By Tim Molloy

Posted February 3rd 2012

Bounce TV will honor Don Cornelius with a seven-hour “Soul Train” marathon Saturday.

The marathon will begin with the show’s first episode and conclude with his final episode as host. It will be hosted by TLC‘s Chilli.

Cornelius, 75, was found dead of a gunshot wound this morning at his home in the Sherman Oaks district of Los Angeles.

Bounce, which airs “Soul Train” weekdays at 6 p.m., is also adding the series to its prime-time lineup beginning Monday. Monday Night Soul will feature four classic episodes of “Soul Train” back to back from 8 p.m. to Midnight ET every week.

Saturday’s marathon will begin at 7 p.m. Here is a list of the episodes, as described by Bounce:

Also from TheWrap: Don Cornelius, Creator of ‘Soul Train,’ dies

7 p.m.: The very first episode of “Soul Train,” featuring Gladys Knight & the Pips, 1971

8 p.m.: Al Green is the showcased artist, 1972

9 p.m.: The Commodores are featured in their prime, 1977

10 p.m.: Kool and the Gang highlight the show, 1983

11 p.m.: Janet Jackson in her first big music year, 1986

Midnight: En Vogue star in their debut year, 1990

1 a.m.: Cornelius’ last show as host, 1993

Bounce TV is available on free local station WUAB Channel 43.2 in the Northeast Ohio area. (Consult your Satellite or Cable guide for their WUAB 43.2  location)

Posted February 1st 2012

Carter Godwin Woodson was born on December 19, 1875 in New Canton, in Buckingham County, Virginia, to parents who were formerly enslaved. He was instrumental in bringing professional recognition to the study of African American history during a period when most historians held the opinion that African Americans were a people without history.

He founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in September 1915 and a journal to chronicle the history and advancements of African Americans. To draw greater attention to the contributions and achievements of African Americans to civilization, he and others founded Negro History Week in 1926. He chose the week to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and Frederick Douglass on February 14, whose lives and work supported freedom, equality, and citizenship for African Americans. This celebration and remembrance would later evolve into Black History Month, celebrated nationally beginning in the mid-1970s. Years later many referred to Woodson as the “Father of Negro History.”

The association today sets the theme for Black History Month and serves as a resource for local, state, and international branches to help promote greater knowledge of African American history through programs of education, research, and publishing.

Born to a poor family, Woodson supported himself by working in the coalmines of Kentucky. As a result, he was unable to enroll in high school until he was 20. After graduating in less than two years, he taught high school, wrote articles, studied at home and abroad, and went on to earn a doctorate in history at Harvard University in 1912; at the time, only the second African American to receive a Harvard doctorate. His predecessor was the eminent scholar, W.E.B. DuBois.

His organization, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, encouraged scholars to engage in the intensive study of the past as it related to Africans and their descendants through the world. In 1916, Woodson edited the first issue of the association’s principal scholarly publication, The Journal of Negro History (now the Journal of African American History), which, under his direction, remained an important historical periodical for more than 30 years. Woodson served as dean of the College of Liberal Arts and head of the graduate faculty at Howard University, Washington, D.C. (1919-20), and was dean at West Virginia State College in Institute, West Virginia (1920-22).

Important works by Woodson include the widely consulted college text The Negro in Our History (1922; 10th ed., 1962); The Education of the Negro Prior to 1861 (1915); A Century of Negro Migration (1918), and The Miseducation of the Negro (1933). He was at work on a projected six-volume Encyclopedia Africana at the time of his death. Woodson died on April 3, 1950, in Washington, D.C.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION: EVENT LISTING 2012

February 1st through February 29th

Black History Month 2012  Cleveland City Hall Rotunda
Beginning at noon on Tuesday, February 1st City of Cleveland  kicks off the annual  Black History Month celebration. Free events will feature live music, food, and local vendors every Tuesday and Wednesday at noon. Free and open to the public. Click HERE for details.

The United Church of Christ Honors Black History Month

The UCC Church House in Cleveland will feature prominent African-American preachers during Black History Month, who will lead worship. Amistad Chapel, 700 Prospect Avenue E, Cleveland, OH 44115.  Each Wednesday in February at noon: Free to the public.

