I have to apologize to my loyal readers for the lateness of PROLIFICK PROFILES. I always strive to be consistent and "on point", but due to the abundance of business and lack of time, it seems this e-newsletter's timeliness was sacrificed. I don't take this lightly, either. I have vowed to organize myself to the point where I can be productive without losing perspective. I mean, being busy is one thing, but being busy and not accomplishing anything is something else; and it happens more often than many corporations, supervisors, and managers may think.
I am not the only one late, though. In my residential area, ALLENTOWN, PA, (yes, the city that had the gas explosion and loss of life on February 9, 2011) the communities are joining forces to support those affected by this great tragedy. It's amazing how many benefits/fundraisers have been created for this cause.
My only complaint is that it took such an EXTREME tragedy to make people come together to assist those in need. I am wondering how long this will last? I hate to use the term, "Better late than never"; but long after the situation dies down and the press has moved to a new lead story, will it be possible for us to keep the momentum going?
THE FOLLOWING ARE PAST and FUTURE EVENTS:
The first of several music-related benefits for the victims of this month’s fatal gasline explosion in an Allentown neighborhood was from 5 to 11 p.m. last Sunday at Pitchers Sports Bar and Grill, 570 Union Blvd., Allentown.
Cap Cee, a popular disc jockey on Lehigh Valley radio station WAEB-FM B104, presented the all-ages fund-raiser, which will include performances by Valley-area DJs Cap Cee, Menace, Express, Gemini, Sweetlife, Fly, Arm 18 and others.
Artists that performed were be King Magnetic, Adlib, Lperfex, Allie Santos, Khemistry Dance Crew, Tug McGraw, Tribeland, Kwesa Drakes and more.
There was a $10 cover charge donation at the door. Also, Pitchers donated part of the proceeds from food and drink sales at the end to help the victims.
The website www.rapforever.com, one of the event’s sponsors, will stream it live. Other sponsors were Audio Dynamikz, B 104, M9tanner Promotions and WC Entertainment.
Future events include:
ALLENTOWN WE STAND
Sunday, February 27 · 3:00pm - 11:30pm
Las Gran Palmas
323 hamilton st
Allentown, PA
Created By:
Ern Imflyent, Jean Batista, DJinox Victor SurielShow all (16)
More Info:
IM FLY Entertainment | LATINOS LOUNGE | ATREVETTE Magazine
* ALLENTOWN we STAND*
* foundraiser Benefit Show For The Recent Victims of the explosion that occurred FEB 9 2011 on 13ST & ALLEN
*American Red Cross*
13 families left homeless from the explosion and fire in the 500 and 600 blocks of N. 13th Street in Allentown.When disaster strikes, your contributions can help bring comfort to those in distress.
*CUANDO-DOMINGO 27 DE FEBRERO (LA INDEPENDENCIA DOMINICANA)
*WHEN- SUNDAY FEB 27 ,2011(DOMINICAN INDEPENDENCE)
*LUGAR- LA GRAN PALMAS night club
*DOOR OPEN-3:00PM TIL___
*LIVE PERFORMANCE -CONTRIBUTE BY
JENNIFER BELTRAN
LOS XPLOSIVOS
ALLIE SANTO
PSKYO Y DOLO
LIL J
(********MORE*****)
*HOST SARA LA PRINCESA
*MUSICA POR- MUSIC CONTRIBUTE BY
DJ LEY
DJ MIKENYCE
DJ CAPO
DJ SABOR
DJ INOX
DJ DARTH FUEGO
DJ LEGEND
DJ PAPILUIS
DJ MANTEKILLA
You have the power to make a difference in someone's life
*INFO & ADMISSION (A MUST)
$$$$DONACION-DONATION ONLY $$$$
CLOTHES,FOOD,GIFT CARDS,MONEY,FUNITURES,TOYS ELECTRONICS
TOILETRIES
Suggested cash donation is $1 MINIMUM - however this is on a sliding scale....no one will be turned away. Please try to give what you can. Donations will be given to the American Red Cross
*Envoque will be part of the fundraiser
They will be selling
raffle ticket @$2.00(unlimited) The Winner will win a FREE dress of your choose from Envogue.(12s 8th street, Allentown pa 18101)
We will announce the winner on feb 27 2011 so come and join us. The winner choose any dress any color any style and size every dollar will be donated to the fundraiser.
sponsors by
Newforce Media,Ritmo magazine,Atrevete magazine,Appleseed ent,
Newstyletv,Sara la princesa,Latinolounge Media Group,Serrano Production Mindlab Production, New first class transportation,okie dokie solution,Dons&Divas,sebastian Marroquin,mendez niles
484.350.9082....TGIFENT@YAHOO.COM if you want to be a sponsor
HOPE FOR ALLENTOWN I: A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR 13th and ALLEN STREET
Sunday, February 27 · 2:00pm - 8:00pm
Fairview Volunteer Fire Co.
927 S 7th St
Allentown, PA
Created By:
Beyond Eden, Gloria Domina, Lillian Axe, Michael McKenna
More Info:
Women In Art In PA - WIAIPA & The Lehigh Valley Music Awards - LVMA
Proudly Present
"Hope For Allentown 1" - A Community Benefit Concert for the Families of 13th and Allen St Explosion
$7 Adults
$5 Student
Kids 12 and under FREE!!
We are planning a benefit with Women In Art In PA, a non profit 501 c3 org. for the families who lost their homes in the explosion in Allentown. Unlike other organizations, we are working directly with the families of this disaster and Legacy Christian Church which took people in during the disaster.
FOOD !! BAKE SALE!!! RAFFLES!!! DOOR PRIZES!!
Performers Include:
> Allie Santos
> Hip Hop artist Gina G-Child Morganello
> Beyond Eden
> Bank St Band - Easton School Of Rock
> Burn
> Sharon Elaine
> Sinister Realm
> James Supra Band
Sound will be provided by The Mad Dr.Sound w/Mad Dr. Models
Show Hosted by WXLV's MATT METAL
FREE PARKING WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER PARKING LOT AND THE CHURCH PARKING LOT ON WYOMING ST.
