Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah-AH): Cooperative Economics Has Always Resonated With Me...

Today, the 4th day of KWANZAA which is celebrated with the principle of Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah-AH): Cooperative Economics has always resonated with me.

I hardly ever post STATUS updates on Facebook, but today I will. It's disappointing how our money from the African FAMILY gets enormously spent outside our community, but doesn't funnel back in to us to support our ROOTS, like a tree.

I believe we need to challenge ourselves around this principle. Let's support (and/or continue to support) Black music/spoken word artists such as Yolo Akili, Baron, William Scott (all on Facebook, by the way) and the other great artists out there - let's support Black owned businesses such as Nubian Heritage (aka know Nicholas Variety) in downtown Brooklyn, NY on Fulton Street; Hue-Man Bookstore on 125th in Harlem and the great Sister's Uptown Bookstore & Cultural Center on 156th St. & Amsterdam Ave. and all the others around the country - support organizations such as BMX (Black Men's Xchange), Malcolm X Grassroots Movement (MXGM), etc. and support Black painters, photographers, filmmakers, and other PROGRESSIVE people and entities out there.

The Jews do this for themselves quite successfully ... less cynicism on our part and let's just support and nurture the ones who are willing to do the work with each other in the African FAMILY. PEACE!

Stand With Us In Support Of The Schomburg Center

Dear Friends of the Schomburg,

The story is now legend.

As a young boy, when told that Black people had no history, Arturo Schomburg began amassing the irrefutable evidence… books, manuscripts, art, photos, film, music and more… that formed the foundation of the Schomburg Center.

In his quest, he understood that he couldn’t do this essential work alone. He called on his friends in Harlem -- Langston Hughes, Aaron Douglas, Zora Neale Hurston, and many more -- to help him. As a result, the Schomburg Center has become not only the preeminent intellectual center of the African Diaspora, but also one of the premier research libraries of The New York Public Library.

Like Mr. Schomburg, we are calling on friends like you to stand with us in support of the Schomburg Center, particularly now during one of the most fiscally dire times in the history of the Center.

Recent and proposed budget cuts have threatened critical key elements of the Schomburg's activities. These include our award-winning public programs —films, exhibitions, lecture series, symposia, and more. When our programs are cut, our ability to share stories of the African Diaspora in an authentic voice with audiences of all ages and races is put at risk.

You’ve been an active participant in the life of the Center, either online or at our locations in Harlem, and we deeply appreciate your involvement. Now we’re hoping you’ll increase your commitment to the Center during this time of need and become a member of The Schomburg Society today. Join with the many other people from across the country who have come to understand that protecting and preserving the legacy of Africana history and culture is simply too important to be left to others. I hope we can count on you to join with us. Thank you.

Warmly,

Howard Dodson
Chief

P.S.> Not only will your membership in The Schomburg Society afford you a variety of benefits, but you will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to the sustenance of this remarkable institution. Thank you again.

EXAMS FOR JOBS in New York CityDepartment of Citywide Administrative Services July 2009 - June 2010

Click Image Above For Link To
EXAMS FOR JOBS Info in New York City
-
GOOD LUCK!!

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/html/employment/employ.shtml

Managing Producer (Consultant) Position Available At Freedom Train Productions, A Black Same Gender Loving (SGL) Theater Company

Managing Producer Position At Emerging Black SGL Theatre
B.I.G.G. News!


Managing Producer (Consultant)

Freedom Train Productions, a Black queer theatre company, seeks a highly motivated and independent arts professional with a background in theatre management. This is a part time consultant position beginning in Spring 2010 with an option to stay on permanently dependent on funding.

The Managing Producer will:

* Develop a three-year development and relationship building strategy for special events fundraising and individual, institutional, and government giving;
* Work with the artistic team to identify and support the theatre's response to immediate public and private giving opportunities;
* Work with the artistic team to design a public theatre training series and related earned income revenue strategy; and
* Assess the artistic and management theatre model that the theatre has built over its first three years and provide consultation toward opportunities moving forward.

This position, funded through our Stonewall Community Foundation award, is a great opportunity for a rising arts leader to play a crucial role in the growth of an emerging theatre.

Women, transgender, and people of color candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information and to apply please visit:

www.freedomtrainproductions.org/work

B.I.G.G. News!

In March 2010, Freedom Train Productions announced big and positive transitions. After four years of concentrating on play development, we are thrilled to announce a new programmatic expansion to produce black queer theatre -- FIRE! STAGES.

We believe B.I.G.G. objectives are achieved in partnership with supporters and audience like yourself:

Board of Directors - Expand and Diversify
Space Is the Place
Long-Term Growth
Give!

