I would encourage anyone who has donated to an organization, to post that organization’s information, so that we all can participate in the giving.

Five things you can do to help immediately:
1. Duplicate what we are doing elsewhere in New York City, in your city ortown, on your college campus, at your church, synagogue, mosque, or otherreligious institution, via your fraternity or sorority, or via your localcivic or social organization.

2. Cut and paste the information in this eblast about Items needed by survivors of the New Orleans catastrophe:* Monetary donations* Where you can ship non-perishable items* Alternative media outlets* Five things you can do to help immediatelyand share this information, as a ONE SHEET, with folks near and far, viaemail, or as a hand out at your event, religious institution, and with yourcivic or social organization.

3. Voice your opinion to local and national media, and to elected officials,via letter, email, op ed article, or phonecall, regarding the coverage ofthe New Orleans catastrophe, as well as to the federal government’s ongoinghandling of the situation.

4. Ask the hotel you frequent, such as the Marriott or Holiday Inn, to giveyour hotel points to an individual or family in need of a stay for a night,a few nights, or longer, depending on how many points you have. Be sure toget confirmation that your points have been applied in that way. Encourageothers to do the same. Also inquire if your airline Frequent Flyer mileagecan be used for hotel stays as well.

Finally, either offer to pay for hotel rooms, or encourage others to do so,including your place of employment or worship or your organization.5. Dare to care about other human beings, no matter their race, gender,class, sexual orientation, religion, geography, culture, clothing,hairstyle, or accent or language. Like September 11th, the New Orleanscatastrophe is a harsh reminder that all life is precious, as is each day wehave on this earth.

AND REMEMBER that our attention and response to the New Orleans catastropheneeds to happen in three stages…DISASTER, RECOVERY, and REBUILDING. Weneed you for all three stages.

LaShanda Henry aka Black Out Loud
msoy: black content for black people

Prosperity is an attractive new board game with a commanding presence, over 23” wide and weighing-in at almost 5 pounds. At first glance the game seems familiar, but almost instantly you say to yourself, like the owner of Black Arts Plus in Dayton, Ohio, “this game is for us!” “We acknowledged the positive contributions of those [African American board games] who came before us, focusing on Black history, then we took it to the next level.” said Mr. Amitenejah [pronounced amy-ten-jah], publisher of Prosperity. “We’re about inspiring action, building solutions, and motivating meaningful progress …” the publisher continued.

A Lake Forest community leader received Prosperity as a gift, she allowed her church’s singles association to experience the game during Game Night; then before the game was sent to her daughter attending college in Arizona, her 13 year old nephew was heard saying “I want to be like him (pointing to the man on the $10,000,000 bill)!” Undoubtedly, that’s exactly what the creator of Prosperity was looking for.

Unlike many games that glorify the destruction of opponents in order to win; Prosperity focuses on progressive principles such as: ‘cooperative economics,’ ‘increasing the pie,’ and ‘win-win negotiations.’ A mortgage consultant, pleasantly surprised at the mature level of the game, said (reading game rules) “hahaha ‘comptroller’, ‘[purchase]options,’ … ‘condemnation,’ mannnnn, I gotta get one! …” The mortgage professional clearly felt Prosperity was an excellent product for his family, but also indicated that it was a suitable house-closing gift idea for many of his clients as well.

Some believe the board game industry is paying close attention to Prosperity; not to its laudable business principles in play, but instead to the high currency value ($1000. to $100,000,000. notes,) and high property values (multi-million dollar). “…people are getting nervous …” Mr. Amitenejah said, then concluded “… expect to see a big difference to old board game favorites real soon.” So don’t be too surprised if you see a brand new million dollar bill in Life, or a shiny billion dollar price tag on Monopoly’s Broadwalk.

Power, Purpose, and Problem
Prosperity has a multi-layered approach cultural identity, business skills development, and family fun. It starts with the color pattern (red, black, and green) on the box, and the property names (named after US cities with high African American populations), it continues with the game pieces, symbolically extolling the virtues of the African American community: leadership (King), responsibility (Mother of Earth), family (Fertility Doll), intelligence (Pyramid), security (Pet), political power (Crown), and physical strength (Power Fist). As for business, the currency collectively links Africa and America with wisdom and wealth. The family will enjoy the game board’s wide array of vibrant colors, i.e.: proud blues, happy yellows, jolly greens, and pretty purples. And the ever surprising Power Cards will keep the game peppered with intrigue.

A powerful lesson plan centered around Prosperity was recently adopted and featured on www.teachers.net and www.lessonsplanpage.com, the lesson plan is designed to be used by teachers and mentors of children age 8 to 18. It is particularly useful during Black History Month, week of Juneteenth, and/or week of Kwanzaa. “… Prosperity … helps … young entrepreneurs [mature their] consciousness through fun, history and inspiration” said the founder of African American Holiday Association and YEP (Youth Entrepreneur Project).

“Our goal is to inspire real life success everyday from generation to generation,” statement found at a Prosperity’s website: www.funwithwealth.com. “You could really learn how to negotiate real life deals just by playing the game, there is so much that people could learn just by playing the game.” Said the owner of Nefertiti’s Books & Gifts in Jacksonville Florida.

The publishers of Prosperity found themselves humbled by the fact that they were unable to find Black contractors to produce their product. Normally after the electronic files are finished, a project such as this takes about three months to complete with a single contractor. After many production delays, and a few contractor changes the project was finished two long and very hard years later.

The Product, The Creator, and The Company
Ever since a life-affirming and life-focusing experience that occurred on October 15, 1995 on the mall of our nation’s capitol; Mr. Amitenejah, a native New Yorker, with over 10 years of professional real estate experience, aggressively sought a national product of cultural substance and financial worth.

During a spirited conversation between Mr. Amitenejah and a doctoral-candidate client of his, at his Florida home, the client asked him if he had authored any books. The client inquired because she felt Mr. Amitenejah’s strong opinions needed to be published. That conversation directly motivated Mr. Amitenejah to write the manuscript, Building Black Wealth In America — Prosperity is based on that manuscript. Clearly, both projects fulfilled the national product criteria.

Speaking to the creator of Prosperity, Ms. H. Hussey of Canada said “… Bless you for creating it!” Prosperity was completed on 3/7/05, the company officially started 5/5/05, and the two year trademark registration process finalized on 6/14/05

Let’s Play
According to the rules, ‘as a group: players set up game board, allot player pieces, determine player-turn order, and appoint a banker (comptroller); the banker distributes $700,000,000. as follows: (5) $100,000,000. bills, (13) $10,000,000. bills, (10) $5,000,000. bills, (18) $1,000,000. bills, (19) $100,000. bills, (9) $10,000. bills, and (10) $1000. bills. All players start at the corner square labeled Port Success, also known as ‘Start Here,’ then ‘progress’ clockwise on the board.’

‘Set a goal, as a group you set a goal to signal the end of the game before it starts, i.e.: the first person with a billion dollars in cash, two hour time limit, or use of half of the power cards.’ Apparently, without a goal, the game could go on aimlessly for days. ‘The very first property purchased must be the Real Estate Development office,’ seems like they hold an exclusive-right-to-sell every property on the board, well at least for the first sale, sweet deal euh? See what can happen when you make the rules?

Players are encouraged to always have a deal in mind, and reminded to keep all negotiations open and limited to one minute. ‘When a player lands on an available property he/she can buy it, not buy it, or sell his/her “right or option” to buy it.’ This rule enables players to create wealth without actual property ownership, this is another real-life learning lesson. More traditional deals involve the purchase of property with a mortgage, in this game ‘the entire loan, plus interest must be paid on or before any of that property’s owners land on the property or foreclosure must take place;’ sorry, no refinancing in Prosperity! Watch out because in Prosperity the government can forcibly take your property when it chooses to do so, although it’s for public purposes not for private gain, unlike what occurred recently in New London, Connecticut.

Back to the game, Prosperity doesn’t mean perfection; at times big problems occur, for example: although the “No Justice No Peace” card indicates a willingness to be incarcerated for a just cause; the ‘Arrested’ card indicates involuntary restraint. The State and Federal political influence (cards) can turn any horrific jail experience into a mere inconvenience. For those without political influence, they must gamble with the justice system, which includes an appeals process if necessary. Another problem card to avoid is ‘Ouch’, if selected you must pay 65% of your cash-on-hand for alimony and child support. Ohhhh, what you really don’t want to do is get the ‘Major Accident’ card and then Action Roll an 11 or a 12; nope, you don’t want that.