SILENT AUCTION & RAFFLE ITEMS
1 - $100 Gift card from Sangria
2 - $25 Gift cards from Mezza Luna
1 - $25 Gift Certificate from Penn Pizza
3 - $50 Registrations for COMMUNITY 2- Lehigh Valley Music Conference info @ www.communitylvmc.org
1 - $50 Tattoo Island Gift certificate & Gift Basket
1 - Autographed copy of "Reelin In The Years" by Michael McKenna
1 - Beatles Authentic Lithograph - Signed, Numbered with a certificate of authenticity valued on Ebay at $495 by Sam Younes
1 - Print from Artist - Julie Miller
5 - Wildflower Benefit CD's - The Benefit Project Band
1 -$30 gift card to Riverwalck Salloon http://riverwalcksaloon.com/
1 - Thirty-One Gifts Thermal Lunch Tote w/ coffee, tea and a mug
Brew Works Gift Certificates
Planet Fitness Gift Certificates
1 - Forbidden Ink Gift Certificate
1 - Gift certificate from La Belle Femme Salon
1 - $25 Lorenzo Pizza Giftcard
1 sitting fee from Heidi Martucci Photography
2 pairs of tickets to Lehigh Valley Roller Girls Sat. Mar 19th
1 -Movie Gift Basket incl Tickets, Popcorn & Candy by Colleen Delong
1 - Gift Certificate from Gadzooks Salon
Hand-Made Jewelry from Paula Divello & Bethany Cooke
Artwork from Gloria Domina
Gift Basket from LVMA
Gift Basket of Kitchen Items from Patty Hunsicker Castaneda
Misc. Gift Baskets
50 - Coupons for 3 Free Pretzels from Philly Pretzel Factory
1 - certificat for 2 free nights of boarding or 3 free days of daycare. value of $69.00 from A Furry Tail Come True Doggie Daycare and Boarding Center
and lots lots more
Food Donations
50 Soft Pretzels & from The Philly Pretzel Factory
200 Hot Dogs & Bar B Q from B&M Provisions
Cole Slaw from The Brewworks
100 Hot Dogs from Yoccos
The Lehigh Valley Roller Girls will be there on skates from 2 - 4 PM
**The Salvation Army will be there at the fire hall the day of the event with a donation truck and will be loading donations as they are received.
Things like New and Gently Used Clothing, Household Items and more
FULL LISTING OF ITEMS NEEDED CAN BE VIEWED HERE on BEYOND EDEN' PAGE http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/notes.php?id=114050035304516¬es_tab=app_2347471856
ALL CASH DONATIONS should be made out to WIAIPA (Women In Art In Pennsylvania) through their Paypal at WWW.WIAIPA.ORG or by Check to WIAIPA.
LVMA and WIAIPA are both 501 c 3 non profit organizations, all donations are tax deductible and 100% of the proceeds will be given to the victims
Our sincere "Thanks" go out to all who have donated items, services, their time and talents to make this possible!
Fairview Fire Co, Mezza Luna, Morning Call, WFMZ TV69, The Brew Works, Stacy Smith, Mad Dr Sound and Models, Community Lehigh Valley Music Conference II, Matt Metal WXLV, WZZO, B104, 99.9 The Hawk, Sam Younes, Tattoo Island, Julie Miller, Lehigh Valley Roller Girls, Riverwalck Saloon, WIAIPA, LVMA, Yoccos, Carmike Movie Theater, JAFLO Inc., Planet Fitness, Lisa Dreher, Jennifer Miklus, Michael McKenna, Gloria Domina, Mary Pierce Entertainment, Lillian Axe, Subway, Lorenzo Pizza, Heidi Martucci Photography, Patty Hunsicker Castaneda, Paula Divello, Bethany Cooke, Colleen Delong, Nikki Seibert, Forbidden Ink, Wildflower Benefit Project Band, La Belle Femme Salon, Philly Pretzel Factory, Sangria Restaurant, Penn Pizza, Gadzooks Salon, Thirty-One Gifts, The Restaurant Store, B&M Provisions, A Furry Tail Come True Doggie Daycare and Boarding Center, Butters Krust Baking Company, Egypt Star Bakery, Double Decker Records, Zandy's Steak Shop, Lehigh Valley Mall, Wally's Deli
All proceeds got to these families to help them in their time of need!
Please come to this Special Event!!!
Thank you to EVERYONE involved ...if you have any questions about donations by check or paypal please call GLORIA (215) 421-5644.
Monday, February 21, 2011
THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CLARION CALL
I had occasion to think about this topic again here recently. There were two things that triggered it. First, my good friend and fellow blogger Black Diaspora had a post up recently on the Black Hair Care Industry which can be read here. Shortly thereafter, I was speaking with someone who wound up closing up shop and their view was that they lacked the support of the African-American community. The latter is a frequent complaint that I have a perspective on and I’ll be addressing that in part 2 of this series of posts. I’ll preview this second post by saying unequivocally that my success in business has come from substantial backing from the African-American community, so my experience has been different and I really need to talk about my experiences with that.
This black hair care issue is a topic in and of itself, so I thought I’d devote this post to it. Although Madam CJ Walker and others created this industry, it has been taken over by Koreans, so we find ourselves in the incredibly ridiculous position of not being in control of products that black women use exclusively for their hair. Not only is this the situation here in the US, but in many places abroad as well.
So, the situation with the black hair care industry is a condition that exists internationally. I’m sure that if one were to go to areas in Africa and the Caribbean, we’d find a similar situation.
As a male, I don’t buy hair care products, so I really hadn’t thought much about this until BD’s post on this and viewing the videos produced by Aron Ranen. My first reaction is anger and it’s not directed at the Koreans, although it does seem that they’re doing some things to lock out African-American hair products entrepreneurs. I’m angry because once again, I hear someone laughing as they count the money they made from us wanting to “look good”. This “looking good” thing doesn’t stop with hair, but extends to clothes, cars, jewelry and whatever else that loses value as soon as one walks out the door with it. At the end of the day, many of us only have memories of looking good in whatever we’re wearing or driving while those who accommodated those needs extract wealth directly out of the African-American community. The Koreans are merely the latest installment of the various groups who’ve done this.
I really don’t need to say that with all our talk and bluster about this or that, this sort of thing makes us look like fools and there really shouldn’t be any doubt that we’re being laughed at.
This issue is a reflection of several things. The first thing is that rampant hedonism is the prevailing state of affairs among many within the African-American community. Totally unbeknownst to most, the African-American consumer market is heavily studied and behavior is shaped toward mass consumerism. If there’s any statistical blip in income or wealth, there’s someone who’s sitting around trying to figure out how to tap it. Trends and movements within the community are watched very closely with a near CIA type intelligence gathering operation as there are major dollars quietly riding on what direction things may take. Given that, there’s an interest that things stay in certain direction or that conditions remain a certain way. What I mean by this is that any degree of enlightened thinking is a direct threat to a host of economic interests that thrive off the existing conditions. For example, let’s say a movement took hold where Black Women decided to opt for natural hair styles. Such a movement would likely have its impetus from a political or social movement within and that mere movement would displace economic interests wedded to the existing state of affairs almost overnight. The African-American community is being watched very closely in this regard (as are most others).
