July is African American Bone Marrow Awareness Month (alil Late!)

 The National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP), in partnership with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), is celebrating African American Bone Marrow Awareness Month throughout July to raise awareness about the critical need for African Americans to join the national registry, publically known as the Be The Match Registry®. Every year, more than 10,000 patients in the United States are diagnosed with life-threatening diseases for which the best option for a cure can be a bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor or donated cord blood unit. Approximately 70 percent of patients in need of transplant do not have a matching donor in their family. Patients are most likely to match with a donor who shares a similar racial or ethnic background, therefore making it incredibly important to diversity the registry.

The majority of patients in need of potentially life-saving bone marrow or cord blood transplant depend on the national registry for a match. This month the NMDP and CBCF are calling attention to the fact that only 7 percent of the 8 million potential donors on the national registry are African American. Fewer potential African American donors mean fewer potential matches for African American patients seeking transplant. The NMDP is committed to increasing the number of potential donors and diversifying the national registry to ensure that all Americans have access to a match.

“We are happy to partner with the NMDP to build public awareness about the importance of African Americans serving as bone marrow donors,” said Elsie L. Scott, president and chief executive officer for the CBCF. “When we talk about health disparities, this is one that is easily solvable by signing up as a donor.”

As part of African American Bone Marrow Awareness Month, the NMDP is sponsoring bone marrow donor registration drives during the month of July. At the NMDP and CBCF events, attendees will hear from their U.S. Representatives about the need to grow and diversify the national registry of adult donors, learn more about the NMDP and find out how they can help save a life by joining the national registry.

In addition to raising awareness about bone marrow donation, community members expressed support for efforts to grow and diversify the national registry through reauthorization of the C.W. Bill Young Cell Transplantation Program (Program) and the National Cord Blood Inventory (NCBI).  In 2005, Congress passed the bipartisan Stem Cell Therapeutics and Research Act, which created the Program and the NCBI and provided federal funding for the expansion of the national registry. The Program and the NCBI will expire this year and must be reauthorized by Congress to provide continued funding to maintain and expand the national registry. Without additional funding, recruiting adult donors to join the national registry continues to be a challenge. The NMDP is currently working with Congress to secure vital funding for the Program to ensure every American in need has access to a potentially life-saving match.

“Growing the national registry starts with volunteers in communities across the country,” said Jeffrey W. Chell, M.D., chief executive officer of the NMDP. “Patients in need of transplant rely on donor drives to expand the registry so that their chances of finding a potentially life-saving match increase. As growing numbers of Americans are in need of transplant, expanding and diversifying the registry is critical, which is why reauthorization of the Program and the NCBI is so urgent.”


Source: Via Email

President Obama's Accomplishments

What has the President done in his first year?

From “Robert P. Watson, Ph.D. Coordinator of American Studies, Lynn University:

President Obama

“I am always being asked to grade Obama’s presidency. In place of offering him a grade, I put together a list of his accomplishments thus far. I think you would agree that it is very impressive. His first six months have been even more active than FDRs or LBJs the two standards for such assessments. Yet, there is little media attention given to much of what he has done. Of late, the media is focusing almost exclusively on Obama’s critics, without holding them responsible for the uncivil, unconstructive tone of their disagreements or without holding the previous administration responsible for getting us in such a deep hole. The misinformation and venom that now passes for political reporting and civic debate is beyond description.

As such, there is a need to set the record straight. What most impresses me is the fact that Obama has accomplished so much not from a heavy-handed or top-down approach but from a style that has institutionalized efforts to reach across the aisle, encourage vigorous debate, and utilize town halls and panels of experts in the policy-making process. Beyond the accomplishments, the process is good for democracy and our democratic processes have been battered and bruised in recent years.

Let me know if I missed anything in the list (surely I did).”

1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier’s family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist’s access to the White House
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren’t even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
16. New federal funding for science and research labs
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards
18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools
20. New funds for school construction
21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out
22. US Auto industry rescue plan
23. Housing rescue plan
24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying
26. US financial and banking rescue plan
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office
35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast
37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba , allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
44. Expanding vaccination programs
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters
46. Closed offshore tax safe havens
47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals
48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back
49. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry’s predatory practices
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources
51. Lower drug costs for seniors
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel
54. Improved housing for military personnel
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals
57. Increasing student loans
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy
60. Established a new cyber security office
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced
66. Improving benefits for veterans
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court
77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans
78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan
81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quarters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87. Attempting to reform the nation’s healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform

Oh, and he built a swing set for the girls outside the Oval Office.

No related posts.

