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Columbia, MD - (10-28-03). AAGamer.com is a fresh new face on the burgeoning gaming landscape that is long overdue. Researchers have hailed video, PC (personal computer) and online games as a new entertainment culture that integrates animation, movies, books and toys.
A recent national study commissioned by America Online (Digital Marketing Services, Inc.) revealed that playing games online is one of the top three activities for African-Americans. Yet the perspectives of African American consumers are either missing or misrepresented in many of the video and PC games being developed today.
"Game developers, publishers and marketers need to know that when it comes to game plots and characters, heroes and heroines, villains and virgins that black consumers often have a unique outlook," says Roderick Weldon Woodruff, VP Marketing and co-founder of AAGamer. "Cultural sensitivities should be acknowledged from development to marketing of the game product."
African-Americans represent a huge segment of the video and PC game market. Target Market News reports in its 2002 report that black households earn $631 billion annually and that they spend $1.9 billion of that yearly on toys, games and pets.
Stop in any barbershop in the black community on a Saturday afternoon and you're likely to find a brother animatedly boasting about how he just dogged an opponent in Madden NFL 2004, a popular new video and PC game that can be played online. The Super Bowl may come in January, but it's always hot when brothers are at play on the X-Box, GameCube or PlayStation 2. African Americans have a unique and identifiable game style and language.
Says Woodruff: "A void has long existed in the development and marketing of video and PC games, even though we represent a viable segment of that market. And this will persist unless we make our voices heard. AAGamer begins to fill this void by providing game reviews, editorials, polls and forums tailored to African American consumers."
Woodruff and his spouse, New York Times best-selling author Connie Briscoe, are the founders of AAGamer. Some of the game writers who contribute to AAGamer include George Jones, former editor-in-chief of Computer Gaming World, Damon Brown, who has written for The Source, IGN.com, Gamasutra, MSN.com and other media, and Kayode James, content manager for the Gamer's Association of Trinidad and Tobago.
AAGamer is a registered trademark of BLAXCOM, Blax Communications Holdings Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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Annapolis, MD - (10-27-03). The Bristol-Myers Squibb Sanofi-Synthelabo Partnership is screening men and women 18 years of age or older for possible participation in a research study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of an approved medication for lowering high blood pressure.
In traditional societies where people remain lean and physically active through life, blood pressure does not usually rise with age. In developed countries such as the United States, however, blood pressure nearly always rises with advancing age as body fat increases, activity declines, and arteries become stiff and narrowed by accumulating plaque.
There are now numerous effective and safe medications that can drastically reduce the risks associated with high blood pressure. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), about 50 million people in the United States have high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is not controlled in two out of three people who have it, and many people with high blood pressure require 2 or more medicines to control it. Uncontrolled high blood pressure may lead to heart problems, damage to the kidneys, and stroke.
In general, for patients with high blood pressure, the NHLBI guidelines advise physicians to lower blood pressure to less than 140/90 mm Hg. However, for patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, the guidelines advise lowering blood pressure to less than 130/80 mm Hg.
A normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure can rise during physical exertion, anger or stress, and then return to normal levels. A diagnosis of high blood pressure is made if blood pressure remains higher than normal over extended periods of time.
New research is being conducted to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an approved medication for the treatment of high blood pressure. Qualified participants will receive study-related exams, lab tests, and study medication at no charge. Potential study volunteers can call 1-888-41-HEART (1-888-414-3278) for an initial prescreening and additional information.
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(10-27-03).
When Tonya Maria Matthews strides across the stage as JaHipster,
the young diva cuts a commanding figure from her stiletto heel
boots to her towering Afro. Backed by a capable trio, JaHipster
sets the club crowd dancing and screaming for more with works
like "These Hips" and "Swing Love." She's
a BlackWords Grand Slam Champion and was on the 2000 Washington,
DC National Slam Team. Even the Library of Congress audience was
left stunned and slack jawed, staring deep into the soul of under
served neighborhoods when JaHipster took them on a spoken word
trip.
Moya's musical spoken word performances are known throughout the
Mid-Atlantic for their political awareness and positive social
voice. Matthew Payne, Moya's lead artist, hosts The Movement,
a weekly poetry and jazz event at Washington's Bar Nun/Club 2000,
and his group appears regularly at DC's Bohemian Caverns.
