Monday, July 23, 2007

Black Family Reunion Included Events & Activities (Sat & Sun)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2007
  1. DJ Spinning
  2. Peace in The Hood Basketball Tournament- Winners of the Basketball will receive sneakers, trophy, and a package from sponsors. The Championship team will play a game versus a celebrity team.
  3. Caricatures
  4. Drum Call
  5. Rock Climbing
  6. Moon Jump
  7. Face Painting
  8. Local Musical Performances
  9. National Act Performance
  10. Network Tents
  11. Community Activism Award- A brief award ceremony conducted in order to commemorate the youth that take active roles in their community. Awardees from different age groups (Possibly 12-15, 16-18, 19-25). In addition to the awards monetary awards should be offered.
  12. Health Screenings
  13. Major recording artists in R&B and Hip Hop- with the intention of drawing the interest of people across the city.
  14. Karaoke Studio-Allow people 15 minutes each to do as rendition of an existing song or an original song in a studio and give them a CD of their performance.
  15. College Fair- Representatives from Local and Historical Black Colleges & Universities distribute information on respective schools and speak to youth on the importance of college education.
  16. Trade Show- The city and region’s young entrepreneurs network and display products or services to expand business and gain contacts.
  17. Spoken Word Performance(s)
  18. Panel Discussion On Music Business- Representatives of different genres and different aspects will have the opportunity to talk about what they do and answer questions.
  19. Free Giveaways- Products and food (not competing with vendors) from corporations and sponsors.
  20. Jousting
  21. WAMO Dance Contest


SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, 2007

  1. Gospel Choir Performance
  2. Local Jazz Band Performance
  3. Basketball Championship
  4. DJ Spinning
  5. Rock Climbing
  6. Moon Jump
  7. Health Screenings
  8. Peace In The Hood Slam Dunk Contest- Winners of the Basketball will receive sneakers, trophy, and a package from sponsors.
  9. Family Feud- Our version of family feud, with the questions gearing toward black history, health, and finances
  10. Network Tents- Tents where people interested in certain fields can congregate. Therefore, we should make sure professionals from certain fields (such as Real Estate, Music, Retail, Entertainment…) are present. The goal being that people (including children) who are interested in certain fields can ask those in it about it and those in certain fields can build business relationships and find potential business partners.
  11. Drum Call
  12. Jousting
  13. Entrepreneurship Panel Discussion – A panel that will discuss the process that needs to be undertaken when starting a new business, the social responsibility of a business, how to maintain a business, how to get loans, develop a business plan, etc.
  14. Free Giveaways
  15. Caricatures
  16. Face Painting

The Gathering - August 3-5, 2007


The Gathering is a National movement for coordination to engage organizations in a common covenant for justice and ending child incarceration. It was founded by actor/activist Harry Belafonte in 2005 after he witnessed police officers called in by school administrators put handcuffs on 5-year-old Ja'eisha Scott's wrists and ankles after a half-hour temper tantrum and took the 40-pound girl to the local police station before releasing her to her mother. Mr. Belafonte realized that collective action on a national basis is required to stop child incarceration and challenge the immoral process which perpetuates an unjust justice system.

Since this watershed moment, there have been 6 Gatherings over the past year and half. Collectively over 1,000 youth and 200 elders have come together and declared their commitment to this mobilization. The Gatherings have also been about bridging the gap between communities and different ethnic groups. Gatherings have been hosted by the Latino community in Santa Cruz, the Native American community at Onondaga Nation, the Caucasian Community in Appalachia, the Asian Community in Orange County as well as the Black community in Epps Alabama. It's about bringing awareness to each of our communities. One HOOD has been involved in the Gathering from the first Gathering of the Youth in Epps, Alabama. It is because of One HOOD's participation and commitment to improving the lives of the youth in our communities that we have been asked coordinate the Pittsburgh Regional Gathering.

The Pittsburgh Regional Gathering is a collaboration between various organizations who desire to see Pittsburgh be a more livable city for all its residents especially the youth. The Organizations involved include One HOOD, PIIN, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary's Metro Urban Institute, Potter's House Ministries, Voices Against Violence, Darkins Communications, Mental Health Association-Allegheny County, You Sister's Project, Bethesda Presbyterian Church, Thomas Merton Center, Millions More Movement of Southwest PA, The BlackWatch Movement, Brotha Ash Productions, The League of Young Voters, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Disciples of the Village and the United Christian Hip-Hop Coalition.

The Pittsburgh Regional Gathering will begin on August 3, 2007, at 7:00pm with a kickoff concert at the Shadow Lounge in East Liberty featuring conscience Hip-Hop artist Wise Intelligent from Poor Righteous Teachers, as well as powerful and positive Hip-Hop artists from Pittsburgh. We want to show our youth we can have fun in a safe environment with positive music.

On Saturday August 4, 2007, at 9:00am there will be a conference centering on how we can effectively come together to provide and implement solutions to save the youth of our communities that are dieing daily. This conference will be hosted by the Metro Urban Institute and will take place at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Panels will be conducted and discussions will focus on the areas of Economics, Politics, Education, the Role of the Church, and the Role of Pop Culture/Media. Our Keynote Speaker will be Fred Hampton Jr. and we will have words of encouragement from Mumia Abu-Jamal. We will also have a panel highlighting injustices that have taken place in Pittsburgh and attorneys will provide guidance on how best to proceed when an injustice happens to you.

