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NO 1 ISSUE 11 BR I NG I NG YOU ENL I GHTEN I NG, EDUCAT I ONAL, EMPOWER I NG, I NSP I R I NG, THOUGHT-PROVOK I NG I NFORMAT I ON NOV. 25,2011 PAGE 1 IMESSENGER I MESSENGER Check out Cheryl Smith’s MEN OF SWAGGER 3 Soledad O’Brien celebrates DFW/ABJ’s 30 th Anniversary 12/1/11 Dallas Music Hall www.dfwabj.org Delegation to SENEGAL 7 Brought to you by Harwood 609 Restaurant and Jazz Club 609 North Harwood Street, Dallas, TX 214.740.0609

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PAGE 1 ! ! ! IMESSENGER celebrates DFW/ABJ’s 30 th Anniversary 12/1/11 Dallas Music Hall www.dfwabj.org Delegation to Check out Cheryl Smith’s 7 3 Brought to you by Harwood 609 Restaurant and Jazz Club 609 North Harwood Street, Dallas, TX 214.740.0609 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION NOV. 25,2011 NO 1 ISSUE 11

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Page 1: Imessenger 11

NO 1 ISSUE 11 BRINGING YOU ENLIGHTENING, EDUCATIONAL, EMPOWERING, INSPIRING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING INFORMATION NOV. 25,2011

PAGE 1 ! ! ! IMESSENGER

I MESSENGER

Check out Cheryl Smith’sMEN OF SWAGGER

3

Soledad O’Brien

celebrates DFW/ABJ’s

30th Anniversary12/1/11

Dallas Music Hallwww.dfwabj.org

Delegation to SENEGAL

7

Brought to you by Harwood 609 Restaurant and Jazz Club 609 North Harwood Street, Dallas, TX 214.740.0609

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Friday, December 2

Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel and Phyllis Alphabet.• B l a c k E c o n o m i c

History Fact of the Day

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER

MAGNIFIED!

Thursday, December 1

Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel and Phyllis Alphabet• B l a c k E c o n o m i c

History Fact of the Day

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER

MAGNIFIED!

Wednesday, November 30

Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel and Phyllis Alphabet• Black Economic History

Fact of the Day

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER

MAGNIFIED!

Tuesday, November 29

Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel and Phyllis Alphabet• B l a c k E c o n o m i c

History Fact of the Day

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER

MAGNIFIED!

Monday, November 28

Join Cheryl, Kelly Kel and Phyllis Alphabet• B l a c k E c o n o m i c

History Fact of the Day

Stay tuned for the MAN who is SWAGGER

MAGNIFIED!

Monday7am Gospel Grooves

9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!3pm The Watchfuleye with FHjr

4pm DFWspotlight5pm The Jazz Lounge

9pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix

Tuesday7am Gospel Grooves

9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!1pm The JTC X-Change with E. Wilson and The JTC team

2-4pm The Wendy Schofield Show6pm Chat it Up (Teen Talk)

7-9pm Claudia D. Fowler The Queen of Community Conversation

9pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix

Wednesday7am Gospel Grooves

9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!11am-1pm "Think About It" with Miss Community, dianne gibson

Live from Catfish Blues1pm Let's Go Deeper w/Evangelist

Jamell Vincent2pm In The Ladies Room

with Lynne Haze4pm DFWspotlight

6-8pm The Dock Power Hour8pm SheTalk Sports

9pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix

Thursday7am Gospel Grooves

9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!4pm Urban Crusade with Gordon

Jackson8pm The P5 Health, Wealth &

Networking Show9pm RnB and NeoSoul Music Mix

Friday7am Gospel Grooves

8am Dallas Dialogue w/John Yourse9-11am Cheryl Smith Live!

12-2pm Da Crossover w/T-Spoon and LeftField

4pm DFWspotlight5pm The Jazz Lounge

Sunday9-11am Gospel Grooves

11am NeoSoul Cafe with Frances Jaye

12-7pm The Jazz Lounge

TUNE IN 11/25

1st Annual Maafa Commemoration, featuring discussion on the Transat lant icSlave Trade, at 6:30p.m. For vending opportunities, call 561-201-9827

11/25-27

Black Weekend Blowout November 25-27, 2011Early Bird Specials!!!Fri, Nov 25 8a -7p, Sat, Nov 26 8a-6p, Sun, Nov 27 3-6pLA's Hair & Scalp Clinic2304 W. Pioneer Parkway, #6Arlington, TX 76013www.hairandscalpessentials.comHosted by Dr. Amerson featuring Just Pearlz

12/1

D F W / A B J ' s 3 0 t h A n n i v e r s a r y Scholarship Gala featuring CNN's Soledad O'Brien. Emcees for the event are Charles O'Neal and Lynne Haze. Honorees are Bob Ray Sanders and Clarice Tinsley. Log on to www.dfwabj.org for tickets.

12/11

Education Archives and History Program (AAEAHP) and the Dallas African American Museum will host a viewing and panel discussion of the documentary, Our Past… Our Strength… Our Story: Documenting the Civil Rights Movement in Dallas County, TX, Saturday, December 11, 2011, 3-5 pm at the African American Museum Auditorium

(3536 Grand Avenue, Dallas). Black Nativity: A Reason To CelebrateAdapted & Directed by Donnie F. WilsonDecember 13 - 18, 2011, 7:30 nightlyA fresh and innovative adaptation of Langston Hughes' Black Nativity.  The birth of Jesus Christ is played with the birth of Jazz.  It's thunder meeting Lightning.Bishop Arts Theatre Center, 215 South Tyler Street, Dallas, TX 75208

Writing through Grief at the Dallas Meditation Center, 727 S. Floyd Rd, Richardson  

Sat., December 10 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Workshop & music meditation Fee: $55

(includes copy of "It's Only Temporary" journal)

Bring pen & writing pad

For info, call - 214-803-3920 Conducted by Linda Jones, veteran journalist, author and

creator of "It's Only Temporary . . . A Journal for Surviving Loved

Ones."

Comedian Steve Harvey

The Verizon Theater Grand Prairie

1001 Performance Place

Doors Open At 7:00PM

Show Begins At 8:00PM

Comedian Charlie

Murphy at The

Arlington Improv

December 15th - 18th

Tyler Perry's The Haves & The Have

Nots January 13th- 15th , 2012

Opening Night

Doors Open At: 7:00 PMShow Starts At: 8:00 PM

At The Verizon Theater

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SWAGGER MAGNIFIED! September 1 - December 31 -- I am picking the men I think have serious swagger. These men are intelligent, strong, sharp, fierce, competitive, charismatic, spiritual, hard, caring, handsome, smooth, creative, energetic and so much more! Without any

consideration or input from anyone, I am choosing the men who through personal experiences or history, I find to have so much going on. Stay tuned - weekdays from 9-11a.m. I think it’s a great list! What do you think?

