The Bob Beamon Organization for Youth (BBOY), a non-profit youth leadership program, wants to be part of making history in South Florida. Funds for education are shrinking every year. Free scholarships to attend college is one way to make a difference and the Infinite Scholars Program (ISP), St. Louis, Missouri is providing funding in 19 venues around the country. With over fifty colleges, universities, and the military participating in the two local fairs to help high school students fulfill their career choice and become productive citizens.

A collaborative between The Bob Beamon Organization for Youth (BBOY), The Infinite Scholars Program and many other sponsors will assist with awarding full and/or partial scholarships FREE to High School Seniors during the 2nd Annual College Scholarship Fair.

This year Broward County has been added to host a Scholarship Fair along with Miami-Dade County. The first, on Friday, November 6, 2009, at the African American Research Library, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale from 1:00 PM 5:00 PM; and on Saturday, November 7, 2009, from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, 6161 NW 22 Avenue.

The mission of the ISP is to aid financially at-risk students in their search for scholarships by hosting scholarship fairs. The ISP scholarship fair is similar to a regular college fair with the goal of having participating colleges/institutions admit students to college and physically award scholarships on site.

"Last year's event was a big success and during these turbulent economic times the scholarship fair is an opportunity for students and their family's to take advantage of the ISP's FREE college scholarship initiative at no charge to assist students seeking a higher education," states Bob Beamon, 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist and record holder of the Long Jump for 41 years.

What: Second Annual College Scholarship Fair - Offering full and/or partial scholarships to all high school seniors in Miami-Dade and Broward County Public Schools. Students should register ahead of time at www.infinitescholar.org and must bring: (1) Official ACT and/or SAT scores (2) Official School Transcript (3) Resume (4) Two letters of recommendation as to why the student should receive a scholarship.

Who: The Infinite Scholars Program; Bob Beamon Organization for Youth; Nelly's 4Sho4kids; Bill Cosby's You Can Go! Program; 100 Black Men; Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation Dept.; and Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT).

Venues: Friday, November 6, 2009, between 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM, African American Research Library, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and on Saturday, November 7, 2009 between 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, 6161 NW 22 Avenue, Miami, Florida

CONTACT:

Bob Beamon: 1-305-731-4129

Laura Dorsey, VP, (ISP): 1-407-719-0225

Sherry Reece: 1-954-658-2197

For more information please visit www.infinitescholar.org or call either of the contact liaisons above. In addition, students should pre-register online at www.mohela.com/infinitescholar.

MIAMI, Oct. 27, 2009 – Miami-Dade College’s Art Gallery System (AGS) and the Miami Book Fair International have joined forces to present two unique exhibitions that celebrate both the visual and literary arts at 6 p.m. on Nov. 4, 2009 at the Wolfson Campus Centre Gallery in downtown Miami. A special component of this year’s Book Fair, scheduled for Nov. 8-15, 2009, both exhibitions will feature illustrations from their respective novels.

The Photographer: Into War-Torn Afghanistan with Doctors Without Borders is a unique exhibition of photos and illustrations from the best-selling and highly praised graphic novel of the same name. The exhibition offers a sample of the book that combines the late photojournalist Didier Lefevre’s dramatic images and graphic novelist Emmanuel Guibert’s stunning artwork to bear witness to the hardships endured by the Afghan people throughout the Afghan-Soviet conflict and the present day.

This exhibition will give audiences a glimpse of how the book went from an idea born of a conversation in a Paris apartment to a fully illustrated narrative in graphic novel format. By combining original photography used to inspire the novel, and the illustrations used in the book, this exhibition will give the visitor an insight into how one photojournalist’s journey into war-torn Afghanistan can be translated into a format for the entire world to experience.

The second exhibition opening on the same evening is the Color of Comics, a definitive study of one of the comic culture’s favorite formats, the evolution of the comic book as a potent form of narrative art is revealed.  Simply put, this exhibition exists as an effort to illuminate the diversity of characters of color in comic art.  Through the characters may be African, Africa-American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Middle Eastern and so forth, their creators may not be.  Knowledge of the diversity behind the comic book panels is often elusive, or ignored.

Color of Comics is a unique opportunity to better understand not only the aesthetics but also the vocabulary for evaluating the art of the comic with insights that are especially valuable, demonstrating how words and pictures  function together to tell stories in ways unique to the medium. 

For a complete listing of all Miami Book Fair International events, including these exhibitions, visit http://www.miamibookfair.com/.

WHAT:  Miami Dade College's Art Gallery System and Miami Book Fair International Collaborate to Present Two Exhibitions, The Photographer and Color of Comics

WHERE:   Centre Gallery, Miami Dade College, Wolfson campus, 300 N.E. Second Avenue, Building 1, Room 1365

WHEN:     Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6-8 p.m. opening reception

Exhibit open through January 22, 2010, Tuesday-Friday, 12 - 5 p.m.

