Society Noir

More African-American Men Currently in Prison System than Were Enslaved Pre-Civil War

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 22:55:00 +0000

via Jeremiah Adebayo @ http://my.opera.com/diplomat2009/blog/

Law professor and author, Michelle Alexander spoke with concerned citizens in Pasadena, California about her bestseller, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness and the staggering number of African-American men who are caught up in the for-profit, American prison system. This comes at a significant cost to the African-American community. Many of these men have felony convictions and lose their voting rights, have children and aren't allowed to partake in many economic and educational opportunities. From elections to employment to education, these men are disenfranchised. America is the land of opportunity, but it is also the land of the highest incarceration rate in the world!

via Prison Culture, http://www.usprisonculture.com/

“More African American men are in prison or jail, on probation or parole than were enslaved in 1850, before the Civil War began,” Michelle Alexander told a standing room only house at the Pasadena Main Library this past Wednesday, the first of many jarring points she made in a riveting presentation.

Alexander, currently a law professor at Ohio State, had been brought in to discuss her year-old bestseller, The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. Interest ran so high beforehand that the organizers had to move the event to a location that could accommodate the eager attendees. That evening, more than 200 people braved the pouring rain and inevitable traffic jams to crowd into the library’s main room, with dozens more shuffled into an overflow room, and even more latecomers turned away altogether. Alexander and her topic had struck a nerve.

Growing crime rates over the past 30 years don’t explain the skyrocketing numbers of black — and increasingly brown — men caught in America’s prison system, according to Alexander, who clerked for Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun after attending Stanford Law. “In fact, crime rates have fluctuated over the years and are now at historical lows.”

“Most of that increase is due to the War on Drugs, a war waged almost exclusively in poor communities of color,” she said, even though studies have shown that whites use and sell illegal drugs at rates equal to or above blacks. In some black inner-city communities, four of five black youth can expect to be caught up in the criminal justice system during their lifetimes"

Hip Hop Meets Politics: Rhymefest Still Aiming for Role as Alderman in Chicago's 20th Ward

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:22:00 +0000

In what is turning out to be an landmark year for politics in the Midwest, Grammy-award winning rapper Che "Rhymefest" Smith is running for a seat on Chicago's City Council as Alderman of the 20th Ward.

Smith has pledged to give up a portion of his aldermanic salary for loans to bring business to the poverty-stricken area, as well as cleaning up the empty lots and neighborhood. Smith says "Let's start a 20th Ward renaissance," and that he's going to enlist the help of fellow Chicagoans Kanye West and Common to open businesses.

The homegrown Chicagoan who already has the gained ear of Chicago's youth via his music, has also garnered the support of the powerful Chicago Teachers' Union and even the brilliant Dr. Cornel West.

Yesterday Mr. Smith received 20% of the vote, which gives him enough leverage to battle incumbent Alderman Willie Cochran in an April 5th runoff. Incumbent, Mr. Cochran, received 46% of the votes, he needed 50% to be declared the winner.

“A lot of people didn’t vote for Cochran. People want change, and those who voted for Andre and George Davis will join up with me for change,” Che Smith said. “I’m having a revolution of love. We want the 20th Ward to be a village again," Smith told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Besides being a successful musician, Smith has attended Columbia College and Purdue University, served as a substitute teacher and youth counselor, as well as supported organizations such as The Happiness Club and Cabrini Connections.

The Co-writer of "Jesus Walks" by Kanye West, is no stranger to politics though. He has previously appeared before US Congress as an advocate for the entertainment industry, in addition to meeting with British Prime Minister David Cameron and discussing the impact the hip hop community can have on politics and social activism.

Nigeria Labour Congress Protests Union Bank of Nigeria's Anti-Labour Practices,While Shareholders File Suit Against the Executive Management

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:04:00 +0000

Many Employees of the Union Bank of Nigeria are fed up with what they say are oppressive, anti-labour practices that treats them like slaves. The National Labour Congress (NLC) acted on this disenchantment by picketing and literally shutting down several branches of Union Bank of Nigeria.

Simultaneously, Union Bank's shareholders are taking action by filing a lawsuit against the Managing Director of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mrs Funke Osibodu. The shareholders allege that Mrs. Osibodu and her colleagues are engaged in corruption, using the bank's funding for their personal benefit to the shareholders and bank's detriment.

