HBCU Grad Returns with First Ever Adult Coloring Book Celebrating Black Colleges

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HBCU GRAD RETURNS WITH FIRST EVER ADULT COLORING BOOK CELEBRATING BLACK COLLEGES

Nationwide -- Latoya Nicole, bestselling author and owner of Entrepreneurs Color Too, is back with the release of her newest edition Alma Mater and it's just in time for graduation! The coloring book is full of highlights that showcase the Black College Experience including its education, diversity and culture.

The illustrations are inspired by beautiful Black women and range from Greek life and the Royal Court to STEM and science labs. It even includes activities that test your HBCU knowledge.  "I couldn't be more excited to release this book," says Latoya. "I've been so humbled by the response thus far and the overwhelming interest."

When asked what inspired her to create Alma Mater, Latoya replied, "My godmother, who recently passed away, was an advocate for education and we share the philosophy that HBCUs are an important part of history. As an ode to her I wanted to create something that not only promoted education but also captured the spirit of Black Colleges in an artistic manner.

10-Year Old Author of Several Books Honored by Black Sorority

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10-YEAR OLD AUTHOR OF SEVERAL BOOKS HONORED BY BLACK SORORITY

Nationwide -- Rianna Facey is a ten year old author. Her published works includes books titled The Cat That Wouldn't Go Away and I Have Big Dreams.

Both books were published in the year 2018. Rianna was recently honored for her work by Lamba Kappa Mu Sorority in a ceremony at the Forum in Baltimore, Maryland on March 23, 2019. Photos from the event appear in the Afro American Newspaper's April 6th edition.

Rianna's story first appeared on Fox 45's Project Baltimore segment in May 2018. She has appeared in additional segments on Fox 45 since May 2018 which include her most recent live interview on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 to talk about her participation on a panel for the Black Writers Guild Youth Showcase on April 6, 2019 at Enoch Pratt Free Library.

Phenomenal Woman Empowerment Network Challenges Women to Stop Accepting Mediocrity

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8TH ANNUAL PHENOMENAL WOMAN EMPOWERMENT NETWORK EXPERIENCE CHALLENGES WOMEN TO STOP ACCEPTING MEDIOCRITY

Photo from the launch of the new PWEN Chapter in Tulsa, OK, on March 9, 2019

"I Declare War" to Inspire Women to Eliminate Excuses, Silence Their "Inner Critic" and Achieve Success, May 4 in Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ -- Valley women will "declare war" on negative self-beliefs preventing them from leading successful lives at the Phenomenal Woman Empowerment Network (PWEN) Experience on Sat., May 4th from 9:30am to 4:30pm at the Raven Golf Resort in Phoenix. The 8th annual event will challenge women to eliminate excuses, silence their inner-critic and stop accepting mediocrity in their relationships and careers.

According to PWEN founder, Sharise L. Erby-Castle, "This years' experience is focused on working through adversity. So much of the time, thought leaders, social media influencers, only focus on the good stuff - success, prosperity - when in reality; times are tough for many people.

Depression is real, and people are committing suicide at an alarming rate. I 'declare war' is about teaching women how to get through the hard times and help them reclaim their lives through the testimonies of real people who have overcome adversity and are still standing today."

See How The ESSENCE Festival® Celebrates It's 25th Year Anniversary By Bringing the 90’s Heat

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The 25th Anniversary ESSENCE Festival® Brings the 90’s Heat with Special Performances of the Hottest Albums Celebrating 25 Years

NEW YORK -- The ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola, the world’s largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience and largest celebration of global Black culture, is set to bring the 90’s heat with special performances that celebrate the 25th anniversary of some of the top albums of the decade. The Festival also just announced the official night-by-night performance line up for its concert series taking place July 5th, 6th and 7th at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. 

With hits that remain timeless, the 90’s era of R&B and hip-hop music significantly impacted our global culture – setting musical trends and a standard of excellence that made space for artists to thrive as creators, visionaries and entrepreneurs. By spotlighting some of the era’s most forward-looking, game-changing albums that are also celebrating their 25th anniversaries, the celebration will reach beyond nostalgia to new school—with special performances to elevate the groundbreaking sounds that continue to influence the most popular, chart-topping artists of today. 

