Black Professional News - May 11th:Layout 1 5/16/16 4:17 PM Page 1

Free

Volume 5, Issue 16

www.earlharvey.com

May 11, 2016

Presents

A
Sandra N. Haughton | Executive Producing Director
Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj | Guest Artistic Director
Johnnie Hobbs, Jr. | Senior Artistic Advisor

JUNE 16 through JUNE 26, 2016

PREVIEW - Wed., June 15 7:00 PM

Musical

Comedy

Book by E. Y. Harburg and Fred Saidy

Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by E. Y. Harburg
Directed and Choreographed by
Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj

THE JOHN E. ALLEN, JR. THEATRE

1346 N. Broad Street, Phila. PA 19121

Ticket Prices $20 & $35

For Showtimes & Tickets | 8 8 8 - 8 0 2 - 8 9 9 8 | www.freedomtheatre.org

John E Allen, Jr. and Robert E. Leslie, Sr., Co-Founders

Funded by

Black Professional News - May 11th:Layout 1 5/16/16 4:18 PM Page 2

2 Black Professionals News May 11, 2016

Earl Harvey Black Professionals News Reception to Support Black Owned Businesses
A panel discussion featured Curtis Gregory, Commerce Dept; Atif Bostic, Uplift Inc/Browns
Shoprite; Coston M. Cobbs, Senior Lending Officer at United Bank of Philadelphia.

James Sanders Vice President of

Commercial and Industrial Lending
Donovan West and Janice Sykes-Ross
in Philadelphia at Customers Bank
hosted the reception at The View
Photo credit: Michelle Snow
and Courtney Wilborn, Uplift Inc/ Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds
Banquet Hall
Brown spoke at the event
Browns Shoprite
In order to continue my commitment to serve the community I am
"We have been disproportionately impacted by the 'Great Recession'.
Unemployment in Black America is still double of white America and the launching a program to support black owned businesses. I am working
with a group of Philadelphia businessmen including Mr. Kenny Gamble
wealth gap between the two Americas is wider than it's ever been in a
generation. We are going backwards, and unless we accelerate and build and Mr. Rahim Islam from Universal Companies and the Philadelphia
Community of Leaders ( PCOL ) to develop strategies to improve our
a new model for change we will fall further and further behind," says
best-selling author George C. Fraser, Chairman/CEO of FraserNet, Inc. city. I have developed a concept called Black Friday which will be a spin
As publisher of The Black Professionals News ( BPN ) , I have been off from Black Friday , the biggest shopping day of the year. Instead of
an advocate for black community and economic development for over 20 just one shopping day , I propose that the community support black
owned businesses every Friday. Of course we encourage supporting our
years. I use my newspaper and media outlets to support small business
businesses every day of the week, but for now if we can do a special
owners, cultural organizations, non-profit and for profit service
promotion to drive customers to our businesses just one day a week, we
providers. I am sure you are aware that our country once again is at a
hope it will grow from there.
crossroad, with the transition of President Obama, the country slowly
I am inviting 200 participants and 60 businesses and non profits to
moving back to the right, and facing the uncertainty of electing the next
test the program before we launch city wide. We will use my newspaper
president.
BPN, and other outlets and social media to drive the promotion. At the
Looking at the current state of the business economy in underserved
end of the test period we will evaluate participation, provide a report, and
communities, violence, lack of employment options, gentrification,
redlining, access to capital, government bureaucracy and other obstacles, hopefully launch Black Friday as a city wide community and economic
development initiative. The purpose is to grow the businesses and
small black business owners face myriad challenges just to stay in
hopefully they will create jobs for the community. If you would like to
business. In addition they often don't understand the principles of
volunteer for our test group and learn more about how you can support
marketing and promotion to even make the general public aware of their
black owned businesses please email earl@earlharvey.com or call
businesses which also affects their business development, cash flow and
267-244-3860 .
customer acquisition.

Committee Encourages Minority Businesses to Register for Democratic National Convention

Inclusive Registration Process Fosters Diversity Throughout Convention
The Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee for the Democratic National
Convention announced that its official vendor registration form is now
available for businesses and service providers interested in getting
involved in the 2016 Democratic National Convention. The registration
form, available online at www.phldnc.com, allows business owners and
suppliers to submit contact information and categorical specialties for
vendor opportunities related to the Convention. Diversity and inclusion
are extremely important to the Host Committee, and the organization
encourages business owners from the Greater Philadelphia area,
including minority, women, veterans and members of the LGBT and
disabled communities, to register for contract consideration.
Our goal is to make this Convention the most inclusive yet, and we
encourage any businesses and suppliers interested in participating to
register, said Kevin Washo, Executive Director of the Philadelphia 2016
Host Committee. We are excited to work with a diverse group of
organizations to make this a historic and memorable event.
This Convention provides a unique opportunity for local businesses
to showcase their goods, services and expertise on the national stage,
said Tiffany Newmuis, Director of Diversity and Community
Engagement for the Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee. There are many
benefits to being involved in the Convention, and we encourage all
organizations interested in participating to register for inclusion in our
vendor directory.
Prospective businesses that register will be added to the Host
Committees 2016 Vendor Directory, which will be used by the Host
Committee and provided to the Democratic National Convention
Committee to help find suppliers and services for their needs. The
directory will also be given to third parties interested in holding events
affiliated with the Convention.
More than 550 businesses and suppliers have already registered for
inclusion in the vendor directory since it was created.
In some cases, Convention vendors will be selected through a

