Actors urge HU students to register to vote

Marlon Wayans called for a registration party, a voting party and an Obama victory party.

By Samieh Shalash |247-4537

September 13, 2008

HAMPTON - Actor and comedian Marlon Wayans admitted to Hampton University students that he didn't vote in the last two presidential elections.

"Bush is my fault," he told them. "The economy is my fault."

Now he's on a tour of Virginia colleges to make sure that win or lose, he did everything he could to get Democratic nominee Barack Obama elected.

Wayans, brother of comedian-actors Damon Wayans and Keenan Ivory Wayans, might be best known for his roles in the films "White Chicks" and "Scary Movie."

He campaigned at HU on Friday along with actress Jurnee Smollett, who starred with Denzel Washington in the 2007 movie "The Great Debaters."

Together, they urged hundreds of HU students to meet Virginia's Oct. 6 voter registration deadline. New and out-of-state voters were encouraged to register in Virginia, a battleground state.

Smollett led a chant of "Take the state" in a packed student center, where hundreds of students listened intently as the two spoke.

Don't vote for Obama because he is black, Wayans told them, vote for him because of his policies.

"Barack comes from people like us, and always has our best interest at heart," he said.

Smollett expanded on the Illinois senator's policies, saying Obama would give every college student a $4,000 tax credit, and raise the minimum wage to $9.50 by 2011.

"Make sure we get that brother in office," Wayans said. "Our economy is hurting ... this is not a black and white issue — this is a red, white and blue issue."

The pair stopped at HU after speaking at Virginia State University, Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia, said Clark Stevens, spokesman for the Campaign for Change, a project of the Democratic Party of Virginia.

Wayans encouraged students to have at least three parties — a registration party before Oct.6, a voting party on Nov. 4 and a "Barack is our president" party on Nov. 5.

"As Americans, we've got to take back this country," he said. "I wasn't around during the civil rights movement. This is my civil right, and this is our turn, and this is something we can tell our kids about — a black president."

Moses Wilson, HU senior class president and the state's coordinator for Students for Barack Obama, said the group registered 270 HU freshman last week, and will compete against Howard University today to register the highest number of voters before and during the rivals' football game in Hampton.


Source: http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/hampton/dp-local_campaign_0913sep13,0,2543524.story

Who Discovered Algebra?

Ahmose I, Founder of the 18th Dynasty and the New Kingdomof Ancient Egyptby Richard Warner
Egypt's 18th Dynasty that established the New Kingdom is, to most people interested in Egypt, a dynasty of stars. It is the dynasty of Tutankhamun who was a fairly minor king, but perhaps the best known of any of the pharaohs. It was also the dynasty of the well known Akhenaten, and of Queen Hatshepsut.

The founder of this Dynasty is less well known to the general public, but unquestionably of major importance to Egyptian history. He was Ahmose I, during who's reign Egypt was finally and completely liberated from the Hyksos. Various scholars attribute different dates to his reign, but he probably became ruler of Egypt around 1550 BC at the age of 10, and ruled for a period of around 25 years before his death (examination of his well preserved mummy suggest he was about 35 when he died).

Ahmose I (Amosis to the Greeks) was given the birth name Ah-mose (The Moon is Born). His thrown name was Neb-pehty-re (The Lord of Strength is Re). He was probably a boy when he assumed the thrown, having lost his father Seqenenre Taa II and his brother Kahmose within three years of each other. His mother was Queen Ashotep, a powerful woman who was perhaps his co-regent during his early years.

Egyptologists believe that during his very early reign, little was probably accomplished and perhaps the Hyksos may have even gained some ground, recapturing Heliopolis. However, by the end of his first decade in power, we know from an Autobiography of Ahmose, son of Ibana, a naval officer from El-Kab, that he laid siege on Avaris (The tomb of Ahmose Pennekheb, another soldier also records the campaigns). This was a long battle interrupted by the need to put down insurrections in already liberated territories, but appears to have been successful sometime between his 12th and 15th year as ruler. Afterwards, he attacked the southwest Palestinian fortress of Sharuhen in a six year siege that would finally put an end to Hyksos control of Egypt.