“We are celebrating our 25th anniversary with an extraordinary, multigenerational, cultural celebration featuring nearly 100 Black artists who know that the ESSENCE Festival is ‘home,’” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of ESSENCE Communications. “Through an imaginative slate of 25th anniversary curations and a fresh take on our night-by-night line-up, this year’s milestone Festival will creatively represent some of our culture’s most important and influential bodies of work – past, present and future. We are excited to place the spotlight on the music that captivated and inspired our global communities—all reimagined exclusively for the ‘only-at-ESSENCE’ Festival stages.” 

Afrocentric Apparel, Accessories and Home Decor

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WEB SITE SHOWCASES MODERN AFROCENTRIC APPAREL, ACCESSORIES AND HOME DÉCOR

Atlanta, GA -- Noticing a distinct need for more positive messages in a very hostile climate, Chocolate Ancestor, LLC was formed to add creative expression to the everyday lives of those people who believe in love and healing. ChocolateAncestor.com is an online modern Afrocentric apparel, accessories, and home decor store catered to consumers in the Black community.

The company's mission is to promote through beautifully crafted products love and peace, and use the products to educate, express, and enunciate the importance of humanity, community, and spirituality. The diverse line of clothes and accessories make expression much easier, giving people a chance to endorse the positive things they practice and believe in daily.

Products include apparel (shirts, hoodies, crop tops, joggers, socks), accessories (bookbags, handbags, tote bags, laptop bags/sleeves, hats), home decor (office supplies, pillows, blankets, shower curtains, rugs, umbrellas, placemats, mugs), and specially made gifts. There is something for everyone, and customers appreciate the originality that each piece holds.

Owner, Latoya Long, was instantly moved to create a business with meaning after attending a NAACP rally, following the heartbreaking deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile. The signs created simply were not enough.

Grammy Award Winning Musician, Mel Brown, Levels Up Jobseekers

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GRAMMY AWARD WINNING MUSICIAN, MEL BROWN, LEVELS UP JOBSEEKERS

Brown has launched a self-service video interviewing platform for job candidates called Connexion Pointe, and a free interactive ebook called '3 to Get Ready'.

Phoenix, AZ  -- "In February 2019, the national unemployment rate dipped to 3.8 percent," according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For the soon-to-be graduate, young professional looking for upward mobility or those with years of experience that need to stay relevant, it is imperative for them as job seekers to find innovative ways to distinguish themselves from their competitors.

For people of color, the need to stand out in a crowded field takes on even greater significance. Mel Brown, two-time Grammy Award winning bassist, has developed an effective tool to give job seekers an essential competitive edge.

Brown carved out a successful niche in the highly competitive music industry by using innovative digital and video techniques to promote his skill and talent to industry executives. In fact, he created his first big break by using a video to land a feature spot in Arsenio Hall’s late night band in November 1993. Over the last 26 years, he has refined those techniques which prompted him to aggregate them into a digital platform called Connexion Pointe.

See The Visionary Woman Who Creates The Superhero Universe For Women of Color

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BLACK WOMAN CREATES SUPERHERO UNIVERSE FOR WOMEN OF COLOR -- CELEBRATES JANET JACKSON & DIANA ROSS!

Durham, NC -- With Captain Marvel dominating the box office, Aza Comics, one of the only superhero brands centered entirely around women, is gaining popularity by giving women of color a voice. "I just asked women what they wanted to see," says CEO and serial entrepreneur, Jazmin Truesdale. "I wanted to create superheroes that truly empowered women of color. Even the format of Aza's books cater to the way women read."

'Novel-comics', a phrase coined by Truesdale, takes the traditional novel and comic book format and merges them together for the ultimate reading experience. 

