Blogging Black Miami

NEW HEALTH CARE CENTER OPENS IN COCONUT GROVE TO HELP POOR, UNINSURED AND OTHERS

Grand Opening Celebration to draw local and national leaders


Community Health of South Florida Inc. (CHI) will hold the grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Coconut Grove Health Center on May 6th at 10:30am. The new state of the art, soothing, spa-like facility will be an upscale medical center that caters to everyone. Those without health insurance and without money for medical attention will now be able to receive quality, comprehensive medical care from CHI Primary care, OB/Gyn and Pediatric doctors. For the uninsured, services are provided on an income based sliding fee scale. CHI also offers complimentary transportation for those needing a ride to and from the center.

“In these tough economic times we see lot of patients who simply don’t have the money to seek medical attention and that shouldn’t be the case.” said Brodes Hartley Jr., CHI President and CEO. “There are times when some people can’t even pay the $25 co-pay and we still provide them with top quality care.”

The Helen B. Bentley Family Health Center had been serving some of Coconut Grove’s neediest patients for the past 40 years but closed recently. That left hundreds of thousands of patients without a place to go for medical care. Now the federal government has awarded CHI a grant to open two medical centers in that region. One at 3831 Grand Avenue in Coconut Grove and a second at 6350 Sunset Drive in South Miami is scheduled to open in June.

“This is an exciting time in healthcare, especially with the Affordable Care Act opening the door to medical insurance for so many who previously went without it,” said Hartley.

But CHI’s new centers will be open to everyone. Those with insurance also enjoy the convenience and quality of care at many of CHI’s 8 health care centers. Some of the centers offer a one stop shopping model with a variety of services under one roof: primary care, pediatrics, women’s health, radiology, dental, behavioral health and more.

Community Health of South Florida Inc. is a federally qualified health care center. By mid summer it expects to have a total of 10 centers and 42 school based health centers throughout South Florida.

Local and National legislators, business and community leaders are expected to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony on May 6th at 10:30am at 3831 Grand Avenue, Miami FL 33133.

Calling ALL Rattlers and Friends in South Florida: Meet FAMU Football Coach Earl Holmes and Staff

Tallahassee, FL. The 2013 Rattler Football Chalk Talk and Fundraising Tour starts Monday, May 13 when it begins a stretch of 4 stops featuring Florida A&M University head football coach Earl Holmes and other FAMU staff.

The goal of the tour is to raise funds to support summer school scholarships, sell season tickets and raise support for the Rattler Football program. Coach Holmes and members of his staff will also share insight on the 2013 season. Other University administrators and staff will also be on hand to celebrate and talk about the exciting year to come with Rattler fans current and new. Everyone is encouraged to attend this event to usher in a new era of Rattler Football.

Event Cities:

Monday, May 13 – Jacksonville
FAMU College of Pharmacy
2050 Art Museum Dr. – Bldg. 4800, Ste. 200 | Jacksonville, FL 32207

Tuesday, May 14 – Orlando
Dex Imaging Skyline Club – Florida Citrus Bowl 1 Citrus Bowl Place | Orlando, FL 32805

Wednesday, May 15 – Tampa
Dr. Walter L. Smith Library
905 N. Albany Ave. | Tampa, FL 33606

Friday, May 17 – South Florida Bonaventure Resort & Spa
250 Racquet Club Rd. | Weston, FL 33326

Event Format:

Reception

Q&A (Chalk Talk) Give-A-Ways

All 2013 Chalk Talk and Fundraising Tour Events begin with a social hour at 6 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Angela Adams Suggs, Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Fund Development at 850-599-3868 or angela.suggs@famu.edu.

Summer Fellowship: Change politics in your community

For the first time in Florida politics, a local party is committing to organizing at the ground level -- all year round.

After the November election, the Miami-Dade Democratic Party partnered with a core team of experienced Obama organizers to keep mobilizing our network of neighborhood team leaders -- and to start changing how politics is done in Miami.