An ‘Action Roll is a throw of the dice to determine an action’, action rolls are necessary when multiple options are present (on specific properties, and/or on some power cards). If a player lands on a property such as the Utility Company, he/she must perform an Action Roll to determine the service (cable, phone, gas, oil, electric, etc…) and fee ordered. If a player selects a special Power Card such as Trip to Africa, Charitable Contribution, or Entertainment Contract, the Action Roll in conjunction with the special power card rules will determine the specific action. For example, if a player selects the Entertainment Contract Power Card then Action Rolls a 12, the player will ‘receive $7,000,000. for his/her R&B/Gospel/or Rap contract’.

Price and Availability
Presently Prosperity games retail for $35.00, they can be purchased in person at Nefertiti’s Books & Gifts, 7640 Lem Turner Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32208, call 904.766.3830. Games are also available online at www.nandilove.com, or at www.funwithwealth.com. Please mark your calendars: Family Game Night (afternoon 2pm to 3pm), Sat July 23 - The Bradham*Brooks Northwest Regional library at 1755 Edgewood Ave W Jacksonville, FL 32208, Phone: (904) 765-5402. Invite the friends and family. Games will not be sold at the library event.

Black Television Networks and Support Groups
-TV One
-The Black Family Channel
-Def on Demand
-Simmons Lathan Media Group
-Soul Beat Television Network
-Black Family – Black TV Parental Control[/ur]
-Indpendent Television Service

Black Short Films Online
- Urban Entertainment.com
- iFilms African American Showcase
-Cyber Flicks For Cyber Chicks

Film Festivals & Support Groups
-The Hollywood Black Film Festival
-Black Film Makers on yahooGroups
-Black Filmmaker Magazine
-Sisters In Cinema

Black Young Film Makers & Online Short Films
-Youth Media Distribution
-Afropunk
-HisHerStory

Black Film Review and Discussion
-Black Flix
-Black Film
-Blaxploitation
-Our Media
-3 Black Chicks Film Review
-African American Women in Cinema

Black Animation
-Black Super Heroes
- Jim Crow and Black Animation
-Black Out Loud
-Gettosake
- Urban Style Comics
-Reel Republic

And perhaps there are even more than listed here. Black folks are getting tired of poor/limited media, and a few of us are doing something about it. As a people, we need to stop saying our work doesn’t exist, and start going out and finding it. Perhaps you have something to share?

LHenry
Each One Teach One
Urban Dynamics | Search Urban

I really don’t think it gets any better than this. I mean, who really succeeds in anything alone? Many of us often wonder: Why can’t I get ahead? Is it possible that we can’t get ahead because we keep leaving God, behind? When we partner with God, we trust, whole-heartedly that He can and will take care of us. We live our lives knowing that God has everything in control. Whereas, when we choose to operate as a soul proprietor, we tell God that we are in control and that He is not invited to be a part of our lives. This illustrates a lack of trust and a lack of knowing. How can we ever be successful under these conditions?

Give God a partnership in your life today and immediately receive the keys to His Kingdom.

Fran Briggs is an author and “motivational speaker of the inspirational kind.” She has written and published several articles, manuals and books including, “Seeds for Success.” This prominent voice of inspiration speaks to audiences of children and adults of all ages and backgrounds with the aim of inspiring them to their respective level of greatness. For more informaiton and resources that maximize human potential, visit http://www.franbriggs.com and sign up for your free successzine.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

The event will be hosted by Reverend Lennox Yearwood, President and CEO of the Hip-Hop Caucus, and Jeff Johnson, host and producer of BET’s “The Cousin Jeff Chronicles” who serves as chairman of the board for the Caucus. This event is the prime opportunity to meet with the Caucus board members to find out what causes they are supporting as well as opportunities to get involved. This event will also be a wonderful chance to meet and greet with lawmakers and community leaders who are fighting for a common cause.

The Hip-Hop Caucus (H2C) is a nonprofit, non-partisan 501c4 membership association created to establish a national coalition of pop-culture, social and political organizations, community based organizations, youth leadership organizations, and individuals who believe in the collective power of persons aged 14-39 years old. The Hip-Hop Caucus now stands as the first and only Hip-Hop membership association in existence to establish a comprehensive agenda for the Hip-Hop community. The Caucus programs promote social and political equality in the areas of Economics, Education, HealthCare, Housing, and Justice.

Contact:
Bro.Charles Young
The Hip Hop Caucus
1220 L Street NW
Suite 100-341
Washington, DC 20005
cyoung@hiphopcaucus.org

As African Americans continue to confront the vestiges of slavery and segregation, largely racial animus and economic subjugation (educational differences has been a challenge that is partially self-inflicted), the community’s problems has outlived the advocacy born to address the problems, and most of the leaders that had emerged to help remedy the problems.

God raises a new leader to deal with each generation’s issues. However, the advocacy no longer seems to work. Whether it’s protest, negotiation, boycott or voter revolt (the latter two which we rarely, if ever, use), watching black advocacy is like watching re-runs of Sanford and Son; you know what’s about to come next-and what the line is going to be when Redd Foxx grabs his chest. If we know what’s coming next, don’t think the people to where the protest is directed haven’t seen the same re-runs. I have visions of racial discriminators, progress oppressors and equality obstructionists sitting around a television saying, “Okay, this is the part where they march in.” “Now, they about to holler and scream, and give long speeches, watch ‘em.” “Here is the part where they put the community mothers up to cry, sigh, ain’t it sad?” “Now this is the part where they march out singing ‘We Shall Overcome,’ then they’ll go home and be quiet until the next time we get caught violating them or their interests. But the response will be the same.” It seems as if black America has been stuck on the same page of a fifty year old play book.

New generations of advocates are doing the same old thing because they don’t know advocacy, and are only doing what they’ve seen the generation before them do, the ole’ one-two-three (press conference, march, shout). Is this the future of black advocacy? Re-runs of what we knew once worked. Typewriters once worked too, but we no longer use them. Too slow, not as flexible as computers. What do we call “black advocacy” today, and what is the future of black advocacy? We have to begin to address these questions if we’re ever going to see racial progress.

Over the past few months, the effectiveness of black advocacy and activism has been called into question, as black communities nationwide continue to experience a social regression that is both signifying and stigmatizing, in terms of how relevant black issues are in the context of the larger societal scheme.

Two of our major advocacy organizations, the NAACP and SCLC, have on-going leadership battles centered in what the future direction of “the movement” should be. New groups like the National Action Network and Operation HOPE claim to be the struggle future but as centered in “personality driven” activism (Al Sharpton and John Bryant) that seem to serve more singular interest than collective-some say, replicated “the Jesse Model.” The “Jesse Model” only replicated “the King Model” which replicated “the Garvey Model” which replicated “the Booker T.” in terms of organizations driven by personality leadership. It’s a 20th Century phenomenon we can’t seem to get away from, and the “take me to your leader” syndrome now causes a rush to the front of the line that breeds conflict on another level-the lobby for the white man’s (mainstream) attention.

The point is, when you get in front of him, do you really have anything to say? Cities like Cincinnati and Denver are embroiled in mass protest over black community police abuse controversies, while the trauma center closing of the only “black hospital” in Los Angeles drew 3,000 protesters, and like the aforementioned cities, fell on deaf ears. At the end of the day, white folk did whatever what they were going to do. It was as if the advocacy had no bearing on their decision. They knew what to expect, sat through the “re-runs,” and turned the channel when they had seen enough. What does that say for black advocacy when targets of our activism don’t even blink when hundreds and thousands of our protestors show up. We’ve now been reduced to just another “special interest.” A longstanding “racial” special interest, but a special interest no the less. Is it now enough to just protest? When are we going to turn the page?

A new chapter of black advocacy is needed to address the follow-up that is necessary to advance our struggle-for equality, for fairness, for justice, whatever it is we’re advocating for. At present, we constantly call for somebody to do something, and we see folk in the streets, but we see no progress. That’s because we mistake motion for action, and all activity is not progress. People can be busy, and not be productive. We “look” busy at work every day. Particularly when the boss is around, or that last hour before its time to go home. We’ve taken “lookin’ busy” to another level. But what are we accomplishing?

There is a sophistication, an art, to advocacy, that requires training, research, response, and remedy which most “black advocates” don’t engage in. Folk are quick to tell you today that they are “activists,” or hand you a card that say, “community activist.” Well, what does that mean, brotha? That you activate? Activate what??? “I antagonize,” “I instigate,” “I agitate.” Well, as Frederick Douglass said, “Agitation is necessary for progress. There is no progress without struggle.”

But what happens when the agitation leads to no progress. Do we struggle endlessly, with no direction, and no purpose (other than to be seen-the most common source of activism these days). What do we do when “the show” is over, the camera turns off, and the spotlight goes down? How do we insure that our advocacy stands for something more the usual “twist and shout?” Future advocacy requires the development of new tactics, something the mainstream hasn’t seen before, but is constructive-not destructive-to our collective interests.

