ICYMI

Bethune-Cookman Marching Wildcats Subject of Netflix Docu-series “Marching Orders”

Wildcats Marching Orders
Bethune-Cookman University Marching Wildcats are the subject of a 12-episode docu-series on Netflix.



“Marching Orders,” an original unscripted series, takes viewers inside the Marching Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. The band’s rich history includes being showcased at major sports events from the Super Bowl to NFL games and was featured in the popular film “Drumline” starring Nick Cannon and Zoe Saldana. This 12-episode series, Marching Orders, premiered on Friday, August 3 on Netflix and was produced by Stage 13/Gigantic Productions.



For students, becoming a member of the Marching Wildcats will be one of their most significant life achievements. The legacy, history, and honor of earning a spot in the 300-member plus band is a pivotal moment that is often rooted in the students’ own familial histories. Expectations run high for the new generation of Marching Wildcats.



It’s difficult to convey just how important marching bands have become in the culture and climate of HBCUs unless one has lived it as an undergraduate student. While many rival institutions will take issue with the Marching Wildcats being touted as the nation’s best, that is par for the course. Let the trash-talking continue.

“Nobody works as hard as we do,” says Band Director Donovan Wells, in the series opener. “Nobody pays attention to the details as much as we do.”

 

 

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Are you BeefNMiami? Join the #WeBeefN Movement!

 

BEEF

A sense of community is missing in our neighborhoods and positive circulating economics is at the core. Be a part of the solution by changing behaviors. One Dollar, One person, One purchase at a time. B.E.E.F. (“Black Each and Every Friday”) addresses a needed change in behavior in the Black community. Starting with just one day a week support, build and invest in your community. There are quality products and services that exist in the black community that need and want your support. Visionaries in Jacksonville, Atlanta and Chicago have already started shifting the paradigm their communities. Join the #BeefN movement Miami. Make every Friday, Black Friday! 

Each and Every Friday - patronize a black business or service, then share the experience with friends, family and on social media. Use the following hashtags #BEEF #WeBeefN  #WeBeefNMiami #WeBeefNMIA or add to it the city you are reppin'.

 

#buyblack #blackeconomics #blackowned #blackunity #blacklove #changethegame #capitalism #blackpower #blacklivesmatter #blackdollarsmatter #Miami #MIA #Jax #ATL #CHI #shopblack #TGIF #motivation #inspiration #changetheworld #blackbusinessmatters 

 


Nuekie, Cosmetic Startup by FAMU Alum Eunice Cofie, Wins $20,000 at Miller Lite Tap The Future Live Pitch Tour Miami Tour Stop – Headed to Final Round for a Shot at $200K Grand Prize

 

Tap the Future
Nuekie, a health and beauty company, came out on top as the regional winner for Tap The Future in Miami. The cosmetic line combines traditional African medicine and modern science to develop products and services to meet the unique needs of problem skin for people of color. The business is now one step closer to winning the grand prize of $200K. Tap The Future is a business competition that offers real entrepreneurs a chance to grow their businesses. Find out more and RSVP for upcoming tour stops at www.MLTapTheFuture.com. (Photo provided courtesy of MillerCoors)

Daymond John from ABC’s Shark Tank and host of Miller Lite Tap The Future returned for the fourth annual Live Pitch Tour event in Miami on Tuesday at the Colony Theatre. The third stop on the national tour offered entrepreneurs a chance to pitch their businesses for $20K and gain advancement to the final round for a shot at an additional $200K. Four business teams pitched live to the “shark” himself as well as a panel of business experts.

At the end of the night, Nuekie, a health and beauty company founded by Eunice Cofie, came out on top as the regional winner for Tap The Future in Miami. Cofie is a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry/molecular biology. Cofie will now move on to compete against other regional winners for Tap The Future grand title.