Of course, a social change movement, that’s other than a fashion statement, will likely come from a leader or a group of leaders. Here’s where we have to ask what exactly is the state of black leadership. I’ve one litmus test for leadership which can be laid out with one question—is the leadership or group funded primarily from the African-American community? This is a critical question to ask, as if you don’t own the leadership, then you’re not in control of them. If you’re not in control of your leadership, then they don’t represent you, rather they’re someone’s representatives to you. This is so because whoever writes the check has the power to exert accountability. If you go through every major civil rights organization right on down to the various activist types, you’ll find not one where the majority of their income is tied to the community they purportedly represent. If you weren’t aware of that previously, you might find that shocking, but it’s true. Black people aren’t the majority financial backers of those who are supposed to be representing us and if their real backers were to stop funding them, these organizations and activists would disappear overnight. This is directly related to the black hair care situation and a host of other maladies in the African-American community.
Another word for all this outside funding would be advertising. Still another word might be lobbying. You might want to even consider it to be hush money, because not one of these so-called leaders has ever spoken about, let alone developed a structure to address, the hedonistic thinking. They’ve largely not spoken to the need for economic development in terms of what we ourselves can do. They’re too busy trying to stamp out the last vestige of racism while everyone and his mother is making incursions in our backyard and making out like a fat rat in a cheese factory.
It must be understood that we’re being very subtly positioned to continue a pursuit of social justice exclusively. This is what is being funded and it’s being funded by those who really have no interest in social justice. Their interests revolve around economics and as long as 100% of our efforts are directly towards the latest march, commemorations, victimhood and etc., they know that there’s no one attending to the political and economic development of the community. That provides a clear path for uninterrupted wealth extraction. Like I said, the Koreans are only the latest installment of various groups who’ve exploited the situation. Let me be clear here. Social justice isn’t the only problem and yet 100% of our efforts are spent in that direction. At bottom, this is a leadership problem, so that means that fixing the problem means fixing the leadership problems first and before the other issues can be addressed.
On the one hand, our problem is the lack of financially independent leadership. On the other hand, the leadership ranks are depleted because our best and brightest are not available to our community as they’re generally employed elsewhere. In a way, another form of wealth is being extracted in terms of people. That leaves us at a competitive disadvantage as the Koreans and others have their best with them as they figure out how to target and control an industry.
We have to understand the issue more broadly and see it as more than just the Koreans taking over. It’s our positioning and a dearth of leadership that has set this up and as long as this continues, we’ll experience successive iterations of various groups doing the same thing while our community gets poorer and poorer. Yes, I’m angry, but it’s not at the Koreans, but at the pretenders sitting on the throne of leadership. If there’s any place where there needs to be a palace coup, it’s in the African-American communities across the nation.
PROLIFICK WRITINGS by TREMAYNE TATEM
Black History Month: Where Do We Go From Here?
“I don’t want Black History month. Black History is American History.”
-Morgan Freeman
Who Dropped The Ball?
Black History Month was initiated by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, which started out a just a week. He set out to create an opportunity to further recognize the contributions African-Americans made to society, but also to underline the harms of racial prejudice and black self-esteem following centuries socio-economic oppression.
Something would stir up pride and dignity for the African American race and improve race relations on a whole; and that was great in the late 20s, especially as it evolved from being recognized as a national celebration in 1976 from what it has become today. Each generation thereafter has added more and more meaning and depth to the celebrated month, but what happened?
Did a generation drop the ball; have we become satisfied with just one month of celebration?
Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for the opportunity to recognize and celebrate those on whose shoulders we stand, but I think this generation needs to raise our voices through blogs, social media, etc. to push more Afro-centric points of view into the public school system. Our educational system is the first point of reference besides our homes that children have to learn about themselves.
Generations before us have got us to this point; to have a month that celebrates African American heritage. However, is it the responsibility of this generation to continue to push to integrate our heritage in to the public school classrooms where we are celebrated on a weekly basis? This would be no easy task and could take decades to accomplish, but our fore parents sacrificed and did it for us.
The Power Of Positive Images...
Let's face it, even our white counter parts, under some simple assessment would admit to this hyper-euro centric view that is showcased in the history textbooks, where African Americans maybe get one chapter that is normally taught in February. This is not a Marcus Garvey, let's go back and move to Africa message, I just think we are doing the total student population with all of its diversity a disservice by not making the African and African American view to the table. For instance, did the Greeks really invent geometry, algebra, calculus, etc? The history books will tell us the Greeks played a major role in evolving these mathematical expressions, but they learned all that from the Egyptians, who were kings and queens and architects of culture and civilations.
All I am saying is tell us the whole story.
When the children do not have positive images portrayed continually they will only perform at the level of what has been shown to them. So if the highest level of income earners that they see are the drug dealers on the corner that is the level at which they will perform. If the highest level of education in their home is barely a high school education at what level do you expect this future generation of African American boys and girls to perform at.
The "Golden Years"
Since Martin was silenced and passed on into the next life, its seems as if we have slowly lost our voice of reason for justice. Becoming confused in the 70s, "arriving" in 80s and producing group children in 90s that have lost the sense of what it means to struggle. I am also included in this that have enjoyed the fruit of the labor of our fore parents labor. The 90s were definitely the '"golden years" for African Americans, Bill Clinton was in office and everything seemed to be great and if you ask most black people they will tell you that Bill Clinton was the real first black president. When he went on Arsenio Hall playing the saxophone, that sealed the deal.
However have things changed much for African Americans since the 90s?
Have We Made Progress?
Although not many things have changed in our neighborhoods, I must say that we have made some progress on the entertainment and sports front. There are even more opportunities in other areas of influence as well such as, law, medicine, and politics. Not only African American babies, but all races of babies that were born in 2008 will be fortunate to only know having an African American family in the White House up until the age of 4, maybe 8 if Barack Obama wins a second term.
Do you think this generation when they get older will question having just having one month to celebrate African American history. They will see this as just American history. I think it is the responsibility of this current generation to sacrifice our lives to give that gift to them, and this was the hope of the original founder Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
This black hair care issue is a topic in and of itself, so I thought I’d devote this post to it. Although Madam CJ Walker and others created this industry, it has been taken over by Koreans, so we find ourselves in the incredibly ridiculous position of not being in control of products that black women use exclusively for their hair. Not only is this the situation here in the US, but in many places abroad as well.
So, the situation with the black hair care industry is a condition that exists internationally. I’m sure that if one were to go to areas in Africa and the Caribbean, we’d find a similar situation.
As a male, I don’t buy hair care products, so I really hadn’t thought much about this until BD’s post on this and viewing the videos produced by Aron Ranen. My first reaction is anger and it’s not directed at the Koreans, although it does seem that they’re doing some things to lock out African-American hair products entrepreneurs. I’m angry because once again, I hear someone laughing as they count the money they made from us wanting to “look good”. This “looking good” thing doesn’t stop with hair, but extends to clothes, cars, jewelry and whatever else that loses value as soon as one walks out the door with it. At the end of the day, many of us only have memories of looking good in whatever we’re wearing or driving while those who accommodated those needs extract wealth directly out of the African-American community. The Koreans are merely the latest installment of the various groups who’ve done this.