Times dictate measures, and extreme times call for extreme measures. Extreme in the sense that advocacy offers a new twist that gets the attention of all involved. Them, and us, and brings about solutions to the challenges we face as a people, and as a society. Black America’s biggest challenge is to figure out what the future of black advocacy is, and what works in bringing about progress. Stop relying solely on past advocacy efforts (and tactics). Enough of the re-runs already.

Anthony Asadullah Samad is a national columnist, managing director of the Urban Issues Forum and author of Souls For Sale: The Diary of an Ex-Colored Man (Kabili Press). His upcoming book, 50 Years After Brown: The State of Black Equality In America is due out in Spring of 2004.

Article source: http://www.anthonysamad.com

Whew! I almost wrote a really long article about the Social Security System and what it means to Black folks.

Fortunately, I fell asleep while writing it just like you would have reading it. I can’t think of anything more boring then an in depth analysis of what is wrong with Social Security.

I think that one thing the under 40, Black American, internet savvy crowd already knows is that the Social Security system is in trouble and that it won’t be there for us when we retire the same way it is for our parents and grandparents. Something has to give.

One thing is definitely true, the Social Security system won’t exist in the same form and with the same level of promise that it has now.

So, with all the boring stuff out of the way, I want to say a few things about private accounts and what I think they mean for African Americans. I’ll start with the bottom line up front. I think that Social Security private accounts are a good deal for African Americans but with some very serious reservations.

First of all, a private account is the government’s attempt to add an ownership component to the system. However, in this case, your ownership rights will be severely restricted.

I can invest MY money in stocks, bonds, cash, real estate, businesses, mutual funds and any other investment vehicles I so choose. The private accounts system will likely offer a limited range of choices in nothing but paper assets like stocks, bonds and money market accounts that are managed by large Wall Street brokerages and mutual funds - the so-called experts.

Ownership with restrictions is merely the illusion of ownership. Very few things you own will have as many complex rules, restrictions and legal entanglements as private account will have attached to it.

Second, the government is forcing every American to become an investor without committing the resources to raise the level of basic financial literacy in this country. Alan Greenspan has said that basic financial literacy should be taught in our public schools.

The government did this very thing before when they created the 401K retirement system. That system has been a boon to Wall Street, Corporate America and many fellow Americans. However, the pain felt when the 401K gets hurt is not shared as freely as the benefits. Ask employees at Sun Microsystems, Enron, Martha Stewart Omni Media and other companies that have gone belly up or otherwise taken a brutal pounding in the stock market because of mismanagement and corruption.

Who will get hurt when Social Security private accounts take a beating? Will the average citizen be the last to know, as is already the case, when their private accounts hit rock bottom? Without a major, national effort to boost the financial literacy in this country, how will people react to negative news about private accounts? Will the government restrict our ability to react to negative news?

Third, what will the government do should you out-live your private account? Because the account only offers limited ownership not real ownership, I expect that we won’t be able to bet their private account at the casino on the day they retire. I do expect the withdrawals from our private accounts to be amortized over a period of time based on something like the average life expectancy. What happens if you are the lucky somebody that lives a long, healthy life to 120 years old? If your account goes broke, what will the government do for you? If you enroll in private accounts, you agree to a cut in your benefits. Will you suffer if your private account suffers?

Fourth, the new promises are just as shady as the old ones. Private accounts will salvage the system for some time but ultimately will become plagued by their own, new and different challenges that will need to be fixed by a future generation.

No one in either political party wants the truth to get out about Social Security. Socialism is a miserable failure. Taxes will ultimately have to be increased on us no what fix we decide today for the system. When and by how much are the only questions that need to be answered. Cuts and elimination of some benefits are inevitable. Retirement will become anathema in the future.

In the past 10,000 or so years of human history, retirement didn’t exist in any way, shape or form as it does today. People either got too sick to work or died. We’ve tried to change history with our current system but we can’t change humans.

If you send someone a check and tell them they don’t have to work anymore, they won’t work. There are able-bodied and able-minded senior citizens that are not working because the governments sends them a check every month regardless. The truth is, a system set up like this will collapse one day on its own because its not the way of humanity.

I think its good that my generation believes more in UFOs then in Social Security being there for us when we retire. maybe that belief will be the motivation we need to save outside of Social Security to secure our own retirement.

So, with all of these reservations, you may wonder why I think that Social Security private accounts are a good for Black Americans. The answer to that is simple math.

Simple Math Reason Number One: Black males live to an average age of 66 years old. The average Black male now collects one year of full Social Security retirement benefits. The age of full retirement for the under 40 crowd is now set at 67. Watch for proposals to raise that age even more. The average Black female has a live span of 72 years meaning that she collects 5 years of benefits. The average White male and White female have life spans of 76 and 78 years, respectively.

Personally, I would rather pass my life time of Social Security tax dollars on to my children and grandchildren then to a little, old white lady I’ve never known in my life like we do now under the current system. You may not like this truth but that is who is getting your benefits now.

Simple Math Reason Number Two: It is not hard at all for the to earn more then the 2% return on investment that Social Security provides now. A money market mutual fund is paying anywhere from 3% - 5% interest at this time. You could easily and safely earn double what Social Security offers.

Simple Math Reason Number Three: The average Black American has a net worth less then $5,000 and that is only one-tenth of the average White American. Social Security private accounts, because they are form of forced savings, will add to the net worth of Black Americans. All other Americans will see their personal wealth build also so I don’t expect that private accounts will close the racial wealth gap. I do believe that private accounts will inject much needed wealth into the accounts of African Americans and we need the boost most of all.

Also, because we don’t live as long beyond the retirement age (which I hope will one day change), more of the wealth in our private accounts will get passed to our children, helping them to build wealth. So, a legacy of wealth will begin to grow from the seeds of investment into private accounts.

Simple Math Reason Number Four: This relates to what I said about bucking human history by creating this artificially constructed, man-made system of retirement and actually believing that it will sustain us unchanged in perpetuity. The system is breaking down. We need to start taking complete ownership - and control - for our retirement security.

Partial privatization is a step in the right direction. Even if the step is one small incremental one, we must begin somewhere. I don’t think the destitute and disabled should be left out in the cold without our help and support. I do believe that the truth needs to be told and that no one is telling it today.

So, here is what I have to say: make a plan to provide for your own financial independence, invest heavily into your own financial education, invest your money wisely, prepare for the absolute worst and hope for the absolute best.

God Bless

Bret Searles wrote the book titled “The 7 Simple Secrets to Wealth Building: An African American’s Guide to Wealth Building in the 21 st Century and Beyond” and publishes the ezine Black Wealth Now at http://www.blackwealthnow.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

At the time, that advice seemed a bit arrogant, but in retrospect, his advice has granted me passages into many executive suites, corporate boardrooms and has helped me build solid relationships. His advice came at a time when I was desperately seeking to glean knowledge and help from anyone who was willing to share insight on what it takes to be successful in business as a young African-American-especially one on the lecture circuit.

Seemingly overnight, in a section of Fairfax, Virginia, businesses stretching a two-block radius have changed ownership from a predominately-White entrepreneurial establishment to an Asian and Latino establishment. They are receiving thriving support from each other. Granted, I find it great to witness that in the land of milk and honey success can be achieved by all. But, how long will African-Americans continue to allow years of division to stop us from gaining the riches and wealth we deserve? Why is it difficult for African-Americans to build business alliances and partnerships with each other?

Marie Johns, President and CEO of Verizon Communications Washington Company said, “Creating alliances and partnerships is a dynamic organic process. It is formed and reshaped. As professionals move to different sets of responsibilities there is a need to network with new people as well as maintain current alliances. One can never say that their network is complete. There are always interesting people with whom one can engage who would end up being a valuable experience.”

In today’s business culture, having productive relationships for commerce exchange is a way of life. People do business with people they know and with people, they like. They do business by referrals from people whose judgment they trust. Albert Einstein said it best, “Trust is what stands the test of experience.”

Similarly, Frank Fahrenkopf, Co-Chairman of the Commission for Presidential Debates said during our interview it’s best to “Look for opportunities and see where there is a need, think about it while making sure that you have a plan, set objectives that are reachable then prove yourself by your professionalism as you go along with every small step until you reach the end. It is highly important to be able to articulate your views once your objectives have been set.”

It’s foundations like Emerging Business Forum who see the need and are bringing minorities together as a culmination of the essentials for business growth, knowledge transfer for personal and business relationships. But, does former Governor Wilder have a valid point in how to attract quality relationships? More importantly, what are colleges doing to educate students in creating alliances before they get into the workforce?

Cliff McKnight, Counselor and Associate Professor at Montgomery College in Maryland believes “that colleges should engage students in leadership activities such as clubs and other organizations through the office of student life. It’s a major component for student development.” His belief is noble. But without a formal setting is joining clubs enough to provide competent networking skills?