Native Washingtonian William Troxler hosts the Comedy Hour at
The Cave in DC, and he has toured with and opened for a long list
of stars that include Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, and Earth,
Wind and Fire. He introduces sets with a torrent of original laugh-out-loud
material that hits home.
Derek Horton and other upcoming poetry stars are also on the bill.
Poetry at the Publick Playhouse is an evening of literary hip
hop with spoken word performances that rock.
Tickets $15 ($2 off with student ID)
Call 301-277-1710 for reservations.
The Publick Playhouse is located on Rt 202 just west of the Baltimore-Washington
Parkway at 5445 Landover Road in Cheverly, Maryland .
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Department
of Parks and Recreation encourage and support the participation
of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the facility
two weeks in advance of the program to request an accommodation
(i.e. sign language interpreter, support staff, etc.)
Interested ones are encouraged to visit www.houseofimagene.org or call 202-518-8488
Washington, DC - (10-27-03). The African American Women's Clergy Association is the largest African American Clergy group with a male Auxiliary. In March 1972, the founder Bishop Imagene Bigham Stewart born in Dublin, Georgia came with the Georgia delegation to the historic 1963 March on Washington and remained to live in the nation's capital.
Many celebrities and activists have helped out with the association including former National Security advisor General Colin Powell.
Bishop Stewart will be honored on Thanksgiving Thursday, November 27th at 11:00am at the Headquarters Shelter with a celebration.
For more info, contact Dr. Zelda Stevens at 202-518-8488 or visit www.houseofimagene.org
(distributed through
BlackPR.com/BlackNews.com)
Washington, DC - (10-24-03). Revered singer Aretha Franklin was honored as the ninth music superstar to be immortalized along BET's WALK OF FAME on Saturday night at the network's Washington corporate headquarters. The celebration of Ms. Franklin's remarkable career was filled with electrifying performances by Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Norah Jones, Chaka Khan, Gerald Levert, Eddie Levert, Seal, Teena Marie, gospel greats Yolanda Adams and Shirley Caesar, and many others in a scene loaded with the glitz and glamour worthy of the "Queen of Soul." Hosted by award-winning radio personality and BET legend Donnie Simpson, viewers will have a front row seat to all the excitement when the 9TH ANNUAL BET WALK OF FAME premieres Tuesday, October 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
The incredible star-filled event not only paid homage to a noteworthy musician, but also raised awareness and financial support for a great cause, the United Negro College Fund. The annual charitable black-tie gala has generated over $2 million dollars since 1995. "BET is proud to be an annual contributor to UNCF through our WALK OF FAME gala and telecast," said Bob Johnson, BET's Founder and CEO, at Saturday night's event. "By tonight's end, our contributions should total almost $3 million," boasted Johnson to the crowd in front of him sprinkled with celebrity guests Tim and Daphne Reid, NBA player Rod Strickland, Elektra Records President Sylvia Rhone, actor Leon, Marion Barry, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Darryl "Chill" Mitchell, James Ingram, Michael Spinks and Richard Smallwood.
Arranged by famed musical director Patrice Rushen, the night was filled with many of Aretha Franklin's greatest hits redone by a surplus of award-winning superstars - some exclusively requested by Ms. Franklin herself. Renditions of "I Never Loved a Man," from Grammy Award winning Alicia Keys; "Daydreaming," by Grammy Award-winning Norah Jones; and the soul-stirring performance of "Do Right Woman," by the eminent Teena Marie brought the crowd to their feet. Additional highlights included Chaka Khan's performance of "Baby I Love You," and Mary J. Blige's soulful version of "Natural Woman," which filled her with emotion as she thanked Ms. Franklin for paving the way for so many artists. Words of adoration and rightful respect from many of the stars showered Ms. Franklin all evening.
"You, Aretha, have always been and still are my only vocal mentor," said an emotional Chaka Khan during her performance. "They throw the word diva around real loosely. But you're the only diva, the only one. And baby I love you." "This has been the best three days of my career," confessed Aretha to the elite crowd after receiving her award from BET President and Chief Operating Officer Debra Lee, reflecting back on the activities and accolades leading up to the crowning moment. The show's astonishing finale proved that this luminary was deserving of the honor as she performed an assortment of her signatures tunes - resulting in a performance that put her own personal stamp on the affair.