Request For Proposal, which will be announced as needs arise. Active

RFPs will be listed on the Host Committees website, www.phldnc.com.
The vendor submission form seeks applicants from a wide variety of
fields, including catering, audio/video production, government relations,
entertainment, event rentals, travel agencies, legal services, and voter
registrations as well as research, information technology and grassroots
organizing. A full list of the needed services can be found here:
http://www.phldnc.com/philadelphia-2016-vendor-form/. Prospective
vendors may select more than one specialty when submitting their
application.

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Black Professional News - May 11th:Layout 1 5/16/16 4:18 PM Page 3

Black Professionals News May 11, 2016 3

Citizens Bank Announces $225,000 in Contributions to Organizations in Greater Philadelphia

through the Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money Initiative
Contributions part of the banks 2016 commitment to deliver financial
education to consumers and small businesses
As part of an ongoing commitment to give consumers the confidence
and tools they need to be fiscally healthy, Citizens Bank announced that
nine nonprofit organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region will
receive $225,000 in contributions as part of the Citizens Helping Citizens
Manage Money financial literacy initiative.
Leveraging the financial expertise of its bankers and its partnerships
with local nonprofits focused on financial education, the Citizens
Helping Citizens Manage Money program this year includes $1.3 million
in donations to 77 nonprofits and volunteer outreach by more than 400
trained Citizens colleagues. Citizens will also be sharing financial tips on
Facebook and Twitter for the duration of National Financial Literacy
Month, as well as ongoing financial advice from Citizens colleagues on
YouTube. By the end of 2016, Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money
is expected to improve the financial acumen of more than 220,000
Americans.
Nonprofit organizations from across the banks 11-state footprint
were chosen in a competitive application process based on their track
record of success providing financial education programs, clear and
measurable goals for the program and a demonstration to incorporate
sustainability in their program plans.
Locally, funding recipients in the Greater Philadelphia region
include:
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Delaware Valley (Clarifi)
United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
The Enterprise Center
Urban Affairs Coalition
Community Capital Works, Inc. (Entrepreneur Works)
Finanta

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From left to right: Jim Cawley, President and CEO, United Way of
Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey; Moira Baylson, Vice
President and Senior Regional Public Affairs Market Manager, Citizens
Bank; Iola Harper, Executive Vice President, The Enterprise Center;
Patricia A. Hasson, President, Clarifi; Paul F. Calistro, Jr., Executive
Director, West End Neighborhood House; Mike Cooper, Senior Vice
President and Regional Director of Public Affairs, MidStates, Citizens
Bank; Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, President, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania,
New Jersey and Delaware; Jojy Varghese, Director of Community and
Economic Development, Urban Affairs Coalition; Leslie Benoliel,
President, Entrepreneur Works; Nancy J. Frame, Executive Director,
Housing Partnership of Chester County; Irene Hannan, Senior Vice
President, Citizens Bank; and Brian Sime, Chief Financial Officer,
Finanta.
West End Neighborhood House
Junior Achievement of New Jersey
Housing Partnerships of Chester County

Looking to expand your business or open a second

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Earl Harvey,
Publisher
P.O. Box 44303
Phila., PA
19144

The Black Professionals News

(BPN)
Advertising Marketing Special Events

Call or visit
2154520100
www.wpfsi.com

Phone
267-244-3860
earl

@earlharvey.com
www.earlharvey.com

Black Professional News - May 11th:Layout 1 5/16/16 4:18 PM Page 4

4 Black Professionals News May 11, 2016

Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau Reports Record Convention Bookings