Unfortunately, the customers who have money in the Union Bank of Nigeria are unable to access their much needed money and caught in the middle of what could be an important turning point in workers' rights in Nigeria.

MANY customers of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, who thronged the branches of the bank on Wednesday to transact business, were helpless as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) continued its picketing of the branches of the bank across the country.

The NLC took over all the branches and offices of Union Bank in Abuja on Wednesday, sealed them off, switched off their sources of power and chased out the few staff who were on duty.

As early as 8.00 a.m., officials of the NLC led their members in what the congress described as a final showdown and complete closure of the bank and instantly commenced the picketing from the bank’s headquarters in Area 3, Abuja.

Other branches of the bank picketed included those of Area 10, Area 8, Maitama, Wuse and Bullet House and the Three Arms Zone.

All the branches and offices were sealed off, locked with chains and padlock, while customers who wanted to withdraw money waited in vain.

A customer, Mr Mike Ahamba, who spoke on behalf of other customers at the Area 3 branch, regretted that the NLC came to seal off and took control of the bank without alerting the customers to the picketing.

He explained that he had come to the bank to collect money for his children to go back to school and for his needs, but regretted that the situation had really affected him and his household.

He said: “I am a civil servant, and I have an account in this bank. The situation is affecting me seriously. My children are at home and they cannot go back to their schools. Since last week, I can’t get my money.

“The approach is wrong, they should have informed us. Now, I have no money to spend at home. We are pleading and calling on the NLC to adopt another approach. They are supposed to take another step. I have been coming here everyday, I was here on Monday, and now today, but I cannot get my money.”

He pleaded that the NLC should call the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria to intervene in the issue rather than making life difficult for the customers.

Nigerian Tribune investigation also showed that the workers of the bank were in support of the NLC action.

As both shareholders and NLC aim for reform, Union Bank's management takes a firm postion and this could end up being a long resolution process...

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of Operations, Information Technology and Services of Union Bank Plc, Mr Shonubi Adebisi, has declared that the picketing by NLC has plunged the bank into yet to be quantified huge losses, despite every effort made by the bank to engage in dialogue with the labour on ways to resolve the crisis.

Adebisi said this on Wednesday, while briefing newsmen of the impact of the picketing on the bank.

In a related development, the Managing Director of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mrs Funke Osibodu, has asked a Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice B.I. Molokwu, to strike out a suit filed against her and others by some aggrieved shareholders of the bank, over an alleged reckless spending, saying that the shareholders lacked locus standi to institute the action.

The shareholders, led by the national coordinator of Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Nwosu Nnamdi , had filed the case, accusing Osibodu and others of expending the funds of the bank for their personal benefit to the detriment of the bank and its shareholders.

They also alleged that Mrs Osibodu and others appointed on the board of the bank by the governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Lamido Sanusi, had been running the affairs of the bank in an illegal and oppressive manner, to the prejudice of shareholders and contrary to the provisions of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of Union Bank.

The shareholders, in a case instituted by their counsel, Onyebuchi Aniakor, also listed Musa Gella Yakubu, Adekunle Adeosun, Philip Ikeazor, Ibrahim Kwargana, Folashodun Shonubi, Mansur Ahmed, Ahmadu Abubakar, Onikepo Akande, Ibrahim Gobir, Onajite Okoloko, Festus Odimegwu, Olusegun Olusanya and Cosmas Udofot, all as co-respondents.

However, in a joint preliminary objection, Osibodu and others submitted that the shareholders lacked locus standi to institute the action, adding that the suit disclosed no reasonable cause of action against them.

Source: Nigerian Tribune
Photo: Nigeria Daily News

Movers & Shakers: Desiree Rogers Discusses Her New Role at Johnson Publishing

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 18:11:00 +0000

Unless you live under a rock, you probably know of Chicago power-broker, socialite and personal friend of the Obamas, Desiree Rogers. Before she filled the role as White House Social Secretary, Rogers was already a very accomplished woman with a more-than-impressive resume. Now she can add her new role as CEO of Johnson Publishing Co. to the list.

One year after leaving her job as White House social secretary, Desiree Rogers is back on the party-hosting circuit, this time with a new agenda.