In the midst of her career during the 1960s, African Americans saw Ms. Franklin as a cultural icon, as someone reflecting the pride of the black community during the civil rights movement. Ms. Franklin mentioned how "wise" it was of BET to use the WALK OF FAME event as a fund-raising gala for the United Negro College Fund. To bring this magnificent event to viewers, BET teamed up once again with Cossette Productions, famed producers of the music world's Grammy Awards and the annual BET Awards, to produce this year's telecast.
Ms. Franklin joins a remarkable group of past WALK OF FAME honorees, including Michael Jackson (1995), Whitney Houston (1996), Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds (1997), Boyz II Men (1998), Diana Ross (1999), Luther Vandross (2000), Patti LaBelle (2001) and Stevie Wonder (2002). She is a world-renowned artist, whose forty-plus year reign over popular music has brought joy to millions around the globe through a distinguished career filled with accomplishment and achievement. Ms. Franklin's fans can also enjoy her latest Arista release, "So Damn Happy" which showcases her instinctive understanding of life, love, celebration and undaunting faith while evoking a timeless wisdom. Reuniting with talented producing duo, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, hit-makers Troy Taylor and Ron Lewis, and collaborating with the "Queen of Hip Hop Soul" Mary J. Blige, this new CD is sure to win new "Queen of Soul" fans as well as reclaim the old ones.
ABOUT
BET
BET, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is the
nation's leading television network providing quality entertainment,
music, news and public affairs programming for the African-American
audience. The BET Network reaches more than 75 million households
according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United
States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET is a dominant consumer brand
in the urban marketplace with a diverse group of branded businesses:
BET.com, the Number 1 Internet portal for African Americans; BET
Digital Networks - BET Jazz, BET Gospel and BET Hip-Hip, attractive
alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event
productions, specializing in a full range of event production
services, including event management, venue selection, talent
recruitment, sound, lighting and stage production; and BET Books,
the nation's leading publisher of African-American themed romance
novels under the Arabesque Books label, and publisher of new imprints
Sepia and New Spirit.
(distributed through
BlackPR.com/BlackNews.com)
Washington, DC - (10-13-03). In February 1998, The Black Patriots Foundation was the sponsoring organization for a commemorative coin issued by the U.S. Mint. After the Foundation received strong bi-partisan support for the legislation that authorized the coin, it was offered for sale to the public. The impressive silver dollar prominently features the face of Crispus Attucks on one side and depicts a black colonial family on the reverse side. Black Patriots President, Rhonda Roberson and the Board of Directors are pleased to announce that the Crispus Attucks coin has earned over $1 million dollars in surcharges. A check from the Mint will be presented to the Foundation at a press announcement on Thursday, October 16, 2003 at 4:00 p.m. at Wachovia Bank. Congresswoman Nancy Johnson (R-CT) and Congressman Donald Payne (D-NJ) were lead sponsors of the coin legislation and are expected to attend the press announcement.
A limited supply of coins are still available for purchase from the Foundation by attendees at Thursday's event or by contacting the Foundation's office.
The surcharge funds earned from the sale of the coins are part of the fundraising program the organization instituted to fund the construction of the Black Revolutionary War Patriots Memorial on the National Mall. "We are extremely proud of the popularity of this collector coin. These surcharge funds are a blessing to the Foundation and will take us one step closer to successfully completing this project," said Roberson.
The memorial, which has received all necessary approvals from the National Park Service, the Capital Planning Commission, and U.S. Fine Arts Commission, will be located in Constitution Gardens on the Mall in Washington, D.C. Groundbreaking for the memorial is planned for Spring 2005.
In 1985, The Black Patriots Foundation was formed to establish
a national memorial, increase awareness, and develop programs
and projects to educate all Americans about the more than 5000
enslaved and freed blacks who fought for the independence of this
nation in the American Revolutionary War. Today the Foundation's
efforts have created a symbolic link between those noble heroes
of the past and the selfless and courageous service of African
American men and women represented in all branches of the armed
forces.