• February 1, 2012 — Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, UCC general minister and president.
• February 8, 2012 — Rev. Paul Hobson Sadler Sr., pastor of Mt. Zion Congregational UCC in Cleveland.
• February 15, 2012 — U.S. Federal Judge Denise Page Hood.
• February 29, 2012 — Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., pastor emeritus of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Cincinnati Ohio- Courage: The Vision to End Segregation, The Guts to Fight For It

Half a century ago, a series of lawsuits that changed America were launched. These lawsuits led to the 1954 landmark Supreme Court decision, Brown v. Board of Education. The Brown decision ruled racially segregated schools were unconstitutional and set in motion a series of events that continue to shape our lives today. Courage is an award-winning, groundbreaking exhibition that tells the story of Rev. J.A. De Laine and other brave citizens of Clarendon County, South Carolina. Through photographs, oral histories and key artifacts, Courage explores the grassroots community activism that one community initiated to begin the process that ended legal segregation of all races in America’s schools. Click HERE for exhibit days and times.

Kent State University Presents ‘The Black List’

A three-part series features video portraits of some of today’s most prominent African-Americans from areas of arts, sports, politics, business and government. Produced by photographer/filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and public radio host, journalist and former New York Times critic Elvis Mitchell. Moderated discussion to follow each video presentation. Click HERE for more information and additional events. Kent State University at Stark, Library Conference Room, 6000 Frank Avenue NW, North Canton, OH 44720. Free to the public.

• Volume I – Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m.
• Volume II – Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m.
• Volume III – Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012, 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m.

Karamua House Presents ‘The Bluest Eye’

A Karamu House production based off of Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison’s novel. It chronicles the tragic life of a young black girl in Ohio, in the 1940s, and explores the toll that a legacy of racism has taken on a community, family and innocent girl. (Play contains adult language and themes.)  Karamu House, 2355 East 89th Street, Cleveland, OH 44106. Click HERE for dates, times and admission prices.

Rock Hall: ‘Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power’

A groundbreaking new exhibit at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Guests get an in-depth look at more than 70 female artists and the important roles they have played in rock and roll, from its inception through today.  Exhibit features artifacts, video and listening stations, as well as a recording booth. Click HERE for more information.

Western Reserve Historical Society

The 13th annual A Fugitive’s Path – Escape on the Underground Railroad returns to Hale Farm & Village on select dates from February through April 2012. This interactive, role-playing program involves visitor s in the story of the Underground Railroad. The program begins on the auction block with slaves sold to a harsh overseer. A twist of fate allows them to escape, traveling under cover of darkness on a perilous 90-minute journey in search of freedom. Click HERE for days and times.

The King Art Complex Columbus Ohio: The February Family Film Series  “ Book to Movies”

The February Family Film Series will focus on books that have become movies.  In honor of Black History Month the series embraces, reviews and acknowledges the power of literature that has influenced films on cultural and social patterns of our society.  The dialogue will be led by community facilitators and/or local media personalities that will provide their expertise in their field, either by knowledge or interest. Admission is Free. Click HERE for schedule.

Visual Voices 2012: The African American Experience,  Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton,
A part of the KeyBank African-American Arts Festival, the free exhibit, open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., features African-American “skyscrapers,” women and men who stand tall as role models in the Dayton community. Curated by Willis “Bing” Davis, Visual Voices is presented in partnership with EbonNia Gallery and will feature the work of dozens of Dayton-area African-American artists. Click HERE for details.

Black History Month at the Ohio Statehouse, Columbus Ohio

The Ohio Statehouse will celebrate Black History Month throughout February with a special display, free historical performances each Tuesday at noon and special tours of the George Washington Williams Room. The 2012 Rosa Parks Children’s Art Exhibit will be on display in the Statehouse Map Room throughout February. Musical performances will honor Black History Month each Wednesday from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in the Crypt of the Ohio Statehouse. Guests will be treated to a free lunch-time concert.  Living history programs will be presented each Tuesday at noon throughout February in the Museum Gallery on the ground floor of the Ohio Statehouse. Visitors will meet first-person interpreters who portray African Americans who are prominent figures in U.S. history. Free to the public. Click HERE for details.

Cleveland State University will present a wide range of activities in honor of Black History Month. From lectures to art exhibits to films and more, Cleveland State is engaging the community in a celebration of the lives, history and culture of people of African descent. All events are free and open to the public unless noted.  For more information, please call the Black Studies Program at 216.687.3655.