A Stele of Ahmose I
Next, he turned his attention to Nubia (Kush) and, while Kamose (his predecessor) may have gained some ground prior to his death, Ahmose I pushed the boundaries south to the Second Cataract. Here, he established a new civil administration at Buhen probably initially headed by a Viceroy named Djehuty.
Ahmose I's Battle Ax

Apparently, while Ahmose I was in Nubia, former Hyksos allies again attempted a few uprising in the north lead by an arch enemy of Kamose named Teti-en. In this instance, Ahmose I's mother, Ahhotpe, was probably responsible for putting down the rebellion and for this she was awarded the gold flies, an award for valor that was found on her mummy in her intact tomb at Thebes.

After Ahmose I's campaigns in Nubia, he once again returned to Palestine during his 22nd year in power and may have fought his way as for as the Euphrates, according to information on a stela of Tuthmosis I.
Ahmose I married his sister, Ahmose-Nefertiri, who became Egypt's first great God's Wife of Amun, and had a number of children including:

· Merytamun - eldest daughter of Ahmose-Nefertari (died young)
· Tair - daughter of Kasmut
· Satamun - 2nd daughter of Ahmose-Nefertari (died infant)
· Sapair - eldest son of Ahmose-Nefertari (died young)
· Saamen - 2nd son of Ahmose-Nefertari (died infant)
· Aahotep - 3rd daughter of Ahmose-Nefertari (Queen)
· Amenhotep I - 3rd son of Ahmose-Nefertari (King)
· Satkames - 4th daughter of Ahmose-Nefertari (died aged ~30)
· Henttameh- daughter of Thenthapi
· Ahmose - daughter

We also know from Ahmose, son of Ibana that he supported his reign and rewarded local princes who had supported the Theban cause during the Second Intermediate Period by gifts of land (as recorded in Ahmose, son of Ibana's tomb at el-Kab). We also know that he initiated some temple building projects, notably at Abydos. However, though we know he reopened the Tura limestone quarries, little survives of his construction apart form a few additions to the temples of Amun and Montu at Karnak. However, a recent Dutch-Egyptian team of archaeologists believe they may have unearthed the remains of Ahmose's palace in the Al-Dabaa area in the Sharqiya Governorate of Egypt, a location that was probably the ancient Hyksos capital.

Pyramid of Ahmose I
He was buried in the Dra Abu el-Naga area, but his tomb has yet to be found. His actual mummy was found in the Deir el-Bahari cache. He did have a cenotaph at South Abydos, consisting of a cliff temple and a pyramid and temple on the edge of the Nile valley. The pyramid which measures about 70 meters square is the last known royal example built in Egypt. Some battle scene decorations within the pyramid may have depicted his wars with the Hyksos. In these scenes are some of the earliest representation of horses in Egypt.

Source: http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/ahmose1.htm

Dallas fifth-grader Dalton Sherman earning fans, fame as a figure of speeches

D'Zert Club: It is Better to Build a Child than Repair an Adult

Entertainment attorney Helen McCrary Salahuddin founded the organization called the d'Zert Club in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1992. With the help of retired international entrepreneur and husband, Philip A. Salahuddin, and "DJ Jazzy Jeff" Townes, an internationally known recording artist and actor serving as the organization's spokesperson, she turned the d'Zert Club into the world's largest and fastest growing African-American youth organization of its kind. Boasting over 25,000 members, the d'Zert Club's motto is "it is better to build a child than repair an adult".

The d'Zert Club specialized in producing positive entertainment and cultural events for elementary, middle and high school students. Activities produced for young people by the d'Zert Club have included birthday and graduation parties, talent showcases, and benefit concerts featuring nationally known recording artists such as LL Cool J, Dougie Fresh and D.J. Cool. In addition the d'Zert Club produced yearly cultural events celebrating Kwanzaa, Juneteenth and Black Music Month, a quarterly newsletter, political education forums and cultural field trips. The d’Zert Club turned the educational program over to The African Genesis Corrective History Institute in 2003.

