Blogging Black Miami

Recommend a Gubernatorial Appointment For The Children's Trust

Local leaders, Prosperity Campaign launch free tax preparation season

WHO: Representative Yolly Roberson, County Commissioner Natacha Seijas and other elected officials (Congressman Kendrick Meek and Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink invited) join the Human Services Coalition in launching this year's free tax preparation and Earned Income Tax Credit public awareness campaign through the Prosperity Campaign.

What: The Prosperity Campaign is an initiative of the Human Services Coalition that connects low-wage workers to existing economic benefits programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit. It also seeks to provide individuals and families with benefits and financial literacy programs that will help them improve their standard of living and the community's economic stability.

Why: Local leaders want to help the county's low- and moderate-income families save money and move ahead. Several changes have been made to EITC this year due to the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), including the fact that taxpayers are now able to claim a third qualifying child. People can receive up to $5,657 on EITC this year. The credit is available to households earning less than $43,279 ($48,279 if married filing jointly) with one or more children; smaller credits are available to those with no children. Find out more at www.prosperitycampaign.org or call 311. County helpline operators will direct callers to one of the more than 70 free tax prep sites in the county. Tax preparers will be on site to file returns for Don Shula employees who qualify.

When: Friday, January 29^th 10 – 12 noon

Where: Don Shula Hotel

6842 Main Street/Miami Lakes, FL 33014

Program:

I. Welcome

II. CFO Alex Sink (invited)

III. Representative Yoly Roberson

IV . Commissioner Natacha Seijas

V. Debit Card Update – SunTrust Bank

VI. Don Shula Representative

VII. EITC Recipient

VIII. Closing

 

Prosperity Campaign Funders: Local and national funders help make the Prosperity

Campaign possible. They include: Wachovia - A Wells Fargo Company, The Ford Foundation, the Families and Work Institute, The Children's Trust, Miami-Dade County, Citi, Don Shula Hotels, Marriott International, Mercantil Commercebank, HSBC Bank, Bank of America, Great Florida Bank, SunTrust, BankUnited and City National Bank.

Open letter to City of Miami commission from "Concerned Friends of District Five" [POLL]

January 25, 2010

Dear Commissioners:

The unfortunate situation that led to the suspension of Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones has left a community in limbo and its residents without representation and severely disadvantaged.  On Tuesday the City of Miami Commission must, pursuant to the City of Miami Charter, appoint a commissioner for District Five.  It is with this in mind that we concerned friends and residents of the City write this letter to the commissioners in the hope that they swiftly and thoughtfully restore representation to District Five. We also recognize that this will be our newly formed Commission’s first major decision, and its first opportunity to set the tone for this new decade. 

Recent articles in the Miami Herald have suggested that the Commission is considering Rev. Richard P. Dunn, II as a candidate.  Patrick Range, who news reports have also rightly identified as a qualified candidate, has respectfully declined to be considered for the appointment.  We believe that, for a district of over 60,000 residents, consideration must be given to more than one willing candidate.  The discussion must be widened.  The politics of Miami can no longer be restricted to a select few.  District Five needs the Commission to cast a wider net and take this opportunity to consider the abilities and talents of other citizens who have earned due consideration—people who presently serve the City, and the residents of District Five, selflessly and with enthusiasm and unquestioned integrity. 

We therefore urge the Commission to expand its search to include, and consider:

Alison Austin

Basil A. Binns, II

Dr. Robert Malone

Pierre Rutledge

Erica Wright

These people are only a small portion of the best of District Five, but their demonstrated talents and capabilities are demanding of consideration.  Each is known to the residents of District Five and not merely the special interests who work behind closed doors to influence the governance of our beautiful City.  It is important that this new Commission continue with the refreshing leadership it has shown thus far and act in the best interest of District Five on Tuesday.  If our Commissioners do that, they will have acted in the best interest of the entire City of Miami.  We trust that our Commissioners will not disappoint us.

Sincerely,

“The Concerned Friends of District Five – Now and Always” 

2525 SW 3rd Ave

Number 1508

Miami, Florida 33129

(305) 987-1260

Stephen Hunter Johnson

Barron Channer

Hattie Willis    

Rossetta Rolle Hylton

Gihan Perrers

Thomas F. Harrison

Alison Wiley

Noel Johnson

Neil Cox

Drew Barrett

Jason Walker

Christopher Richardson

Online Surveys & Market Research

United Way: Program provides thousands in savings on prescription drugs

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

In Miami-Dade County, three in 10 residents under the age of 65 are without health insurance; that's approximately 600,000 people.