Bowling Green State University, month-long
Bowling Green State University celebrates Black History Month with numerous events, including a lecture series, musical performances and conferences. A highlight of the month’s events is the 13th Annual Black Issues Conference on Feb. 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Click HERE for full schedule of events.

Friday February 3rd 2012

E.J. Thomas Hall:  ‘THE COLOR PURPLE’ is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who – through love – finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Set to a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life. Directed by Gary Griffin, THE COLOR PURPLE is adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Grammy Award winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray and choreography by Donald Byrd. 198 Hill St., Akron; 330-972-7595 F Showtimes are February 3rd & 4th.

Saturday February 4th 2012

The Cleveland Public Library continues our tradition of offering African American History Month programs throughout the Main Library and its branches to commemorate the rich history that helped shape this country.

Cleveland Public Library: Writers & Readers Series: Eugine Robinson, Author and Political Analyst

Cleveland Public Library welcomes Pulitzer Prize-winning author and political analyst, Eugene Robinson. Frequently seen on MSNBC. Mr. Robinson is also associate editor and columnist for The Washington Post. His latest book, Disintegration: The Splintering of Black America, was published in 2010. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Books are available from A Cultural Exchange at aculturalexchange.org. 2:00 p.m. Main Library • Louis Stokes  Wing Auditorium • East Sixth & Superior Ave. For more Cleveland Public Library events Click HERE

Cleveland Jazz Orchestra: Celebration of the Big Band, Classic to Contemporary Revue

Pre-show talk @ 7:30 pm * February  4, 2012 * Donor Lounge
Sean Jones takes the CJO and the audience on a journey through the evolution of the big band from Count Basie to Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Thad Jones, and more contemporary ensembles. Click HERE for event details.

Sunday February 5th 2012

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Lessons in the Underground Railroad

 Wednesday  February 8th 2012

‘History of African-Americans in American Politics’

Former member of the Ohio House of Representatives, Thom Collier, presents a brief examination on the political elements affecting African-Americans, from slavery to citizenship. Event sponsored by the OSU/M/NC State College Republicans. Click HERE for more information and additional events. North Central State College, Conard Performance Hall in Reidl Hall, 1760 University Drive, Mansfield, OH 44906. 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Free to the public.

Maltz Museum: Performance Preview and Director’s Talk, ‘The Antebellum’

Join Cleveland Public Theatre director Beth Wood and members of the cast of Antebellum as they talk about and perform selected scenes from this provocative drama that unfolds against the backdrop of a southern plantation, a German concentration camp and the 1939 Atlanta premiere of Gone with the Wind; a play that resonates with the entwining realities of Nazi cruelty and Hollywood dreams. 7pm. Click HERE for event details.

The Cleveland Art Museum: ‘Chucho Valdés with the Afro-Cuban Messengers.’

Thursday February 9th 2012

Oberlin College: ‘Why I Had to Dance’-A Premiere Choreopoem Written by Ntozake Shangé

Poet/playwright Ntozake Shange’s choreopoem “Why I Had to Dance” propels the audience into the world of dance through the poet’s experiences. Shange describes it as: “The story of black dance herself… the connectedness of black dance from one generation to another generation and from one region to another region, moving all around the dance world from my childhood on.” Experience the world premiere of this animated journey of dance through time, over generations and across geography brought to life on stage. “Why I Had to Dance” is written by Ntozake Shange and choreographed and directed by Dianne McIntyre. The evening opens with Unexpected Journeys, another new piece choreographed by Dianne McIntyre with Oberlin student collaborators. Unexpected Journeys is directed by Oberlin College Associate Professor Caroline Jackson Smith. Click HERE for ticket information.

Sunday  February 12th 2012

‘An Evening of Theater Celebrating Black History Month’

Presented by US Bank and The Urban League of Greater Cleveland. Event features the award-winning stage play, “Radio Golf,” by August Wilson. Production tells the story of a successful entrepreneur aspiring to become a city’s first black mayor. It’s the final chapter in Wilson’s 10-play cycle chronicling African-American life in the 20th century. Click HERE for more information.

Allen Theater — Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH Sunday, February 12, 2012, 7:30 p.m. ADMISSION: $50

Friday February 17th 2012
Rock Hal Celebrates Black History Month: Ladies First, Meshell Ndegeocello Live in Concert.