The d'Zert Club now specializes in producing cultural trips for adults and children to places of interest to African Americans for the purpose of studying the peoples, culture and history of the descendants of enslaved African people dispersed throughout the Diaspora. Trips are continuously planned to places in Africa, Central and South America and Europe.

Source: http://www.dzertclub.com

Contact Info: d'Zert Club P.O. Box 682 Glenside, Pa. 19038 | dzertclub@aol.com | 888-257-5991 (phone) 215-247-2896 (fax)

Founders:

Helen McCrary Giddiens, Esquire is an entertainment attorney and businesswoman practicing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Since opening her law practice, McCrary-Giddiens has represented a wide range of clients associated with the entertainment industry, such as recording artist Gerald Levert, Rapper-producer Jazzy Jeff, WDAS-FM radio personality Gary Shepherd, Gospel great The Dixie Hummingbirds, and music organization the International Association of African American Music (IAAAM).

McCrary-Giddiens also manages and acts as legal counsel to her daughter A.B.S.olute recording artist, actress and dancer Sonni Giddiens. As Sonni's manager, McCrary-Giddiens has guided her daughter through 16 years in the entertainment industry as a commercial kid, recording artist and TV and film actress.

As a businesswoman, McCrary-Giddiens founded the d'Zert Club in 1992 and Teen Summit 1000 in 1996. McCrary-Giddiens also regularly leads workshops and participates as a panelist in seminars throughout the Delaware Valley. Currently, McCrary-Giddiens is an instructor with the Dell East Music Business Institute (DEMBI), instructing students in the areas of music business law and songwriting, publishing and copyright law. She has led workshops on the Law and Childcare for the Keystone College from 1994-1995, participated on panels for LEAP/Temple University Alternative Careers Seminars for attorneys, and from 1991 to 1994, co-produced the IAAAM Black Music Month Conference in Washington, D.C.; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Bermuda and London, England. As co-producer of IAAAM, she organized the conference site, workshop panels and panelists, and additional networking activity. In 1983, McCrary-Giddiens developed a workshop series entitled "How To Get Your Children In TV Commercials" for West Mt. Airy Neighbors Educational Services.

McCrary-Giddiens' earlier experiences include publishing a weekly music newsletter paper (1980-1982), owning and operating two music retail stores (1974-1981) and serving as a speech therapist at the Philadelphia General Hospital (1969-1974). Active in many organizations, she has memberships in the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA), Sista Friends for Black Women in Entertainment and the National Association of Record Merchandisers (NARM). She served as Vice President for the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) (1986-1987) and secretary for the Independent Record Retailers Protective Association (IRRPA) (1978-1981) and the Philadelphia Chapter of Black Music Association (1975-1978).

McCrary-Giddiens holds a Bachelors degree in Speech from Howard University and a JD from Temple Law School.

McCrary Giddiens has a son, Shane, and a daughter, Sonni. She is an active member and Trustee of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Germantown. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading and walking. McCrary Giddiens also works as a Leader for Weight Watchers of Philadelphia teaching weight management skills.

Chess Originated In Africa

In Ancient Egypt, games were part of religious life.  Their most popular game was Senat in which counters, or markers, were moved around a game board. Winning the game came by one player removing all of his/her pieces before the opponent did (Hawass,Tutankhamun, p235).  A wall painting on the tomb of the Egyptian queen Nefretari, wife of Ramses II (1304-1237 BC), shows her playing Senat. It symbolizes the struggle between good and evil as well as stands magically for rebirth and resurrection. The African games known as Mancala or Wari are among the oldest games, dating back at least to 5000 BC.  In these games, beans, seeds, and other small objects were moved around a playing board with hollowed out cups.  A player tried to capture as many objects as possible.  Both Senat and Mancala games and four other types were discovered when the tomb of Tutankhamen -- an Egyptian king who reigned from 1348-1339 BC -- was discovered.  An Egyptian board game of primitive "checkers" from 1000 BC is in the British Museum.  Another type -- called Nine Men's Morris, Mill, Morelles, or Morels -- has been found carved in the roofing slabs of an Egyptian temple and dating between 1400 and 1300 BC.  The object of the game, of which there are many versions, is for each player to try to capture an opponent's piece and to prevent the opponent from moving any pieces. Note how closely this resembles Chess as we know it today.