That was no small task. But our start-up mentality is paying off. We are breaking fundraising records; registering more voters than any other organization; engaging and educating folks across Miami about key issues; and partnering with leading progressive innovators like Newark Mayor Cory Booker to spark new thinking about creating change on the local level.

This summer, we are looking for a diverse group of Fellows to join our team.

As a Summer Fellow with the Miami-Dade Dems, you will be trained on cutting-edge organizing tactics pioneered by Obama's grassroots campaign, and apply those skills to empower volunteers in your neighborhood. You will be part of a start-up moment in Miami: a moment when we put the best organizing strategy to work to change Miami politics from the inside out.

Apply here by May 31 -- join the new Democratic Party in Miami.

Steve Jackson
Field Director, Miami-Dade Democratic Party

P.S. Don't miss our new video that highlights the kind of change you can help us make in Miami.

http://bit.ly/miamidemsfellows

Tuskegee University to open new center for science and agricultural studies and research

James Henry Meriwether Henderson Hall Agricultural Life Science, Teaching, Extension and Research Building at opening at Tuskegee University. The ceremony marks the university’s ongoing commitment to the promotion of agricultural studies and the improvement of agribusiness in Alabama’s Black Belt region.

The Honorable Tom Vilsack, U.S. Secretary of Agricultural will provide remarks and cut the ribbon to officially open the building. The facility will be more than 40,000 square feet, and will provide state-of-the-art wet laboratories for teaching introductory courses in animal, plant, soil, and environmental sciences and biology and chemistry. The laboratories will facilitate “hands on” experiences by students that reinforce learning of fundamental concepts and laboratory techniques, and enhances student analytical and critical thinking skills.

EVENT:
What: James Henry Meriwether Henderson Hall Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
When: May 10
Time: 3:45 p.m. CST
Where: Henderson Hall

THE NEW BLACK CHURCH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SPECIAL TO BLOGGING BLACK MIAMI:

 

Miami, FL - After careful research of Church Chambers of Commerce in the United States and abroad, there are only four (4) in the nation.  It is incumbent that Florida be among the ranks and more apparent that Miami join the ranks of distinct and rare Church Chambers of Commerce across the country.  The New Black Church Chamber of Commerce has arrived in Miami and Florida.

Temporarily housed at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church of South Miami, Inc., The New Black Church Chamber of Commerce (NBCCC), referred to as “The Chamber” is an organization of distinct individuals in their prospective field of expertise that advances the commercial, financial, non-profit and industrial interests of all.  The essence of The Chamber is economic empowerment, net working, collaboration and linkage for the business community of Miami-Dade County. 

While The Chamber continues to maintain an unwavering commitment to its mission [a conglomerate of ministries, businesses, individuals, emerging leaders and community leaders who have come together to create an enterprise that focuses on success, viability and stability; implementation and maintenance of programs that promote youth entrepreneurship, training and community economic development; collaboration with and building of coalitions with other organizations throughout the city and state; and to establish global, strategic relationships and/or partnerships across the public and private sectors] a new Chamber is in town!

In its growing stage, the NBCCC will be a source of financial empowerment, a source of entitlement for home ownership, education and a host of other entrepreneurial services.  Membership is open to all regardless of race, creed, color or religion.  It will act as a marketing and resource liaison for its members by encouraging and assisting the grassroots section of the community to participate and become involved.  It will also develop and implement programs, partnerships and strategic alliances. 

Under the direction of Dr. C. P. Preston of Peaceful Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Miami, The Chamber intends to instill values and business sense to enhance entrepreneurship.  “We are absolutely thrilled about having a new Chamber in town of a different but relative venture, we will embrace entrepreneurship with positivity on another level”, states Dr. Preston.  “We have spent a year and a half building a brand that will be a catalyst for change.  The Chamber will position the change as a dynamic, bold leadership organization and as a progressive, forward thinking entity in the community”, states the Executive Director, Sharon Johnson.

