The Black Dollar - University of Southern California

The Black Dollar
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF RECYCLING BLACK DOLLARS
MAY 2005
Los Angeles Celebrates
Black Business Month
he members and friends of
RBD would like to thank all of
those who celebrated Black
Business Month with us for 2005.
“Big ups” to Danny Bakewell and
the Los Angeles Sentinel staff for
once again hosting the BBM
Kickoff. It was an exciting day,
from the children of the Marcus
Garvey School presenting their
group of young entrepreneurs
selling their products to the very
supportive
and
seasoned
entrepreneurs in attendance.
Dignitaries in attendance were
Alphonso Hamilton of Freedom,
Earl Skip Cooper of the Black
Business Association, Harold
Hambrick of the Black Business
Expo – who gave discount booth
rates to all the businesses in
attendance, and Bishop Edward
Turner of Power of Love Church
who provided us with the
invocation.
Highlights included Councilman
Martin Ludlow (of District 10, Los
Angeles) delivering a very supportive and uplifting message
encouraging the community to
patronize Black owned businesses. Also, Ezunial Burts III,
Kirk
Colby,
Jr.,
Bernard
McCrumby, Jr., and Dion Currie,
co-founders of Hoop-a-Holics,
received their giant $20,000
check in recognition of their
victory in the Recycling Black
Dollars
Urban
Entrepreneur
Business
Plan
Competition
T
Photo by Ian Foxx
Keynote speaker Dr. Claude Anderson, Ilyasah Shabazz (daughter of Malcolm X),
Dr. Rosie Milligan, Maryum Ali (daughter of Muhammad Ali), Yolanda King
(daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr.) and Muhammad Nassardeen share a moment
at the Black Writers Tour on April 2, 2005. The Daughters of the Legends were there
to sign books they have authored.
Black People Do Read
ne of the biggest events of
Black Business Month was
the 10th Annual Black
Writers on Tour.
It was very
exciting to be in a room with
3,500
African
Americans
passionate about reading and
writing.
The event featured noted
economist and President and
Founder of the Harvest Group, Dr.
Claude Anderson as the keynote
speaker at the luncheon.
He
delivered a fiery, motivating
message that encouraged all in
attendance to get on track to
take control of our economic
future before it’s too late. The
event
also
featured
the
Daughters of Legends: Ilyasah
Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X;
Yolanda King, daughter of Martin
Luther King, Jr.; and Maryum Ali,
daughter of Muhammad Ali. All
three were there to sign their
books, Growing Up X, Open My
Eyes, Open My Soul: Celebrating
Our Common Humanity, and I
Shook Up the World: The
Incredible Life of Muhammad Ali,
O
respectively. Each received a
special recognition award from
hostess, Dr. Rosie Milligan. Dr.
Milligan herself is an author and
CEO of Milligan Publishing.
The event was held April 2,
2005 at the Radisson LAX Hotel.
Notables in attendance included
Verdine White of Earth, Wind and
Fire, activist Steve Cokley, former
Mayor of Compton Omar Bradley,
and
actress
Vanessa
Bell
Calloway
One of the workshops held at
the event was “The Wisdom of
the Elders” which featured a
dozen authors over the age of 65.
It was unfortunate that no
media coverage was given to
such a positive and uplifting
event. If there is a shooting,
rape, or robbery, every network
is reporting it. Not one of those
networks chose to report on such
a meritorious event happening in
the community. Even sadder is
that there were no companies or
organizations that sponsored this
event.
In spite of that, Dr.
RBD Communications
5777 Century Blvd., #1685
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Deliver To:
continued on page 3
fun, which won first place among
the signage bearing vehicles in
the BBM still parade. Complete
with slides, crawling tubes, and a
ball pit, their vehicle brought it’s
own party to the kickoff.
Photo by Silver Dollar Productions
Limousine service guru Norman Lewis
poses with one of his fleet vehicles
underneath his business’ banner posted
during Black Business Month.
We would also like to send a
special shout out to the 57
businesses that participated in
the Black Business Month Banner
Program. Along with the help of
Toyota Motor Sales S upplier
Diversity
Manager
Monetta
Stephens, Crenshaw Christian
Center,
Act•1
and
Councilman
Bernard
Parks’ Office we were
able
to
create
a
“Boulevard of Pride”
running a four mile
stretch from Jefferson
to Florence. Next year,
our goal is to have 300
businesses participate.
Each business can elect
to keep their banner
when they are taken
down on May 1.
Activities
during
Black Business Month
Photo by
Silver Dollar
included
the
Black
Productions
Writers on Tour; the
Vivian Bowers and her husband, Greg Cowan, are First Tuesday Breakfast
pictured next to the Bowers & Sons Cleaners banner Meeting featuring a
that was posted during Black Business Month.
lively discussion about
preparing young African
sponsored by the Miller Brewing Americans for the workforce;
Company.