Dr. Ivan Misner, President and Founder, of BNI (Business Network Int’l), an international organization that manages two thousand networking chapters says, no! Colleges and universities are not teaching networking skills because the professors don’t know the subject matter.” Why? “Because it’s an emerging topic and many are unfamiliar with the art of networking themselves,” Misner said.

After years of research, informative interviews, and hundreds of social events, I discovered the key to creating successful alliances and partnerships is by utilizing the NAAP Approach. The NAAP Approach is coined and defined as a three-dimensional approach to creating long-lasting partnerships. The rules of engagement are:

•Networking—First stage, strictly for building a Rolodex of contacts and expertise. Identify professionals that have partnership potential.

•Action-Alliance—Second stage, relationship building takes place at this stage. It is important that keeping in touch or practicing due diligence. This process can take months or several years.

•Partnerships—Third stage, after completing stages one and two, a shared purpose for partnering can be determined. At this point, there should be a solid foundation for working together; call in your chits.

Contrastingly, Marilyn Crawford, of Primetime Omni media says, “If you have established a genuine relationship with a person there’s no such thing as calling in a chit. If you need help with something and you go to a certain person, you are essentially forwarding the relationship. In turn, they are simply forwarding opportunities to other people.” Crawford continued by saying, “If I need something from an alliance, I am comfortable enough with the relationship to pick up the telephone and say this is what I need, can you help me? On the other hand, because that person is comfortable with me they will say either yes or no. Just be prepared for possible rejection.”

Rejection! Rejection? Many African-Americans will say that the fundamental nature of rejection is nothing new and the word itself carries no meaning until the banks and lending institutions makes the word real. “It’s the banks, they refuse to give minorities loans,” a woman said while reading the draft of this article. Maybe Rennie Williams, a professional barber dubbed by the Washington Post as a “debater laureate” says what some are afraid to say, “It’s trust. Whom can you really trust in business? Many African-Americans don’t trust each other and that mistrust stagnates our culture.”

In my opinion, the easiest and most effective way to accomplish creating many strong partnerships simultaneously is to:

•Go direct to the decision maker. Begin at the top. It’s the top down theory. Going direct to the top will eliminate corporate politics that come with starting at the bottom. Top decision makers assign projects to the appropriate person.

•Present your credentials before an introduction. Having a good image can open many doors. Presenting your credentials before you meet with potential partners allows them to have an idea of who you are and the past work you have done.

•Provide any professional supporting documentation. Submitting supporting documentation such as patents, trade articles, or related accomplishments is often the deciding factor whether executives will accept your request for a meeting.

•Have a reason for the dialogue. Make sure the purpose for communicating with potential alliances is compelling. Ask yourself this, is the meeting more to help them or help me? If it is more for them, your chances of collaborating are greatly increased.

•Maintain good values, strong ethics, and moral principles. Would you do business with a liar and a cheat? Of course not! Never assume that you know someone’s values and ethics. The best rule of thumb is to carry yourself and treat others with the highest respect.

Creating successful alliances and partnerships is critical more than ever before. It takes more than having a college degree and it takes more than just having a prominent job title. Just remember, it doesn’t matter how much money you have, creating partnerships that work takes personality and action. Once you put these two ingredients together and see the benefit of the alliances you form, you will understand why Tim Russert, Host of the television news magazine Meet the Press says, “Creating partnerships has been the most important component helping me build my career.”

Melvin Murphy
Speaker and author of: “It’s Who You Know: Creating Successful Mentor-Based Alliances, Coalitions and Partnerships Through Networking”
Email: MMurphy833@aol.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

How we decide to spend valuable time networking will determine our direct success now and for the future. When in transition we often prioritize, placing business networking sandwiched between “I know I should to what for?” kinds of attitude.

Many see the act of business networking as a waste of time, because the return on investment is not often immediate. In another sense, many professionals in transition make this an excellent opportunity to have “face time” with potential employers or perhaps receive viable leads.

Here are several keys to help you prepare for networking while in transition:

• Motivation. Keeping a positive mental attitude is critical. If you are not ready to meet valuable contacts, stay home. Networking requires effort and positive motivation for and to those around you.

• Perseverance. Being in transition is a difficult period, but perseverance vastly enhances your chances of receiving positive responses and more importantly builds rewarding relationships immediately and for the future.

• Follow up. There have been times when individuals test you by how, when, and how long you attempt to follow up. Having a follow up program in place will make sure that communications does not fail on your end.

• Personality. This is a time when you must let your personality shine bright. People want to associate with people who are fun, energetic and personable.

• Image. As the old saying goes, “Image is everything” and it is too. Now is the time to re-evaluate your current image from your clothing to your body language. What worked years ago may not be applicable in today’s market.

Remember that preparing for great networking is all about your motivation, perseverance, follow up, personality and a well-defined image. It is important to remember above all, the most critical element in being successful in your networking program—is you!

Consummate Speaker, Noted Author & Certified Seminar Leader Melvin Murphy provides keynote speeches and seminars to educational institutions, civic groups, public associations, and corporations throughout the country. He can be reached at: MMurphy833@aol.com or 703/216.3888

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

In business, the winning edge may be a critical piece of information, an inside connection, a chance meeting with a key decision maker or a well-rehearsed sales presentation. It doesn’t matter what the edge is as long as you have it and your competition doesn’t.

As African Americans, the winning edge in business has historically been denied us. Access to capital, ownership rights, quality education and relationships with White decision makers in the business world were historically hard to come by. Many tried to succeed and did but many more fell by the wayside, unable to overcome these huge barriers.

We no longer live in the day and age where these obstacles are forced in place by society. That doesn’t mean however, that we have full access and participation in the “ownership society.” The changing world economy though, offers us a prime opportunity to achieve significant gains in entrepreneurship, asset accumulation and wealth.

However, we need to adopt the first winning edge in business, sports and, even, relationships. That edge is a winning attitude or mindset.

A winning attitude produces winners. A losing attitude produces losers. Its not much more complicated then that however, some explanation is in order.

I define a winner as someone that wins more then he loses. A person that wins when winning matters most.

Take note that a winner is not someone who always wins and never loses. You can lose all day play slot machines at a casino but if you win big once and walk away with more then you started, you’re considered a winner that day. In fact, the casino always wins but they know that occasionally letting you win will keep you coming back to try out your luck.

In business, you could start 3 failing business but if your fourth one takes off, everyone will talk about what a success you are. Getting it right once can make you a winner. Most people never make first attempt in business, relationships, public speaking and a whole host of things because of fear. These people may never fail but not failing is not the same as winning. Many will give up on these things after a single failure. On the other hand, the winner always wins at least once after several and sometimes many failures.

The second part of the definition involves winning when winning matters most. The Bible says, “What does it profit a man if he should gain the whole world and lose his own soul.” Winning often involves sacrifice but there is a limit to how much we should sacrifice.

Sacrificing our spiritual and family commitments in the quest to win is foolishness. Having your priorities screwed up when it comes to the spirit and to family is common but never good. We do it in emulation of our parents and peers. But nothing can make you true winner when you have to sacrifice those things to win.

This part of the definition requires you to be true to who you are and not necessarily to the rules of “the game.” Don’t have children you don’t want to care for because everyone else has kids at a certain age. Don’t volunteer your time to projects that take you away from your family but raise your profile if it is your family that really matters to you. Be true to yourself.

So, how can you be the winner you want to be? It’s simple, do the opposite of the loser. The losers lose because they choose not to win. Losers choose not to win because they fail at learning or the fail at growing.

Again, both the winner and the loser will suffer losses however; the winner learns from his losses and changes his approach, which is a sign of growth. The loser may learn but may not grow. The loser may give up before learning and growth can occur. The ultimate loser will not learn and continue to persevere until the defeat becomes a complete loss similar to the drug addict or alcoholic that ends up on the street with absolutely nothing.

The mind of a winner is trained over time to learn from failure and will always grow as a result. The ultimate winner excitedly anticipates the opportunity to grow and change over time. The ultimate winner will learn and grow from the failures of others and will see trouble before it hits and take action. The ultimate winner makes winning look effortless to outsiders looking inside.

We in the African-American community need to adopt the winning entrepreneurial attitude and spirit. Global financial storm clouds are up ahead. Social security, global competition, demographic shifts, global terrorism, technological advancements and the increasing demand for highly skilled, highly educated yet cheap labor will strain our economic and political institutions beyond their limits. Only winning edge will preserve them.

Only the winning edge will lead to our advancement in the face of these challenges. Only the financially secure, the innovators and creators and those courageous enough to take action now will thrive and they will be among those leading our country to it next great height.

Black Americans will undoubtedly be among these great leaders. Why not join these future leaders? Get the winning edge today.