 

For more information, contact:

Sharon Kendrick-Johnson, CEO
(305) 772-7001
Sharonjohnson99@msn.com
NBCCofC@yahoo.com
nbccc2011@gmail.com

 

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New Miss Tuskegee University chosen

Tuskegee, AL - Tuskegee University students elected Randi Lerai Harrison as Miss Tuskegee University 2013-2014 on April 18.

The pageant was held in the Gen. Daniel “Chappie” James Center for Aerospace Science and Health Education and was judged by an independent panel. The traditional event began with an invocation, followed by a welcome, and a stylish opening dance performance by the contestants.

Harrison, a junior majoring in elementary education from Spartanburg, S.C., is the daughter of Charlton Dawkins Williams and Rayfield Harrison. She is the the 84th Miss Tuskegee University and ran on the platform, “The Dash: Paying it forward.” Harrison competed against two other contestants in areas that highlighted the young women's oratorical skills, talent, poise and appearance.

First attendant, Courtney Degraffenreid-Elliot of Tuscaloosa, Ala. and second attendant, Scotti Michele Rowser of Gadsden, Ala., will serve as the new Miss Tuskegee University’s court.

Miss Tuskegee 2012-2013 Alexandria Wilson gave her farewell address, former Miss Tuskegee Breana Watkins served as the mistress of ceremony. There were also performances by the men and women's glee clubs.

Other contestants included April Baldwin of Birmingham, Ala.; Breyon Phillips of Marietta, Ga.; Breanna D. Warren of Eufaula, Ala.; Ashlyn Goodwin of Selma, Ala.; and Ashley Hay of Tuskegee, Ala.

By: Eryk J. Pritchett, Tuskegee University Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing

Doctor shares research on possible treatment that can kill HIV

TUSKEGEE, AL — According to the World Health Organization’s figures for 2011, more than 34 million people worldwide are living with HIV. April 19, visiting scientist, Dr. James E.K. Hildreth shared his work with an experimental treatment that could virtually eliminate the virus in the body. Hildreth, dean of the College of Biological Sciences and professor of cellular and molecular medicine and internal medicine at the University of California, Davis, spoke to Tuskegee University students and faculty about the relationship between cholesterol and HIV.

Hildreth’s work has found that the presence of cholesterol in cells is vital to the replication of HIV and its continued presence in the human body.

“HIV is a thief that steals proteins from the host,”Hildreth explained to the audience in John A. Kenney auditorium.

In studies he has conducted on HIV-infected human and animal cells, Hildreth has found that the introduction of a sugar, Beta-Cyclodextrin, is detrimental to the replication abilities of HIV. Often used in pharmaceuticals to make drug delivery more efficient, Beta-Cyclodextrin is well tolerated by the body, but can deplete the amount of cholesterol in cells. Hildreth said the loss of cholesterol makes the cell membrane permeable; however, the cell is able to repair itself unlike the virus.

“Removing as little as 10 percent of cholesterol is enough to cause the virus to die,” Hildreth said.

Hildreth said he and his team are currently working to get approval to begin testing the use of an intravenous Beta-Cyclodextrin treatment on human patients. He also is moving forward with the development of a vaginal microbicide cream that helps block transmission of the virus. Odorless and almost undetectable, the cream acts as a chemical condom option for women to protect themselves.

“Women will have the same power and choice as men have,” Hildreth said.


For more information about Hildreth and his research, go to: http://biosci.ucdavis.edu/the_college/meet_the_dean.html

Incepture Hiring Bilingual (English-Haitian/Creole and English-Spanish) Insurance Customer Service Associates for at Miami Job Fair

(MIAMI) – Florida staffing agency Incepture is hosting a job fair on Monday, May 6 to hire a number of bilingual customer service associates for a large Florida-based health insurance company.

