Blogging Black Miami

Miami Herald: Ringo Cayard allies rally support

Ringo Cayard allies rally support

More than 60 people showed their support for Ringo Cayard, a powerbroker accused of racketeering, theft and money laundering.

Posted on Thu, Apr. 24, 2008

BY TRENTON DANIEL

tdaniel@MiamiHerald.com

CHARLOTTE SOUTHERN/FOR THE MIAMI HERALD

Ringo Cayard, with Josette Chandler, listens to supporters Wednesday.

A month after public-corruption detectives locked up Rulx ''Ringo'' Cayard, the Miami-area political kingmaker kept mum as he watched his allies plead his innocence Wednesday.

''I believe this is a man with integrity,'' singer Farah Juste told about 60 people who showed up to listen to a panel of supporters. ``The community feels like this is a political case.''

Wearing a charcoal-colored suit, Cayard greeted a who's who of Haitian community leaders with hugs and handshakes Wednesday night at the Jean-Jacques Dessalines Center in Little Haiti. The usually outspoken powerbroker did not address the charges. [More…]

Hillary Clinton wins PA Primary but Democratic Nominee to be Decided by Superdelegates

The pledged delegate race has already been decided for the Democrats.Just as news media outlets project race results early in the reporting phase, a cursory review of the numbers shows that Obama wins. Check out another presentation of this logic below.

This race will be decided by the superdelegates. Period.

How would you like to find a huge alligator in your kitchen?

Woman finds 8-foot gator in her kitchen

Posted on Tue, Apr. 22, 2008

Associated Press

PINELLAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE/AP

An 8-foot long alligator is seen in the kitchen of an Oldsmar, Fla. home.

OLDSMAR --

This alligator made himself at home in Pinellas County.

Authorities say 69-year-old Sandra Frosti of Oldsmar found the eight-foot alligator in her kitchen late Monday night.

Frosti said the gator must have pushed through the back porch screen door and gone inside through an open sliding glass door. It then walked through the living room, down a hall and into the kitchen.

A trapper with Animal Capture of Florida removed the alligator, which had been cut when a plate was knocked to the ground. No human inside the house was injured.

 

Passionate Collectors Bernard & Shirley Kinsey Share Their Historical Treasures with the World

On Saturday, April 19^th, I had the opportunity to experience the opening exhibition of In the Hands of African American Collectors: The Personal Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey at the Norton Museum in West Palm Beach. The opening day was declared FAMU Day and as an alum, it was well worth the drive from Miami on what was already a very busy Saturday for me.

I don't write this often, but I strongly encourage you to go to the Norton and see this exhibit. If you think it's an art collection because it's at an art museum; you're sadly mistaken. The Kinseys' collection is truly a collection of historical treasures.

Paintings and sculptures from artists you may or may not know of comprise the almost 100 pieces in the collection. However, the letters from historical icons such as Malcolm X and Zora Neale Hurston and Paul Robeson movie poster give the event flavor that transcends a typical art museum exhibit and appeals to all ages.

Personally, the pieces on slavery were particularly difficult to see. The rock from the Island of Goree, the last free soil in Senegal on which many Africans stood; the schedule of inventory of slaves; and letters and documents selling African slaves.

Since Bernard Kinsey is a West Palm Beach native and past president of the FAMU National Alumni Association, it was particularly exciting to have the FAMU Marching 100 featured as part of the opening ceremonies. FAMU President Dr. James Ammons addressed the record-breaking crowd at the Norton. Bernard Kinsey spoke of the connections already made with the West Palm Beach public school system and the district's commitment to expose more than 9,000 students to the collection.

The Kinsey Collection will be on display until July 20 but do not wait to see it. Bring family, friends and especially young people to tour the collection.

The Florida A&M University Marching 100 at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach

The Kinsey Treasures at the California African-American Museum in Los Angeles

In the Hands of African American Collectors: The Personal Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey. A gathering of visual art by noted African-American artists, including Elizabeth Catlett, Sam Gilliam and William H. Johnson, and more than 90 artifacts by history makers, including Frederick Douglass and Malcolm X. Runs through July 20. Admission is $8, ages 13-21 $3 and ages younger than 13 free. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Norton Museum of Art, 1451 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach. norton.org or 561-832-5196.

If You Go:

Take I-95 north or south and exit Okeechobee Boulevard. Go East on Okeechobee Blvd to South Dixie Highway, turn right and travel 1/2 mile.

The Museum is located on the left. Free parking is available in front of the museum and in the West Parking Lot.

