blackgivesback

First National Historic Landmark Honoring the Negro Baseball Leagues Needs Your Help

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:00:00 +0000

The Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, NJ

Friends of Hinchliffe aims to restore historic baseball stadium

“There are times when I’ve been inside and I can faintly hear the roar of the Great Falls, and when I close my eyes, I can just imagine the roar of the crowds here during Negro League games...” Brian LoPinto, cofounder, Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium.

In Paterson, NJ sits a historic landmark that once was the home of the Negro Baseball Leagues during the Jim Crow era – the Hinchliffe Stadium. It played host to some of the greatest black stars of that time who had no access to the major leagues that included Josh Gibson, Monte Irvin and Larry Doby, a baseball Hall of Famer who broke the color barrier in the American League in 1947. Hinchliffe is among a handful of surviving baseball venues in the country that were home to professional black sports and today; it is condemned and covered with graffiti.

Built in 1932, the 10,000 seat stadium was modeled after Rome’s Circus Maximus with concrete and decorative tile inlays invoking Olympic sports. Through the Depression and into the war years, Hinchliffe remained distinctive for its integrated play and unsegregated stands. In addition to baseball, the stadium promoted sports that were to become American mainstays—league football, star-level boxing, pre-NASCAR auto-racing, and major track and field meets. The stadium also hosted star-studded music and entertainment with Duke Ellington playing one of his last concerts on the field in 1971.

Upgrades to the stadium occurred in 1964, soon after ownership was passed to the City Schools and in the early 80's. Over the next decade, the general decline of the school system diverted funds away from the stadium, resulting in neglect and eventually, closure. This prompted calls for the stadium’s demolition, which sparked renewed interest in preserving and restoring Hinchliffe to its rightful glory.

In 2002, a group of local volunteer citizens formed Friends of Hinchliffe, a nonprofit organization to protect the stadium and ensure its recognition as a national historic landmark. Their goal is to rehabilitate the venue and have it returned to its rightful owners, the youth of Paterson. Paterson has a high African-American population that wishes to have the city's Negro League tradition live for future generations.

The group successfully argued the stadium’s place on the State and National Registers in 2003-2004 and in 2010, Hinchliffe was placed on the “Eleven Most Endangered” list of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Today, the Friends of Hinchliffe is seeking support from their local community and from individuals across the nation who want to help keep this landmark alive. The National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) has now declared the stadium a “National Treasure,” the first National Landmark associated with the history of the Negro Leagues. The group hoped that this designation would help support fundraising efforts, but an error by the NJ State Office of Historic Preservation cost the stadium restoration money. Coordinated efforts are now underway through two major New Jersey Historic Trust grants and with support from the Mayor and Schools Administration. The estimated cost for rehabilitation is $15-25 million.

Brent Leggs, Project Manager for the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Treasure project at Hinchliffe Stadium shares, “The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a champion of the Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium and the work of local advocates to save this National Historic Landmark. Saving history is a shared responsibility. We welcome a broader constituency of funders and supporters to join our cause. Hinchliffe Stadium is a national treasure worthy of preservation.”

Three members of the Friends of Hinchliffe: Chris Coke, Donna Ivy and Brian LoPinto. Photo by Friends of Hinchliffe VP Dr. Flavia Alaya

To learn how you can get involved with the Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium and to support their efforts, contact Brian LoPinto at brianlopinto@hotmail.com or 973-773-8646. Visit their website at http://www.hinchliffestadium.org.

Photos courtesy of Jeffs4653/Flickr

Wells Fargo Supports Community Programs in Honor of the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:50:00 +0000

Mayor William Bell and other special guests join Wells Fargo for special announcement of its contribution to“50 Years Forward”

BIRMINGHAM, AL – Wells Fargo has announced its support of a wide variety of programs and events as part of Birmingham’s 50th anniversary celebration of the Civil Rights movement, “50 Years Forward.”

Throughout 2013, as part of the year-long celebration, Wells Fargo will provide financial support for the following organizations and programs.

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute –Wells Fargo is supporting educational programs for the special exhibition, “Marching On: The Children's Movement @ 50,” which will be on display until Nov. 30.

Wells Fargo is also sponsoring the exhibition and related programs for “Remembering 4 Little Girls: A Gallery of Creative Expressions,” which will be on display at Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in the David Vann Community Gallery from Aug. 27 to Dec. 8, 2013.

Alabama School of Fine Arts - Visual Arts student Kristalyn Robinson was selected to create a large depiction of the four young girls killed in the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in 1963. Wells Fargo is sponsoring the painting, which will be housed at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute until it is unveiled later this year at its permanent home at Birmingham City Hall.

Community Policing & Revitalization – Wells Fargo is the title sponsor of the 2013 Recognition of Excellence Awards Banquet on July 13. This year, the theme is “Champions of Progress: Celebrating our Legacy and Empowering our Communities,” which is focused on remembering the heroes of the Civil Rights movement. The guest speaker will be Dr. Joseph Lowery, a legendary leader of the Civil Rights movement.

Alabama Public Television – Wells Fargo is sponsoring “Project C: Lessons from the American Civil Rights Movement,” a Web-interactive field trip featuring Birmingham Civil Rights events for teaching citizenship and civic engagement. The field trip, which will be three live webcasts throughout the school year, will be available free to every middle and high school student in every Alabama classroom during the 2013-2014 school year.

Sixteenth Street Baptist Church Foundation – Wells Fargo’s support will provide college scholarships through the church’s college scholarship program.

Red Mountain Theatre Company and THE MLK PROJECT – Wells Fargo sponsored the play, “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” based on a letter written by Martin Luther King, Jr. The play took place in April. Wells Fargo’s support also includes outreach to Birmingham area schools and RMTC’s performance at the dedication of the City Jail Historical marker.

A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club – Wells Fargo helped sponsor the reprint of “Green Power,” a book written by A.G. Gaston on entrepreneurship.

In addition, the bank is supporting educational outreach and tours for 4th graders across Birmingham, as well as after-school initiatives for middle school students on a variety of topics, including financial education. And, Wells Fargo is the presenting sponsor for Juneteenth Culture Fest on June 1, a free annual family festival hosted by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.

“We are proud to show our support of the ‘50 Years Forward’ celebration, which honors such a rich part of Birmingham’s history,” said Leigh Collier, Mid-South region president. “We are proud to come together with the City of Birmingham and other organizations and businesses across Birmingham to honor the strength and courage of so many people who paved the way for us today.”

“We are excited to have another corporate partner as we commemorate ‘50 Years Forward’ in Birmingham,” said Mayor William Bell. “Our thanks goes out to Wells Fargo for supporting this important year as we pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much.”

For more information on the 50th Anniversary plans, see www.50yearsforward.com.

Source: Press release

NBA All Star Chris Paul Hosts Celebrity Poker Tournament and Golf Classic

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:07:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES, CA – Six-time NBA All Star Chris Paul is proud to announce that he will host a Celebrity Poker Tournament at Club Nokia on Sunday, July 7, 2013 followed by a Celebrity Golf Classic at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, CA on Monday, July 8, 2013. All proceeds will directly support the initiatives of Paul’s CP3 Foundation.

“I’m looking forward to hosting this weekend of poker and golf,” stated Paul. “We are going to have a lot of fun at both events and raise funds for my foundation so I can continue to support the numerous educational initiatives that are important to me and my family.” Paul was named one of BlackGivesBack.com’s top ten black celebrity philanthropists of 2012 and during the 2013 All Star Weekend, Paul co-hosted a luncheon with fellow NBA player Carmelo Anthony on supporting black male achievement initiatives.

The Celebrity Poker Tournament will kick off at 7:00 pm with a red carpet entrance featuring Paul alongside special guests. The event will feature a “No Limit” Texas Hold ‘Em format and celebrities and athletes will be featured at each table. The final table will include Paul and nine finalists to compete for various prizes. The Celebrity Golf Classic will be held at noon at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks. Teams of five will feature one celebrity paired with four amateurs in a Modified Scramble format.

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact kevin.marsh@jpse.net. For general information and event details, please contact tara.melby@jpse.net. For more event information and to learn more about the CP3 Foundation please visit www.cp3foundation.org.

About The CP3 Foundation

In 2005, Chris established the CP3 Foundation in honor of his late grandfather to provide scholarships for kids to attend Wake Forest University. Chris' emphasis on community involvement has won the CP3 Foundation the NBA's Community Assist Award four times. The foundation's initiatives include partnerships with Feed The Children, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boys & Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity and LA’s Best. The foundation also sponsors and supports literacy initiatives, youth basketball clinics and court refurbishments. In 2010 Chris partnered with Chase Bank to launch the CP3 Afterschool Zone in New Orleans, to provide an enriching afterschool environment for youth.

The Art Institute of Chicago Celebrates the Great Migration

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:52:00 +0000

Diana Palomar, Murrell Higgins Duster, Sandra Rand and Shawnelle Logan attend the opening gala for “They Seek a City” exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago on March 2, 2013.

By Sandra C. Davis, Chicago Contributor

CHICAGO, IL –The Art Institute of Chicago in partnership with the Leadership Advisory Committee (LAC), the Art Institute’s African American Affiliate Group, commemorated the lives and struggles of immigrants from Eastern Europe, Mexico and African Americans from the South that shaped the cultural, social and political landscape of Chicago with a stylized opening gala celebration for the exhibition, “They Seek a City: Chicago and the Art of Migration, 1910–1950.”