This rate is expected to rise as the rate of unemployment continues in the double-digits, causing even more families to lose jobs and as a result, their health insurance.

In order to bring relief to these families, United Way of Miami-Dade has partnered with FamilyWize, a nationwide community service partnership that works with nonprofit organizations and government agencies to make prescription drug discount cards available to uninsured and underinsured people.

United Way is distributing FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Cards, making it possible for individuals and families who use the cards to potentially save up to 40 percent on the cost of their prescription medicines.  To look up discount amounts of specific medications, visit the FamilyWize website.  The cards can be used as often as needed, for any prescription and for anyone in the family, with no income limit, age requirement, eligibility or registration required.

"Forty percent of adults don’t buy the medicines they need, have difficulty affording them or reduce the required dosage because of high costs. The FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards will help those who otherwise could not afford to buy the medicines they need,” Harve A. Mogul, president and CEO, United Way of Miami-Dade, said.

The cards are free-of-charge, in both English and Spanish, and are accepted at more than 500 pharmacies countywide, including COSTCO, Walgreens, Publix, Target, Wal-Mart, Winn Dixie and Navarro Discount Pharmacy, which recently partnered with United Way to both distribute and accept the card at all its 28 Miami-Dade locations.   A card can also be printed directly from our website: FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Card.  To find a list of participating pharmacies near you, click here.

No one should have to choose between their bills and their health.  If you or someone you know is without health insurance or has insufficient coverage, inform them about FamilyWize.  Print the card today and start saving. 

For more information, please contact Jeff Hawley at (305) 646-7086 or hawleyj@unitedwaymiami.org

United Way Operation Helping Hands grants $500,000 to nonprofits

 

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Today, United Way of Miami-Dade announced initial grants totaling $500,000 to four nonprofits providing emergency relief in Haiti.  Funding for these grants comes through Operation Helping Hands, a joint disaster relief fund created by United Way of Miami-Dade, The Miami Herald/el Nuevo Herald, Univision 23 and Univision Radio.

The grants will be used to provide critically needed emergency supplies to people in Haiti.  The organizations receiving the grants are World Vision, University of Miami’s Project Medishare, Food for the Poor and the Pan American Development Foundation.

“We are pleased to be able to make these grants on behalf of hundreds of individuals and organizations who made donations this week to Operation Helping Hands,” Harve A. Mogul, president and CEO, United Way of Miami-Dade, said. “We selected these organizations because they have a long and successful history of working in Haiti, providing services to the Haitian people.  We’ve also worked with many of these organizations after other disasters and know they are effective and accountable.”

“It's gratifying to see how this community has responded to the urgency of Haiti's need.   We're glad that our assistance will have such an immediate impact," said David Landsberg, publisher of The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald.
World Vision has been operating programs in Haiti for more than 30 years.  A grant of $325,000 will be used to purchase and distribute relief supplies – including food, clean water, blankets, and tents to children and families impacted by the earthquake and aftershocks in Haiti.

University of Miami’s Project Medishare has been working in Haiti since 1995, providing medical care and community development assistance in the country.  A $100,000 grant will fund medical supplies and medical care. 

Food for the Poor is an interdenominational ministry that not only provides food assistance, but also builds small houses, digs water wells, provides medicine and medical equipment for the sick and elderly, and supports orphanages and education for children in numerous countries around the world.  This agency has worked in Haiti for years and has a strong distribution network among churches in the country.  A $25,000 grant will be used to transport and deliver urgently needed water, rice and canned food. 

Pan American Development Foundation has a disaster expert team in Port-au-Prince and is sending additional experts from the Dominican Republic to assist in the relief efforts. A $50,000 grant will be used for shelter kits with tents, tarps, water purification tables; food; and medical supplies.
“We have all been moved by the tragic events in Haiti this past week,” Sheldon Anderson, board chair, United Way of Miami-Dade, said. “This is just a first step in what will be a long and difficult recovery process.  The Haitian people need our help and I am grateful to the many generous, caring people who have extended a helping hand to our neighbors in need.”