Daymond John
Daymond John from ABC’s Shark Tank joined Miller Lite Tap The Future as a lead judge for the national Live Pitch Tour event in Miami. The top contestant, Nuekie, a health and beauty company for people of color, walked away with $20K and is now a step closer to winning the grand prize of $200K. Tap The Future is a business competition that offers real entrepreneurs a chance to grow their businesses. Find out more and RSVP for upcoming tour stops at www.MLTapTheFuture.com. (Photo provided courtesy of MillerCoors)

 

 

 

 


Community Leaders and Policy Makers Tackle Local and National Issues at Pumps, Pearls & Politics Forum and Luncheon

PPP2015 audience
Many of South Florida's civic-minded women and men are looking forward to the conversation and networking at the fourth annual Pumps, Pearls & Politics.
FILE Photo: Denetra Collins/Pumps, Pearls & Politics 2015

 

Miami, FL – July 21, 2016 – The fourth annual Pumps, Pearls & Politics forum and luncheon hosted by the Connection Committee of the Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is scheduled for 11:30 AM, Saturday, August 6, 2016, at the InterContinental Miami in Doral. The event is women-centered and women-focused, but men are included on the agenda and encouraged to attend. Many topics to be covered are gender neutral and impact the entire community. This year’s theme, Pumps, Pearls & Politics 2016: How Do We #UniteAmerica?, is particularly timely and is certain to generate thought-provoking conversation.  

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson will bring the View from the Hill. Panelists include State Senator Oscar Braynon IIAdora Obi Nweze, President of the FL State Conference of the NAACP and Member of the National Board of Directors of the NAACP; United Teachers of Dade President Karla Hernandez-Mats; Political consultant Makeda McLune; Attorney Ronda Vangates; and social justice activist and Dream Defenders leader Umi Selah. Public relations practitioner and journalist Beverly Counts Rodrigues will serve as moderator and entertainment will be provided by Grammy-nominated spoken word artist Rebecca “Butterfly” Vaughns.

“In light of recent local and national incidents regarding police-involved shootings and the upcoming presidential election, this event provides the perfect opportunity for the community to engage in serious dialog,” said chapter president Andrea Robinson, “our guests will also be able to interact directly with participating political candidates.”

If You Go:

When: Saturday, August 6, 2016, 11:30 AM

Where: InterContinental Doral Miami, 2505 NW 87th Avenue, Doral, FL 33172 

Admission: $40 (Includes food and beverage.)

To pay online: http://pumpspearlspolitics2016.eventbrite.com (Sales close 7/30/2016.)

For more information send an email to Natasha Hines at [email protected].

PPP2016Flyer

 

Pumps, Pearls & Politics 2015
FILE PHOTO: Some of the fabulous guests at Pumps, Pearls & Politics 2015.

 

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FILE PHOTO: Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson with Riley Davis and family at Pumps, Pearls & Politics 2015. / Denetra Collins

 


Wright versus City Hall, Part 2

Miami Gardens City Hall

The case of James B. Wright v. City of Miami Gardens continued yesterday in the courtroom of Judge Bronwyn Miller in downtown Miami. Wright was represented by Jason Murray of Murray Law and the City of Miami Gardens by J.C. Planas of KYMP. At issue is Wright’s attempt to be placed on the ballot for the upcoming Miami Gardens mayoral race after he was disqualified because the check for his qualifying fee was “returned” by Wells Fargo Bank.

The judge and attorneys for Wright and Miami Gardens largely agreed that candidate Wright followed the law in the submission of the required paperwork and qualifying fee. Florida law indicates that if a candidate’s check is returned by the bank, the filing officer (Miami Gardens City Clerk) is to notify the candidate immediately. The candidate has until the end of the qualifying period to pay the fee with a cashier’s check from the campaign account or be disqualified. Wright's attorney's challenged the immediate notification issue as Wright was not notified until 20 days after submitting the required paperwork and qualifying fee. 

The City and County elections department cited prohibitive cost to add Wright’s name to the August 30 ballot since absentee ballots have already been submitted for printing and some have been mailed to military voters overseas. In offering a means of satisfying Wright and not requiring the City to incur additional costs, Wright’s attorney offered that the Miami Gardens mayoral race be placed on the November General election ballot. The City argued that would unfairly advantage Wright; would be cost prohibitive if the race resulted in a run-off; and would not allow for sufficient citizen engagement as the run-off would be held in December when many voters are on vacation.