Held on March 2, 2013, leading philanthropists, politicians, industrialists and arts enthusiasts enjoyed a creative cocktail reception, dinner, exhibition viewing, dessert buffet and gaming lounge. The night’s entertainment was provided by soul-singer Terisa Griffin, Redmink Productions (retro dance performances) and a jazz band.

“They Seek a City” exhibition, now on view in the Modern Wing at the Art Institute of Chicago through June 2, 2013, highlights the works of pioneering 20th century African American artists: Margaret Burroughs, Eldzier Cortor, Walter Ellison, Archibald Motley, Elizabeth Catlett, Gordon Parks and more. Several pieces are borrowed from the South Side Community Art Center and the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum.

Leah Hope, award-winning reporter for ABC 7 News Chicago and LAC Leadership Advisory Committee Gala Chair, along with Sandra Rand, celebrated executive/philanthropist and LAC Patron Sponsor and Committee Member kept the eclectic event exciting and vibrant by mingling gracefully throughout the evening with the event planning company Strategic Events Solutions, Inc.

Gala Co-Chairs Lester and Nancy McKeever, Leadership Advisory Committee Gala Chair Leah Hope, Governor Quinn, Exhibition Curator Sarah Kelly Oehler, and President of the Art Institute of Chicago Douglas Druick

Leah Hope with Todd Brown and Dana Rice, co-chairs of the Leadership Advisory Committee

Leah Hope and Honorary Gala Chair Michelle Boone

Everett Rand, Trustee on the City Colleges of Chicago Board, Co-Founder of the annual Chicago Football Classic and President and CEO of Midway Wholesale Beverage, Inc.; Twyler Jenkins, Strategic Events Solutions event planner; and Tim Rand, Philanthropist, Co-Founder of the annual Chicago Football Classic and Founder of Majority Owner of Midway Airport Concessionaires

The Opening Gala Celebration Committee included Leadership Advisory Committee Gala Chair Leah Hope, Honorary Gala Chairs Governor Pat Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Michelle T. Boone, Programming Chair Ronne Hartfield, and Gala Co-Chairs Nancy and Lester McKeever.

“They Seek a City: Chicago and the Art of Migration, 1910–1950” is sponsored by the Exelon Foundation, Allstate Insurance, Cari and Michael Sacks, Splash – A Chicago Sun-Times Publication, Verizon Wireless, BMO Harris Bank, Denise and Gary Gardner, Chicago Community Trust, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Cheryl and Eric McKissack and the Macy's Foundation.

Visit the exhibition website here and make plans to visit! The exhibition is on view until Sunday, June 2, 2013.

About The Leadership Advisory Committee (LAC)
The Leadership Advisory Committee of the Art Institute provides counsel, fresh perspectives and support to the museum on all matters related to the engagement and advancement of African Americans in the life of the institution.

Story submitted by Sandra C. Davis
Sandra is a Purpose-Driven Marketing Communications/Branding Strategist and Writer, who connects people, events, nonprofits, and companies with complementary brands and social causes that share their missions and target markets in order to amplify each entities social impact. Ms. Davis is the Creative Director of Lioness Communications and a member of the Chicago Ideas Week Cooperative. On Twitter, follow @Sandraloves.

Photos: All photographs taken by Victor Powell, Powell Photography

New Report Offers Lessons for Philanthropic Field to Keep Up with Changing Face of America

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:24:00 +0000

D5’s “State of the Work” Report Features Efforts by Foundations to Increase Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Chicago, IL (Via Press Release) —The face of America is changing. Between 2000 and 2010, the population of the American South grew by 14%—and the Latino population in the South grew by 57%. One in five Americans has a disability. Fifty-seven percent of college graduates are women. Same-sex couples live in 93% of counties in the US.

How can the philanthropic field increase its diversity, advance equity, and improve its inclusiveness to keep up with these trends? D5—a five-year effort to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in philanthropy—examines this question in its annual “State of the Work” report, released this week.

Featuring lessons learned from executives of the American Express Foundation, the Baltimore Community Foundation, Access Strategies Fund, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Capek Consulting, Russell Family Foundation, and FSG, the report draws on the successes and challenges of philanthropic leaders to create a more diverse sector in 2012.

“It’s vital that philanthropy stays ahead of the changing face of our constituencies in order to effectively meet the needs of those we seek to benefit,” said Kelly Brown, Director of the D5 Coalition. “Unfortunately, philanthropy lacks a data collection mechanism to accurately answer whether, as a field, we are ahead of or behind these trends. It is our hope that foundations will join us in improving this data collection—and then be transparent with the results so we can learn and improve.”

“The opportunity before us is tremendous,” said Brown. “If we get this right and grow diversity, equity, and inclusion in philanthropy, foundations will be able to draw on the power of diverse staffs and boards to achieve lasting impact, forge genuine partnerships with diverse communities, and increase access to opportunities and resources for all people. We believe the cumulative impact of these efforts is a stronger sector that more effectively advances the common good.”

By the end of 2015, D5 hopes to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in philanthropy by:

Recruiting diverse leaders for foundations—including CEOs, staff, and trustees;
Identifying the best actions organizations can take to advance diversity, equity and inclusion;
Increasing funding for diverse communities and ensuring that foundations offer all constituencies equal opportunity to access the resources they need; and
Improving data collection and transparency to measure progress.

Kevin Griffin Moreno, a Senior Program Officer at the Baltimore Community Foundation, says his organization incorporated diversity into its strategic planning process to ensure that it had meaning in the way the foundation does business. “I wanted to make sure that before we started talking to anybody in the community, particularly our grantees, about a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, that we—the board, staff, and volunteers—had a clear sense of what that meant for us. We had to be prepared to demonstrate how we were adopting those principles and putting them into practice before we breathed a word about incorporating them into our grant guidelines, to the way we run initiatives or in the way we manage investments.”

While philanthropy has more work to do to stay ahead of the changing face of America, many leaders in the field are launching bold initiatives to get ahead of the curve. In April 2013, leaders from 26 major foundations—including the California Endowment, Annie E. Casey Foundation, W. K. Kellogg Foundation, and Open Society Foundations—met in Chicago to form an alliance and take action on issues that affect boys and young men of color. The alliance seeks to “evaluate promising approaches, advocate for effective public policy and systems change, and invest in these young men as assets for America's future.”

As many leaders across the country are taking important steps forward, “State of the Work” 2013 profiles the lessons they have learned. The report offers suggestions for determining how diversity, equity and inclusion can help increase effectiveness—and provides concrete ideas for how to translate those values into action.

The complete report can be found at http://www.d5coalition.org/tools/state-of-the-work-2013/.

Black Benefactors Giving Circle Hosts Meet & Greet in Washington, DC

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Thu, 16 May 2013 14:05:00 +0000

Are you interested in learning more about giving circles?

Would you like to join a group of dedicated individuals and businesses who pool their monies for greater good?

Are you a nonprofit organization located in the Washington, DC region that serves the African American community?

If yes, then RSVP to attend The Black Benefactors Meet and Greet on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 from 5:30-7:30pm!

The mission of The Black Benefactors is to encourage philanthropy and community service among the African American community in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area; and to enhance the well being of Black children, youth and families through grants and in-kind support to local organizations. The event is free with a cash bar. Visit here to RSVP: http://bbmeetandgreet.eventbrite.com/.

Related posts
A Celebration of Black Philanthropy in Washington, DC
A Celebration of Giving: The Black Benefactors Hosts Ebony Magazine Feature Party
Ebony Magazine Highlights Black Wealth and Giving in August 2011 Issue

Historic Home of the “Father of Black History” Wins $75,000 Preservation Grant

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:49:00 +0000

American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation award $1M in grants to restore 13 Washington, DC area historic places

The winners have been announced in the American Express and National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Partners in Preservation, the Washington, DC region’s first-ever preservation effort powered by social media. The program provides $1 million in funding to preserve historic buildings, landmarks and icons. Following three weeks of voting by the public, 24 sites were chosen via various social channels, including Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare and Instagram. BlackGivesBack served as an official blog ambassador for the program, and as we previously featured, three sites with significant African American history were among the contenders. We’re proud to announce that all three received preservation grants!

Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church located at Scott Circle in DC will receive $90,000 to restore stained glass windows on the church’s primary façade. The glass windows record the growth of the AME denomination – the first independent Black religious body in the US – from 1816 to 1896.

The Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site (pictured) located in DC’s Shaw community will receive a $75,000 grant to rebuild its front and rear façade in order to stabilize the home for public access. The Woodson Home is a three-story Victorian row house that was the original headquarters of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) founded by Carter G. Woodson, known as the "Father of Black History."

LAMB at Military Road School in Brightwood, DC will receive $60,000 to repair the exterior of the school building including its columns and cupola. This school was constructed on the site of one of the city’s first public schools built for freedmen, serving for many years as the only school available to African American students in the upper Northwest neighborhood of DC.

Sylvia Cyrus, executive director of ASALH shared with BlackGivesBack:

“The Association for the Study of African American Life and History is pleased the Carter G. Woodson home is among the 13 historic places in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia to receive a grant as part of Partners in Preservation's commitment to preservation efforts in the area. We are extremely grateful to all who voted for Woodson's home. As the founders of Black History Month and guardian of Dr. Woodson's legacy, ASALH will use this grant to fulfill our dream to restore the historic Woodson home as a national treasure to be shared with all who visit our nation's capital. Our plans are to open the Woodson home to the public in 2015, which serves as ASALH's centennial year. This grant will indeed move us closer to achieving our goal. The immediate priority is to stabilize the site as a result of damage the site experienced due to the 2010 earthquake and hurricane. It is truly an honor and a testament to Dr. Woodson's legendary contributions to American history and culture.”