This article was written by Bret Searles, author of “The 7 Simple Secrets to Wealth Building: An African American’s Guide to Wealth Building in the 21st Century and Beyond” available at http://www.blackwealthnow.com. Visit http://www.blackwealthnow.com for more articles and educational resources for African Americans that want to build wealth and close the racial wealth gap once and for all.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

I understand the need for black people in America to find an identity all their own. We are as displaced as a people can be. Brought here in the early seventeenth century, first as indentured servants then as slaves the richness of culture these individuals brought from their various tribes was systematically ripped away from them. Maybe in calling ourselves African-American we feel we can retrieve some of that richness that is lost to us and was stolen from our people so long ago. However the atrocities of the past are just that, the past and trying to identify with lost cultures isn’t going to help us achieve the respect and prosperity that has alluded us for so long in a country that is still hostile to those of African descent.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m in no way suggesting we forget about the past. It’s important to study and learn from your forefathers’ triumphs, mistakes and pain. Continuously changing our identification however, is not the best way to use that knowledge. We’ve had several “identities:” from Colored to Negro, Black and now African-American. How can we expect anyone else to know who we are if we’re not sure of our own identity? How can we expect to come together as a people if we can’t agree on something as simple as to what to call ourselves? Hell the government is not even sure who we are if the census form was any indication with their Black, Negro, African-American non-hispanic category.

I say dispense with all of the confusion. We’re American. The sweat of our brow helped build this country. Benjamin Banneker a black man, helped design the white house. Something as simple as the traffic light and as life saving as the blood transfusion were created by black people. Americans. From music, to dance, to literature we have given much more to this country then it has have ever given to us. We can be proud in simply calling ourselves Americans because we have more then earned that right. It’s time we make use of it.

I was once asked if I viewed myself as an American first and black second. The answer is as long as America views me as black first then I’ll always be American second. But I’ll never be anything other then American, plain and simple.

Tamika Johnson is a freelance writer and editor and chief of Prologue, the best arts and entertainment online community the web has to offer. To read more articles by Tamika and to receive FREE tips on how to be a successful writer visit http://www.prologuezine.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Cosby failed to take into account many mitigating factors, in what became his regular rants on poor blacks in this country. For example, the last of the civil rights laws was passed in 1965, so it’s been forty years since the physical signs of government sanctioned racism have been in place. Please explain to me how in forty years we are to undo centuries of terror and government sponsored segregation, emasculation and murder?

While I don’t believe blaming the white man for your problems is the answer, preaching to a roomful of upwardly mobile blacks who are probably doing nothing to help those who are less fortunate then they are is pointless and doesn’t do anything to help the cause of those you’re complaining about. Poverty is a hard cycle to break; especially if you’re black and suffer a history where, in the not to distance past, if you dared to assert yourself as an entrepreneurial, educated black person you could find yourself hanging from a tree.

This is a country that used to burn blacks alive for fun. That not to long ago raped a man with a broom handle and two years ago sent a young black boy to prison for having sex with a white girl. This is a country where there are several states that have never sent a white man to death row for killing a black man but routinely send black ones to death row for crimes that they may not have committed, look at Illinois, and that is not even a southern state.

Now as a young black woman who was raised by a single mother, one who was welfare and who only has a GED, I could so easily be one of those non English speaking, uneducated loud dressing, black folk he was talking about. But I’m not. I’m well educated and I am quite familiar with the English language. But guess what, I’ve been denied jobs and treated horribly because I am black and for no other reason. And if Cosby or anyone else thinks that that doesn’t have an effect on those who are not blessed to have a parent who recognizes the value of an education and who adequately prepares you for the racist country in which we live, then he and everyone else who feels that way are sadly mistaken.

Cosby failed to mention the sorry state of secondary education in many of the poor neighborhoods in this country and how that impacts the lives of the poor and black in this country. Our tax based system for supporting public schools leave many in poor areas with inadequate buildings, teachers, textbooks, and curriculum. Can someone explain to me how kids get to high school without the ability to read or do simple math? That isn’t simply their fault, or their parents fault but the fault of a system that will simply pass kids along and believe them incapable of learning and not really caring whether they learn anything or not.

How about a high school system that offers classes that are useless for entrance into college? Or where kids graduate and haven’t taken a single algebra class? High school is supposed to prepare you for college, regardless of whether the teachers or administrators believe the students are capable of a college education. You can be a very responsible person but if you were never given the proper building blocks for success then that responsibility will get you nowhere.

America and apparently Bill Cosby has a short memory. And while blaming the white man is pointless, and waiting for racism to end is pointless, personal responsibility alone isn’t the answer. You can take all the personal responsibility you want but if you’re born black and poor in this country, then you have a lot of odds stacked against you and more then likely will succumb to that environment. Poverty alone is a hard cycle to break, add being black and the weight of a history that has routinely stripped you of your identity and self worth and you’ve got what can seem like, and for many people are, insurmountable odds. Forty years and a ranting, wealthy black man isn’t going to change that.

To read more articles by Tamika Johnson or to have you book, music or film reviewed visit http://www.prologuereviews.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

1. Plan What You are Going to Write – This is very important whether you are just beginning to write or have been writing for years. Simply put you need to know what you’re talking about. Many times we as writers get bogged down in what we call ‘writer’s block’ but all that really means is that we can’t think of anything to say. If you take whatever idea you have and start writing down the points you’d like to make about that idea, then the words will flow naturally. Also it planning what you are going to say ahead of time saves on time when you actually sit down to write out that story or article you have in mind.

2. Write Everyday – And yes I do mean EVERYDAY. If you are serious about writing then you have to treat it like you would a regular job. That means you need to get up go to your office (a.k.a. your computer) and get to writing. Rain, hail, sleet or snow you need to write. Regardless of what you have to do that day you need to set aside time to write. Which brings me to my next point…

3. Have a Specific Time Set Aside for Writing and Adhere to that Time – This is important if you’re going to establish the discipline necessary to become a serious and successful writer. You have to find a time frame that works for you and stick to that time frame. No excuses. The main reasons why budding writers don’t succeed is because they lack discipline. And the only way you gain discipline is by doing something over and over again, writing everyday and writing at the same time everyday will help you gain the discipline you will need to be a success.

4. Write About what You Know and what You Don’t Know, Research – When you’re first starting out the best thing you can do is to write about something you know. If you don’t know anything about astronomy, don’t write about it. It is much easier to write an interesting and compelling article about something you know and are passionate about then to write about something you’re clueless about. As time goes on and you become a better writer then you can approach topics that interest you but you may not be well versed on. Research is the key. The Internet, books, magazines, periodicals, be thorough and make sure if you borrow someone’s idea that you credit them for it. Plagiarism is the ultimate sin for a writer.

5. Seek Constructive Criticism – Yes I want you to seek criticism. This isn’t a bad thing. Sure we all want to hear how wonderful we are and what great writers we are but the positive comments, while ego boosting, aren’t going to make us better writers, the negative ones are. Constructive criticism isn’t about being cruel or mean it is about telling someone what works and doesn’t work about what you’re writing which will ultimately make you a better writer. So give your work to people you trust, whose opinions you value and who you know will be honest with you no matter what. Sure, it may sting a little at first, but you’ll eventually thank them for their honesty and you’ll see the results of their criticism as your writing improves.

6. Submit Your Work to as Many Sources as Possible as Often as Possible – You should be sending out your work everyday or at the very least once a week. Query letters, reviews, manuscripts it doesn’t matter; if you want to be successful as a writer then you have to submit your work as often as possible and to as many sources as possible. Research the magazines or periodicals, etc. you’re submitting your work to before you send them anything. You need to make sure that what you are looking to send then is something they are looking for and you need to have a through understanding of their guidelines for submissions. If you expect someone to give you a paying job then this is the only way to go about it. Also submitting your work gets you into the habit of viewing your writing as a business and not just a hobby.

7. Have Fun – Lastly the most important thing to remember is to have fun, enjoy yourself. This is something you’ve dreamed of doing and while it is a lot of hard work it should be enjoyable and not a chore.

Tamika Johnson is a freelance writer and owner of PrologueReviews.com. To read more articles by Tamika and to recieve FREE tips on becoming a successful writer visit http://www.prologuereviews.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

Diary follows the life of Helen (Kimberly Elise) as she tries to put her life back to together after her husband, played by Steve Harris of The Practice fame, unceremoniously and rather cruelly throws her out of their sprawling mansion, officially ending their eighteen year marriage. Simple enough story right? Predictable but workable? Well if Diary had just stayed with that storyline then yes, it might have been a predictable but a rather entertaining film. Instead, Diary doesn’t stick to just that story line. It goes on to produce not one but five other subplots. These extra stories turn the movie into one big muddled mess that is never sure which way it is going.

