Blogging Black Miami

[URGENT] Price-fixing lawsuit settlement; You could be entitled to free cosmetics

Orlando Business Journal: Retailers to give away cosmetics

Macy’s, Dillard’s and Saks Fifth Avenue, among other chains, will be giving away free cosmetics, skin care and perfumes on Jan. 20, as part of a 5-year-old settlement involving price fixing on beauty products.

The giveaway stems from a February 2004 class-action settlement filed on behalf of consumers who purchased cosmetics between May 1994 and July 2003, according to the settlement’s Web site (www.cosmeticssettlement.com). Nordstrom, Nieman Marcus and Target also were named on the suit. The retailers have claimed no wrongdoing. [More...]

2 Catholic Schools closing

As expected, small private schools are closing in South Florida. The first victims in recent months are the Sacred Heart Catholic School in Homestead and St. Stephen Catholic Church in Miramar. The economy is taking its toll. A dollar can only be stretched so much.

It is unfortunate but a reality we will face several times over the next few months. Another reality is that we will overcome this also. Let’s buckle up for this because it will be a real bumpy ride.

Our hearts go out to the students and parents affected by these closings but this too shall pass.

 

© 2009, Blogging Black Miami, www.bloggingblackmiami.com

Vote for this blog for Best Pop Culture Blog and Best Blog About Stuff in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards.

A Change Has Come...Happy Birthday, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!

From one of my other blogs-on the black hand side:

Unless you’re living under a rock, you know that the United States is undergoing a transformation, right now, as I write this. The spirit of unity, respect, inclusiveness and sacrifice will be needed to carry us through the difficult times still to come. The spirit that Barack Obama embodies and spread throughout the world is reminiscent of that of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This is such an exciting time for this country and let me just say, black people, in particular. Barack Obama’s election brings about a sense of pride that is difficult to explain to others. For the first time in my life, black Americans appear to really be included in this country. I have never seen so many black people carrying an American flag who were not in the military or an athlete celebrating an Olympic victory. Now, I’m not trying to get into an argument with anyone because I think the Obama presidency will affect each of differently in some respects, depending upon our personal story, but it is what it is.

When Barack Hussein Obama raises his right hand to take the oath of office as president of the United States tomorrow, it will be because of the tremendous sacrifice and courage of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Of course, it goes without saying that Dr. King’s legendary status was earned because of the support, courage and sacrifice of many like-minded people of all races also.

On this spectacularly awesome celebration of the birth of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 2009, this historic celebration could only be the result of destiny…divine intervention…call it whatever you like.

 I’d like to think Dr. King would also like for us to move beyond the issue of black pride in our first black president and work for the betterment of this nation world. I’d like to think Dr. King would like for us to get more involved in our community consistently, not just on this Day of Service. He’d like for us to become more involved politically and in building our community and raising our next generations.

I’d like to believe that if he could speak to us today, Dr. King would say that he would like for us to be judged by the content of our character and not by our gender, sexual preference, socio-economic status or color of our skin. We are not quite there yet but we have made another step in that direction. Let’s keep on keeping on. Power to the People.

Happy Birthday, Dr. King!

 

© 2009, on the black hand side, www.blackhandside.net

Vote for this blog for Best Pop Culture Blog and Best Blog About Stuff in the 2009 Bloggers Choice Awards.

OSUN OSOGBO -OSUN'S VILLAGE MIAMI

THE LIVING CULTURE OF OSUN OSOGBO-A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE TOURISM SITE

Osun, Osogbo, southwest Nigeria : The Austrian artist and high priestess of yoruba religion Susanne Wenger has been fighting for 50 years to save Osun Osogbo's sacred groves.

She struggled together with a group of artists and priests, with whom she re-created the temples of the forest dedicated to the cult of the Orisas, the deities and powers of the Yoruba tradition.

 

Osun Osogbo Sacred Groves are one of the last remaining tracts of Nigeria's rain forest (only 75 hectares), a unique reserve of medicinal and ritual plants, a place of pilgrimage and rebirth of Yoruba culture, and the symbol of an amazing encounter between contemporary European art and one of the strongest African traditions. It has been inscribed to Unesco's World Heritage List in 2005.

 

During the 2006 legislative session the State of Florida's Legislature unanimously passed HB-121, creating the Osun's Village & African and Caribbean Cultural Arts Corridor. In commemoration of African American History Month, which is celebrated throughout the United States of America during the month of February,  the custodians of the culture from the Osun Osogbo community will convene in Miami, Florida, officially unveiling the Osun's Village & African and Caribbean Cultural Arts Corridor.