During the voting period supporters used the hashtag #PreserveDMV on Twitter to show who they voted for:

I just voted for @woodsonnps Home to receive funding from @partnersinpres preservedmv.com #PreserveDMV
— HeritageSalonMag (@HeritageSalon) May 6, 2013

I just voted for #MetroAMEC to receive funding from @partnersinpres preservedmv.com #PreserveDMV
— E. Scott (@ElsieScot) May 10, 2013

The winner of Partners in Preservation that garnered the most votes is the Washington National Cathedral. For earning the most points, the historic landmark will receive its full grant request of $100,000 to restore two bays of the vaulted ceiling inside the nave, which were damaged in 2011's earthquake.

“The D.C. Metro region has shown a true sense of community through its spirited support of their local historic places,” said Timothy J. McClimon, President, American Express Foundation. “We hope the Partners in Preservation funding is just the first step in ensuring that these cultural sites are accessible for many years to come.”

For a full list of all grantees and participating sites, please visit preservationnation.org.

Alvin Ailey 2013 Spring Gala Raises $1 Million for Student Scholarships

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Ailey Dancers Sean Carmon, Jacqueline Green and Collin Heyward

The Future and Present Stars of Ailey Shined on the Apollo Stage for a Memorable Gala Benefit

NEW YORK, NY - On May 7th, Ailey returned to Harlem’s world-famous Apollo Theater for a one-night-only event that featured performances by the world-renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, rising stars of Ailey II, gifted young dancers from The Ailey School, and talented students from AileyCamp Washington Heights and Newark. Ailey’s 2013 Spring Gala marked the first time all tiers of the organization have come together to perform on one stage.

The benefit, honoring Ailey Board of Trustees member Robert Kissane, raised a record breaking 1 million dollars for student scholarships to The Ailey School and the organization’s Arts In Education & Community Programs, including AileyCamp. Artistic Director Robert Battle welcomed Honorary Chair Kimberly Chandler and over 900 guests, including Amsale Abrera, Bevy Smith, Emilio Sosa, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, Emily Blavatnik, Judith Jamison, Terry McMillan, Khephra Burns and Henry McGee. Gala co-chairs were Lynne and Anthony M. Carvette, Leslie and Tom Maheras, David E. Monn, and Almaz and Marc Strachan; and vice chairs were Michele and Timothy Barakett, Judith Byrd, Eboni Marshall Turman and Rossie E. Turman III, and Yelberton R. Watkins. Together with the stars of Ailey, attendees danced the night away at the post performance party, which featured music by special guest DJ Kiss.

Herb and Simin Allison with Artistic Director Robert Battle

Honorary Chair Kimberly Chandler and daughter Sacha-Marie

Student from The Ailey School, Robert Battle, Honoree Robert Kissane and wife Angela Kissane

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performing Alvin Ailey's Revelations

Students from The Ailey School performing Synthesis

Event Co-Chairs with Robert Battle and Honoree Robert Kissane

Join in the celebration as Ailey’s 21-city North American tour returns to the NY tri-state area for performances at Newark’s NJPAC (May 10-12) and Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater (June 12 – 16). Visit here for more information.

Press release/Photo credit: Christopher Duggan for Alvin Ailey

Annual Career Fair & Exhibition to Introduce STEM Careers Among Atlanta Youth

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:15:00 +0000

SEM Link to host 6th Annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Career Fair & Exhibition

ATLANTA, GA - Atlanta area youth and families are invited to a free STEM Career Fair and Exhibition hosted by Science, Engineering and Mathematics Link Inc. (SEM Link) on Saturday, May 11th from 10 am to 2 pm at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) Student Center Ballroom.

The annual event will feature STEM professionals and graduate students from organizations such as Albany State, American Chemical Society, Coca-Cola, Clorox, Georgia Tech and Popeye’s Louisiana Fried Chicken to share their passion for STEM, discuss their careers, conduct hands-on demonstrations and showcase real world applications of math and science.

“So many students go through school disliking STEM because they are intimidated by it and don’t fully realize the opportunities in these fields. By engaging K-12 students in hands-on STEM demonstrations we are not only introducing them to an array of STEM careers, but in many cases, unveiling opportunities and possibilities that they may otherwise have never been introduced to,” stated Dr. Kenyetta A. Johnson, SEM Link board member and Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Georgia Perimeter College.

Support for the fair is provided by the Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Space Consortium Grant, Coca- Cola African American Technical Network and American Chemical Society Georgia Local Section.

To register, visit http://semlink6thatlstemfair.eventbrite.com/. For more information, contact Ms. Stephanie A. Lee, STEM Career Fair Coordinator at stephaniealee@semsuccess.org. Learn more about SEM Link by visiting www.semsuccess.org.

Related posts
Catching Up With BlackGivesBack Contributor Tokiwa Smith, Founder of SEM Link
Creating the Next Generation of STEM Professionals of African Descent

Source: Press release

The Insider: Darryl Smith Jr., Senior Class President, Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:45:00 +0000

Our latest Insider will accomplish an important milestone next month - graduating from high school. Meet Darryl Smith Jr., senior class president at Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men - Englewood Campus and future entrepreneur. Darryl and his classmates beat the odds so often associated with young black males and they have much to be proud of. Members of Urban Prep’s class of 2013 have been accepted to over 115 four-year colleges and universities including Cornell University, Morehouse College, Howard University, The University of Notre Dame and The University of Pennsylvania. A smiling Darryl is pictured wearing a red-and-gold striped tie that signifies his college-bound status. He plans to attend Beloit College in Wisconsin this fall.

Read on to learn Darryl’s thoughts on the youth violence crisis in Chicago, his most memorable experience as a student and his advice for freshmen students in this second in a series feature on Urban Prep Academies.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! Please share with us, what are your career goals and how did Urban Prep support you?

My career goal is to become an entrepreneur and someday open a community based mental health clinic for youth. This idea was inspired by my interactions with Urban Prep’s Founder and CEO, Tim King. His passion and vision for opening Urban Prep closely align with my own goal of beginning a community clinic. He showed me that my dream can become a reality, no matter the obstacles in your way.

What are your thoughts on the violence epidemic among Chicago's youth? How can adults and the community support youth to make sure they are safe, stay in school and graduate?

My thoughts on the violence plaguing Chicago’s youth are not positive. It’s completely criminal that my fun and exposure to certain parts of the city are limited because I fear for my safety when traveling anywhere outside of my house -- and that includes to and from school.

Adults need to stop stereotyping, and step out of their comfort zones and adopt an at-risk child as a mentee. I feel that the youth won’t grow if the teachers (elders) are too afraid to work with them.

You will soon join the ranks of Urban Prep alumni. What is one of your most memorable stories of your time there?

After a rough start during my freshmen year, I was very disgruntled with the school and wanted to leave. However, I gained a small circle of friends that helped me get through the rough times. If I had left Urban Prep because of those bad experiences, I wouldn’t be the man I am today. Staying here made me a man. It helped me realize my potential for overcoming adversity and staying focused on the end goal; becoming an Urban Prep Man!

What advice would you give to the new freshman class entering Urban Prep this fall?

Just as I tell my little brother, Dominic Smith (Urban Prep-ENG class of 2016), recognize that the challenges placed before you by other students, teachers, principals, coaches, etc. are all part of a larger plan to build you up into an unbreakable man. Go with the program, it works.

Anything else you'd like to share?

You’re going to hear about my success soon; and when you do, trust that I will owe a big part of it to Urban Prep.

We look forward to hearing about your success Darryl! Read the first post in this two-part series here.

Bazaar Spices: DC Entrepreneurs Build Community through Retail and Education

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 08 May 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Husband and wife duo Ivan and Monica Grover Fitzgerald grew up in homes that valued holistic traditions, gardening and nature. As adults they traveled the four corners of the world visiting markets, observing firsthand their power to contribute to the fabric of a community. Inspired by this, Ivan and Monica launched Bazaar Spices, a unique shop located in Washington, DC that offers a variety of spices, herbs, botanicals, rice, flours, and lentils to enlighten the mind, body, and soul. In addition to their retail business, Bazaar Spices provides educational workshops on using nature’s gifts for health and healing. The couple also gives back to their community by supporting a variety of organizations, and are members of The Black Benefactors, a local giving circle. Monica shares with us more about Bazaar Spices and their commitment to community.

What inspired you and your husband to become entrepreneurs?

We have lived in the Washington, DC community for over 10 years. Recently, we left the corporate and nonprofit worlds to pursue our entrepreneurial dreams. Witnessing how local markets contribute to the fabric of a community and how the spice and herb shop, alongside the butcher and the baker, forms the foundation of these markets, we were inspired to launch Bazaar Spices. We come from families that incorporated holistic traditions and gardening into our lives, and we have a strong connection to nature that we wanted to share with our community. We have also always wanted to start our own business together. It's something my parents have done and something that we believe gives us more autonomy over our own lives.

What can visitors find at Bazaar Spices?

Through Bazaar Spices, our approach is not only to offer a diverse assortment of high-quality spices, herbs, botanicals, rice, flours, and lentils from around the world, but also to educate and be educated, about these wonderful natural gifts.

Spices have been used throughout history for everything from currency to medicine to warding off evil spirits and attracting good ones. Spices provide valuable health benefits and, of course, also make food taste good. No matter how you choose to use them, Bazaar Spices carries a wide selection of spices from all over the world, from Piment d'Espelette, a gourmet pepper that is unique to only 13 villages in France, to Juniper Berries, used for a millennium to season rabbit, venison, wild boar, pork, and fowl. Many of our spices can be purchased in small sample packages, as well as in larger quantities.