Leon
Garr’s
91st
Birthday
A major hit at the kickoff was Party/Fundraiser for the Garr
the Party Palace’s trailer truck of
continued on page 3
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FAX: 310 673-7400
HTTP://WWW.RBDGLOBAL.COM
THE BLACK DOLLAR
Page 2
MAY 2005
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
THE BLACK DOLLAR
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF RECYCLING BLACK DOLLARS
BUILDING BETTER
EMPLOYEES
O
ver the last several years, I have
received
many
complaints
from
members of the community who
patronize Black owned businesses only to find
that many of the employees are not Black.
This disturbing trend is an impediment to the
growth and development of Black owned
businesses.
Published by RBD Communications
President and Publisher
Muhammad Nassardeen
Senior Editor
Bobby Glanton Smith
Public Relations
Daniella Masterson
Staff Photographers
Michael Douglas
Silver Dollar Productions
Ian Foxx
Marketing
Dianne Washington
Accounting
Willie Fann
Graphic Design: Linda Washington
Printing/Creative Analys:
Rainbow Computers (Donne Daley)
Muhammad Nassardeen
President RBD Communications
Contributing Writers
Some owners like Percell Keiling of Simply
Wholesome, William Dillard of Speed Rooter,
Norwood Clark of Uncle Darrow’s Cajun
Restaurant all go out of their way to find
qualified Black employees to work at their
businesses.
As a business owner, it is
important to provide the best possible
employees to service your customers. What
we are finding is that many young African
American workers are not prepared to provide
the level of dedication and service that good
business owners need. This is not a simple
problem to correct.
This lack of preparation can be attributed to
children growing up in single parent
households where the parent does not have
the time or in some cases the skills, to provide
their children with the training that is essential
to building a good employee. If a child is not
accustomed to making time management a
priority, it is not surprising that getting to work
on time or coming in everyday is not a priority
for that child.
Conversely, the Latino counterparts of this
generation, in many cases, work in some
capacity from a very young age. It is not
uncommon to see a gardener with two of his
children assisting him while he services his
customers. A child who has worked with his
father since the age of seven will be well
trained and excited to do the less tedious work
required when he reaches 16 and goes to work
at a McDonald’s.
Many of the fast-food
franchises in our community are Black owned,
however a large percentage of their employees
are not Black. This sad state of affairs, as
reported by the owners of the franchises, is the
result of the clear difference in the dedication,
commitment, and service ethic between Latino
and African American youth.
This problem must be addressed first in the
home where we as parents need to be more
diligent in training our children for the world of
work. A Few things parents can do to help
prepare their children are: insist upon your
children treating everyone with respect and
dignity; teach you children good work habits;
make sure they maintain a clean environment
at all times; make time commitments a priority
(i.e. “lights out,” designated times to wake up
Bobby Glanton Smith
Alicia Nassardeen
Jacque Bee
The Black Dollar is published monthly for
Recycling Black Dollars members and selected
recipients by RBD Communications.
RBD Communications reserves the right to
publish views and opinions that may not
necessarily reflect those of the staff and
management and is solely the product of the
individuals responsible for submitting
commentaries published in this newsletter.
R B D Communications
5777 Century Blvd.
Suite 1685
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Phone (310) 673-7777
Fax: (310) 673-7400
© 1999 All Rights Reserved RBD Communications
in the morning, get dressed, making sure that
arriving to church and school are priorities).
Additionally, it would be very beneficial if high
schools added a job preparation course or
work experience programs to the high school
curriculum. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a
child in the way should go, and when he is
old, he will not depart from it.” It is essential
that we train up our children the proper way.
There are no easy solutions to this
problem, but it must be dealt with. I am
requesting that all Black business owners
contribute two hours each month to
participate in a job preparation after school
training program for high school students.
Recycling Black Dollars will be working with
Crenshaw, Dorsey and Washington High
Schools to have the program put in place for
the upcoming Fall semester. This will be a
great opportunity for African American
entrepreneurs to recruit the cream of the crop
of the high school classes to become top
rated employees trained for us, by us. The
classes will be open to all students, but the
focus will be on African American employee
development. If you are interested in being
part of the solution, please call our office to
volunteer for this important program which
will start in September.
Every chance you can, put your dollar in
another Black hand.
Peace In the Streets
Gang Truce
Resigned
n April 29, 2005, the city of Los
Angeles witnessed a rededication to
peace in the streets of the inner city.
On the 13 year anniversary of the Los
Angeles Riots, the Crip and Blood street
gangs resigned their gang truce at the corner
of Florence and Normandie in South Los
Angeles. Najee Ali, political activist
representing Project Islamic H.O.P.E., stated,
“It’s important that we recognize the historic
efforts of the men and women responsible;
some of them who have lost their lives to
establish peace.”