On Sunday, August 5 2007, we are calling on the faith community, be they Christians, Jews, Muslims or Other, to hold their services outside in the community. Our youth need to see more people of faith in the community encouraging righteous and moral conduct. At 3:00pm we will have a interfaith community dialogue at the historic Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Homewood then proceed to walk through the community in a show of unity under God.

We still seeking organizations and individuals who would like to help us make the Pittsburgh Regional Gathering a reality. We also extend a special invitation to all of our elders for their participation. Please fell free to contact us at pittsburghgathering@gmail.com for more information or log on to http://www.thegatheringforjustice.org/.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

“SUMMER TIME” - THE Art of Performance - Wednesday July 25, 2007

“SUMMER TIME” - THE Art of Performance
(Spoken Word, Music, Art, Comedy, Poetry)

BIEvents at Mogul Mind LLC presents “SUMMERTIME” The Art of Performance (TAOP) on Wednesday July 25, 2007 at 8pm. This Event will take place at the Improv (Waterfront) (2 item minimum/300 seating capacity) “America’s Original Comedy Showcase and Restaurant” 166 E. Bridge Street, Homestead, PA 15120 (412).462.5233

The Art of Performance is a themed based performance art competition series. That takes place the last Wednesday of each month. It features spoken word artist, musicians, comedians and poets. Actors and Dancers are welcome since it is a themed based event that allows 3 minutes per contestant, what a perfect opportunity to perform a monologue or a choreograph a dance.
Each month TAOP will feature international and local artists; this month’s featured artist is Saihou Njie (Batik/ painting on fabric)

Sign Up for performers begins at 7pm the night of the event only, No Preregistration. There is a $10 cover charge at the door and a $500 Grand Prize!

The Art of Performance begins with a Game Show based on the theme (Summer Time). Three (3) audience members will be selected randomly by our host Patrick Fisher to be contestants on the stage. Mr. Fisher will ask questions based on the theme (Summer Time), the contestant with the most right answers wins movie tickets, a free night at the Improv and other great prizes.





Our Judges for “SUMMER TIME” The Art of Performance are Tara Rieland (Publisher/Editor in Chief, Metropolitan), Carl Clemons (Actor/Producer) The Wire and Lost Money and Tony Ladico (Director of Operations/The League of Young Voters, PA).

Rules for the event are as follows:

1. 3 minutes to perform (performance must be relative to SUMMER TIME)

2. After 3 minutes the mic will be silenced and the stage will go black. There will be a red light that flashes to indicate 10 seconds remaining to perform. If you continue performing after mic is silenced and stage goes black you will not be judged.

3. Celebrity Judges will be using a 10pt. scoring system (0.0-10.0). Performers will be judge on Stage Presence! Delivery Content! In case of any ties the winners will decide either to split the $500 Grand Prize or to have a TAOP Off. TAOP Off is an open performance no theme 5 minute time limit and all rules apply.

Click here to check out the Video for More Details!

For more information or comments please send an e-mail to bievents@mogulmindllc.com

Friday, July 20, 2007

Stand Up Now (S.U.N.) Hip Hop Tour


Stand Up Now (S.U.N.) Hip Hop Tour
Join the fun... Join the family... Join the movement - The Power Is "You" So Make A Positive Change In The Community.
Real Hip Hop as it's meant to be...
Free Community Event! Food, Games, Fun for the whole family! Singing - Dancing - MC's - Miming - Breaking - Graffiti- Painting - Poetry - Spoken Word. All artists demonstrating positive talent from all over the region!! Get Involved. Be a Sponsor, Volunteer, Performer, Graffiti Artist, Dee Jay, Host, or Speaker. Call (412) 657-3327 OR info@royaltribemusic.com
Event Is Being Filmed For A National Television Series – Comcast / HBO. So Come And Be Seen Or Heard! Participate Early - No Guarantees At The End! First Come Basis.


Stand Up Now (S.U.N.) Hip Hop Tour Join the fun... Join the family... Join the movement The Power Is "You" So Make A Positive Change In The Community
UPCOMING TOUR DATE
Saturday August 18, 2007
Rankin, PA
Fourth Ave (by Boro Building and Fire Department)
at 1:00 p.m.

