the movie are currently available on the site

8th Annual Women of Color Foundation Leadership Development Institute & Awards Luncheon - Thursday, November 7th at Cleveland State University

Women of Color Foundation to host 8th Annual Leadership Development and Training Institute

Kicking Off the Holiday Shopping Season Avant-Garde Style

America’s Largest Media Companies, the Partnership for a Healthier America, Let’s Move!, MyPlate and Pinterest Join to Make Healthier Recipes Easy to Find and Share

One of New York's favorite shrunken desserts is growing and wants to take
everyone along for the journey.

Women of Color Foundation to host 8^th Annual Leadership Development and Training Institute