In his defense Perry’s play is this muddled as well and what saves his play is the same thing that saves this film: Madea. Madea is Helen’s trash talking, pistol toting, you’re going to respect me or I’ll put a cap in your behind, grandma. Played by Perry himself she steals the film and makes sitting through this 116min rambling mess worth it.

Outside of Madea there’s not that much else to say about this movie. Tyler’s appearance as Joe, Madea’s cantankerous, dirty old man, brother is the only other bright spot in the film, as we watch him fight with Madea and hit on anything that moves. Kimberly Elise, albeit a very talented actress pouts, yells, screams and otherwise overacts her way through the role of the jilted Helen. And the absolutely handsome Shemar Moore from The Young and The Restless is convincing, although uninteresting as Orlando, Helen’s new and sappy love interest. Orlando’s dialogue couldn’t get anymore cheesy or saccharine, “I’ll love you through your pain” or “I’ll be your knight in shining armor.” Although he delivers these lines as if he sincerely believes what he saying it stills sounds as if it is straight out of a bad romance novel.

I will say that if you like Perry’s stage work, then you will love this movie. He stays true to what works for him on stage, so you Perry fans won’t be disappointed. However, if you’re unfamiliar with Perry and his work and you were thinking about seeing this film, don’t. You’ll be sorely disappointed and will demand your money back.

(C)2005 Tamika Johnson

Tamika Johnson

http://www.prologuereviews.com - Get the Exposure You Deserve! Get a professionally written, signed, review of your work today.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

According to the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) the predominant ethnic market segments being targeted by multicultural marketers are Hispanic (70%), African-American (59%) and Asian American (27%). In many places, these and other multicultural markets exert such demographic and economic influence that they’re inevitable targets. (source: www.Emarketer.com, 11-6-02).

Wherever they are, however, businesses must monitor and adapt to changes in their marketplace. The view out there can change quickly, and it’s a mistake to take any significant market segment in your area for granted. Even with all the right products and services you’ll still need the right message, in the right place, at the right time to reach the ethnic markets you want to be doing business with.

Do-it-yourself online research and homegrown multicultural marketing initiatives can help you identify and develop local ethnic market segments. But for some, outsourcing may be the way to go. For example, Multicultural Marketing Resources, Inc., (www.multiculturalmarketingresources.com), a NYC-based public relations and marketing company, is helping businesses and entrepreneurs reach multicultural markets nationwide.

Population Growth and Economic Clout Tell Powerful Stories

Overall, says Multicultural Marketing Resources’, Lisa Skriloff: “The African-American, Hispanic and Asian populations have a combined buying power of more than a trillion dollars and minority populations are fast becoming the majority population in major markets.” But shifts in thinking toward culturally based marketing—targeting ethnic segments based on their cultural framework—will expand, creating multicultural marketing opportunities in still new ethnic segments in places where they are numerically significant.

California diversity consultant, Rhonda Albey, cautions: “Appreciate the diversity within groups as well as among groups. Terms like ‘Hispanic’ and ‘Asian’ are frequently used without acknowledging the wide-variety of peoples such terms include. ‘Asian’ can refer to any one of hundreds of nationalities, language groups and cultures. Entrepreneurs need to be aware that what appeals to Chinese-Americans in California may have little appeal for Korean-Americans in New York, although they’re all Asian-Americans.”

Culture as much, if not more than age, income, occupation or sex, is the main difference between ethnic markets and the general marketplace. Differing cultural backgrounds may mean consumers will never see or hear marketing messages that are not relevant to their cultural behavior, language or media preferences. And many businesses have yet to realize that Hispanics, Asians and blacks, among other market segments—multicultural or otherwise–have buying preferences that can be a key ingredient in marketing and selling to them.

But what if you haven’t been making the most of multicultural marketing opportunities that could be all around you?

How to Work Multicultural Marketing Into Your Marketing Plans?

Assuming you have a marketing plan, an important first step in multicultural marketing is knowing your audience, followed by improving your existing market penetration (you may want to get busy developing attractive new target markets, but first understand the inherent risks and costs, and explore opportunities to grow from within). If you can’t meet your goals with existing marketing opportunities–or you want to aim even higher–you probably should be developing new market segments. That means checking your sales forecasts and expense budget, and seeking ways to increase the return on your marketing investment.

As does all market planning, multicultural marketing needs to include research to determine who is buying your products and services, and why. Any market segment’s unique make-up defines its needs, suggesting products to sell and methods to use, and if it’s right for you; solid information about the wants, needs and objectives of potential clients is essential in making sound marketing decisions. Surveys of prospects and clients and informal interviews are useful research tools for agents and advisors in areas where one or more ethnic groups predominate.

Multicultural market planning continues with customer profiles–word-pictures of the people you’re looking for summarizing what these groups mean to you, what you do for the group, and why. Example: “The person I do business with is a young black professional or executive who is married, politically conservative, and has the potential of earning $100,000 a year by age 40. This market has grown substantially from when I started in this business 10 years ago, and I’ve been able to develop a steady market presence. As a result, networking opportunities and qualified referrals are easy—but I have to keep my eye on the ball and know my stuff.”

Market positioning then allows you to focus your resources and expertise as they apply to your market segments and think through the messages you wish to communicate to create competitive advantages. Your positioning statement should be well thought out and lend itself to professional identity branding. Your “brand”–reputation, integrity, performance, credentials, distinctive competencies and other key factors–shows in everything you do and differentiates you from your competition. Establish your brand up front: in conversation, in writing and in what you make people think about.

A marketing strategy is your formal plan for entering and systematically developing multicultural market segments and achieving your goals. It coordinates your positioning statement, customer profiles and professional identity brand with tools and techniques for establishing yourself in these market segments while servicing and expanding your existing client base. Once you have a plan, you’ll need to implement, manage and sustain it. It’s also important to remain focussed on your long-term goals. And to stay motivated!

You can adopt these steps to any market segment; what’s most important is thinking strategically about how you will find, get, and keep customers. Because marketing in the U.S. is becoming more like global marketing, market planning must proceed from an understanding of cultural differences the better to evaluate the need for adjustments to strategies and tactics. Commenting on the potential growth of multicultural marketing, Lisa Skriloff predicts: “Businesses that have not invested in multicultural marketing will be forced to reevaluate or be left behind.”

Want More? Send questions and comments to w.willard3@knology.net.

Bill Willard has also been writing high-impact marketing and sales training primarily for the financial services industry for 30 years—but as Will Rogers put it: “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” Through interactive, Web-based “Do-While-Learning™” programs, enewsletters and straight-talking articles, Bill helps SBOs and independent professionals get the job done: profitably improving performance, helping grow your business, skipping expensive mistakes, making the journey to small-business success faster, smoother, easier. And fun!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

(PRWEB) June 3, 2005 — “The Caribbean Escape - Summit at The Westin St. John (US Virgin Islands, August 16-21, 2005)” is a new Caribbean vacation catering to Black professionals. African American websites in Atlanta, Los Angeles, the San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area and Washington DC are using the power of the internet to market this new vacation experience, which offers adventure, beach fun, R&R, and networking. “Incredibly, this is the only nationally marketed Caribbean resort vacation that caters to African American professionals, particularly those 35 years and older,” says Paul Mixon, tour operator. (For Caribbean Escape trip information, visit www.viplineup.com/caribbeanescape2005.asp)

The internet marketing engine behind Caribbean Escape includes BlackNLA.com (Los Angeles), FLOWInsiders.com (Washington D.C.), Izania.com (National), the RAAPNetwork.com (Atlanta) and VIPLineup.com (San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area). Reaching over 250,000 subscribers weekly, the group’s involvement in this first time effort stems from their desire to fill a growing void and demand in vacation offerings to older Black professionals. According to a Digitial Marketing Services survey, a majority of African Americans read online ads, and 46% find them informative compared to 26% of the general population. Online marketing appears to be an effective way to reach this market.

Mixon understands the power of the internet, which is why he presented the concept to Michael DeFlorimonte, CEO of VIPLineup.com, a San Francisco/Oakland Bay Area lifestyle and entertainment website for urban professionals. After realizing the uniqueness of the trip, DeFlorimonte immediately reached out to selected African American websites in other major cities. “The networking component, specifically the opportunity to meet like-minded mature (35 and older) Black professionals from other cities in an upscale vacation environment is a strong attraction.”

Mixon is already known for its successsful Black Boater’s Summit (British Virgin Islands), a 7 day yachting adventure for African Americans, now in its eighth year. Market indicators point toward the success of Caribbean Escape. The underserved African American travel and tourism market now approaches $40 billion annually; travel, online, and population growth rates among Blacks regularly exceed those of the general market; and over 9.3 million African Americans live in households of $60,000 or more. Given these trends, Mixon’s group of savvy online marketers may be well on their way to attracting Black gold.