As the rise of female superheroes continues, Aza Comics stands out with its unique roster of multicultural characters and fan-favorite leading Black superheroine, Kala. "I was told by publishers that Kala wasn't marketable but now she is Aza's most popular characer... go figure," Truesdale says, rolling her eyes. "I wanted to showcase all these incredibly different women working together as a unit and kicking butt," says Truesdale. "The best way to inspire is by example and Aza's characters were inspired by real women of color who did incredible things."

Learn Why 500+ Black Authors Attended The Red Ink Conference Last Year

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OVER 500 BLACK AUTHORS ATTENDED THE RED INK CONFERENCE LAST YEAR AND ARE NOW SELLING UP TO TWICE AS MANY BOOKS!

Charlotte, NC -- From sold-out audiences in Detroit three years in a row, to packed rooms in both Detroit and Atlanta last year, The Red Ink Conference is taking the literary map by storm. And this year, Charlotte is next!

Whether you're an aspiring author with only a creative idea for a book, or you have 20+ books published and you're ready to take your books to the next level, this is the conference for you! This one-of-a-kind conference empowers attendees to write, edit and market their next bestseller - at a fraction of the cost.

It all takes place in Charlotte, NC at the Hilton Garden Inn-Concord Mills on Saturday, June 1, 2019, from 8am to 5pm. Attendees can expect a time of not just quality information, food and fun - but they will also experience on-screen editorial exercises, writing prompts, professional headshots, quality networking and an industry-specific vendor showcase!

Discover Brooklyn's New Home For Young Gifted Black Musical Artists

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A NEW HOME FOR THE YOUNG, GIFTED AND BLACK IN BROOKLYN NYC 

Nationwide -- Although Manhattan has been a mecca for young Black artists cultivating their craft since the dawn of the Harlem Renaissance, there came a time for the starved outer-boroughs to rise to the occasion.

Brooklyn continues to inspire its own pilgrimage with the Williamsburg Music Center, a Black-owned musician-run venue, by hosting a month-long concert series this April titled "Young, Gifted and Black (YGNB)."

Given the the scarcity of bridges between Black creatives and Brooklyn's locals and MTA's L train tease from hell (will they or won't they?), the YGNB series became a necessary response to both. If one were to have a look at Time Out's list of 14 Best Live Music Venues in NYC, only six are in Brooklyn, and of those six, a only four dare to house music that isn't indie-rock, electronic, funk or some eclectic mix of them all.

See Why Royal Purple Will Be Lit and Popping On Black Women This Summer

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FOUNDER OF ALL NATURAL HAIR COLOR BRAND SAYS ROYAL PURPLE IS THE NEW TREND FOR SUMMER 2019

Nationwide -- The electrifying fashion forward Hair stylist and style influencer Electra S. Davis, says that Royal Purple will be the trending hair color for Summer 2019. As the founder of a chemical free line of hair color products called Mysteek Naturals, she pays great attention to statistics and trends and says that all her research and intuition definitely points to Royal Purple as the next big thing.

Electra predicts that models, actresses, and fashionistas all over the world will start jumping on this trend, and the already growing popularity of this vibrant color will keep it alive all summer long.

In fact, many celebrities and influencers have already been seen with purple hair including Katy Perry, Jordin Sparks, Lupita Nyong'o, Nicole Ritchie, Nicki Minaj, Kelly Osbourne and even Cardi B. The trend can even be seen overseas with several Korean and Japanese superstars.

Spirit Week – Day 3

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The Queens Youth Justice Center and the 103rd Precinct are pleased to present Spirit Week — April 22nd through April 25th. Join them for the some or all of the following line-up:

Day 1 – Monday – April 22nd – Noon to 5:00 pm
Health & Fitness Fair
Rufus King Park

 

 

York College Big Band Preview

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The York College Big Band Preview invites one and all to a preview of the York College Big Band’s upcoming concert.

 

 

Southeast Queens Project Initiative Overview

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The Southeast Queens Sewer Program is a Mayoral Priority Initiative to improve the drainage systems, address the existing chronic flooding conditions and reduce the Combine Sewer Overflow. 