Norton Museum of Art
1451 S. Olive Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 832 - 5196
Fax: (561) 659 - 4689

museum@norton.org
   

Related Links:

The Kinsey Collection

The Norton Museum of Art

CBS News Sunday Morning: The Passion of The Collector

Bernard Kinsey's Blog

As Haiti suffers, a call for action

MIAMI-DADE

The Rev. Jesse Jackson flew to Miami to sound the alarm about rising food prices in Haiti -- the same day U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek headed to the island

Posted on Mon, Apr. 21, 2008

BY JONNELLE MARTE

jmarte@MiamiHerald.com

CARL JUSTE / MIAMI HERALD STAFF

As a show of solidarity, Jesse Jackson, clasps the hands of both Kendrick Meek, left, and Rev. Dr. Carl Johnson, right.

• Center is Little Haiti's lifeline

The Rev. Jesse Jackson came to Miami on Sunday to raise awareness of the food crisis strangling the people of Haiti, where a 6-pound bag of rice sells for $4.

The sharp increase in food prices in the country -- where the average daily salary is less than $2 -- already has caused rioting and six deaths. And things could get worse, Jackson warned, if action is not taken quickly. [More...]

Spence-Jones corruption issue gets spotlight again

Things are not looking good for City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones. It seems that Rev. Gaston Smith, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, has given very damaging information to law enforcement and investigators since his arrest several months ago.

Here's an excerpt of coverage by The Miami Herald:

MIAMI | CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION

In police interview, pastor says he feels used

The Rev. Gaston Smith told investigators he didn't know Michelle Spence-Jones was arranging a grant for his nonprofit group.

Posted on Sun, Apr. 20, 2008

BY SCOTT HIAASEN

shiaasen@MiamiHerald.com

The Rev. Gaston Smith sat in the Miami-Dade state attorney's office last October facing a veteran prosecutor and a pair of investigators with some uncomfortable questions about one of his parishioners: Miami City Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones.

The investigators wanted to know about $8,000 in consulting fees that Smith paid Spence-Jones before she was elected in 2005. The money came from a $25,000 Miami-Dade County grant to Friends of MLK, a nonprofit organization the pastor ran.

Under questioning, the pastor said Spence-Jones, then an aide to Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, had urged him to create the nonprofit in the first place -- and that she had helped arrange the county grant without his knowledge. Smith said he felt like he had been used. [More…]

Help Edison Park students get to national chess tournament

From Neighbors 4 Neighbors:

Edison's Chess Team Needs Funding For National Contest

Last year, Edison Park Elementary's chess team made headlines in Florida's chess world after pulling off a big victory at the state championships. The Rooks placed first among teams in the K-5 category. Four players on the team finished in the top 20 at the championships, in which more than 1,500 students competed. With the big win behind them, the team has now set their sights on competing at the 2008 Burt Lerner National (K-6) Elementary Championship in Pittsburgh, which takes place next month - but they need monetary help to get there. Rook coach Webber J. Charles is an art teacher at Edison Park and seemed an unlikely choice to coach the chess team when it was started three years ago - because he didn't know how to play chess. But Charles says it was the challenge that made him take the coaching position. He bought computer chess games, and he and his students would practice every day and they learned how to play together. The team's success hasn't been unnoticed. Parents and the Florida Leadership Council, a privately owned tutoring company in Miami, provided the team with T-shirts, new playing boards and carrying cases for chess boards. Easter Seals also contributed by paying two of the team's three coaches for instructional time. And, Title One chess, a Miami-Dade County Public Schools program, has provided logistics, planning, transportation and some equipment. Charles says the team needs about $5,000 for the Pittsburgh trip. He plans to take eight students and three coaches. Among the team's 18 members is fifth grader, Philip Julien. Chess has helped him battle dyslexia. Now Julien is the fourth best player on the team. This past summer the group practiced rigorously for two weeks at the Miami International Chess academy, in the Little Havana area. The academy's director Blas Lugo thinks the Rooks have a shot at taking the title, and Coach Charles feels the same way, "We'll prepare for it because we want to make sure we can make history."  To see the story, click here. To help the Edison Park Rooks, call Charles at: 786-269-4337. Checks should be made payable to the Edison Park Elementary PTA.

Edmonson draws opponent for Commission seat

Attorney Valria Screen has entered the race for the District 3 county commission seat currently held by Audrey Edmonson. While I doesn't' seem like that long ago, Edmonson was appointed to complete the term when Barbara Carey resigned in 2005; Edmonson was elected in 2006.