The Caribbean Escape differs from other organized African American trips, which typically appeal to a younger audience, are cruise ship based, or lack an island adventure component. Caribbean Escape vacationers can opt for a Resort only package, or the more extensive Premium Inclusive package, which includes excursions to the British Virgin Islands, yacht cocktail parties, dinners, parties, entertainment and hospitality discounts on shopping, spa, drinks, golf and other hotel amenities. “We created a travel experience that gives vacationers plenty of options,” says Mixon. “To top it off, Black Boater’s Summit participants will join Caribbean Escape attendees at The Westin for the final 2 days of the trip.”

For Caribbean Escape trip information, visit www.viplineup.com/caribbeanescape2005.asp
Press Release photos - visit http://www.viplineup.com/caribbeanescape2005-prphotos.html

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) May 17, 2005 — Baybop Radio is launched as the first African-American, woman-owned and operated radio station in the world. Mixing streaming technology and music, founder and owner Adrienne Anderson programs music by independent artists and features “endangered music” –or music that wouldn’t normally be heard on today’s radio.

Started in June of 2004, Baybop Radio’s audience has grown. Artists like indie Seattle rappers Optimus Rhyme and underground folk artist Edith Frost are in regular rotation…something you’d never find on Top Ten radio. San Francisco-native Adrienne Anderson knows the public is ready for the next wave in radio streaming. Better equipment and better home computers have revolutionized how people hear music.

“People can’t listen to their iPods at work, or keep rotating their CDs. What are they doing? Plugging into Internet radio,” says Adrienne. Sick of hearing the same music and a lot of commercials, Baybop Radio is ahead of the pack with its creative programming and minimal commercials.

Baybop Radio is streamed through Live 365.com. In June 2005, Baybop Radio will be expanding because the number of listeners keeps growing.
For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release, contact station owner Adrienne Anderson or visit http://www.baybop.com . You can click directly to Baybop Radio at http://www.live365.com/stations/310109?play.

About Baybop Radio:
Baybop Radio was founded in June 2004 and was officially expanded in May 2005. Established as a nonprofit, community radio station, it features “endangered music” by indie artists, as well as classic soul, bluegrass, rock, swing, reggae, rap and American roots music. Founder and owner Adrienne Anderson is also the founder and director of the International Black Women’s Film Festival in San Francisco, California. Baybop Radio is the only African American and woman-owned and operated Internet radio station in the world.

Contact:
Adrienne Anderson, Owner & Programmer
Baybop Radio
415-305-0144
http://www.baybop.com
http://www.live365.com/stations/310109?play

New York, NY (PRWEB) May 24, 2005 — Poetry editor Angela Kinamore of ESSENCE Magazine reversed her role as a subject interviewee for the debut installment of the Creative Conversatin’ interview series, with poet-author Aberjhani, and took on the part of interviewer in the spring 2005 edition of African Voices Magazine.

Whereas Kinamore was interviewed by Aberjhani, discussing modern trends in literary culture, for his interview series on the web site Black Skylark Z-Ped Music Player (http://www.authorsden.com/aberjhani) it is she who interviews both Aberjhani and Rutgers University lecturer Sandra L. West, coauthors of Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance, in the new African Voices Magazine.

Entitled “Interview with the Authors of the Encyclopedia of the Harlem Renaissance,” the article runs several pages long and examines the challenge of completing the world’s first encyclopedia on the famed cultural and political movement of the 1920s and 1930s. As Kinamore notes in her introduction to the interview, “this important volume, now in its second printing, is one of the most comprehensive scholarly documents on African-American literature ever to be published on this significant era.” The interview also takes a telling look at current trends in writing, publishing, and reading.

In addition to Kinamore’s interview with Aberjhani and West, the new edition of African Voices features a tribute by Walker Smith to the late actor and activist Ossie Davis. It also includes interviews with: famed literary agent Marie Brown; and, “A Love Supreme” author, Ashley Kahn. A review of Subtle Changes Dance Company’s production of “The Statement-7th Draft,” based on the work of Gil Scott-Heron, an essay on the prisoner abuses at Abu Ghraib, a profile of performance arts entrepreneur April Silver, and a large selection of poems and stories help round out the magazine.

African Voices, published in New York City by Carolyn A. Butts and Layding Kaliba, is available at book stores and culture centers throughout the Tri-State area as well as at Barnes and Noble bookstores nationwide. For more information on the publication, please visit www.africanvoices.com or telephone (212)865-2982.

While most of the younger generation is looking for a rap career or that big break in hip hop; these young African American’s are looking at ALL the opportunities that the hip hop culture has to afford them.

They are ready to drop in the LA market in March. In February they will Be the only African American LIQUOR company to show in the Las Vegas food and beverage convention slated for Feb. 27th to March 3rd.

Their story is one about economic empowerment and inclusion. For years African Americans were responsible for the consumption of over 50% of all Cognac sold in the U. S. When the rap industry started making songs about the French drink African American consumption shot up to well over 90% of all Cognac consumption.

The companies that market Cognac recognized this fact and began spending much more money on getting blacks to drink their brands. However they neglected to share any of that wealth with the very folks who make them wealthy.

Carnivo Unlimited seeks to rectify this lack of inclusion in an industry, which survives solely from African American patronage.

“It simple to me, if we are the ones that keep an industry alive, we should share in some of the money that is generated, it is the only way we can insure that some of that money gets back to the community’ says Robert Pierce. “We are doing it with music and clothing, now we are going to do it with Cognac.

Carnivo Unlimited will enter the market this February with its first signature drink Carnivo XO. Carnivo XO is a tropical blending of superior XO quality Cognac, Fine French Vodka and Exotic Natural fruit juices. Closely resembling the latest club-drinks. Carnivo stands out due its signature light green color, distinctive frosted bottle and the use of XO Quality Cognac from the Grand Champagne region of Cognac, France.

“All of our Cognac is from the Grande Champagne region of Cognac France, on my last visit to our supplier it was made clear to me that for years the Cognac we have been getting has been the leftovers of other wise good Cognac. It is just like with beer; they get Michelob and Heineken and put Old English and Colt 45 on us.’ Says Kelvin Love “We are bringing only superior Cognac to the US. I would challenge anyone to go into a liquor store in the hood and ask for Cognac from the Grand Champagne region, they don’t have it, it has been easier to bring the garbage over, put it in fancy bottles and sell it to black people, well not anymore.’

Their intro into the marketplace will be with the help of some heavy weights in the Music game. The plan is to pop out at you, and surprise the market with promotional events and celebrity tie-ins. The company is not giving too much away because the haters already have the LA based company on their radar screen.

We know we will be butting heads with companies who have been getting cream for years, they don’t want to see us come up, they are already circling their wagons, but so what. Let them spend millions, they still don’t understand what it is that makes it possible for companies like FUBU to sale 100’s of millions of dollars of product, they never will. Says Robert Pierce with a large smile on his face.

Carnivo Unlimited’ aggressive approach is not unlike other like-minded companies created to service the growing financially influential Urban generation that is demanding the best service and products from companies that more closely resemble the customer. Think hip hop’s Phat Farm, Fubu, Sean Jean, Roc A Ware, Rockafella Records and No Limit Records.

“This is the second part of Martin Luther Kings dream, it’s about true economic empowerment. We can’t move our people ahead without financial control. Nor can we continue to be just consumers, we need to strive to control those products and industries that define us.’ Says Cliff Jordan “Like P Diddy said, we got into sports, took it over, got into music, took it over, got into clothing, took it over. Now we are getting into the Cognac business and as far as I am concerned, it’s ride or die baby and there is no way that we can stop.’

To learn about Carnivo Unlimited visit them at their website www.carnivoxo.com .

This release is being presented as a news item by www.ThugLifeArmy.com . ThugLifeArmy.com has no connection with Carnivo Unlimited Inc.

Anyone requiring information on Carnivo Unlimited Inc. can email them direct at: Email – info@carnivoxo.com

Please visit www.ThugLifeArmy.com for future information on Carnivo Unlimited Inc. and all news connected to the hip-hop culture.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) May 15, 2005 — The premier business magazine for blacks and the upcoming premier empowerment and networking conference have joined forces to positively impact the community at large. Black Enterprise Magazine has approached and secured a sponsorship arrangement with the inaugural 2005 TENPower Conference.

The Empowerment Network, Inc. (TEN) based in Houston, Texas was established in 2004 by Robin Cole, Evelyn Griffin, Emma Jones and Karen Fountain based on a desire to sponsor cross-networking events where people will find like-minded individuals moving and growing in the same direction.

“We are definitely excited that Black Enterprise and Earl Graves have embraced our efforts,” states Cole, CEO and Director of Marketing. “Mr. Graves spoke this event into us years ago and we are just so proud it has finally materialized.” Along with promotional and advertisement support, Black Enterprise will be giving year long subscriptions to all paid conference registrants.