For Future Years
Conventions Booked In 2015 Will Generate More Than $1.1B for
Philadelphia
Positive feedback from meeting planners, convention attendees and
exhibitors who met at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC) last
year contributed to record convention bookings in 2015, according to the
Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB). The PHLCVB
posted its highest year of bookings ever with 856,663 room nights
secured for future years, surpassing last years bookings by 1.2 percent.
Almost 75 percent of those room nights are related to meetings and
conventions taking place at the PCC, with the rest tied to meetings taking
place at regional hotels and other venues. In total, the convention groups
booked in 2015 are estimated to generate more than $1.1 billion in
economic impact for Philadelphia and the region.
We are extremely pleased with the results of last years sales efforts.
Stellar feedback shared by groups who met at the Convention Center in
2015, our strong partnership with the business and civic community, as
well as Philadelphias growing reputation as a vibrant, welcoming
destination have contributed greatly to our ability to sell our city to
meeting planners, said Julie Coker Graham, PHLCVB President &
CEO. Since the implementation of new work rules in 2014 at the
Center, we have seen renewed interest from meeting planners who were
previously wary of what they would experience in Philadelphia and so
were thrilled that not only are groups are returning, but that were also
attracting new groups.
Of the 2015 convention bookings, 69 percent are returning groups
(up from 45 percent in fiscal year 2013, which was the last full booking
year before the changes at the Center took place) and 31 percent are new
groups who have never hosted a meeting in Philadelphia. Among the
returning groups are LIGHTFAIR International (LFI), the worlds
largest annual architectural and commercial lighting trade show and
conference, and the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO). Both
are major wins for the PHLCVB and the Convention Center as they are
highly respected within the convention and tradeshow industry, and will

generate more than $43 million and $41 million in economic impact for
Philadelphia respectively.
The PHLCVB has worked with the Pennsylvania Convention Center
and facility manager SMG as a strong partner in the progress of our
Convention Center as a desirable destination for new and repeat
customers, said John J. McNichol, president & CEO of the
Pennsylvania Convention Center. Major shows such as BIO
International and LIGHTFAIR International took a second look and
booked with us based on our performance and efficiency. We appreciate
the cooperation of our four trade partners, hotels and businesses, and the
unified support for the Convention Center from across the hospitality
industry and the efforts that made this possible.
The large citywide conventions booked by the PHLCVB are major
contributors to driving hotel occupancy in Philadelphia. Over the last two
years Center City hotels thrived during citywide conventions, with
occupancy on the busiest night during conventions increasing by 12
percent, ADR (Average Daily Rate) increasing by $37 and Revenue per
Available Room increasing by $52, versus comparable days with no
citywide conventions.
It is rewarding to see that the partnership between the PHLCVB, the
PCC and the hotel community continues to be fruitful. Coming off a year
with record hotel occupancy, the future continues to look bright for
Philadelphia and for our regions hotels, said Greater Philadelphia Hotel
Association (GPHA) president Greg Stafford.
Under the new leadership of Julie Coker Graham, the PHLCVB is
already working on strategies to target untapped convention markets
including corporate business and international conventions. The
organization recently added a sales manager whose portfolio includes the
international convention market.
Looking ahead in 2016, the PHLCVB currently has 275 meetings and
conventions booked for the calendar year January 1-December 31. Those
meetings and conventions will consume 552,269 total room nights and
generate more than $730 million in economic impact for Philadelphia.

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The Black Professionals News Congratulates the 2016 College Graduates

Black Professional News - May 11th:Layout 1 5/16/16 4:18 PM Page 5

Black Professionals News May 11, 2016 5

Creative Africa, A Vibrant Season of Exhibitions and Activities

`This spring the Philadelphia Museum of Art is presenting five
exhibitions and a series of related programs that feature a broad spectrum
of the arts from across the African continent. These exhibitions will
include historical works of art as well as contemporary fashion,
photography, design, and architecture. The centerpiece is Look Again:
Contemporary Perspectives on African Art, a major exhibition drawn
from the collection of the Penn Museum, on view from May 14 through
September 25, 2016. It examines the rich artistic heritage of West and
Central Africa, and is designed to acquaint visitors with the diverse styles
and functions of African art through the act of close looking.
Timothy Rub, The George D. Widener Director and CEO,
Philadelphia Museum of Art, notes: This season of related exhibitions
will offer our visitors a wonderful opportunity to make connections
between centuries-old traditions and contemporary artistic practices. We
are especially grateful for the loan of a large number of works from the
Penn Museums world-renowned collection, which will be presented in
an exhibition that anchors our celebration of African art.
Look Again: Contemporary Perspectives on African Art
Look Again takes advantage of some of the greatest strengths of the
Penn Museums collection, placing a strong emphasis on process,
materials, and ornamentation as well as the understanding that can be
gained through an examination of context, function, and provenance.
Highlights from the kingdom of Benin include carved ivories and
bronzes, among them plaques that once adorned the Obas palace, a
magnificent architectural complex at the heart of Benin City in
present-day Nigeria. Bronzes created as early as the 16th century include
commemorative heads, ranging from the very simple to the extremely
ornate, that would have been placed on altars.
Many of the works on view are sculptures from Central Africa,
including power figures created to strengthen, protect, or heal their users.
These works can range in size from small handheld objects to figures of
imposing scale. In some cases, nails and blades were inserted into these