(see "My Space" link below for upcoming calendar tour dates)

61B Bus to Rankin All artists demonstrating positive talent from all over the region!! Free Community Event! Food, Games, Fun for the whole family! GET INVOLVED Be a Sponsor, Volunteer, Performer, Graffiti Artist, Dee Jay, Host, or Speaker Call (412) 657-3327 OR E-Mail info@royaltribemusic.com Call (412) 657-3327 OR E-Mail info@royaltribemusic.com Call (412) 657-3327 OR E-Mail info@royaltribemusic.com
Event Is Being Filmed For A National Television Series
Comcast / HBO So Come And Be Seen Or Heard! Participate Early - No Guarantees At The End! First Come Basis Real Hip Hop as its meant to be... Singing - Dancing - MC's - Miming - Breaking - Graffiti- Painting - Poetry - Spoken Word Come Sell Your Products - Get New Fans - Let Us Help You Promote Your Artists - Get Free Media Exposure In Magazines And On Radio More Performance Dates - More Artists - More Love - More Hip Hop Peace! S.U.N. Hip Hop Music Tour Tell Everybody - Get The Community Involved SPONSORED IN PART BY: City Of Pittsburgh - Royal Tribe - Allegheny County Concerned Citizens -
My Space - Royal Tribe http://www.myspace.com/royaltribe

African Arts in the Park Activity Schedules

Stage Schedule
Mellon Park, Pittsburgh PA


Mistress of Ceremonies:
Mukwae (Princess) Wabei
of the Kingdom of Barotseland of Zambia Southern Africa

Saturday, August 11

11:00-11:10 Welcome & singing of the Southern African Anthem (Mukwae Wabei)
11:15-11:45 Nu2u Kidz (Fashion Show)
12:00-12:30 Mano Y Mano (Hip-Hop/Reggaeton)
12:45-2:15 Soul Village (R&B)
2:30-4:00 The Flow Band (Reggae/Calypso)
4:15-5:00 Sitali (Afro-Caribbean /Soukous/Salsa/Samba)
5:15-6:00 Sonji (NeoSoul)
6:15-7:00 African Celebration Parade (Umoja African Arts Company,
Global Posse, & All Festival Attendees)

Sunday, August 12

11:10-11:15 Welcome & singing of the Southern African Anthem (Mukwae Wabei)
11:15-11:45 Nu2u Kidz (Fashion Show)
12:00-12:30 Pittsburgh Dance Ensemble (West African Dance & Drumming)
12:45-1:15 Eric Blackwell & Faithful (Gospel)
1:30-2:15 Anita Tillman (Gospel)
2:30-4:00 Kevin Howard Band (Smooth Jazz)
4:15-4:45 Brian Wright Sr. (Gospel)
5:00-5:45 Spirit-Filled Ministries (Gospel)
6:00-7:00 African Celebration Parade (Umoja African Arts Company,
Global Posse, & All Festival Attendees)

(Performers & performance times are subject to change)


Empowerment Hut Schedule
Performances are subject to change


Saturday, August 11
11:30 West African Drum Workshop (Umoja African Arts Company)
12:00 Barotse (Southern African) Male Dance Lesson - The Ngomalume Dance (Global Posse)
12:30 Budgeting Your Checking Account (PNC Bank)

1:00 Mini-Rap Concert for Teens (Da Button Pusha)
1:30 Hip-Hop Dance Performance for Teens (The N-V Hip Hop Dance Group)
2:30 African Head Wrapping & History Lesson (Sister Keturah Stevens)
3:00 Poetry & Spoken Word (Langston Hughes Poetry Society)
3:30 Barotse (Southern African) Female Dance Lesson –The Liwale Dance (Global
Posse)
5:00 How to Greet Royalty: A Royal African Social Etiquette Lesson (Global Posse)
5:30 Down-Home-Blues Mini-Concert (Muddy Creek Blues Band)
6:15-7:00 African Celebration Parade (Umoja African Arts Company & All Festival
Attendees)

PLEASE MEET AT THE MAIN STAGE


Sunday, August 12

12:30 Poetry & Spoken Word (Langston Hughes Poetry Society)
1:00 Mini-Rap Concert for Teens (Da Button Pusha)
1:30 Hip-Hop Dance Performance for Teens (The N-V Hip Hop Dance Group)
2:00 Making a New Start with a Checking Account (PNC Bank)

2:30 African Head Wrapping & History Lesson (Sister Keturah Stevens)
3:00 Barotse (Southern African) Male Dance Lesson - The Ngomalume Dance (Global Posse)
3:30 Barotse (Southern African) Female Dance Lesson –The Liwale Dance (Global Posse)
5:00 How to Greet Royalty: A Royal African Social Etiquette Lesson (Global Posse)
5:30 Down-Home-Blues Mini-Concert (Muddy Creek Blues Band)
6:00-7:00 African Celebration Parade (Umoja African Arts Company & All Festival Attendees)
PLEASE MEET AT THE MAIN STAGE


Children’s Hut Schedule
Schedule and performers are subject to change

Saturday, August 11

11:00-7:00 African Mask-Making for Kids (Umoja African Arts Company)

Children’s Books Available (RIF - Reading Is Fundamental)

11:30-12:00 Barbara Ann the Clown – storytelling

12:00-1:00 Kid’s Entertainment Hour (Miguel Sague)

12:00-3:00 Arts & Crafts (Roving Art Cart)

12:00-4:00 Ronald McDonald Moon-Bounce House

12:00-6:00 Caricatures by Kyle Holbrook (Free. Vouchers available in Children’s Hut))

1:00 – 4:30 Temujin the Storyteller

1:00-1:30 Kazi the African Stiltwalker

1:30-2:00 African Drum Workshop (Umoja African Arts Company)