White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers poses for portrait in the Green Room of the White House in Washington D.C., March 4, 2009.

Rogers in August was named chief executive officer of Johnson Publishing Co., owner of Ebony and Jet magazines and Fashion Fair cosmetics. As the new public face of the brands, the New Orleans native has been hosting cocktail receptions, dinner parties and events in New York, Chicago and, this week, here, clinking glasses and creating buzz for the magazines and for a new Ebony Fashion Fair retrospective clothing exhibit at Macy’s stores.
“Who knew my time at the White House would prepare me to take on this role?” said Rogers, who left Washington last February with a track record filled with both successes (the much-praised White House music series) and scandals (wannabe reality TV stars crashing a state dinner).

On the phone one recent afternoon from Johnson headquarters in snowed-in Chicago, Rogers called her new position a “perfect fit.”
“I enjoy business and the creative process involved in the magazines and, of course, the social aspect. And I’m getting to do it with my best friend.”

Johnson Publishing, the nation’s largest African-American-owned media company, was founded by John Johnson in 1942. His daughter and Rogers’ friend, Linda Johnson Rice, is chairwoman.

The Macy’s exhibit, “For the Love of Color,” honors the legacy of Rice’s mother, Eunice Johnson, founder of the Ebony Fashion Fair, a series of traveling runway shows. The exhibit will be on display from Thursday through Monday at the Macy’s at Lakeside Shopping Center. Rogers will host an opening reception on Thursday at the Metairie store.
Eunice Johnson, who died last year at 93, moved in elite fashion circles. Rogers does as well.

In some ways, the exhibit feels like a passing of the torch.

Source

Fun fact about Desiree Rogers:
Ms. Rogers grew up in New Orleans 7th ward, reigned Queen of Zulu (Mardi Gras) and is the daughter of the late Roy Glapion a former New Orleans City Councilman who reigned as King of Zulu (Mardi Gras) posthumously.

Fabrice Armand & NYC Young Professionals Host "Haiti Cherie" Soiree to Benefit Haiti's Grace International

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:42:00 +0000

Fabrice Armand & Keenyah Hill

Prince Kunle Omilana and Princess Keisha Omilana

Angellika Morton


D'Isabella Lee, Fabrice Armand, Kwame Jackson, Calcie Cooper

Although it’s been over a year since Haiti endured a devastating earthquake, do-gooders like the NYC Young Professionals and philanthropist Fabrice Armand continue to raise awareness and offer Haitians much needed support by presenting the “Haiti Cherie: Pride, Love, Commitment” benefit in support of Grace International, Inc and the tent camp of Grace Village.

An impressive collection of guests ranging from African royalty to socialites, philanthropists, media personalities and high-powered executives gathered at the soiree celebrating not only the Haitian people’s resilience, but also to celebrate organizer, philanthropist and native son of Haiti Fabrice Armand’s birthday.

NBC's DeMarco Morgan was the Master of Ceremonies and notable guests at the soiree included: Nigerian Prince Kunle Omilana and Princess Keisha Omilana; Keenyah Hill, America’s Next Top Model; Musician, Tiga Jean Baptiste; Plus Size Model, Angellika Morton; Publicist and Socialite, BJ Coleman and Stylist, Alexa Winner, Apprentice contestant & Krimson by Kwame Founder, Kwame Jackson, to name a few.

To RESCUE, RELIEVE and RESTORE Haiti, is Grace International’s mission and they act on this mission by providing healthcare, education, feeding programs, and empowered living to Haitians in need. Grace Village, the base of the organizations work is located in Port au Prince in Carrefour County. Grace Village is Port au Prince’s second largest tent camp, with over 25,000 residents. Efforts are being made by Grace International to resettle many of these residents and create small communities that model holistic, industrious and sustainable living.

“Grace International is doing amazing work to bring a sense of normalcy to the lives of the more than 25,000 people who reside at Grace Village. I’m proud that we were able to raise awareness and support for the great work that they do,” said Fabrice Armand, Organizer of Haiti Cherie.