Friday February 17th 2012 at 7pm. Click HERE for tickets and more info.

Akron Civic Theatre: Greater Bethel Baptist Church presents Past Unforgotten III Black History and Awards Celebration!

Greater Bethel Baptist Church presents an amazing night of Gospel singing. 100 Voice Choir of Greater Akron. 7pm

Monday February 20th 2012

‘African-American Women Pioneers in Sports’

Dr. Leslie Heaphy highlights African-American women and their significant achievements in sports. Event is co-sponsored by Kent State Stark’s History Club. Click HERE for more information. Kent State University at Stark, Library Conference Room, 6000 Frank Avenue NW, North Canton, OH 44720. Monday, February 20, 2012, 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m. Free to the public.

Wednesday February 22nd 2012

Rock and Roll Night School – ‘Ladies First: Women in Hip-Hop’

Event is part of the Rock Hall’s annual Black History Month celebration. Attendees will learn about the complicated and changing roles of female hip-hop artists, from early pioneers to today’s leading innovators. Class includes a presentation, music and video clips, and group discussions. Click HERE for more information. 7 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Free to the public reservation required.

Thursday February 23rd 2012

Cleveland Public Theatre: ‘The Antebellum’

Antebellum unfolds against the backdrops of a southern American plantation, a German concentration camp, the world premiere of Gone With The Wind and 1930s Berlin cabarets. Two stories merge as a love affair between two men, one Jewish and the other African-American, bridges time, space and gender. Through juxtaposed realities of Nazi cruelty and Hollywood dreams, this sweeping romance challenges intolerance of race and religion and discrimination on both sides of the Atlantic.  February 23rd —March 10th. Click HERE for tickets.

Friday February 24th 2012

PlayhouseSquare :  ‘Slam U Spoken Word’

Slam U is PlayhouseSquare’s spoken word poetry program for teens. Find your voice and speak your mind. Meet other teen poets. Be on stage. Develop your skills. Eat some free pizza. And maybe earn a spot on the Cleveland Youth Poetry Slam Team and travel to the international Brave New Voices competition in July. Free admission.  Click HERE for more info.

Slam U is made possible by the philanthropic support of individual and corporate donors and foundations.

 Saturday February 25th 2012

Max’nOut Entertainment and Beechstree PR in collaboration with PBS presents  ‘Slavery By Another Name’ Dialgue Discussion.

Cleveland Public Library: Natural Hair Care in the 21st Century

In honor of African American History Month the Cleveland Public Library invites you to its first ever natural hair program, Natural Hair Care in the 21st Century. Find out about the history, science and beauty of African American hair. Learn what it truly means to “transition” and discover the beauty of natural hair styles worn by women throughout the world.

Featuring a “real talk” informative and interactive session with advice from the experts. Join the hottest natural hair experts, salon owners, and bloggers for an afternoon of learning about the natural hair care in the 21st century. 1:00 p.m. Main Library • Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium • East Sixth & Superior Ave. For more Cleveland Public Library events Click HERE

Tuesday February 28th 2012

PlayhouseSquare: ‘Memphis’

From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, Memphis is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves — filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, Memphis , features a Tony®-winning book by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) and a Tony®-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. Directing is Tony® nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu), and choreography is by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys). Get ready to experience Broadway’s most exciting new destination~ what AP calls “The very essence of what a Broadway musical should be.” Run of show: February 28th —March 11th. Click HERE for tickets.

By Brande Victorian

Posted January 20th 2012

CHECK OUT THE PRESIDEN SINGING AL GREEN

Feeling the spirit of the Apollo theater, President Obama briefly broke into a verse of “Let’s Stay Together” before speaking to a crowd at the Harlem fundraiser yesterday.

Al Green performed before the president took the stage and once Obama finished his line, the crowd broke out into cheers as he said “Those guys didn’t think I would do it, I told you I was gonna do it.

The president can actually carry a little tune, which may be why, as he said, “the sandman did not come out.”

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

Posted January 19th 2012

CLEVELAND - As part of the Sustainable Cleveland 2019 initiative, the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability is kicking off the “Year of Local Foods” by hosting a Local Food Fair on January 20, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda. The event is free and open to the public and will give people the opportunity to engage with local vendors, businesses, and farmers. There will be informational tables set up for people to learn how to access local food from the farmers in their communities.