(distributed through
BlackPR.com/BlackNews.com)
Washington, DC - (10/7/03). In response to asthma's impact on the African American community, Asthma Action America® - a national asthma education campaign - has launched a new initiative to help African Americans manage asthma more effectively. The goal of the new initiative is to encourage African Americans who have asthma to take the Asthma Control Test and then discuss the results with their physician. The validated test features five simple questions, based on guidelines developed by the National Institutes of Health, which give people a quick and easy way to help gauge how their asthma is affecting them. Dr. Michael LeNoir, chair of the National Medical Association's (NMA) Asthma and Allergy Section, and six-time Olympic medallist Jackie Joyner-Kersee are working with Asthma Action America and its 21 national supporting organizations to help bring attention to the alarming impact of asthma on the African American community. |
|
More than three million African Americans currently have asthma, and African Americans are three times more likely than whites to be hospitalized for asthma2 or die from asthma. Though African Americans currently represent 12 percent of the U.S. population, they account for nearly 26 percent of all asthma deaths. "These statistics are disturbing, but there are simple steps we can take now to begin to reverse these numbers for good," said Dr. LeNoir, a nationally recognized expert on inner-city asthma issues. "Asthma is a controllable disease and, with proper management, we can do much to reduce its impact on our community. Proper asthma management starts with good asthma education." Lending her support to the campaign is Ms. Joyner-Kersee, who will narrate a series of public service announcements, scheduled to run on radio stations nationwide this fall. In the PSAs, Joyner-Kersee tells of her own struggle with asthma and urges African Americans to take the Asthma Control Test and share the results with their doctor. "When I was diagnosed with asthma, I thought I'd have to give up running," said Ms. Joyner-Kersee. "Asthma didn't stop me from competing - I learned that with the proper treatment, asthma doesn't have to stop you from doing what you want to do." Through proper asthma management, people with asthma can reduce their risk for serious symptoms, asthma attacks and possibly long-term lung damage. Better control can also help reduce the large personal, societal and economic costs associated with the disease, which every year causes an estimated 5,000 deaths and results in $14 billion in medical and indirect expenses in the US. Dr. LeNoir urges everyone with asthma to take the Asthma Control Test, review the results with their doctor and follow simple steps to get their asthma under control, including: avoiding asthma triggers; using inhaled anti-inflammatories where appropriate to prevent symptoms; working closely with healthcare professionals, and regularly monitoring asthma control. The Asthma Control Test is available online now at www.AsthmaActionAmerica.org and is the centerpiece of the new "Keep Your Asthma in Check" brochure, which is available free of charge by calling 1-800-377-9575. Asthma Action America is supported by The Respiratory Institute established by GlaxoSmithKline. GlaxoSmithKline is a research-based pharmaceutical company and a world leader in respiratory care.
REFERENCES (distributed through BlackPR.com/BlackNews.com) |
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Spotlight Shines on October 28 WALK OF FAME Induction of Aretha Franklin, Debuts of THE PARKERS, New Comedy Spin-Off COMING TO THE STAGE
Washington, DC - (10/3/03). BET is rolling out a new Fall Season lineup that's stacked with something for every viewer wrapped in a star-studded package. The network premieres its new season on Monday, October 6, unveiling a lineup of music, comedy, news, public affairs, sports, gospel and dynamic concert specials that will keep viewers of all ages tuning in. New this year is the reality-based comedy competition COMING TO THE STAGE, which gives a fresh spin on the BET primetime favorite COMICVIEW, which is back for its 12th season. Also making its debut on BET is the hit sitcom THE PARKERS, starring Mo'Nique and Countess Vaughn. Returning favorites include HEY MONIE, 106 & PARK and the blockbuster 9th ANNUAL BET WALK OF FAME concert special on October 28 honoring the "Queen of Soul" herself, Aretha Franklin.
BET ENTERTAINMENT & SPORTS PROGRAMMING
BET's primetime lineup will be explosive with a fresh mix of comedy, action and drama. Along with the addition of a proven winner THE PARKERS, viewers will see the return of several favorites and a little something with a twist - COMING TO THE STAGE, a spin-off of BET's top-rated COMICVIEW.
COMING TO THE STAGE is a 13-week battle of laughs as the next comic geniuses take their shot at stardom. Hosted by actor/comedian Mark Curry, COMING TO THE STAGE features aspiring comedians sifted from more than 500 audition tape submissions and on-stage tryouts in six cities. Actress and comedian Kim Coles brings the "hot sauce" to the recipe as she anchors a panel of celebrity judges that will determine who makes the final cut. The Grand Prize winner gets appearances on BET's COMIC VIEW and 106 & PARK; a performance at the 2004 Las Vegas Comedy Festival; and other great prizes.