Haiti Cherie also raised funds by having a fabulous raffle contest & a silent auction for guests to bid on as they sipped Hennessey Privilege and Given Liquer. Some of the auction items available were a sunset cocktail cruise for two for 4 days, 3 nights all-inclusive sponsored by the Barbados Tourism Authority; a photo shoot with celebrity photo journalist, Kimberly Butler; autographed works by Shari Belafonte and by Maurizio Fiorini; and a shirt and tie by B. Oyama; Hank Aaron autographed baseball, an autographed copy of Wyatt Gallery’s Tent Life: Haiti, B. Braxton gift certificates and much more.

A gorgeous crowd, giving back & a good time is the perfect recipe for a great event!

Find out the various ways you can help Grace Village at:

Grace International Inc.

Tiga Jean Baptiste

BJ Coleman and Briana Bigham

Alexa Winner and Guest

Claire Sulmers and Fabrice Armand

Conner Cakes & Catering

Mike "Mancini" McConnell and DJ CEO

Phylicia Fant, Fabrice Armand, Candice Cook, Esq and Guest

Trevor Julien, Fabrice Armand, David Zelikovsky

Given Liquer Models

Mike Muse and Guest

Latoya Henry and Fabrice Armand

Guest and Emelyn Stuart

Guests

DeMarco Morgan, Fabrice Armand, Nkrumah Pierre

"Haiti Cherie's" Host Committee:
Yahve Alcinay; Kevin Alexander, Partner, Planet PR; Fabrice Armand; Yves Aubry; Tamar Bazin; Kelly Arrington Booker, Esq.; Meron Bravo, Founder, Bravo Globe; Marcia Cole, Founder, Amber Magazine; Alejandro Clabiorne; Sarah Clarkson; BJ Coleman, Coleman Entertainment Group; Candice Cook, Esq.; Calcie Cooper; John Dabu; Barbara Delaleu; Jeffrey Dessources; Diana Dessources, Esq.; Will “Nook” DuBose, CEO, DuBose Design; Sheila Gaillard; Dr. Gary Grant; Latoya Henry; Keenyah Hill, America’s Next Top Model; Andrea Hoffman, Diversity Affluence; Kwame Jackson, Krimson by Kwame; Demetria Lucas, Essence; John Magzalcioglu, Diamond Club International; Anne-Marie Martinez; Busie Matsiko, Executive Director, The Global Syndicate; Dr. Aletha Maybank; Michael “Mancini” McConnell; Myrdith Leon McCormack; DeMarco Morgan, WNBC New York; Mackenten Petion, President, RINY Media; Nkrumah Pierre; Arlene Pitterson; Jacques Philippe Piverger, Founder, The Global Syndicate; Diallo Shabazz; Brian Simon, Deputy Chief of Staff, Senator Gillibrand; Shana Stephenson, Marquee Matchups; Claire Sulmers, The Fashion Bomb; Cassandre Theano, Esq.; Alexa Winner, CEO, Alexa Winner Inc.; David Zelikovsky, Fund Art Now

Find out the various ways you can help Grace Village at:
Grace International Inc.

South Sudan Overwhelmingly Votes for Secession from North, Gains Independence

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:51:00 +0000

Year 2011 seems to be starting off as a "year of change" for Africans.The war-torn and oil dependent country of Sudan will undergo significant changes this year amid the results of a landslide vote from South Sudan to secede from the north. Southern Sudan is jubilant over the outcome of gaining its independence after enduring genocide, oppression and slavery under the regime of wanted war-crimes criminal President Omar Al-Bashir and the Khartoum government. Salva Kiir the President of Government of Southern Sudan urged the Sudanese people to be patient until their independence becomes official on July 9th.

"This is our day for freedom. We are ready to celebrate all night long," Santino Machar, a student, was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying.

Official figures released on Monday showed that 98.83 per cent of voters from the south chose to secede from the north.

The results, displayed at an announcement ceremony in Khartoum, revealed that out of 3,837,406 valid ballots cast, only 44,888 votes, or 1.17 per cent, favoured the status quo of unity with the north.

The event in the Sudanese capital was attended by Omar al-Bashir, Sudan's president, and Salva Kiir, the southern leader.

"Today we received these results and we accept and welcome these results because they represent the will of the southern people," al-Bashir said on state television.

"But we are committed to the links between the north and the south, and we are committed to good relations based on co-operation."

