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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.

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.

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!

 

 

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!

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.

 

Tempe Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Presents 2nd Annual House Jam on March 16

Tempe Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Presents 2nd Annual House Jam

Date: Friday, March 16, 2012
Time: 7:00PM to 11:00PM
Location: Noah's, 2100 East Yeager Drive, Chandler, AZ 85286
 
Come and enjoy food, music, spades, dominoes, bid whist and pool...Watch March Madness on the big screen!

Also featuring the"Divine 9 Spades/Bid Whist Throw Down"
 
Music by DJ Mix Master G
 
Cost: $25 per person (No Ticket Sales At The Door)

Purchase tickets online at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1516274217

Or email info@dsttempealumnae.org for tickets or additional information

 

Time for Arizona to "Point" Gov. Brewer Toward the Door! Her Disrespect of President Obama Is Unpardonable!

Before President Barack Obama made his fifth visit to Arizona on January 25, 2012, I made this prediction ...

"My Brothers and Sisters ... I'm hoping for the best, but I'm afraid that you're going to see the good, the bad and the ugly in Arizona. Please brace yourselves for an interesting roller coaster ride!"

Gov. Jan Brewer did her best to make my prediction come true!

First the Good ...

I attended his speech at Intel and it was thrilling to be surrounded by THOUSANDS of people who support our President and his mission for job creation and getting America on track. We sat in the sun for hours while waiting for Obama to arrive but the atmosphere was very positive. When he arrived, the place was electric and he did not disappoint the crowd! He genuinely seemed excited to be in the Valley. Among the many topics he discussed during his 21-minute speech, he made a strong push for job creation and praised Intel for being an excellent model for how we can revive America's economy.

The BAD and the UGLY ...

While we were in the crowd, most of us had no idea that President Obama and Gov. Brewer exchanged some heated words at the airport just minutes earlier.

From all accounts, she started the BAD and the UGLY when she asked Obama if he read her book in which she trashed him. She also has a history of dogging him about illegal immigration - an issue that started long before Obama took office.

Bottom line, Gov. Brewer is not one of the President's favorite people and he let her know how he felt.

She exchanged words with him because she was surprised that Obama fired back at her and she had the nerve to point her finger at him! A CLEAR SIGN OF DISRESPECT!!

It's about time that our President gave his critics a piece of his mind. People have been taking shots at him for far too long and he has to get tougher with them in order to gain their respect. They still may not like his policies but they'll be a lot more careful about blasting him publicly!

I'm truly disgusted with Jan Brewer and I've got a feeling that African American leaders are going to be calling for her to step down much like Sheriff Joe Arpaio. PhxSoul.com will support that effort!!

Click on the "Comments" link below to share your thoughts!!

 

See President Obama's Speech at Intel in Chandler on January 25!

Soul Bowl with DJ Ced Ceballos on Sunday Nights in Phoenix

Soul Bowl with DJ Ced Ceballos** (formerly from the Phoenix Suns)

Every Sunday Night
6-10 PM

$10 All You Can Bowl
Drink Specials

Let It Roll Bowl
8925 North 12th Street, Phoenix

For more information, visit letitrollbowl.com.

**DJ Ced Ceballos will not be present on Suns home game nights. Other DJs to substitute.

African American Leaders in Arizona Call for Sheriff Joe Arpaio's Resignation

Submitted by Opal Tometi, National Organizer, Black Alliance for Just Immigration

PHOENIX, AZ - After reading the Press Release of the Department of Justice titled, “DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE RELEASES INVESTIGATIVE FINDINGS ON THE MARICOPA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE,” dated December 15, 2011 and reading the letter from Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez dated December 15, 2011 to Bill Montgomery, Maricopa County Attorney, African-American leaders unite with other justice-loving citizens and organizations calling for the resignation of Sheriff Joseph M. Arpaio.

During a meeting with Assistant Attorney General Perez, as he briefed a diverse group of community leaders on the afternoon of December 15, 2011, Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., Senior Pastor of the First Institutional Baptist Church, Phoenix, Arizona, made the following remarks, “This Department of Justice Press Release is like déjà vu. Fifty years ago this was happening to African-Americans all over the country and especially in the Deep South. All we have to do is to substitute African-Americans for Latinos in this document and it reminds us of how Blacks were treated during the Civil Rights Movement era (and often continue to be prejudged because of skin color even today). ... Those of us who believe in justice and the Constitution of the United States of America will not be silent. We must call for the Sheriff’s resignation. We must speak to the powers that be, the Maricopa County Supervisors, and put pressure on them that the Sheriff needs to go. This document is proof that we have become the Alabama of the 21st century. It’s like Sheriff Bull Connor has come to Arizona.”

According to the findings of the Department of Justice, Assistant Attorney General Perez remarked, “... this is the worst case of racial profiling seen in the U.S. in the last 40 years.”