Judge Miller mentioned more than once that she is constrained by law in making her ruling. The Levey decision was also mentioned several times during the proceeding. Basically, Levey was a candidate for office who was disqualified because the bank erroneously caused her check for her qualifying fee to be dishonored. In spite of admittance of the error by the bank, Levey was denied having her name placed on the ballot. Judge Miller indicated she will make a ruling by this morning. Wright will provide an update on the case via Facebook Live at 10 AM today.

Several key issues regarding this situation still need to be clarified. The City of Miami Gardens has not provided requested documentation that would answer several specific open questions regarding how and when checks are processed in general and how Wright’s check and other candidates checks were processed specifically.

It's also crucial to note that this case is bigger than Miami Gardens. It shines a spotlight on Florida Law that allows for duly capable and qualified candidates to be disqualified due to errors not of their own doing. There is something inherently wrong with that. Stay tuned.

Miami Dade County Court
Courtroom 6-1, Upon adjournment of hearing

 

 

 


Wright continues fight to remain on the ballot for City of Miami Gardens mayor

James B. Wright
James B. Wright continues his fight to remain on the ballot for City of Miami Gardens mayor.

There is a saying that you can't fight city hall. As quietly as it is being kept, James Wright, disqualified by the City of Miami Gardens in its mayoral race, is having none of that. Wright continues his fight today as he seeks to remain on the ballot. 

Initial discussion, on social media, of Wright's disqualification due to his returned check  led many to believe the check for his qualifying fee was returned due to insufficient funds. According to correspondence from the City to Wright, the check was returned because the account number could not be found. According to Wright’s bank, the check was never submitted for deposit.

City of Miami Gardens Clerk Ronetta Taylor notified Wright on June 20, 2016 that his check was returned and since it was after the qualifying period, he was disqualified. Wright submitted the check on the afternoon of June 1, 2016. Qualifying closed on the following day, June 2. 

Wright takes issue with the lapse in time between the date of submission of his qualifying documentation, including his check, and the notification of disqualification. Wright also asserts that City procedures were not followed when he submitted his qualifying documents. The City typically escorts a candidate to its finance area where the availability of funds in a candidate's account is determined on the spot. Wright notes a candidate for one of the council seats was notified that funds were not available in his account. That candidate opened his campaign account and filed his qualifying documents on the same day, the funds would not be available until the next day. That individual was not disqualified by the City Clerk. 

Well-known elections law attorney, J.C. Planas, has been hired to defend the City of Miami Gardens. Should the City prevail, there is evidence of change needed in the elections qualifying period, process and procedures. Should Wright prevail, this situation also warrants investigation of possible violation of established procedures. The City of Miami Gardens did not respond to requests for comment for this article. Stay tuned.

Watch the videos of Wright’s guest appearances on the Chief Jimmie Brown Show. 

June 26, 2016  - Chief Jimmie Brown Show on WMBM guest hosted by Eric Pettus

 

July 3, 2016 - Chief Jimmie Brown Show on WMBM

 

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Ankara Miami Debuts Swim Week's First African Runway Show

Traci Young-Byron in 3 Elements Fashion & Ankara Delights by Evelyn O
Traci Young-Byron of Lifetime's 'Step It Up' and Young Contemporary Dance Theater in 3 Elements Fashion & head wrap by Ankara Delights by Evelyn O


 

MIAMI, FL – Ankara Miami, Inc. made history by launching Ankara Swim – Swim Week’s first series of African swimwear productions.

The runway show and pop-up shop welcomed emerging and established swimwear, resort wear, and accessory brands from all over the world to showcase never before seen African print and African-inspired designs to an audience of fashion and cultural enthusiasts, media, and consumers.