For more information about this exhibition or MDC’s Art Gallery System, call 305-237-7700.

Several community based organizations   concerned with the escalating violence in South Florida area will hold a “Community Rally Against School and Street Violence on Friday, October 30^th at 11 a.m. in front of the Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 N.W. 1^st Street.

A coalition of Community Based Organizations (CBO’s) and non-profit organizations concerned with the high incidence and severity of violence in the community, especially schools has prompted the organizations to convene a local Crime Prevention Conference in support of the National Crime Prevention Conference, U.S.A., on Saturday, October 31^st at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, 6161 NW 22^nd Avenue from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 

Dignitaries and supporters invited to the press conference include:  State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle; Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek (Retired)Miami-Dade Chairman Dennis Moss and Commissioners Barbara Jordan; Audrey Edmonson, Bruno Barreiro and Sally Heyman; City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones; Assistant Superintendent for Operations Gretchen Williams-Dade County Public Schools; Public Defender Carlos Martinez,  Georgia Ayers (The Alternative Program) Mr. & Mr. David Jenkins (parents of Sherdavia Jenkins); relatives of Jeremy Lower and Dennis Hill (recently shot in Overtown); Lavern Scott (Curley’s House-Hope Relief Food Bank); Leroy Jones (NANA) members of the Black Affairs Advisory Board; the Joint Schools Coalition; Save Our Children, and more.

Several community based organizations   concerned with the escalating violence in South Florida area will hold a “Community Rally Against School and Street Violence on Friday, October 30^th at 11 a.m. in front of the Stephen P. Clark Center, 111 N.W. 1^st Street.

A coalition of Community Based (CBO’s) and non-profit organizations concerned with the high incidence and severity of violence in the community, especially schools has prompted the organizations to convene a local Crime Prevention Conference in support of the National Crime Prevention Conference, U.S.A., on Saturday, October 31^st at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, 6161 NW 22^nd Avenue from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 

Dignitaries and supporters invited to the press conference include:  State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle; Congresswoman Carrie P. Meek (Retired)Miami-Dade Chairman Dennis Moss and Commissioners Barbara Jordan; Audrey Edmonson, Bruno Barreiro and Sally Heyman; City of Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones; Assistant Superintendent for Operations Gretchen Williams-Dade County Public Schools; Public Defender Carlos Martinez,  Georgia Ayers (The Alternative Program) Mr. & Mr. David Jenkins (parents of Sherdavia Jenkins); relatives of Jeremy Lower and Dennis Hill (recently shot in Overtown); Lavern Scott (Curley’s House-Hope Relief Food Bank); Leroy Jones (NANA) members of the Black Affairs Advisory Board; the Joint Schools Coalition; Save Our Children, and more.

MIAMI, Oct. 28, 2009 – Miami Dade College has established a new advocacy group devoted to health research and information management and will celebrate with a kickoff event at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009 at the Medical Center Campus. The Institute for Health Informatics at MDC will be used to incorporate electronic health record systems (EHRs) and other health information technologies into the college curriculum.

The Institute will also seek to educate and inform the healthcare community who are looking to incorporate EHRs into their practice. The celebration will bring together local physicians, hospital administrators, and other industry leaders who will provide information on implementing EHRs.

According to Dr. Anita Kaplan, president of MDC’s Medical Center Campus, the Institute was established with the goal of providing new opportunities for careers in health care as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“The stimulus plan calls for billions of dollars to be spent to help hospitals and doctors’ offices improve health care through the implementation of EHRs,” said Dr. Kaplan. “We believe these new systems will create a tremendous need for well-trained professionals to evaluate, design, and to support these systems. We also feel that every graduating health care professional will need to be familiar with EHRs in order to be competitive.”

For more information about the Institute for Health Informatics kick-off, contact Mark Nestor, 305-237-4452 or [email protected].

MIAMI, FL October 27, 2009 – Following a nation-wide tour that has wowed audiences with the legacy only the Marley name can deliver, JULIAN MARLEY AND THE UPRISING FEATURING STEPHEN AND DAMIAN “JR. GONG” MARLEY will conclude THE AWAKE TOUR at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County on Sunday, November 22.

With its final performance set in Miami, THE AWAKE TOUR, presented by Ghetto Youths International, showcases the hypnotic beats and soulful vocals from JULIAN MARLEY’S latest full-length album (and third studio release), AWAKE, as well as his classic hits that span over two decades.

Joining JULIAN MARLEY on stage are his brothers STEPHEN MARLEY AND DAMIAN “JR. GONG” MARLEY, both multiple Grammy Award winners. Bob Marley’s signature style of delivering haunting wails and raw messages comes to life during JULIAN MARLEY’S performances. The strong musical influences of jazz, blues, and rock contribute to his individual sound.

THE AWAKE TOUR also highlights up-and-coming international reggae artist Javaughn as a special opening act.