As with our herbs and botanicals, we obtain our spices from suppliers that value and utilize sustainable production practices. We try to cover the most common to the most rare and exotic spices; if there is something we do not have in stock, just ask and we will be more than happy to try to hunt it down for you. We love to hear stories about how our customers use their spices, and we welcome you sharing your stories with us via recipes, perhaps some family folklore, or even just what’s in your spice cabinet!

How do you and your husband give back to your community?

We give back to our community by supporting many DC arts and education initiatives, and we want to weave that sense of giving into the culture of Bazaar Spices. We also provide free or low cost educational opportunities at our spice boutique. These classes and seminars teach our community about how spices and health are interconnected. We've had classes such as “Nutrition and Cancer,” “Sri Lankan Home Cooking,” “Creole and Cajun Spice Blending,” “World Salt Tastings,” etc. We have a few free upcoming classes that include “Cooking with Edible Flowers” and “Everyday Ethiopian.” We find that through sharing our expertise and knowledge with our community, education is one of the most powerful ways to give back.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Bazaar Spices is a unique shop. You can come to Bazaar Spices and explore, experiment, and learn. It's an educational outing and a place that you can travel to within the city that will take you across the globe through its offerings. Folks can find us on twitter @bazaarspices and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bazaarspices. If you can't make it into our store, you can check out our product list on our website and send us an email with an order you would like to place, and we'll mail it right out to you!

Bazaar Spices is located in Union Market, 1309 5th Street, NE in Washington, DC. To register for their upcoming free workshop, Cooking with Edible Flowers on Thursday, May 9th at 6pm, visit here. And be sure to visit their blog, Spicy DC that features wonderful dishes using their spices and highlights from their community events.

Update: Zagat.com named Bazaar Spices as one of 16 Food Artisans You Need to Know From Around the U.S.!

Duke University Business Students Win First Prize in Executive Leadership Foundation’s 2013 Business Case Competition

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:00:00 +0000

Jeffrey G. Webster of ExxonMobil, Business Case Competition 1st Place winners Crystal Moore and Erica Jones of Duke University and Ronald C. Parker, president and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council and Foundation

Team developed strategies and solutions for helping American corporations build and sustain a diverse pool of STEM talent

FAIRFAX, VA - The Executive Leadership Foundation recently awarded two second year MBA candidates from The Fuqua School of Business at Duke University first place honors in their 2013 Business Case Competition, which focused this year on developing workforce talent with skills in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines. Sponsored again this year by Exxon Mobil Corporation, ELF’s annual competition invited MBA/MA teams from 70 business schools to analyze a compelling business issue that challenged their critical thinking, analytical, and communications skills. The 2013 winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges that included leaders from corporations and non-profits such as BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Merck, Sustainable Star, The Johns Hopkins University, and the National Council of La Raza.

“With our backgrounds in public education management, we were passionate about this subject and worked hard to develop effective strategies for preparing more U.S. women and minorities for STEM careers,” said team captain Crystal Moore, a native of Collinsville, Miss. “We spent many early mornings, late nights and hours of conducting research and interviewing other students, industry leaders, and faculty at Duke to put our best effort into this challenging business case, and it paid off.” Duke teammate Erica Jones of Chicago added, “We are grateful to The Executive Leadership Foundation and ExxonMobil for this opportunity and the generous scholarship.”

ELF’s Business Case Competition challenged this year’s teams to develop strategies and solutions for helping American corporations build and sustain a diverse pool of STEM talent. The competition focused on how to grow talent domestically, particularly among women and minorities, to meet current and future workforce needs. Teams also were asked to develop strategies for increasing the number of college graduates with STEM degrees.

Recommendations by Duke’s winning team included creating partnerships between Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and top engineering schools, introducing a STEM media branding campaign to promote studies in STEM fields, and collaborating with K-12 schools to create technology labs, corporate endowed teaching positions in middle and high schools, and launch a pathway to STEM degrees program.

“I would like to congratulate all of the teams for their strong showings in The Executive Leadership Foundation’s Business Case Competition sponsored by ExxonMobil, and for placing in the Finals. The team from Duke provided creative recommendations with innovative and actionable solutions for addressing this important workforce issue,” said Ronald C. Parker, president and CEO of The Executive Leadership Council and Foundation. “For our nation to compete globally, we need more college graduates with degrees and training in the STEM fields. It will be important for corporations to build a qualified pipeline of American workers to fill these jobs,” Parker added.

In addition to the $35,000 scholarship cash award, Duke’s Moore and Jones will be recognized during ELF’s 2013 Recognition Gala on October 24 before an audience of more than 2,000 corporate, education and government leaders. The second place team from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management will receive a $20,000 scholarship cash award with the third place team from Wake Forest University’s School of Business receiving $15,000. Participating teams also had an opportunity to meet with ExxonMobil executives and recruiters during the competition to be considered for internships and entry-level employment opportunities with the company.

ExxonMobil has sponsored the Business Case Competition for four consecutive years on topics such as innovative STEM education for middle school students, devising an energy plan for the U.S. by the year 2030 and corporate philanthropy and black nonprofits.

About The Executive Leadership Foundation
The Executive Leadership Foundation focuses on improving local communities and helping disadvantaged groups within the broader society. The 501(c)(3) affiliate of The Executive Leadership Council, Inc. (ELC) supports education programs and provides scholarships to deserving students interested in business and corporate careers. Programs develop future business leaders, filling the pipeline from the classroom to the boardroom. For more information about The Executive Leadership Council and Foundation, please visit www.elcinfo.com.

Source and photos: Executive Leadership Council

The Insider: Tim King, Founder and CEO of Urban Prep Academies

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:48:00 +0000

Tim King, founder, president and CEO of Urban Prep Academies with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and students.

CHICAGO, IL - In 2002, Tim King along with a group of African American education, business and civic leaders founded Urban Prep Academies, a network of public college-prep boys’ schools and related programming, to improve the educational opportunities available to Chicago’s urban males. In 2005 the organization opened Urban Prep Charter Academy for Young Men – Englewood Campus, the country's first charter public high school for boys. Today, Urban Prep operates three schools that have received national recognition for graduating its students in a city where fewer than 40% of African American males finish high school.

Last month, Urban Prep proudly announced that all seniors from their Englewood campus and seniors from the inaugural graduating class from its West campus, 167 African American males, have been accepted to a four-year college or university with more than $6 million in scholarships. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel touted their success stating, “Their accomplishment today is a ringing example that when you have a teacher in the classroom that is committed, a principal in the school who is accountable and adults at home that are involved, any student from any neighborhood or background in Chicago can achieve the dream of graduating and going to college.”

Read on to learn how Urban Prep accomplishes its success, Tim’s thoughts on Chicago’s youth violence epidemic and the organization’s new initiative funded by the Citi Foundation to support its alumni affairs program in this two-part blog series.

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Education: Howalton Day School and St. Ignatius College Prep High School in Chicago, Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service and Juris Doctor Degrees from Georgetown University

Honors/Awards: ABC World News “Person of the Week,” Chicago Magazine’s “Chicagoan of the Year,” People Magazine’s “Hero of the Year,” The Grio's 100 History Makers in the Making, Ebony Magazine’s “Power 100” List

Congratulations on a 100% college acceptance rate for the 2013 class of Urban Prep! As our nation's schools continue to face challenges graduating young men of color, how does Urban Prep accomplish this mighty feat?

There’s no secret sauce to what we do. It truly is an earnest effort by a group of professionals who are dedicated to the organization’s mission. It starts with having clearly communicated expectations for the students, families and faculty. Within that, building a strong school culture that supports the mission and vision. At Urban Prep, our positive school culture is built upon four pillars—also known as our 4 R’s: Respect, Responsibility, Rituals and Relationships. Each of these plays a vital role in the overall academic success and social emotional development of our students and alum.

Please share with us, what are your thoughts on the youth violence plaguing Chicago and other cities? How are your students responding?

The circumstances and negative statistics surrounding youth violence, especially in the case of African American males, have reached crisis level. The Centers for Disease Control cite the leading cause of death among African American men between the ages of 15 and 24 is homicide. Last year, more people were killed in Chicago than in the U.S. military in Afghanistan. I was asked to give a testimony to Congress on violence and I’ve written on the subject, so it’s something that we are incredibly concerned about and focused on. But, I’m proud of the fact that our guys, who have to traverse the tough streets day-in and day-out, still make the choice to come to school (we have a 95% daily attendance rate). They choose non-violence over violence; they choose to believe in their future.

Probably the best way to answer this question, however, is through an anecdote. Last summer, there was this boy who was shot twice in the chest. The facts said that as a Black boy in the ‘hood he was supposed to drop-out of school; supposed to end-up in jail; supposed to die a violent death. But this boy made the decision to defy the data. He refused to let the facts that made up others’ futures define his destiny. Instead, when he got out of the hospital, he returned to school and now is just a few weeks away from graduating from Urban Prep. The facts might have pointed him to a coffin, but he, like his Urban Prep classmates, is pointing himself to college.

Urban Prep recently announced a $150,000 donation from the Citi Foundation to support your Alumni Affairs Program, Project GOLD. Tell our readers more about this project and its importance to the success of Urban Prep.

When a student enrolls in Urban Prep as a freshman, we tell him and his family that we are committed to the student until he graduates from college. We pride ourselves on the fact that we care more about college degrees than high school diplomas. The goal of Urban Prep’s Alumni Program, also known as Project GOLD, is to track graduates to and through college. This program provides the necessary support for our young men while enrolled in college. The program utilizes myriad tactics to follow and further support young men through their college careers (social media contact, phone calls, letters, care packages, workshops on financial aid resources and career planning, campus visits, alumni gatherings, etc.)