I really don’t need to say that with all our talk and bluster about this or that, this sort of thing makes us look like fools and there really shouldn’t be any doubt that we’re being laughed at.
This issue is a reflection of several things. The first thing is that rampant hedonism is the prevailing state of affairs among many within the African-American community. Totally unbeknownst to most, the African-American consumer market is heavily studied and behavior is shaped toward mass consumerism. If there’s any statistical blip in income or wealth, there’s someone who’s sitting around trying to figure out how to tap it. Trends and movements within the community are watched very closely with a near CIA type intelligence gathering operation as there are major dollars quietly riding on what direction things may take. Given that, there’s an interest that things stay in certain direction or that conditions remain a certain way. What I mean by this is that any degree of enlightened thinking is a direct threat to a host of economic interests that thrive off the existing conditions. For example, let’s say a movement took hold where Black Women decided to opt for natural hair styles. Such a movement would likely have its impetus from a political or social movement within and that mere movement would displace economic interests wedded to the existing state of affairs almost overnight. The African-American community is being watched very closely in this regard (as are most others).
Of course, a social change movement, that’s other than a fashion statement, will likely come from a leader or a group of leaders. Here’s where we have to ask what exactly is the state of black leadership. I’ve one litmus test for leadership which can be laid out with one question—is the leadership or group funded primarily from the African-American community? This is a critical question to ask, as if you don’t own the leadership, then you’re not in control of them. If you’re not in control of your leadership, then they don’t represent you, rather they’re someone’s representatives to you. This is so because whoever writes the check has the power to exert accountability. If you go through every major civil rights organization right on down to the various activist types, you’ll find not one where the majority of their income is tied to the community they purportedly represent. If you weren’t aware of that previously, you might find that shocking, but it’s true. Black people aren’t the majority financial backers of those who are supposed to be representing us and if their real backers were to stop funding them, these organizations and activists would disappear overnight. This is directly related to the black hair care situation and a host of other maladies in the African-American community.
Another word for all this outside funding would be advertising. Still another word might be lobbying. You might want to even consider it to be hush money, because not one of these so-called leaders has ever spoken about, let alone developed a structure to address, the hedonistic thinking. They’ve largely not spoken to the need for economic development in terms of what we ourselves can do. They’re too busy trying to stamp out the last vestige of racism while everyone and his mother is making incursions in our backyard and making out like a fat rat in a cheese factory.
It must be understood that we’re being very subtly positioned to continue a pursuit of social justice exclusively. This is what is being funded and it’s being funded by those who really have no interest in social justice. Their interests revolve around economics and as long as 100% of our efforts are directly towards the latest march, commemorations, victimhood and etc., they know that there’s no one attending to the political and economic development of the community. That provides a clear path for uninterrupted wealth extraction. Like I said, the Koreans are only the latest installment of various groups who’ve exploited the situation. Let me be clear here. Social justice isn’t the only problem and yet 100% of our efforts are spent in that direction. At bottom, this is a leadership problem, so that means that fixing the problem means fixing the leadership problems first and before the other issues can be addressed.
On the one hand, our problem is the lack of financially independent leadership. On the other hand, the leadership ranks are depleted because our best and brightest are not available to our community as they’re generally employed elsewhere. In a way, another form of wealth is being extracted in terms of people. That leaves us at a competitive disadvantage as the Koreans and others have their best with them as they figure out how to target and control an industry.
We have to understand the issue more broadly and see it as more than just the Koreans taking over. It’s our positioning and a dearth of leadership that has set this up and as long as this continues, we’ll experience successive iterations of various groups doing the same thing while our community gets poorer and poorer. Yes, I’m angry, but it’s not at the Koreans, but at the pretenders sitting on the throne of leadership. If there’s any place where there needs to be a palace coup, it’s in the African-American communities across the nation.
PROLIFICK WRITINGS by TREMAYNE TATEM
Black History Month: Where Do We Go From Here?
“I don’t want Black History month. Black History is American History.”
-Morgan Freeman
Who Dropped The Ball?
Black History Month was initiated by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, which started out a just a week. He set out to create an opportunity to further recognize the contributions African-Americans made to society, but also to underline the harms of racial prejudice and black self-esteem following centuries socio-economic oppression.
Something would stir up pride and dignity for the African American race and improve race relations on a whole; and that was great in the late 20s, especially as it evolved from being recognized as a national celebration in 1976 from what it has become today. Each generation thereafter has added more and more meaning and depth to the celebrated month, but what happened?
Did a generation drop the ball; have we become satisfied with just one month of celebration?
Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for the opportunity to recognize and celebrate those on whose shoulders we stand, but I think this generation needs to raise our voices through blogs, social media, etc. to push more Afro-centric points of view into the public school system. Our educational system is the first point of reference besides our homes that children have to learn about themselves.
Generations before us have got us to this point; to have a month that celebrates African American heritage. However, is it the responsibility of this generation to continue to push to integrate our heritage in to the public school classrooms where we are celebrated on a weekly basis? This would be no easy task and could take decades to accomplish, but our fore parents sacrificed and did it for us.
The Power Of Positive Images...
Let's face it, even our white counter parts, under some simple assessment would admit to this hyper-euro centric view that is showcased in the history textbooks, where African Americans maybe get one chapter that is normally taught in February. This is not a Marcus Garvey, let's go back and move to Africa message, I just think we are doing the total student population with all of its diversity a disservice by not making the African and African American view to the table. For instance, did the Greeks really invent geometry, algebra, calculus, etc? The history books will tell us the Greeks played a major role in evolving these mathematical expressions, but they learned all that from the Egyptians, who were kings and queens and architects of culture and civilations.
All I am saying is tell us the whole story.
When the children do not have positive images portrayed continually they will only perform at the level of what has been shown to them. So if the highest level of income earners that they see are the drug dealers on the corner that is the level at which they will perform. If the highest level of education in their home is barely a high school education at what level do you expect this future generation of African American boys and girls to perform at.
The "Golden Years"
Since Martin was silenced and passed on into the next life, its seems as if we have slowly lost our voice of reason for justice. Becoming confused in the 70s, "arriving" in 80s and producing group children in 90s that have lost the sense of what it means to struggle. I am also included in this that have enjoyed the fruit of the labor of our fore parents labor. The 90s were definitely the '"golden years" for African Americans, Bill Clinton was in office and everything seemed to be great and if you ask most black people they will tell you that Bill Clinton was the real first black president. When he went on Arsenio Hall playing the saxophone, that sealed the deal.
However have things changed much for African Americans since the 90s?
Have We Made Progress?
