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Invisible Heroes: Not Your Normal Black History Month Program on Feb. 21 in Phoenix

Coretta Scott King once said, “I appeal to everybody who believes in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream to make room at the table of brother and sisterhood for lesbians and gay people.”  LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) African-Americans have been everywhere in our history though often they go unseen.  From politicians to poets, authors to activists, the stories of these heroes go unmentioned and forgotten because oftentimes we see their contributions as insignificant.
 
Invisible Heroes will resurrect some of these forgotten heroes.  You will not see these individuals mentioned at other Black History month programs but their stories are important and their stories should be honored.  This month we will shine the spotlight on several of these stories.
 
UGIMA (United Gay Informed Men of African-descent) is honored to present Invisible Heroes, an event that will honor LGBT African-Americans in history. The program will be held at the Mt. of Olives Lutheran church on February 21 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM.
 
For additional information please feel free to visit the UGIMA website at wix.com/ugimaphx/ugima or contact us at 602-845-9720 or ugimaphx@gmail.com.

 

11th Annual Jack in the Box Celebrity Shootout on March 3 in Phoenix

The 11th Annual Jack in the Box Celebrity Shootout, presented by Robert and Carole Machiz, will take place on Saturday, March 3rd at 2 PM.

Entertainers (celebrity names TBD) representing the television, movie and recording industries will descend upon downtown Phoenix to play in this charity basketball game at US Airways Center.

Tickets start as low as $9!

Click here to buy online today:

http://www.nba.com/suns/celebshootout/

All proceeds benefit Phoenix Suns Charities and Suns Nite Hoops.

Suns Nite Hoops is a program dedicated to young adults in need of vocational development, educational advancement and life skills enhancement. The goal of Suns Nite Hoops is to reduce crime, teach essential life skills, and direct young men toward furthering their education and employment opportunities by providing them with a positive alternative to drugs, gangs and violence.

A vast majority of Suns Nite Hoops participants are African American males.

Click HERE to see our coverage from the 2011 Celebrity Shootout!

 

Event subject to change without notice.

 

2012 Coalition of Blacks Against Breast Cancer Summit on February 19 in Phoenix

Submitted by Karl Gentles

2012 Coalition of Blacks Against Breast Cancer Summit
February 19, 2:30 pm registration
3 - 5 pm program
Wellness Community
360 E. Palm Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85034
Refreshments will be served
RSVP to info@cbbcaz.org; More info by calling 602.320.0502
www.cbbcaz.org 

The Coalition of Blacks Against Breast Cancer (CBBC) will host a special meeting on Sunday, February 19, 2012 – the 2012 CBBC Summit. CBBC will celebrate the success of the 2011 efforts; provide an overview of the 2012 planned community outreach and education strategy; recruit volunteers as community health educators and ambassadors; and screen the short film, Beating Breast Cancer, a film that tells the stories of five African American breast cancer survivors.

The meeting is open to all supporters of the Coalition and individuals interested in the initiative. You do not have to be a survivor to attend this meeting. Please plan to attend and invite a friend or colleague.

If you are a member of a community-based organization or church, please provide this information to your leadership and request that a representative of the organization attend this important meeting.

African American Hula Teachers to Perform For the First Time at the Arizona Aloha Festival on Mar. 10 in Tempe

Tropical Polynesian Productions, led by Kumu Hula (Teacher of Hula) Kalena of Glendale, Arizona, will perform a Hula Kahiko (Ancient Hula) dance at the Arizona Aloha Festival in March 2012 at Tempe Town Lake with their sister Hula Halau (Hula School) Napua O’ Polynesia from Rhode Island, led by Kumu Hula Carolyn Castro of Providence.

The two will be the first African American Kumu Hulas to perform at the festival. Their performance will be on Saturday, March 10th at 3:45 p.m. Carolyn and Kalena are honored to have been given this opportunity to perform. They are known for their energetic and upbeat dances. Both have been dancing since childhood.