“We are extremely proud to have provided a platform for such beautiful designs, models, and textured hair styles by Natural Trendsetters Salon and media sponsors, TXTURE Magazine,” said Evelyn Onyejuruwa, Founder/CEO of Ankara Miami, Inc and Executive Producer of Ankara Swim. “We look forward to continuing to raise the bar for authentic and progressive African events in South Florida. This is just a sneak peek of what’s to come next February during Ankara Miami 2017 – Florida’s Premier African Fashion Week!”

Ankara Swim was hosted by BET’s ComicView alum, Marcellus “Chello” Davis and included comedy by Caribbean radio personality, Rayzor. Feature guest Traci Young-Byron, Founder/Artistic Director of Young Contemporary Dance Theatre and star of Lifetime’s docu-series, “Step It Up”, opened the runway show and introduced the latest collection of head wraps and fabric by Ankara Delights by Evelyn O. Sponsors included Arik Air, CURLS, Miss Jessie’s, MD Simmons Productions and our returning style teams, Natural Trendsetters Salon and The Fashionistis, LLC.

Feature runway designers represented Nigeria, Kenya, Haiti, and other nations of the African Diaspora. Apparel (in order of appearance): Dahil Republic of Couture, A Beautiful Piece by Harmony, Wamuiru Couture, Fabian and Mom, ÖFUURË by Tehilah, and 3 Elements Fashion featuring Ankara Delights by Evelyn O head wraps. Accessories: Pink Empress, Sankofa’s Child, and Utamaduni Wear.

 

Taasha Renee in 3 Elements Fashion & Ankara Delights headwrap
Taasha Renee in 3 Elements Fashion (USA). Head wrap by Ankara Delights by Evelyn O (Nigeria)

 

Shalandra in A Beautiful Piece by Harmony (USA).  Hair by Natural Trendsetters Salon
Shalandra in A Beautiful Piece by Harmony (USA). Hair by Natural Trendsetters Salon

 

Shania in Fabian And Mom (Nigeria)
Shania in Fabian And Mom (Nigeria)

 

Claire in Wamuiru Couture (USA). Hair by Natural Trendsetters Salon
Claire in Wamuiru Couture (USA). Hair by Natural Trendsetters Salon

 

Host Chello Davis in JZO (Nigeria)
Host Chello Davis in JZO (Nigeria)

 

Ankara Swim Exec Producer, Evelyn Onyejuruwa with production team and models
Ankara Swim Exec Producer, Evelyn Onyejuruwa with production team and models

 


BMe Community Awards $100,000 to 10 Black Men for Building Community

2016 BMe Leaders - Miami-2BMeLeaders - Miami, Left to right, top row, Marlon Hill Esq.; Brandon Okpalobi; Derick Pearson; Marvin Wilmoth; and Webber Charles Bottom row - Justin Pinn; Daniel Agnew; Melvin Deleveaux; Loubert Senatus; and Jonathan Spikes

 

Miami, FL – Ten inspiring black men will receive $10,000 a piece for their community programs after being named Miami’s first “BMe Leaders.” This prestigious honor is presented by BMe Community, a social network for people of all races and genders who care about making communities stronger. BMe Leaders are black men chosen for their community service and their ability to inspire.

BMe Community was incubated by the John S. & James L. Knight Foundation until it’s 2013 spinoff. Today BMe has 165 BMe Leaders in 6 cities providing education, public safety, and economic services to over 500,000 people every year.

“Our mission is to build more caring and prosperous communities inspired by black men,” said BMe Community founding CEO, Trabian Shorters. “BMe Leaders do that, and they represent millions of unsung black men who lead the nation in service, enterprise and generosity every day. BMe shows this is who we are, and builds upon it.”

BMe’s strong position on black men as positive community catalysts has powerful backers as well.

“I share that belief,” said Knight Foundation President, Alberto Ibarguen. “From the beginning, the basic BMe premise has been that black men and boys are community assets.  At Knight, our ideal is an informed and inclusive community where all citizens can engage in deciding their true interests.  We couldn’t be prouder of the Miami BMe Leaders who are living that ideal.”