Although not many things have changed in our neighborhoods, I must say that we have made some progress on the entertainment and sports front. There are even more opportunities in other areas of influence as well such as, law, medicine, and politics. Not only African American babies, but all races of babies that were born in 2008 will be fortunate to only know having an African American family in the White House up until the age of 4, maybe 8 if Barack Obama wins a second term.
Do you think this generation when they get older will question having just having one month to celebrate African American history. They will see this as just American history. I think it is the responsibility of this current generation to sacrifice our lives to give that gift to them, and this was the hope of the original founder Dr. Carter G. Woodson.
PROLIFICK HAPPENINGS
"URBAN EXCLUSIVES", MONDAY-FRIDAY, 12pm - 2pm
"FINDING THE COURAGE WITHIN YOU", with ELLEN SUAZO, TUESDAYS, 2pm - 3pm
"SISTER'S KEEPER RADIO SHOW", with VICTORIA KAGENI, WEDNESDAYS, 2pm - 3:30pm
"R U ALL THAT RADIO SHOW", with PATRICE SIDOIONE, THURSDAYS, 2pm - 3pm
"DONS AND DIVAS OF DANCE RADIO SHOW" with PAULA BRION, SATURDAYS, 4pm - 5pm
"Da TESTIMONY" with PAULA BRION, SUNDAYS, 3pm - 6pm
EVENTS:
You've heard her on THE "R U ALL THAT ?" RADIO SHOW on Thursdays from 2pm -3pm,on PROLIFICK RADIO, ( www.prolifick.com ), talking about her legendary exploits as a celebrity stylist; giving advice regarding the realities of image/hair care; and offering entrepreneurship opportunities - SO NOW COME AND MEET HER IN PERSON!
THERE WILL BE DOOR PRIZES / FOOD / DRINKS / DESSERTS and more!!!!
*** 50% off ENTIRE IN SALON PURCHASES ***
PATRICE SIDOIONE will also be giving information on TRUE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE for YOU to OWN your OWN BUSINESS with NO MONEY DOWN!!!
Remember, " TO LOOK GOOD IS TO FEEL GOOD "
FREE VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS EVENT
FOR MORE INFORMATION: 610 821 3003 / 484 619 6541
SISTER'S KEEPER: ECONOMIC AND PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT WOMEN'S CONFERENCE
Saturday, March 26 · 9:00am - 5:00pm
Holiday Inn Conference Center
7736 Adrienne Drive
Allentown, PA
Created By:
Gusa By Victoria.
More Info:
This is the 2nd Annual "Sister's Keeper " event created to foster the economic & personal well being of women in & around the Tri-State area.Several dynamic accomplished women from around the nation will be on hand to share ,inspire,motivate & cheer you on toward becoming the EXTRAORDINARY woman you were created to be.
Debrena Jackson Gandy , 2 time National Best-Selling Author, is our confirmed Keynote speaker among others to be announced.Save the date & stay tuned for more details as they continue to unfold. A portion of our prceeds will benefit "TURNING POINT OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY".
THANKS TO ALL THE SUPPORTER'S of "Da TESTIMONY with PAULA BRION"! AWESOME CALL-IN'S, AWESOME GUESTS, AWESOME MUSIC! If you have any BIRTHDAYS, ANNIVERSARIES, PRAYER for SICK/SHUT-IN'S that you want mentioned, e-mail them to alfonsotodd36@msn.com. SEE YOU ALL SUNDAY AFTERNOON from 3pm - 6pm on www.prolifick.com / AND REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN DOWNLOAD PAULA'S SONGS ON I-TUNES, AMAZON, ZUNE
BE SURE TO TUNE IN FOR THE NEW DAILY SEGMENT: "THE BE WELL CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER 5 MINUTE FACT / TIP OF THE DAY" on "URBAN EXCLUSIVES" heard on PROLIFICK RADIO! www.prolifick.com www.bewellchiropractic.net
COMING SOON: THE BE WELL CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER EXHIBITION on
APRIL 2,2011, 12pm - 5pm
2299 Brodhead Road
Suite A
Bethlehem, PA 18020
Phone: 610.317.9355
XTREME: DOMINICAN INDEPENDENCE CONCERT!
Friday at 9:30pm - February 26 at 2:00am
Maingate
448 N 7th st
Allentown, PA
HOSTED by:Kelvin Carrasquilla, Ern Imflyent, Main Gate
More Info:
Xtreme live in Concert
"Shorty Shorty" " LLoro LLoro" "Te Extrano"
Representing for the Dominican Independance
Time - 10pm-2am
21 & over event
DJ's - Miguel Mixx - Capo - Mantekilla
Bachata/Mambo/Merengue/Dance/Top 10's/ Best musical Blends
**************************************************
(((-VIP TIX is only $25-))) --- (((Only 100 tix available)))
Private access to Meet & Greet with Xtreme
Photo Ops and Autographs
Free Drink and Free Appetizers
Contact Appleseed Ent for exclusive VIP tix @ 484-358-9412
**************************************************
Tix price is $12 between 10p-10.30p
Tix price is $15 after 10.30p
This is a presentation of Appleseed Enterprises, Makers of the:
Latin Extravanganza
El Vacilon Comedy Show w/ Ruperto Vanderpool
Benefit concert For Breast Cancer
Look out for Summer events, Festivals & Concerts
Or Visit
Appleseedentllc.com
7th ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS BASH TO BENEFIT PRIDE OF THE GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27th
7PM - THE LAST AWARD
HIGH GRAVITY(2ND FLOOR) ALLENTOWN BREWWORKS
$25 COVER INCLUDES:
COMPLIMENTARY COCKTAIL, APPETIZERS, PASTA BAR, DESSERT, GIANT SCREEN VIEWING, SILENT AUCTION, RAFFLES, SWAG BAGS, OSCAR BALLOTS & TRIVIA QUESTIONS WITH PRIZES, PHOTO BOOTH FOR FUN PIX WITH OUR OSCAR AND YOUR FRIENDS AND LOTS MORE!!!!!!!
PLEASE MAKE RESERVATIONS AT thebrewworks.com or prideglv.org
ICAN OF THE LEHIGH VALLEY WINE TASTING
Please join us Tuesday evening March 15th from 6-9pm at Sagra Bistro in Hellertown, PA for a fantastic fundraiser, wine tasting, and dinner. The $110 per ticket price includes a buffet dinner (see menu below), set of 4 Riedel Vinum Stemware Tasting Set, Riedel representative-led wine flight tasting and discussion. $25 of each ticket is tax deductible! Please see the attached flyer, visit us on Facebook, or go to our website for details www.icanoflehighvalley.com. You can purchase tickets with a check (send to ICAN of Lehigh Valley, 928 Kepler Road, Pottstown, PA 19464) or online www.icanwinetasting.eventsbot.com.