Source: http://www.leshellhatley.com/2010/04/what-has-the-president-done-in-his-first-year/

Black Gatwick Airport owner inspires community

he purchase of Gatwick airport by Nigerian entrepreneur and businessman Adebayo Ogunlesi has been heralded as a sign that black business leadership has entered a new era.

Rising up the ranks of international finance

The news that the deal to buy Britain's second largest airport has been secured by a black manhas had very little coverage in the national or even community press. However business men and leaders from the community have welcomed this latest development .

‘It is tremendous that the head of the team which secured this deal was led by a Nigerian. We know that African men have the instinct for the big deals and we hope that we will see more of this.

It shows that along side the Tidjane Thiam at the Prudential we are finally seeing men from our communities rising up the ranks of international finance,' Henry Bonsu director and presenter on Colourful Radio told Black Mental Health UK.

Ogunlesi is the Chairman and Managing Partner, of the $5.64 billion joint venture, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) .  A company that invests in infrastructure assets worldwide with interest in power, transport, oil, gas, water and waste.

In 2009 Ogunlesi completed the £1.46bn deal to buy Gatwick Airport, with a further £55m linked to future passengers and buyer's capital structure.  Ogunlesi has said publicly that  GIP's aim of buying Gatwick is to upgrade and modernise, the airport and airlines, and he has  welcomed the ‘break up of the BAA airport' monopoly.

Make Gatwick a first class experience

In an exclusive interview on Sky television with Jeff Randall, Adebayo Ogunlesi, also known as Bayo, said he is going ‘to make Gatwick a truly first class experience'. However he cautioned it would take ‘somewhere between 12 and 18 months' before passengers started noticing a difference at the airport.

‘This is something very significant as this it is the second largest airport in the UK. Everyone passing through Gatwick will now be benefiting from the leadership and vision of Adebayo Ogunlesi. It appears that his intention is to totally change the airport industry across the world. The progress that he has made as a businessman is something that we haven't seen among the business professionals and entrepreneurs from our communities living here in the United Kingdom yet,' OluAlake, President, 100 Black Men told Black Mental Health UK.

Ogunlesi is the first son of a medical professor who graduated from Oxford University with honours. He was then accepted to by Harvard Law School as one of three foreign students in his class, even though the school did not usually admit students who had been born and educated outside the United States at the time. At Harvard, Ogunlesi and W. Randy Eaddy became the first two editors of African descent to serve together on the prestigious Harvard Law Review. 

While studying for his law degree Ogunlesi also also enrolled at the Harvard Business School. Although he did not intend to pursue a business career, he thought that courses in finance would help him overcome his fear of numbers. While he was enjoying a successful legal career he was approached by bankers at First Boston who needed help in facilitation a  $6 billion deal with the Nigerian government. This change in career turned into a 20 years of working in the investment banking sector.

Inspired by Ougnlesi's sucess

‘This confirms how diverse black people are; there is a portrayal that we see in the media black communities  are only ever associated with crime, social exclusion and low achievement, but the reality is we are as diverse as any other ethnic group with divisions on the basis of class, religion, education and wealth.  

This Ogunlesi ownership of Gatwick is a very inspirational story, whilst many of the young people from our communities living in the UK may not be able to identify with his background, they can still be inspired by his success. ' Deborah Gabriel, lecturer, entrepreneur and founder of People With Voices told Black Mental Health UK.

Research shows that there is a complete absence of any people from African Caribbean backgrounds who are on the board of any FTSE 100 Company.

Observers also note that the black professionals who have made it to the top positions in Briton's financial industries have been born and in many cases educated overseas.

‘The top black British chief executives are not black British, they are from the US.  This means that black business professionals are not getting the opportunities those talented professionals who have moved abroad are able to take advantage of. Tidjane Thiam at prudential is the first black CEO of a FTSE 100 organisation, he would not have been appointed as chief executive if he was born here. We know that because there aren't black people on the board of the FTS organisations much less coming close to becoming chief executives,' Olu Alake, President, 100 Black Men said.

Affirmative action needed

This should serve as a reminder that other countries, despite their  levels of discrimination  are still offering better opportunities to black people, that the majority of people in this country are not getting access to so we should not be surprised that we don't see so many black men here rising to such position.

‘The majority of people in this country are not being presented with the type of opportunities that Ogunlesi  has had - so we should not be surprised that we don't see so many black men here rising to such position. 

There are one million NEETs  (Not in Employment, Education or Training) in the UK, and recent studies show that black males  are over represented among with group, and are being seriously impacted by the recession and the levels unemployment.  There needs to be affirmative action to address this so that the Ogunlesi of this generation are denied their chances in life, 'Gabriel said.