NOW... ! THEN...

Sporting News Editor-in-Chief Garry D. Howard, Fort Worth Star-Telegram Columnist Bob Ray Sanders, Min. Robert Muhammad, NFL Great Emmitt Smith, business mogul Daymond John, noted psychologist Nai’m Akbar, publisher Danny Bakewell Sr., NBA great and business mogul Earvin “Magic” Johnson, singer Charlie Wilson, journalist George E. Curry, former NAACP head and U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume, rapper, author Chuck D., Coach Doug Williams, businessman Charles O’Neal, comedian David A. Arnold, rapper Kool Moe Dee, businessman Jonathan Rodgers, Sports anchor Stephen A. Smith, basketball great Michael Jordan, Rev. Zan Wesley Holmes Jr., actor Billy Dee Williams, comedian and actor Chris Rock, FAMU President James Ammons, singer Nicholas Caldwell, actor/singer Leon, singer Morris Day, actor/rapper Will Smith, business mogul Sean Combs, journalist Ed Gordon, comedian/activist Dick Gregory, NBA great Allen Iverson, Hon. Minister Louis Farrakhan, journalist/historian Lerone Bennett, Rev. Frederick D. Haynes III, Ambassador Ron Kirk, Hon. Nelson Mandela, Rap mogul Jay Z, actor James Earl Jones, actor/director Denzel Washington, NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, actor/author Don Shield, Hon. Willie Brown, Hon. Marc Morial, CEO Oscar Joyner, Journalist Acel Moore, rapper/actor Treach, journalist Dewayne Wickham, businessman Walter Williams, Sen. Royce West, media guru/activist Tavis Smiley, journalist T.J. Holmes, artist/singer Miles Jaye, journalist Roland Martin, singer Hon. Jerry Butler, actor Sidney Poitier, actor Jeffery Wright, Muhammad Ali, entertainer/activist Harry Belafonte, businessman Comer Cottrell, actor Fred Williamson, Dr. Steve Perry, actor Malik Farrakhan ...

Singer Marvin Gaye, actor Calvin Lockhart, singer Teddy Pendergrass and Nat King Cole, comic/actor Bernie Mac, journalist Lawrence E. Young, entertainer Isaac Hayes, singer Gerald Levert, African activist and publisher Pius Njawe, attorney/media mogul Percy Sutton, Publisher extraordinaire John H. Johnson, atty. Johnnie Cochran, music great Curtis Mayfield, maestro Barry White, orator, writer and statesman Frederick Douglass, humanist Malcolm X, singer Johnnie Taylor, entertainer Lou Rawls, singer Rick James, Coach A.D. Jake Gaither, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, Hon. Mickey Leland, entertainer Sammie Davis Jr., the Chief Rocker Frankie Crocker, Tupac Shakur, Hon. Marcus Garvey, Hon. Al Lipscomb, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, journalist Ed Bradley, Hon. Arthur E. Teele, Jr., actor/comedian Richard Pryor, singer/songwriter Nickolas Ashford. Historian Ivan Van Sertima, musician Donny Hathaway, Hon. Adam Clayton Powell, businessman Alfred Huntsberry, Ossie Davis, actor extraordinaire Paul Robeson, journalist Vernon Jarrett, NFL Great Ron Springs, journalist Gerald Boyd, educator/inventor George Washington Carver, activist Huey Newton, educator Dr. Carter G. Woodson, NBA Great Maurice Lucas, activist Stokely Carmichael, entertainer Langston Hughes, Gospel great Pop Staples, entertainer Duke Ellington, entertainer Heavy D, Hon. Kwame Nkrumah, entertainer Miles Davis, actor Adolph Caesar, Dr. Percy Julian, musician Grover Washington Jr., activist A. Philip Randolph, activist Denmark Vesey, Nat Turner, singer Tyrone Davis, writer, journalist Paul Lawrence Dunbar, actor Paul Winfield, entertainer Ray Charles, ...

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Four journalists have been named the inaugural Reynolds visiting business journalism professors at Colorado State University, Grambling State University, Texas Christian University and the University of South Carolina under a $1.67 million grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. The five-year program will u l t i m a t e l y c r e a t e 11 v i s i t i n g professorships at 11 different schools. It is administered through the Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School o f J o u r n a l i s m a n d M a s s Communication.

The inaugural visiting professors, who will teach in the spring semester of 2012, are:

--Karen Blumenthal at Texas Christian University. Blumenthal, the author of several business books, writes The Wall Street Journal’s “Getting Going” column and is its former Dallas bureau chief.--Rob Reuteman at Colorado State University. Reuteman, a freelance business journalist, is a former business editor of the Rocky Mountain News and former president of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers. --Will Sutton at Grambling State

University. Sutton, a former president of the National Association of Black J o u r n a l i s t s , h a s h e l d s e n i o r management posi t ions a t dai ly newspapers that include The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C. He is a former Nieman Fellow.--Rob Wells at the University of South Carolina. Wells is deputy bureau chief for Dow Jones/Wall Street Journal in Washington, and previously worked for Bloomberg News and The Associated Press. The professorships will enable students at the four universities to get valuable training in a specialized and increasingly critical area of journalism,

said Andrew Leckey, president of the Reynolds Center and the Reynolds Chair in Business Journalism at the Cronkite School “We are delighted with the quality of the initial visiting professors and the commitment of the journa l i sm programs at these four universities to business journalism,” Leckey said. “The professors and universities u n d e r s c o r e t h e r e l e v a n c e a n d professionalism of this important field, which is a positive sign for the remainder of this program.” Besides teaching courses in business journalism, visiting professors will help establish partnerships with local media a n d c o n t r i b u t e t o BusinessJournalism.org, the Reynolds Center’s site to help journalists cover business better. The program also includes funding for student internships and guest lectures by professional business journalists. T h e n e w R e y n o l d s Vi s i t i n g Professorships are modeled on successful programs at Washington and Lee University and the Cronkite School.