This event is being hosted by ICAN of Lehigh Valley. ICAN of Lehigh valley is the local chapter of the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) in Allentown, PA. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC).
The menu for the evening will be:
Spring Salad Mix with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Spinach and Ricotta Gnudi (vegetarian)
Napa Style Crab Cakes
Pan Sauteed Lemon Chicken with Cerinolga Olive and Burre Rouge Sauce
Tuscan Style Roasted Broccoli
Potato Gratin
Warm Cookies
We hope to see you there!
Carrie Ballek & Lisa Heffner
Chapter Co-Leaders, ICAN of Lehigh Valley
Carrie (610) 316-7968
Lisa (484) 300-4184
www.icanoflehighvalley.com
This event is being hosted by ICAN of Lehigh Valley. ICAN of Lehigh valley is the local chapter of the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) in Allentown, PA. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC).
The menu for the evening will be:
Spring Salad Mix with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Spinach and Ricotta Gnudi (vegetarian)
Napa Style Crab Cakes
Pan Sauteed Lemon Chicken with Cerinolga Olive and Burre Rouge Sauce
Tuscan Style Roasted Broccoli
Potato Gratin
Warm Cookies
We hope to see you there!
Carrie Ballek & Lisa Heffner
Chapter Co-Leaders, ICAN of Lehigh Valley
Carrie (610) 316-7968
Lisa (484) 300-4184
www.icanoflehighvalley.com
"In Unison" Group Art Exhibit @ Touchstone Theatre - 3/4/11
For Immediate Media Release: 2/17/11
Event: "In Unison" Group Art Exhibit @ Touchstone Theatre 3/4/11
Organization: The Community Artists of Bethlehem
Contact: Loly Reynolds lolymosaics@yahoo.com 484-554-5229
Community Artists of Bethlehem are proud to be collaborating with The Touchstone Theatre (321 E. 4th St. Bethlehem, Pa. 610-867-1689) on two great openings!!!!
The first opening starts tomorrow (February 18th and 19th) when apprentices, Anne Losq and Mariel Iezzoni, take the stage with their original theatrical work in Fresh Voices, "A Matter of Moments" in three thought provoking pieces. Each perform their own solo piece and then they combine their talents in collaboration for the third. The cost is "pay what you will" with an opening reception on Fridays' performance and an artists talk back at the end of Saturdays' performance! Don't miss this great opportunity to be enriched by local theatre!!!!
The second opening is "In Unison" Art Exhibition, presented by The Community Artists of Bethlehem March 4, 2011 (First Friday) 6pm-10pm, however the exhibit will be open for self guided tours as of 2/18/11. This mixed medium exhibit features 20 area artists (see attached poster) and represents artists who are just emerging as well as seasoned. At CAB, we feel the "people are the pieces" that weaves the energy and essence of a community, and "In Unison" we speak out in a shared voice to engage in a deeper understanding. Included in this reception with be a chance to meet with the artists, light fare, wine, and entertainment by bluegrass band, "Free Range Folk" of Jim Thorpe, Pa.
We are also accepting donations for the Allentown gas explosion victims. If you care to write a check, please make it payable to The Pennsylvania Red Cross with Allentown gas explosion victims written in the memo so that proceeds go specifically to them. Other donations we are accepting is cash and gift cards to food stores/home stores. Thank you for your help with this effort!
For more information on Fresh Voices, "A Matter of Moments" please follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=193051610721520
For More information on "Free Range Folk" Bluegrass Group please follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/freerangefolk
or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzGIbHefTkg
For more information on The Community Artists of Bethlehem" please follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Community-Artists-of-Bethlehem/190532570622
Please feel free to print out the poster and/or share this e-mail with any interest parties. Thanks for your support! The people are the pieces!
ARTSQUEST is making moves by obtaining progressive people who can MAKE IT HAPPEN...
LEVITT PAVILION STEELSTACKS ANNOUNCES
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Community Advocate and SouthSide Bethlehem Resident to Lead New Community Music Venue
BETHLEHEM, PA—Olga Negron of Bethlehem has been named the first Executive Director of the nonprofit Friends of the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks™, the organization announced today.
"The hiring of our executive director represents the next major step in the development of this dynamic outdoor music pavilion," said Friends of Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks Board of Directors President Jim Creedon. "Olga’s deep roots in the community and her commitment to service are the perfect combination to lead the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks." Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks, which is made possible through the support of the Mortimer Levitt Foundation and the national Levitt Pavilions organization, will host its opening concert July 2 and feature 30 free concerts during its inaugural series in 2011. The pavilion will host more than 50 free concerts annually May through August starting in 2012. Programming and management of the pavilion will be done by Friends of Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks, which is responsible for operating the venue.
"This is an opportunity for me to continue to serve the Lehigh Valley community in a new and exciting capacity," said Negron, who comes to Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks from the Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations of the Lehigh Valley, where she served as the council’s executive director. "Music brings people together and creates its own sense of community. What better way to create that community than by bringing live, free music to this new pavilion in the heart of this former steel plant, which was so important to the community for so many years."
At Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks, concert-goers will be able to bring their blankets or chairs and relax under the stars on the lawn as they enjoy a wide variety of local, regional and national performing artists. Blues, rock, Latin, world and country music are just some of the genres that will be showcased at the venue, which has a capacity of 2,500 people. Levitt pavilions are developed through private/public partnerships in collaboration with the host cities through support from public officials, business and community leaders and people from throughout the community. Typically located in public parks, each Levitt Pavilion is a city-owned facility that is managed and programmed by a local Friends of Levitt Pavilion nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Through this innovative private/public structure, resources are leveraged to revitalize public spaces and provide high quality arts programming that’s accessible to all.
In addition to Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks, the Levitt network includes outdoor venues in Memorial Park, Pasadena, Calif.; Los Angeles’ McArthur Park; Overton Park in Memphis; Founders Plaza in Arlington, Texas; and the original Levitt Pavilion in Westport, Conn. Each venue presents the Levitt program of 50 or more professional concerts annually, with free admission to the public. Programming is designed to appeal to all tastes, bringing people from all ages and backgrounds together to share an evening of great music and a true feeling of community.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Community Advocate and SouthSide Bethlehem Resident to Lead New Community Music Venue
BETHLEHEM, PA—Olga Negron of Bethlehem has been named the first Executive Director of the nonprofit Friends of the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks™, the organization announced today.
"The hiring of our executive director represents the next major step in the development of this dynamic outdoor music pavilion," said Friends of Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks Board of Directors President Jim Creedon. "Olga’s deep roots in the community and her commitment to service are the perfect combination to lead the Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks." Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks, which is made possible through the support of the Mortimer Levitt Foundation and the national Levitt Pavilions organization, will host its opening concert July 2 and feature 30 free concerts during its inaugural series in 2011. The pavilion will host more than 50 free concerts annually May through August starting in 2012. Programming and management of the pavilion will be done by Friends of Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks, which is responsible for operating the venue.