Join our efforts to grow a truly unique arts organization:

www.freedomtrainproductions.org/bigg

Freedom Train Productions is a Black queer theater company dedicated to political art and social activism that engages artists and audiences. We develop and stage challenging and controversial narratives about the universal struggle for freedom and transformation through the lens of black queer protagonists.

In theatre performance, new work development, and training we create a safe home where stories about black queer protagonists can change the world and make it safer for marginalized communities to exist. We believe that in a society where freedom of expression is regularly under attack, this work is critical.

www.freedomtrainproductions.org

"Black queer protagonists are our vehicle.
Creative justice is our destination."

AND THIS TOO SHALL PASSA Black Same Gender Loving Sports Experience Penned By E. Lynn Harris

As we, the Black same gender loving community celebrate the accomplishments while mourning the passing of E. Lynn Harris, I'd like to say that the greatest thing I took away from E. Lynn Harris was his third and my most favorite book that he wrote, And This Too Shall Pass (1997). He's the only Black SGL author (to my knowledge) to broach the subject matter of the Black SGL experience and SPORTS (specifically American football) which I LOVE. Man! I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!

It occurred to me at the time I read the book that if I had the dream to ever pursue a career as a lawyer, I'd be in the sports arena in order to help young Black male sports athletes manage their money better. It would have been a great service to help my community of bruthaz manage their money better and I may get to see some of them in their towels in the locker room as a bonus! LOL! ).

Photography Copyright © RASCONRAD

A lot of prospective Black male athletics come from impoverished or low-income backgrounds and then once they obtain a substantial amount of money in lucrative sports contracts they wind up broke after their career is over due to financial mismanagement. The Washington Post (can't find the link right now) did a huge and extensive (like 8 to 10 page) on-line article on the subject matter of NFL sports athletics and their money.

Anyway, even though I have my little Paddleball Saturdays with Da Bruthaz (NYC) sports league at Morningside Park @ 122nd Street in Harlem, NY during the last 5 years, which is intended as an alternative to clubs and bars for fellowship and brotherhood for Black same gender loving men, I am still frustrated at the lack of desire that my circles of Black SGL men have for sports; the exception is like basketball or track and field where bruthaz watch for the eye candy and mostly not truly interested in the sport(s) itself.

Anyway, I say all that to say that E. Lynn Harris penned an inspiring book that I (a Black same gender loving brutha who LOVES sports, lives in New York City and a huge Washington Redskins fan for over 25 years now) could really get into and escape with. Ironically, I remember in past conversations that a lot of Black SGL bruthaz didn't appreciate And This Too Shall Pass as much as I liked the book.

Anyway, I have to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to my good friend Herb for helping me organize the Paddleball Saturdays with Da Bruthaz (NYC) over these last few years. He gave me hope that there a few (if minuscule amount of bruhs) who like vibin' with me on Saturdays with the sport of paddleball.

Oh, well... CHEERS to you E. Lynn! Thanks for creating and crafting a truly inspirational and exceptional Black SGL sports world I could vibe with. Peace, my brutha!

ROD (aka BIG ROD)




UPDATE (Tuesday, July 28th, 2009): I happened to be looking through my book library and found (and forgot!) that E. Lynn signed my copy of AND THIS TOO SHALL PASS from 10 years ago! WOW! I remember waiting on a long line like everyone else during his book signing in a basketball gymnasium (I'm pretty certain that it was at the YMCA on 135th Street in Harlem, NYC, USA!). Take a look below. I wanted to share this! The paper is turning a little brown, though... LOL!

Whole Foods Uptown is Hiring (NYC)

Hi All,

Whole Foods is recruiting for local staff among organizations in the neighborhood. Below is their information. If you are interested, reply to the phone or email indicated below.

Upper Manhattan Center
215 West 125th Street WORKFORCE 1
New York, N.Y. 10027
Tel: 917-493-7000

100 + POSITIONS AVAILABLE AT
WHOLE FOODS MARKET

The world's largest retailer of natural and organic foods is seeking:
Cooks
Runners
Cashiers
Cashiers Assistants
Front End Drivers
Bakery Team Members
Bakery Team Receivers
Whole Body Team Members
Café Team Members
Pre-Pack Team Members
Salad Bar Team Members
Dishwasher Team Members
Specialty Team Members
Seafood Team Members

Requirements:
Experience in area in which you are applying.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to stand and walk for an entire 8 hour shift.
Ability to perform physical requirements of position.
Ability to operate all necessary equipment.
Bend and lift loads up to 50 pounds
Clean background

Positions start at $10.00/hr

Recruitment events will be held at the address listed above on:
Monday, July 6, 2009 at 10:00 am
Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 10:00 am
Wednesday, July 8, 2009 at 10:00 am
Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 12:30 pm
Friday, July 10, 2009 at 9:00 am

Please bring your resume and photo identification.
Tell us you are here for Whole Foods

Interested candidates please contact:
Vivian Stroman at (917)493-7066 or vstroman[at]seedco.org

New York City Workforce Career Center operates an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Travel & Leisure Getaway - Michael Herbert's Travel Line, Inc.

