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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.

 

Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce to Host 12th Annual Awards Dinner Banquet on March 10

GPBCC 12th Annual Awards Dinner Banquet

Sat, March 10 at 6–10pm

The Renissance Downtown Phoenix
50 E. Adams St.
Phoenix, AZ

This year marks a pivotal milestone for the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber of Commerce (GPBCC) as we embark on celebrating “A New Generation of Business” with new leadership supporting African American Businesses who are willing to give back to the community and, in turn, become the role models of future entrepreneurs and business leaders in the State of Arizona.

Our 12th Annual Awards Banquet will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at the new Downtown Phoneix Renissance Hotel. This year we will celebrate the richness and diversity of small and midsized businesses, our membership, and you.

Individual tickets cost $250.00 (or $200.00 for Members).

As always, the focus of the evening will be the presentation of our coveted awards for Corporate Business Partners and Small Business Partners of the Year. We need your help in making our 13th Annual Awards Banquet a success and a night to be remembered.

We invite you to become a Platinum, Gold, Silver, bronze or table Sponsor. We are also offering advertising opportunities. 

Please contact the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber to see how you can become a financial partner with the Chamber and help us continue the dream of providing support to a new generation of business in our Community.

Contact: info@phoenixblackchamber.com or 602.307.5200.

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.

Black History Month Food Drive & Gala on Feb. 23 at Palazzo Lounge in Phoenix

 Simply Single Sisters/Stars/ and 100 Black Men of Phoenix

Present

Black History Month Food Drive & Gala

The Gala for the food drive will be held at the Palazzo Lounge, 710 N Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ

Feb 23, 2012 - Starts at 6 PM

Drop off locations for non-perishable food:

• Mark's the Spot Barbershop: 24 W Camelback RD #F Phoenix Az 85013
• Fade Tite Barber shop: 1712 E Broadway Suite 3 & 4 Phoenix AZ 85040
• Agee'z Barber Shop: 542 W. Southern Ave Phoenix AZ 85041
• Elysium Salon & Spa: 13070 W. Rancho Santa Fe Suite C4 Avondale, AZ 85323

Like Us On Facebook: VISION ENTERTAINMENT PHX

Founders’ Day Luncheon for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Members on Feb. 18 in Scottsdale

SAT, February 18th - Founders’ Day Luncheon - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – The ladies of Delta Beta Omega cordially invite members to this year’s Founders’ Day Celebration as we reflect and remember the timeless service in our sisterhood.

The 12:00 noon luncheon will be held at the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort, 5401 North Scottsdale Road. Scottsdale, AZ 85250.

Please RSVP by 5PM Friday, February 10. Call 1-877-252-1908 or email hodegos@aka-dbo.org for additional information.

Arizona Alliance of Black School Educators Night with the Phoenix Suns on March 12 - Sign Up Now

Arizona Alliance of Black School Educators (AABSE) Night with the Phoenix Suns!

Monday, March 12, 2012, 7:00 pm (4:45 pm early game entry)

US Airways Center, 201 East Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004 

Phoenix Suns vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Join the AABSE for a Night Out with the Phoenix Suns. Participants will receive discounted tickets, a free Suns gift, and early game access at 4:45 pm to watch player warm-ups. AABSE has reserved limited seating in the following arena areas:

Club Annexus $65.00 (regularly $89.75)

Lower Level $45.00 (regularly $79.75)

Upper Level $25.00 (regularly $48.75)

Upper level $20.00 (regularly $29.75)

For more information, click on the following link to obtain an event flyer/order form:

http://www.azabse.org/apps/documents/

Bonus Opportunity

Purchase your tickets by Feb. 13, 2012 for an opportunity to win 2 free tickets (est. value $180.00) to a future Phoenix Suns game in Club Annexus. This V.I.P lower level experience includes dining for 2 (est. value $70.00)!

Go to www.usairwayscenter.com/arena/welcome/annexus/ for information about Club Annexus.

Call Lisa at 602.379.7528 or Zel at 602.369.0337 to order tickets.

For more information, e-mail info@azabse.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.

Victorious Women Ministries Conference Cruise to the Bahamas on November 2-5 - Register Today!

Victorious Women Ministries hosts a three-day Conference Cruise to the Bahamas on November 2-5, 2012. This conference features dynamic and powerful keynote speakers with a track record of inspiring others to trust God and His plan.

Conference theme: Let Us Run with Endurance, which is based on Hebrews 12:2. You will enjoy the conference speakers, workshops, and music, as well as the spectacular amenities of the beautiful Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship– Majesty of the Seas.

This is an experience you cannot afford to miss.

For registration information, please visit the Website at www.victoriouswomenmin.org or call Joyce Wells, travel coordinator, at (913) 422-3068.

Dr. Victoria Jones, Founder and President of Victorious Women Ministries, looks forward to 500500seeing you there — departing from Miami, Florida.

Do not delay, register today!

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

1st Quarter Power Business Lunch at Le Chalet in Glendale on Feb. 15

1st QUARTER POWER BUSINESS LUNCH AT OUR NEW LOCATION "LE CHALET" IN NORTH GLENDALE

It is a great time to be in business! Confidence is UP --- Opportunities are everywhere --- Don't miss out and join us on Wednesday afternoon for a Great West Valley Power Networking event!