Tropical Polynesian Productions’ mission has always been “Keeping It Alive and Passing It On” and honors Kalena’s Polynesian ancestry. It is her desire to continue to perpetuate Polynesian culture through events, educational programs, classes, and seminars. She will travel out of state to conduct seminars, as well as perform.

Kalena teaches the following monthly dance classes, as well as 1- or 2-day seminars: Hawaiian (Ancient and Modern), Tahitian, Fijian, Tongan, Maori New Zealand, and Samoan. In addition to dance classes, she conducts Tahitian drumming and Samoan fire/knife dance seminars. She welcomes all shapes and sizes to participate and performance opportunities are available.

Kalena founded Tropical Polynesian Productions in 2007.
Kalena is currently teaching Polynesian dance classes at the Arrowhead Montessori, 14801 N. 83rd. Ave., Peoria, AZ. She teaches Polynesian dance to the preschoolers on Tuesdays. New classes start the first Thursday of every month. You may contact Kalena at 623-255-8491 and/or visit her website at www.tropicalpolynesianproductions.com for class location and times.

Carolyn Castro, Artistic Director, for Napua O’ Polynesia has been joyously leading this multicultural dance troupe since 1988. Napua O' Polynesia's dancers continue to perform throughout Rhode Island, the New England region, and nationally, too. Troupe members have competed three times at the International Hula competition in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Carolyn currently teaches on Saturdays from 3 pm to 5 pm, at the Carriage House Theater, 7 Duncan Ave, Providence, RI 02906. Carolyn will spear-head the 2012 season with seminars/workshops in RI. She can be contacted at 401-273-8928 for further information or visit www.tropicalisland-dancers.com.

For more information about the upcoming Arizona Aloha Festival, see their website at www.azalohafest.org.

 

Arizona Black Rodeo Coming to Rawhide in Chandler on March 3 - Two Shows! Get Tickets Now!

It's Rodeo time for Arizona residents! So everyone, make sure to join in on the fun!  The ARIZONA BLACK RODEO comes to town with two shows on March 3 at 1 PM and 7 PM.

The shows will be held at RAWHIDE at Wildhorse Pass in Chandler, AZ

Featured Events: Barrel Racing, Tie-Down Ropin', Steer Wrestling and Bull Ridin'

There will be a special tribute to The Arizona Buffalo Soldiers Chapters, so you can be sure to expect an afternoon and evening filled with fun and entertainment.

The Arizona Black Rodeo will offer great entertainment and will feature the nation's top African American competitors. Make plans to bring the entire family for an educational and cultural experience.

To purchase Advance Tickets visit azblackrodeo.com or the Arizona Informant Office, 1301 E. Washington Street, Ste #101, Phoenix.

For additional Ticket Outlets, call (602) 550-0034 or e-mail info@azblackrodeo.com.

Free Homebuyer Workshops at Greater Phoenix Urban League on 2nd Thursdays of Each Month

The Greater Phoenix Urban League (GPUL), Wells Fargo Bank, and the Women’s Council of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers Phoenix Chapter are co-sponsoring free homebuyer workshops in 2012.

Learn how to qualify for up to $15,000 in down payment and purchase incentives (limited time only)!

Refreshments will be provided.

The workshops will be held the 2nd Thursday of each month and the next workshop will be held Thursday, February 9, 2012, at 5:30-7 PM, at the GPUL facility, 1402 S. 7th Avenue, Phoenix.

The workshops are free to the public and RSVPs are encouraged.

For additional information, go to: www.wcofnarebphoenix.webs.com or www.wellsfargo.com/register.

You may also call Greater Phoenix Urban League at 602-254-5611 or Women’s Council of the Nation Association of Real Estate Brokers at 602-688-6327.

National Bestselling Author Kendra Norman Bellamy in Phoenix on Feb. 17-19

National Bestselling Author Kendra Norman Bellamy will be in Phoenix February 17-19.

Please refer to the flyer below for exact times and locations or visit www.kendranormanbellamy.com for more information.