Source: http://www.blackmentalhealth.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=784&Itemid=117

Latimer Education Inc. raised a $1.25 million seed round for creating an online university to serve African Americans

Back in April Maveron LLC, along with participation from several high net worth individuals and the company’s founders, announced the closing of a $1.25 million round of financing in Latimer Education, Inc. (“Latimer”), a Washington, DC-based, for-profit education company that is developing an online university for African Americans.

“Latimer’s founding management team, Scott Royster and Brian Jones, have successful track records building African American focused brands and leading education sector enterprises,” said Jason Stoffer, a Principal at Maveron. “We believe they have identified a significant market need and opportunity that fits perfectly with our broad Internet investment strategy and our specific focus in the online education market, as demonstrated by our investments in companies like Capella Education Company (NASDAQ: CPLA), Livemocha and Altius Education.”

“Maveron shares our vision and their unique combination of online education sector expertise and success in guiding the creation of enduring consumer brands, makes them the perfect choice as a financial partner,” said Scott R. Royster, Chairman and CEO of Latimer. Mr. Royster is an accomplished investor and business executive who spent nearly 12 years as the Chief Financial Officer at Radio One, Inc. (NASDAQ: ROIAK), one of the country’s largest and most diversified media companies targeting the African American community. At Radio One, Royster was instrumental in completing the company’s initial public offering, and multiple follow-on offerings, and helping lead a ten-fold increase in enterprise value during his first six years as CFO.

Latimer’s President, Brian W. Jones, is the former General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Education and the current Chairman of the Washington, DC Public Charter School Board. Additionally, he was Senior Counsel at Dow Lohnes PLLC, a Washington, DC-based law firm, where he served as a strategic and legal advisor to various for-profit education stakeholders. After leaving the Department of Education and before joining Dow Lohnes, Jones was Executive Vice President and General Counsel of College Loan Corporation, a leading student loan company with $10 billion in assets. He also currently serves on the board of directors of Apangea Learning, Inc., an online education company that provides tutoring services. “As the for-profit education sector continues growing, we believe institutions will begin focusing more attention on serving specific student segments,” said Jones. “Just as we saw the creation and growth of African American targeted businesses in the media industry, we plan to establish Latimer as the premier choice for African Americans seeking a culturally relevant, quality post-secondary online education.”

We will be reporting on this company extensively, so please stay tuned to the Urban Network blog for all thats hot in the web, and mobile 2.0 worlds!

Source:http://urbannetwork.com/2010/05/26/latimer-education-inc-raised-a-1-25-million-seed-round-for-creating-an-online-university-to-serve-african-americans/

Spelman's Winning Robotics Team De-Programs Bias

he SpelBots aren't a band, they're a robotics team from Spelman College in Atlanta. They are breaking down stereotypes about computer programmers, engineers and African American women wherever they go.

ATLANTA (WOMENSENEWS)--College junior Jazmine Miller showed off a soccer-playing robot to prospective members of the Spelman Robotics, or SpelBots, team.

"His name is Charles, he's very difficult. That's why it's a he," she laughed. "We kind of see him as human; we talk to him, we yell at him."

As Charles got its bearings, it spoke to the crowd in the computer lab. "I don't see the ball yet I'm sorry. [Pause] Oh, I see the ball." The crowd cheered as the 4-foot-tall robot kicked the ball.

Creations such as Charles must be programmed to find and kick the ball and prevent an opposing team of robots from scoring in the annual RoboCup World Championship soccer competition. Since 1997 the matches have been held in Asia, Europe and the United States.

Once a competition begins, the robots are on their own. The team's programming skills have to account for every soccer player scenario, from kicking and blocking to getting up after falling down.

Spelman, the historically black women's college here, has been sending robots to the competition since 2005, often beating graduate students from prestigious tech universities from Germany to Japan. They had their best finish last year in Osaka, Japan, when the team tied for first place with Fukuoka Institute of Technology in Japan in the humanoid robot category.

Along the way they've attracted enough interest--whether in a local campus cafeteria or an airport in Amsterdam, the Netherlands--to make Miller accustomed to attention.

"Around campus people do recognize our faces; they say, 'Oh, you're on the SpelBots, you're doing the robotics thing. I saw you in Jet magazine.' I really see it when I go abroad," said Miller, a computer science and engineering major.

Early Romance with Robotics

Miller's romance with robotics started early. A self-described "world-traveling military kid," she was on the robotics team at her high school in the Netherlands.

Jonecia Keels, from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., is Miller's co-captain. She was a little less sure of a computer career.

"For a long time I didn't think I was smart enough to get into computer science. I only saw males in the industry and I just didn't think I had what it took to be a computer programmer," said Keels.

Two things helped change her mind. First, the confidence she gained at this women's college.