But Western literature admits that the origin of Chess is uncertain. Whenever such a statement is made, experience has taught me that the uncertainty most likely indicates it originated in Africa. Many Western scholars believe chess started in Pakistan as an offspring of a Hindu game under the Sanskrit name "Chaturanga" about 500 AD. Others say it is from India or China. Then the game spread to Persia where it was given the name "Shah" (which means "king") and "Shah mat" ('the king is dead'). The Arabs learned the game when they conquered Persia in the 600's and they introduced it into Europe by way of Spain, Sicily, and Constantinople. The pieces were named for roles in the courts of kings during the Middle Ages-king, queen, knight, and bishop. Chess' strategy and play are modeled on how wars were fought in the Middle Ages. By the 16th century chess moves had assumed their modern form.

Chess is a board game consisting of a miniature battlefield whereby the opponents engage in organized attacks and defense, each conducted with the definite objective of protecting ones king from being trapped or "checkmated" (i.e. where the king is unable to escape capture). Every new game is a different battle and the players are the generals who plan the battle. Chess is one of the oldest of all games of pure mental skill as well as one of the most interesting and mind focusing and challenging of all board games. Every game of chess can be recorded in the form of a code so that after the game is over it can be studied to learn what was done properly and improperly. "After-study" is fundamental to any thinking process that calls for choices, decisions and solutions.

website: www.jablifeskills.com

Will Smith: Highest Paid Actor

This might be the first time that a brother is holding down this position. We will be doing our home work on this on, but according to Forbes, Will earned $80 million between June 1, 2007 and June 1, 2008. Keep doing your thing Will and feel free to hit us up for an interview. Eddie Murphy came in the #3 spot with $55 million earned in the same time period.

Source: Dimewars

Wear your colors uplift our youth.

Written by R. Lee Gordon
Friday, 28 December 2007

An ethnic empowerment enterprise, UniTee Design (UDI) is on a mission: to rebuild Black Unity in our schools and communities primarily through the development, support and funding of more effective educational opportunities for today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders. As 2008 approaches, we’ve been working hard to complete and introduce two new and important initiatives: Developed in cooperation with The Detroit Threat Management Center, this self-defense and public safety awareness program helps school-aged children feel more comfortable in their communities, teaches them how to stay safer on the streets, and fosters self-discipline and respect. Recently featured on blacknews.com, The Model Student fashion career development program is the product of a joint collaboration with the Abandoned In Detroit team, and introduces the world of fashion to schools via instructional photography, videography, fashion design, modeling and hair and make-up styling. The program is also structured to improve overall academic performance levels. Your support of UniTee Design apparel and accessories helps fund these and other important initiatives such as Public Art Workz, a summer program that teaches creative arts and merchandising to inner-city youth. UDI products are available at Spectacles in Detroit, Phat Gear in Atlanta, and Eastern Michigan University’s bookstore. Several joint ventures are in the works with The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit HBCU Network, and other partners in purpose. This year, we will introduce new apparel designs and develop our product line to include sweatshirts, sports jerseys, baseball caps, etc., as well as produce and participate in unique live events such as Detroit Fashion Week 2008. Every day, more “Purpose Providers” such as distributors, retailers, educators, promoters, sponsors, customers and media partners, are helping to fulfill the promise of brighter futures and a vision of a better world. Purpose Providers can also make money while spreading Black Unity in the communities they live, work and play. UDI is expanding its existing operations in Detroit and New York to the beautiful city of Atlanta in January 2008, where we are already planning the next Models-In-UniTee fashion show and photo shoot “Purpose Providers” party on July 19th. Please join us in building purpose, pride and power in our community of children. Be a mentor, a volunteer, an educator, a leader, and a positive role model, so others may grow to be the same. You are encouraged to check out www.uniteedesign.com to learn more about our products and programs. We'd welcome collaborations towards a common cause and greater good. Thank you in advance. The tree of Black Unity is growing every day. Let us now bear it fruit so our children flourish. One unity and all the best . . .