“As JULIAN MARLEY says ‘music is the universal sound that bridges all barriers of language, culture and color’; and we couldn’t agree more,” said M. John Richard, president and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center. “To have this talented family sharing our stage not only brings our diverse South Florida community together for a night of mind bending soulful music, but also celebrates the heritage of the rich Marley name.”

JULIAN MARLEY has been around music all his life. Born in London in 1975, he has been blessed both by his father's great talent and by the unique perspective that comes with an upbringing in a multicultural community. Since recording his first song at age five at the Marley family home in Kingston, Julian has become a skillful, self-taught musician, mastering the bass, drums, and keyboards. A veteran performer despite his young age, Julian has performed at Jamaica's Sumfest and Sunsplash shows, as well during the 1997 rock-oriented Lollapalooza tour. With his band, Julian has also performed in Japan, Brazil, Paris, Puerto Rico, Belize and Mexico. He and brother Damian Marley were also featured as part of the Marley Magic North American tour in 1996. At the invitation of the Jamaican government, JULIAN MARLEY AND THE UPRISING also performed during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, and celebrated alongside Jamaica’s Gold medal-winning runner, Usain Bolt.

During a “Giving Thanks With The Marleys” initiative, The Ghetto Youths Foundations is asking attendees to bring non-perishable canned goods to the event. These donations will be given to CHARLEE (Children Have All Rights: Legal, Educational and Emotional) Homes for Children to help feed over 170 young adults who have aged out of foster care and provide food for families in need during the Thanksgiving holiday.  CHARLEE is a private not-for-profit social service agency created in 1983 in Miami-Dade County, caring for children ages 0-23 years old that have been placed in foster care due to abuse, abandonment and/or neglect. What started as a small group home program, serving 30 children, has grown to become one of the largest foster care providers in Miami Dade County, serving approximately 1,400 children each year. 

THE AWAKE TOUR: JULIAN MARLEY AND THE UPRISING FEATURING STEPHEN AND DAMIAN “JR. GONG” MARLEY

November 22, 2009

Knight Concert Hall at 8 P.M.

Julian Marley and the Uprising featuring Stephen Marley and Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley will perform with soulful vocals inspired by life and spirituality. Their music incorporates the roots-reggae sound that Julian has made his own, infused with street-energy hip-hop, bubbling dancehall, and a smooth combination of R&B and reggae.

Tickets for THE AWAKE TOUR: JULIAN MARLEY AND THE UPRISING FEATURING STEPHEN AND DAMIAN “JR. GONG” MARLEY are now on sale.  If purchased prior to Nov. 2, 2009, tickets range from $19.50 -$39.50. Tickets can be purchased through the Adrienne Arsht Center box office at (305) 949-6722 or online at www.arshtcenter.org. Ticket prices will be $24.50 - $44.50 after Nov. 1, 2009.

MIAMI--- Grammy-nominee saxophonist, composer and arranger, Troy Roberts, joins the NWSA High School Jazz Combos, in a dynamic evening concert. With a total of 13 students, both combos will perform a mix of jazz standards and some of Troy’s original compositions. Concert will take place at First United Methodist Church of South Miami, October 29 at 7:00 PM (6565 SW 57 Avenue, Coral Gables). Admission to the concert is free.

"The program and level of musicianship here at New World School of the Arts really is a living affirmation to the fruitful future of this art form. I can’t wait to share the stage with these cats!!" eagerly affirmed Roberts who has been teaching a master class at NWSA this month.

Jim Gasior, Dean of Music and Director of Jazz Bands at NWSA, will direct the Combo One performance on October 29. “Troy is a master musician and a spirited mentor,” said Gasior, “our students will be deeply changed by his presence with us.” Combo Two will be directed by Fernando Ulibarri.

Troy Roberts began playing the saxophone at age 13, and was granted an early entrance into The West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) at the age of 15. During this time, he won the PJS Encouragement Award for two consecutive years, performed at the 2000 Olympics, The Manly Jazz Festival, and other shows around Australia with the West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra. In 2001, he graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance) degree winning the acclaimed Bob Wyllie Jazz Scholarship, the Melville Toyota Jazz Scholarship and the James Morrison Jazz Scholarship. The following year he completed an Honors Degree on a student exchange program at the University of Miami, studying with Ron Miller, Gary Keller, Whit Sidner, James Moody, Dave Leibman and Frank Foster. During that time, he also won 2 Downbeat Awards (“Outstanding Soloist” and “Best Group Performance”). Having composed an 8-part suite for jazz quartet and string quartet, Troy launched his latest album, “The XenDen Suite” in the USA whilst in L.A. as the only Australian semi-finalist in the 2008 Thelonious Monk International Saxophone Competition.

For more information about New World School of the Arts, visit nwsa.mdc.edu, or contact the Music Hotline at 305-237-7855.