There are more UP grads at Morehouse tham from any other high school in the nation #FACT100
— Urban Prep Academies (@UrbanPrep) March 28, 2013

Last month, an alliance of foundation heads and nonprofit leaders gathered in Chicago during the annual Council on Foundations conference to discuss issues facing boys and young men of color and pledged to take collective action. What would be your suggestions to the group as they begin to examine, recommend and support efforts at national, regional and local levels?

My biggest suggestion would be for funders to talk to folks who are on the ground, running organizations that are focused on African American male achievement and determine what these organizations need in order to sustain their success. The focus shouldn’t be on reinventing the wheel, but rather finding ways to keep the wheels on organizations that are effectively serving Black males.

How can readers support Urban Prep?

Urban Prep Academies is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and as such, donations are tax-deductible (and greatly appreciated!). Visit www.urbanprep.org/donate to make a donation; www.urbanprep.org for more information on Urban Prep; and www.urbanprep.org/about/contact-us to contact us and sign-up for regular updates.

Anything else you'd like to share?

The Urban Prep motto is We Believe. It’s important to always have faith and believe in people, but also you have to believe in your ability to positively affect the lives of others. Places like Urban Prep are what happen when We Believe.

Black Philanthropic Alliance Accepting Applications for Peer Coaching Network

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 06 May 2013 14:29:00 +0000

WASHINGTON, DC - Applications are now being accepted for the Black Philanthropic Alliance's (BPA) Peer Coaching Network (PCN). Open to seasoned and next generation (less than five years’ experience) nonprofit executive directors, the PCN will begin in June and run for six sessions.

PCN allows a small group of nonprofit leaders the opportunity to participate in highly focused meetings to address real-life issues or goals while encouraging practical advice and useful questions from other members. Participants will identify useful actions to take between meetings, foster learning from peers’ advice and question and reflect on individual actions, through both external or self-facilitation. The BPA Peer Coaching Network is designed to:

Enhance and strengthen leadership skills
Provide a forum for problem solving
Provide a safe place for leaders of color to discuss challenges and issues
Offer mentoring and encouragement for the next generation of minority leaders

Participants will work with a trained peer coaching facilitator provided through the Center for Nonprofit Advancement. BPA’s PCN employs the Authentic Circles peer-coaching model developed by Authenticity Consulting, Inc.

To learn more and to request an application, contact director@blackphilanthropicalliance.org. Applications are due no later than ~~Friday, May 10, 2013~~. Deadline extended to Friday, May 17th! To learn more about the Black Philanthropic Alliance, visit blackphilanthropicalliance.org.

Charlotte’s ‘Step Up’ Soirée Lifts Dance Company to New Heights

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Thu, 02 May 2013 14:45:00 +0000

Step Up Committee Member and NCDT Board Member Ron Freeman, UPTOWN Magazine; Step Up Founder and NCDT Board Member Kobi Kennedy Brinson, Assistant General Counsel and SVP, Bank of America; Amanda Smith, NCDT, First Company; and NCDT Board Member Kellie Lofton, Wells Fargo

African American donors host annual fête to bring dancers of color to NC Dance Theatre

By Valaida Fullwood, Contributor

Charlotte, NC — The Patricia McBride and Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux Center for Dance, the new state-of-the-art home of North Carolina Dance Theatre (NCDT), was the site of the Third Annual Step Up Soirée.

More than 200 guests turned out for the April 12th event and helped raise over $35,000 for the Dancers’ Fund. The fund provides financial assistance to young dancers of color and promotes recruitment and retention of diverse talent for the dance company and its school. A new and extraordinary NCDT collaboration with the world-class dance school at Dance Theatre of Harlem was announced at the fundraiser.

A VIP cocktail reception and special performance by the School of Dance preceded the soirée. Among the dazzling young dancers, Jared Sutton, an exceptional 12-year-old dancer and recipient of Step Up scholarships in 2012 and 2013, shone bright. The pre-soirée culminated with a spectacular performance by NC Dance Theatre 2 (NCDT2), young professional artists affiliated with the second company. Wowing the audience were standouts Amanda Smith, one of the newest ballerinas to join the first company, and Haitian dancer Stanford Placide.

Amanda Smith, one of the newest professional dancers to join the first company of NC Dance Theatre.

Jared Sutton, 2012 and 2013 Step Up scholarship recipient and his parents, Denise and Pierre Sutton

Addul Manzano, NCDT first company professional dancer, and Kobi Kennedy Brinson, board member who conceived of and continues to nurture Step Up.

Kobi Kennedy Brinson, Step Up founder and committee vice chair, expressed delight in the event’s increasing success in raising funds to attract and assist young dancers of color. “We are absolutely overjoyed about Amanda being promoted to the first company. She will be the Dance Theatre’s first African American ballerina since 2007. Pete Walker and Jordan Leeper also are among the dancers of color who have become a part of the company in recent years,” noted Brinson, who serves on the organization’s board of directors.

The newly forged, three-year partnership with Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) was finessed by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, NCDT president and artistic director, and Virginia Johnson, DTH artistic director. Each year two outstanding students graduating DTH will join NCDT2. Thrilled with the news, Step Up committee members will underwrite the collaboration with funds raised by the soirée in 2014.

“I’m very excited about Dance Theatre’s collaboration with the Dance Theatre of Harlem,” stated Committee Chair Kellie Lofton. “This will assist our efforts to bring and retain an increasing number of talented dancers of diverse backgrounds to Charlotte.”

Event guests Candice and Jermaine Johnson of No Grease, Inc. with Step Up Committee Chair Kellie Lofton

Throughout the evening, guests took pleasure in a Moscato bar sponsored by UPTOWN Magazine, food by Stone Table and Latin jazz by Los Leones. Fashion Fair and Carol’s Daughter refreshed looks with makeovers. And an after-party in the Center's upstairs studio provided guests a city view and their own curtain-call performances, grooving to the beats of DJ Shogun.

Wells Fargo and Winston & Strawn, LLP were leading corporate sponsors and a host of other businesses, individuals and in-kind contributors helped make the event possible.

2013 Step Up Committee Members: Event Founder and Vice Chair Kobi Kennedy Brinson, Chair Kellie Lofton, Natasha Witherspoon of Doosan Portable Power, Ron Freeman of UPTOWN Magazine, Natalie Frazier Allen of The Arts Empowerment Project, Marcus Kimbrough, NCDT Board Member, Valassis Communications and Nikki Fleming of Vintage Wealth Management Group

About North Carolina Dance Theatre
Founded in 1970, NCDT is the oldest professional ballet company in the state. Today, the organization enjoys a national reputation for excellence in programming, education and outreach, and dance training. Its mission is to provide artistically excellent programming to diverse audiences in its home city of Charlotte, the Southeast region, and to the varied communities it serves while on tour across the nation. NCDT REACH! is a nationally recognized outreach program that provides dance training for children ages 7 to 10 with natural talent yet financial barriers. ncdance.org

Story submitted by Valaida Fullwood
Described an “idea whisperer,” Valaida brings unbridled imagination and a gift for harnessing wild ideas to her work as a writer and project strategist. She is a founding member of Charlotte’s New Generation of African American Philanthropists and author of “Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African American Philanthropists.” On Twitter, follow @ValaidaF and @BlkGivesBackCLT.

Photo credit: Jon Strayhorn

Harlem Entrepreneur Talks Philanthropy and Giving Circles

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Thu, 02 May 2013 13:55:00 +0000

Sharene and Guy Wood are fashion staples in the Harlem community. Over the past twenty years, the couple has operated 5001 FLAVORS, a successful fashion company encompassing custom-made design, fashion styling and personal shopping service. 5001 FLAVORS has created custom-made ensembles for Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, Jamie Foxx, Lebron James, Kim Kardashian, and many more. Their latest endeavor is the “retail expression of 5001 FLAVORS” known as Harlem Haberdashery, a bespoke men’s and women’s boutique. The stylish specialty shop located in the heart of central Harlem carries limited collections of accessories and apparel.

Sharene Wood, CEO and President of 5001 FLAVORS and co-owner of Harlem Haberdashery, shared with us her philanthropic projects that includes membership in a local women’s giving circle, Black Women for Black Girls.

In addition to being a business owner, you are active in giving back to the community in many ways. What organizations do you support and why?

I decided a few years ago to focus my philanthropy on a very focused group. As a mother, I knew I wanted to support an organization that empowered children, and since I'm in the fashion industry, it was also very important to support organizations that connected philanthropy and fashion.

I support Black Women for Black Girls, a charity giving circle of professional black women that seeks to amass knowledge and financial resources that will support organizations committed to the empowerment of black girls in New York City. BWFBG is a phenomenal group of wonderful women who have come together to honor the black girls they were by helping other black girls grow and mature into tomorrow’s leaders. We are committed to implementing great initiatives and mentorship programs that help to educate and encourage NYC black girls...I am a mother and am honoring my daughter and mother as I serve helping other girls. Black Women for Black Girls calls upon black women to be leaders who will support their younger sisters as they try to attain life success in a difficult urban environment. I received so much love and support growing up; I am just trying to pay it forward.