Event details are subject to change without notice.

2012 A. Wade Smith Memorial Lecture on Race Relations Features Tim Wise on Apr. 17 at ASU Tempe

2012 A. Wade Smith Lecture on Race Relations
Featuring Tim Wise, leading anti-racist writer and activist

Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 6 p.m. lecture followed by booksigning
Neeb Hall, ASU Tempe campus

*There are no tickets for the event and no RSVP is required.  Seating is limited and doors will open at 5:30 p.m.*

Tim Wise is among the most prominent anti-racist writers and educators in the United States. Recently named one of “25 Visionaries Who are Changing Your World,” by Utne Reader, Wise has spoken in 49 states, on over 600 college campuses, and to community groups across the nation. He has also lectured internationally in Canada and Bermuda on issues of comparative racism, race and education, racism and religion, and racism in the labor market.

Wise is the author of five books, including White Like Me: Reflections on Race from a Privileged Son; Affirmative Action: Racial Preference in Black and White; Speaking Treason Fluently: Anti-Racist Reflections From an Angry White Male; Between Barack and a Hard Place: Racism and White Denial in the Age of Obama, and his latest, Colorblind: The Rise of Post-Racial Politics and the Retreat from Racial Equity.

He received the 2001 British Diversity Award for best feature essay on race issues, and his writings have appeared in dozens of popular, professional and scholarly journals.

Wise has provided anti-racism training to teachers nationwide, and has conducted trainings with physicians and medical industry professionals on how to combat racial inequities in health care. He has also trained corporate, government, entertainment, military and law enforcement officials on methods for dismantling racism in their institutions, and has served as a consultant for plaintiff’s attorneys in federal discrimination cases in New York and Washington State.
 
Support the A. Wade Smith Memorial Lecture
ASU seeks to increase the lecture series endowment to a level that will sustain it in perpetuity. To support the lecture with an individual or corporate donation, you can make a contribution online through the college's giving page. Be sure College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the A. Wade Smith Memorial Lecture are selected in the drop down boxes.

Additionally, you can contact Matthew Whitaker or call (480) 965-0636.

For more information about the lecture series, please call (480) 965-6397 or e-mail clasevents@asu.edu.

 

Humanities Lecture Series, "Race, Politics and Art" Presented by Vernon Burt on Feb. 16 in Downtown Phoenix

Humanities Lecture Series, "Race, Politics and Art"
Presented by Vernon Burt

Vernon Burt dreamed of having an NBA career. But like his oil paintings, his life has taken on many layers. Burt's presentation of “Race, Politics and Art” takes place on 6:30 p.m., Feb. 16, at the Nursing Innovation Building Two, 550 N. Third St., Phoenix, Innovation Auditorium, room 110.

The lecture commences this year's spring 2012 Humanities Lecture Series, a part of the ASU Project Humanities and coincides with Black History Month. It is free and open to the public.

“Art has always been a part of humanity and race simply gives it a different viewpoint,” Burt said. “My life experiences have always been very eclectic and it reflects in my work.”

Burt, who grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, was a star guard at Benedictine High School and pinned all of his hopes on becoming a professional basketball player. While at the late "Pistol" Pete Maravich basketball camp in Pennsylvania, Burt was singled out by the legendary college and NBA player.

"I was fortunate enough to not only meet my idol but to develop a close personal relationship with him," he said. "Pete always said I should have something to fall back on after basketball is over."

Those dreams were dashed when he discovered his abilities weren't good enough for the pro ranks, and he left California State College before the start of his sophomore year. He grew depressed over the next few years and the disappointment fueled his alcohol consumption, which became full blown when he entered the Cleveland Heights Police Department in 1979.

After 10 years on the police force, Burt was promoted to homicide detective where he excelled despite losing his battle with the bottle. Burt finally decided to get help and through a 12-step recovery program, he turned his life around. Burt quit his job, got married, and decided on a fresh start. He and his bride pulled out a map of the country, placed it on a coffee table, and pitched pennies where it might be interesting to live. The last penny landed on Phoenix, and the two found a home in Gilbert.