 

 

NYS Senator James Sanders Jr. Hosts Marijuana Discussion at Community Clergy Breakfast

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Senator James Sanders Jr. Has a Timely Dialog With Area Clergy About  Marijuana Legalization and Decriminalization

(From the Office Of Senator James Sanders jr.), New York may be the 11th state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. This month at Senator James Sanders Jr.’s Community Clergy Breakfast held on March 21, 2019 at the Springfield Gardens Church of the Nazarene, he invited subject matter experts and all faith-based leaders to discuss the health, public safety, and economic impact of legalizing marijuana.

New York State Senator James Sanders Jr. supports the decriminalization, but not the legalization, of marijuana in New York State. He was joined by guest speaker Kevin Sabet, President and CEO, of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM).

“I have seen first-hand what drugs do to the community, and I could not in good faith vote yes on the legalization of marijuana," Sanders said. “If this passes, then what? We are going to have to figure out a bunch of stuff. This thing is going to change your life whether you want it to or not. You are going to have to fight for regulations, so that they don’t put a dispensary next to your church. Imagine that.”

Mom's Book Helps 3-Year Old Son Read at a Third Grade Level

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THANKS TO HIS MOM'S NEW BOOK, THIS 3-YEAR OLD BOY IS READING ON A THIRD GRADE LEVEL

Author Andrea Stephenson's 3-year old son reading a book

Washington, DC -- Andrea Stephenson, who is the founder of Simply Outrageous Youth, has written a book called, Teach Your Toddler to Read Through Play: A Detailed Account with over 130 Games/Activities, Tips, and Resources. This book details how her son started spelling at just 21 months and reading on a third-grade level as a 3-year old.

This book, which is available on Amazon, was written to help parents expose their children to words and reading in a fun way. It takes you through a step by step process of how she taught her son to read.

It provides games/activities, such as Treasure Hunt, dancing, and playing with blocks, to make reading a process that is fun, natural, and interesting! It will help spark your child’s curiosity in wanting to seek meaning from words which is essentially reading.

NYC Women's Advocate Honored With Ann Atwater Icon Award

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DONNA HYLTON HONORED WITH THE ANN ATWATER ICON AWARD

Donna Hylton

New York -- Author, activist and women's advocate, Donna Hylton was honored as the only person in NYC with the Ann Atwater Award, at the film screening for Best of Enemies starring Academy-Award nominee Taraji P. Henson. Ms. Hylton was recognized along with Jamila T. Davis, for her significant contributions to the community at large and activism in criminal justice reform.

Donna Hylton has been deeply involved in movements for social justice around the country. She draws upon her experience imprisoned in a women's correctional facility for 27 years, with some of that time spent in solitary confinement.

Now released, Donna emphasizes the importance of building communities through economic, racial and gender justice. Donna encourages systems to recognize how the trauma of sexual violence and abuse are often root causes that result in victimization and that 90% of women who have been abused are being incarcerated, especially women of color.

Checkout This Video Interview With Civil Rights Icon Ann Atwater

Learn How A Postage Stamp Saved This Author's Life And Then She Met Oprah

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HOW A POSTAGE STAMP SAVED A POSTAL WORKER FROM COMMITTING SUICIDE WHICH ULTIMATELY LED HER TO MEET OPRAH WINFREY

Author Meiko S. Patton with Oprah Winfrey

Sacramento, CA -- In 2008, Meiko S. Patton lost her mother to colon and liver cancer. Her mom, Bernice Patton was just 59-years old. After the death of her mom, Meiko regularly contemplated suicide and was in a state of depression for several years.

Meiko worked as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service and every day she would see stamps. One day, while having recurring thoughts of suicide, a thought from the Divine about a postage stamp popped into her brain. She thought deeply that day about the purpose of a stamp and that one thought changed the trajectory of her life.

She challenged herself to live like a postage stamp because they stick to their purpose and never ever give up. Meiko began setting goals for her spiritual, mental and emotional health. She decided for 21 straight days to get up at 4 a.m. and go to the gym before work. She not only kept that promise to herself, she kept up that regimen for nearly a decade.