The staffing agency will host an open house to meet potential candidates May 6 from 3 – 7 p.m. at the Florida Blue office at 8400 N.W. 33rd Street, Suite 100 in Miami. Incepture is looking for candidates who are bilingual in English-Haitian/Creole and English-Spanish.

In addition to their language skills, candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, 2 or more years of experience in healthcare customer service, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Job seekers should be prepared to work shifts between 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Incepture recommends that candidates create a profile on Incepture.com to prepare for the job fair. Interested candidates who cannot attend the job fair can apply online at Incepture’s Miami jobs page for the Bilingual Customer Service Advocate position.

About Incepture: At Incepture, we pride ourselves on being more than an ordinary staffing agency. We strive to develop a strong partnership that provides benefits both to our clients and job seekers. Visit our website for more information on our Florida employment solutions.

Source: Incepture

http://www.Incepture.com

MAY 1st: PUBLIC ASSEMBLY ABOUT IMMIGRATION REFORM

Immigrants and workers of Miami are invited to participate in a Public Assembly in Little Haiti to learn about Immigration Reform

Miami, FL – Immigrant and workers rights organizations, advocacy groups and community organizations will hold a public assembly to inform the community about the Immigration Reform bill currently being debated in the Senate, and engage Miamians to actively participate and demand Congress a new immigration system this year.

The Public Assembly will be held On Wednesday, May 1st at the Little Haiti Cultural Center (212 NE 59th Terrace, Miami, FL 33137) from 6 to 8 p.m.

“Immigration Reform is not a law yet, and we have to keep participating to make it become a reality for thousands of Floridians and millions of aspiring American families,” says Kathy Bird, from the Florida Immigrant Coalition, one of the organizers of the event. “After the Senate’s Gang of 8 filed their proposal for Immigration Reform, many in our community were confused and thought it had passed… it has not! Now more than ever everyone needs to participate actively and reach out to our Members of Congress until Immigration Reform becomes a law.”

The event will be held on May 1st to commemorate International Workers’ Day. This date has become a tradition for immigrant workers in the United States, who have come to this country to work and earn a better future for their families.

“Work unites us all. America was built by our hard work and we take pride in it. However, the most humble of our immigrant workers are the least protected in our country, and are often victims of abuse, unpaid salaries and inhumane working conditions.” says Andy Mates, President of the South Florida AFL-CIO. “A real and comprehensive Immigration Reform will give an opportunity and help protect immigrant workers who wake up every day to collect our food, serve our hotels and restaurants, build our houses, open businesses and create jobs, and even make incredible contributions to science and technology.”

The Public Assembly will be open for all members of the community. Translation to Spanish and Kreyol will be provided.

Organizations preparing the event include: the Florida Immigrant Coalition, South Florida Jobs with Justice, SEIU, 1Miami, South Florida AFL-CIO, National Council of La Raza, Unite Here, Haitian Women of Miami, Dreamer's Moms.

CONGRESSWOMAN FREDERICA WILSON HOSTS GRAND OPENING OF 24TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OFFICE IN MIRAMAR

Miami, FL — Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-FL) will host the grand opening of the 24th Congressional District office in Miramar, on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Miramar district office is located on the first floor of city hall, at 2300 Civic Center Place, Miramar, Florida 33025. The public is invited.

“The 24th Congressional district is growing due to increased population and boundary changes. As a result, my Congressional office must grow with it and extend its reach to be more accessible to my constituents in Broward County. The newly opened Miramar district office will provide convenience and direct access to my Congressional staff, to address the concerns and meet the needs of my constituents,” said Congresswoman Wilson.

The Miramar Congressional district office will open every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

WHO: Congresswoman Frederica Wilson

WHAT: Grand Opening of 24th Congressional District Office in Miramar, Florida 33025

WHEN: Tuesday, April, 30, 2013, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: Miramar City Hall, 2300 Civic Center Place, 1st Floor