figures as part of their ritual use. Wooden sculptures originating from

West, Central, and South Africa present a wide array of poses and
expressions, and some incorporate the figure into functional objects, such
as headrests or tools.
Art from the Kuba culture (from the present-day Democratic
Republic of the Congo) will include cloth, made from dyed raffia and
other natural fibers showing bold and lively geometric designs, along
with carved wooden cups, bowls, and boxes adorned with patterns. The
exhibition also features brass weights from present-day Ghana that were
used by the Akan peoples to weigh gold. Made through lost-wax casting,
they are miniature sculptures of people, animals, objects, and abstract
patterns that reflect motifs and proverbs from West Africa.
The exhibition closes with a display of Kota reliquary figures, from
present-day Gabon and Republic of the Congo, which were made to
protect bundles of ancestral relics and are distinguished by exquisite
applied metalwork. Through the use of an interactive digital program
jointly developed by the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, Rampant Interactive,
and Frederic Cloth, visitors can further explore the individual qualities
and intriguing stylistic associations of these works.
Look Again is curated by Dr. Kristina Van Dyke, noted scholar and
curator of African art, and former Director of the Pulitzer Foundation.
The exhibition is coordinated at the Philadelphia Museum of Art by
John Vick, Project Assistant Curator.
Creative Africa Season
The four other exhibitions of the Creative Africa season focus mainly
on modern and contemporary African art and design or offer a dialogue
between past and present, tradition and innovation, and local and global
concerns. Each calls attention to the continuities and differences between
African art forms over the centuries.
All of the exhibitions are presented in the galleries of the Ruth and
Raymond G. Perelman Building. www.philamuseum.org

2nd Annual Atlantic City Boardwalk Beer Festival

609 Event Productions and Harrys Oyster Bar announced today that
after last years great success they will once again partner in presenting
the 2nd annual Atlantic City Boardwalk Beer Festival to be held
outdoors on the boardwalk and courtyard in front of Harrys Oyster Bar
at Ballys Atlantic City on Saturday, June 11th. This second annual event
promises to be bigger and better, again offering two 4 hour sessions,
Session #1 (12pm-4pm), Session #2 (5:30pm-9:30pm). Tickets are
$39.99 (group discounts available for parties of 10 or more) inclusive of
all ticket fees and will include unlimited tastings of 100+ beers, souvenir

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beer mug, live music, beer games and more. There will also be several
food offerings available for purchase throughout the venue. Gary
Monterosso, recognized by Chilled Magazine as a top 100 beverage
personality in the nation and the Whats On Tap crew will be live on
location taping 2 episodes of their show about the world of beer brewing.
A few lucky VIPs will even get to sample some extremely rare beers in a
special seminar hosted by Gary himself.
For info or to purchase tickets visit http://boardwalkbeerfestival.com

Black Professional News - May 11th:Layout 1 5/16/16 4:18 PM Page 6

6 Black Professionals News May 11, 2016

Around Town

THE Party Annual Gala to create awareness and encourage organ

donation was held at the Bellevue pictured enjoying the festivities are
Earl Harvey, Joy Tate, Dr. Gregory Nelson, Eugene and Rhonda Dudley
Photo credit: Robert Mendelsohn

Earl Harvey, the party Donors are Hero's founders Renee D. Freeman,
Don Freeman heart recipient -2000, Andi Margolis, Ryan Margolis,
founding member Photo credit: Lafayette Hills Studios

Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts Gala took place at the

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts guests included Darrel and
Lenora German, Michelle Lawrence, Malik Boyd

American Heart Association held its 3rd annual Heart Science forum,
Chaired by Terry Booker (center), Vice President of Corporate
Development and Innovation, Independence Blue Cross; Adi Hirshberg,
MD, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, (L) and Riyaz Bashir,
MD, received awards.

The Overbrook High School Alumni Association Supporters pictured at

the Annual Gala
Photo credit: Joi Spraggins

Overbrook High School Alumni Association held their Awards Gala at

Bala Country Club pictured at the celebration are Jay Bagley,
Honorees Dr. Loretta Sweet-Jemmott, Mike Gale, Brenda Brown,
Senator Catherine Pugh, guests included Dr. Joi Spraggins, Earl
Harvey and Ducky Birts
Photo credit: Joi Spraggins

Photo credit: Alfred B. For

Submitted by the American Heart Association

The Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts was presented a
citation in recognition of its 50th Anniversary at the official City of
Philadelphia kick-off of April as Jazz Appreciation Month at City Hall.
Councilperson at-large David Oh and Councilperson at-large Derrick
Philadelphia Community of Leaders and African Genesis Institute
Green presents the citation to (l-r) Don Gardner, Clef Club executive
celebrated the life and legacy of Philadelphias own Dr. Ed Robinson, Jr.
director and Lovett Hines, Clef Club artistic director.
at the African American Museum
Photo by Martin Regusters
Photo by: Donald Terry