Thank you Sharene for sharing your philanthropy with us. For ways you can help, see Sharene’s upcoming community activities below:

Saturday, May 4, 7am - 1pm: Greener Lenox

Kicking off the 2013 Spring/Summer season, “The LEAGUE” in conjunction with Harlem Haberdashery, The Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association (MMPCIA) and Azekiwe Providence & Warrior Sports will host “Greener Lenox” to maintain the trees and median flower planter-boxes by watering, weeding, removing trash & dead shrubbery, mulching, planting flowers and bulbs in tree beds, creating tree bed signs and building protective tree guards on a consistent basis. Committed volunteers (as of date) include Bank of America, Harlem Shake and more.

Volunteers are welcome to participate by calling (646) 707-0070.

April 15 - May 9, various times: Elegant for Prom

Harlem Haberdashery hosts “Elegant for Prom” to encourage fashion/wardrobe stylists, fashion editors, market editors and all-around male and female fashionistas to donate their on trend new, gently used and clean prom and/or graduation worthy accessories and clothing for male and females including:

Accessories (scarves, brooches, sunglasses, evening handbags, etc.)
Shoes (wingtips, heels that are 2 inch and beyond, flats, etc.)
Cocktail dresses
Event gowns
Tuxedos
Spring suits

The donated items will be used to dress and style local young men and women to have a memorable prom or graduation selected by Not Another Child and the Food Bank of New York organizations.

Donations will be accepted at:
Harlem Haberdashery
245 Lenox Avenue (bet. 122 and 123rd Street)
New York, NY 10027
646-707-0070
Attn: Louis Johnson, Jr.
Donations may delivered now - Thursday, May 9th each day between 12-7pm

Students will select their “looks” on Friday, May 10th from 12 - 7pm and Saturday, May 11th from 11 am - 4pm at Harlem Haberdashery with a spring celebration for the lucky students.

Memorial Service for Judge Bernard Hampton Jackson Draws NYC Political Elite

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:35:00 +0000

Founding Member of 100 Black Men Praised for His Commitment to Justice

A memorial for the late New York State Supreme Court Judge Bernard Hampton Jackson of Watermill, NY and New York City was held at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem on Friday, April 26th. It was an afternoon service filled with love and laughter befitting the successful son of Harlem who helped pave the way for many African Americans in law enforcement and jurisprudence. Judge Jackson passed away on January 17, 2013 at New York Presbyterian/ Weill Cornell Medical Center following a long illness. He was 86 years old.

The venerable church was filled with New York’s power-players and friends of many decades, many who spoke emotionally and with great humor about "Bernie" who loved a good party and a good joke. Among the speakers were Basil Paterson, longtime political leader in New York and Harlem and father of the 55th Governor of New York, David Paterson; Congressman Charles Rangel; the Honorable David N. Dinkins; New York & Hamptons realtor Stephen Wald; family friend Keith Murray; fashion guru Audrey Smaltz; O. T. Wells; and Livingston Francis, Dean of The Reveille Club. His son Bernard H. Jackson III with sister Linda Jackson spoke movingly about their father. Fitfully for Judge Jackson, a big classical music fan, Metropolitan Opera star Eric Owens performed “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and “This is Always.”

Born October 26, 1926 and raised in Harlem, he began his career as a police officer rising quickly up the ranks while attending Brooklyn Law School at night with longtime friend David N. Dinkins, who would later go on to become Mayor of New York. Jackson rose to the rank of detective before becoming Assistant United States Attorney working with Robert F. Kennedy.

In 1968, he became one of only two black executives at the National Football League named as special counsel to Commissioner Pete Rozelle. Shifting back to public service, Jackson was named Regional Representative to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce under President Jimmy Carter.

In the 1980s, he was appointed to the Criminal Court in New York and was later elected Justice of the New York State Supreme Court. In 1990, he left the bench to become Of Counsel to the international law firm of White & Case and was later named Chairman of the New York City Civil Service Commission.

He was a Founding Member of 100 Black Men and participated in various civic and professional organizations including the Manhattan Chapter of the Guardsmen, Zeta Boule, The Reveille Club of New York and Kappa Alpha Phi Fraternity. Jackson along with his wife Joyce was an ardent supporter of numerous charitable organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York, Glimmerglass Opera Festival (of which his daughter Linda is Managing Director), the Parrish Art Museum and Evidence, A Dance Company for whom he and Joyce hosted several of their annual 'On Our Toes in the Hamptons' Galas at their Watermill home.

Judge Jackson is survived by his wife Joyce Mullins Jackson, her son Brandon and grandchildren Jalen and Asha Mullins; daughter Linda, son Bernard III and daughter-in-law Kerri Jackson.

Photo: Honorable Judge Bernard Jackson and Joyce Mullins-Jackson attend the 'Grace in Winter' gala for Evidence, A Dance Company in 2009.

Press release/Alchimia

Michigan Nonprofit Leaders Look to Rebuild Through Cross-Cultural Community Building

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:15:00 +0000

Nonprofit leaders gather from the Genesee County, Michigan area for the Community Foundation of Greater Flint

Flint’s BEST Project to host diverse, noted speakers to facilitate and elevate civic dialogue about change

Flint, Mich. –Join the BEST Project as they host an interactive day of conversations, presentations and public dialogue to build bridges of understanding that are culturally significant, inclusive, responsive, and collaborative. As our community rebuilds, we need to have more conversations across real and perceived barriers in order to see what’s possible. The event is being held Tuesday, May 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Riverfront Banquet Center located at 1 Riverfront Center W., Flint, MI, 48502.

The day’s events will be led by noted authors and scholars Tendaji Ganges, Assistant to the Chancellor and Executive Director of The Office of Educational Opportunity Initiatives at University of Michigan-Flint; Valaida Fullwood, author of Giving Back: A Tribute to Generations of African-American Philanthropists; Jacob Hess and Phil Neisser, co-authors of You’re Not as Crazy as I Thought (But You’re Still Wrong): Conversations between a Devoted Conservative and a Die-Hard Liberal; and, Ozzie Rivera, Director of Community Engagement for Southwest Solutions in Detroit.

This is a one-time opportunity to engage with these dynamic facilitators to refresh and develop new insights and skills to work collaboratively across nonprofit, private, faith-based and public sectors.

The event is $35.00 per person. This includes refreshments for breakfast and lunch.

The BEST Project is a program of the United Way of Genesee County. It is an initiative that works with partners and agencies to strengthen the nonprofit sector of Flint and Genesee County by providing access to high-value learning opportunities and expert consulting resources. It is supported by four local funders: Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Ruth Mott Foundation, and United Way of Genesee County.

The Flint and Genesee Chamber of Commerce is a sponsor of this event. Come see what’s possible!

For more information and to register, please contact Jenni Dones with the BEST Project at 810-232-8000 or jdones@bestprojectonline.org.

LA Urban League Young Professionals to Host Panel Discussion on Starting a Nonprofit

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:50:00 +0000

CNN's 2010 Hero Susan Burton and L.A. Nonprofit Professionals as Featured Speakers

LOS ANGELES, CA – The Los Angeles Urban League Young Professionals (LAULYP) has announced that it will host a panel discussion for young African-American professionals interested in forming their own nonprofit. “Building A Better You: Starting Your Own Nonprofit” will feature a keynote from Susan Burton, a CNN Top 10 Hero of 2010 and founder and executive director of A New Way Of Life Reentry Project.

The event is free and will take place from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at the LA Urban League Headquarters, 3450 Mount Vernon Drive in Los Angeles, CA.

Susan Burton (pictured) and her story of perseverance in overcoming overwhelming odds is an inspiration to women across the country. After cycling in and out of the criminal justice system for nearly fifteen years, Susan gained freedom and sobriety and founded A New Way of Life Reentry Project in 1998. Her nonprofit has helped more than 600 female ex-convicts in South Central Los Angeles get back on their feet.

Following Ms. Burton's keynote, founders and employees from L.A.’s top nonprofits will share their perspectives on getting started, fundraising and more. Panel speakers include: Rico Cabrera, Founder, Rico's Get Better Foundation; Rashunda Rene, Founder, (C.U.S.P.) Committed to Uplifting Single Parents; Chrysta Wilson, non-profit consultant, Wilson & Associates; Sheri Dunn Berry, Director of Programs, Community Partners; and Ken Billups, Founder, (C.L.I.M.B.) Creating Leaders in Mind and Body, Inc. The panel will be moderated by Joseph Paul Jr., Program Manager for SHIELDS for Families.

The nonprofit sector has been growing steadily, both in size and financial impact, for more than a decade. During the recession, employment in the nonprofit sector actually increased, according to the National Center for Charitable Statistics.

“The LAULYP is pleased to not only offer leadership and networking resources for young African-Americans making waves in business and government, but also for those interested in heading nonprofit, faith and community-based organizations,” says Abby Harris, LAULYP's President. “Given the recession and its impact on minority workers, we're pleased to see more and more young people who are interested in making the switch to social entrepreneurship. Susan Burton is a phenomenal woman and indeed a hero, and we couldn't be more excited to hear what she has to say to young people looking to follow in her footsteps.”

Non-LAULYP members are welcome to attend and participate in this discussion. RSVP is required. For more information or to RSVP, visit laulypnonprofits-eventful.eventbrite.com.

About the Los Angeles Urban League Young Professionals

The Los Angeles Urban League Young Professionals (LAULYP), comprised of African-American professionals ages 21 to 40, is a thriving volunteer auxiliary of the Los Angeles Urban League (LAUL), one of the most prominent nonprofits in the city. The LAULYP's network of young professionals provides leadership development, economic empowerment and community volunteer opportunities. Since 2010, the LAULYP has been recognized as the Western Chapter of Excellence. For more information, visit laulyp.com or follow on Twitter at @laulyps.