1:30-2:30 Balloon Sculptor

2:30-4:30 Face painting for Kids

3:00-5:00 Fire Truck Tours for Kids (City of Pittsburgh)

3:30-4:00 African Costume Workshop (Global Posse)

4:30-5:00 Carry Water on Your Head Relay Races (Global Posse)

5:00-6:00 Steelpan Drum Demonstration (Satin Steel/Steel Impressions)
6:15-7:00 African Celebration Parade (Umoja African Arts Company & All Festival Attendees) PLEASE MEET AT THE MAIN STAGE


Sunday, August 12

11:00-7:00 African Mask Making for Kids (Umoja African Arts Company)

African Plate Making (Sweetwater Arts Center)

Children’s Books Available (RIF - Reading Is Fundamental)

11:30-12:00 Barbara Ann the Clown – storytelling

12:00-4:00 Ronald McDonald Moon-Bounce House

12:00-6:00 Caricatures by Kyle Holbrook (Free. Get a voucher from Children’s Hut)

12:00-12:30 African Drum Workshop (Umoja African Arts Company)

1:00-1:30 Steelpan Drum Demonstration (Satin Steel/Steel Impressions)

1:00-1:30 Kazi the African Stiltwalker

1:00-2:30 Balloon Sculptor

1:00-4:00 Temujin the Storyteller

1:30-2:30 Cartoon Friends visit the Children’s Hut (Clint Wandel Entertainment)

2:00-3:00 Face painting for Kids

3:00-5:00 Fire Truck Tours for Kids (City of Pittsburgh)

3:30-4:00 African Costume Workshop for Kids (Global Posse)

4:30-5:00 Carry Water on Your Head - Relay Races (Global Posse)

6:00-7:00 African Celebration Parade (Umoja African Arts Company & All Festival Attendees) PLEASE MEET AT THE MAIN STAGE

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Citiparks Mosaic Mural Making Workshops! FREE and open to the public


Come Out and Play, Pittsburgh! Announcing Citiparks Mosaic Mural Making Workshops! FREE and open to the public—July 10-30, 2007


Come out and join artists Laura Jean McLaughlin and Bob Ziller and the staff of Citiparks Special Programs Unit in creating the new mosaic mural for the "Zoo Wall" in Highland Park.Over the month of July, there will be free community workshops held that will allow children and adults of all ages to actually help make the 20 concrete/mosaic animal figures that will be installed in August on the retaining wall on One Wild Place near the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

When: July 10-30
  • Weekly onTuesdays 4pm-8pm

  • Wednesdays 4pm-8pm

  • Thursdays 4pm-8pm and

  • Saturdays 10am-1pm
Special Engagement with the Citiparks Roving Art Cart on Friday, July 20, 10am to 1pm (also free and open to the public)
Where: Highland Park Farmhouse at Grafton and Farmhouse Drive

And: Join us in Kids' Kingdom at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium for a special mosaic workshop from 10am to 1pm on July 21 during the PPG Festival of Water!

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

THE HILL HOUSE PRESENTS "Live at the Hurricane"

THE HILL HOUSE PRESENTS "Live at the Hurricane" A Monthly Event Featuring Live Jazz and "Storytelling Jams"

July 12, 2007 – The Hill House Association announced today a monthly event that will highlight and pay tribute to jazz and its greatest artists called, "Live at the Hurricane." The event sponsored by the Sprout Fund and McCormack Baron Salazar, will begin on Sunday, July 15 at 5 p.m. at the Blakey Program Center, 1908 Wylie Avenue and will recreate the intimate, funky atmosphere of one of Hill District's most beloved jazz clubs – The Hurricane Lounge which brought world class performers to Centre Avenue in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

The five concert series held on the second Sunday of the month, the Hurricane Lounge will come to life in the Hill with candle-lit tables for four, a dance floor and the music of Bebop and Avante Garde jazz greats performed by world class musicians saxophonist Kenny Blake, drummer Roger Humphries, bassist Dwayne Dolphin, pianist Jeff Lashway and trumpeter Danny Donohoe. The performances will be recorded and made available for purchase through the Hill House. Each concert will feature three 45-minute jam sessions. The intermissions will include "Storytelling Jams" -- on-stage interviews with select musicians and roadies who remember the early years of Bebop and Avante Garde Jazz. "We can restore buildings and bring business. We can build beautiful homes for families in the Hill. But, the return of jazz is one of this community's most significant opportunities to revitalize itself as a great cultural hub in the region," said Evan Frazier, President and CEO of the Hill House. The Hurricane Lounge was one of the nation's Chitlin' Circuit clubs, a string of venues throughout the eastern and southern United States, such as the Cotton Club and Victory Grill, that were safe and acceptable for African American musicians, comedians, and other entertainers to perform during the age of racial segregation in the United States. Birdie Dunlap owned the Hurricane Lounge and regularly welcomed jazz greats to its stage. Sarah Vaughn would visit the club on a regular basis during her Pittsburgh performances and it was the first place Nancy Wilson sang in the city. Stanley Turrentine, Jimmy McGriff, Roy Eldridge, Sonny Stitt and Kenny Burrell also were regulars on the Hurricane stage.