Black Professional News - May 11th:Layout 1 5/16/16 4:18 PM Page 7

Relax Responsibly. 2016 Paul Masson, Canandaigua, NY. 27% alc./vol. (54 proof) | N02-PMB17002

Black Professionals News May 11, 2016 7

CODE 7493

Black Professional News - May 11th:Layout 1 5/16/16 4:18 PM Page 8

8 Black Professionals News May 11, 2016

201617 Broadway Philadelphia Season Showcase 10 Blockbuster Productions with a

Combined 29 Tony Award Wins
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and The Shubert
Organization announced the 201617 Broadway Philadelphia
season, featuring a sensational lineup of Tony Award winning
Broadway hits. The upcoming season features productions with a
combined 29 Tony Awards and 18 Drama Desk Awards. This season
also introduces four brand-new national touring shows making their
Philadelphia Premieres. Subscribers receive priority access to all shows
and season ticket packages for the upcoming season are on sale now.
The 201617 season will bring the best and brightest of touring
Broadway to Philadelphia, featuring beloved Broadway classic musicals
and new, groundbreaking productions that have taken Broadway by
storm, including the most recent Tony Award winners for Best Play and
Best Musical. The season opens with the first national tour of An
American in Paris, for which the Kimmel Center is a producer as part of
Five Cent Productions and Elephant Eye Productions.
Four shows will be making their Philadelphia Premieres, including:
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, THE BODYGUARD, THE CURIOUS
INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, and FUN HOME.
Returning favorites include: THE KING AND I, CABARET, MAMMA
MIA!, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, MOTOWN THE
MUSICAL, and WICKED.
Broadway Philadelphia is presented collaboratively by The Kimmel

Center for the Performing Arts and The Shubert Organization, with
productions at the Academy of Music, Forrest Theatre, and the Merriam
Theater.
We are thrilled to announce our sensational 201617 Broadway
Philadelphia season! said Anne Ewers, President & CEO of the Kimmel
Center for the Performing Arts. We are delighted to bring a season of
such diverse and compelling programming, believing that each and every
theatergoer will feel connected to these wonderful stories. We would be
remiss to not thank our passionate subscribers who continue to support
the arts and Broadway in Philadelphia.
We are delighted to team with The Kimmel Center to present
another lineup of award-winning shows as part of Broadway
Philadelphia, said Philip J. Smith, Chairman of The Shubert
Organization, Inc. This seasons productions represent Broadway at its
very best.
Subscription packages range from $147 to $629 and are available
online at kimmelcenter.org/bwy1617 or by calling 215-893-1955. Group
sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by
calling (215) 790-5883 or 866-276-2947. Visit online at
kimmelcenter.com/groupsales or telecharge.com/groups. Single tickets
for individual productions will go on sale at a later date.

Marvin Hagler Jr. to take on Ray Leonard Jr. on April 8, 2017 in Atlantic City
30 years to the day of their Fathers' memorable fight
On April 8, 2017, Feldman Brothers, Ritesh Parikh and former
Heavyweight champion of the world, Larry Holmes will present a special
night that will feature a bout 30 years in the making.
Marvin Hagler Jr. and Ray Leonard Jr. will square off in a battle for
legacy in a contest that will come exactly 30 years after the Father's

squared off in a memorable fight.

The third man in the ring will be the same referee that officiated
Leonard Sr's win over Hagler Sr. That being Richard Steele.
The event will distributed worldwide live on Pay-Per-View.
For more information, contact: Ritesh Parikh at 732-742-6621;
ritesh@awesomeitv.com or Damon Feldman 484-318-6133.

Retirement Celebration Honoring

Cynthia D. Douglas
For 35 Years of Service to the
City of Philadelphia

Cost: $55.00 Per Person

(Includes Dinner, Open Bar)
Checks Payable To:
PPR Special Recreation Services
Celebrating The Villanova University
2016 NCAA Basketball Championship

Earl Harvey,
Publisher
P.O. Box 44303
Phila., PA
19144

(Please note checks will not be accepted after June 3rd)

For Tickets Contact:

Jean Kendrick-215-803-6982
kendrickjean@hotmail.com
Liz Settles-215-498-6472
lizyork@hotmail.com
Peggy Jastrzemski-215-683-3691
Peggy.Jastrzemski@phila.gov