 

The Yoruba Orisa Osun has specific relevance to South Florida's multicultural communities, as the culture and traditions were carried from West Africa during the transatlantic slave trade and are still practiced throughout the Diaspora today!

 

The visit and activities surrounding the Osun Osogbo delegation's trip to Miami will reconnect South Florida residents with the ancient origins of centuries old traditions, customs and practices, still very much alive and practiced today, by Yoruba descendents throughout the Diaspora.

 

Osun (Ochoun) is the Patron Saint of Cuba and is venerated in their Santeria and Lekumi worship traditions originating from the Yoruba of Nigeria,  she is Oxum in the Candomble religion of Brazil, Erzulie in the Vodoun religion of Haiti and Oshun to worshippers throughout the Americas, the Caribbean and Europe.

 

The ceremonies will entail:

1.) The formal unveiling of the State of Florida's Osun's Village sign boards.

2.) The consecration of an Osun Shrine in Miami, Florida by the High Priests and Priestesses from the Paramount Osun-Osogbo shrine.

3.) Traditional Osun worship ceremonies of chants, music and dance.

4.) US premier of the film: The Lady from Osun Osogbo

5.) World premier screening of movie Sango-Olukoso and live fire eating performance.

6.) The 500 year old tradition of the lighting of the Merindinologun. 16 light sacred lantern.

7.) Art exhibition and workshops of new sacred Artists.

8.) Tradional and contemporary dance and music workshop.

9.) Bi-lateral trade, investment and cultural exchange talks with community residents.

10.) Lessons and workshops on traditional Yoruba language and worship.

11.) Book signing and workshop on the sacred herbs and rituals of the Osun Sacred Grove.

 

The Black Watchdog Report: Support changing our black mindset in politics. Obama made all of us excited don't stop now.

In Pompano Beach, they have a promising young African American man named Joseph Wells, who is running against newly elected Pompano Beach Commissioner Woodrow "Woody" Poitier. Joseph Wells has showed me that he is a future leader of today and tomorrow. African- Americans in Pompano Beach should open their minds and get out of the silly old notion that a young Black man/woman can get elected or govern. These older Civil Rights generation politicians have had their chance some of them have governed with integrity and character and others have made the office or see the office as their personal $$$$ office. What bothers me is the older politicians think they should pick their successor on their way out of office. In cities like Deerfield Beach, we've had Black/White incumbent past and present politicians who think that running against them at election time is a crime. ( in essence they think the office belongs to them and not the people) These leaders of the past don't represent the views shared by many of us today. It is critically important that they release their death grips on positions of leadership, and groom the younger generations to take up the cause. Don't hope or hold your breath for change though. Think about this, why would a politician fight so hard to retain a mayor or commission seat or any other public position that only pays $ 19,000 - $35,000? Does the word GREED and CORRUPT sound familiar? Whatever happened to the true meaning of a public servant? Those words died in South Florida a long time ago.

JOSEPH WELLS PERSONAL: 33, married, two children EDUCATION: Attended Florida International University, 2003-2006 PROFESSION: Teacher of Broadcast Communications, Pompano Beach Middle School POLITICAL: Housing and economic activist in the city. CIVIC: City Employee Board of Appeals member

 

 

Historic Virginia Key Beach to host historic inauguration watch party

 The operators of Historic Virginia Key Beach Concession Stand in collaboration with popular internet radio station, vibezradio.com, will host a public inauguration event on Tuesday, January 20 beginning 10:30am. Vibezradio.com will broadcast live from the historic venue and Bleu Flame Catering, operators of the concession stand will provide free appetizers for everyone attending.

 Owner of Bleu Flame Leroy Reynolds, commented, "there is just no way we could have allowed such a historic event as the inauguration of our first African-American president to pass without the involvement of the most historic African-American venue in South Florida. We are excited to play our small part in making history."

 There is no charge for the public to attend the inauguration event and beach party that will follow.

 For more information contact 305-628-2446.

 

The Black Watchdog Report: Are Deerfield Beach voters really stupid enough to re-elect Capellini?

Are Deerfield Beach voters really stupid enough to re-elect Capellini?