Top Food and Drinks are always INCLUDED at Power Networking meetings.

Here's WHY You should Join Power Networking for a Fabulous Lunch:

1. Meet decision makers in an upscale environment.
2. Be part of a fast-growing and dynamic group.
3. Network, Network, Network!

February 15
12-1:30 PM

Le Chalet
5626 W Bell Road, Suite 101
Glendale, AZ 85304
http://www.lechalet-llc.com

Register at http://www.azpowernetworking.com/WestValley/index.php ($20 guests / $10 members) DOOR PRIZES & LUNCH INCLUDED!

Power Networking empowers businesses locally and globally. Annual members have access to our exclusive business directory and enjoy exclusive benefits access to our worldwide members' directory, promotion on our Social Media platforms and $1,500+ of complimentary business consultations.

COME MEET VIP SPEAKER: Fabien Bertault CEO & FOUNDER of Power Networking

TOPIC: "How to Empower Your Business By Power Networking"

Come Meet West Valley Chapter President "Mechelle Tucker" while joining successful businesses and introduce your company & projects to the audience.

***Bring Your Business Cards and Proposals***

For more information about Power Networking, visit: http://azpowernetwork.com/category/networking-tips/

For Love, Not Money: Spike Lee Mentors Students at Arizona State University

By Heather Jackson, PhxSoul.com Correspondent

Walking out in exclusive blue Spiz’ike New York Knicks Jordans, fitted under a Royal Blue New York giants puff vest with a blue cap that slightly hid those notorious glasses we associate him with, he was repping hard for his city so you knew exactly who was in the building: Spike Lee.

Although he was laid back he made no attempt to begin his speech with the same tone; instead, he came in heavy.

“Last time I was here the New York Giants won the Super Bowl … ya’ll didn’t host it because you were the last to honor the MLK holiday,” Lee sincerely joked referencing Arizona’s stubborn evolution in politics for monetary gain.

Warming up the crowd with his uproar of jokes, Lee began to tell his life story and the events that led up to the success that he has become.

“I was a C- student up until I figured out I wanted to be a filmmaker,” Lee reveals.

From Slavery to Freedom, Education is Key

“Don’t clap for that,” Lee said stopping the crowd as they tried to clap after he shared his former satisfactory grade average. He began to stress how important education is by referencing the most painful part of Black History: slavery.

“Our ancestors were smart enough to know that education was the key out of bondage,” he reminded the audience at Gammage.

As he painfully looked into the silenced audience, he began to rattle off statistics like, “It’s cheaper to send a black man to college than put them behind bars” and only “50 percent of black men are graduating college.”

Escaping these horrifying statistics, Lee made his point clear about why it was not okay to applaud a C- average or mediocrity within a student’s performance.

His grade average shifted however, from a C- to A+ after the life changing summer of 1977. During that year, the then bored and young Lee took his friend’s camera and began recording. After that summer the Morehouse man enrolled in Clark Atlanta’s school of Mass Communication where he met the professor that encouraged him to turn all that he shot over the summer into a film. He said his professor even stayed up to three to four hours helping him edit the film.

“If you are blessed with the influence of a great teacher the impact is immeasurable,” Lee stated.

But this was not the only major force behind his career. His grandmother helped to pay for his entire stay at Morehouse, New York University’s Graduate School, and funded his film “She’s Gotta Have It.”

He said that he respected his grandmother so much that he felt that if she did not support his dreams he really would not have pursued it.

“Parents kill more dreams than anybody,” Lee proclaims evoking cheers and an applause from the audience.

Although this was not his case, he said that so many parents want their children to pursue a career with money versus what they are passionate about. He painted a depressing picture of someone who has to wake up everyday to go to a job they hate all because it pays good and pays the bills.

“I say my prayers every night because I get to wake up and do what I love. I have fun doing what I do,” he said excitedly.

The State of Black America

One thing that troubles him is the new generation of black-on-black crime: hate & name-calling.

“Oreo, white-girl, sell-out,” are the names he begins to recite that leave him puzzled as to why some blacks are ridiculed for being smart and A-students.

“We didn’t ostracize you for being smart,” Lee says strongly referencing his generation, “that has changed.”

At the conclusion of his oral autobiography, he took questions and answers from the audience. The session was moderated former Black and African Coalition (BAC) advisor Lasana Hotep.

The questions ranged from career advice to where he got his cool Jordans he was rocking on stage. He was reluctant to reveal the key to his treasure box of Jordans but was more than willing to voice his opinion of Red Tails and Tyler Perry films.

“Remember George Lucas funded it, after taking it to Hollywood who said they did not know how to market a black film,” Lee begins, “that is commendable.”

As for Tyler Perry films, “Black cinema is not defined by Tyler Perry. You cannot deny he has a huge backing. The trick is how do we get views for films that show a positive black experience.”

Funded by Undergraduate Student Government and BAC, Spike Lee was selected to speak at Arizona State University to kick off Black History Month. Spike Lee has finished a film called “Red Hook Summer” that is set to debut this summer.