"This is an opportunity for me to continue to serve the Lehigh Valley community in a new and exciting capacity," said Negron, who comes to Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks from the Council of Spanish Speaking Organizations of the Lehigh Valley, where she served as the council’s executive director. "Music brings people together and creates its own sense of community. What better way to create that community than by bringing live, free music to this new pavilion in the heart of this former steel plant, which was so important to the community for so many years."
At Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks, concert-goers will be able to bring their blankets or chairs and relax under the stars on the lawn as they enjoy a wide variety of local, regional and national performing artists. Blues, rock, Latin, world and country music are just some of the genres that will be showcased at the venue, which has a capacity of 2,500 people. Levitt pavilions are developed through private/public partnerships in collaboration with the host cities through support from public officials, business and community leaders and people from throughout the community. Typically located in public parks, each Levitt Pavilion is a city-owned facility that is managed and programmed by a local Friends of Levitt Pavilion nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Through this innovative private/public structure, resources are leveraged to revitalize public spaces and provide high quality arts programming that’s accessible to all.
In addition to Levitt Pavilion SteelStacks, the Levitt network includes outdoor venues in Memorial Park, Pasadena, Calif.; Los Angeles’ McArthur Park; Overton Park in Memphis; Founders Plaza in Arlington, Texas; and the original Levitt Pavilion in Westport, Conn. Each venue presents the Levitt program of 50 or more professional concerts annually, with free admission to the public. Programming is designed to appeal to all tastes, bringing people from all ages and backgrounds together to share an evening of great music and a true feeling of community.
PROMINENT LEHIGH VALLEY ARTIST, GREGORY COATES, is a GLOBAL PHENOMENON / PROLIFICK PEOPLE DOING INTERESTING THINGS INTERNATIONALLY!"
Children of Paradise
February 19th – March 12th
Viewed by Appointment
Nordbahnstraße 10, 13409 Berlin, Germany. +49 (0) 30 51 06 02 24
Dada Post proudly presents our first exhibition of the 2011 season titled: Children of Paradise. This is a multigenerational exhibition presented under the banner of our yearlong Geopraxis program, and features ten highly diverse artists - who do not live or work in Berlin, although all (except one) lived or currently lives in New York.
The Artists:
Hugo Bastidas ¡ Dineke Blom ¡ Gregory Coates ¡ Edward Clark ¡ Asha De Costa ¡ Julie Durkin ¡ Nickolas Krushenick ¡ Elizabeth Newman Kuiper ¡ Kazuko Miyamoto ¡ Alan Uglow
The exodus from New York over the past decade, to places like Los Angeles and Berlin, has been nothing short of amazing. It seems that New York's centrality to the art world has passed its peak, and is teetering under the weight of a “money creed with out culture”.
As Leonard Cohen famously sang: "First we'll take Manhattan, then we'll take Berlin."
Children of Paradise: in the case of this exhibition, is one that examines the interloper status (like an invasive species), which applies to non-indigenous species, or "non-native", animals whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic harm, environmental harm, or harm to cultural autonomy. The term "invasive" is used for the most aggressive species. These species grow and reproduce rapidly, causing major disturbance to the areas in which they are present – thanks to drugs – sex- and rock n roll.
Geopraxis:
Seeking/Rejecting the Emblematic in Global Culture
Geopraxis is a Dada Post yearlong program of inquiry on the state of art practice of our current era of global society. It is a program initiated by Dada Post to examine the conditions and problems of the phenomenon of globalization, and its impact on art practice.
Is it true that any environment that attracts, sustains, and retains globally resourceful artists will inevitably flourish and blossom into something new and exciting? The colonization of Berlin by a steady influx of artists from all over the world since 1989 has resulted in a consequence where Berlin has become the new global center for the disparate ideas that currently inform every kind of contemporary art. The current Berlin art scene is diverse in its condition, and very focused on the arrival of its internationalization.
For more information please contact: info@dadapost.com
Follow Dada Post On Facebook
Dada Post is now featured on Sleek magazine’s selection of the city’s most interesting art spots, in the form of an iPhone application.
DIRECTIONS:
By S-Bahn:
S-1 (Direction Oranienburg) and S-25 (Direction Hennigsdorf), to the Schönholz station.
not the Wollankstrasse station.
WRITINGS FROM THE ARCHIVES - "THOUGHTS THAT ARE STILL RELEVANT TODAY" by J.BLACK
Okay, so I am about to practice what I preach and put myself out there! Do I love to club and dance ? Yes. Do I like the females ? Yes. Am I spontaneous, fun-loving, unorthodox, and a bit bi-polar-like ? Yep. But I believe these characterisitcs are what may be needed to make a change in this place called Lehigh Valley and more importantly, this great place called Allentown!!!
Let me explain, I have a non-profit organization called Project R.E.A.L. and it is about DOING things for those in NEED in the community. We also are about making adjustments and changing the status quo; meaning: at this moment Allentown is thought of as the dingiest, dirtiest, grimiest place in the Lehigh Valley. The people (myself included) are thought of as vile hoodlums, uneducated thugs, lazy welfare recipients, and shiftless individuals who would be better off in jail or shipped overseas or blasted into space. (Actual quates from Morning Call blogs)
We have a daily newspaper that beats down the city every chance it gets. If you read and BELIEVED the Morning Call, Allentown, PA is like a third world country that is full of death, destruction, and mayhem. Do we have our elements of crime here? Yes. But no more than any other city in the area. Do we have drugs here? Yep. Just like every other surrounding city. So why is Allentown constantly singled out, but more importantly what can we do to STOP THE MADNESS ?
It's easy to say RACISM is the reason, but let's get deeper. Many are upset because Allentown is no longer the place it was in the 60's, 70's, and early 80's.People are different, places are different, and lifestyles are different. Does that make them better or worse? Nope, just different. But this is unacceptable to many. So, people with influence begin to say how bad it is in Allentown and how the people are nothing but those hip hop, immigrants that are about nothing but murder, selling drugs, and having babies. Now, do we have people like THIS in A-town? Sure, but no more than they do in Easton, Bethlehem, Center Valley, Nazareth, Macungie, etc.