His comments reflect the economic dependence between the two: southern Sudan, which is rich in oil, cannot export its oil resources without using a pipeline that runs through the north.

The January 9-15 vote came six years after north and south Sudan ended a civil war spanning more than two decades, which left at least two million people dead.

It has been seen as the climax of the 2005 peace deal, which set out to reunite the country and instill democracy.

A formal declaration of independence will be made on 9 July.

Look for more follow up on Sudan and how you can help!

Source

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams: The Father of Heart Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:31:00 +0000

Watch this video excerpt about the history of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams is the Official Father of Open Heart / Cardiac Surgery

What you should know...

On January 23, 1891 Daniel Hale Williams helped establish the interracial hospital, Provident Hospital and Training School Association; where he trained black nurses and employed doctors of all races.
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams is the first person to perform an open-heart surgery.
Dr. Williams was also the first surgeon to open the chest cavity successfully without the patient dying of infection
On July 9, 1893, Dr. Williams successfully performed open heart surgery on a young Black man named James Cornish, who was injured in a bar fight and stabbed in the chest with a knife.
51 days later James Cornish walked out of Dr. Williams' Provident Hospital fully recovered and went on to live another 50 years.
He was known for his professionalism and insistence on upstanding sanitation and operating procedures
In 1902, he performed another breakthrough operation, successfully suturing a patient's spleen
Williams' Provident Hospital had an 87% success rate in its first year of operation.

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams other notable facts & achievements are:

Lived from 1/18/1856 to 8/4/1931
Live in Pennsylvania & Annapolis, Maryland before relocating to the Midwest to Wisconsin, then Illinois.
When he moved to Janesville, WI as a young man, he became fascinated with a local physician and decided to follow his path. He began working as an apprentice for 2 years to the physician, Dr. Henry Palmer.
1880 he entered what is now known as Northwestern University Medical School in Illinois
In 1883, he opened his own medical office in Chicago, Illinois
Dr. Williams became a surgeon on the staff of the South Side Dispensary
He was a clinical instructor in anatomy at Northwestern University
1889 he was appointed to the Illinois State Board of Health
In February 1894, Daniel Hale Williams was appointed as Chief Surgeon at the Freedmen's Hospital in Washington, D.C.
When the American Medical Association refused to accept Black members, Williams helped to set up and served as Vice-President of the National Medical Association.
Dr. Williams received honorary degrees from Howard and Wilberforce Universities
He is a charter member of the American College of Surgeons and was a member of the Chicago Surgical Society.

So, the next time you read some ridiculous article about how people of African descent are genetically and intellectually inferior, how we've never made significant contributions to civilization ... remember Dr. Daniel Hale Williams.

Sources:
http://www.blackinventor.com
http://www.providentfoundation.org

Egypt's Modern Day Revolution is Demanding Change

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:33:00 +0000

Keep a watchful eye on the ongoing protests, a Modern Day Revolution in Egypt. Protesters have taken to the streets to protest the rule of President Muburak, whom they consider a dictator.

There comes a time when people simply become fed up with being mistreated, abused, taken for granted and/or disrespected. At some point, one has to stand up for his or her self and DEMAND change; whether it's from a mate, family member or the government.

Americans can actually learn something from these Egyptian civilians. Modern-day American's are hoping and asking for change, instead of DEMANDING change (I'll touch on this in a later post) like the Egyptians and Tunisians are.

I hope people of other African nations on the Great Continent and beyond who are under dictatorships and/or oppression rise up and demand change and fair treatment.

We can all dream... Can't we?

GIFSoup

Stay Aware by watching the Al Jazeera live stream of the current events:click here

or here on LiveStation for live streams from other various foriegn media channels.

We're Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:15:00 +0000

Hello Everyone!! Society Noir is happy to say that it become active again. It has been two years since our last post, which was about President Barack Obama's Inauguration.

For a while, I had been going back and forth on whether I should continue publishing Society Noir, as well as the purpose it can & should serve. Not to be a "Debbie Downer,"but as I observed the African diaspora these past two years (especially here in America) it has become painfully clear that mainstream media just refuses to proportionately and objectively cover Black America, the black diaspora and Africa.