“Caring communities are a basic human need,” said William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust Executive Director, Douglas Zinn. “These BMe Leaders also provide inspiration, role models and hope. That is why we are proud partners in this important community-building work.”

BMe posits black men are assets but the social network is open to all people and has over 22,000 members of all races and genders.

On June 30th BMe and its partners are hosting “Better Together Awards” to celebrate Miami’s diverse men and women “Community-builders.”

“That’s because BMe isn’t about black men,” said BMe-Miami Community Manager, Benjamin Evans III. “We’re about better communities. We’re the social network for people who believe we can make things Better Together.”

BMe is backed by donations and leading philanthropies including the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Campaign for Black Male Achievement, The Heinz Endowments and The William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust.

Congratulations to the 2016 BMe Leaders:

 Daniel Agnew - Founder of the Roots Collective 

Daniel believes in community building through collective economics, and he wants to better connect people to entrepreneurial resources. Daniel will use his BMe Leader Award to train and employ South Florida youth. He will offer tangible outlets for youth to learn skills like graphic design, business management, and event planning.

Webber Charles - Senior Site Director, Breakthrough Miami at Ransom Everglades School

Webber understands that being exposed to new cultures early in life can totally change the way people see their future. So he is extending opportunities to young people who wouldn’t normally have them. Webber is using his BMe Leader award to support his international mentoring program to help youth gain exposure to diverse experiences by traveling abroad.

Kelvin Deleveaux - COO & Co-founder of Daddy Knows Too LLC

Kelvin knows all too well the struggle of being a single father. After his divorce he had no idea how he would take care of his daughters. After searching in vain for information online he decided to create an app, “Daddy Knows Too.” Kelvin will use his BMe Leader Award to put the answers fathers need in the palm of their hands and to connect them to a network of support and resources. 

Marlon A. Hill, Esq. – Partner of Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel, LLP

Marlon is truly a mentor to mentors and works to make sure immigrants have a seamless transition into American culture.  Marlon will use his BMe Leader Award to support the acclimation, assimilation and integration of young Black men, especially of immigrant heritage, into the Miami community.

Brandon Okpalobi - Founder of DIBIA Dream, Inc. CEO of DIBIA Athletic Development 

Brandon works very hard to teach his students a unique way of making every life experience transform into a story that can be used as a learning lesson. Brandon will use his BMe Leader Award to develop STEM programs through his DREAM Academy (Development through Recreational Education for Athletic Minds).

Derick Pearson - ‎Co-Founder and President of Code Fever & ‎Black Tech week

Derick has dedicated his life to inspiring a new generation of leaders through his conversational talks on business, technology and Pan African empowerment. He is the co-owner of a Miami-based Gourmet Popsicle company, Feverish Ice Cream, and a youth tech entrepreneurship foundation called Code Fever. He will use his BMe Leader Award to hep teach 10-21-year-olds entrepreneurial skills through tech workshops and summer camps.

Justin Pinn - Program Coordinator and StarBot Academy Director Breakthrough Miami

Justin believes that Black men are remarkable in every way and that we lead in much more than sports and entertainment. Justin will use his BMe Leader Award to expand Breakthrough Miami’s paid teaching fellowship to include 30 low-income high school students of color. Upon completion, these students will have access to professional development, SAT/ACT prep, college trips, and an on-staff mentor at Breakthrough Miami.

Loubert Senatus - President of Forward Thought, Inc

Loubert has a strong passion for bringing post-secondary educational resources to students and parents. He will use his BMe Leader award to build a mobile college & career resources truck. The concept is similar to a food truck; however, college planning, FAFSA completion, college application, and vocational assistance will be the main dish. 

Jonathan Spikes – President of Affirming Youth

Jonathan is a proud cancer survivor and author who has dedicated his life to providing relevant conflict resolution programs (Let's Talk It Out) to help Black communities deal with trauma. He will use his BMe Leader award to provide quality social services to schools in Miami-Dade County.