"I know a big reason why there's not a lot of women in computer science is because of intimidation. At an all-women's school, they already know your capabilities. So it is easier to take leadership roles and go that step further without added stress," said Keels.

Keels adds that false perceptions--of being stuck in a basement lab, all by yourself--also hurt young women's interest in the field. "That's not what it is at all! It's a very social environment, because there's a lot of teamwork involved," she said.

Andrew Williams, the professor who is head of the computer science department and SpelBots' founder and coach, is Keels' second reason for gained confidence.

Source: http://www.womensenews.org/story/women-in-science/100528/spelmans-winning-robotics-team-de-programs-bias

Chad Ochocinco makes one young fan's dream come true

Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco(notes), formerly Chad Johnson, may have a slight strain of the diva receiver characteristic, but there's a humanity that has always separated him from the Keyshawns and T.O.s of the world. You get the sense that when he struggles, it's more about finding his way and when he showboats, it's more about entertaining than a driving need to be obnoxious. If anyone doubted the true nature of the man, the video you're about to see, which was shot at the third annual gala fundraiser for the Children Mending Hearts organization in Hollywood, CA, should take care of that.
Nine-year-old Ruben St. Hilaire, Jr, who lives with this mother in a homeless shelter in New York City, received an autographed jersey from Ochocinco after sending a letter. He then sent a second letter that would have melted the heart of the hardest individual.

Mr. Johnson, you really make me happy. One of my goals in my future life is to be just like you when I grow up. I wonder who was your role model when you were little? I have three role model(s) in my life that's my mom, Mr. President Barack Obama and my favorite football player Mr. Chad Johnson. To me you are the best football player in the NFL. May God bless you and your family happy holidays.

Ruben's dream was to go to a football camp, and that particular prize was donated by Deion Sanders. Presenting the certificate for camp attendance, unbeknownst to Ruben, would be the very same Mr. Ochocinco. Ruben's hero was introduced after the young boy read his letter. Bonus - it was Ruben's birthday! Rich Eisen of the NFL Network set the scene at the podium, and what followed was a pretty great moment.If that wasn't amazing enough. Ochocinco then led the crowd in a verse of "Happy Birthday" for his biggest fan. It was an amazing day for Ruben St. Hilaire, Jr, and probably a pretty special for Chad Ochocinco, as well.

Odunde: Happy New Year

WHEN: Sunday, June 13th, 2010
WHERE: South Street between 21st and 23rd Streets extending to GraysFerry Avenue and Christian Streets. Philadelphia, PA

ODUNDE attracts over 600,000 people annually and is one of the largest community- based street festivals held in the country. The festival, whose concept originates from the Yorba people of Nigeria, West Africa, celebrates the coming of another year for African Americans and Africanized people around the world. It is an occasion highlighted by a colorful procession from 23rd and South Streets to the Schuylkill River where an offering of fruit and flowers is made to Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of the river. ODUNDE is also known for its authentic African marketplace featuring vendors from around the world selling merchandise from many African nations, the Caribbean and Brazil.

Each year, the second Sunday in June, ODUNDE, one of the nations oldest African American street festivals take place. ODUNDE will be celebrating its 35rd year in the traditional south Philadelphia location near 23rd and South streets. The festival started in 1975 with a $100.00 grant and neighbors from Fernandez's south Philadelphia community. In two years the ODUNDE Festival exploded. The eclectic mix of vendors, entertainment and music started to draw people from around and beyond the region and each year continues to be no different.

Although ODUNDE is best known for its highly visible annual festival, it provides educational, cultural and activist services throughout the year which support its mission. Many of its larger programs are sponsored or presented as collaborations with cultural, educational or business institutions which share ODUNDE's mission. If you would like to sponsor an ODUNDE program, contract our services, or obtain additional information contact us by phone, mail, email or on the web at the address provided. Our most popular year-round programs include:

 

Thru African Doors

Dance, musical and theatrical performances; workshops, lectures and demonstrations featuring African and African American Culture and Folklife traditions. These programs can be targeted to any age group, and offer a wide range of programming from lectures by well-known scholars to African dancers and drummers, storytellers, steppers, doll makers, traditional fashions and hair braiders. 

 

Project Zero

A component of Thru African Doors targeted to youth in Kindergarten to High School, which offers African-centered Rites of Transformation programs to schools and social organizations. 

 

Cultural Caravan

Cultural excursions and exchange programs, for youth and adults, to key African American historic sites and cultural attractions, in collaboration with The Black Family Reunion Cultural Center. 

 

From Hucklebuck to Hip-Hop

An annual series of local dances which uniquely combine entertainment with history, by providing an opportunity for local residents of all ages to recall the popular African American dances of their youth.