Therefore, we call for the resignation of Sheriff Joe Arpaio. We will not be silent! Although the Department of Justice plans to work with the MCSO to fix the unjust practices and problems existing in that office, we do not feel that the problems noted in the findings of discriminatory policing, unlawful retaliation and discriminatory jail practices can be corrected with Sheriff Arpaio remaining at the helm of the MCSO. He has been the unapologetic, “in-your-face” perpetrator of mean-spirited actions and attacks on members of the Latino community far too long.  He has become a malignant cancer that must be removed if the body politic of the MCSO is to ever become healthy and properly functioning again.

Millions of taxpayer dollars have been wasted as a direct consequence of Sheriff Arpaio’s unfair, vindictive, arrogant attitudes and actions violating human and civil rights. Moreover, Arpaio’s victims have been fellow human beings created in the image and likeness of God, regardless of their skin color, language of preference and national origin.

Consequently, we, African-American leaders, in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Cesar Chavez, join our Latino brothers and sisters, and persons of every race, ethnicity, creed, color, class and political persuasion who believe that we are “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all” in calling for Sheriff Joseph M. Arpaio to resign.

Community Leaders Support List

• Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr., Senior Pastor, First Institutional Baptist Church
• Wilbert Nelson, State President, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
• The Reverend Oscar Tillman, President, Maricopa County Branch of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
• Phoenix City Councilman Michael Johnson
• Henry M. Wade, Arizona Association of Real Estate Brokers
• George Dean, Executive Director, Greater Phoenix Urban League
• Pastor James N. Harris, Jr., Moderator, Central District Missionary Baptist Association
• Cloves C. Campbell, Jr., Arizona Informant Newspaper, Former State Legislator
• Michael Berry, National Association of Minority Contractors
• Former Phoenix City Councilman Calvin C. Goode
• Senator Leah Landrum Taylor, Arizona State Legislature
• Gene Blue, Arizona Opportunities Industrialization Center
• Mel Hannah, Chairman, African American Legislative and Leadership Council
• Bishop Henry L. Barnwell, Full Gospel International Fellowship
• Bishop Harvey T. Young, Arizona Churches of God in Christ
• Pastor James N. Preston, Bethesda Community Baptist Church
• Superintendent Felton King, Emmanuel Church of God in Christ
• Pastor Aubrey L. Barnwell, Senior Pastor, First New Life Missionary Baptist Church
• Bob Boyd, Chairman, Combined Fraternal Organization of South Phoenix
• Opal Tometi, National Organizer, Black Alliance for Just Immigration
• Dr. George Brooks, Jr.
• Tonya Norwood, Community Leader
• Gail G. Knight, Community Leader
• Michael Williams, Educator

Looking for Black Women's Hair Care, Beauty Products in the Phoenix Area? Shop Online!

Having difficulty finding stores that carry Black women's hair care and beauty products in Arizona?

Why not shop online?

There are many Websites that make it easy to get the shampoo, conditioners, hair oils, body oils, butters, treatments, lotions, skin care, cosmetics and other items that you need!

Please click on the banners below to start shopping online today!

 

Editor's Note about Local Hair and Beauty Businesses: 

We also encourage you to support our local hair salon advertisers located on this Website! Please click on their banner ads to learn more about their services and products!

You can also read our article about recommended Hair Salons for Black Women in the Phoenix Area and visit the "Hair/Beauty category" in our PhxSoul.com Business Directory!

Ultimately, PhxSoul.com wants you to Support Black Businesses!

Northwest Black History Committee to Host Black History Celebration & Festival on Feb. 25 in Peoria

The Northwest Black History Committee (NBHC) is a community-based organization comprised of business persons, clergy, military, students and citizens of all racial and cultural backgrounds.

The NBHC showcases the rich cultural heritage of African Americans and works with schools, West Valley municipalities and other organizations to bring much needed art, cultural information and education to the citizens of Arizona.

In 2012, please mark your calendars as the NBHC will be hosting the following community events.

February 25

Black History Celebration and Festival, the daylong festival in Peoria features: live music, vendors, free kids zone, free boot camp by a professional Personal Trainer, something for the entire family.  Special performances by national recording artists; Elaine Stepter and Fel Davis also Soul Power, Pete Pearson and others.  Free admission and parking.

April 21

Multicultural Music Festival: Live music including Jazz, Tijuana, Pop, Gospel, Rap, Hip Hop, vendors, car show and sports. The festival takes place 12-9PM at the beautiful 14-acre Gateway Park in El Mirage, AZ. Free Admission and parking. 

For more information on all events listed above, please visit www.aznbhc.org or call 623-204-0959.

Event information is subject to change without notice.

Mountain Park Health Center Honored with Diversity Award

Awarded Best Practices in Diversity and Inclusion for the Entire State of Arizona

Mountain Park Health Center recently received top honors statewide in the government/non-profit category for its best practices in diversity and employment inclusion at the Arizona Society of Human Resource Managers (AZSHRM) Diversity Workforce Awards.