Making its debut on BET is the hit sitcom THE PARKERS. There is never a dull moment between the dynamic duo of outspoken, outlandish, yet amusing and charming Nikki Parker (Mo'Nique) and her hip, young, albeit not-too-bright daughter Kim (Countess Vaughn) as the two attend Santa Monica College.
Viewers will also get another helping of the popular drama SOUL FOOD, making its return to BET for the Fall 2003 lineup with a 12-episode run of some of the series' best episodes. Based on the critically-acclaimed film of the same name, SOUL FOOD reunites the Joseph family in an hour-long drama series which chronicles the lives of a tight-knit African-American family living in Chicago.
The best African-American films still have a home on BET with the popular BLACK STAR POWER CINEMA franchise showcasing powerful dramas, side-splitting comedies and hard-hitting action twice a week. New titles making their BET debut this fall include "Waiting to Exhale," the empowering drama starring a collection of leading African-American women including Whitney Houston; "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" featuring Angela Bassett and Whoppi Goldberg; the zany comedy "Ghost Dad" starring Bill Cosby; and Halle Berry's dramatic portrayal of a single mother in "Losing Isaiah."
BET SPECIALS & GOSPEL PROGRAMMING
Mega concert specials are proven ratings winners for BET, and viewers can expect more sensational specials in the new season. "The "Queen of Soul", Aretha Franklin, takes her well-deserved place among music's elite - BET style - as the featured inductee for the 9TH ANNUAL BET WALK OF FAME concert special on October 28. She joins past honorees Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Boyz II Men, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Patti LaBelle and Stevie Wonder in the annual star-studded event that benefits the United Negro College Fund. Hosted by BET legend Donnie Simpson, the 2003 WALK OF FAME will feature performances by Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Seal, Ronald Isley and Norah Jones, just to name a few.
Other specials will also keep viewers buzzing throughout 2003-2004 as BET again delivers the sun and fun of spring break's SPRING BLING (April 2004); and the 4th ANNUAL BET AWARDS (June 2004), the record-breaking awards show that beats all other awards shows in African-American viewership.
Gospel music and inspirational programming continue their popular run on BET every week led by BOBBY JONES GOSPEL, the longest running show in BET's 23-year history, and the inspirational music program LIFT EVERY VOICE, hosted by Gerard Henry.
BET MUSIC PROGRAMMING
BET remains the standard by which all music shows are judged with the latest and greatest in hip hop and R&B. This season, BET introduces two new shows guaranteed to keep you grooving - BET: THE NEXT and GROWN FOLKS MUSIC.
BET: THE NEXT, BET brings you the new music first via a likeable host who knows his musical chops from hip hop to neo-soul. Each week, a special selection of videos is chosen to highlight, along with a bit of background and a piece from the artist.
GROWN FOLKS MUSIC is the video show that takes folks back to the days when music was music and the videos were sensual and sexy. Old school music, you know . . . like Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson . . . and, um, Ready For The World.
Headed into its fourth season, 106 & PARK: BET'S TOP 10 LIVE returns as the highest-rated music video countdown show on television. Hosted by the "Bonnie and Clyde of Hip Hop" - AJ and Free - 106 & PARK is the must-make show for the biggest names in hip hop, R&B, television and film. The show also includes an interactive format that allows "future MCs" to take their shot on stage in the show's "Freestyle Friday" MC showdown; and viewers to weigh in via the internet by voting for the Top 10 music videos of the day on BET.com.
BET's hottest music countdown show will also continue to dish out doses in prime time on Thursdays as 106 & PARK: PRIME recaps the top music videos, music news and information with a different celebrity host each week. Big Tigger returns once again to host RAP CITY: THA BASSMENT. The show is the platinum standard in the world of hip-hop, and begins its 14th season as the only straight hip-hop show on television. THE CENTER is the place to go when school gets out . . . a place that offers students the latest info on topics in the news, the latest entertainment industry updates, music trivia, and the hottest videos in hip hop and R&B.
BET NEWS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMMING
BET's News and Public Affairs division heads into the Fall season riding a wave of momentum from last season which continued the network's commitment to covering news from an African-American perspective, while producing several primetime, issues-driven specials.
For the upcoming season, BET NIGHTLY NEWS, with anchor Jacque Reid at the helm, returns its popular weekly feature "Building Black Wealth," in conjunction with BET.com, which provides African-Americans with information, resources and the necessary tools to build wealth and obtain financial prosperity. In addition, the newscast will debut new modules covering a wide array of topical areas for viewers from sports and financial news to global affairs and education.