So, we're back in action. Look forward to Society Noir still covering charitable causes, the upscale lifestyle, events, black socialites,and business profiles. But also look forward to more serious discussions about our global society, politics and resolutions to the ills in our diaspora.

Happy New Year!

Barack Obama Officially Becomes President of the USA

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:41:00 +0000

The Most Powerful Man in the World is a Black Man

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

(Please View for Inauguration stream)

The sweetest day in history is upon us people. Barack Obama is the first African-American to become President of the United States of America. President Obama, his beautiful wife, First Lady Michele and children Malia and Sasha will hold a special place in the hearts of blacks around the world, I believe, until the day we die. What this means to us is indescribable. Many of our relatives and friends within the last century have endured unspeakable acts and dedicated as well as, sacrificed their lives to bring about this moment in time. Children from around the world, whether their American, Iraqi, Rwandan, Haitian or Tibetan realize that they are worthy of happiness and respect, that they are capable of greatness. Self-esteem and morale is bubbling over.

I feel like the angels are singing today. My ancestors, our African ancestors are smiling.

Movers & Shakers Gather in the Hamptons to Support Evidence, A Dance Company

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:58:00 +0000

Ronald K. Brown (artistic director) and Reginald Canal of HSBC (and Evidence Board Member).

Bernard Hampton Jackson III, Esq. Judge Bernard Jackson II and Nia Gandy of HYT ME

Nadja Bellen-White, VP/Dir, Marketing for Publicis Modem and friends.

Author/Producer Crystal McCrary Anthony, Reginald Van Lee (Chair of Evidence and Partner at Booz Allen Hamilton) and guests

(Photos: Margot Jordan)

The Brooklyn-based Evidence, A Dance Company held their 5th annual summer fundraiser "On Our Toes" in the Hamptons last week at Nova's Ark Sculputure Park. The annual benefit was held to support community outreach activities and educational programs for performing arts enthusiasts of all ages. Highly regarded choreographer and Artistic Director Ronald K. Brown founded Evidence in 1985 and the company tours across the U.S. and abroad 25 – 30 weeks a year.

Numerous prominent philanthropists, celebrities and senior executives of the African-American community were all smiles and looked summer chic as they supported the worthy cause. "On Our Toes" was initiated by Evidence Board Chair, Reginald Van Lee of Booz Allen Hamilton and Susan Taylor, former editorial director of Essence Magazine. This summer's Honorary Chair was writer, producer and activist Crystal McCrary Anthony and TV personality René Syler was the mistress of ceremonies.

Evidence patrons contributed $500 each and enjoyed a cocktail reception, dance performance and a "Dancing with the Dancers" after-party. "On Our Toes" notable sponsors included: HSBC Premier, 10 Cane Rum, Pfizer, Verizon, Bloomberg, Sony OLED, Banyan Tree Mayakoba Residencies, Booz Allen Hamilton, Continental Airlines, Emily and Ashley, Hamptons.com, Dr. N. V. Perricone, The Ark Project, Tiffany & Co. and UPTOWN magazine.

If you missed out on this fabulous charitable event, not to worry, Evidence will be hosting its other major fundraiser: Winter Gala in Manhattan on February 3, 2009 at the Millennium Broadway Hotel.
Special thanks to Andrea Hoffman!!
View my post from Winter Gala 2008

Barack Obama's Moment in History

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:29:00 +0000

His positive energy is so contagious and morale in the black community is at an all time high...All I can say is WOW! This is one for the history books...

Michelle Obama's Speech @ the DNC

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:39:00 +0000

Future First Lady, Michelle Obama, gave a speech on behalf of her husband, Barack, last night in Denver at the Democratic National Convention. I'll sum Michelle, the cute little girls and her speech up in one word...AUTHENTIC!

Back to the Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:05:00 +0000

View from my terrace.

I know, I know...it's been a while since my last post. I sincerely appreciate the updates you've sent me and I'll belatedly share them with the readers. This summer was truly a whirl-wind experience!

It started off with business trips to the Hamptons.

Engaging in community service with my daughter as we had a great time joining Miami artist and studio owner, Addonis Parker, politicians and other volunteers in painting a mural on the MLK overpass.