Screen, a Republican, has been appointed to several gubernatorial committees and has previously run for public office.

This could be an interesting race. Stay tuned.

State Attorney’s Office mentors youth

LIBERTY CITY

Schoolboys get VIP evening as encouragement to stay in school

A GROUP OF YOUNG STUDENTS WORKED HARD, THEN GOT THE RED-CARPET TREATMENT, INCLUDING A LIMO RIDE TO A MIAMI BEACH RESTAURANT, TO MOTIVATE THEM TO STAY IN SCHOOL.

Posted on Sun, Apr. 13, 2008

Miami Herald Staff Report

They attend the following schools: Mater Academy Charter High, Miami Northwestern High, Brownsville Middle, Charles R. Drew Middle, Edison Middle, Madison Middle and Linda Lentin Elementary.

It started off with a half-day of washing cars and ended with an evening of fine dining at one of the area's exclusive restaurants.

That was the experience for several male students who took part in a program to promote good relations between youths and law enforcement and to foster pride, achievement and success. The boys ended the evening with a limousine ride to Joe's Stone Crab in Miami Beach.

The Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office developed the initiative, Joe's Stone Crab provided the meals free of charge and the Rev. C.P. Preston Jr. of Peaceful Zion Missionary Baptist Church and the Rev. Keith Butler of Logos Baptist Church picked up the gratuities tab. [More…]

Don’t miss the historic Kinsey Art Collection and art education events

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Press Preview

10:00 a.m.

Palm Beach County School District Principal's Academy

1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Founders' Circle Preview

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The Kinsey's will lead a tour of the exhibition at 6:15 p.m.

Friday, April 18, 2008

Members' Preview

12:00 noon – 7:00 p.m.

Membership Opening Lecture

3:00 p.m.

Mr. and Mrs. Kinsey discuss their evolution as collectors of objects and art pertaining to African American history.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Exhibition opens to the public

10:00 a.m.

FAMU Alumni Day

Join Florida A & M Alumni and Friends at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach 3:00 p.m. Conversation with Bernard & Shirley Kinsey 4:00 p.m. Tour of the exhibition 5:00 p.m. Private reception for FAMU Alumni

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Sunday Exhibition Lecture#

3:00 p.m.

The Collection of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey Mr. and Mrs. Kinsey discuss their evolution as collectors of objects and art pertaining to African American history.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Community Day

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Community Day will be held at the U.B. Kinsey/Palmview Elementary School of the Arts, where leaders and members of the community-at-large will meet the Kinsey's and participate in a "virtual tour" of the exhibition - A SAVE THE DATE FOR THIS EVENT HAS ALREADY BEEN CREATED AND SENT OUT BY THE PB COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Teacher Orientation**

4:30 - 6:00 p.m.

African American Art and Culture Enjoy this free introduction to the special exhibition In the Hands of African American Collectors. The program includes a tour and complimentary Teacher Resource Packet.*** Please call (561) 832-5196, ext. 1198 to r.s.v.p.

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Marden Gallery Opening

2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

U. B. Kinsey/Palmview Elementary School of the Arts Student Exhibition

Sunday April 27, 2008

Sunday Exhibition Lecture

3:00 p.m.

The Ties That Bind: Jonathan Green on Visual Art and the Community. Jonathan Green's vibrant paintings, and his interest in reaching diverse audiences through art, are two subjects he'll discuss in his talk.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

First Saturday Family Studio*

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Personal Hero Prints. Who is your role model? Join us to talk about portraits of heroic men and women; then using an image of a person who inspires you, create a portrait print. Recommended for children, ages 5-9, and their parents; $5 material fee.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

NEW: Treasure of the Month**

1:00 p.m.

Join Glenn Tomlinson, William Randolph Hearst Curator of Education, for a discussion of Shield Field by contemporary artist Willie Cole.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

NEW: Youth Studio*

1:30-3:30 p.m.

Personal Hero Prints. This new program expands the First Saturday Family Studio for older students. Explore portraits in the galleries and printmaking techniques to create portraits of personal heroes. Recommended for students, ages 10-13, $5 materials fee. Limited seating, call 561-832-5196, ext. 1171 to register.

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Education reception at the Norton

6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Organized by PB County School Board

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Kinsey Community Festival

12:00-5:00 p.m.

Bring your family to enjoy a celebration of African and American cultures.  Bernard and Shirley Kinsey will offer special tours of their collection; the Bak Middle School Step Team will perform; kids can enjoy a Romare Bearden Collage Workshop; participate in an African coffee ceremony; and special guest artist Madafo performs Griot: The African Storyteller, Musician, Historian, Poet, Teacher, Chronicler of Tradition.