The original truce was
declared in 1992.
For more information on Project Islamic
H.O.P.E., please call Najee Ali at 323-7695267.
O
PICK UP BLACK DOLLAR AT: ROSCOE’S CHICKEN & WAFFLES, COMPTON CITY HALL, WEST ANGELES CHURCH & COMMUNITY CENTER. . .
MAY 2005
THE BLACK DOLLAR
Page 3
From High School to My School…
O
n the evening of April 29, 2005, the
women of the Upsilon Chapter of Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority hosted their
First Annual Upsilon Deltas Recognizing
Excellence in Academic Merit (UDREAM)
Scholarship Ball at the Radisson Hotel
Midtown in Los Angeles. The Scholarship
Ball served as a fundraiser and the
introduction of the AJANI Higher Education
Initiative, a scholarship foundation founded
by the college women.
“We
saw
a
need
for
increased
opportunities for African American youth,
particularly women, to stay in college. Many
of us have to deal with performing
academically, participating socially and
finding the money to pay for all of it. The
purpose of the AJANI Initiative is to alleviate
some of those financial burdens and
stressors so the young women can focus on
what’s really important… If it wasn’t for
scholarships, I wouldn’t be here [at USC],
and my chapter wants to extend that same
opportunity to young women who may be in
the same position,” says Takeia Johnson,
President of Upsilon Chapter.
Ball guests were treated to a sumptuous
three course meal and were entertained by
the very talented Amber Weekes Bank. The
all-female ensemble got rave reviews from
attendees the entire night.
The highlights, however, were not all
about the band. Guest speaker Angeles
Echols of Educating Young Minds (EYM)
delivered a stirring message telling why city
dwellers need to be involved in their
community. “Our babies are dying,” she said
with pained urgency. “We need Foundations
like this to make sure that our young people
make something of themselves.” She told
the history of EYM and how it has changed so
many young people’s lives. Ironically, one of
her very first success stories was with a girl
who is now attending USC. At the end of her
address, Ms. Echols made a generous
donation to the Scholarship Foundation.
Upsilon Chapter also presented an award
to RBD’s own Muhammad Nassardeen for his
work in the community. The award was
accepted on his behalf by Alicia Nassardeen,
his daughter, who is also a member of
Upsilon Chapter.
Black People Do Read
(continued from front page)
Milligan said she is committed to putting this
event on each year with or without major
sponsors.
It’s too important for African
American writers to have a means of telling
their stories, getting their books published
and having a direct connection with the
African American audience.
We all look forward to Black Writers on
Tour Number 11 next April where we will see
the release of Building Better Men by yours
truly. Keep reading and keep rising.
All of the books mentioned above can be
found at Milligan Books located at 1425
Manchester Blvd in Los Angeles.
Takeia Johnson, USC student and President of Upsilon Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta; Guest speaker Angeles
Echols, Founder of Educating Young Minds; and Corliss P. Bennett, the events Mistress of Ceremonies and the
Director of the Center for Black Cultural Student Affairs at USC share a moment at the First Annual U.D.R.E.A.M.
Scholarship Ball hosted by Upsilon Chapter. The event was held to introduce the AJANI Higher Education
Initiative, the chapter’s newly founded scholarship foundation, to the community and to raise money for
scholarships to be given at next year’s Scholarship Ball.
The event culminated with a raffle of items
donated by the USC Bookstore and Shaka Ali
Camara for Bogolani Designs, and dancing to
music provided by the Amber Weekes Band.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority is a public
service sorority founded in 1913 at Howard
University. The Upsilon Chapter of Delta
Sigma Theta was chartered in 1924 on the
campus of the University of Southern
California. Upsilon Chapter is involved in a
myriad of community service projects
including Delta Academy, a mentoring
program for girls aged 11-14, Adopt a Black
Business, Revlon Run/Walk for Women,
campus based workshops, Hip-Hop Aerobics,
self defense classes, DeSTress courses,
Distinguished Gentleman Awards recognizing
upstanding men on the USC campus,
clothing and food drives and much more.
For more information on Upsilon Chapter,
please visit www.dst1924.com. For more
information about Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority,
please
visit
www.deltasigmatheta.org.
Los Angeles Celebrates Black Business Month (continued from front page)
Foundation; the 15th Anniversary of Radio
One station 100.3 The Beat; the Black
Contractors Association held their 21st
Anniversary Banquet in San Diego featuring
Jim Brown as the keynote speaker and the
Mighty Temptations featuring Dennis
Edwards for the entertainment; the Urban
League had their annual fundraising banquet
at the Century Plaza Hotel where over 42
Urban League Presidents from around the
country witnessed the retirement of John
Mack, who has been an icon in Los Angeles
for over 30 years, successfully leading the
Urban League to being one of Los Angeles’
most effective community organizations.