Former Deerfield Beach mayor Al Capellini is showing his political arrogance in staying in the race for mayor of Deerfield Beach. This just shows that Capellini, 60, has made the seat of mayor his personal office. Capellini doesn't have the well being of this city and he's seeking sympathy from this community? How can any politician in good conscience run for office with a corruption charge lingering over their head? This is plain selfishness on Capellini's part. I hope the voters make the right decision in March and not re-elect Al Capellini, and if we do. We deserve everything we get in this corrupt city government called Weirdfield Beach, a city sinking faster than the Titantic.

    www.blackwatchdog.blogspot.com  "The Black Perspective"

 

 

ACCLAIMED AUTHORS AND STORYTELLERS, MUSIC AND ART FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

Residents of all ages are invited to participate in the Black History Month celebration at Miami-Dade Public Libraries. Hear renowned storytellers and authors, explore the history of jazz, create your own masterpiece in an arts and crafts workshop or see an exhibition.

Acclaimed author and storyteller Donna Washington will kick off the event with two appearances on Tuesday, February 3, at the Model City Branch, 2211 NW 54 St., at 10:30 a.m., and at the West Kendall Regional, 10201 Hammocks Blvd. at 3:30 p.m.  Washington will also visit several other branches later that week. On Thursday, February 5, at 6:30 p.m. join musicians Nicole Yarling, Bossa Nova, Son de Ahora and Oscar Fuentes for a Night of Jazz at the Main Library, 101 W. Flagler Street.

Also performing, at various branches throughout the month, are celebrated storytellers Baba Adekemi Lyons, Madafo Lloyd Wilson and Temujin Ekunfeo, who will mesmerize audiences with stories from Africa and the Caribbean. The Jamaican Folk Revue will share music and tales from the Caribbean, and Jazz artist Nicole Yarling will conduct a series of workshops to explore the history of jazz, tracing its evolution to Hip Hop. The art exhibition series include Color All Around, featuring works from famed children’s book illustrator Adjoa Burrowes, and the Melanin Project, with works by Haitian-born artist Asser Saint Val.

All programs are free and open to the public.

For a full listing of programs visit www.mdpls.org or call 305- 375-BOOK (2665).

Black History Month programs are funded in part by CITI.

Program Listing:

Meet Donna Washington, award-winning storyteller, multicultural folklorist, and author of several books including the Story of Kwanzaa, the Big Spooky House, and a Pride of African Tales.

Tuesday, February 3, 10:30 a.m.

Lemon City Branch, 430 NE 61^{st St}. – 305-757-0662

Tuesday, February, 3, 3:30 pm

West Kendall Branch - 10201 Hammocks Blvd., 305-385-7135

Wednesday, February. 4, 10 a.m.

Fairlawn Branch, 6376 SW 8th St.

Wednesday, February 4, 4 p.m.

North Central Branch - 9590 NW 27 Ave, 305-693-4541

Thursday, February 5, 4 p.m.

West Dade Regional - 9445 Coral Way, 305-553-1134

Hear takes from the African continent with renowned storyteller Baba

Adekemi Lyons.

Tuesday, February, 3, 10 a.m.

Opa Locka Branch, 780 Fisherman St. 305-388-1134

Tuesday, February, 3, 7 p.m.

Golden Glades Branch, 100 N.E. 166 St., 305-787-1544

Saturday, Februaryruary 21, 4 p.m.

Pinecrest Branch, 5835 SW 111 St. 305-688-4571

Saturday, February 28, 2 p.m.

Allapattah Branch, 1799 NW 35th St., 305-638-6086

Parenting Skills 101 with Myra Solomon

Parents, do you want to understand your children better? This session will offer tips on communication and ways to make family time more enjoyable. Learn proper forms of etiquette to share with your children. 

Wednesday, February 4, 6 p.m.

North Dade Regional- 2455 NW 183^rd St. 305-625-6424

Enjoy a Night of Jazz @ the library with musicians Nicole Yarling, Son de Ahora, Bossa Nova, Oscar Fuentes, and more!

Thursday, February 5, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Main Library – 101 W Flagler St. 305-375-2665

Create your own masterpiece using batik, in this African arts & crafts workshop with artist Brenda Jordan.  Registration required. Space limited to 20 participants.

Thursday, February. 5, 10:30 a.m.

Palm Springs North, 17601 NW 78 Ave., 305-820-8564

Saturday, February. 7, 11 a.m.

Miami Beach Regional, 227 22nd St., 305 535-4219

Wednesday, February. 18, 3 p.m.

North Shore Branch, 7501 Collins Ave., 305-864-5392

Wednesday, February. 25, 10 a.m.

Virrick Park Branch, 3255 Plaza St., 305-442-7872

Hear tales from the plantation during this interactive session of Caribbean stories, songs and rhythms with the Jamaican Folk Revue

Saturday, February. 7, 1:30 pm

Coral Reef Branch, 9211 Coral Reef Drive, 305-233-8324

Saturday, February. 21, 10:30 am

Naranja Branch, 27060 S. Dixie Highway, 305-242-7935

Saturday, February. 21, 3 p.m.