The first "Live at the Hurricane" event on July 15 will feature the music of Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, who in the mid 40s revolutionized Bebop and created one of the greatest small bands of the 20th Century.

Future shows will feature the works of Horace Silver Quintet, Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, the Cannonball Adderly Quintet, Miles Davis, John Coltrane and others. Terri Baltimore, Director of Neighborhood Development expressed, "The concert series is a unique, exciting and fun way to celebrate the legacy of Jazz in the Hill District. The Hurricane Lounge provided the spirit and inspiration for this event."

"Live at the Hurricane" benefits the James F. Henry Scholarship Fund which provides scholarships of up to $500 for post-secondary workforce training (college, vocational or technical). Eligible applicants include current and former Hill House program participants. The concerts also support ongoing arts programming at the Hill House.

The Hill House is selling tickets for each show at $10 each. Light refreshments will be available. Seating is limited to 100 & parking made available in a lot across the street. To purchase tickets you may visit Hill House's website at www.hillhouse.org or call 412-392-3148 for more information.

The Hill House Association is a comprehensive community service provider and facilitator that meets the needs of Hill District residents and diverse constituents in the Greater Pittsburgh area. By housing nearly a dozen health, education and human service agencies under its roof, the Hill House serves as a one-stop resource for individuals looking to improve their lives. Over the past four decades, it is estimated that the Hill House has provided care and support for more than 500,000 children, adults and seniors living in urban environments. In 2006, nearly 70,000 were impacted directly or indirectly by Hill House programs.

The Sprout Fund is a nonprofit organization supporting innovative ideas and grassroots community projects that are catalyzing change in Pittsburgh. Each of The Sprout Fund's programs, Seed Award and Public Art, is designed to advance a community initiative from idea through dialogue to implementation, creating a critical mass of activity for positive regional change. Sprout believes a vital component to building healthy and vibrant communities is civic engagement; serving those who demonstrate the drive and the capacity to think creatively about their communities.

In Memory of Community Activist MAHONE INEZ DENARD

MAHONE INEZ DENARD

On March 2, 1923 Inez Denard was born in Wilder, Va. to the union of Timothy Denard and Laura Geneva Ross Denard. Following the untimely death of her father at the age of twenty six, Inez and her sister Catherine moved to Tams, Va. where they were lovingly cared for by her great aunt, Ada Edwards. Under Ms. Edwards' watchful eye, Inez and Catherine were very active in church, singing, and participating in other public affairs. Inez and Catherine were reunited with their mother in Jenkins, Kentucky where Inez graduated from Dunham High School. It was there that she met and, on July 26, 1941, married Alec C. Mahone, Sr. Reportedly, "it was love at first sight" for both of them. To this union were born eight children, four sons and four daughters, the first five of whom were born at home in Hamon, Ky. In search of better opportunities, schools, and employment, Alec and Inez moved their young family to Pittsburgh in 1949. Inez's early years in Pittsburgh were spent raising the children, but as the younger one's began middle school she began to work outside the home.


In time, she found her calling as an advocate for community development. Often referred to as the Rosa Parks of Lincoln Park, Inez was a dedicated pillar in the greater Penn Hills community where she demonstrated an unwavering level of commitment, to resolving the many issues negatively affecting Lincoln Park. She was an early and indomitable advocate in the fight to bring an adequate sewage system to Lincoln Park, equitable distribution of Federal revenue sharing funds, and in establishing the first kindergarten in Penn Hills at the Lincoln Park elementary school. She also played a significant role in the lives of many of the community's young people by helping them obtain training and employment through Allegheny County's office of Economic Opportunity, where she was employed for ten years.


She will no doubt be most fondly remembered as the founder and first president of Friends United for Neighborhood Development ("FUND"). Under her leadership this organization focused almost entirely on the creation of a multi-purpose community center for the Lincoln Park community. Largely because of her hard work, the FUND Board and professional friendships, ground was broken for the Penn Hills Multi-Purpose Center on July 29, 1978, and dedicated for services on July 27, 1980. This center became a place for delivery of many social, family, and health services, such as a quality daycare, food bank distribution, and senior citizen services programs. The Center's well equipped social hall was available to the entire Penn Hills community and the scene of many weddings and civic affairs. Inez remained the director of the Center until her retirement in 1987. The Center remains open today.


She was a founding member of the Penn Hills chapter of the NAACP, and a spiritual counselor to women incarcerated in Allegheny County under the prison ministry program sponsored by Lydia's Place. Inez was a recipient of many honors for her civic involvement, including NAACP Presidents Award, Recognition of distinguished courage and outstanding service 1994, Renaissance Publications, Volunteer Service 1996, Community Impact Award, First Baptist Church 2003, Lydia's Place, A New Day Dawning Award and Volunteer Service 2001.


Inez was a dedicated member of Holy Trinity Baptist Church where she was ordained as a minister of the Gospel on October 17, 2004 under pastorate of Reverend Lewis Rogers.