Now, what can WE do as a people ? Meaning Blacks, Puerto Ricans, Whites, Dominicans, Asians, Syrians, , Cubans, Koreans, Indians, Africans and any other nationality that is here and I didn't PURPOSELY leave out. Well, first, let's take RESPONSIBILITY for OUR actions. The streets of Allentown can't stay clean, drug-free, and violence-free by themselves. We have to be held accountable for our actions and we have to be our BROTHER'S KEEPER, literally. If someone is doing wrong or trying to do wrong, call it out and don't be one of those "It's none of my business" people. Because if something does jump off and it lands on your door step and your Mom, Dad, sister, brother, cousin, or any family member or best friends are effected, then YOU'LL see the importance of community action. Secondly, if you are doing well and can help others, then do it. Don't give money, give direction. If they're on drugs, hungry, need healthcare, have emotional problems, etc. investigate and let them know where they can get help. A phone book, a phone call, and a couple of minutes of your time, can help more than a couple of dollars any day. THEY may not think so, but we need to look for long term solutions and stop thinking of a convenient way out for the moment. Thirdly, stop fighting and killing each other over things that in a year won't mean a thing. Why are we fighting over relationships (in the public) that WE know are no good for us? Why are 2-3 women fighting over their baby's father who has gone on with ANOTHER female ? Why are fellas fighting over drugs and locations that only have you making just enough to "get by"?
The solution to all of this is that Allentown needs to become a TRUE community. We have to stop the "have and have-nots" mentality. We have to STOP the "us against them" mentality. We have to stop the "wanna-be thug and going to jail is cool" mentality. We have to stop the "I'll have this baby to keep my man or to keep me company or to have something to care for" mentality. We have to stop the "school is for suckers" mentality. We have to stop the" I hate those kids because of their baggy pants and tank tops" mentality. We have to stop the "Allentown is a ghetto because people of color live there" mentality. We have to stop the "Allentown is a bad place to visit, shop, and just live mentality" Because once you leave Allentown, there is a whole new world that exists and whether you want to see it or not, that world is coming to Allentown, slowly but surely and either you have yourself together and be ready to work and roll with it or you will be the outdated baby's momma and gangsta thug who only has but so many options and most of them lead to no where.
And this is why I created Project R.E.A.L. to prevent our youth from going down the road of hardship and to help the older people get off the road and obtain better skills, jobs, and a brighter future. I don't just mean words either. I have discovered programs that can actually make a difference.
Because the way I figure, the same energy that I use to dance and party in the club, I can use to help a person in need; my love for females must be transformed to a love for women and their families (who are the future) and develop a way for them, as well as their baby's fathers who do WANT to be involved, to become educated and have a better life; and my fun-loving, spontaneous, unorthodox, and spontaneous ways may be what I need to deal with the politics of business and the city of Allentown, as well as MY people who live HERE on a daily basis, like me. So, call me, and get involved!!!!
610 433 3538, hit me up!!1
Let me explain, I have a non-profit organization called Project R.E.A.L. and it is about DOING things for those in NEED in the community. We also are about making adjustments and changing the status quo; meaning: at this moment Allentown is thought of as the dingiest, dirtiest, grimiest place in the Lehigh Valley. The people (myself included) are thought of as vile hoodlums, uneducated thugs, lazy welfare recipients, and shiftless individuals who would be better off in jail or shipped overseas or blasted into space. (Actual quates from Morning Call blogs)
We have a daily newspaper that beats down the city every chance it gets. If you read and BELIEVED the Morning Call, Allentown, PA is like a third world country that is full of death, destruction, and mayhem. Do we have our elements of crime here? Yes. But no more than any other city in the area. Do we have drugs here? Yep. Just like every other surrounding city. So why is Allentown constantly singled out, but more importantly what can we do to STOP THE MADNESS ?
It's easy to say RACISM is the reason, but let's get deeper. Many are upset because Allentown is no longer the place it was in the 60's, 70's, and early 80's.People are different, places are different, and lifestyles are different. Does that make them better or worse? Nope, just different. But this is unacceptable to many. So, people with influence begin to say how bad it is in Allentown and how the people are nothing but those hip hop, immigrants that are about nothing but murder, selling drugs, and having babies. Now, do we have people like THIS in A-town? Sure, but no more than they do in Easton, Bethlehem, Center Valley, Nazareth, Macungie, etc.
Now, what can WE do as a people ? Meaning Blacks, Puerto Ricans, Whites, Dominicans, Asians, Syrians, , Cubans, Koreans, Indians, Africans and any other nationality that is here and I didn't PURPOSELY leave out. Well, first, let's take RESPONSIBILITY for OUR actions. The streets of Allentown can't stay clean, drug-free, and violence-free by themselves. We have to be held accountable for our actions and we have to be our BROTHER'S KEEPER, literally. If someone is doing wrong or trying to do wrong, call it out and don't be one of those "It's none of my business" people. Because if something does jump off and it lands on your door step and your Mom, Dad, sister, brother, cousin, or any family member or best friends are effected, then YOU'LL see the importance of community action. Secondly, if you are doing well and can help others, then do it. Don't give money, give direction. If they're on drugs, hungry, need healthcare, have emotional problems, etc. investigate and let them know where they can get help. A phone book, a phone call, and a couple of minutes of your time, can help more than a couple of dollars any day. THEY may not think so, but we need to look for long term solutions and stop thinking of a convenient way out for the moment. Thirdly, stop fighting and killing each other over things that in a year won't mean a thing. Why are we fighting over relationships (in the public) that WE know are no good for us? Why are 2-3 women fighting over their baby's father who has gone on with ANOTHER female ? Why are fellas fighting over drugs and locations that only have you making just enough to "get by"?
The solution to all of this is that Allentown needs to become a TRUE community. We have to stop the "have and have-nots" mentality. We have to STOP the "us against them" mentality. We have to stop the "wanna-be thug and going to jail is cool" mentality. We have to stop the "I'll have this baby to keep my man or to keep me company or to have something to care for" mentality. We have to stop the "school is for suckers" mentality. We have to stop the" I hate those kids because of their baggy pants and tank tops" mentality. We have to stop the "Allentown is a ghetto because people of color live there" mentality. We have to stop the "Allentown is a bad place to visit, shop, and just live mentality" Because once you leave Allentown, there is a whole new world that exists and whether you want to see it or not, that world is coming to Allentown, slowly but surely and either you have yourself together and be ready to work and roll with it or you will be the outdated baby's momma and gangsta thug who only has but so many options and most of them lead to no where.
And this is why I created Project R.E.A.L. to prevent our youth from going down the road of hardship and to help the older people get off the road and obtain better skills, jobs, and a brighter future. I don't just mean words either. I have discovered programs that can actually make a difference.
Because the way I figure, the same energy that I use to dance and party in the club, I can use to help a person in need; my love for females must be transformed to a love for women and their families (who are the future) and develop a way for them, as well as their baby's fathers who do WANT to be involved, to become educated and have a better life; and my fun-loving, spontaneous, unorthodox, and spontaneous ways may be what I need to deal with the politics of business and the city of Allentown, as well as MY people who live HERE on a daily basis, like me. So, call me, and get involved!!!!
610 433 3538, hit me up!!1
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