Program celebrates milestone in Dallas history The African American Education Archives and History Program (AAEAHP) and the Dallas African American Museum will host a viewing a n d p a n e l d i s c u s s i o n o f t h e documen ta ry, Our Pas t… Our Strength… Our Story: Documenting the Civil Rights Movement in Dallas County, TX, Saturday, December 11, 2011, 3-5 pm at the African American Museum Auditorium (3536 Grand Avenue, Dallas). Since 2002, AAEAHP has interviewed m o r e t h a n 1 0 0 e d u c a t o r s a n d administrators whose collective body of work crosses more than six decades in the public education in Dallas County. Realizing its ongoing efforts scratch only the surface of a much broader story. AAEAHP received a grant from Humanities Texas to conduct twenty oral history interviews in an effort to document the history of the Civil Rights Movement in Dallas County. With the acceptance of the grant, AAEAHP has

expanded its efforts and interviewed more people whose lives have been testaments to Dallas’s triumphs in Civil Rights in other areas and whose stories supplement and broaden AAEAHP’s oral history collection. Our Past… Our Strength… Our Story: Documenting the Civil Rights Movement in Dallas County, TX is part

of a larger program that enables AAEAHP to reach a wider audience to promote its ongoing oral history/archival program and educate the public about the importance of preserving our community’s history. This project benefits and provides Dallas County an opportunity to learn more about and meet those who helped change the civil rights landscape for all people, but especially people of color. Making these link-ages is vital to our discussions about how our local history is collected, preserved and presented and helps AAEAHP’s ongoing effort to champion the preservation of Dallas’s past. AAEAHP’s primary goal is to document the last fifty years of the civil rights movement in Dallas County, 1950-1990. Partner institutions have provided valuable expertise to support this program including the University of Texas at Arlington, University of North Texas and Baylor University. Local historians Drs. Darwin Payne, Robert

Prince and Ms. Jackie McElhaney have been consultants for the project. Copies of the transcripts of the thirty interviews will be stored at the Dallas African American Museum, Dallas Public Library, the Special Collections Library at the University of Texas at Arlington, Baylor University Institute of Oral History and Stephen F. Austin University. The viewing of Our Past… Our Strength… Our Story: Documenting the Civil Rights Movement in Dallas County, TX will be followed by a panel discussion featuring area historians, Dr. Darwin Payne (Southern Methodist University), Dr. Robert Prince, Dr. Todd Moye (University of North Texas) and others. This project will have long range impact and provide a valuable historical reference about the civil rights movement in Dallas. For more information about the event or general information about AAEAHP, contact [email protected].

POLICE have not apprehended Pookie the serial rapist. If you have information, call Crime Stoppers at

877.373.8477Also, if you want extra protection, check out Street Safe

at

www.streetsafe.peopleguard.com

Sutton among journalists selected for visiting professor program

Karen Blumenthal Rob Reuteman Will Sutton Rob Wells

Dr. Darwin Payne

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Follow Cheryl on Facebook and Twitter @penonfire

NNPA Mid Winter Conference

Wednesday, January 18 - Saturday, January 21, 20121-800-578-0500

Reference: "NNPA"OMNI ROYAL ORLEANS HOTEL

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Because of this, a special grant program is now available to assist individuals and families needing financial assistance. The proceeds from the grant can be used for the following:

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MCS CONSULTANTS LLC

2710 Thomes Ave. Suite 1689 Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 www.mcsgrantconsultants.com

• Supplementing retirement

• Starting a business

• And much more…

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Bush, Blair defense relies on 9/11/01

( T h a t ' s w h y w e n e e d a n independent investigation of 9/11)22 November 2011 (Recap of Days 3 and 4)

While the prosecution of President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair for the crime of aggression, crimes against the peace, took two days to present because the docket was so full of important evidence, including their own books written after the Iraq War, the Defense (by way of Amicus Curiae) sought to conclude its proceedings by invoking the emotionalism of the tragedy that took place on 11 September 2001. Amid multiple rebukes by the Chief Justice of the Tribunal to avoid

emotionalism, the Defense team could not help itself. Lead Defense Counsel continued, "Had George W. Bush said 'we know who you are, we know what you did, and we forgive you,' the world could have been a much different place. But, instead, Afghan i s t an , I r aq , Guan tanamo happened. We are fallible human beings. We make mistakes." And the Defense stated that the defense of Bush and Blair defense is that the accused "are human."The Judges interjected at this point that perhaps the correct defense should have b e e n " t e m p o r a r y i n s a n i t y " o r "provocation" since the prosecution had already stated that 9/11 was a pretext for the war that was desired by certain personalities as far back as 1998. The Defense noted that what happened was human fallibility and in the end, the information that prompted the war was wrong. When the Defense team video of the planes hitting the twin towers began to play, Professor Boyle objected. Boyle said that this is a continuation of the Bush Administration's propaganda campaign against Iraq. Boyle continues, "It's not simply irrelevant it's pathetic for

Defense Counsel to stir up emotions over 9/11 when Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11. This video is completely irrelevant, immaterial, prejudicial to these proceedings and I respectfully request the Court to terminate it immediately." Professor Nijar, Lead Prosecutor, noted that the intelligence reports submitted to the Tribunal from the US and the UK showed very clearly that 9/11 provided more than a pretext because the plan to invade Iraq goes back to 1998. He continued, "The people who formed the Administration of Bush--the accused--have informed well in advance that their objective was to get rid of Saddam." The Defense team then proceeded to state that the entire proceedings had been prejudiced from Day One and from before this Tribunal because of the Exhibition that is one floor down and across the Hall. (The human toll of war is presented in an exhibition within the same building as the Tribunal. In it, paper mache replications of the deformed babies of Iraq, the torture chamber, waterboarding demonstrations are available as a kind of museum of war macabre.)