Burt and his wife, Francisca, found employment, but he said his life lacked a certain passion. That is, until his wife suggested he rekindle his love for painting. While on the police force, Burt had studied art for a few years at the Cleveland Institute of Art.

Then the words of his idol came back to him.

"It hit me – painting is what I should be doing," he said. "That was the one thing I should fall back on because it made me happy."

Burt specializes in oil, airbrush, and acrylic paintings and has made a name for himself in local art circles for his work on Buffalo Soldiers, the Tuskegee Airmen, and black cowboys. His work has been displayed in several Valley art galleries and sells for up to $1,000 a painting.

This lecture is part of the ASU Project Humanities.

 

White House Officials Host Hispanic Community Summit in Phoenix

Submitted by PhxSoul.com Correspondent Heather Jackson

Illegal immigration, the Dream Act, and Health reform are just some of the issues that plague the Hispanic community in Arizona and nationwide.

As they battle for rights and justice, the White House join them on the front lines. The Obama Administration sent White House officials to Phoenix on January 28 for their White House Hispanic Community Summit.

This gave the Hispanic community a chance to talk with officials personally and problem solve for some of the issues closest to them.

PhxSoul.com is particularly interested in the White House Hispanic Community Summit because our President is going to be making a strong push to win over Arizona during this election year.

African Americans and Latinos must put our historically strained relations behind us and work together to understand our similarities and differences. Ultimately, if President Obama can gain the confidence of Hispanics in our state, not only will he carry Arizona, but he can help us address and solve the problems that have long affected our communities.

And yes, we will keep you informed on President Obama's efforts to bond with African Americans in Arizona!

 

 

Distinguished Author bell hooks at ASU Tempe Campus on Feb. 13; ASU West Campus on Feb. 14

Race and Gender: Reimagining the Past
Monday, February 13, 7-8:30 p.m.
Katzin Concert Hall, Music Building, ASU Tempe Campus

bell hooks, distinguished author and public scholar, presents the keynote address followed by a Q&A session as part of the Project Humanities Spring 2012 kickoff week. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited; doors open at 6:30 p.m.

A Conversation with bell hooks: The Help, the Book and the Movie
Tuesday, February 14, 3-4:30 p.m.
La Sala C Lecture Hall, University Center Building, ASU West Campus
As part of the Project Humanities Spring 2012 kickoff week, bell hooks stops by West campus to deliver a talk about The Help, the book-turned-Oscar nominated film. This event is free and open to the public; seating is limited.

African American Men of Arizona State University to Host Dr. Molefi Asante During Carter G. Woodson Lecture Series on Feb. 28

Submitted by the African American Men of Arizona State University

The Carter G. Woodson Lecture Series is open to the ASU community and surrounding areas.

This year we are honored to host Dr. Molefi Asante.

African American Men of Arizona State University brings National presenters to head the lecture series designed to educate, stimulate, and develop the minds of our African American Men and Women.

The lecture series aims to connect African/African American history to contemporary issues. This event is free to the community and will be held February 28 on the Arizona State University campus at Old Main at 7pm. 

For more information, please call Emeka A. Ikegwuonu, Coordinator for African American Men of Arizona State University, at (480) 727-8390.

 

 

February 2012 Black History Month Activities, Events in the Phoenix Area

February is Black History Month!

If you are looking for activities and events in the Phoenix area that pay tribute to our heritage and forefathers, please stay tuned to PhxSoul.com's 2012 Black History Month section.

PhxSoul.com is still receiving announcements about festivals, forums, legislative conferences, poetry nights, concerts and much more.

PhxSoul.com encourages the community to come out and support these celebrations because Black History Month shouldn't just be taught in our schools. Hopefully, we can network and build the types of partnerships that will allow us to host more events that recognize and honor our Black History throughout the year.

Again, stay tuned to PhxSoul.com's 2012 Black History Month section so you won't be left out!