The Black Professionals News

(BPN)
Advertising Marketing Special Events

Phone
267-244-3860
earl

@earlharvey.com
www.earlharvey.com

Black Professional News - May 11th:Layout 1 5/16/16 4:18 PM Page 9

Black Professionals News May 11, 2016 9

White House and Department Of Labor Announce $21 Million for Summer and Year-Round
Jobs For Young Americans And Launch Of 16 Summer Impact Hubs
Access to a job in the summer and beyond can make all the
difference to a young person especially those who dont have access to
many resources and opportunities.
- President Barack Obama
A young persons first job brings more than just a steady paycheck
the experience teaches young people life and work skills that serve them
long after the job is done. Summer is a critical time for young people to
get access to first jobs that can provide important skills, experiences and
networks for their future. At the same time, summer opportunities have
been shown to divert youth from criminal involvement and reduce
overall violence in communities. That is why, in February, the White
House launched the Summer Opportunity Project to increase the number
of young Americans participating in evidence-based summer opportunity
programs, decrease the percentage of youth experiencing violence over
the summer, andmore broadlymake sure that young Americans have
the support they need to get their first job. This work builds on the
Presidents My Brothers Keeper Task Force recommendation
strengthening the case for summer youth employment and launching a
cross-sector campaign to reduce summer learning loss and increase the
number of job and internship opportunities for all young people.
The White House and the Department of Labor are announcing new
steps to advance that effort including the release of $21 million in

Summer Jobs and Beyond grants to 11 communities to connect

disadvantaged young people with jobs this summer and year-round. The
White House is also launching 16 Summer Impact Hubs--communities
that will receive robust, coordinated support from 16 federal agencies to
expand and refine their summer jobs, learning, including exposure to
local innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities, meals, and violence
reduction programs.
These announcements are aimed at supporting a range of state and
local leaders, community-based organizations, private sector leaders,
philanthropic leaders, schools, other youth-serving agencies, and young
people that are all coming together at the local level to ensure that our
youth have productive, healthy summers that enhance their educational
and career prospects.
Philadelphia, PA: PA CareerLink Philadelphia: Youth & Young
Adult Opportunity Hub (YOH/theHub) project will leverage partnerships
with employers, universities, youth serving community organizations,
and others to implement a multifaceted approach to providing youth with
work experience opportunities that include summer and year-round
part-time opportunities for in-school youth and exposure to in-demand
job experience for out-of-school youth. The Hub will target 250 youth
ages 16-24 in the Philadelphia area. for more information
www.philadelphia.pa.careerlink.com www.cwds.pa.gov

The Wilma Theater Concludes its 2015-2016 Season with Lucas Hnaths The Christians,
Directed by Timothy Bond, Co-Produced with Syracuse Stage
May 4, 2016 May 29, 2016
Over the course of two decades, Pastor Paul has turned a modest
storefront of a church into a Megachurch complete with a coffee shop
and bookstore in the lobby, a congregation of thousands, and a baptismal
font as big as a swimming pool. On the celebratory day that the churchs
debts are paid off, he decides to preach a controversial sermon. It shakes
the foundation of his churchs beliefs, as well as his marriage, and
congregants begin to question his motivations. The Wilma has cultivated
a relationship with Syracuse Stage over the past two years, and is thrilled
to co-produce The Christians with them in a production that includes a
live community choir.
The Wilmas co-production of The Christians with Syracuse Stage
will be directed by Timothy Bond, Syracuse Stages Artistic Director,
with whom the Wilma has cultivated a strong working relationship over
the past several years. For me, The Christians is very much a play of
ideas, arguments, and dilemmas that are quite brilliantly unanswered,
described Bond. Our design team and acting company have approached
the world of this play like an installation piece: without commentary, we
have designed a real church, with real people, struggling with profoundly
difficult issues. The bones and structure of the text are in many ways
Greek; we are quite clearly in a church and witnessing a prolonged

sermon, yet the experience is also like being at a public forum or in a

courtroom. The production requires the realization of a full-blown
mega-church, designed by Wilma HotHouse Associate Artist Matt
Saunders, which will be installed at the Wilma immediately following the
Syracuse production.
The cast of the Philadelphia production of The Christians will feature
a full community choir of local-area residents across all ages,
demographics, and races. Folks have come from all over the city of
Philadelphia, from all walks of life, and unique cultural backgrounds, to
share their beautiful voices and spirits with us, explained Bond. This
choir, under the direction of our music director and composer Michael
Keck, consists of individuals who are all different people of faith,
believers and non-believers.
Tickets: Under our new Wilma WynTix initiative all tickets for all
days and times throughout the full fourweek mainstage run will be
enjoyed by the general public at the subsidized rate of $25, or $10 for
students and theater artists with valid ID. Tickets are available at the
Wilmas Box Office by calling 215.546.7824, visiting wilmatheater.org,
or coming to the theater, located at 265 South Broad Street in
Philadelphia.

