Blogging Black Miami

FAMU cancels Summer Band Camp and suspends membership intake for student organizations

Florida A&M University President Dr. James Ammons announced the cancellation of the 2012 Summer Band Camp and temporary suspension of membership intake for all student organizations, fraternities and sororities until Fall 2012. 

These measures have been taken in light of the hazing death of FAMU drum major Robert Champion and the hazing incidents in the media since that November 2011 tragedy. 

Dr. Ammons’ announcement also included clarification that the University’s music program has not been terminated. There is also  a review process for academic based organizations which will remove them from suspended status.

Hundreds attend AKAs Youth Symposium

On Sunday, January 15, 2012 the local graduate chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority - Gamma Zeta Omega and Pi Delta Omega hosted America’s Sunday Supper Youth symposium at New Way Fellowship Praise and Worship Center in Miami Gardens. The event was an opportunity for a multi-generational conversation on civil rights achievements and expectations for the future, there was also a salute to the nation’s military.

It was a wonderful experience to have Tuskegee Airman Eldridge Williams present as a real-life hero of that group of men to be documented again in the upcoming film, “Red Tails”. There were also U.S. service members present from the United States Southern Command.

Civil Rights Heroes and Heroines recognized were: Marjorie Young, Alpha Kappa Alpha member and civil rights activist; Earl Davis, survivor of the Birmingham church bombing; A.D. Moore, Sr., civil rights activist; Garth Reeves, Publisher Emeritus, The Miami Times; and Dr. Enid Pinkney, preservationist and community activist. 

Civil Right Torch Bearers: Alpha Kappa Alpha member Adora Obi Nweze, President of the Florida NAACP; Col. (Ret.) Brodes Hartley, President and CEO of CHI of South Florida, and civil rights activist.

The Future - Servant Leaders included: Karen Andre, attorney; community activist and Florida Deputy Political Director for the Obama Campaign; Ebony Jackson, NAACP and civil rights activist; Brandon Okpalobi, Founder of Dibia Athletic Development; Amber Walker, Catalyst Miami; and Rolonda Shands, SGA President at Miami-Dade College.

More than 250 were present and included several youth groups: EYL (Emerging Young Leaders); Ivy Rosettes; Pearl Essence; Lamplighters; and the Girl Scouts. State Rep. Barbara Watson; Dr. Dorothy Jenkins Fields of the Black Archives; and Jermaine D. Chambers, President of Voting Rocks were also present.

See more photos on Facebook. 

 

 

Kwanzaa Celebration continues in Miami on Fri. 12/30

On Friday, December 30, 2011 the Miami-Dade Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association and Community Builders Holistic Development Corporation will present the 22nd Annual Mary Williams Woodard Legacy Kwanzaa Celebration. This is the Miami-Dade Chapter's signature event as they give back to the South Florida community. They are pleased to continue their longstanding partnership with Community Builders and their Osun’s Village & African Caribbean Cultural Arts Corridor Project in presenting this important event.

Several international and local performing artists are expected to participate. The children’s groups from the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center are always a delight. This year, a parade of African and African-inspired fashions has been added so wear your finest if you are so inclined. A special call is being made to natural hair wearing brothers and sisters. So rock your Locs, Twists, Braids and Afros for the Natural Hair Showcase.

This is an uplifting, family bonding, community building event celebrating: Unity; Self-Determination; Collective Work & Responsibility; Cooperative Economics; Purpose; Creativity; and Faith! This event is FREE and open to the public.

Stay tuned to Blogging Black Miami for photos from the event.

For more information on the Mary Williams Woodard Legacy Kwanzaa Celebration, call the FAMU Alumni Association at (305) 761-8952 or e-mail gofamu@miamidaderattlers.org.

 

Post Event Statement from Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee

For the most part, this year’s Carnival was a success and based on comments from many, Miami Gardens was the perfect setting for the events. However, there were many complaints that headline act Alison Hinds was not allowed to perform.

Here is the statement, in full, from the event host committee that addresses that issue:

 

POST EVENT STATEMENT
OF
THE MIAMI BROWARD ONE CARNIVAL HOST COMMITTEE
Miami Gardens, Florida
October 11, 2011 

We, the members of the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee, value the integrity of our community event and the many people and entities that have supported us since our inception in South Florida. We want to apologize for not being able to deliver the complete entertainment lineup that our patrons were looking forward to and expected on Carnival Sunday.  Our headline act Alison Hinds was unable to perform due  to contractual obligations to the stadium and the financial repercussions that would follow any extensions of the event schedule. We were unable to permit a time extension.