Hey Black Family,

My friend and ADODI brutha Michael Herbert is in the travel & leisure business and wants to introduce you to some competitive and alternative travel and travel rate possibilities for that special destination trip you might be thinking about.

In the spirit of the fourth Kwanzaa principle: Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah-AH): Cooperative Economics, please check out Michael's travel & leisure website business called Travel Line, Inc. ---> http://www.ytbtravel.com/michaelherbert

Whether you're thinking about that cruise or beach escape in the Caribbean or big travel plans overseas, there's a bunch of options to look at on Michael's website.

Michael's travel and leisure website offers:

Top 20 Destinations
All Inclusive Resorts
Offbeat Retreats
Family Friendly Vacations
European Escapes
Flight Itinerary Look-up
Online Flight Check-In
Stay the Luxurious Way


So check a brutha out! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact him!!

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL ONLINE TODAY!
www.ytbtravel.com/michaelherbert
Ph: 561.306.6819
Michael Herbert
Referring Agent
m.a.herbert[at]gmail.com

Employment Listings for YOU and Those YOU KNOW

Hey Black Family,

A friend (thanks Stanford) sent the following job employment information to me and I'm just passing it along. Good luck in your job search.

--
ROD (aka BIG ROD)

BIG ROD's Photography: http://big-rod.jalbum.net (Turn Ya Speakers On 4 Some Bangin' Music While Ya Lookin')

Join ROD's Network: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nubian_knights_network



Full time Program Manager and other positions available at large, successful and growing workforce development operation in North Brooklyn. St Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation Corporation’s Workforce Development Division seeks the following staff:

Program Manager, Skills Training – Oversee all aspects of Environmental Remediation Technician or Commercial Truck Driver technical training program including developing training schedule, recruitment and enrollment, coordinating training with technical training vendors, supervise case management and job development staff, maintain and expand strong partnerships with employers, ensure job placement, reporting and funder liaison. Requirements: 3 years of program management experience; strong organizational skills; BA degree; strong written and oral communication skills.

Program Manager, Green Collar Jobs – Oversee all aspects of new Green Collar skills training program including starting up pilot PV Solar Panel Installation training and designing new training courses in renewable energy, building performance and other green fields. Research potential career tracks. Develop new relationships with employers, training vendors and partners. Assist in securing funding. Requirements: program management experience; interest and/or experience in environmental field; high energy level; BA degree; strong written and oral communication skills.

Program Manager, Dislocated Workers – Oversee all aspects of new placement and job training program for newly dislocated workers. Participate in start up activities, coordinating with other St. Nicks programs and CBOs; supervise staff of 6; development new employer relationships; coordinate reporting; and funder liaison. Requirements: 3 years of program management and supervisory experience; ability to manage diverse relationships; BA degree; strong organizational skills; attention to detail.

Program Manager, Adult Education – New position available overseeing all aspects of our growing employment-focused adult education division. Manage staff that includes DOE teachers. Reporting and funder liaison. Requirements: literacy and adult education technical expertise; knowledge of Adult Ed. funding sources; understanding of case management and/or employment services; BA degree; strong organizational skills; ability to work some evenings and Saturdays; bi-lingual a plus.

Data and Reporting Manager – Responsible for all elements of our internal and external reporting of program outcomes including managing a small staff; using internal reporting system and various government and funder-mandated systems; ensure quality and timeliness of data input and program reporting. Requirements: BA degree; experience with data reporting systems and basic software (Excel, Access); adept and interested in technology; ability to handle multiple projects independently; attention to detail.

Retention Coordinator – Responsible for all post-placement services to ensure job retention including maintaining regular contact with placed clients and their employers; tracking and reporting job retention; determining if customers requirement additional services and coordinating these services with staff and external organizations; and creating programming to help customers keep their jobs and to stay in contact with our organization. Requirements: strong organizational and interpersonal skills; ability to handle multiple projects; attention to detail; Associate degree. Ability to work some evenings and Saturdays; bi-lingual a plus.