Discover How The Truth Of Systemic Racism Is Finally Exposed

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RACIAL EQUITY INSTITUTE RELEASES 'GROUNDWATER APPROACH' WHITEPAPER TO EDUCATE ORGANIZATIONS ABOUT SYSTEMIC RACISM

The 'Groundwater' metaphor explains that society is racially structured, and the foundational structure of racism is what causes racial inequity within institutions and systems.

Greensboro, NC -- A free download of "The Groundwater Approach" is now available on the Racial Equity Institute (REI) website for those seeking a better understanding of how systemic racism permeates throughout major and minor institutions. The document explores how American society operates at every level to reinforce racial discrimination and racial disparities across the board - from wealth accumulation and health care outcomes, to educational achievement, criminal justice proceedings and professional career advancement.

The Groundwater whitepaper was co-authored by REI managing director Deena Hayes-Greene and Bayard Love. The Racial Equity Institute is an alliance of trainers, organizers and institutional leaders dedicated to creating racially equitable organizations and systems.

Here's an excerpt from the 'Groundwater Approach' whitepaper:

"The fish, the lake and the groundwater: If you have a lake in front of your house and one fish is floating belly-up dead, it makes sense to analyze the fish. What is wrong with it? Imagine the fish is one student failing in the education system. We'd ask: did it study hard enough? Is it getting the support it needs at home? But if you come out to that same lake and half the fish are floating belly-up dead, what should you do? This time you've got to analyze the lake. Imagine the lake is the education system and half the students are failing. This time we'd ask: might the system itself be causing such consistent, unacceptable outcomes for students? If so, how? Now... picture five lakes around your house, and in each and every lake half the fish are floating belly-up dead! What is it time to do? We say it's time to analyze the groundwater."

See Why HBCU Wellness Educator Cautions Americans About Obesity And Declining Health

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Highly Respected Elizabeth City State College (HBCU) Wellness Educator Charles Singleton Weighs In On The US Obesity And Health Crisis

Truly and reflectively, 51-55 years ago, at Elizabeth City State College (ECSC, HBCU), Dr. Walter N. Ridley, President (Contemporary Living Professor), now Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), the Physical Education Department of professors, instructors, teachers and various faculty members, successfully taught me the principles of health, nutrition, physical education, science, psychology and wellness.  For this early learning experience, I am so grateful.  Thank you, Robert L. Vaughn, Professor and Chairman of the Physical Education Department (Kinesiology & Head Basketball Coach), Thomas L. Caldwell, Assistant Professor of Physical Education (Curriculum Design & Head Football Coach), Georgia L. Smith, Assistant Professor of Health; Instructors: Mollie M. Beasley (Physical Education Curriculum), Valerie W. Vaughn (Modern Dance Teacher), Alvin T. Kelley (Athletic Trainer, Assistant Basketball & Football Coach), Jake Bentley (Football & Tennis Coach), John Turpin (Football & Gymnastics Coach) and Roy F. Knight (Football & Wrestling Coach).

Other outstanding ECSC Professors, who had a direct influence on my role in developing physical education and health concepts, wellness and clinical research initiatives , publishing and writing were: Dr. Helen M. Caldwell, Assistant Professor of English, Dudley O. Sims, Instructor of English, Dr. Edna L. Davis, Professor of Music and Chairwoman of the Music Department (Mentor), Leonard R. Ballou, Assistant Professor of Music (Archivist), Dr. William E. Anderson, Dean of the College (Academic Letters), Thomas E. Carter, Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Acting Dean of the College (Student Council Adviser), Leslye N. Stallworth, Assistant Professor of Mathematics (Track Coach), Harold L. Gamble, Instructor of Social Science (Director of the Student Financial Aid Program), Dr. Chi-Kao Wang, Professor of Social Science, Dr. Thelma H. Anderson, Professor of Psychology, Dr. Sekender A. Khan, Professor and Chairman of the Biology Department: Helen H. Muldrow, Assistant Professor (Biology), Dorothy E. Thomas, Associate professor (Human Physiology), Dr. Herman G. Cooke, Professor of Biology (Mentor of Athletes), internationally acclaimed, and a Discoverer of an unknown species of Chironomids/Midges. These extraordinary educators without doubt, and early on, helped to shape my career and the lifesaving suggestions of this article.