Preceding her in death are Alec, Sr., her beloved husband of forty five years, one son, Richard, four brothers Carl, Ralph, Earl and Gordon, and two sisters Catherine and Marion. She leaves to cherish her memory her 3 sons and daughters-in-law, Harvey (Barbara), Glenn (Andrea), and Alec Jr. (Lisa), 4 daughters and sons-in-law Rosemarie, LoVita (Earl), Marion (Hank) and Alexis, loving sister Ruth Denard, 19 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.


Family and friends are being received at GAINES FUNERAL HOME, 220 Auburn Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, Wednesday July 18, 2007 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Service Thursday 11am Petra Ministries, 235 East Gate Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15235.

Submit nominations for the 2007 Racial Justice Awards

Award Purpose and Categories
Through the YWCA's Racial Justice Awards, the YWCA seeks to promote a society in which all people receive equal treatment and have equal access in the workplace, public services and spaces, through the justice system, in the classroom, and throughout the greater Pittsburgh community.

For the past 16 years, the YWCA's Racial Justice Awards have recognized people and organizations that have made a difference in promoting racial justice. To encourage broader implementation of positive actions and groundbreaking changes that forever serve to enable racial equity and bring about systemic change that creates a diverse community, in 2007 the YWCA is expanding its racial justice awards to include individuals and/or organizations in the following categories:

  • Community Engagement

  • Community Service and Public Safety

  • Company / Business

  • Education

  • Government

  • Legal

The awards will be made to salute individuals, companies, and/or organizations in each category that have implemented new laws, policies, practices, procedures, programs, guidelines, and similar sustainable actions that positively impact people of color in the broader society.

Nomination Process
An individual, organization, and/or company can nominate an individual, company, and/or organization in any one of the categories. Self-nominations are accepted as well. The nominee's actions should significantly benefit Pittsburgh area residents. The nominee should have undertaken a groundbreaking action within the past two years that should have made an irrevocable, positive change in how people are treated in the applicable category. Examples of fundamental changes that would have qualified in their time include actions leading to: the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Americans with Disabilities Act, Title 9 Legislation, the Home Rule Charter of 1998, the Saunders Taskforce, Small Business Administration, new workplace employment guidelines/policies, changes to procedures for counsel or law enforcement, legal or legislative actions, community event or activity, or creation of a new office or community program to enable fair treatment and inclusion for all, and similar efforts.


Nominations should be printed and submitted either electronically or via mail.
Get the form Online at: www.ywcapgh.org
Email: rja@ywcapgh.org
Fax: 412-391-5109 (Attention: Racial Justice Awards)

Mail: YWCA Racial Justice Awards, YWCA Greater Pittsburgh,
305 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.

Attachments should be limited to 5 pages. NOMINATIONS ARE DUE TO THE YWCA BY 5:00PM EST AUGUST 24, 2007.

Award Selection
The YWCA's Racial Justice Award Committee, comprised of a broad cross section of Pittsburgh's community leaders, determines the award recipients . Each entry is judged on a sliding scale to identify:



  • leadership taken to address racial inequity;

  • quantifiable change that is now enabled;

  • initiative taken to address the specific problem identified; and,

  • timing, breadth of impact, and geographic scope of action.

Monday, July 16, 2007

DEATH OF A BALLER - A Play Directed by Dr. Charles Upshur

PRESS RELEASE Pittsburgh, PA, July 16, 2007—Nino Brown is back in “Death of A Baller” to be performed Saturday, August 4th at 1:00 P.M. in Market Square. Audiences find this dramatic production to be an exciting, original, and important play. It is skillfully produced and directed by Dr. Charles Upshur. His love and passion for souls is evident in the way that he and his wife, Dr. Marie Upshur do outreach with their Greater Love Outreach. His love for people, especially for our youth, is evident in his work with Dr. Marie Upshur and Greater Love Outreach. It also shows in the way they have ministered to and assisted many who needed help the most.

Although this modern day play, which has been revised and updated, hailed in the late 80’s and 90’s, its timeless theme, sad to say, still exists today and claims many victims. The main character, Nino Brown, is a menace to society, and plagues his community with the infestation of violence, crack cocaine, and heroine. Surprisingly, he gets a chance to tell his view--from the other side.

Mime, poetry, singing, and drama make this realistic theatrical piece one that echoes a plea to help our youth of today. It’s an awakening cry to all who are addicted to this snare of the enemy. The hard-working, dedicated cast is passionate about “Death of A Baller”, as seen in their dedication in portraying the characters realistically.

Christian Teaching Ministries has diligently stood beside Dr. Upshur since the plays intended revival. Elder Ronald Burnett, the pastor, and his wife, Elder Patricia Burnett, are a vital part of this production along with other C.T.M. members. Dr. Charles Upshur is Pastor Emeritus at Christian Teaching Ministries. He is also the State Evangelist of the Second Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania of C.O.G.I.C.

All are welcome to this anti violence drama. Seating is available on a first- come, first-served basis. Invite, bring, and tell somebody because “Death of A Baller” is life changing. Don’t miss it! For more information, you may call: 412.331.6518 or 412.362.8218.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR WINGS? ARE YOU FLYING?