In keeping with the network's staunch commitment to spotlight major issues, BET will again televise primetime special programming throughout the new 2003-2004 season, including specials that educate viewers on HIV/AIDS prevention. Several award-winning news specials and documentaries will return under the Rap-It-Up umbrella. BET News will again produce a BET OPEN MIC: HIV/AIDS news special and the third installment of NAKED TRUTH, the award-winning documentary produced by the Rap-It-Up campaign in conjunction with the Kaiser Family Foundation.
ABOUT BET
BET, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is the nation's leading television network providing quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs programming for the African-American audience. The BET Network reaches more than 75 million households according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET is a dominant consumer brand in the urban marketplace with a diverse group of branded businesses: BET.com, the Number 1. Internet portal for African-Americans; BET Digital Networks - BET Jazz, BET Gospel and BET Hip-Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event Productions, specializing in a full range of event production services, including event management, venue selection, talent recruitment, sound, lighting and stage production; and BET Books, the nation's leading publisher of African-American themed romance novels under the Arabesque Books label, and publisher of new imprints Sepia and New Spirit.
(distributed through
BlackPR.com/BlackNews.com)
Washington, DC - (9/17/03). Renowned motivational speakers Les Brown and Dr. Charles Phillips will be empowering and motivating business leaders from the Washington metropolitan area and the Mid-Atlantic Region on Wednesday, October 29, 2003 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill located at 400 New Jersey Avenue, NW.
LES BROWN, best selling author and successful entrepreneur was named one of the world's top five motivational speakers by Toastmasters International. DR. CHARLES PHILLIPS, author and motivational speaker is also a consultant to the United Nations World Social and Economic Council, an Executive Trustee of the International Third World Leaders Association and has been inducted into Who's Who in Executives and Professionals 2004.
These two dynamic speakers are heading up the team for "Empowerment 2003: Vision and Motivation Strategies for Today's Business Leader" on October 29th. Other speakers for this event include: Tyra L. Wright - General Counsel for a Fortune 500 Automotive company (Detroit, MI), Richard Cox - MBA and Leadership Specialist (Atlanta, GA), and Jessica Hall - Corporate Consultant and MS/Management Tech (Ft. Washington, MD).
The purpose of the event is to share dynamic yet practical training on best practices in leadership development and motivation techniques. Participants will be motivated and empowered with effective and efficient strategies to increase productivity and profits. This event is produced by K.E.M.I., a Washington, DC based organization. Staples, Inc. is a corporate sponsor.
For registration information contact: KEMI; P.O. Box 64467; Washington, DC 20029-4467; (202) 562-5100 - Phone; (202) 562-2210 - Fax; KEMIempower@aol.com - Email.
(distributed through
BlackPR.com/BlackNews.com)
Five-Game Slate of Black College "Classics" Kicks Off September 13 with Southern Heritage Classic; Telecasts Feature Halftime Pageantry of Marching Bands and Star-Studded Music Performances
Washington, DC - (9/3/03). For more than two decades, BET has been home to some of the most legendary battles in Black College Football, and it's time for more high-energy gridiron grudge matches in 2003. Scheduled is a roster of five games pitting longtime rivals in the highly-anticipated Black College "Classics" match-ups. The battles kick off on Saturday, September 13 "live" from the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, as Jackson State goes head-to-head with Tennessee State during the 13th Annual Southern Heritage Classic at 8 p.m. ET.
Multi-talented broadcaster George Johnson of Comcast SportsNet returns to handle the play-by-play calls as BET marks its 22nd year of Black College Football action. Joining Johnson in the booth will be NFL speed man Qadry Ismail, a former Minnesota Vikings' receiver and a member of the 2000 Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens, who will provide color commentary. Southwest Airlines has renewed its commitment as presenting sponsor for a sixth year.
Huddled around the football action on the field will be the renown "Showtime Half-Time" as seen in the hit movie Drumline featuring the excitement of the best marching bands in the land and celebrity musical appearances, including the national anthem sung by R&B singer Gerald Levert and half-time collaborations by rap artists Chingy and Ludacris to name a few. Also scheduled to host pre-game activities are BET talent AJ & Free, hosts of 106 & PARK; Big Tigger, host of RAP CITY; and Tiffany, host of BET.COM COUNTDOWN.