Press release

Young Professionals Launch Mentoring Initiative at Harlem High School

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:33:00 +0000

Kesha Nichols, star of VH1's Basketball Wives; Tara Dowdell, The Tara Dowdell Group; Tamika Mallory, National Action Network (NAN) and Rachel Nordlinger, Rev. Al Sharpton spokeswoman at the Young Professionals United for Change mentoring launch in Harlem, New York.

HARLEM, NY - On Wednesday, April 24th, Young Professionals United for Change (YP4C), an organization that focuses on increasing community service and civic engagement among young professionals of color, launched a weekly Speaker Series initiative consisting of skill-building workshops and personal development sessions at Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing Arts. Wadleigh is a historic 112-year old institution, which gained tri-state recognition in 2012 when local residents successfully fought to keep the school open after it was slated to be shut down by the New York City Department of Education.

Among the guests in attendance at the launch included New York City Councilwoman Inez E. Dickens, Basketball Wives Star Kesha Nichols, National Action Network Executive Director Tamika Mallory, and YP4C Founder Brian A. Benjamin.

YP4C believes that the lack of exposure to successful young adults of color is a contributing factor to the academic underperformance plaguing too many urban schools. YP4C’s goal is to highlight examples of young urban success; and in doing so, combat negative images and promote achievement. Future speakers for the series will feature Dr. Muri Raifu, Neurosurgeon; Harry Hutchison, formerly of Bad Boy Entertainment and Tiffany Jones, Fashion Executive and Founder of Breast Cancer Awareness Organization, PinkChoseMe.org.

Kesha Nichols talks with the students.

Ralph Johnson, Speaker, Microbiologist for US Customs; Paul McIntosh, School Librarian; Tyee Chin, Principal, Brian Benjamin, Founder, YP4C; Kesha Nichols, BBW; Tamika Mallory, NAN and Kercena Dozier, Banker, Carver Bank

About Young Professionals United For Change
YP4C’s mission is to increase community service and civic engagement among young professionals of color, and in doing so, assist in strengthening economically-disadvantaged urban communities. In support of its mission, YP4C focuses on three areas: supporting community-based organizations, promoting awareness and involvement around issues impacting underserved communities and improving urban public education. Visit the website at http://yp4c.org/.

Youth Board Member of International Youth Leadership Institute Shares Why She Gives Back

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:51:00 +0000

IYLI to Host Opening Doors to the World Fundraiser

By Akira Barclay, Contributor

On May 8, 2013, The International Youth Leadership Institute (IYLI), an organization that prepares African American and Latino secondary school students for leadership roles, will celebrate global understanding during their 24th annual celebration, Opening Doors to the World. IYLI will honor famed photographer Chester Higgins, Jr. with the Global Citizenship Award and proceeds of the event will support scholarships for New York City high school students traveling and studying in Africa.

A success story of the organization is Jadayah Spencer, who began college at New York University at the age of 16. The IYLI alumna and board member shared her experience with us and explained why supporting their work is so important.

BGB: What is The International Youth Leadership Institute?

Spencer: IYLI is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1989 that prepares African American and Latino secondary school students to assume active leadership roles in their communities and global society. The way we work is that over the course of the school year, fellows attend seminars held at Columbia University on various issues pertinent in society today, ranging everywhere from the AIDS epidemic, to Art and Activism. These seminars culminate in a trip during the month of July to a country in the African diaspora, which also includes Latin America. Because we're a college-level program for high school students, they don't just go for vacation or relaxation. While the students are in the host-country, they attend classes at a university there for a week, learning the language of the land, then they proceed to travel throughout the country, visiting government offices, meeting non-governmental organizations, doing community service, conducting ethnographies, and facilitating seminars of their own, all with around ten other young people and their group leaders traveling alongside them.

Because IYLI wants to make the world accessible to all fellows, IYLI heavily subsidizes the cost of travel, such that some fellows are able to have this entire experience for merely $300. The effect of IYLI on these students is evident in the fact that 98% of IYLI fellows have gone on to attend post-secondary institutions. IYLI has somehow managed to provide all this for the Fellow, and somehow still serves as a community of love, where any and everyone involved is appreciated and respected as part of the IYLI family.

BGB: What motivates you to give back to IYLI?

Spencer: IYLI is primarily a volunteer run organization, with only one full-time staff member. I am a volunteer, a member of the Board of Directors, and also an IYLI alumna, having participated in the 2011 Summer Fellowship Program to Tanzania, East Africa. I loved the experience so much, and I grew as a person exponentially over the course of that month-long trip. As a result, I was so grateful to IYLI that I resolved to never stop being involved. No one else but an IYLI fellow gets to experience the world the way IYLI does. Through the loving family atmosphere within IYLI, along with the environment that requires critical-thinking and analysis (IYLI uses history, culture, geography, and environment as a framework), IYLI Fellows thrive both spiritually and intellectually. I consider it my honor to help in that process.

BGB: How can others support IYLI's great work?

Spencer: Others can support IYLI's work by attending our May 8th event and spreading the word about our indiegogo campaign! We are trying to raise $2 million to help our fellows continue to travel. Donate and tell your friends about this wonderful opportunity to help the world's next leaders and change-makers.

Tickets for Opening Doors to the World are now on sale. To purchase, visit http://www.iyli.org/benefit.html or contribute to IYLI’s indegogo campaign at http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/opening-doors-to-the-world. Learn more about the organization by visiting the website at iyli.org.

Photo via Teen Diaries of Jadayah studying abroad in Italy.

AT&T Nation's Football Classic Launches "Making Moves" Sweepstakes

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:47:00 +0000

Prizes include AT&T tablet and tickets to AT&T Nation's Football Classic in Washington, DC

On September 7, 2013, two of the nation's HBCUs - Howard University and Morehouse College - will take to the football field in a classic rivalry for the AT&T Nation's Football Classic in Washington, DC.

The annual event not only features football, but showcases the Tradition, Service, Unity and Heritage of these prominent institutions.

To generate excitement for the game, AT&T Nation's Football Classic (AT&T NFC) is launching the "Making Moves" sweepstakes. The "Making Moves" promotion encourages African-American consumers to come along for the ride by asking consumers to visit http://makingmoves.att.net to answer the question, "How are you 'Making Moves' this summer to prepare for your future?" They will also be able to carry on the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #ATTMakingMoves.

The sweepstakes runs through Monday, May 20th and is open to those 18 and up. A random drawing will be held to select the winners of the prizes that will be announced on Tuesday, May 21. One grand prize winner will receive four suite tickets to the AT&T NFC game and an AT&T tablet. One first prize winner will receive one AT&T tablet and two tickets to the NFC. Four second prize winners will receive two tickets to the NFC game.

For information on rules, go to http://makingmoves.att.net/rules/index.html.

World Leaders Celebrate Legacy of African Leadership at Africare’s 2013 Bishop John T. Walker Memorial Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:40:00 +0000

Mo Ibrahim (center), founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and 2013 Africare honoree with President and CEO of Africare, Darius Mans (right) and guest.

President Barack Obama and Dr. Mo Ibrahim Recognized for Contributions to Improve Quality of Life in Sub-Saharan Africa

WASHINGTON, DC – Africare, the oldest and largest African-American led non-profit committed to advancing development in Africa, hosted more than 1,000 global leaders in government, business and international development on Friday, April 20th at its annual Bishop John T. Walker Memorial Dinner and fundraiser at the Hilton Washington Hotel in Washington, D.C. The gala honored President Barack Obama and Dr. Mo Ibrahim for their outstanding accomplishments and life-changing impacts in Africa.

“President Obama and Dr. Ibrahim have both played critical roles in helping to improve the quality of life in Africa,” said Darius Mans, President, Africare. “Their contributions, along with the consistent support of our sponsors and donors, are helping to provide underserved communities in every major region of Sub-Saharan Africa with access to food, technology, healthcare and more opportunity. We celebrate our progress to date, and eagerly look forward to making an even greater impact on the continent in years to come.”

President Obama was recognized for providing funds through his Nobel Peace Prize award to support the development of Africare’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Health (WASHH) Project in the Wasa Amenfi West District of Ghana, which not only improved access to clean water, but also implemented sustainable strategies for the continuation of healthy environmental water practices. President Obama’s generous contribution and support has also reinforced Ghana’s initiatives to meet their Millennium Development Goal for water by 2015.

White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough accepted the award on President Obama’s behalf.

President Barack Obama provided his acceptance via video.

“Tonight we gather to honor those who are building a better future for the people of Africa; to reflect on the progress that we’ve made; and to celebrate the legacy of Bishop Walker, a true humanitarian in every sense of that word,” McDonough said. “If we continue to encourage the forces of progress and reform, of freedom and opportunity, the people of Africa will realize a bright and prosperous future and the people of the United States will be safer and more prosperous as well. So thank you for everything that you do to promote democracy, development and peace in Africa. You have a committed partner in President Obama and the United States and we look forward to continuing our work together to open new avenues of partnership and redouble our support for the aspirations of people across the continent.”

Africare also presented Dr. Ibrahim, a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, with the 2013 Bishop John T. Walker Leadership Award for his work to improve leadership in Africa through The Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Dr. Ibrahim also established the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, which recognizes heads of state who demonstrate economic and social development and encourages and current leaders to practice better governance.

“I’m really humbled and so grateful for Africare’s kindness,” Ibrahim said during his remarks. “Africa is moving forward – there’s no question about that. It doesn’t mean we are there yet. We see a great rise in the African servant society, mainly from young people and women. These two forces, I believe, are what will change Africa.”