Prosecutors noted that the Exhibit had nothing to do with whether the war against Iraq was a crime of aggression. In addition, they called President Bush a "war criminal gone beserk" who ought to come and explain to us his intentions. Judge Webre then went where, perhaps, this Tribunal should go next: He spoke about the allegations that 9/11/01 was a false flag operation and that expert witnesses should be brought to testify before the Tribunal about the truth of the Bush Administration's explanation of what happened. The Defense team called for delays, but in the end, the Court found that the Prosecu-tion had satisfied the Court that there is a prima facie case that the war against Iraq was a crime against peace. The chief Judge asked Defense Counsel why didn't Bush ask for a Security Council Resolution? The Judges announced the unanimous verdict at around 5:00 pm local Kuala Lumpur time. "The Tribunal came to the unanimous conclusion that a prima facie case exists" that President George Bush and

Prime Minister Tony Blair committed a crime against peace by their decision to invade and conquer Iraq and overthrow Saddam Hussein. The Judges noted the role of the Project for a New American Century in the policy of going to war against Iraq and and the events of 9/11/01 Nothing in the United Nations Charter permits the actions undertaken by President Bush and Prime Minister Blair. The idea that the United States or United Kingdom was threatened by Iraq is "preposterous." "It is our view that the doctrine of pre-emptive strike is a doctrine without limit." Both the U.S. and the U.K. were complicit in the human rights abuses committed by Saddam Hussein. An attack on Iraq because of its possession of weaponws of mass destruction has no basis in international law. "The United States with all its might does not have the right to change international law." The invasion of Ira was an unlawful act of aggression and is an international crime. The feature of the Un is also at stake. The two accused took the law into their own hands. They acted with deceit therefore, the charge are therefore found guilty as Recommends to fille reports with International Criminal Court against the two accused; that the name of the two be included in the Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Commission's register of war criminals and published accordingly. The general assembly of the UN must consider a resolution to eliminate the occupation of Iraq. Genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity committed by the United States and the United Kingdom against the people of Iraq. A sad day for humanity that such crimes were committed, a good day for justice that such grave crimes are recognized.Today, Kuala Lumpur embarked on its mission to become the Peace Capital of the world. The Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Tribunal: built on truth, justice, peace, dignity.P.S. On this date in 1963, President John F. Kennedy was murdered by the opening shot of a coup that changed the course of the United States. I highly recommend all of these videos. Incredible information.I'm watching this right now: http://www.personalgrowthcourses.net/video/a s s a s s i n a t i o n s /men_who_killed_kennedy_9_assassinationsand I watched this yesterday: http://www.archive.org/details/JimDouglass-JfkObamaAndTheUnspeakableand I watched this the day before: http://www.forbiddenknowledgetv.com/videos/independent-film/jfk-the-case-for-conspiracy---part-12.html

Kuala Lumpur War Crimes TribunalFrom the

Hon. Cynthia McKinney

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By Dr. Djibril Diallo, Senior Adviser to the Executive Director of UNAIDS and Coord. of U.S. DelegationDakar, June 14 – 17, 2011

An historic event occurred on 15 June 2011, in Dakar, Senegal, where under the auspices of President Abdoulaye Wade, and with the participation of mayors, educators, cultural leaders and v i s i ona r i e s f rom the USA and Senegal, two partnership agreements (MOUs) were signed. Senegal continues to lead the way in assuring a strong and sustainable engagement in an African Renaissance which unites the Continent and the Diaspora, manifested by the African Renaissance Monument and set in motion by the World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures, in December 2010. The signing of the MOUs signals the start of a process of building stronger ties between Senegal and the African America Diaspora, inspired by the vision of the African Renaissance and the United States of Africa that was expressed by President Wade during his meeting with the U.S. delegation to the World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures. These initiatives engage key partners in both Senegal and the United States, including mayors, educators and cultural leaders, in activities that strengthen sustainable development and progress toward the achievement of the Mil lennium Development Goals (MDGs), with the response to AIDS as an entry point. This supports the UNAIDS priority of bringing the AIDS response out of isolation and linking it firmly with the other MDGs. Orientation meeting with Professor Iba Der Thiam, Senior Ministers Abdoulaye Balde, Awa Ndiaye and Minister Amadou Tidiane Ba Following an introductory statement by Dr. Djibril Diallo, Professor Iba Der Thiam and Government Ministers Balde, Ndiaye and Ba welcomed the delegation to Senegal at a meeting on June 14. They emphasized that the cooperation between Senegal and the United States through the participation of mayors, educators, cultural leaders and other members of the African Diaspo ra i s bo th dynamic and structurally sound to sustain itself going forward towards their common destiny. They noted that the Signing Ceremony for the MOUs reflects the democratic nature of Senegal, since among the proposed 12 cities to be twinned with U.S. counterparts are six cities which are headed by Mayors from the opposition camp. They also said that the ongoing partnership being cultivated with delegates from the African Diaspora has led to the establishment of a Diaspora Chair at the Cheikh Anta Diop University. The cultural dimension of the National Theatre and the Foundation for the African Renaissance Monument represent a bridge connecting the Continent and the African Diaspora. Vanessa Williams, Executive Director of the National Conference of Black Mayors, outlined the expectations of the participating Mayors and their antici-

pation of the meeting with the Senegal-ese Mayors at the Signing Ceremony. Reverend Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue, r e p r e s e n t a t i v e o f t h e N a t i o n a l Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), said that it was a great opportunity to be welcomed home and that “we can do together what we cannot do separately.” She noted that the signing of the MOUs signals that “any goal of separation is crushed by this meeting and the possibilities of accomplishments are endless.” Dr. Gilbert Rochon, President of Tuskegee University, pointed out that his university already has an ongoing relationship with Senegal in the area of agriculture through the Lycee of Agriculture in Bignona and the University of Ziguinchor. Richard Gant discussed the budding relationship between the National Theatre and the Diaspora dimension and i t s c o n t r i b u t i o n t o s u s t a i n a b l e development. Constance Newman stressed the need to ensure the management and sustainability of the African Renaissance Monument.

Working Session with President Abdoulaye WadeLater that day, President Abdoulaye Wade extended a warm welcome to the

US delegation at the Presidential Palace. Members of the delegation representing the African Renaissance Foundation, the Mayors, the Educators, Youth expressed their concerns, their ideas, their e x p e c t a t i o n s a n d f u t u r e commitments with the President. President Wade shared the collective vision of the 53 Heads of States of a United States of Africa, a confederation of continental Africa with a new Diaspora dimension forming the Sixth Region of Africa, saying that “this is Africa’s century.” He reminded the delegates that since Ancient Egypt, every civilization has been characterized by energy.Currently many African countries are feeling the pain of the high cost of energy, reaching about 1.7 billion euros. Senegal was proud to have inaugurated its first solar energy plant in June 2011. Africa as a major reservoir of resources, natural and human resources and an unending quantity of solar energy, should be ready, within 10 years to emphasize training of scientists and scholars of tomorrow. President Wade reminded the delegation that knowing the past is important. However, looking forward, without pain or anger, is essential if we are to win the future with s c i e n c e , t e c h n o l o g y a n d m o s t importantly, with speed for, with