Once again, hello everyone and thank you for reading my recent articles about the crash of the US economy is coming sooner than you think; aging, memory and mobility, and other societal issues, previously written about in 2018-2019.  Wherefore, these undesirable circumstances have brought me to further care about surviving these very important personal human threats, and health concerns involving US citizens: nuclear accidents, acts of nuclear terrorism, natural gas explosions, infrastructure calamities, global climate changes and the environmental effects of global warming, and aging issues; dementia: memory and mobility, crashing of the US economy, lack of knowledge, saving our souls from an endless death, and the continual onset of Human Obesity.  Readers, therefore, please note, in this article I will only discuss the plight of obesity with you. This article could very well save your life.

Get The Real Deal On Vernon Matthews Running To Be The 1st Black Mayor Of Waterbury, CT

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The Real Vernon Matthews

Who is Vernon Matthews? Vernon Matthews is a husband, father, community leader, public servant, and HBCU Graduate (Bethune Cookman). Vernon Matthews is a life long resident of Waterbury, CT and has benefited from many of the things that the City of Waterbury had to offer, this is why Vernon Matthews has spent most of his adult life finding ways to give back to the very community that he loves and has given him so much.

He’s done things such as; bring attention and resources to the Martin Luther King Jr Park, which is the most precious and meaningful park to the black community of Waterbury. He has supported different reading and literacy initiatives, by going into the schools and reading to the children.

He has donated so much of his time and personal money to other community organizations and nonprofits doing work in the community, he has volunteered at different churches, youth sports leagues, and food kitchens that provide hot meals for the homeless. Vernon has also brought attention to blight issues and has addressed many of the concerns for all of Waterbury’s residents, regardless of their race, culture, age, gender, or political beliefs.

3rd Annual Black Web Fest Focuses on Creators' Health and Wellness

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3RD ANNUAL BLACK WEB FEST FOCUSES ON CREATORS' HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Festival Takes Place April 12th and 13th in NYC

New York, NY -- Black Web Fest is hosting their third annual festival starting April 12, 2019 at Dumbo Loft in Brooklyn and ending on April 13, 2019 at the National Black Theatre in Harlem. The event is a part of an international event series that celebrates Black creators and digital content. Black Web Fest 2019, their premier festival, features film screenings, a wine tasting, workshops and a series of educational panels.

This year's festival is highlighting health and wellness by hosting a wellness exhibition on day one.  "As Black creators are faced with so much ongoing pressure, it's important that they still have safe spaces to gather, talk, and find solutions. During the festival, we're hosting a wellness exhibition and having a panel with industry experts.

We're bringing resources together to expose creators to the options available for their holistic health," says Victoria Coker, Creator of Black Web Fest.  Black Web Fest 2019 showcases films created by emerging and award-winning Black media makers from across the globe.

2019 Jay-Z Scholarship Program Now Open

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JAY-Z'S 2019 SHAWN CARTER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM NOW OPEN

Nationwide (BlackNews.com) -- Created by rapper Jay-Z and his mother Gloria, the Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund (SCSF) was founded on the belief that any motivated individual in need should have the opportunity to further his or her education. By removing some of the financial burdens associated with going to, surviving in, and graduating from college, the SCSF plays a vital role in increasing college access and success for many motivated yet underserved youth and young adults.

The SCSF provides individual grants, paid directly to the educational institution, to every student who qualifies and reapplies yearly, from admission to graduation. The grant can be used to cover tuition expenses and related supplemental educational expenses such as books, lab fees, travel and select costs of living.

All Shawn Carter Scholars are required to "give back" by conducting community service and by serving as mentors to younger, aspiring Shawn Carter Scholars.