Next, it was off to Paris with my hubby,where we hung out at our usual spots: Le Meurice, Hotel Costes, enjoyed scrumptious tarts at La Duree, enjoyed nightcaps at George V and mingled with french socialites during Sunday Brunch at Tajan.

But my special treat for this trip was the discovery of Paris' Drouot, the ultra popular auction center with multitudes of auctions ranging from medieval artifacts to vintage Hermes bags. Drouot averages around 15,000 visitors a day, if you're a serious shopper then this is a must-see!

Most of our summer was spent wheelin' & dealin' as we spent time traveling and yachting.

We ended our traveling spree with a trip to NYC, where we took our daughter to Broadway's Hairspray, had a tea party at The Plaza and rode the rickshaws (she loves NYC ). As usual we had: a yummy brunch at Sara Beth's on the Upper East Side, a solid shopping fix at Herve Leger and Giuseppe Zanotti, delicious meals at Les Halles and Mario Batali's Lupa and visited St. Regis, in addition to engaging in deep conversations over nightcaps at the Waldorf Astoria.

So, now it's finally back to our terrace in Miami Beach, where we gaze at the ocean and shape of the earth (literally)... I swear this is the best place in the world!

Michelle Obama on Colbert Report

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:55:00 +0000

The future 1st Lady was on the hilariaous "Colbert Report" last night and was fabulous. This sista from Chi-Town is no joke! I love the statement she made about "4 spoons" in this clip. She's incredibly elegant, intelligent and gorgeous. Michelle Obama represented black women flawlessly!

Vintage Music Mondays: Nice& Wild's"Diamond Girl"

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 00:18:00 +0000

Diamond Girl was my JAM back in the day!! Here in Miami this song is a local radio favorite and every time I hear it I remember the skating rink sessions with my friends jam skating! Thank God, guys don't dress and wear their hair like this anymore (well Prince still does).

Serena is the Victor @ Sony Ericsson Open in Miami

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:59:00 +0000

Serena Williams victory felt as beautiful as the weather in Miami this weekend. She defeated Jelena Jankovic and claimed her second straight $3.77 million Sony Ericsson Open title.

Ms. Williams captured a 6-1, 5-7, 6-3 victory in a 2-hour, 25-minute affair and won her 12th straight match in Miami capturing her 30th career title in 41 finals appearances. Serena won $590,000. Jankovic received $295,675. She improved to 14-1 so far this season.

Congrats!

Vintage Music Mondays: Pebbles' "Mercedes Boy"

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:34:00 +0000

Here's the 1988 hit "Mercedes Boy" by Pebbles. The catchy hook and the popular model Randy Houston along with Pebbles' gorgeousness made this video a winner back in the day. Have a great Monday!

Big Boi Injects His Life & Hip-Hop into the Atlanta Ballet

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:40:00 +0000

Antwan "Big Boi" Patton, half of the hip-hop duo OutKast is giving ballet a hip-hop makeover. The Atlanta Ballet approached Patton with the idea of "big", a play about the travels and experience of a young and innocent Big Boi who has an imaginary friend .

The 90- minute performance will host 80 cast members and live music from Big Boi along with other hip-hop artists such as Sleepy Brown.

"We're opening with Verdi and then we have a very popular Big Boi song, 'Morris Brown.' Right away, the contrasts will be startling," says Lauri Stallings, the choreographer of "big."

"Big" will hold 6 performances from April 10-14th at the beautiful Fox Theatre in Atlanta, plan are in the works to take "big" on a national tour. Visit http://atlantaballet.com/fs_bigboi.htm
for more information.

(Source: The WallStreet Journal)

Vintage Music Mondays: Mary J Blige's "Real Love"

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:23:00 +0000

Happy Monday! I've been overwhelmed by some new opportunities so please excuse my lack of posts. Anyway, here's Mary J Blige's "Real Love." My husband and I attended Mary J and Jay Z's concert here in Miami this past Saturday. They turned it out of course, Jay endorsed Obama, Kanye West made an appearance and I have the footage. So, look out for that this week as well as interviews with some special people in the beauty and art worlds.

Obama is Brutally Honest & I Love It!!