Black Professional News - May 11th:Layout 1 5/16/16 4:18 PM Page 10

10 Black Professionals News May 11, 2016

In Support of Progressive Movements Art Sanctuary Switches Legacy Awards To

Temple University
Celebration of Black Arts, a 31 - day long festival produced in the City
of Brotherly Love, has a National appeal and presence, bringing over
7,500 participants from far and wide to Philadelphia.
The Celebration of Black Arts Legacy Awards Presented by Art
Sanctuary will be held on Friday May 20th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. The
awards ceremony and show will now be hosted at the Temple Performing
Arts Center 1837 N Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19122 and emceed by
Dyana Williams radio personality of Old School 100.3 FM. Dyana
Williams, The Godmother of Black Music Month, will once again serve
as CBA32s Honorary Festival Chair. Following the Academy Awards
for Black Arts, CBA32s Literary Conference & Outdoor Festival will
take place on Saturday May 21st from 10:00am to 6:00pm at the Church
of the Advocate 1801 Diamond St, Philadelphia, PA 19121.
In Support of Progressive Movements and Black Lives Matter, Art
Sanctuary has agreed to move the Black Legacy Awards from Freedom
Theatre to Temple Universitys Campus due to the World Premiere of
The Ballad of Trayvon Martin, a play presented by the New Freedom
Theatre. The Ballad of Trayvon Martin is a poetic docudrama with music
inspired by events surrounding the death of teenager Trayvon Martin on
February 26, 2012, which took place in Sanford, Florida. The play
documents the last seven hours of Trayvons life, his legacy and his role
in the Black Lives Matter Movement.
Executive Director Valerie Gay mentions the importance of Black art,
The power and essence of black art is a universal message celebrated
by so many. The transformative power of black art is experienced all over
the world and not just here in Philadelphia locally. What we have been
reminded of over the last year is, what happens in one community affects
all of us, drawing actions and reactions from place to place.
Art Sanctuary, whose mission is to use the power of black art to
transform individuals, build community and foster cultural
understanding, hosts their 32nd Annual Celebration of Black Arts
Festival (CBA 32) in Philadelphia on May 1st thru May 31st. #CBA32 is
one of the oldest and longest running African-American literary events in
the country. Five distinguished artists and writers will be honored during
the Legacy Awards Ceremony for their contribution to empowering the
world thru Black art, including the inaugural Excellence in Journalism

Award.
2016 Honorees for the Black Arts Legacy Award Ceremony Includes:
The inaugural Excellence in Journalism Award, in memory of the great
Chuck Stone will be presented to Robert W. Bogle and The Philadelphia
Tribune. For the past 130 years, The Tribune has chronicled the lives and
events of black Philadelphians, and to this day often highlights people
and institutions that other news media outlets have been slow to feature.
Dr. Deborah Willis will be celebrated as the recipient of the
Excellence in Visual Literacy Award. Willis is an award-winning and
renowned artist, scholar, and curator. Her work will be exhibited at the
Art Sanctuary gallery throughout the month of May.
2016 Grammy Award Winning Artist, Philadelphia Native, and R&B
Jazz Vocalist Bilal, will be celebrated as the recipient of the Gamble and
Huff Excellence in Songwriting Award. Bilal established himself as a
Soulquarian and excelled as a solo artist and frequent collaborator. He
has collaborated or served as a featured artist by many greats such as
Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, Musiq Soulchild, Jay-Z, Common, Mos Def,
Q-TIP, Robert Glasper, and more!
Bernice L. McFadden will be celebrated as the recipient of the
Excellence in Literature Award. McFadden has garnered accolades from
literary powerhouses like Toni Morrison and Terry McMillan. Her debut,
the emotionally-gripping Sugar, earned a handful of awards and elicited
comparisons to the work of Alice Walker and Zora Neale Hurston.
There will be weekly events in the gallery, such as In the Sanctuary:
Messages from the Elders, sponsored by PECO. During this program,
attendees will hear from notable authors who will read from their work,
answer audience questions, and record an interview for Art Sanctuary
podcast series. Among the featured authors is Elizabeth Nunez on
Tuesday May 24th from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. Nunez is a Trinidadian
American author, distinguished professor of English at Hunter College
CUNY, New York City, and co-founder of the National Black Writers
Conference.
Art Sanctuarys gallery is located at 628 S. 16th Street, Philadelphia,
PA 19146. For more information on the 32nd Annual Celebration of
Black Arts Festival, visit www.artsanctuary.org and follow
@ArtSancPhilly on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

wards Nomination
A
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st

Gala

Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 7:00 PM to

Sunday, June 19, 2016 at 1:00 AM (EDT)
The Wilarie
3227 Stokley Street, Philadelphia, PA 19129