political will and imagination, anything is possible. Signing of MOU with NCBMIn signing the MOU between U.S. and Senegalese mayors, Mayor Abdoulaye Balde of Ziguinchor and President of the National Association of Mayors of Senegal and Mayor Robert Bowser of East Orange, New Jersey and President of the National Conference of Black Mayors (NCBM) of the U.S., committed to 12 cities in Senegal and in the United States producing under the aegis of the Office of the President of Senegal a set of deliverables by December 2011 at the level of both NCBM and of the individual municipalities. Some of these deliverables would cover organizational activities. For example, the NCBM is planning an international mayors summit in December in Senegal for which a date would needs to be decided as soon as possible so that it can be included in the agenda of President Wade. This will also include a panel with Heads of State at the Opening Ceremony. Heads of State to be invited could include those from Brazil, Colombia, Jamaica, Liberia. Nigeria, and South Africa, among others. Other proposed initiatives include structural and infrastructural activities, such as support for fundraising goals; development of a template or central switchboard from which to plan, implement, manage, promote activities; support for water and sanitation improvements; and providing support to the National AIDS Health Centre of Senegal. During the Mayors Panel following the signing, the beginning of what will become a sustained discussion on cooperation was begun between the U.S. and Senegal mayors. Signing of MOU with NAFEOIn the signing the MOU between the President of the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), represented by Reverend Dr Leah Gaskin Fitchue, President of Payne Theological Seminary, and The National Director for Higher Education, a sustain-able partnership was created to foster co-operation and collaboration in all aspects of their mutual objectives, under the aegis of the Office of the President of Senegal . All four Presidents of Senegalese Universities were present, namely those from the Universities of Dakar, Ziguinchor, Saint-Louis and Thies. NAFEO is America's only national membership association of the nation's 105 Historically Black Colleges and U n i v e r s i t i e s ( H B C U s ) a n d 5 0 Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). NAFEO member institutions are located in 35 states, the District of Columbia, Virgin Islands and Brazil. They enroll more than 500,000 students and have more than 52, 000 faculty and 5 million alumni. NAFEO insti tutions are graduating more than 50% of African American teachers, 32% of African Americans in the sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and 40%

of African American health profes-sionals. The MOU with four universities in Senegal to create a framework for exchanges of students and teachers, culture, community and economic development, technology, and research. The discussion of the MOU shared a set of collaborative concepts and ideas, and some concrete suggestions were made. For example, Dr. Henry Lewis III, Presi-dent of Florida Memorial University, offered to share their database with the Senegalese universities and to promptly involve their faculty for a smooth implementation of the MOU. Dr. Gilbert Rochon, President of Tuskegee Uni-versity, offered support in teledetection technology. It was generally agreed as well that faculty exchange programmes could extend across areas of cooperation to include universities in municipalities participating in the MOU between mayors. Two issues needing further discussion are the language of communication for implementation of the MOU and how to bring about a paradigmatic shift in student affairs and student exchanges. Many ideas were generated, such as facilitating transfer of technology and management techniques for animal herding (needed in one municipality in Senegal ) ; exchanging ideas for student participation electronically; developing statistical databases along the lines of the MOU for better monitoring of achievements; a closer look at the issue of the utilization of J-1 visas to facilitate travel to U.S.Partnership for the African Cultural RenaissanceThe Partnership for the African Cultural Renaissance will help to build closer relationship between Africans, African-

Americans, and the African Diaspora in o ther count r ies to enhance the understanding of and appreciation for the cultural heritage flowing to the world from Africa. Furthermore, the partnership will build on and promote the African cultural renaissance through the African Diaspora’s participation in the theater, music, dance, museum exhibits, lectures, and seminars.

Report on U.S. Mission to Senegal for the Signing of Memoranda of Understanding

See SENEGAL, page 10

Ousseynou Bissichi and I visit at monument. He is now my FB friend

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On Goree Island

History lesson in Senegal

Beautiful artwork outside of the National Theater

Briefing on HIV/AIDS treatmentDr. Julius Garvey (c) speaks as journalist John Yearwood, (r) takes notes at clinic

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Musician Randy Weston listens during presentation at HIV/AIDS Clinic

John Yearwood of the Miami Herald

Dr. Djibril Diallo briefs group on clinicVanessa Williams and East Orange NJ Mayor Robert Bowser

Taking a ride

The largest statue in the world - African Renaissance Monument

Mayor Shirley Gibson and Constance Newman

Richard Gant, Dr. Garvey, Dr. Lewis, Dr. Diallo and doctors from the HIV/AIDS Clinic.

Dr. Diallo speaks as Dr. Garvey listens

Dr. Henry Lewis, President of Florida Memorial University during radio broadcast

Our driver

Dr. Leonard Jeffries, Dr. Julius Garvey, Dr and Mrs.

Rochon

With Tuskegee University First Lady Patricia Rochon

Stay tuned for more from Senegal in future editions

Monument guide, Ousseynou Bissichi with Dr. Rochon.

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Senegal, continued from P 7

The Centre for HIV/AIDS in Dakar (Centre de Traitement Ambulatoire)With the cooperation of the Joint United

Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the delegation visited the Centre for HIV/AIDS on an historic day as it celebrated its 12 years of operation. It has cared for upwards of 3,740 people, up from 250 people at the outset. About 1,800 people are currently under treatment. The spread of the HIV virus in Senegal has a stabilized, and the country has among lowest infection rates in Africa. The infection rate has gone down to 0.7% from 1.4%.Nonetheless, Africa is by far the region hardest hit by the AIDS epidemic, and as the world marks 30 years of AIDS, UNAIDS estimates 34 million people are living with HIV and nearly 30 million people have died of AIDS-related causes since the first case of AIDS was reported in 1981. The global rate of new HIV infections declined by nearly 25% between 2001 and 2009, with many African countries making progress. With more than 6 million people receiving treatment, the world is at a turning point in the AIDS response. The goal towards achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support must become a reality by 2015

Dr Ngom, the Head of the Centre, briefed the group to the overall operation and the Centre’s relationship with p a t i e n t s , t e c h n i c i a n s , h e a l t h professionals, as well as its with the international community. She stressed the privacy and confidential nature of record keeping, which is a testament to assuring the dignity of the patient and reducing any tendency at discriminatory practices or stigma. The delegation visited the different points of contact with patients/clients. Facilities include a welcome centre; a day hospitalization or emergency area stressing patient confidentiality, a nutrition centre/kitchen, a consultation room, and a lab/test room.