Black Alliance for Just Immigration's Justice Film Series in Phoenix Spotlights Perspectives on Civil Rights Movement

Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) presents the Justice Film Series celebrating Black History Month.

With formats ranging from documentary to feature film, the Justice Film series aims to examine diverse perspectives on the Civil Rights era and raise awareness of the stories that are lesser known in America’s history. Screenings will take place each Friday during the month of February at 6:30pm, followed by a moderated group discussion led by members of the BAJI Phoenix Advisory Committee and invited community leaders. Admission is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.

“We feel it is important to Celebrate Black History Month with the Justice Film series in order to educate and remind people of the legacy of struggle, triumph and perseverance in the fight for freedom, justice and equality," said Opal Tometi, BAJI National Organizer. "Especially in light of economic and social injustice prevalent today and the growing movement in response, it is a great opportunity to inform the way we move forward.”

Featured Films

Citizen King - Friday, February 3 at Puente Movement, 1306 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix

This documentary explores the last five years in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life by drawing on the personal recollections and eyewitness accounts of friends, movement associates, journalists, law enforcement officers, and historians, to illuminate this little-known chapter in the story of America's most important and influential moral leader.

Freedom Riders - Friday February 10 at A.E. England Building, 424 N. Central Ave., Phoenix

From May until November 1961, more than 400 black and white Americans risked their lives—many enduring savage beatings and imprisonment—for simply traveling together on buses and trains as they journeyed through the Deep South. Deliberately violating Jim Crow laws, the Freedom Riders met with bitter racism and mob violence along the way testing their belief in nonviolent activism and resulting in the murder of three individuals.

Black Power Mixtape - Friday February 17 at A.E. England Building, 424 N. Central Ave., Phoenix

Footage shot by a group of Swedish journalists documenting the Black Power Movement in the United States is edited together with contemporary commentary from activists, academics, and pop culture icons such as Harry Belafonte and Erykah Badu to give a unique snapshot of the era.

Night Catches Us - Friday February 24 at Puente Movement, 1306 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix

Fictional drama set in 1976. Complex political and emotional forces are set in motion when a young man returns to the race-torn Philadelphia neighborhood where he came of age during the Black Power movement. Starring Anthony Mackie and Kerry Washington.

BAJI presents the Justice Film Series with support from Puente Movement, Downtown Phoenix Civic Space Collaboration, Arizona State University Black Graduate Student Association, Fair Trade Café and Starbucks.  The Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) is an education and advocacy group comprised of African Americans and black immigrants from Africa, Latin American and the Caribbean. BAJI engages African Americans and other communities in dialogue that leads to actions that challenge U.S. immigration policy and the underlying issues of race, racism and economic inequity that frame it.

 

 

2012 Metropolitan Sun Section NCNW Man of Valor Award Ceremony on May 26 in Tempe

Vice Mayor Michael Johnson will be accepting the prestigious honor of 2012 MAN OF VALOR from the Metropolitan Sun Section NCNW this year at its 6th Annual Luncheon "Legacy of Faith, Hope and Love"!

The Keynote Speaker is Judge Lynn Toler, TV Celebrity of Divorce Court. Other honorees includes: Cloves Campbell, Jr., Dr. Rufus Glasper and Pastor Juan Humes.

2012 Women of Excellence includes: Mrs. Irene Preston, Dr. Antoinette Marks, Dr. Holly Underwood and Dr. LaVern Tarkington. We invite everyone to attend this phenomenal event.

Ticket purchases are available now.

Event Date: May 26, 2012

Registration/Vendors: 11:00am

Event Starts at 12:00pm

Event Location: Fiesta Resort Convention Center, 2100 South Priest Drive, Tempe, AZ 85282

Ticket: $50 each Table Reserve: $500

Contact: Dr. Rockel Etienne, President
Email: metrosunncnwpresident@yahoo.com
Website: www.metrosunncnw.weebly.com
Phone: 520-316-9231

Reserved Seating for this event.