HAVE YOU FOUND YOUR WINGS? ARE YOU FLYING?
by Renee P. Aldrich

Have others recognized a gift in you and been encouraging you to go for it? Do you sometimes feel a yearning to pursue that thing that you love to do and seems to come natural to you? Have you been sitting in a job that you keep because you are afraid to move out of your comfort zone—even though you get depressed every Sunday night when you know Monday is coming? Are you still living safely at home with your parents even though you certainly earn more than enough to afford your own place? In the meantime you tolerate daily arguments with your mother on subjects ranging from your desire for more privacy, to her questions about your decisions and the hours you keep, rather than map out a strategy and a financial plan that will allow you to move.

If the answer to any of the above questions is yes, yet you continue to hold out not making any movement towards change; then I would suggest that you are not flying. You are operating just underneath the radar screen, afraid to take the leap to the ‘next level’ of your life. Many of us have not discovered that we have wings, or we know we have wings, but just don’t know how to start using them. Some of us have gotten discouraged by a negative incident or person and are stuck in complacency and believe there is no benefit in trying to take flight.

As women we often find ourselves facing any of the above situations. These are barriers, and they steal our courage, keeping us from exploring our capabilities, recognizing our gifts and using them. Unfortunately, the result is that too often it is sometime years before we gain the confidence to spread our wings.

I know of this first hand because I was a secretary for over 20 years—and not a very good one. It did not occur to me to even try to do anything different. I even told myself that I loved being a secretary or administrative assistant—it was easier to believe I loved the work knowing I was only mediocre at it, than it was for me to do what it took to discover what I could do and do excellently. I had been trained and therefore had the basic skills that a secretary needed; I could type, take shorthand, make travel arrangements. I also knew how to handle phone calls and greet people. But one of the most vital pieces of being a secretary or administrative assistant was being organized and keeping a boss organized; and this was a major challenge for me. Keeping up with files, and staying on task were two other aspects of being a secretary in which I fell through. Subsequently I did not get good reviews or evaluations, as a result of that, I begin to feel inadequate and developed very low self esteem.

Secretarial work paid well (especially in Washington, DC), so after I married and had children it was nice to have the contribution to my family’s income. Yet, the income still did not help me feel confident in my abilities, consequently I generally did not have the expectation that I could be better at this work. So I made lots of mistakes, and would make myself nervous by trying to hide the mistakes. The more I did wrong the less I thought of myself. I also felt the employers I had thought the same.

It never occurred to me that the reason I did not do well in the secretarial business was because there was something else I should be doing. Even though I had outstanding skills in other area (which is why I was able to keep the jobs) I did not see them as enough to make me outstanding. I had great customer service skills, I was a good writer and speller; often I would be asked my opinion on how things could be worded better in the context of a letter or a report—still I only focused on the things I did wrong. Subsequently I would leave the jobs to find another job with the same dynamics, and I always used my own negative thoughts about my performance to complete the same self fulfilling prophecy and vicious cycle for me.

In the meantime, friends were always telling me that I was very good with people, easy to talk to, a good writer and speaker; and in church I was always selected to MC programs, give welcomes and thank you speeches. Still I stayed in that negative pattern for years, every job I went on I would convince myself that I wasn’t going to do well, so I didn’t.

Finally through the help and encouragement of a mentor, and in a woman’s group I joined while working at a University, I begin to see some possibilities in my gifts. I was encouraged to apply for other jobs and to see myself functioning on a different level. I gained confidence in my ability to branch out. Consequently I got a job at a local newspaper, I started to do some freelance writing, and ultimately was also able to secure a position as a community health educator for a National Non-profit . The skills I did not previously recognize as valuable, have been instrumental in me receiving six awards over the last eight years for the work I’ve done for this organization.

The key to finding our wings and getting in position to take flight is recognizing ourselves as specially gifted creations of God with unlimited possibilities for our lives.

When I found my wings they were corroded over for lack of use and I had to work hard to get them shined up again and operating smoothly.. When I found the courage to take flight, I was astounded to discover the depth of possibilities that exist for me.

Do not let years go by before you ‘try your wings’. Close your ears to the negative self talk. Be open to accepting the reality of your gifts. There is a saying that goes ‘do what you love and the money will come’.

Too often in our community we have been indoctrinated to the fact that we must get jobs, earn a living, seek after lucrative employment; we are not taught to seek our passions and pursue them. Consequently we get on a tract that leads us to an income, but no fulfillment, like me we get locked into careers and find ourselves there 20 years wondering what happen to ‘excellence’.

Dust off your wings—take flight to your future,

Mission for the Month:


Your mission for July should you choose to accept it is to spread your wings -- take the leap towards your independence. Consider acting on something you’ve been wanting to do; get out of your ‘sameness’, -- A woman entering a softer more loving relationship with herself understands that loving yourself involves having the heart to develop yourself, using your God given gifts to maximize herself. The better you are for yourself and to yourself, the better you can be to others.