Earl G. Graves, Ltd., publisher of Black Enterprise, was founded in 1968 by Earl G. Graves, Sr., with the purpose to serve to seek out, analyze and disseminate information that is helpful to, and provides a forum for the ideas, ambitions and expressions of African American business people.

The Empowerment Network CFO, Emma Jones, states, “The ability to keep up with current business trends and stay informed as we build personal wealth is vital and Black Enterprise helps you do just that.”

The partnership is the first for the TENPower Conference with several more sponsors set to come on board by the end of May. “We anticipate additional sponsors securing their place in the coming weeks,” states Cole. “An event of this magnitude will make a profound effect on any organization’s bottom line.”

For more information about the conference, visit www.tenpower.com. Sponsorship interests and Media inquires can be directed to Carletta S. Hurt at e-mail protected from spam bots or 404-587-8536.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 3, 2005 — BlackNLA.com has teamed up with Honey Let’s Travel, VIP Line Up, The UCLA Black Alumni Association and others in an effort to provide a vacation experience that appeals to professional African Americans who are looking for an opportunity to enjoy a luxury resort and all of its surrounding adventures.

“After looking at a lot of the other travel opportunities geared towards African Americans, we decided that there needed to be a middle ground between all of the music festivals and the extremely targeted trips of, say, a ski club,” said Cherice Calhoun, president of BlackNLA.com. “The Caribbean Escape was developed to appeal to a large audience of various backgrounds and experiences.”

The Caribbean Escape will be held on the island of St. John, which is about a 30-minute boat ride from St. Thomas, on August 16 -20, 2005. This package will appeal to both land lovers and those looking for a little adventure. The resort features a full spa, access to a golf course nearby and an outdoor daily Cigar Lounge/Exotic Island Cocktail Party. For those looking for adventure, there will be daily excursions covering four islands. The package will also include hosted dinners, parties, live entertainment and shopping excursions.

“Unlike some of our other programs, we are targeting a national audience,” said Calhoun. For more details on the upcoming Caribbean Escape, you can visit the website at: http://www.blacknla.com/caribbeanescape2005/Accommodations.htm.

About BlackNLA.com
BlackNLA.com is an online resource center for Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. The website is a place where African-Americans living, working and/or visiting Los Angeles can get information pertaining to their interests and lifestyles. With members and contributors throughout the community, BlackNLA.com can provide you with information on businesses, restaurants, local organizations, music, travel opportunities and upcoming events. BlackNLA.com can be reached at http://www.BlackNLA.com or e-mail protected from spam bots.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) May 2, 2005 — R.A.P. Filmworks is pleased to announce that “Honeybee” is scheduled to have its television premiere on TV One on May 7 at 9:00 pm EDT. “Honeybee” was licensed to TV One by Urban Entertainment as part of a ten-picture deal with the new African-American cable network.

“Honeybee” is an action/drama about a young black woman who pursues her dream to become a professional female boxing champion. The movie stars Senait Ashenafi (”General Hospital”), James Avery (“Fresh Prince of Bel Air”), Chrystale Wilson (”The Players’ Club”), and newcomer Pierre Perea. “Honeybee” also features appearances by real-life pro female boxers Corinne Van Ryck (“Next Action Star”) and Nina Ahlin.

“Honeybee” was directed by Melvin James. The movie was written and produced by Roderick Powell. The movie is an R.A.P. Filmworks production. “Honeybee” is distributed by Urban Entertainment and Lions Gate Entertainment.

About R.A.P. Filmworks:
R.A.P. Filmworks specializes in the production of African-American themed feature films. The company was founded by independent producer Roderick Powell in 1998 in Atlanta, Georgia. R.A.P. Filmworks productions include “Preacher Player”, “Honeybee”, and “A Miami Tail”. The company is currently in development on the action film “Sista’ Trouble”. For additional information, please visit the company’s web site at www.roderickpowellentertainment.com.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) June 9, 2005 - Atlanta Life Financial Group, Inc. (ALFG) kicks off its Centennial Celebration with a one-hundred-day countdown and a summer-long series of special events setting the stage for the 100th Anniversary of the founding the company, Atlanta Life Insurance Company. This year, Atlanta Life marks 100 years of service to the Atlanta community, the African-American community, and to its consumers and corporate partners at home, in the southern region, and around the country. [A press conference announcing the Celebration will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at Herndon Plaza, 100 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.

The kick-off celebration will draw participation from the Atlanta community and will include performances by many well-known personalities and entertainers throughout the city. Commemorating the event will be the unveiling of a 22 x 14 foot Centennial banner which will hang from the ceiling in the atrium of the Atlanta Life Building.

Ronald D. Brown, president and chief executive officer of Atlanta Life Financial Group, will host the press conference and outline an assortment of festivities planned in celebration of this milestone anniversary, which will culminate with a gala affair in late September. “It is a privilege to be a part of this company during this historical time,” states Brown. “For a century now, the Atlanta Life organization has been in the business of improving the quality of life for its stakeholders and the community it serves with unwavering commitment. I am proud and humbled to lead Atlanta Life during this watershed moment in its history, and look forward to carrying on its tradition of service and excellence into the next era.”

Some of the events planned during the summer-long celebration include “Creatively Speaking,” a collaboration with the National Black Arts Festival; Founder’s Natal Day Parade; The Auburn Avenue African Research Library Exhibit; The Three Inspirational Tenors; 100 Minute of Jazz; a reunion of Atlanta Life employees; and the unveiling of the Centennial painting (see media advisory — calendar of events - for a full listing of activities).

“This is a very exciting time for us right now,” exclaims Henrietta Antoinin, vice president of public relations. “This Centennial Celebration will be more than a commemoration of 100 years of doing business. It will be a celebration of Atlanta, a celebration of our ancestors, a celebration of art, and a celebration of achievement.”

In 2001, the Board of Directors at Atlanta Life Insurance Company announced a comprehensive corporate restructuring, and the company began doing business under the umbrella of the Atlanta Life Financial Group. This evolution took Atlanta Life into the twenty-first century and reinforced the organization’s commitment to provide the highest quality financial services and products available to its customers.

“We have a great history and an even more promising future,” says Bill Clement, chairman of the board of directors. “We are eager to build on our storied legacy of promoting and preserving black achievement, black entrepreneurship, and community stewardship. Investing back into the community we serve while providing excellent products and services to our consumers has been our key to success. We will continue to operate and expand under this model into the next 100 years.”

About ALFG
Atlanta Life Financial Group is a privately owned financial services company that helps consumers, businesses and communities build and protect wealth. It consists of two operating units: Atlanta Life Insurance Company and Atlanta Life Investment Advisors. These companies provide a range of financial solutions to help individual and institutional customers manage their insurance and investment needs. More specifically, Atlanta Life Insurance Company provides group life products to Fortune 500 companies and funding products to help consumers preplan and prearrange their funerals. Atlanta Life Investment Advisors portfolio products help institutions and high net worth individuals build and protect wealth.

Photos, bios and the Atlanta Life logo are available for visuals. Contact First Class, Inc.; Bunnie Jackson-Ransom at e-mail protected from spam bots or Nyreen Lamb at e-mail protected from spam bots for transmission of jpeg photos.

Contact:
Bunnie Jackson-Ransom
404-505-8188 (404-226-8000 cell)

Interview with Hip-Hop Cultures Favorite Lady DJ - Wendy Williams

(PRLEAP.COM) Hip-hop culture has many celebrities who we all know and admire. And of course there are those we can’t figure out why they are where they are. And then there are those ‘elite’ few who have rose to their position thru hard work and knowledge of their chosen field.

In the hip-hop and rap radio area there are the DJ’s that are well known and each of their shows are as different as the personality who leads them.

As far as female DJ’s, Wendy Williams is among the ‘elite’ in her field. She is a strong black female who has more than ‘good looks’ going for her. She is educated, outspoken and has been in the communications industry for almost 20 years and her radio show is syndicated in over 10 different markets. And did I forget she knows her stuff.

Not only a radio personality she is also a New York Times best selling author, has a TV show on VH-1 and now she is bringing the fire in her new venture, a CD release titled ‘Wendy Williams Brings The Heat, Vol. 1’ to be released June 28th on Virgin Records.

We had a chance to catch up with Wendy Williams to ask about the new project and to get a little insight to who Wendy Williams really is.

The CD covers different genre’s of music from hip-hop to rap to R&B to inspirational. These are the songs that Wendy hand picked for her project. The CD is really a reflection of music that Wendy ‘feels’.

The artists that Wendy has put together for this CD project is in itself amazing but also is the woman behind this project.

Wendy Williams has supported so many and have always supported her fans, so now it is time to support Wendy and check out her latest proj