The Africare Bishop John T. Walker Memorial Dinner is held each year in memory of Bishop John T. Walker, the first African-American Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C. and Africare's longtime Board Chair. Bishop Walker distinguished himself as an exemplar of peace, justice and interracial harmony. The dinner plays an important role in enabling Africare to both broaden awareness about its work in Africa and to raise critically needed funds to deliver life-saving services. This year's dinner is made possible by the generosity of Chevron, ExxonMobil and The Coca-Cola Company, as well as many others from the business community.

Past recipients of the Bishop John T. Walker Leadership Award include former Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva who received an award in 2011 for the countless contributions in trade, investment and diplomatic relations between Brazil and Africa.

About Africare
Africare is a leading non-governmental organization (NGO) committed to addressing African development and policy issues by working in partnership with African people to build sustainable, healthy and productive communities. Since 1970, Africare has provided well over $1 billion of assistance and support through more than 2,500 projects in Agriculture & Food Security; Water, Sanitation & Hygiene; Women’s Empowerment; and Health, HIV & AIDS that have impacted millions of beneficiaries in 36 countries in Africa. Visit http://www.africare.org for more information.

Photos: Stuart A. Watson Photography

Source: Press release/Africare

Partners in Preservation: Help an African American DC Landmark!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:57:00 +0000

American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation to Award $1 Million in Grants to Washington, DC Metro Area Historic Places

Community Will Help Determine Which Projects Receive Funding

We’re excited to announce that BlackGivesBack.com is an official blog ambassador for Partners in Preservation, a community-based initiative by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation to raise awareness of the importance of historic places.

Twenty-four historic sites in Washington DC have been chosen to compete for $1 million in grant funding, including the National Cathedral, the GALA Hispanic Theatre and Dumbarton Oaks Park (view the full list here.) Each place has a different need in mind -- basic maintenance, renovation, site expansion, you name it.

As our site highlights philanthropy in the African American community and is based in Washington, DC, we will be focusing on three sites in the nation's capital:

The Carter G. Woodson Home - Dr. Carter G. Woodson was a scholar, author, publisher and is known as the "Father of Black History." The Woodson Home is a three-story Victorian rowhouse that was the original headquarters of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Currently closed to the public, this property will be a museum honoring Dr. Woodson’s life work and that of the ASALH.

LAMB @ Military Road School - The Military Road School was constructed on the site of one of the city’s first public schools built for freedmen, serving for many years as the only school available to African American students in the upper Northwest neighborhood of DC. This year marks the building’s 101st anniversary. Breathing life back into this historical building provides an opportunity that preserves the past while building the future.

Metropolitan AME Church (pictured above) - The Church’s stained glass windows, built by both enslaved and freedmen, record the growth of the AME denomination – the first independent Black religious body in the US – from 1816 to 1896. This pulpit has been symbolic of the sustained strength of a people and their belief in the equality of all people. The land-site is the oldest continuously Black-owned parcel of land in the District of Columbia.

Beginning today through May 10, Partners in Preservation invites BlackGivesBack readers to visit www.PartnersinPreservation.com to help one of these historic places earn points by voting online and via mobile, sharing with friends via Twitter, checking in on Foursquare and capturing images using Instagram. The site that receives the most points will get their entire project funded.

“Great cities are a reflection of their neighborhoods and landmarks,” said Kenneth I. Chenault, chairman and chief executive officer of American Express. “The places where people work, worship and reflect often define those neighborhoods, and our work with Partners in Preservation has taught us that maintaining local historic places for future generations is one of the best ways to make great cities even greater.”

Get Involved! Here’s how:

Learn more about the sites and vote online DAILY at partnersinpreservation.com
Check-In to the Sites on Foursquare, Post on Facebook, Tweet and Instagram using #PreserveDMV to earn more points
Come out to Farragut Square this Friday for Free Preservation Popsicles and to meet the sites
Visit the sites! Open House Weekend on May 4th and 5th will be a great time to really interact with some of the DC’s best historic gems

Through this partnership, American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation seek to increase the public’s awareness of the importance of historic preservation in the United States and to preserve America’s historic and cultural places.

We hope you will join us to support our nation's African American historical landmarks in Washington, DC and in your community. For more information, visit PartnersinPreservation.com or Facebook.com/PartnersinPreservation, or follow on Twitter at Twitter.com/PartnersinPres.

L'ORÉAL USA Supports Mentoring and Career Readiness for Young Black Women

noreply@blogger.com (Tracey) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:02:00 +0000

Antoinette Hamilton, Assistant Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at L’Oréal USA, addresses the New York Coalition of One Hundred Black Women’s 2013 Role Model students.

Annual event hosted by New York Coalition of 100 Black Women’s Annual Role Model Program

NEW YORK, NY— L’Oréal USA hosted 14 high school and 32 college students on April 22nd at its Fifth Avenue headquarters during Spring Break as part of its support for the New York Coalition of One Hundred Black Women’s annual Role Model Program. This initiative allows young women to learn practical workplace skills and to shadow professional women in their chosen careers for one week during spring semester break.

“L'Oréal USA values programs that empower women and girls. In 1999, our initial grant enabled the New York Coalition of One Hundred Black Women to expand its Role Model program beyond the borough of Manhattan, into Brooklyn and Queens, to students of Medgar Evers College and Queens College. Since that time, the program has further expanded to include York College, LaGuardia Community College, and others, and now also includes high school girls,” said Antoinette Hamilton, L’Oréal USA’s Assistant Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion.

“Today, through our multi-year partnership, we are proud to have contributed more than $300,000 to the Role Model program including more than $15,000 in scholarships awarded annually to program participants,” Ms. Hamilton noted.

“The Role Model Program is the Coalition's signature program, which has been very successful since its inception in 1979. Our partnership with L'Oréal USA has served to strengthen and expand this program and is an excellent example of the synergy created by the collaboration of a major corporation and a non-profit volunteer organization,” said Avalyn Simon, President of the New York Coalition of One Hundred Black Women.

The college students were selected from City College of New York (CCNY), LaGuardia Community College, Medgar Evers College, Queens College, York College--and new to the Role Model Program this year--John Jay College of Criminal Justice. The high school students attended the Women’s Academy of Excellence in the Bronx or are members of the Xinos Group of the National Sorority of Phi Beta Kappa in Queens.

The students participate in an intensive series of workshops with professionals who expose them to the realities of the workplace. During the week, the college students spend two full days with mentors while the high school students attend cultural presentations, which this year included viewings of the New York Historical Society’s exhibit Martin Luther King The Dream Continues: Photographs and “UMOJA – No Men Allowed” – a documentary screened at the Producers Club.

The Role Model program has notable successes with former mentees ‘paying it forward.’ Linda Chesney, the program’s York College coordinator, was herself a Role Model student from City College in 1992. She is currently the Director of Career Services at York College.

Twenty-three years ago, New York architect Zevilla Jackson Preston responded to a recruitment drive for the program at City College. Preston was selected to participate by faculty contact and Role Model Program coordinator at the college, Joyce Connelly-Simmons. Ms. Preston is now a Registered Architect and Founder and Principal of her Harlem-based firm, J-P Design, Inc. which she opened in 1993.

Looking back on her more than twenty years of entrepreneurship, Preston found the Role Model experience to be life-changing. About her participation in the program Preston says, “It was a transformative experience. The exposure, love and support that I received from the Coalition’s members and Ms. Joyce Connelly-Simmons in particular, is what propelled me forward in my professional life.”

This year Ms. Preston was a mentor and role model to CCNY student Shanay Cook who became interested in architecture after a trip to Costa Rica some years ago.

The 2013 program began with the “Dining Etiquette” workshop facilitated by L’Oréal’s Director of Food Services and Event Planning Alessandra Kiprovski. Continuing throughout the week, L’Oréal USA hosted workshops and presentations on “Dressing Your Way to Success” facilitated by Danielle Gray of the Style & Beauty Doctor; “Money Management” facilitated by Coalition member and financial advisor, Monica Noel; “Have A Beautiful Day” a skincare & hair care and make-up presentation featuring L’Oréal USA brands Matrix, Maybelline and Garnier, and for the third year in a row, a member of the L’Oréal Corporate Talent Recruitment team presented the workshop, “The World of Work at L’Oreal USA.” Additional workshops included: “Keeping It Real: The Politics of Work and Life” and “Social Networking.”

The week of workshops and job shadowing culminated with a closing ceremony, program review and scholarship presentation including a keynote address from City University of New York Senior Vice Chancellor and Secretary of the Board of Trustees Jay Hershenson who noted that students today have different challenges because their competition is no longer from the neighborhood or surrounding areas, but from around the world. He encouraged the students to work on developing three important keys to success, the ability to communicate well, the skills to identify and seek out information and opportunities, and the motivation to be persistent.

The scholarship winners were, first place, Nacilia McCarthy of York College; second place, Carlene Bobb of John Jay College, and third place, Stephany Ramales of LaGuardia Community College.

The Role Model Program is co-chaired by Cheryl Green-Foster, First Vice President, Corporate Sponsorship and Strategic Planning and Janice L. Tyson. Committee members are Elizabeth Carde, Cheryl Goggins, Barbara Kairson, PhD., Sharon Long and Yvonne Sterling.

New York Coalition of One Hundred Black Women

The New York Coalition of One Hundred Black Women is a non-profit organization addressing social, economic, political, cultural and other issues of concern to Black women in the five boroughs of New York City and beyond. The organization is dedicated to improving the quality of life for its members, their children and extended families, as well as in local communities and the larger city, state and nation. For more information about the organization go to www.cobwfounders.org or contact the NYCOBW Executive Offices at 208 East 79th Street, Suite 250A, New York, NY 10021, 212-517-5700.