Entertainment was provided by Eddie and
Gerald Levert and Maze; and the Monthly
Mixer.
The BBM Mixer was hosted by
Crenshaw Christian Center and featured a
passionate presentation by Councilman
Martin Ludlow on behalf of Congresswoman
Maxine
Waters,
whose
flight
from
Washington D.C. was delayed, preventing
her attendance.
Also in April was the
mayoral debate hosted by the African
American Museum.
Next year, BBM will be bigger and better
than ever. Until that time, every chance you
can, put your dollar in another Black hand.
. . . FIRST AME CHURCH, ONE UNITED BANKS, GOLDEN STATE MUTUAL, BROADWAY FEDERAL BANKS, FAME RENAISSANCE CENTER
THE BLACK DOLLAR
Page 4
Fresh Thoughts
by Alicia Nassardeen
HATE IT OR
LOVE IT
W
hile listening to radio church on my
way home from early service, I
heard the pastor say something
that has been resonating in my head ever
since: “garbage in, garbage out.” Simple,
right? What you put into your system is
ultimately what you will produce. You put
good things in, good things come out. Bad
things go in, bad things come out.
As he went on to list the several forms of
garbage being put into the many systems of
today’s Americans, he mentioned “gangster
rap” music. Now, don’t think this is a tirade
about how the music of today is destroying
the youth (a whole other discussion, trust
me). This is a tirade about people, nay, you
grown folk out there, absolving yourselves of
responsibility when it comes to raising your
kids.
Yeah, I said it. Too many of YOUR children
are running around mimicking what they see
on television in music videos, playing out 50
Cent fantasies and cursing…CURSING!
I
know a nine year old that sounds worse than
me after a bad night and a heated argument
with someone that controls my income.
Another kid, a boy of about seven, ran up on
me and popped me on my behind. I would
have slapped him, but I’m no longer a minor
and I can’t go to jail over abusing someone
else’s child.
Now that I think about it, I should have
thrown an open palm across his mother’s
face.
When your seven-year-old boy is
slapping grown women on the butt, there is a
problem. When that same boy grows up
thinking it’s appropriate to approach a young
woman with the line, “What it is hoe, what’s
up? Can a nigga get in them guts?” there is a
problem.
Oh, you didn’t know those were the actual
lyrics to the song with squeaky bedsprings as
the beat? Well, your kids do, and there is a
problem with that. And guess what, the
problem is not the music, it’s YOU.
Let me finish. Too many times have I seen
parents making excuses for, or worse,
encouraging, this sort of behavior in their
children. “It’s this trashy music they play on
the radio;” “It’s these raunchy videos;” Worse
yet, “Have the baby come here and do the
‘I’m Rick James bi**h!’ thing he does;” or
“Awww, isn’t that cute?! She can do the
Beyoncé dance and she’s only two!”
I’ve heard it all, and let me tell you
something: That isn’t cute at all. If your baby
girl can’t walk straight, but she has the
Beyoncé booty bounce down-pat, there is a
problem.
Parents, I implore you: stop letting BET
raise your children. Teen Summit hasn’t been
on for years and there is little to no substance
on the channel at all. Parents, I implore you,
if you don’t like what you’re hearing out of
your children’s mouths, change what they are
listening to. If you have young kids, they
shouldn’t own or have access to certain types
of music. There is no way you can justify your
10-year-old knowing more rap songs than
me. The music isn’t going anywhere and the
content isn’t going to change anytime soon.
If you’re waiting of the music industry to
overhaul one of its main sources of revenue to
placate angry mothers and fathers whose kids
are buying the music anyway, don’t hold your
breath. It is YOUR responsibility to make sure
your children aren’t being influenced by that
sort of music. Garbage in, garbage out.
Now what you should do is spend time with
your children. You yelling at them about how
they’ve messed up shouldn’t be the only time
you talk. Take a genuine interest in what they
do. If they play sports, go to their games.
Play games at home. Read to them if they are
young. Watch television together. Take them
to church. Do something fun and silly with
them at random moments in time. Hug them
daily and tell them you love them. You’d be
surprised about how much all of these little
things mean to them and to your relationship.
Remember, if you don’t take an interest in
them, they will gravitate toward things they
are interested in and eventually shut you out
– big problem; especially when they become
teenagers.
Somewhere along the line, I think people
forgot that parents are supposed to control
their children to make sure they grow up
knowing what is right and wrong. It is wrong
for a boy to physically and verbally degrade
women. It is wrong for them to run around
school playing G-Unit and shooting each other
up. It is wrong for young women to aspire to
be video girls (notice I said ASPIRE). And it
is equally wrong for you to pass the blame of
your children’s bad behavior to things that
you are supposed to control their access to.