R. Lee GordonPresidentUniTee Design, Inc. - Atlanta / Detroit / New York

www.uniteedesign.com

Toll Free: 888.OUR.RBG.TEES

Source: http://www.izania.com/

African American Ican provides Positive Urban Clothing for the whole family.

Urban Clothing Company Fashions Unity and Empowerment

Montclair, NJ (BlackNews.com) - It is no secret that urban clothing has become a major fashion staple among young people today. However, one new urban outfitter envisions tailoring a contrasting fashion future that combines black pride and universal brotherhood. This is a lofty goal for a company selling hip hop clothes, but African American Ican (http://www.africanamericanican.com/) is investing in this elusive challenge.

Billions of dollars are being spent by young consumers in the urban clothing market, so Bob Foglia, President of African American Icon, asks: “What if some of that money could be redirected to help inner city and poorer young people who need it?” This is the goal of the African American Ican fashion brand. Brandished with positive adages and statements for the Black community, this clothing e-tailer and wholesaler is poised to take on the Gaps, Sean Jeans, and Phat Farms of the world.

“We envision building a brand and clothing company that not only creates inspiring and quality fashion, but also helps create jobs and income for marginalized African Americans like young men leaving the prison system or single mothers” adds Foglia. Bob sees African American Ican (AAI) as more than a fashion statement. He proclaims “AAI is a movement.” These groups and other young people outside the mainstream can take part in this movement from a business perspective as online web sales affiliates. As we get more successful, we will look to share in more benevolent activities.

What makes AAI different than its fashion predecessors? Other urban clothing companies in the past have tried to imply positive statements and project general goodwill to the urban marketplace. Companies like Cross Colors, Karl Kani, Phat Farm, Sean Jean, and FUBU have put a positive marketing spin on urban fashions with uplifting lifestyle brands and messages. Furthermore, many hip hop moguls in music and related fashion brands contribute to positive causes and charities (although this is under reported by the media). However, African American Ican clothing aims to be less contradictory in its approach. “We’re not going to call black women out of their name one minute and talk about being positive the next,” says Kenron Bell, AAI’s marketing director. The “N word won’t be a mantra or elevated and celebrated with our clothing brand” insists Wright. We want to produce positive clothing to reflect the best in the Black community.

 
Nelson Barry, a follower of urban and hip hop culture questions whether a pure play positive clothing company can survive today. “Much of urban hip hop culture thrives on turning social norms on their proverbial head” opines Smith. “In much of hip hop and urban culture, bad becomes good and vice versa,” he notes.

Nevertheless, Black author and multimedia publisher Kamau Austin believes African American Ican has a realistic shot at becoming a successful clothing company. Austin feels “despite the distorted images projected of many young black people, the majority is decent and law abiding. They may very well want to relate to a fashion company with a positive and progressive brand and reward that brand with proactive company goodwill.” Kamau feels, “if African American Ican can also get young blacks involved in their business mix, it could be a win-win for everyone involved.”

Whether African American Ican can become a major player in the urban fashion landscape dominated by major billion dollar brands and music superstars is yet to be seen. However, a clothier looking to fashion more unity and empowerment in the Black community is a company we can all look to embrace and wish the best.

http://www.africanamericanican.com/

Source: http://blacknews.com/pr/african_american_ican101.html