The Mayors saw the possibility of suppor t ing the l abora to ry wi th equipment as a practical act of implementation of the Partnership Agreement. Proposed programs for children under sixAdded to the discussion during the Education Panel, was the germination by Muriel Glasgow, a former UNICEF Representative, of the idea that more attention to children under the age of six in early childhood development programs should be considered in the activities proposed at the level of educators and across the four program areas of the African Renaissance Project.

Visit to Gorée IslandNo visit to Senegal is truly complete without a pilgrimage to Gorée Island, and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trip took place on the morning of 17 June, and the delegation was privileged to have the use of the Presidential yacht for the 20 minute trip from the Port of Dakar across the waters to Gorée Island. As could be expected, the visit was a very moving experience. The guide who received the delegation at the pier was knowledgeable about the history of Gorée Island and its role in the slave trade. He took the delegation to the Slave House where captured Africans were held before being shipped across the Atlantic into slavery. They were met there by the Director who most eloquently explained the history of slavery and out of Africa, including from East Africa and into Arab lands. To be able to stand in the Door of No Return

was a particularly moving experience for each and everyone. It was made even more meaningful because the door is no l o n g e r v i e w e d a s a o n e - w a y phenomenon: it is now welcoming back children of the ancestors who worked and slaved to make it possible for their children to return free and enlightened.

The African Renaissance MonumentThe African Renaissance Monument is now one of the most iconic and striking structures of its kind anywhere in the world. Standing over 50 meters high, it is taller than the Statue of Liberty in the United States. The delegation visited the Monument on the afternoon of June 16. Once again we were met by a knowledgeable tour guide who took great pride in talking about the monument and the great leaders of Africa and the Diaspora who fought against slavery and later for their countries independence from the Colonial Powers. We were shown the various chambers within the Monument, including reception space, room for exhibits and the VIP lounge. We went by

elevator to the highest level of t h e m o n u m e n t where one could enjoy a sweeping view of the City of Dakar. Dr Julius Garvey, a member of the delegation, whose f a t h e r M a r c u s Garvey is one of the great figures in the history of the Diaspora and whose photograph is prominently displayed in the exhibit space, was particularly popular amongst the local staff. Many had their photographs taken with Dr Garvey. The Monument brings a new dimension to the historical narrative of slavery for, where the guides on Goree Island speaks of the pain and suffering of the ancestors on the way out, the narrative at the Monument hails and renders homage to the leaders and patriots who, through their tireless efforts, have made it possible for the journey and the

experiences to be appreciated. The Monument also heralds the beginnings of cooperation and collaboration between the Continent and the African Diaspora, working together in harmony towards the development of the Sixth Continent and ultimately the United States of Africa.

The New National Theatre The Delegation also visited the new National Theatre in Dakar, which was opened this year. It is a massive six story structure with the most modern of facilities to accommodate guests and performers. However it is but one part of a huge development site that is currently under construction and will eventually host a venue for sports, a public library, restaurants and other amenities. The Delegation, especially those from within the artistic community were immensely impressed. Farewell reception Dr. Djibril Diallo, leader of the US Delegation to Senegal, invited the remainder of the delegation to an informal reception at his home. Professor Thiam was among those in attendance. He was briefed on some of the findings about the mission just

accomplished, as he was in Benin during the signing ceremony. Professor Thiam who had just returned from Benin, discussed the importance of the collaboration of Benin in the ongoing narrative on the African Renaissance by patriots such as Toussaint L’Ouverture and King Guezo, who stated, “If you have a leaking pot and all children of the country block the holes, all will be well.” He wished the delegation well as they prepared for their departure from Senegal.

US DELEGATION

Djibril Diallo LeaderJohn Yearwood Journalist Richard Gant The Arts James E Mayo Mayor Michael Blunt Mayor James Wall Mayor Leah Fitchue Educator Antonio Blue Mayor Dr. Julius Garvey Monument Shirley Gibson Mayor John Marks Mayor Ron Davis Mayor Ron Himes The Arts Constance Newman Monument Vanessa Williams NCBM Omar Neil Mayor Patricia Rochon Educator Gilbert Rochon Educator Randy Weston The Arts Fatou Weston The Arts Andre Pierre Mayor Robert L Bowser Mayor Heather Head Youth Leader Leonard Jeffries Educator Cheryl Smith Journalist Gordon Tapper Former UN staffer

Richard Gant, Dr. Garvey, Ron Himes and Mayor Antonio Blue

On Goree Island

Mayors and Vanessa Williams received gifts during festivities

Listening to presentation at Clinic

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Let’s hear it for the

Texas Rangers

Follow Cheryl on Facebook and Twitter@penonfire

A Ram in the BushBy Barbra Porter Coleman

Finally, Barbra Porter Coleman is back with another crea-tively written drama that deals with jealousy and the abuse that is sure to follow. Shay is the p e r s o n n o reader wants to b e . S h e ’ s insanely jealous and a l though

she has nothing to go on, she continues using every method she can to try and find out anything “dirty” about her cheating husband. Winston loves his wife and has no idea what is fueling her jealous rants. All he knows is that his patience is wearing thin, very thin. The author also introduces you to Maya and Reggie. Reggie is good-looking and a smooth-talker, but he has his demons and skeletons as well. Maya deserves better. A Ram in the Bush is suspenseful and full of action. Ms. Porter Coleman will have you talking to the characters as they attempt to navigate around all of the mess that seems to consume their lives. The abuse that takes place is repul-sive and the lengths to which some of the characters go to keep control is frightening. Once again Ms. Porter Coleman has provided us with a page-turner that addresses some critical issues. She has skillfully set the stage for what leads to a shocking conclusion that will make readers re-examine their surroundings and actions, armed with the realization that the degrees of separation might be considerably fewer than we’ve been told.

A Deep Dark SecretBy Kimberla Lawson Roby

A Deep Dark Secret is a tale that anyone in their right mind wishes was a figment of the imagination and not a bruta l reality. To cite the number of reported cases of incest and chi ld molestat ion would only provide a tip of the iceberg of the number of actual cases. In A Deep Dark Secret the talented Kimberla Lawson Roby introduces Jillian Maxwell, who is described as the perfect child. Jillian is an excellent student, who is a joy at home and in school. At seven years old her world seemed to be complete. She had a new father and then a baby sister.

Then all of a sudden her world changed because the molestation began. Jillian’s innocence is stripped away and all the things she was praised for over the years are no longer praiseworthy.

