As expected, it looks like the Marlins have made the right connections to get the buy in of black leaders on their stadium project. Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones got what she wanted for Overtown and the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce and the Miami-Dade Branch of the NAACP will announce an agreement with the Marlins at the Chamber's Annual Luncheon tomorrow, March 13.

What we know now is that the Chamber and the NAACP have structured a Community Compact Agreement with the Marlins that guarantees 15% of all construction contracts that equals the Marlins private participation in the building of the proposed Marlins Stadium be set aside for black businesses only. It also guarantees 15% of the ongoing operations of the stadium is given to black-owned businesses on an annual basis.

The Miami Herald is running a week-long series on Miami Central High School. If you've read this blog for a minute you know that I am a Miami Central alum. It hurts to see the school, community and students beat down as they have been the last few years.

The school has scored five straight F's. How many times will that headline be splattered in the media around the world? How is a student or teacher to feel attending or working at a school with such a label?

Today's article focuses on new principal, Douglas P. Rodriguez and the challenge he's accepted. Rodriguez, State Principal of the Year 2008, is not a stranger to the school as he started his teaching career there in 1988.

INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED ALVIN AILEY® AMERICAN DANCE THEATER

TO CELEBRATE 50TH ANNIVERSARY AT ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER

Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House Welcomes

Trailblazing Company for Inspiring and Historic Performances

  APRIL 16 – 19, 2009

8:00PM EVENING PERFORMANCES, 2:00PM MATINEE PERFORMANCES

TICKETS: $20 - $120

MIAMI, FL March 6, 2009 – Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County proudly co-presents Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater's 50^th Anniversary celebration during their historic visit to the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House from April 16 – 19, 2009.  The world-renowned dance company has embarked on a 50-city global tour to share with audiences the beauty, power, and passion that are Ailey hallmarks.

Having performed in 71 countries across six continents, Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater is the most-traveled dance company in the world and was recently recognized by U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital American "Cultural Ambassador to the World."  A universal beacon of inspiration over the last five decades, the Company uplifts and enlightens audiences in a universal celebration of the human spirit using the African-American cultural experience and the American modern dance tradition. 

"Each time the curtain goes up, Alvin Ailey's genius and humanity touches  hearts and minds through dance that expresses life's joys, sorrows and ultimate truths," expressed Artistic Director Judith Jamison.  "During our golden anniversary, I am so proud to share with South Florida audiences his pioneering vision that continues to shine brightly in the brilliant artistry of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater."

The Ailey Company's 31 extraordinary dancers, including Miami natives Amos J. Machanic, Jr., Jamar Roberts and Yusha-Marie Sorzano, will perform exciting premieres, new productions and revered classics including: Alvin Ailey's Blues Suite, first seen at the Company's premiere performance in 1958; Anniversary Highlights, a new program with excerpts of 12 ballets; Festa Barocca, a world premiere featuring the entire company; and Suite Otis, Tony-winner George Faison's tribute to Otis Redding.  All performances will conclude with the legendary Revelations and open with Alvin Ailey ® American Dance Theater at 50 – a Golden Anniversary Celebration, a short film commemorating the Company's rich history. 

Michaëlle Jean was born in Port au Prince, Haiti. She immigrated to Canada with her family in 1968, fleeing the dictatorial regime of the time.

After pursuing Masters studies in comparative literature at the University of Montreal she taught at the Faculty of Italian Studies at the same university. Three scholarships allowed her to pursue her studies at the University of Perouse, the University of Florence and the Catholic University of Milan. She is fluent in five languages: French, English, Italian, Spanish and Creole.

During her studies, Ms. Jean worked for eight years with Quebec shelters for battered women, while actively contributing to the establishment of a network of emergency shelters throughout Quebec and elsewhere in Canada. She later ventured into journalism and became a highly regarded journalist and anchor of information programs at Radio-Canada and CBC Newsworld. She also took part in documentary films produced by her husband, filmmaker Jean-Daniel Lafond, including A State of Blackness: Aimé Césaire’s Way (La manière nègre ou Aimé Césaire, chemin faisant), Tropic North (Tropique Nord), Haiti in All Our Dreams (Haïti dans tous nos rêves), and Last Call for Cuba (L’heure de Cuba), all of which earned awards both in Canada and internationally. The couple have a daughter, Marie-Éden.

THe Miami Herald has some powerful and informative videos on its website. Check them out to stay informed. Here's one on Doug Rodriguez, the new principal at Miami Central High School.

Mondrian Hotel, South Beach – Wednesday, March 11 – 7:30 to 9:30 pm

 MIAMI, FL — The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County will launch the Green Room Society, its new young patrons group, at a cocktail party held at the Mondrian Hotel in South  Beach. DJ Mauricio Parra, the official in-house DJ for MTV, will be performing at the event. 

 •          WHAT: The Adrienne Arsht Center’s Green Room Society launch party. The Green Room Society will be comprised of supporters under the age of 45 who are dedicated to building a legacy of support for philanthropy and the performing arts in South Florida.

 •          WHO: Hundreds of supporters will join benefactor Adrienne Arsht, the Center’s President and CEO John Richard, and Chairman of the Board Ricky Arriola as the Green Room Society takes flight.  

 •          WHEN: Wednesday, March 11, 2009, from 7:30 to 9:30 pm

 •          WHERE: Mondrian Hotel – 1100 West Avenue, Miami Beach FL 33139

 The Green Room Society, a dynamic philanthropic group, has already attracted membership from some of South Florida’s most prolific young movers and shakers. The GRS Committee consists of a group of progressive individuals who are helping to shape Miami’s cultural core. The Committee is lead by co-chairs Max Pierre and Jimmy Vargas; and other members include Ernesto Arguello, Isiah Brooks, Austin Cohen, Brian Ehrlich, Rodrigo Gonzalez, Silvia Larrieu, Marcia Martinez, Amy Rosenberg, Douglas Rosenberg, Tadd Schwartz, Armen Shaomian, and Laura Villegas.

Well, today was the day scheduled for the City of Miami Commission vote on the Marlins Baseball Stadium proposal. As has been the case, that didn't happen and the vote has been delayed until March 19. Yeah, sure.

It's obvious that this stadium issue has not gone the way that the Marlins and many community political leaders planned. Some leaders have been accused of grandstanding; many citizens have voiced opposition and others have voiced support. For sure, the madness surrounding this issue has been interesting and an eye-opener for those considering proposals for any other major projects in South Florida.

Eaarlier this week, Channel 7 aired portions of a town hall meeting regarding the stadium that was held at the 93rd Street Baptist Church in northwest Miami in a predominantly black neighborhood. The audience was sparse. Not one of my close friends nor I was aware of the meeting but I guess that's another story.

Marlins president, David Sansom, was the speaker and obviously met with some resistance but that's not what this post is about. Sansom made a statement that basically indicated that the Marlins were willing to support the black community although blacks don't support the Marlins. Ouch. Oooh. Yikes. Reality check. He's absolutely correct.

This is Miami; it's not supposed to be in the 40's. OMG must I walk out the front door to go to work? This is not normal for native Floridians. Arrgh! I am still coughing and sneezing from the weekend.

Dear God, please make this cold weather go away today. Please.

Some Broward County School Board Members want to bill the Governor and Florida Legislature for unfunded mandates from the state. It was also reported that they should outright ignore the mandates and risk the penalties.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/southflorida/story/928025.html