You are the parents. Start acting like it.
The Masters of Law
11th Annual Honors Luncheon – June 16, 2005
Hon. Ellen DeShazer
Hon. Patricia J. Titus
Hon. Roosevelt Dorn
Hon. Karen Robinson
Constance L. Rice, JD
Theodore Eagans, JD
V. Ahda Sands, JD
Anthony Alexander, JD
Margo Bouchet, JD
Carl Douglas, JD
Milton Grimes, JD
Anthony Willoughby, JD
MAY 2005
SPOTLIGHT on Progress!
Norman Lewis
Limousine Service
By Alicia Nassardeen
Photo by
Silver Dollar
Productions
Norman Lewis pictured in front of one of his fleet
vehicles – a stretch Hummer H2.
I
t’s no surprise who comes to mind when
the words “We need to get a limo” are
spoken. Norman Lewis Limousine, the
community’s frontrunner when it comes to
high class rolling, is definitely the place to
go.
Norman Lewis started out as a one man
owner/driver operation who decided to get
into the business after being a former
client.
As
an
aspiring
singer/songwriter/producer in the 70’s,
Lewis changed his path and is now
celebrating 20 years in the limousine
business. He attributes his success to
support from the community, hard work,
dedication, and God.
Successful, however, is not a fully fitting
description of the company. Personally, I
think the word “fulfilled” is more apt. Not
only do they provide first class service to
the greater South Los Angeles area, they
are also involved in community service
activities including the Make a Wish
Foundation and the Watts Boys & Girls
Club.
The company has received
commendations from Senator Dianne
Feinstein, Mayor James Hahn, Councilman
Bernard Parks, County Supervisor Yvonne
Burke, and Sheriff Lee Baca for the work
put into the community.
The community, in turn, has responded
by providing 75% of the revenue for the
company.
The most popular vehicles
rented are Hummers and SUV’s for night
life and entertainment ventures and
Executive Coaches and sedans for the
corporate sector.
The balance is made up of an impressive
list of celebrity clientele. Lewis treasures
continued on next page
PICK UP BLACK DOLLAR AT: ROSCOE’S CHICKEN & WAFFLES, COMPTON CITY HALL, WEST ANGELES CHURCH & COMMUNITY CENTER. . .
THE BLACK DOLLAR
MAY 2005
100 Homes in 100 Days!
Congratulations
on the new home
Page 5
Own Your
Own Home in 100 Days!
Attend UFSC-LA’s
life-altering event
Join us on Saturday, June 4, 2005 from
9:00am ~ 3:00pm. This home loan exposition is
designed to make the home buying process fast
and easy. Pre-qualified expo guests may be
approved immediately and begin the search for
their new homes the same day. Credit
counseling and housing agencies will be
available.
This FREE event is sponsored by Urban
Financial Services Coalition-Los Angeles
(UFSCLA) and participating vendors. The event
will be held at The Tabernacle, located at 321 N.
Eucalyptus, Inglewood, CA 90301 RSVP early,
space is limited. Please call our hot-line today
(888) 298-UFSC (8372) or visit our website @
www.ufscla.com, and listen to KJLH Radio
(102.3 fm).
the relationships that he has developed over
the years with people such as Jaime Foxx,
Anthony Anderson, Derek Fisher, Devean
George, Tommy Davidson, Robert Horry,
Shaquille O’Neal, Joe Torrey, Ty Law, Don
King, Tyra Banks, Hugh Hefner, Cindy
Margolis, John Salley, Judge Mabelean
Ephriam, and Judge Joe Brown, to name a
few. He has also provided services for radio
personalities Steve Harvey and Shirley
Strawberry of 100.3 The Beat, Big Boy of
Power 106 and Cliff Winston and Janine
Haydel of 102.3 (KJLH). Lewis Limousines
can also be seen on the television shows The
Biggest Loser, Blind Date and The Fifth
Wheel.
When asked how he enjoys his work, Lewis
replied, “I love it! The experience is very
rewarding.
You provide employment for
community members and families.
It’s
exciting knowing you’re a positive source of
income for people and watching their families
grow.”
Norman Lewis Limousine has locations
serving the Los Angeles, Brentwood, Gardena
and San Diego areas. For more information, or
for service arrangements, call 323-756-4894.
Preparing For Professionalism -- Miyoshi LaFourche, (center) Staffing Administrator at Toyota Motor Sales, USA,
Inc. pictured with Toyota Young Black Scholars at their annual Business Orientation. Under the theme of Human
Resources, LaFourche shared tips and guidance regarding appropriate dress code and professionalism in the
workplace. Every year as the senior mentees graduate, Toyota associates make a four-year pledge to a new group of
local freshmen. Toyota's Young Black Scholars mentoring program is an endeavor that pairs Southern California
high school students with African American mentors. Toyota has partnered with the 100 Black Men of Los Angeles'
Young Black Scholars Program for over eight years.