Attendees will be able to sample and purchase a variety of healthy local foods.

Sustainable Cleveland 2019 is a ten year initiative that engages people from all walks of life to work together to adopt more sustainable practices.

WHO: Mayor’s Office of Sustainability

Local vendors, businesses, and farmers

WHAT: Cleveland Conserves’ Year of Local Foods Kick-off

WHEN: Friday, January 20, 2012

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: City Hall Rotunda

601 Lakeside Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Please note that you must bring photo identification to enter the City Hall Rotunda.

-

By Reverend Jesse Jackson

Posted January 14th 2012

New Hampshire’s primary grabs headlines today, but if history is any guide, the Jan. 21 South Carolina primary will play a far greater role in determining the Republican winner.

Of that state’s population, 28 percent are African American, and could be a major factor in the primary. But Republican candidates have made little effort to reach out to the black community. Republican South Carolina voters are likely to be nearly as white as they were in Iowa and New Hampshire. All the Republican candidates will pay tribute to Dr. King on his birthday next week, but they seem oblivious to one of his greatest contributions: the creation of the New South.

In a time of growing inequality, we forget the scope of Dr. King’s victory. When I was growing up in Greenville, S.C., segregation was the law of the land. Blacks and whites attended separate and unequal schools. My friends and I were locked out of public institutions like the public library. We still rode in the back of the bus. Greenville was the home of Bob Jones University, which Africans could attend (if they didn’t fraternize with white women) while African Americans could not. If we wanted to play college sports, we either attended a historically black institution or went to schools in the North or West.

South Carolina’s political leadership fiercely resisted the movement for civil rights. My first arrest came from trying to use the public library. It took years of struggle, demonstrations, sit-ins, bloodshed and sacrifice, but in the end, Dr. King had a more powerful vision of the future than all of the politicians, sheriffs and elites who stood in the way.

The victory of the civil rights movement helped to forge a new South. In South Carolina, public schools and public accommodations are open to all. Colleges are integrated. Students from Clemson or South Carolina root for their teams, loyalties divided by the color of the uniform, not the color of the players. With the ending of legal segregation, the economy started to modernize. Foreign investors opened plants that would not have come to the Old South. African Americans gained the right to vote. Now the Republican governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, is of South Asian descent. The New South has come a long way, but has a long way yet to go. In South Carolina, the Republican Party consolidated its power through a poisonous race-bait politics, as it did throughout the South. The inequality rooted in 150 years of slavery and 100 years of legal apartheid has not been overcome. African Americans in the New South have less wealth, more poverty and worse unemployment than whites. In South Carolina, 37 percent of African Americans live in poverty, compared with 15 percent of whites.

Dr. King understood that the civil rights movement, having ended segregation and gained the right to vote, had to challenge poverty and economic inequality. In his final days, he was building a poor people’s campaign, planning to bring people to the nation’s capital across lines of race, religion and region to create a Resurrection City and demand economic justice. He was the true precursor of Occupy Wall Street.

It is fitting that we celebrate Dr. King’s birthday the week before the first Southern primary. Republicans still tout Reagan’s vision, but it was King, not Reagan or Thurmond who forged the New South. And it is King’s unfinished agenda — how to guarantee equal opportunity and economic justice for all — that they must address.

Over time, Republicans may just find that a party of white sanctuary and trickle-down economics has less and less appeal in a South where race concerns people less and economic opportunity worries them more.

By Gina Hobbs

Posted December 9th 2011

Cleveland, OH – Fifteen students from 13 schools and 3 different counties have been working diligently for the past five months, in a series of four-hour long ideation sessions, developing and researching three innovative product concepts based on LCD, Kinetic energy, Camouflage and Nanotechnology.  The students represent the Consortium of African American Organization’s (CAAO) 2011 Youth Innovation Forum (YIF), and will present their ideas at the 6^th Annual CAAO Youth Career Day and Conference.  The event will be hosted by John Carroll University, 20700 North Park Blvd., Saturday, December 10th, 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the D.J. Lombardo Student Center (LSC Conference Room).  The Conference is free and open to the public; however, registration is required online or via phone at www.caao.net or 216-432-9481.