United Way and The Miami Herald/el Nuevo Herald activated Operation Helping Hands immediately following the January 12 earthquake in Haiti.  100% of funds raised through Operation Helping Hands will go to support relief and recovery efforts in Haiti.  Monetary donations made to Operation Helping Hands will go directly to help the people of Haiti through nonprofit organizations working on the ground.

To make a donation:

• log on to www.iwant2help.org
• send a check payable to Operation Helping Hands, c/o United Way of Miami-Dade, P.O. Box # 459007, Miami, Florida 33245-9007.
• call 1-800-226-3320

Operation Helping Hands was created in 1998 in the aftermath of devastating hurricanes Mitch and Georges, and has been reactivated several times since to help Floridians extend a helping hand to help those involved in emergency situations.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION AT MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC LIBRARIES

(MIAMI, January 22, 2010) – The community is invited to join the Black History Month celebration at Miami-Dade Public Libraries. Learn about Fannie Lou Hamer, voting right activist and civil rights leader; explore the history of American music with Detroit native Ray Kamalay; view artwork on the Gullah/Geechee people of South Carolina low country, and participate in a traditional African drumming circle.

 

The library presents more than 15,000 free programs annually, throughout its 48 branches. A complete listing of events is available at www.mdpls.org.

 

Highlights of the month:

 

West African Craft Workshop with Brenda Jordan

Join artist Brenda Jordan as she explores the traditional crafts of West Africa.  Learn the symbolism of an ancient African language in this interactive and educational workshop. Limit 20 participants.

North Dade Regional – 2455 NW 183 St. 305-625-6424
Thursday, February 4, 4:30 p.m.

 

Celebrating Ghana - Family “Mini” Festival  

Learn about the history and culture of Ghana during this full day of crafts, creative dramatics with Juba This Juba That!, West African storytelling, games and songs with award-winning storyteller and author Sadarri Saskill and Company, and a West African Drum Circle with multidisciplinary artist Lela Lombardo.

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

Saturday, February 6, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

 

World Slavery: The Haitian Revolution and the Rise of American Music

Detroit native Ray Kamalay traces the development of slavery from ancient times to its links with American society up to the early jazz age. Discussion includes ancient and modern slavery, the Haitian Revolution, the origin of blackface, spirituals, blues, minstrel shows, ragtime and jazz. Kamalay has performed at some of the most prestigious venues including the Edinburgh Festival, Interlochen and the Philadelphia Folk Festival.

North Dade Regional – 2455 NW 183 St.
Monday, February 8, 7 p.m.

 

Haitian Drumming and Craft

Haitian artist, and owner of the Jakmel Art Gallery, Jude Papaloko will transport you to the shores of Haiti in this traditional Haitian drumming performance.  Create your own “Worry Doll” after the show.

Edison Branch - 531 NW 62 St,- 305-757-0668
Tuesday, February 16, 3:30pm

 

 

Acting Workshop for the Skunk and the Possum with artist Oscar Fuentes

This early literacy/acting workshop will take children on a historical journey through the Caribbean, and make a landing on the shores of Haiti. Explore the beauty of Haiti’s culture, its origins, and its journey to independence. Children will also perform a skit of the popular Caribbean myth the Skunk and the Possum. Pre- registration required for all three workshops.

Lemon City Branch- 430 NE 61st Street – 305- 757-0662

Tuesday, February 16, 4 p.m., Wednesday February 17, 4 p.m., Thursday, February 18, 4 p.m.

 

Celebrating Haiti - Family “Mini” Festival

This mini-festival will highlight Haiti’s historical and cultural traditions. Participate in a traditional Haitian Dance workshop with Régine Paul and members of the Louines Louinis Haitian Dance Theater. Enjoy a theatrical presentation of the Skunk and the Possum, and much more!

Lemon City Branch - 430 NE 61Street - 305- 757-0662
February 20, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

 

The Fannie Lou Hamer Story

Actress and singer Mzuri Moyo brings the indomitable spirit of Fannie Lou Hamer to the library. Hamer, also known as the mother of civil rights, was one of the most talked-about activists of the movement and was the Mississippi freedom fighter of the 1960s. Hamer’s work promoted voter registration with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, and her deep commitment to grass-roots anti-poverty projects made her a force to be reckoned with.