Workplace Success Skills Trainer, Bi-lingual – Develop and lead 2-week workplace success skills/job readiness/life skills training cycles for dislocated workers population in English and/or in Spanish; adapt current curriculum to new population; coordinate internal and outside speakers; participate in assessment; case conferencing and job placement for trained customers; ensure participants have resume and other materials to begin job search after training; oversee participants’ structured job search; keep participants highly engaged and motivated. Requirements: experienced in teaching, presentations or training in employment or related field; highly motivated, professional and energetic; ability to train in English and Spanish; knowledge of the needs of dislocated and disadvantaged workers; BA or Associate degree. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Job Developer – two new positions available to provide job placement services to dislocated workers. Responsibilities include: develop employer relationships and placement opportunities; assist customers in job/career exploration; match participants to job openings, prepare them for interviews, coordinate interviews and follow up with employers; assist participants in their own structured job search. Requirements: 2 years of job development or related experience; able to motivate participants; high energy level; BA or Associate degree; strong presentation and interpersonal skills.

Case Manager/Career Advisor, Dislocated Workers – assess participants’ needs and assist them during employment program and during transition to employment. Responsibilities include: assess enrolled participants; develop Career Plan jointly with participants to identify career goals; identify and build on assets; minimize employment barriers; and coordinate services during participation, job search and post placement; maintain case notes and client file. Requirements include: 2 years experience in case management or vocational counseling; strong interpersonal skills; knowledge and experience with issues facing disadvantaged job seekers; highly organized; expertise in substance abuse, domestic violence, criminal justice system, homelessness, or other specialty a plus. BA or Associate degree. Bi-lingual a plus.

Program Coordinator – provide administrative and clerical support to new program staff of six people including scheduling; testing participants; creating computer and paper customer files. Responsibilities include: strong organization, administrative and clerical skills; strong typing skills; attention to detail; ability to interface with clients and employers; ability to handle multiple responsibilities/projects; strong written English skills; ability to speak Spanish a plus.

Data Clerk – support Data Reporting team including inputting customer information in various internal and government and funder databases ensuring timeliness and accuracy; oversee client paper files ensuring completeness and accuracy; review data discrepancies; follow up on missing client information; run regular internal and external reports. Requirements: knowledge of various reporting systems; attention to detail; accurate typing/data entry skills; Associates degree; strong organizational skills.

To apply, applicants should send a cover letter indicating position desired, resume, and salary history/requirement electronically to St. Nicks Human Resources at HR@stnicksnpc.com or via fax to 718.943.3085 or 718.486.5982. Visit www.stnicksnpc.org to learn more. We are EOE.

Scholarships Aren't Just TRIX For Kids

Cuz,

Thanks for the follow-up.

The Gaia Community Scholarship and most of the others out there are typical of the criteria by which a lot of adults like me and others in similar situations don't fit into. I believe I told I you that when I went through that email that (floats around the Internet from people forwarding it) listed 101 African-American scholarships, all of the criteria was you either have to be (1) a high school senior, (2) a college undergrad, (3) a college graduate or (4) a filmmaker (in my field) that has a project already finished filming and needs post-production monies to finish or "sweeten" the project. Unfortunately I and other adults don't fit any of those categories.

I'm glad I'm not a bitter person in regard to this topic, but at the same time I think there should be more programs out there that support motivated adult individuals who have a career or life path goal already figured out and wish to get monetary assistance in obtaining their dream. I have no doubt that there may be (scholarship) programs with monies waiting in the wings for people to claim, but it becomes an issue of people simply not knowing about it. I've read on-line and heard on progressive radio stations (probably NYC's WBAI 99.5 FM) of sooooo many monies going back to the government vault because people didn't claim or apply for the grants, scholarships or whatever. Well! If people don't know about it then how can they claim it?????!! While most of these programs are geared toward younger people (which is not a bad thing), the fact also remains that a lot of young folks 18 to 25 in age and sometimes older have no idea what they wanna do, yet have all these monies made available to them from the get-go. I think a lot of people who reach their 18th birthday are not always sure what they wanna do with the rest of their lives. Or people change goals (sometime numerous times) in life which is not uncommon especially in the information age (as opposed to the industrial age where it was common for our parents to reside at the same job for 20, 30 or 40 years) in which we live and can simply roll-over one's 401k plan from one account to the other.

In any case, Cuz, I'm so passionate about this that I'm going to copy and paste this in my Nubian Knights Network: Writings on the Black Wall blog. LOL! I can only laugh for now, I guess.

ROD