Tips on pursuing this month’s mission:
· Pray for Guidance
· Map out a strategy to begin
· Seek a Mentor
· Research your options
· Prepare your environment for whatever impact the change may have




Renee is a Community Cancer Control Health Educator for the American Cancer Society, a writer of poetry and prose, and is free lance writer for the New Pittsburgh Courier. She can be reached at Tehreh06@aol.com or 412-414-1347

Vote for Lauren - NBA Atlanta Hawks A-Town Dancer

Hometown: Wexford, PA
Education: BA in Communication
Occupation: Full-time Student at Duquesne University
Dance Experience: 20 years
Why I would like to be a part of the
A-Town Dancers:

Through my research of NBA Dance teams, I found that Atlanta is the best fit for me. I love the choreography, brand and the city. I would love to entertain Atlanta and be an ambassador for the Hawks in the community.
A Message From Lauren's mother Geil

Dear Friends and Family,
It’s summertime again and my daughter Lauren is trying out for the NBA Atlanta Hawks A-Town Dancers. The preliminaries were held on Sunday and she made it to the finals. The finals consist of 5 days of intense fitness training, dance boot camp, a social mixer and lastly the final audition on Saturday, July 15th. As part of the process there is an on-line voting competition; that is where we need your help. If you could go on-line and “VOTE” for Lauren we would greatly appreciate it. You can vote as often as you like between now and Friday or Saturday. Below are the easiest instructions. It’s not difficult; I just wanted to give you detailed instructions to make sure your vote counts.
· Google Search: Atlanta Hawks Basketball.
· Click on THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE ATLANTA HAWKS (about 6 sites down from the top).
· Click on the box to the right: A-Town Dancers Team Auditions.
· Click on “Vote Now for Your Favorite Finalist!”
· Scroll down to see the 37 finalist shown in alphabetically order with a photo and bio.
· On the right side is a gray column which lists the girl’s names.
· In order for your vote to count, you must click on Lauren’s name (the first time hasn’t been working, so click it a second time).
· A green check mark should then appear in front of her name; if it does not appear in the small box in front of her name, please try again.
· Once you see the green check, scroll to the end of the gray box and click on “VOTE”; your vote does not register until you click on the black box that says “VOTE”.
· You can then “Return to Poll” and vote as often as you wish, but you must see the green check mark in front of Lauren’s name and click on vote each time. You can also “View Results” after you vote to see how she’s doing.
On Monday morning, Lauren’s picture was on the sports page of the Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper saying “Smile If You Love the Hawks”. My friend (where Lauren is staying in Atlanta) sent me a copy of the picture and I attached it for you to see.
Thanks for your help and interest in Lauren’s dance adventures.
Geil

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

National Minority Donor Awareness Day

National Minority Donor Awareness Day, celebrated annually on August 1, is a nationwide observance to raise awareness of the desperate need for donation and transplantation within the multicultural community. Its purpose is to educate the public on the facts and the process of how to designate their decision to donate life. Approximately 51% of those on the national waiting list are minorities. Health issues related to hypertension, diabetes, and end-stage renal failure create a disproportionate risk for the need of a kidney or pancreas transplant in the multicultural communities.

In honor of National Minority Donor Awareness Day, CORE cordially invites you to attend our FREE “Healthy Soul Food Dinner”. This event, held at the Hill House Auditorium, will feature food, fun, and fantastic speakers. We are proud to have Lynn Hayes-Freeland, KDKA news reporter as our emcee for this event. Dr. Jerry McCauley, Director of Transplantation Nephrology at UPMC, will be our keynote speaker. Other special speakers include representatives from the American Heart Association as well as donor families and transplant recipients.

Space for this event is limited. Please RSVP on or before July 23, 2007 by calling me at 1-800-366-6777x213. I look forward to your attendance at the event.

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Malika Fields, Miss Princess 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Janelle Fields
412-956-5528
fieldsjnell@aol.com

MISS PRINCESS INVITED TO HOLLYWOOD, CA.
Malika Fields, Miss Princess 2007 winner has been invited to
Hollywood, California to represent Pennsylvania in a national pageant.

Malika Fields, who was crowned Miss Princess 2007 at the Miss Black Teenage pageant held on Mother’s Day at Soldier’s and Sailor’s Memorial Hall will be competing in the Little Miss African American, a national, educational pageant that will be held August 19th at the Universal Sheraton Hotel in Hollywood, California.

“I learned a lot about being a young lady and having confidence in myself in Ms. Bryant’s Miss Black Teenage pageant. I am looking forward to taking what I’ve learned to the Little Miss African American Pageant”, said Malika, when asked what’s the most important thing she learned in the pageant.

Little Miss African American (www.littlemissafricanamerican.net), a (501 3C) non-profit organization was founded in 1993 by native Pittsburgher Lisa Ruffin. Since its inception in 1993 the Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant, (LMAA), has dedicated itself to reaching into communities where hope is but a mere word. It also gives underprivileged youth the opportunity to reach their potential in spite of the negative circumstances surrounding them on a daily basis. The pageant provides an early introduction to the arts and training in public speaking, while promoting individual creativity and stimulating a heightened cultural understanding. Within each girl is the promise of unlimited possibilities; this pageant is a vehicle for bringing that potential to the forefront. LMAA has raised thousands of dollars towards the educational aspirations of its participants as well as their families. Thousands of lives have been touched and changed through this program.