 

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

Thursday, February 4, 6 p.m.

 

 

Naranja Branch - 14850 SW 280 St. 305- 242-2290

Wednesday, February 17, 6:30 p.m.

 

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

Wednesday, February 24, 6 p.m.

 

African Drumming and Stories with Baba Lyons

Take a cultural journey around the world with renowned storyteller and actor Baba Lyons. Enjoy African tales and the sounds of the African drums.  

 

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

Tuesday, February 9, 10:30 a.m.

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

Saturday, February 13, 1:30 p.m.

 

Palmetto Bay Branch 17641 Old Cutler Rd. 305-232-1771

Saturday, February 20, 1:30 p.m.

 

Naranja Branch - 14850 SW 280 St. 305- 242-2290
Tuesday, February 25, 6:30 p.m.
 

Ife-Ile Afro-Cuban Dance & Music Company presents “The “Guije” That Wanted to Go to School”         Internationally known Afro-Cuban choreographer and dancer Neri Torres leads this work, based on a traditional Afro-Cuban character. Performance combines storytelling, dance and drumming.

Culmer/Overtown Branch - 350 NW 13 St., 305- 579-5322

Saturday, February 20, 11 a.m.

Allapattah Branch - 1799 NW 35 St. 305- 638-6086
Saturday, February 20, 2 p.m.

 

Kendale Lakes Branch- 15205 SW 88 St. 305-388-0326    Saturday, February 27, 2 p.m.

 

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

Saturday, February 27, 11 a.m.

 

 

Art Exhibition:

Gullah Geechee and the 7 Dreams

Curated by Gary L. Moore

January 23 - March 31

Reception: Thursday, January 28, 6:30 - 8:30 pm Main Library, Auditorium, 101 W. Flagler St, 305-375-2665

 

Multidisciplinary artist Gary L. Moore is nationally recognized for his permanent public art installations and interventions that join African American pop culture and architectural context. For Gullah Geechee and the 7 Dreams, Moore curates an exhibition, from the Library System’s Permanent Collection, through the lens of the interests and influences that inform his work as an artist. This cultural framework includes South Carolina low country Gullah Geechee Culture, the anthropological writings of Zora Neale Hurston, the culturally-specific minimalist conceptual work of David Hammond, and the fiction of Toni Morrison. Bound together by the metaphysical connections between folk culture, low country mysticism, histories of slavery and revolution, and handmade aesthetics, the exhibition includes work by Kabuya Pamela Bowens, Carlos Alfonzo, Ana Mendieta, and Elizabeth Catlett, among many others.

 

About the artist:

Born in the low country town of Pee Dee, South Carolina and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Gary L. Moore currently lives and works in Ft. Lauderdale. Moore received a BFA in sculpture at the University of Miami (1992), attended the Whitney Museum of American Art's Independent Study Program (1990-91), and earned an MFA from Norwich University (1995). Moore has exhibited at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia; the Walker Art Center, and the Museum of Art - Fort Lauderdale.

 

 

R&B SENSATION KEM TO HEADLINE ZORA! FESTIVAL 2010 OUTDOOR FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

 

Other weekend activities include Education Day, a community choir and the festival
being free and open to the public for the second year

 

Eatonville, Fla. -– In addition to being free and open to the public for the second year, the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, Inc. (P.E.C.) announces an exciting entertainment lineup for ZORA! Festival 2010 Outdoor Festival of the Arts, Friday, January 29 – Sunday, January 31. R&B/soul sensation Kem will headline the festival’s Center Stage at 3:30pm on Saturday, January 30. The weekend continues Sunday, January 31, with a performance by the ZORA! Festival Thousand Voice Multi-Cultural Community Choir, comprised of local choirs, ensembles and soloists from throughout the Central Florida region. 

 

Kem is a noted R&B/soul singer, songwriter and producer who rose to fame in 2002, with hits such as Love Calls; I Can’t Stop Loving You and Find Your Way (Back in My Life). His musical talent has been solicited by many artists and filmmakers. He wrote and performed Tonight, which is included on the soundtrack for Tyler Perry’s film, “Madea’s Family Reunion.” Additionally, Kem’s remake of Nat King Cole’s Fascination was featured in the film, “Take the Lead” starring Antonio Banderas.