This gripping tale of Jillian’s suffering is a must-read. A Deep Dark Secret should be required reading for I’d say as young as third graders. Sure we live in a society where the mere talk of sex is discouraged in school. Only thing is that the children are talking and doing.The skillfully delicate way that the author deals with the subject makes A Deep Dark Secret a credible text-book and could empower young potential victims.Ms. Lawson Roby writes, It is my hope that every person reading this will become much more conscious of what might be happening to children in his or her own h o u s e h o l d , c h u rc h , s c h o o l a n d neighborhood. It is also my hope.

The CrossingBy Serita Jakes

Can you ever escape your past? Claudia Campbell seems to think so, until those memories begin to take over her life, causing pain for the people who love her.

And she’s not the only one haunted by a 10-year-old cold case that was recently reopened by her assistant district attorney husband, Victor, who’s looking to further his career. Claudia’s classmate, Casio, is also suffering from his memories of that fateful evening when they were on the school bus returning home from a football g a m e . T h e y w a t c h e d a p o p u l a r schoolteacher, B. J. Remington, die at the h a n d s o f a m y s t e r i o u s gunman as they all sat at the train crossing, that prevented t h e f i r s t r e -sponders from getting to her. Author Serita J a k e s h a s written a defin-ite page-turner. Her cast of small -town characters are well-developed and very believable. It appears that almost everyone knows everyone, or there’s some type of

connection, so how could a killer go unpunished after so many years?Then too, there are so m a n y w h o e n d u p suffering because of that one night of violence. One senseless act wreaks havoc on the lives of

many of the characters. While there is definitely a spiritual component to The Crossing, it is delivered in a way that is not preachy or overbearing. Claudia and Casio are just three of the “victims” of the shooter. Ms. Jakes has skillfully woven this suspense-filled tale that will have readers hooked to the very end as they try to pinpoint the guilty party. Casio, who works for the police department, actually joins the investigation with Claudia’s husband. What a twist, since at the time of the murder of Ms. Remington, the two were dating! Yes, there is twist after twist in The Crossing, and it’s full of suspense, right until the very end!

MARCH OF DIMES PREMATURITY

AWARENESS MONTH

November is Prematur i ty Awareness Month(r) and when March of Dimes focuses the nation's attention on the crisis of premature birth. The awareness month kicks off on Nov. 1 with the release of the 2011 Premature Birth Report Card while Nov. 17 marked World Prematurity Day. March of Dimes is partnering with organizations around the world to raise awareness and spread the word about the serious problem of premature birth globally. Worldwide, an estimated 13 million babies are born too soon each year, including one million who do not live to see their first birthday. In the United States, prematurity touches more than half a million babies and their families annually. Our country's premature birth rate has risen by 36 percent over the last 25 years. Locally, one in eight babies is born premature each year in Dallas and Tarrant counties. In addition to taking a high toll on families, premature birth also costs society more than $26 billion every year. Babies born just a few weeks early are at risk of severe health problems and lifelong disabilities. Premature birth, defined as less than 37 completed weeks gestation, is the number one killer of newborns. Join March of Dimes in the fight against prematurity as we work together for stronger healthier babies -- we are funding lifesaving research and speaking out for legislation that improves care for moms and babies. We help moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies while researching the problems that threaten the health of babies.

www.dallasweekly.com

Black Girls Rock!

always!

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Jean Gerard Lyons1950 - 2011

Jean Gerard Lyons was born to Jean Marcus Lyons and Nina Lee Gerard on April 12, 1950 in San Francisco, Ca. He graduated from Roy Miller High School in 1969 and continued his education in Dallas, TX at Bishop College, where he received his b a c h e l o r s d e g r e e i n b u s i n e s s administration. While attending Bishop, he met his soulmate, Virginia Bryant. They were married on June 24, 1972 and from this union four children were born. Before leaving Bishop, he formed another lifelong bond by joining the strong brotherhood of Omega Psi Phi

Fraternity Inc., earning the name “Kojack.” He found a home for his developing family in Hutchins, TX, a small town just south of their c h u r c h h o m e , M o u n t Ta b o r Missionary Baptist Church. While working at the Bethlehem Center in South Dallas, he also established his place, in the Hutchins community, as a well-respected citizen. In 1979 he became employed by the Wilmer Hutchins ISD, holding several positions including Youth Action Specialist, Bus Driver, MC of the Wilmer Hutchins Marching Music Machines (earning the title of “ v o i c e o f Wi l m e r H u t c h i n s Marching Music Machine) and commentator of the football games.

In Memoriam De Vonne Foutz1947- 2011

De Vonne Draughn Foutz wanted to be an inspiration to future generations and she definitely was. An advocate for Seniors, she attended Howard University where she was initiated into the Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and received a Bachelor of Liberal Arts, Government/Sociology-Education degree in 1970. She served several years as an Election Judge/Precinct Chair Dallas County, worked as a Media Specialist for Dallas Independent school district and was involved with the Texas Silver Haired Legislator/Foundation. De Vonne was a Past President of the Dallas Bench and Bar Clinic at Good Street and a

volunteer for the Democratic Party. She attended the University of Md(College Park) where she earned a MLS, Library & Informational Sciences. in 1972. A member of Friendship-West Baptist Church, DeVonne enjoyed reading, spectator sports, traveling(especially cruising), writing and storytelling. She also held memberships in the Dallas Retired Teachers Association, African American Museum Board of Directors Council, Texas Library Association, Phyllis Wheatley Society(Author Club), ARJ-Friendship West Baptist Church, Voices that Shout-FWBC, Dallas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Women Club of Dallas, Steven Pk- AARP Publicist, NARFE. Her numerous awards and honors include: Oak Cliff Pioneer, Disd 35 Year Volunteer, Community Service Awardee (Dallas Women’s Council), Unsung Shero for NCNW, Mrs Mature Methodist Hospital 2010, Delta Dear-DST.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Association

of Black Journalists will celebrate its 30th anniversary on Dec. 1, 2011 with CNN Anchor Soledad

O'Brien as the keynote speaker. The gala will be

held at the Music Hall at Fair Park and DFW/ABJ will

honor Bob Ray Sanders and Clarice Tinsley, and

scholarships will be awarded to aspiring journalists. You can order tickets at

www.dfwabj.org.

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Sally Lutz and Cynthia Nunn of the Center for NonProfit Management

Efrem

Katina Potts discusses love and marriage

Lyman King discusses politics SCLC’s Kyev Tatum and NAACP’s Carolyn Morris

It’s Nappiology Day!!