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:09:00 +0000

Presidential hopeful Barack Obama gave an enlightening, personal and remarkably honest speech about race in America and concerns about Rev. Wright. His speech has been deemed by many pundits and observers as "historic." I agree. Obama set the record straight like no other politician I have heard in my lifetime thus far. I could get deep in thought right now, but I'll let you judge for yourself. If you haven't watched this special moment in time, please do!

Society Stars: Children of the City Gala

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:10:00 +0000

David and Leilah Tyree, Cheryl Rogers with Jesse Tyree

Selita Ebanks and Steve Schirripa

Thomas Gilmartin, David Tyree and Yvonne Riley-Tepie

Selita Ebanks, Chris Gay, Duncan Olde, Katie Walters, Miguel Avalos and Harold Palacios

The Children of the City Gala was held in New York at the Tribeca Rooftop last week. The Gala's 27th anniversary brought out philanthropists, athletes, models and corporate bigwigs. The organization's annual gala honored New York Giant, David Tyree with the Children's Champion Award this year. Sopranos star Steve Schirripa served as the Master of Ceremonies, and New Jersey Nets star Richard Jefferson was a guest of honor. Victoria's Secret model Selita Ebanks and COC Founder/Executive Director, Joyce Mattera were among the presenters.

Guests enjoyed dinner and entertainment in support of a worthy cause. Notable patrons like COC Board of Director Rocco Basile and Yvonne Riley-Tepie, assistant VP of Marketing for Commerce Bank in Brooklyn and Queens, were in attendance.

Children of the City is a community based organization that has been serving disadvantaged children since 1982. Its mission is to reach at risk inner city children with hope, guidance and resources to positively affect their lives and communities, breaking the cycle of poverty and its effects. Children of the City's outreach provides disadvantaged children with prevention programs, crisis intervention, educational support and healthy activities through small groups and large gatherings of children that continually produce tremendous documented progress and results. It currently reaches over 2,000 children and youth in Sunset Park each year, serves 900 children monthly through home visits from volunteers and counselors and provides daily academic support to those at risk of educational failure.

Vintage Music Mondays: Soul Glo

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 17:50:00 +0000

My husband and I watched Eddie Murphy's "Coming to America" this weekend and laughed our heads off. Enjoy this "Soul Glo" scene from the classic 80's movie. Thank God the jheri curl went out of style!!

Sports: Lewis Hamilton Wins the Australian Grand Prix

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 14:54:00 +0000

The Formula One races are on again and I'm happy to say that McLaren-Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton still has his mojo. The handsome Briton won the Australian Grand Prix this weekend. The Australian Grand Prix is the season opener for the Formula One races. Hamilton won the race effortlessly while the other drivers struggled. If you follow the Formula One, then you've heard about the racist drama Lewis Hamilton was experiencing in Spain due to his ex-racing partner Fernando Alonso and the Spanish racing fans. Well, Alonso came in third place and I hope he enjoys the slice of humble pie that Hamilton just served him.

Australian Grand Prix results

1. Lewis Hamilton (GB) McLaren-Mercedes 58 laps one hour 34 minutes 50.616 seconds
2. Nick Heidfeld (Ger) BMW Sauber +5.478 secs
3. Nico Rosberg (Ger) Williams-Toyota +8.163
4. Fernando Alonso (Spa) Renault +17.181
5. Heikki Kovalainen (Fin) McLaren-Mercedes +18.014
6. Kazuki Nakajima (Jpn) Williams-Toyota 1 lap behind
7. Sebastien Bourdais (Fra) Toro Rosso-Ferrari Retired - 55 laps completed
8. Kimi Raikkonen (Fin) Ferrari Retired - 53 laps completed

Society Stars: Mario Launches "Do Right Foundation"

noreply@blogger.com (Society Noir) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:28:00 +0000

The handsome singer Mario launched his "Do Right Foundation" on Wednesday at Challengers Boys and Girls Club in Los Angeles. The mission of "Do Right Foundation" is to focus on and provide role models for underprivileged youth whose parents suffer or suffered with substance abuse. In addition to providing role models, the Foundation also provides home tutoring via the Catapult Online program and Dell sponsors computers for the children.

As you may know, Mario revealed last year on MTV that his mother is a drug addict. I find it admirable that Mario is using his own experiences and hardships to address and assist children coping with this problem in the community.
Keep up the good work Mario!