"Each year we enhance our coverage by adding new elements that make the season more thrilling than the year before. This year's schedule promises to be one of the most exciting schedules we've ever televised, and also one of the most competitive in terms of match-ups," said Jacque Coleman, BET Vice President of Specials and Sports Programming. "BET has generated a loyal fan base for these games, and we're committed to continuing our tradition of televising the best in Black College Football."
The following is the 2003 BET BLACK COLLEGE FOOTBALL schedule:
September
13 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT (Live)
Southern Heritage Classic: Tennessee State vs. Jackson State
Liberty Bowl - Memphis, TN
September
20 at 7 p.m. ET/PT (Same Day Coverage)
Ohio Classic: Hampton University vs. Tuskegee University
Cleveland Browns Stadium - Cleveland, OH
September
27 at 7 p.m. ET/PT (Same Day Coverage)
Whitney Young Classic: Hampton vs. Morgan State
Giants Stadium - Meadowlands, NJ
October
4 at 7 p.m. ET/PT (Same Day Coverage)
Circle City Classic: Florida A&M vs. Jackson State
RCA Dome - Indianapolis, IN
October
18 at 7 p.m. ET/PT (Same Day Coverage)
67th Annual Tuskegee vs. Morehouse Classic: Tuskegee vs. Morehouse
Memorial Stadium - Columbus, GA
ABOUT BET
BET, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is the
nation's leading television network providing quality entertainment,
music, news and public affairs programming for the African-American
audience. The BET Network reaches more than 75 million households
according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United
States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET is a dominant consumer brand
in the urban marketplace with a diverse group of branded businesses:
BET.com, the Number 1. Internet portal for African-Americans;
BET Digital Networks - BET Jazz, BET Gospel and BET Hip-Hop, attractive
alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event
Productions, specializing in a full range of event production
services, including event management, venue selection, talent
recruitment, sound, lighting and stage production; and BET Books,
the nation's leading publisher of African-American themed romance
novels under the Arabesque Books label, and publisher of new imprints
Sepia and New Spirit.
(distributed through
BlackPR.com/BlackNews.com)
Washington, DC - (9/2/03). In these uncertain economic times, more and more Americans are worried about pay cut and job loss. And the concern is not limited to the private sector workforce. Government workers are also just as worried about the shifting job market.
The National Coalition for Equity in Public Service (NCEPS) will hold a Diversity Summit October 16th 2003 in Washington D.C., to address these growing concerns. The summit will also address the government's practice of outsourcing jobs to the private sector, civil service reform and issues regarding worker pay and benefits.
NCEPS is a partnership of Blacks In Government (BIG), Federally Employed Women (FEW), Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), and National IMAGE. NCEPS was organized in 1994 to address the needs and concerns of minorities and women in the public workforce.
Although NCEPS meets on a regular basis to coordinate their effort on those issues which they believe impact upon their members and constituents, a special meeting was held during the Blacks In Government 25th Annual National Training Conference. The meeting was to plan the Diversity Summit that will be held on October 16, 2003 in Washington, DC.
NCEPS will meet again on September 12 at the Office of Personnel Management in Washington, DC. The meeting will follow OPM's program introducing its SES Cadre program.
For further information about the NCEPS Diversity Summit, contact: Mr. Julius Crouch at (314) 438-9640.
Gregory
Reeves
President Blacks In Government
(distributed through BlackPR.com/BlackNews.com)
Event will feature seminars, tours, and professional and student design competitions
Washington, DC - During October 23-25, hundreds of the nation's most accomplished African American architects, architecture students, and other minority architects from across the country will convene in Chicago to network and address issues and ideas that are changing the nature of the profession. Just steps away from the towering skyscrapers along Michigan Avenue and blocks from the city's historic Bronzeville neighborhood, the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) 2003 International Congress and Exposition, Redefinition, will highlight opportunities for participants to explore and expand the practice, design, culture, education and identity of architecture. Chicago's rich architectural history and vibrant African American culture has allowed the city to remain at the forefront of academic and professional discourse. Drake Dillard, Architect, National President with the resources of the NOMA Illinois chapter will assist in providing an enric! hing experience.