The inclement tropical weather in  South Florida on Carnival weekend  was one of the stormiest  weekends experienced in months. Despite these challenges with the preceding inclement weather, we did not adjust our scheduled line up appropriately as a result of the rain delays.  This resulted in a show that extended its planned time. We take full responsibility for the logistic and presentation quality of all the cultural elements of the Carnival. Since the onset of these disappointments, we have communicated with all parties to express our sincere apologies.

In looking forward to the planning for 2012, we are listening to all feedback and will be making all best efforts to ensure improvements are made.

We appreciate the support of all bandleaders, patrons, entertainers, sponsors, elected officials, and volunteers  for a festive Carnival 2011 season and look forward to a greater and more improved Miami Broward One Carnival in 2012.

 

Great Caribbean Music

FREE GOSPEL SUNDAYS 2011-2012 @ The Arsht

THE FIFTH CONSECUTIVE SEASON OF FREE CONCERTS

FEATURING GOSPEL MUSIC’S GREATEST STARS

joined by THE MIAMI MASS CHOIR!

the SENSATIONal 

 Yolanda Adams 

  

MIAMI, FL – The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, in partnership with Miami gospel radio station WMBM 1490 AM, proudly announce the return of FREE GOSPEL SUNDAYS!  The popular, four-part 2011-12 concert series kicks off on Sunday, October 16, 2011 at 4:00 PM with gospel legend YOLANDA ADAMS who has been hailed as the most versatile contemporary gospel singer since Aretha Franklin.

ADAMS, a Grammy nominee and multiple Stellar Award winner, will perform a soul-stirring program of signature gospel favorites, guaranteed to bring the crowd to its feet. She will be accompanied by two Miami powerhouse choirs: the series’ resident ensemble, Miami Mass Choir, and New Birth Baptist Church Cathedral Choir, recognized as one of Miami’s largest and most vibrant congregations. Under the direction of Pastor Marc Cooper, the Miami Mass Choir consists of 50 of Miami’s best gospel voices, selected through an open audition process, and representing South Florida from Lauderhill to Florida City.

Following this spectacular season opener, FREE GOSPEL SUNDAYS 2011-2012 will continue with gospel celebrations in the Knight Concert Hall in December 2011, February 2012 and April 2012. Performance dates and headliners for subsequent  FREE GOSPEL SUNDAYS performances will be announced approximately four weeks prior to the show date. The soulful sounds of the resident ensemble Miami Mass Choir will be heard at each concert, along with local talent from one of Miami-Dade’s greatest church choirs, adding their uplifting voices to the joyful noise that fills the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall.

“We are thrilled to open our FREE GOSPEL SUNDAYS series this year with the sweet sounds of the marvelous, Platinum-selling Yolanda Adams,” said M. John Richard, president and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center. “These extraordinarily powerful and moving shows have become a favorite Sunday afternoon concert experience, bringing together our South Florida community to hear the brightest stars in gospel music perform with Miami-Dade’s finest choirs,” Richard added. “We are especially proud to be able to continue to offer these joyous, crowd-pleasing concerts free of charge with the help of Knight Foundation and Funding Arts Network.”

Hailed as the most versatile contemporary gospel singer since Aretha Franklin, YOLANDA ADAMS has been wowing gospel audiences all over the world since her Elektra debut with the acclaimed Just As I Am in 1988. Several studio albums and one live album later, ADAMS’ success demonstrates why she is one of gospel’s greats. With conviction that has caused critics to refer to her as one of gospel’s “seminal” voices, ADAMS has ventured out to work with some of pop music’s most formidable producers such as Keith Thomas, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis, earning her multiple awards, including four BET Awards for Best Gospel Album, multiple Grammy Award nominations and eight Stellar Awards, gospel’s highest accolade. She was seen by millions in homes across America when she offered up a stunning performance in tribute to Aretha Franklin as part of the opening act of the 2011 Grammy Awards. ADAMS’ highly anticipated recording, Becoming, was released in May 2011.

The Adrienne Arsht Center’s extraordinarily popular FREE GOSPEL SUNDAYS series is made possible with the support of the Funding Arts Network.

 

“FIRST ACCESS PASS” INFORMATION:

Admission is FREE. First Access Passes for the first FREE GOSPEL SUNDAYS performance on October 16 featuring YOLANDA ADAMS will be available beginning on September 27.  