TICKETS AV
AVAILABLE
A
VAILABLE VIA
VAILABLE

$65 - General Admission & $125 - VIP

For tickets and information email Wayne Gaskins sanapro2@gmail.com

For Tickets and information call Dr. Doreen Loury

Office: 215-572-4087

Black Professional News - May 11th:Layout 1 5/16/16 4:18 PM Page 11

Black Professionals News May 11, 2016 11

First Friday Rent Party Series takes place at Arch Street Meeting House
2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the Great Migration:
A historic period when millions of Black Americans moved from the
South to the Northeast, Midwest and West. This changed the country
culturally, politically and socially. People like Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy,
Percy and Tootie Heath, Cat Anderson, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane,
Nina Simone, Archie Shepp, Jimmy Hamilton, Hank Mobley and many
others made this crucial move.
The Philadelphia Jazz Project is partnering with the Arch Street
Meeting House, celebrating this milestone with our First Friday Rent
Party Series. The Rent Party was an invention of Great Migrationeers
who sometimes faced low wages and high rents. Many found themselves
having to pull together a plan to pay the rent. The plan was a house party
inspired by their Saturday Fish Fry traditions with liquor, food, live
music and dancing, all with an admission price. The events happened

weekly all over America, where ever these transplanted Southerners

traveled. Our rent parties will showcase great music by featured artists
and a buffet of foods related to each state from which most Black
Philadelphians have roots curated by Chef Valerie Erwin of Geechee Girl
Restaurant.
The Great Migration - First Friday Rent Party Series takes place at
Arch Street Meeting House, at 7:30pm every first Friday through August
2016. Arch Street Meeting House - 320 Arch Street, Phila., PA 19106
For information visit www.philajazzproject.org, Email:
info@philajazzproject.org or call 267-259-3802.
Tickets are available at firstfridayrentparties.eventbrite.com.
Philadelphia Jazz Project is a sponsored project of the CultureWorks
Greater Philadelphia, with funding provided by The Wyncote
Foundation.

The 15th Annual East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention

Journey to the Myriad Worlds of Quantum Sci-Fi & Superheroes with the
Nations First Full-Service Black Comic Book Convention!
The East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention (ECBACC, Inc.),
which sponsors Philadelphias premiere Black comic book convention,
features an extensive list of authors, artists, filmmakers, publishers, and
visionaries, will celebrate the myriad worlds of science fiction, science
fact and superheroes. ECBACC, Inc. kicks off the two-day convention
Friday, May 20, 2016 / 6:30p.m. - 9p.m., with The Glyphs, a FREE
reception and awards ceremony, at the African American Museum in
Philadelphia / 701 Arch St. The Convention culminates on Saturday, May
21, 2016 / 11a.m. 7p.m., at The Enterprise Center / 4548 Market Street
with a spectacular day of networking, panel discussions, film screenings,
a comic book marketplace and adult / youth workshops. Admission for
Saturday is $10 for adults; FREE for youth age 12 and under. Applying
the themes of youth literacy and positive imagery, ECBACC, Inc.
highlights the new standard for superheroes at the 15th Annual East
Coast Black Age of Comics Convention (ECBACC) on May 21, 2016.
ECBACC, founded by Philly Ambassador Mr. Yumy Odom, has been
a pioneering initiative in giving Black heroes, super-powered characters,
their creators, and fans a voice in the comic book industry.

This year ECBACC turns its spotlights onThe Myriad Worlds of

Quantum Sci-Fi & Superheroes, featuring an array of the best and
brightest, veterans and aspiring creators, pioneers and up-and-coming
writers, illustrators, filmmakers, and publishers.
On tap for Saturday, May 21st: The Kids Library Zone (KLZ), which
will feature comic book-themed activities open to all young people who
attend the Convention and offers children a chance to learn arts & crafts,
music, storytelling and how to take their own ideas and create
superheroes and comic books; ECBACC Professional Workshops
(EPWS), including panel discussions and screenings of new and
award-winning film-shorts; ECBACC Market Place (EMP), one of the
largest gatherings of rare and collectible comics and memorabilia on the
East Coast; The 5th Annual AfriCoz: The very first costume and cosplay
contest celebrating characters of African descent in comic books, sci-fi,
fantasy and film.
On Saturday, May 21, 2016 / 11a.m. 7p.m., ECBACC will brought
award-winning, best-selling and the most sought-after professionals to
the Enterprise Center / 4548 Market Street.
For more info, the full list of panelists and participating artists, visit
www.ecbacc.com

Councilman
Kenyatta Johnson
and Anns Helping Hands
Present

The Southwest Philadelphia

Festival
Intercultural Festival

CCONNELL
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PARK
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6461 Elmw
Elmwood
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Paa 19142
Philadelphia, P

NO ENTRANCE WITHOUT RSVP CALL

Earl Harvey 267-244-3860 or email earlharvey@aol.com

SATURDAY
S
ATURDAY
AT

June 4, 2016
am8:00
10:00 am
8:00 pm

V
endors, Liv
Entertainment and R
efreshments
Vendors,
Livee Entertainment
Refreshments

Black Professional News - May 11th:Layout 1 5/16/16 4:18 PM Page 12

12 Black Professionals News May 11, 2016

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