 

On Sunday, January 31, festival-goers will be treated to a special performance of the new ZORA! Festival Thousand Voice Multi-Cultural Community Choir. Under the direction of choirmaster Roger Mike, a distinguished musician who has been in the music industry for more than 40 years, this mass choir will represent the convergence of varying religions, ethnicities and cultures in one voice at Festival Center Stage at 3pm. Festival organizers are still seeking choir members representing any religion, culture and ethnicity. 

 

“ZORA! Festival 2010 is significant in that we are celebrating Zora’s 50-year legacy.  What better way to pay tribute to her, than with an exciting slate of weekend activities, all free and open to the public and by bringing together the various cultures in our community for the Thousand-Voice Choir!” said N.Y. Nathiri, executive director of P.E.C. and festival general manager. 

 

Friday’s Outdoor Festival of the Arts will be “Education Day,” and will continue to feature a number of events and activities for students of all ages.  Educators who wish to arrange field trips for Education Day can reach the P.E.C. office. 

 

“We expect our Outdoor Festival of the Arts to be another exciting weekend for our community,” said Johnny Rivers, president of the P.E.C. board of directors.  “We are also thrilled to present this exciting programming free and open to the public for the second year.” 

 

For a full festival schedule visit www.zorafestival.com or call 407-647-3131.

-more-

ZORA! Festival 2010 Outdoor Festival of the Arts, 2

 

The Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities is held in venues throughout Orange County, with the Outdoor Festival of the Arts held in Eatonville, the nation’s oldest incorporated African American municipality, established in 1887. This multi-disciplinary, multi-day celebration of the arts and humanities is organized and presented by The Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, Inc. (P.E.C.), a membership-based, tax exempt, historic preservation organization established in 1988. The festival has been a celebrated event of the Central Florida community since 1990 and has attracted more than 500,000 guests since its inception.  The festival is named in honor of the 20^th century charismatic literary figure, Zora Neale Hurston (1891-1960), the dominant female voice of the Harlem Renaissance. The festival also celebrates the historical significance of her hometown, Eatonville, as well as the cultural contributions people of African ancestry have made to the United States and world culture. A schedule of events is available at www.zorafestival.com. For further information, please contact (407) 647-3131; info@zorafestival.com.

 

 

Is it just me or does anyone else think this could be the perfect billboard for South Florida?

 

I don't know the backstory to this graphic but it must be interesting. I'm going to post it on the side bar of this blog and whenever it needs to be posted as a reminder to this community. 

There has been coverage of local public corruption recently but it is likely only the tip of the iceberg. Who's really kidding who? Some folks have been caught in the web while others are likely still shaking in their boots. 

To the winner of the upcoming City of Miami Commission races for Districts 1 & 5 and to all sitting elected officials and others responsible for allocating and spending public resources, let this commandment reverberate in your conscious in the upcoming year. Forget that classic billboard with the little girl and the dog on the beach in that Coppertone suntan lotion ad.

THOU SHALT NOT PIMP THE COMMUNITY IN 2010!

Graphic courtesy of Don Allen

Miami Herald: Lemon City cemetery gets historic designation

Posted on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009

 

By NADEGE CHARLES

A quest to secure historic designation for a long-forgotten cemetery uncovered on a warehouse and auto repair shop in the Lemon City area unveiled a historical trail of black Miami and lost familial bonds.

When construction workers digging up a parcel of land on 71st Street near Northwest Third Avenue discovered human remains in April, it was unclear at the time what they found.

Led by Enid Pinkney, chairwoman of the African-American committee of Dade Heritage Trust, along with historians, archaeologists and community members; what started as an elusive search to identify unknown bodies turned into a successful mission to preserve history.

Read More...

Michael Eric Dyson at FIU and other MLK activities

One of my favorite speakers, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson will be in town for MLK activities at FIU. Check out the article from South Florida Caribbean News.

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson is Keynote Speaker for FIU's 19th Annual Breakfast to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy

MIAMI - Florida International University's Office of Multicultural Programs and Services will once again be commemorating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a weeklong celebration inspired by Dr. King's life and work. This year's theme is "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of the Dream." The MLK Commemorative Celebration is one... Read More...