Homestead Branch, 700 N Homestead Blvd, 305-246-0168

Compose and They Will Listen: Big Band Jazz                                                                                                 Wednesday, February 11, 6 p.m.

North Dade Regional- 2455 NW 183^rd St. 305-625-6424

Minding Your Manners with Myra Solomon

Children, 12 and under, will learn everyday etiquette skills for personal success

Thursday, February 12, 3:30 p.m.

North Dade Regional- 2455 NW 183^rd St. 305-625-6424

Author Geoffrey Philp shares how his Caribbean roots inspire him to write novels for children.  His latest work Grandpa Sydney’s Anancy Stories, draws on the rich oral tradition of Anancy stories that are told and re-told in West Africa, Jamaica and the Caribbean.    

Tuesday, February 17, 4 p.m.

California Club Branch, 850 Ives Dairy Rd., 305-770-3155

Wednesday, February, 25, 10 a.m.

Opa Locka Branch, 780 Fisherman St. 305-388-1134

Storyteller Temujin Ekunfeo

With an active repertoire of 200 fables, tales, and parables, Temujin’s stories range from traditional Yoruba to comedian Buddy Hackett. Performing throughout the country since 1968, Temujin shares his craft by means of audience participatory storytelling and experiential “Playshops” for youths and adults.  

Thursday, February 19, 11 a.m.

 Miami Lakes Branch, 6699 Windmill Gate Rd., 305-822-6520

Wednesday, February 25, 10:30 am

Little River Branch, 160 NE 79th Street, 305-751-8689

Wednesday, February 25, 3 p.m.

South Dade Regional, 10750 SW 211 St., 305-233-8140

Thursday, February 26, 4 p.m.

California Club Branch, 850 Ives Dairy Rd., 305-770-3155

From Jazz to Hip Hop with Artist Nicole Yarling

Words can be used to express love and gratitude.  Words can also be used as weapons. Join jazz artist Nicole Yarling and students from Florida Memorial University as they explore the use of words through rap, poetry and song.   Aspiring young writers, rappers and poets will be invited to perform their own works.

Monday, February 16, 3:30 p.m.

North Dade Regional- 2455 NW 183^rd St. 305-625-6424

Saturday, February 21, 3:30 p.m.

Miami Lakes Branch - 6699 Windmill Gate Rd., 305-822-6520

Monday, February 23, 3:30 p.m.

North Dade Regional- 2455 NW 183^rd St. 305-625-6424

The Adventures of Anansi - Puppet Show

Anansi, the trickster, is one of the most important characters of West African and Caribbean folklore. He is a spider, but often acts and appears as a man. Audiences can participate in the performance by using puppets to help tell the tales.

Saturday, February 21, 1 p.m.

Lemon City Branch, 430 NE 61st St. 305-757-0662

Saturday, February 28, 1 p.m.

Coconut Grove Branch, 2875 McFarlane Road, 305-442-8695

(Program made possible by CITI)

Juba This Juba That

Enjoy dramatics, songs and stories in celebration of Black History Month At various branch locations. Visit www.mdpls.org for dates and time.

 Art Exhibitions:

Asser Saint-Val: The Melanin Project

Jan 10 – Mar, 23 - North Dade Regional, 2455 NW 183 St. 305-625-6424

Reception and Artist Talk: Thursday, January 22, 6 – 8:30pm

 Melanin is the biological pigment that gives human skin and hair its color. Haitian-born artist Asser St. Val, interested in the way science and biology have been used to justify false perceptions about people of color, made a study of "the phenomenon of melanin" and the role it plays in people of all races. St. Val’s findings became a series of paintings, of imaginary embodiments, of this phenomenon--part figurative, part something you'd see under a microscope.

Color All Around: Illustrations by Adjoa J. Burrowes

Jan., 15 – Mar., 31, Main Library, auditorium - 101 W. Flagler St. 305-375-2665

Color All Around features 42 original cut-paper collages from picture books illustrated by artist Adjoa J. Burrowes. Burrowes combines her expertise as graphic designer with skillful use of collage and mixed media. Her colorful illustrations pop with exuberant cut-paper figures, organic shapes, and angular forms. Displays of preliminary drawings, model photos, and editorial comments introduce visitors to the progression of an illustrated story from initial concept to the finished book.

Thank you from new South Miami Commissioner Valerie Newman

Free Inauguration Simulcast