Marvin Wilmoth - Vice President – Development of KCG Development

Marvin works every day to help all local black-owned businesses to thrive, grow and become sustainable to further help Miami’s Black economy. Marvin will use his BMe Leader Award to support an eco-friendly workspace for Miami’s social entrepreneurs.


Living with Nature in the African Diaspora: A Lecture and Community Conversation at the Historic Hampton House featuring Dr. Edda Fields-Black

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FieldsblackCelebrate “Homegrown Achiever” Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black, Associate Professor of History, Carnegie Mellon University and the author of Deep Roots: Rice Farmers in West Africa and the African Diaspora (2008). Dr. Fields-Black will speak about her research into the history of West African rice production. Mangrove rice farming techniques used hundreds of years ago by farmers in West Africa's Rice Coast later played a key role in the commercial rice industries in the American South.

Dr. Fields-Black will offer new ways to think about how the environment has shaped Diaspora experience. Other speakers will discuss current environmental issues threatening our land and communities. Did you know that climate change and sea level rise are likely to trigger a new wave of gentrification in our area? How can we come together to recognize the value of our land and our heritage? How can history and culture help us defend our place in Miami?

9:30AM

Registration and Coffee

9:45AM

Opening Remarks and Welcome   Dr. Hilary Jones, Associate Professor, Department of History and African & African Diaspora Studies Program, FIU

10:00AM-11:00AM

The Work of Our Hands: Rice and Rice Farmers in West Africa's Upper Guinea Coast Lecture by Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black

Go on a journey to West Africa’s Upper Guinea Coast to learn about one of Africa’s best kept secrets, agricultural technology that made the Upper Guinea Coast West Africa’s “bread basket” hundreds of years before the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

11:00PM-11:15PM

Coffee Break

11:15PM-12:15PM

What is Our Land Worth?

Brief Presentations and Small Group Discussions

Hear about the threats from sea level rise in Miami-Dade and how it is likely to affect property values and residential patterns. Discuss strategies to organize and prioritize. 

12:15PM-12:30PM

Closing Discussion and Wrap-Up 

12:30PM-1:00PM

Book Signing with Dr. Fields-Black

 

WHEN:    Saturday, May 21, 2016 from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM (EDT) 

WHERE:    Historic Hampton House - 4240 Northwest 27th Avenue, Miami, FL 33142 - View Map

 

Click Here for Registration Link

 

 


Racist signs on display at Fort Lauderdale business

The more things change, the more they remain the same.

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Check out the news reported by Ch. 10’s Bob Norman regarding racist memorabilia on the walls at Sal’s Towing in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Norman goes on to state that Sal’s Towing is contracted by the City of Fort Lauderdale and other governmental entities.

It’s interesting to note that a black male former employee reported the racist memorabilia and even was subjected to racial slurs. Another black male employee initially defended the business, go figure. Why anyone would allow themselves to be subjected to such treatment in this day and age is downright sad. It’s 2016, and this level of discrimination still exists. Some white people don’t believe it or don’t want to believe it or are in denial. Some black people don’t believe it or don’t want to believe it or are in denial.

As expected, after denying being racist, the owner, Sal Belasai, eventually indicated the signs would be removed. That’s a step in the right direction but is removing the signs is supposed to make everything alright? I don’t think so. Sal’s supporters defend him by citing his service to the community. Really? I don’t think so.

Sal’s accuser has also been targeted. He was arrested for violently abusing a girlfriend. That still doesn’t change the fact that the racist signs were posted in Sal's place of business. Stay focused.

I have a couple of questions. How long has the memorabilia been on display at Sal’s? How many people, black and white, have seen it and done nothing about it? This is the sad reality of post-racial America.

By the way, Sal indicated the memorabilia is black history, in a way he’s correct. Check out this video on the history of the term ‘gator bait’. Get a better understanding why everyone should be mortified and disgusted these signs would be on display in a place of business in the United States.

 

Alligator child3 Aligator20bait201909_postcard_quincy_florida-alligator

 

 

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#racism #thestruggleisreal #gatorbait #blackhistory