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Live! at the Norton

3:00 p.m.

Jazz Standards with Vocalist Samm. Join us for this concert in which the talented singer named Samm, accompanied by Alex Darqui on piano and Jamie Ousley on bass, pays tribute to the great singers and song-writers of jazz.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Treasure of the Month**

1:00 p.m.

Join Glenn Tomlinson, William Randolph Hearst Curator of Education, for a discussion of Shield Field by contemporary artist Willie Cole.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

First Saturday Family Studio*

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Metal Roll-Printing.   Students will join artist Mila Woods to learn how to use fabric and other materials to 'roll-print' textures onto soft metals. Then the pieces will be used to create wearable art! Recommended for children, ages 5-9, and their parents; $5 material fee. Limited seating, call 561-832-5196, ext. 1171 to register.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

NEW: Treasure of the Month**

1:00 p.m.

Join Crissy Bergeron, Assistant Curator of Education, for a discussion of artworks by Betye and Alison Saar; then watch a film about both artists, Conjure Women of the Arts.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

NEW: Youth Studio*

1:30–3:30 p.m.

Metal Roll-Printing.   Students will join artist Mila Woods to learn how to use fabric and other materials to 'roll-print' textures onto soft metals. Then the pieces will be used to create wearable art! Recommended for children, ages 10-13; $5 material fee. Limited seating, call 561-832-5196, ext. 1171 to register.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Sunday Exhibition Lecture#

3:00 p.m.

Dr. Larry E. Rivers, President of Fort Valley State University and renowned historian, discusses the history of African Americans in Florida, from the 17th to the 20th century.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Collectors' Tour

4:00 p.m.

Bernard and Shirley Kinsey will lead a tour of the special exhibition In the Hands of African American Collectors: The Personal Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey.

Tuesday, June 10 - Friday, July 25

Summer Camp Tours begin.

Students will enjoy 45-minute tours and 45-minute art-making workshops related to the special exhibition In the Hands of African American Collectors: The Personal Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Sunday Funday*

1:30-3:30 p.m.

Jazz Roots. Discover popular music of another time, when jazz was hot in Harlem! Join us in the Museum Theater for a live musical performace followed by time to create your own "jazzy"collage inspired by the music. Recommended for children, ages 4-12.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Treasure of the Month**

1:00 p.m.

Join Crissy Bergeron, Assistant Curator of Education, for a discussion of artworks by Betye and Alison Saar; then watch a film about both artists, Conjure Women of the Arts.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Saturday Family Studio*

10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Time Capsules. Letters and documents from the past make history come alive. Learn about American writers and what they wrote many years ago; then, write your own letter and create a special vessel in which to save it for years to come. Recommended for children, ages 5-9, and their parents; $5 material fee. Limited seating, call 561-832-5196, ext. 1171 to register.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

NEW: Treasure of the Month**

1:00 p.m.

Join Glenn Tomlinson, William Randolph Hearst Curator of Education, for a discussion of Jacob Lawrence's painting Man with Flowers.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

NEW: Youth Studio*

1:30-3:30 p.m.

Time Capsules. Have you ever wanted to capture a memory and remember it forever? In this workshop, create a letter and a special vessel in which to save it for years to come. Feel free to bring your own letter. Recommended for students, ages 10-13, $5 materials fee. Limited seating, call 561-832-5196, ext. 1171 to register.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Treasure of the Month**

1:00 p.m.

Join Glenn Tomlinson, William Randolph Hearst Curator of Education, for a discussion of Jacob Lawrence's painting Man with Flowers.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Sunday Funday*

1:30-3:30 p.m.

Every Portrait Tells a Story.… Gwen Kistler, of the Palm Beach County Library, reads about important African Americans represented by documents and artworks in the galleries. Then, kids will draw and paint self-portraits and write short narratives about themselves. Recommended for children, ages 4-12.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Special Concert

3:00 p.m.

The Ebony Chorale. Dr. Orville Lawton directs the renowned Ebony Chorale of Delray Beach in this concert celebrating the special exhibition: In the Hands of African American Collectors: The Personal Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Collectors' Tour

4:00 p.m.

Bernard and Shirley Kinsey will lead a tour of the special exhibition In the Hands of African American Collectors: The Personal Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey.

 

 

Related Link: http://www.bloggingblackmiami.com/2008/03/historic-africa.html