Blogging Black Miami

South Florida Council- Boy Scouts of America- Community Kickoff

Since 1910, Scouts have raised their right hand and declared … On my honor, I will do my best, to do my duty, to God and my Country & to obey the Scout Law. To help other people at all times, to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight. 

Today, the youth of our community face numerous challenges. A number of which are much different than what we faced growing up. Therefore it is imperative that those of us that have benefited from and those that understand the impact of the Scouting program, come together to help support this much needed program. For 100 years Business leaders, concerned citizens, and Scouters, have laid the foundation for scouting to be available for the youth of our community. They have now passed the torch onto us, to continue this important work, for future generations.

Mardi Gras Majic City Carnival 2010

by Vanessa Woodard Byers

The Church of the Incarnation held its annual Mardi Gras Majic City Carnival 2010 last night at the Mahi Shriners Temple. It was my first time attending and let the record show I had a great time. I didn't expect to see so many people. It seemed like a couple of thousand but there were at least 1,200 folks there. Young and old with various levels of mobility; casual attire and suited down it was a beautiful thing.

There was music by Stacey "The Mighty DJ Entertainer", food and drink galore but the highlight of the evening was The Bahamas Junkanoo Shakers. There is something magical and hypnotic about that type of music. Island folk [African folk] can't help moving to the beat.

I have to acknowledge my table host Delores Lockett who is always so gracious. The food was delicious and Dee is a great dancer too. A special shout out to Vernon 'Cagman' Clark; Pat Range, Sr.; Marty Sands; Ms. Lula; Rubye L. Howard; Natacha Payen and Virginia our tablemates.

Some of the other folks present included: Franklin Clark; Oscar Morley; Harlan Woodard; Ron Carey; Anthony Johnson; Lynette McKenzie; Congresswoman Carrie Meek; Richard & Juanita Miller; Darlene Satterwhite-George; Thomasina Turner-Diggs; Marva Woodard; Naomi Davis; Tom & Renae Jones; Jocelyn Bruno; Sheila Rolle; Thomas & Charlie Albury; Helen Williams; Rosa Harvey-Pratt; James & Marge Fayson; Dana Moss; Franklin Clark; Joyce Postell and Mildred McKinney.

The only sadness in the evening was learning that Father Kenneth Major has been hospitalized. We don't know the details; just keep him in your prayers.

© 2010, Blogging Black Miami, www.bloggingblackmiami.com

Become a fan of Vanessa Woodard Byers for Miami-Dade County School Board, District 2 for change in public education!

 

TACOLCY's Save the Babies Awards Benefit, Feb. 27

TACOLCY's Save the Babies Awards Benefit

"Tribute to Africa... It Takes A Village" 

For over 40 years the TACOLCY Center, Inc. has been the center of the Liberty City community, providing a safe, nurturing place for the neighborhoods youth and families. In order to provide programs and services to the community, the TACOLCY Center, Inc. relies on fundraising and sponsorship to bring in the needed funds.

On February 27th, 2010, TACOLCY will be transformed into an African Village and filled with the rich sounds of African Drumming. The night's entertainment will include an amazing performance by Miami Northwestern's PAVAC Program, a fabulous fashion show featuring TACOLCY Babies, and music from around the world.  Dinner will be prepared by: Catering by Alyse.

Join TACOLCY as we acknowledge leaders in our community that have continuously made efforts to Save the Babies, each in their own way.

Frances Henderson Award, Charlette Seward

Andrew "Chic" Lee Award, Coach Ralph Edwards

TACOLCY Angel Award, Karen Fryd

M. Athalie Range Leadership Award, Daniella Levine

Tickets are only $100 (Tax-Deductible Donations)

Register now, Seating is limited!