YIF serves as a unique educational opportunity for students between the ages of 10 and 19, to develop their talents to assist with idea generation for new products, fresh designs, and the latest creations.  The primary purpose of YIF is to cultivate future leaders and help bright young minds chart their own course to success.

Approximately 100 local parents, students, teachers, business and community leaders are expected to attend the Conference, which will open with a complimentary hot breakfast and breakout sessions, followed by the special Youth Innovation Forum presentation on the final product concepts.  The breakouts sessions will include a financial literacy discussion by Fifth Third Bank, and presentations by the Cleveland/ Northeast Ohio Chapter of the National Black MBA Association Leaders of Tomorrow, and the Urban League of Greater Cleveland Youth Programs.  The keynote speaker for the event is George Sample, Human Resources Manager, Diversity and Inclusion, for the Lubrizol Corporation.

““Each year, our students start with approximately 1,000 concepts, and cull them down to two or three, and this year’s class, like all of our past students, have come up with some amazing ideas,” says Gail Wright, Youth Innovation Forum Project Leader.  The E-Case utilizes interactive LCD technology allowing a consumer to preview a portion of the content of a DVD movie or video game directly from its case prior to purchase.  The Kinetic Keyboard Device (KKD) enables a user to produce, harvest, and store kinetic energy generated by typing on their computer keyboard.  And the Phantum N-Flodge is a product that gives the user the ability to blend in with their changing surroundings using active camouflage technologies, nanotechnologies, and kinetic energy.  Students from the Cleveland Institute of Art provided mock-ups of the concepts.

“Technology continues to play such an important part in the lives of our children,” says Connie Holdipp, Executive Director of CAAO.  “It is important to help them think how they may contribute to society through technology, on both a national and global level.  In the end, YIF teaches kids to dream, to see the possibilities, and provides them with a roadmap to help them get there.  I am so proud of all of this year’s participants and the facilitators that worked with them.” she said.

In addition to the ideation sessions, the students had the unique opportunity to participate in a leadership development program that utilized horses and one zebra at the Pebble Ledge Ranch. Guest speakers from CAAO, Nortech, Case Western Reserve University, and area businesses also participated.

The CAAO Youth Career Day and Conference is sponsored by John Carroll University, Case Western Reserve University, Fifth Third Bank, Forest City Enterprises, Kaiser Permanente, KeyBank, Konica Minolta, Medical Mutual of Ohio, NASA Glenn, Nationwide, NorTech, Ohio Lottery, PNC, Steel Technologies, Swagelok, TJ Maxx, and Urban League of Greater Cleveland.  The facilitators who worked with the students each week include:  John Bilson, A.T. Patil, Dee Dee Storms, Juanda Taylor, Renee Whiteside, and Gail Wright.

For more information on registration and sponsorship opportunities, please contact 216-432-9481 or visit www.caao.net.

About CAAO:  CAAO’s mission is to utilize the resources of Northeast Ohio’s African American professional organizations to promote economic development in African American communities and to enhance career and entrepreneurial opportunities for African Americans.  CAAO has 10 member organizations, with over 6,000 paid members of those organizations.  For more information about CAAO, please visit www.caao.net – CAAO’s mantra is “Look, Listen, and L

CAAO Youth Innovation Forum Students and their Schools

Kaelyn Banks                                       Solon High School

Jack Bilson                                           Durling Middle School

Julian Bilson                                       Clearview High School

Joshua Burton                                    Greenview Upper Elementary

Del-Marcus Goolsby                        ECOT (Home School)

Kevin Goolsby                                    Horizon Science Academy

Kennedy Gore                                     S.J.A.

Niyah Heaggans                                 Shaker Heights Middle School

Lauryn Hobbs                                     Shaker Heights Middle School

Janae Potts                                           Villa Angela St. Joseph

Makayla Potts                                      Bella Academy

Darell Sims                                           MC2 STEM High School

Ivanna Storms-Thompson             Shaker Hts. High School

Rajaan Suggs                                        Solon Middle School

Rodney Suggs                                      Solon Middle School

Posted November 27th 2011

Every year, Northeast Ohio welcomes in the holiday season with the sights and sounds of Winterfest, the annual holiday lighting ceremony right on Public Square!

Events for the whole family  take place throughout the day, including free horse-drawn carriage rides, the Radio Disney Stage Show, live holiday concerts at Old Stone Church, pictures with Santa, performances on the Tower City grand staircase and the Huntington Winter Wine & Ale Fest (a fundraiser for Generocity Cleveland).

