News Spotlight: Spring Break: Be Smart, Be Safe
Spring Break is fast approaching and many students are preparing to travel abroad for a well-deserved vacation. Smart trip-planning involves more than getting a new travel guide and backpack. That’s where the State Department can help: We have resources for students and their parents to prepare for safe, enjoyable trips.
News Spotlight: Michigan Commission on Services to the Aging Hosts Public Forum Older Michigan Adults, Caregivers, and Providers Asked to Provide Input
The Michigan Commission on Services to the Aging will host a public forum Friday, March 16 from 1:30-3 p.m. in Grand Rapids, to hear from older Michigan residents, their caregivers, aging service providers, and interested others about issues important to them. The forum will take place at the Owen Bieber Building located at 3300 Leonard St. NE, Grand Rapids.
Winning with Finances – Third principle of a financial takeover – Giving
First it was stewardship, second it was budgeting. The third principle in the financial takeover series is giving. The concept of giving has been given a bad reputation in these economic times as most people are holding on to what they have. Some have dwindled giving to a self-motivated action. Giving has been viewed in many circles as an opportunity to get money, power, or fame. Is this right? Does it benefit the masses or does it benefit a certain group of people? You have to look at the intent.
Black History: Organizations Help to Bring the Past Alive
Exploring Roots – Rev. Anne Weirich, Willye Bryan and Geoff Blair are at First Presbyterian Church of Lansing. They were present during a recent Lansing Area African American Genealogical Society event. TNCP Photo
Michigan Legislative Black Caucus Calendar
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Charline White/Cora Brown Luncheon
Tribute to Michigan’s Women of Color
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Anderson House Office Building | Mackinaw Room | 124 Capitol Ave., Lansing, MI
MLBC honors five Michigan Women of color who have made significant contributions to the citizens of Michigan. This year’s recipients are Honorable Alma Wheeler Smith, Honorable Mary Waters, Honorable Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, Honorable Teola Hunter, and Honorable Mary Lou Parks. All recipients are former members of MI State legislature.
This event is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Black History Month Annual Evening Celebration
5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Michigan State Capitol Building | First Floor Rotunda | Lansing, MI
Join us for an evening of great fellowship, spectacular entertainment, thought provoking commentary and good food. This event is free and open to the public. Our guests include Playwright Sandra Seaton performing with the Earl Nelson Singers, Detroit City Rescue Mission Choir; Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences student performance; Keynote Speaker Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor; and our Special Guest Celebrity Performer, Ms. Anita Baker.
This event is free and open to public – RSVP required to attend.
Please email sdavy@house.mi.gov to make reservation. Limited seating.
Through February 29, 2012
African American Legislators/ Past & Present
Michigan State Capitol Building | Ground Floor Rotunda | Lansing, MI
View display of African American Legislators from 19th Century to today.
Celebrity Interviews: A Physically Exhausting Performance, David Oyelowo on “Red Tails”
David OyelowoBy Samantha Ofole-Prince
Audiences grooved to his energetic portrayal of blues man Muddy Waters in “Who Do You Love,” sympathized with his dilemma as Joseph Asagai in the television drama “A Raisin in the Sun” and applauded his character’s demise in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.”
BEING CULTURALLY CONSCIOUS WHEN TEACHING HISTORY
By Dr. Edwin Lou JaviusTraditionally, the month of February has been honored as Black History Month. Schools make a deliberate effort to highlight the achievement and accomplishments of African Americans. As a young student, the month of February became a source of discomfort and low self-esteem for me.
Tuskegee Airmen Collection Available at the Library
By Reference Librarian Anne R.One of the more interesting movies playing in theaters this winter is Red Tails, based on the true story of the Tuskegee Airmen. Executive Producer George Lucas has said in interviews that he financed the movie himself, because Hollywood wasn’t interested in backing an expensive movie with an all-black casts.
Although it has been getting mixed reviews, it was the second-highest grossing movie during its debut week. That’s good news since Red Tails brings an important story to light, one that too few people know about.
Local Activist Wins Leadership Award
Andre Dandridge of New Young Fathers recently was given a BME Leadership Award. The winners receive a combined $443,000 to strengthen communities. Photo courtesy of The Knight Foundation
Black Male Activists Win Leadership Award, Support for Community Projects in Detroit and Philadelphia
DETROIT, MI — Twenty men – teachers, businessmen, writers and pastors – have been named winners of the BME Leadership Award, created to honor black men in Philadelphia and Detroit who step up to lead the community.
“The award shines a light on a truth that we need to remember: there are thousands of black men in these cities who choose to make it a stronger and better place to live for all of us,” said Trabian Shorters, one of the leaders behind the BME Challenge, which sponsors the award. “Perhaps if we tell their stories and others decide to support their efforts, you will see more and more black men and boys willing to follow their example.”
Mother Flippin’: One Funny Mother – A Long Way To Go
By Tashmica TorokLaughter floated above a table where drinks were poured and women bonded after an intense work out. Women who I had spent nearly a year with traveling and sharing my life, all sat around with loosened manners and relaxed hearts separate from the expectations of their individual responsibilities. Even though time was slipping into a later hour, one that we would all regret in the morning, we continued to sit together where our only responsibility was to listen and finish our drinks.