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THE BLACK DOLLAR
Page 6
Home And
Commercial Loans
Low Rates & Flexible Terms
• Purchase or Refinance
• 1st, 2nd 3rd Trust Deeds • EZ Qualifier
• FHA, VA & Conventional • Rehab • REO’s
• No Income Qualifier • Home Improvement
• First Time Homebuyer Programs
• Debt Consolidation
Mortgage Realty Concepts
Call:
Kevin Bennett
Sr. Loan Officer
MAY 2005
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PICK UP BLACK DOLLAR AT: ROSCOE’S CHICKEN & WAFFLES, COMPTON CITY HALL, WEST ANGELES CHURCH & COMMUNITY CENTER. . .
MAY 2005
THE BLACK DOLLAR
Page 7
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THE BLACK DOLLAR
Page 8
MAY 2005
Gospel Recording Artist Donnie McClurkin To Perform at
Honoring Unsung Fathers (H.U.F.) Father’s Day Awards
Brunch, June 19th
Tickets Now On Sale
os Angeles (April 29, 2005) – On
Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19th some
of the most distinguished gospel, jazz
and recording artists will join in honoring
unsung fathers. Hosted by Judge Mablean
Ephriam, Founder/Chair, Pastor Ron C. Hill,
Co-Chair
and
the
Mablean
Ephriam
Foundation, a non-profit, public benefit
corporation, the Honoring Unsung Fathers
(H.U.F.) Awards and Brunch is scheduled to
take place at 1:30 PM at the Long Beach
Westin Hotel, 333 E. Ocean Blvd., in Long
Beach, California.
Celebrity presenters include actresses
Melinda Williams, Lisa Raye, Terri J. Vaughn,
Rolonda Watts and America’s Next Top Model
winner Eva Pigford. The H.U.F. Awards 2005
Honorary Co-Chairs include actress, Angela
Bassett; jazz recording artist George Duke,
L
playwriter/producer Tyler Perry, and former
NBA player John Sally.
This
year’s
program
will
feature
performances by renowned gospel artist
Donnie McClurkin, jazz singer formerly of the
5th Dimension Phyllis Battle, recording group
Himalaya, contemporary jazz violinist Mark
Cargill and Valarie King. Comedian Michael
Colyar and actress Kim Whitley will serve as
Co-Emcees. Additional celebrity guests are
expected to attend.
Judge Mablean Ephriam, of the popular
courtroom show “Divorce Court,” established
the H.U.F. Awards in 2003 to bring attention
and recognition to everyday fathers who
maintain a lifestyle that exemplifies love
towards their spouse, children, family, and
community. A total of five awards will be
presented during the brunch program to a
single parent father (Solo
Warrior), a married father (Love Cares), a
divorced father (Fatherhood Forever), a nonbiological father (Village Dad) and a senior
father (Living Legacy).
Fathers will be
selected from the nominations already
submitted by family members, friends and
associates based in local communities and
cities nationwide.
Ticket prices are $60 for adults and teens
14 years of age and over; $30 for children
between the ages of 6-13 and children 5
years old and under are free. Families are
encouraged to attend.
Call (310) 329-0944 or visit website:
www.hufawards.com
now
for
more
information regarding the H.U.F. Awards and
to purchase tickets.
NAACP Los Angeles Branch Hosts “Roy Wilkins Freedom Fund Dinner”
Dinner to Honor Leaders in Education, Social, Economic and Entertainment Sectors
May 19th
The NAACP Los Angeles branch will hold its
annual “Roy Wilkins Freedom Fund Dinner,”
on May 19 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel,
506 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA.
Festivities begin with a VIP Reception, 6:00
PM – 7:00 PM, followed by the gala hosted by
ABC Newscaster Leslie Sykes.
The theme of the 2005 Roy Wilkins
Freedom Fund Dinner is “Continuing the
Legacy of Brown vs. Board.” To that end, four
African American leaders in the education,
social, economic and entertainment fields will
be honored for their contribution to the
continued progress of people of color.
Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally will receive
the
Lifetime
Achievement
Award,
Assemblywoman Karen Bass, will receive the
Ida B. Wells Medal of Courage, SCLC Jim
Franklin will receive the H. Claude Hudson
Award and Entrepreneur Don H. Barden will
receive the Trailblazer’s Award.
The landmark “Brown vs. Board of
Education” Supreme Court decision was a
victorious blow against rampant segregation,
effectively shattering barriers to education for
people of color. It was held that separate but
equal public schools did not meet
constitutional standards of equal protection
under the law.
NAACP Los Angeles Branch President Dr.