The city’s Christmas tree and Terminal Tower all light up at once for the holiday season with a spectacular fireworks display to end the evening.

The official lighting ceremony is always  at 6pm, with a performance by the All City Musical group.

To read about the lights this year and some of GE’s activities during Winterfest click here

This year  Winterfest Village included a Made in the 216 Pop Up Holiday Shop, featuring great locally designed products, and the Cleveland Handmade Market.

Cleveland Handmade is a collective of local artists and craftspeople who sell their handmade items online. Guests to Winterfest Village found  beautiful local crafts, including jewelry, clothing, scarves and other accessories, glassworks, home decor, and repurposed vintage pieces. Winterfest Village is a great way to buy local this holiday season.

Several other retailers and vendors were on site with crafts and activities for the whole family to enjoy. YELP hosted a  free gift-wrapping station for holiday shoppers who purchasd items from the Winterfest Village retailers, and YELP holiday swag gift bags were given away.

Posted November 3rd 2011

(PHOTO: CONNIE HARPER, ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/EDITOR)

A STATEMENT FROM THE CALL & POST:

As “Ohio’s Black News Leader,” the Call and Post has been in existence for 95 years. As we honor the longevity of our existence, we also honor the support of Ohio’s African American community. The 95 year journey the Call and Post and its readership have traveled spans generations. Along the way we have lamented our losses and celebrated our triumphs, as a business, as a community and as a people. Our history is your history. On behalf of our Publisher, Associate Publisher and staff, as we celebrate our 95 years, we invite our readers to celebrate with us. Our story is your story. A story we’ve been proud to tell for 95 years, and a story we will continue to tell well into the future.

… The Call and Post. “The People’s Paper”

Come Join Us For This Historic Celebration!

Thursday, November 3rd 2011 at 6pm

Galleria at Eriview

Admission: $50

Posted October 7th 20

CLEVELAND  – This fall season the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is pleased to once again host the World Festival, an annual event that celebrates ethnic diversity in greater Cleveland. The World Festival will take place in the Rock Hall’s Main Lobby on Sunday, October 9^th from Noon to 4 p.m. The event is FREE, however paid admission is necessary to tour the Rock Hall’s exhibits. The Rock Hall’s Community Festivals are presented by Ohio Natural Gas and sponsored by KeyBank and Amtrak.

The greater Cleveland area is a rich mosaic of ethnic groups, each with their own traditions and musical legacies. This colorful festival with participants in their native costumes celebrates each culture through song and dance.

Performers at this year’s World Festival include:

• Artistree – R&B Vocal Group
• Moises Borges – Brazilian Jazz
• Nano Cabrera – Puerto Rican Tropical Band
• Native Reign – Native American Rock Band
• NuHu – Reggae Band
• Mahima Venkatesh – Ancient South Indian Dance
• The Vernon Jones Blues Cartel
• Wind and Sand Dance Company – Middle Eastern Dance

Additional performing artists will be announced on rockhall.com in the coming weeks.

Also adding international flavor to the World Festival will be local vendors offering a diverse assortment of products, including arts and crafts, to the event.

As part of an ongoing community festival series at the Rock Hall, the World Festival offers the opportunity for Cleveland’s diverse communities to become more familiar with the Museum and the variety of music genres and cultures it celebrates. This year’s World Festival is also part of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl’s World Music Days, which uses the power of music to reaffirm commitment to peace around the globe.

For more information on this and other Community Festival series at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, please visit rockhall.com/events/community-festivals.

About the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. is the nonprofit organization that exists to educate visitors, fans and scholars from around the world about the history and continuing significance of rock and roll music. It carries out this mission through its operation of a world-class museum that collects, preserves, exhibits and interprets this art form and through its library and archives as well as its educational programs.

The Museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Wednesdays (and Saturdays through Labor Day), the Museum is open until 9 p.m. Museum admission is $22 for adults, $18 for adult residents of Greater Cleveland, $17 for seniors (65+), $13 for youth (9-12), children under 8 and Museum Members are always free, for information or to join the membership program call 216. 515.8425. For general inquiries, please call 216.781.ROCK (7625) or visit www.rockhall.com.  The Museum is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.