First Access Passes can be reserved in advance by calling the Adrienne Arsht Center box office at 305-949-6722 or online at www.arshtcenter.org (limit four per person).  The passes provide patrons with first access to seating in the theater.  Seating is "first come, first serve" for the performance and passes do not guarantee a seat.  

Patrons who do not have a First Access Pass can join the stand-by-line beginning at 3 p.m. outside the theater. *The First Access Pass expires at 3:45 p.m.  Patrons in the stand-by line will be let into the theater at 3:45 p.m. if seats are still available.

First Access Passes to subsequent FREE GOSPEL SUNDAYS performances will be made available approximately four weeks prior to the show date.  Sign up for the Adrienne Arsht Center email list at www.arshtcenter.org to be notified when FREE tickets become available for each of the FREE GOSPEL SUNDAYS concerts.

The Adrienne Arsht Center’s extraordinarily popular FREE GOSPEL SUNDAYS series has been supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation since the inaugural 2008-2009 season, and received a three-year, $150,000 grant to continue the series into the Center’s 2013-2014 season.  A generous grant from the Funding Arts Network is also supporting the 2011-2012 season.

"Free Gospel Sundays is proof positive of the undeniable power of song to bring people together,” said Dennis Scholl, Knight Foundation’s vice president/arts. “The event is a must for all South Florida residents."

 

MDC Kendall Campus and the Civic Chorale of Greater Miami Host Community Concert Oct. 16

Miami, FL – The Miami Dade College (MDC) and the Civic Chorale of Greater Miami will present a concert featuring the works of 20^th Century American composers at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Palmetto Bay. The Come Home to the Civic Chorale event will feature both current and former singers of the Chorale, MDC’s Chamber Singers and Women’s Choir, along with the College’s Jubilation Dance Ensemble, under the direction of Michelle Grant-Murray. The Chorale will perform works by composers Lloyd Pfautsch, Aaron Copeland and Stephen Paulus.

Civic Chorale alumni interested in participating in the concert should contact Dr. Kenneth Boos, kboos@mdc.edu  or Phee Price, pheeprice@gmail.com, for details about a rehearsal and how to obtain music.

 

THE SOUTH FLORIDA PREMIERE OF SYMPHONY FOR THE DANCE FLOOR

MUSIC BY DANIEL BERNARD ROUMAIN (DBR) FEATURING LORD JAMAR, CHOREOGRAPHY BY MILLICENT JOHNNIE, DIRECTED BY DJ MENDEL

  

Miami, FL- Miami Light Project is proud to open our 2011-12 Contemporary Performance Series with the Florida premiere of Symphony for the Dance Floor.

Miami Dade College Kicks Off 28th Edition of the Miami Book Fair International with Poster Unveiling

MIAMI, FL – The 28th edition of Miami Book Fair International, presented by The Center at Miami Dade College, officially kicked-off Monday, Sept. 12 at the City Hall Restaurant, with the unveiling of two official Book Fair posters. The official Book Fair poster was created by Ye Hongxing, a native of China whose artwork has earned her a place in the top exhibitions in the world. A second poster, designed by artist Grace Zong, celebrates the many activities the Book Fair puts together for children and families. This year’s Book Fair will celebrate the literature and culture of China and will take place Nov. 13-20, 2011, at the college’s Wolfson Campus in downtown Miami. The popular Street Fair runs Friday through Sunday, Nov. 18-20, with more than 200 exhibitors from around the country selling books in a festive atmosphere.

 

From left, Madeline Pumariega, president of MDC’s Wolfson Campus; Alina Interian, director of The Center @ MDC; poster artist Ye Hongxing; and MDC President Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón.

 

MDC Campuses Celebrate Black History with Free Community Events

Miami – Every year, Miami Dade College (MDC) recognizes Black History Month with an array of community and educational activities at each of its eight campuses. College administrators believe students, as well as the community at large, should be mindful of the contributions made by black Americans throughout this country’s history, both past and present. Below is a list of some Black History Month activities being held at MDC’s various campuses.

For a complete list of MDC’s Black History events, visit http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=59889&pre=1.

 

Workshop hosted by local organization Seed305 on history of blacks in Miami

Wednesday, Feb. 9 at noon

Join Seed305 for a workshop on racism, the history of blacks in Miami, and how people of color internalize racism in the context of Miami’s multi-ethnic/racial populations. Seed305’s mission is to build a movement for fundamental social change through political education. 

Hialeah Campus, 1776 W. 49^th St., Rooms 1119 and 1120

 

Afro-German Victims of the Holocaust

Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 11:15 a.m.