NOMA's 31st annual national conference will be held at the Hyatt McCormick Hotel. Advance registration by October 1, 2003 is strongly encouraged. The three-day event will include workshops and seminars for students, professionals and industry representatives about architecture and construction-related issues, including urban housing, academia and practice, and starting one's own firm. Participants will also discuss the core values shared by African American and other underrepresented minorities in the field and identify methods of enhancing one's client base. Sponsors and vendors for the conference include: the U.S. General Services Administration, Walt Disney Imagineering, Black Enterprise magazine, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and Firefree 88. A vendor's fair will allow participants to engage in relationships with industry representatives from the construction arena.
Entertainment includes the host chapter party, Bros Arts Ball, and banquet and awards gala. Founding members of NOMA will be in attendance. Lee Bey, deputy chief of staff for Mayor Richard M. Daley and former Chicago Sun-Times architecture critic, has been invited to deliver the keynote address.
The Washington, DC-based National Organization of Minority Architects has promoted the quality and excellence of minority design professionals since its inception in 1971. There are NOMA chapters across the country, increasing recognition on college campuses and providing greater access to public policy-makers. The group's objectives include fostering communication and fellowship among African American and other minority architects; strengthening cultural, economic and political interaction between architects and visual and performing artists in minority communities, promoting the design and development of living, working and recreational environments of the highest quality; speaking with a common voice on matters of public policy; and acting as a source of motivation and inspiration for minority youth.
National
Organization of Minority Architects
C/O College of Engineering, Architecture, and Computer Sciences
Howard University - School of Architecture and Design
2366 Sixth Street, N.W. Room 100
Washington, D.C. 20059
www.noma.net
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BlackPR.com/BlackNews.com)
Tour Launches September 5 at Florida A&M University with Stops Planned at 13 Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Washington, DC - (8-21-03). For the second year in a row, BET and some of its key marketing partners are headed "back to school" this fall in a 13-school tour of historically Black colleges and universities. The first stop on this tour takes place September 5 at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida; and will be hosted by BET on-air talent and feature a musical performance by Universal/Motown recording talent.
The Black College Tour is part of BET's continual effort to support historically Black colleges and universities, by providing relevant, engaging and informative entertainment and professional networking opportunities for minority students. Among the attractions provided during the traveling tour are interactive activities including basketball tournaments, freestyle rap and singing contests, video games, product sampling and resume collection for potential employment opportunities. Procter & Gamble is the presenting sponsor, along with associate sponsors Rbk, Verizon Wireless, Pontiac, Pepsi, Southwest Airlines, U.S. Air Force, PlayStation and Universal/Motown Records.
"We are very excited the Black College Tour has received such strong support from sponsors for a second year," said Louis Carr, President of Broadcast Media Sales for BET. "We are very thankful to the participating colleges and universities for allowing us to visit their campuses and connect with their students. Additionally, we are confident that the sponsors will benefit tremendously from this brand-building, interactive exposure against a key consumer segment."
The following are the dates and schools BET is scheduled to visit during the Black College Tour:
2003 BET Black College Tour Schedule
September
5: Florida A&M - Tallahassee, FL
September 11: Tennessee State University - Nashville, TN
September 19: Clark Atlanta University - Atlanta, GA
September 26: Prairie View A&M - Prairie View, TX
October 1: Virginia Union University - Richmond, VA
October 3: Norfolk State University - Norfolk, VA
October 8: Southern University - Baton Rouge, LA
October 10: Grambling State University - Grambling, LA
October 16: St. Augustine's College - Raleigh, NC
October 17: NC A&T State University - Greensboro, NC
October 23: Alabama A&M University - Huntsville, AL
October 31: Bethune-Cookman College - Daytona Beach, FL
November 7: Tuskegee University - Tuskegee, AL
ABOUT BET
BET, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is the
nation's leading television network providing quality entertainment,
music, news and public affairs programming for the African-American
audience. The BET Network reaches more than 75 million households
according to Nielsen media research, and can be seen in the United
States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET is a dominant consumer brand
in the urban marketplace with a diverse group of branded businesses:
BET.com, the Number 1. Internet portal for African-Americans;
BET Digital Networks - BET Jazz, BET Gospel and BET Hip-Hop, attractive
alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Event
Productions, specializing in a full range of event production
services, including event management, venue selection, talent
recruitment, sound, lighting and stage production; and BET Books,
the nation's leading publisher of African-American themed romance
novels under the Arabesque Books label, and publisher of new imprints
Sepia and New Spirit.
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BlackPR.com/BlackNews.com)
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