Eddie Hill and Dee Stofko of Administrative Solutions WFAA-TV’s Debbie Denmon

Phyllis Alphabet, Rev. Ronald and Antoinette Hayes, Katina Potts and Big Sister Kelly Kel

Darnell Smith and Marie -Lone Star Idol

Nicole Barrett

Dr. Ray of Deep in the Roots talks about natural hair care

The talented Dr. T’Keyah Crystal Keymah

At Cheryl Smith Live!You never know who is going to show up with Cheryl. That’s why you need to stay connected!Look for features on guest of Cheryl Smith Live!

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By Urban Sports Newswire

Arlington, Texas— Winston-Salem State held on to the USN Black College Poll Top Spot for the third week. The CIAA Champion WSSU Rams, will host a second round playoff game on Saturday, November 26th in Bowman Gray Stadium. WSSU is the #1 seed from Super Region 1, and will face the /#5 California (PA). This is the first undefeated regular season for Winston-Salem State, since the 1978 season led by head coach William “Bill” Hayes, current Director of Athletics, and the first time in 20 years the Rams have hosted a NCAA DII Playoff game. The CIAA has an all-time record of 2-28 in the playoffs. The only two CIAA teams to win playoff games are WSSU, which defeated Cal Poly 17-0 in 1978 in front of nearly 18,000 fans at Bowman Gray, and Hampton, which defeated Albany State 33-7 in 1993. The Rams are 1-4 all-time in the playoffs and in their last appearance lost to Jacksonville State 49-24 in a first-round game at Bowman Gray in 1991.

Coach Connell Maynor is unfazed by his conference’s record. “I think our guys are ready, and this is what we set out to do,” he said. “We got our first goal out of the way, and t h a t w a s t o w i n t h e C I A A championship. The guys really believe that we can win four more football games.” Winston-Salem State (11-0), Norfolk State (9-2), Jackson State (9-2), Bethune-Cookman (8-3), and Alabama A&M (8-3) held the top five spots in the USN Poll for Week 12. Alabama S t a t e ( 7 - 3 ) , M o r e h o u s e ( 8 - 2 ) , Grambling (6-4), FAMU (7-4), and South Carolina State (7-4) are the next five ranked teams. Albany State (8-4) dropped out of the rankings with its 63-14 loss to North Greenville in the Division II playoffs . Jackson State, Alabama A&M and Alabama State finish tied for the SWAC West crown with 7-2 records. Alabama A&M will represent the West in the SWAC Title Game. Grambling must beat Southern in the Bayou Classic to advance to the title game. If Grambling

loses, the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff will advance. MEAC Conference Champion Norfolk State heads to the FCS Playoffs when it meets neighbor Old Dominion. “I’d like to extend congratulations to all the conference champions on their successful seasons,” said John Posey, CEO of Urban Sports News. “There have by many surprises this season. The gap between the traditional powers and other schools has closed. I will say I have never seen a season with such poor s p e c i a l t e a m ’s p l a y a n d p o o r quarterbacking. It has hurt the HBCU football brand in my opinion. I see North Carolina A&T, Howard, Alabama State and Prairie View as teams on the rise in 2012. I would like to extend our thanks to the SWAC for using Urban S p o r t s N e w s t o p r o v i d e s t i l l photography for the 2011 SWAC Volleyball Tournament.” Must-see games to watch this week include: 1) Southern vs. Grambling; 2) Winston-Salem State vs. California (PA); 3) Alabama State vs. Tuskegee; 4) and, Norfolk State vs. Old Dominion.

NEWS & NOTES:

--THE SWAC Volleyball Tournament featured some outstanding volleyball. Jackson State (29-9) won the tournament with a win over Alabama A&M. There is a photo gallery at www.swac.org.--Alabama A&M head football coach Anthony Jones has been named as one of 20 finalists for the 2011 Eddie Robinson Award, which is given each year to the NCAA Div. I-FCS national coach of the year.

--The MEAC has announced its 2011

All Conference Football Honors. See the following information.

USN Thought for the Week: “If you don't try to win you might as well hold

the Olympics in s o m e b o d y ' s back yard. The t h r i l l o f c o m p e t i n g carries with it the thrill of a g o l d m e d a l . One wants to win to prove h i m s e l f t h e

best.” —Jesse Owens

John Posey, CEO, of Urban Sports News, a full-service sports media company, has launched an alternative poll to provide a different, and more balanced, perspective to the rankings. The USN Poll is released on Tuesday mornings to publications, Sports Information Directors, fans, sports websites, newspapers and to members of the media. Urban Sports News distributes news, photos and features, as well as, provides a wide range of communications consulting services. His work has appeared in 26 countries, numerous publications, media guides, television stations, and electronic media. Urban Sports News provides a wide range of services for a number of corporate and college clients.

Urban Sports News “We Cover Sports from Another Perspective”

USN Black College Football 2011 Poll: Week 12

Dropped Out of Top 10: Albany State. Moving Up: Bethune-Cookman, Grambling, South Carolina State. Trending Down: Albany State, Elizabeth City, Hampton, North Carolina A&T.

Others Receiving Consideration: Albany State, Elizabeth City, Hampton, Howard, Langston, Miles, South Carolina State, and Stillman.

The USN Black College Poll is compiled by John Posey, Henry Bailey and a network of local associates. Contact us at [email protected] or 214-929-8573. Copyright 2011, Urban Sports News. All Rights Reserved.

Rank Team Record Comment

1. Winston-Salem State Rams 11-0 Off. Next Up: Meet California (PA) in NCAA D-II Playoffs.

2. Norfolk State Spartans 9-2 Off. Next Up: Host Old Dominion in NCAA FCS Playoffs.

3. Jackson State Tigers 9-2 Crushed Alcorn 51-7. Should have been undefeated. Season over.

4. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 8-3 Wildcats won sixth straight defeating FAMU 26-16. Season over.

5. Alabama A&M Bulldogs 8-3 Won SWAC East berth with 17-15 win over Prairie View. Next Up. TBD in SWAC Title game.

6. Alabama State Hornets 7-3 Off. Late season swoon. Next Up: Tuskegee in Turkey Day Classic.

7. Morehouse Maroon Tigers 8-2 Season Over.

8. Grambling Tigers 6-4 Off. Next Up: Meet Southern in Bayou Classic.

9. FAMU Rattlers 7-4 Lost to Bethune in Florida Classic 26-16. Season over

10. South Carolina State Bulldogs 7-4 Defeated Savannah State 20-10. Season over.

WSSU holds top spot, Norfolk headed to FCS playoffs

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