Geraldine R. Washington stresses the
importance of the “Brown vs. Board of
Education” decision, stating, “The Supreme
Court’s monumental decision gave all of
America, regardless of race, an equal chance
to receive quality education at the institute of
their choice. It is a judgment that has stood
the test of time and is recognized as one of
the most important rulings in Supreme Court
history. The NAACP applauds its enduring
and positive outcome, which has encouraged
millions to achieve possibilities that were
impossible prior to its passing.”
LEGACY LADIES, INC. HONORED LOCAL LEGENDS
AND PIONEERS AT INAUGURAL TORCH AWARDS APRIL 30TH
Legacy Ladies, Inc. held their first annual
Torch Awards on April 30th at the Wilshire
Grand Hotel in Los Angeles. The black tie gala
and fundraiser was held to honor individuals
who have empowered their communities and
will benefit the Legacy Ladies, Inc. programs
and initiatives.
Torch
Awards
honorees
included
Ambassador Andrew Young, former U.S.
Ambassador to the United Nations; Actor and
Emmy Award Winner Lou Gossett, Jr.; Los
Angeles Urban League President and
Community Leader John W. Mack; Bishop
Charles E. Blake of West Angeles Church of
God in Christ; Award Winning Actress and
Minister Della Reese; and President of Tobin &
Associates Public Relations and the National
Black Public Relations Society, Pat Tobin.
Entertainment
was
provided
by
internationally renowned jazz violinist Michael
Ward and award winning jazz saxophonist
Jeanette Harris and band.
This year’s special guests were Christopher
and Diamond Harris, proud parents of the
only surviving African American sextuplets,
and first son DeWayne. The Harris’ made
history in 2003 when Diamond learned on the
day of her delivery that she was carrying not
five but six babies.
Legacy Lady, Inc.
Organizer and President Jackie Castillo were
made aware of the Harris family after reading
about them in a magazine. She embraced
the Harris’ and they became the first family
under the organizations “Adopt-A-Family”
program. The organization also nominated
them for an ABC Extreme Makeover, Home
Edition and witnessed the life-changing
transformation, which aired on the popular
television show in March of 2005.
Legacy Ladies, Inc. was established in June
2004 and is a non-profit organization
designed to empower communities and
families, with emphasis on infants up to
young adults. All donations and proceeds go
towards the Legacy Ladies’ programs and
initiatives, which include Adopt-A-Family,
SAT/ACT workshops, Save Africa's Children,
scholarship programs and voter registration.
For additional information about the Legacy
Ladies call (310) 364-3344 or visit their
website at www.legacyladiesinc.com.
PICK UP BLACK DOLLAR AT: ROSCOE’S CHICKEN & WAFFLES, COMPTON CITY HALL, WEST ANGELES CHURCH & COMMUNITY CENTER. . .
MAY 2005
THE BLACK DOLLAR
Page 9
A Message To All Fathers
From Muhammad Nassardeen
A father is the most important man in a child's life. There is no
subsititute for time. Money and gifts are helpful but they are not as
valuable as your time and your love. Take a moment today and
call everyone of your children and give them your words of
encouragement and love. If you have been out of touch, get in
touch. If you are doing time, write to your children they, need to
feel connected to you for life.
If you have your children at home with you, spend more time
with them. Give them the benefit of your wisdome and
experience. They have your D&A and nothing can change that. No
matter what your relationship is with their mother (never forget,
she is their mother so always give her that respect, your children
will appreiciate it)give your children your love!
❤❤❤
. . . FIRST AME CHURCH, ONE UNITED BANKS, GOLDEN STATE MUTUAL, BROADWAY FEDERAL BANKS, FAME RENAISSANCE CENTER
Page 10
THE BLACK DOLLAR
MAY 2005
FANN FINANCIAL & TAX
ACCOUNTING SERVICES
Accounting
■
Taxes
■
Real Estate
Willie J. Fann
Accountant / Real Estate Tax Consultant
Phone: 310•216•7773 ■ Email: fanntax@aol.com
5777 W. Century Blvd. ■ Suite 1685
Los Angeles, CA 90045
California
Black Chamber of Commerce
Hosts Leadership Congress
Recycling Black Dollars
Monthly Networking Mixer
Sponsored by:
Broadway Federal Bank
he California Black Chamber of
Commerce and Renaissance 21st
Century Project hosted the 7th African
American Leadership Congress April 29 – 30,
2005 at the Clarion Hotel in San Francisco,
California.
The theme for the Congress was “Moving
the Urban Agenda” and the event boasted
attendance from several mayors from around
the country and the executive officers of the
state of California.
The event featured Friday panel discussions
on various topics, including: the Importance
T
of Accessing the Political Process, Reducing
Crime, Health Issues and the African
American Family Structure, Technology and
its Practical Application in the Urban
Environment, the Role of the Church in
Community
Economic
Development,
Affordable home Ownership, Community
Wealth Building Strategies, and Improving the
Delivery of Education.