The MPHC diversity strategy combines the hard work of patients, staff members and community stakeholders coming together to serve on Diversity Site Councils. The purpose of MPHC’s Diversity Site Councils is to empower stakeholders in the decision-making process by providing avenues for feedback, creating a culture of transparency, engaging action, and promoting accountability. MPHC strives to create an environment where everyone is valued, respected, and appreciated for the various perspectives and assets they bring to into the organization.

“We are ecstatic to receive this recognition. The collective impact our diversity and inclusion strategy has had on our organization is truly remarkable, and we are fortunate to be able to share our success,” says Essen Otu, MPHC Diversity and Cultural Competency Director.

As part of its diversity strategy, MPHC conducts an annual Diversity, Inclusion, and Cultural Competency assessment which encompasses feedback from employees, patients, and community members. This assessment has yielded several recommendations that have led to many noteworthy efforts, including medical interpreter training for 24 MPHC staff, required half-day Diversity training for all MPHC staff, establishment of translation policies and procedures, increased contracting with women and minority-owned business enterprises, and targeted marketing and branding efforts.

The 2011 AZSHRM Workforce Diversity Awards were held Oct. 19, 2011 in conjunction with the annual Diversity Leadership Alliance Conference. For more information on the MPHC Diversity Strategy, please visit www.mountainparkhealth.org/aboutus/diversity.asp.

Arizona Missing Child Alert: Jhessye Shockley Still Has Not Been Found

Where is Jhessye Shockley?

Soul Singer Teri Tobin Reflects on Her Musical Journey & Arizona Success in PhxSoul.com Interview

Soul music lovers worldwide are taking notice of the talented artists to be found in the Valley of the Sun. Residents of the Phoenix metropolitan area suffering from mainstream lobotomy are often unaware of the musical treasure trove in their own backyard, the indy artists who are more accessible at local open mics than the radio dial.

One such gem is Arizona-born soul singer Teri Tobin, who released her debut album, “Love Infinity,” in March of this year. Tobin has worked with an impressive array of artists over the years, and this personal milestone adds a whole new level of sweetness to her career.

“These are songs that I wrote from my heart, and people are actually identifying with them in some way. That in itself is a blessing to me,” she says. “Love Infinity” is garnering a following in overseas markets, most recently gaining distribution in Japan via Sweet Soul Records out of Tokyo. “It's an honor and a blessing to be the vehicle to get people to revisit love again, or to be romantic with their spouses.”

“Love Infinity” is a delectable album, equally suited to candlelit caresses or a rainy day of ice cream reminiscing. Tobin's voice is, quite simply, spun from the pillow talk of angels. The warmth of a true hopeless romantic infuses this album with a refreshing intimacy akin to reading the private love letters of lifelong soulmates. Her smoky, mellow tones exude a disarmingly pure sensuality that complements the quiet thoughtfulness of her lyrics.

While Tobin's effortless ballads leave little wonder to her success, completing the album was definitely an act of perseverance.

“I didn't put a whole lot of emphasis on wanting to sell 'x' amount of numbers,” Tobin explains. “A lot of hard work went into this, it took over 10 years to get it out. Because, as with everybody, life happens. I went through the self-doubt, everything you can imagine.”

The anchoring element throughout a lifetime passion for music is undoubtedly Tobin's spirituality. Her talents were honed at a young age in her grandmother's church choir, a rite of passage shared by so many of our greatest musicians.  After moving from Mesa to southern California for much of her youth, Tobin went on to pursue studies in classical voice at Howard University. From there she plunged into her music career, singing backup and sharing stages with some of the most reknowned performers of our time.

Artists of every stripe often struggle with where the line between secular and spiritual music should fall in their careers. For Tobin, the issue isn't complex for one simple reason. “There's no question in my mind about where my gift came from.”

Tobin's professional career has taken her from coast to coast, but ironically enough, an act of God prompted her decision to return to the Phoenix area. In 2008, Tobin was living in Houston when Hurricane Ike struck. Several days passed before she could contact her family and inform them she was safe. The storm made Tobin realize how much she wanted to live near her family in Phoenix, and give her son the opportunity to be close to her grandmother.

“I made the decision [to move] knowing it might sacrifice my music career,” she says. “I knew Phoenix is not high on the map when it comes to the music industry.”

Tobin's present success proves that old Valley axiom is vulnerable to hungry, motivated indy artists; particularly with today's availability of social media.

“I'm an example that it's possible. I never would have imagined that it was when I came here,” Tobin admits with a laugh. “Most of the artists I knew of came here with their successes, so to speak.”

“This is where I live, but my aspirations and goals are beyond Phoenix. Once I opened my mind I think the world opened up to me as well.”

Tobin exhorts aspiring Arizona artists to avoid relying on the acceptance of others.

“Had I listened to all of that, I wouldn't be here today. There was a period where I didn't do music at all, like four years,” she says. “The moment I stepped out of my way and stopped believing that mess, and decided what it was that I wanted out of this -- when you're an independent artist you've got to decide what your level of success is going to be.”

Submitted by DaVaun Sanders. Follow him on Twitter @davaunwrites