   

Sponsored By:

    

Register Now! One person per registration (This does not limit you from registering for more than one person, but registration/payment is separate for each individual)

TACOLCY Center, Inc. is a youth service agency offering diversified services to youth ages 4 to 21.  TACOLCY has a long history of independent and collaborative community outreach with youth, their families, schools, and other agencies, particularly around low income community issues and in the underserved minority community of Liberty City/Model City. 

TACOLCY reaches over 2,000 children, youth and families annually, and has served over 1 million in its 43 years of work.

We look forward to you celebrating with us on February 27th, 2010 as we strive to make a difference in our community.

 

Sincerely

Alison Austin

Chief Executive Officer

Contact:

Chantell King 
TACOLCY Center, Inc. 
cking@tacolcy.org 
305-751-1295 Ext. 139 

When

February 27, 2010 at 06:30 PM 
to
February 27, 2010 at 10:00 PM 
Add to my calendar 

Where

TACOLCY Center, Inc. 
6161 NW 9th Avenue
Miami, FL 33127 

 
Driving Directions 

Scholarships available to graduating seniors

Miami-Dade County high school seniors may now apply for more than $100,000 in college scholarships offered this spring by the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition. Seniors in both public and private high schools are eligible and March 16 is the application deadline. The non-renewable $1000 scholarships will be given to graduating seniors who plan to attend an accredited college, university or trade school in the 2010-11 academic year. Winners will be recognized at an award ceremony during the Youth Fair.

Students must apply for these scholarships through their high schools.  According to Fair officials, at least one recipient will be selected from each high school throughout the county, and last year $10,000 in scholarship money was unclaimed because of lack of applications.

Applicants must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA and demonstrate a commitment to voluntary participation in school and community activities.

Applications are available from the College Assistance Office in each public and private high school throughout the county.  The application deadline is March 16. For questions about the scholarships, send an email to scholarships@fairexpo.com.

 

h/t: Cee Elle Whitehead

Kem - Joe - Keith Sweat Valentine's Day Weekend

It's time for the UniverSoul Circus!

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.

Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce networking series

   

WHAT: The Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce presents its newest networking series, Leadership: A National Mandate for Local Business. This new series will feature keynote speeches from some of the most prolific CEO's in the country. They will discuss from their own experiences how the role of leadership affects the success of local businesses.

   

WHO:    The luncheon will feature keynote speaker, Gary Flowers, Executive Director & CEO of the Black Leadership Forum, Inc, an alliance and clearinghouse for 30 Black civil rights and service organizations in the United States.  Mr. Flowers has served on the front lines of civil rights formation and public policy analysis since 1989, having been trained at the historic law firm of Hill, Tucker & Marsh in Richmond, VA. Following his speech, attendees will be treated to a question and answer session with Mr. Flowers. Following Mr. Flower's, Bill Diggs, President & CEO of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, will speak to the crowd about the state of black business in Miami.

   

WHEN:     Tuesday, February 2, 2010

    8:30 a.m. – Noon

   

WHERE:    Florida Memorial University

    The Lou Rawls Performing Arts Center

15800 N.W. 42nd Avenue

Miami Gardens, FL 33054

       

COST:    Members – FREE; Non-Members - $10; Exhibit Booth for Members - $35; Exhibit Booth for Non-Members - $40.

   

For more information or to RSVP please contact the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce at 305-751-8648 or visit us at www.m-dcc.org.

Hope for Haiti Now Telethon [VIDEO]

I didn't watch the entire Hope for Haiti Now telethon. I did manage to see the performances of Madonna and the other celebs after her. I must say that Wyclef Jean, even after the latest controversy, was off the chain --- if that terminology is still used any more.

This performance was a lesson in the power and influence of music. The Junkanoo, Carnaval and Mardi Gras units in New Orleans all dance to that same beat with practically the same movement.

The total donations hasn't been announced but the Canadians donated more than $9 million. GEorge Clooney donated $1 million as did Leonardo Di Caprio.

"Earthquake We see the Earth Shake but the soul of the Haitian people will never break!!"

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.