This lecture will address how Germany treated its black colonial and black German citizens, as well as African-American prisoners of war. Hosted by professors Randall Kaufman and Magdalena Lamarre.

Homestead Campus, 500 College Terrace, Room F222

 

Voices from the Grave

Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 10 a.m.

A presentation featuring voice recordings of some of the last living slaves. Hear them speak in their own voice.

InterAmerican Campus, 627 S.W. 27^th Ave., Room 3103

 

Closing Celebration

Thursday, Feb. 24 at noon

Keynote speaker Renee Kilpatrick details the story of her childhood in Alabama and her direct relationship with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Refreshments will be served.

InterAmerican Campus, 627 S.W.  27^th Ave., Room 401

 

Jubilation Dance Ensemble: Buffalo Soldier

Wednesday, Feb. 23 at noon

The Kendall Campus Jubilation Dance Ensemble will perform a variety of pieces influenced by the narrative Buffalo Soldier. This moving narrative explores the discourse, dialogue and experiences of African-Americans in the Civil War.

Kendall Campus, 11011 S.W. 104^th St., McCarthy Theater, Room 6120

 

Big Band Concert

Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Students and faculty from Kendall Campus’ music department will perform selections made famous by legendary African-American jazz musicians and composers.

Kendall Campus, 11011 S.W. 104^th St., McCarthy Theater, Room 6120

 

Cotton Club

Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m.

In the spirit of the 1920’s Harlem Renaissance era, volunteer artists will perform songs, dance and recite poetry. The artists will pay tribute to legendary musicians, singers and writers.

Kendall Campus, 11011 S.W. 104^th St., McCarthy Theater, Room 6120

 

Jazz and Poetry Café

Wednesday, Feb. 16 at noon

Hear spoken words from local Haitian poets and listen to music from the Kendall Campus Jazz Band.

Medical Center Campus, 950 N.W. 20^th St., Room 1175, Auditorium

 

Panel Discussion: The Underground Railroad: Would you break the law in the name of justice?

Thursday, Feb. 24 at 11:30 a.m.

Local and institutional scholars discuss Harriett Tubman, who operated the Underground Railroad and helped deliver thousands of slaves to freedom in the north.

North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27^th Ave., M.J. Taylor Lounge, Room 4207

 

Gospel Fest

Saturday, Feb. 26 at 4 p.m.

Urban contemporary gospel music takes center stage at this electrifying event featuring local and regional gospel dance groups, quartets, vocalists, and choirs.

North Campus, 11380 N.W. 27^th Ave., Building 4, Breezeway

 

The History of Black Colleges and Universities

Tuesday, Feb. 22 at 9:50 a.m.

Learn how Black colleges and universities originated and the status of these institutions today. Hosted by Professor Renee Kilpatrick.

West Campus, 3800 N.W. 115^th Ave., Room 1101

 

Ethnic Foods and Nutrition

Thursday, Feb. 24 at 1:30 p.m.

Professor Jorge Monserrate discusses nutrition and ethnic foods. Hosted by MDC’s Wellness Center.

Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. 2^nd Ave., Building 7, Room 7128

 

How well do you know the history of blacks in Miami?

STEP INTO THE PAST WITH THE BLACK HISTORY TOURS

Miami-Dade Transit’s award-winning tours return for the 18^th consecutive year  

MIAMI, FL – Miami-Dade Transit's Black History Tours explore the chronicles and landmarks that make up Miami-Dade County’s rich and vibrant African-American communities.

The tours, which remain a popular outing for local residents, are given free of charge on board Miami-Dade Transit buses. Bus operators, well-versed in the historic importance of the landmarks visited, narrate the approximately 3½-hour tours.

Initially created as a contribution to the celebration of Black History Month, the tours will be given on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011 and Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011, starting at 8:30 a.m., with the last tour departing at 10:30 a.m. Buses will depart from the Stephen P. Clark Center at 111 NW First St. in downtown Miami.

Tour buses will visit historic sites in Overtown, where African-Americans first settled in the county as early as 1896; in Coconut Grove, where the original Bahamian settlers first built their homes; in Brownsville, where famous singer Billie Holiday kept a permanent residence in Georgette’s Tea Room; among other locations.

Seats on the tour are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no need to make a reservation. For more information about the tours, visit MDT’s website at www.miamidade.gov/transit, or call 3-1-1. If calling from outside of Miami-Dade County, call 305-468-5900; TTY users call 305-499-8971.