On Saturday, April 30, the Keynote Luncheon
was held featuring the Honorable Mayor
Kwame M. Kilpatrick of the City of Detroit.
&
Equinaire
May 26, 2005
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Broadway Federal Bank
4800 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles
PICK UP BLACK DOLLAR AT: ROSCOE’S CHICKEN & WAFFLES, COMPTON CITY HALL, WEST ANGELES CHURCH & COMMUNITY CENTER. . .
THE BLACK DOLLAR
MAY 2005
RBD NEW MEMBERS
EQUANAIRE
Wealth Building
Kwame Granderson
Jerry Weathersby
927 Village Oaks Drive, Ste 200
Covina, CA 91724
Corporate Members
Page 11
Spring Cleaning
~ Summer
Cleaning Special
Special ~
STENORIANS
Non-Profit
Community Organization
Brent Burton
P.O.Box62339
Ph: 323.296.4690
Professional Member
Good quality and convenient service at a fair price have been
the cornerstones of our business for more than 50 years. Our
friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to assist with your drycleaning and laundry needs. When you leave your items with us
you can trust that they will be handled with “A Personal Touch”
from start to finish.
20% OFF
Any Order
RBD CALENDAR OF EVENTS
May 17 (Tue):
Los Angeles Mayoral Race-Rock the Vote!!!
May 18 (Wed):
Black Enterprise Entrepreneurial Conference
Dallas Texas
May 26 (Thur):
Dry Cleaning or Laundry
2509 South Central Ave.
Los Angeles
(213) 749-3237
bowerssons@aol.com
Hours: Mon – Fri 6:30 – 6:00
Sat 7:00 – 5:00
6-9pm – RBD’s Evening Mixer
Wealth Building Seminar
Hosted & Sponsored by Equinaire4800 Wilshire Blvd., LA
•Pick-up & Delivery Service
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June 7 (Tue) : 8am-10am – RBD’s First Tuesday Breakfast
Meeting Location TBA
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June 16 (Thur): 11am-2pm – RBD’s 11th Annual Honors
Luncheon “The Masters of Law”
Westin Hotel LAX
June 23-26:
(Thur-Sun)
Recycling
Black Dollars
WEALTH BUILDING
SEMINAR
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RBD Radio
“On the Positive Side”
KTYM 1460AM
Every Monday-1:00-2:00pm
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by Equinaire
Audience Call In 310.674.KTYM
5896
Vegetation Growth Creates
Electric Safety Concerns
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Date: May 26, 2005 (Thursday)
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Catered by Belinda of Catering Services
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Seminar Facilitator: Kwame Gradérson of Equinaire
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Please join us as we discuss...
8th Annual African American Business
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call Turning Point Magazine 323-299-6000
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T
he record rainfall this year has caused plants and trees to
flourish and will keep Southern Californians busy indefinitely.
While cutting, trimming, and removing trees, Southern
California Edison reminds and encourages everyone to always be
mindful of electrical safety.”
“We’re urging everyone to be extra careful when they’re
trimming trees,” said Jack Sahl, SCE’s director of environmental,
health and safety, “especially trees near power lines, which should
be trimmed only by licensed, qualified arborists. Power lines carry
thousands of volts of electricity, enough to kill or seriously injure
someone or cause severe property damage.”
“Everyone should be aware of the potential danger when power
lines are near a house or tree,” said Sahl. “Know where the power
lines are at all times and take care working around them.”
Sahl warned that the rains have caused some trees to grow more
quickly than usual and that once-visible power lines with adequate
clearances could now be hidden by a dense tree canopy. Check to
see where power lines are before you begin any work on trees, Sahl
said.
“Please call us if you know of a tree touching a power line,” said
Sahl. “We’ll come out as quickly as possible and trim it back to a
safe clearance.”
Call SCE at 1-800-655-4555 with questions about safe working
clearances or to have power shut off in areas where safe clearances
are not possible.
In addition to arborists, agricultural and grove workers, and
landscapers typically working near trees, SCE also is issuing
cautions to anyone likely to be near energized wires or cables such
as crane operators, painters, roofers, electricians, cable installers,
heavy-construction workers, excavators, general-construction
workers, and public-works employees.
More information on safety is available at www.sce.com.
. . . FIRST AME CHURCH, ONE UNITED BANKS, GOLDEN STATE MUTUAL, BROADWAY FEDERAL BANKS, FAME RENAISSANCE CENTER
Page 12
THE BLACK DOLLAR
JOIN RECYCLING BLACK DOLLARS TODAY PH: 310-673-7777
FAX: 310 673-7400
MAY 2005
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