The New Citizens Press - News For, By and About People

Black History: Organizations Help to Bring the Past Alive

Rina Risper14 years ago06 mins

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”

Rina Risper14 years ago08 mins

David Oyelowo

By 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

Rina Risper14 years ago08 mins

By Dr. Edwin Lou Javius

Traditionally, 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

Rina Risper14 years ago04 mins

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

Rina Risper14 years ago016 mins

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

Rina Risper14 years ago014 mins

By Tashmica Torok

Laughter 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.

As I See It: There Are No Winners

Rina Risper14 years ago06 mins

By Jimmie Gladney

I salute the President and Publisher of The New Citizens Press, Rina N. Risper, for her eleven years of progressive action and her community involvement in the Lansing area. I am a subscriber of the newspaper. In the January 15, 2012 – January 28, 2012 issue, I enjoyed reading the article by Lemar Brown. He shared many good ideas on how to help stop the violence that is tarnishing the town. One statement he made was “There Are No Winners”. I agree. The victim goes to an early grave and the suspect generally goes to prison. The families and the children of the two are left behind to face the hardships.

Do you have an opinion? 11-2

Rina Risper14 years ago02 mins

Dear TNCP,

I just read the January 29, 2012 – February 11, 2012 edition, it was a great read. I love the “Mother Flippin’: One Funny Mother – To the Students of Penn State” article. I really enjoyed the “Documentary on Slavery Spurs Racial Healing” article. Thanks for the great job!

Michael Todd

Lansing, MI

Excuse me, are you listening? 11-2

Rina Risper14 years ago06 mins

Dear Readers,

The most innocent things can make for the most interesting memories.

I was scanning my Facebook page (that is what you do while you are working on two computers) and I saw a link for a craft.

Ask Tamara: So Many People Have Let Me Down!

Rina Risper14 years ago05 mins

Dear Tamara:

In my lifetime I have been hurt and let down by everyone around me (my former spouse, family members, and friends). People have let me down so much in the past that I have a hard time connecting with anyone. I guess you can say that I have built a wall of protection around myself and it’s hard for me to trust people and open up.

Because of this I spend a lot of time alone. I want to reconnect with my family and friends, but I really don’t know how to. How do I begin to trust people again?

Ready to Trust Again