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Black Varia (Various)

Ancestry Embraced, Nations United

All Movements Have A Beginning

(Veronica Henry Co-founder)
 
Members of the African Diaspora have a place to connect, educate and
empower through the use of an interactive online news and information
network. There is a new hope for the millions of Africans and members of the
African diaspora, separated by time, history and space. Spurred by the
information age, MyAfricanDiaspora.com will serve as the premier news,
information and networking presence online.
 

 
The idea for the website began following the owners tracing their
African ancestry. "We felt an intense desire to connect with the members
of our new global family" said MyAfricanDiaspora.com co-founder, Eric
Deal. Recognizing a gap in the online presence of this target market,
the concept for the website was born.
 
Opting to differentiate itself from typical US specific entertainment
sites, MyAfricanDiaspora.com will expand on this model to include
worldwide literary, culinary, multimedia, news and articles tailored to
this market. In addition, an interactive forum will allow members of the
diaspora to build relationships, exchange ideas, educate and bring focus
to charitable causes.
 
The goal is to blur the lines of religious and cultural separation by
eliminating myth and stigma and replacing it with the combination of
combined knowledge and talents as tools to empower and uplift. In order
to help inspire others, all registered users will be entered into a
contest that will award one lucky winner with the opportunity to trace
their African ancestry. The winner will be announced at the end of US
black history month on February 29, 2008.
 
The website also sells branded products and promotional items.
Please visit
www.myafricandiaspora.com
or email
info@myafricandiaspora.com 
for additional information.
 
 
 
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Black European Women's Congress 2007

 
Congress announcement and call for participation

2007 has been declared by the European Union to be the European Year for Equal Opportunities for All. The International Center for Black Women's Perspectives (AFRA) is taking this as a challenge to organise the first Black European Women's Congress from September 27-29 2007 in Vienna Austria.
 
Under the Patronage of the President of the Austrian National Assembly, Ms. Barbara Prammer, the first Black European Women's Congress intends to bring together black women from different European countries to get to know each other, share information and Strategies from their own perspectives, to improve living conditions of black women and children in Europe with reference to equal opportunities for all.
 
During the 2 days congress Participants will listen to keynote speakers, take part in discussions and working groups etc with the intention of coming up with recommendations and a plan of action on special needs of black women and children, for policy-makers both at national and European level.
 
The congress and the context in which it is being organised, presents a unique opportunity for black women across Europe, not only to meet each other and share Information, but also to create a network of black European women for the purpose of lobbying for the cause of black women and children in Europe.

Due to limited resources, the congress language shall be English! 
 
Themes of the Congress
Themes of the congress have been carefully selected by the team of black women with working experience both in practice and theory. This information will as background paper to enable participants prepare for the congress.
The congress intends to address 5 main themes which are part of the key challenges and or obstacles to the realization of equal opportunity for all from the perspective of migrants especially black women.
  1. Identity and (Self) empowerment (definition/perceptions strategies) 
  2. Challenges faced by the young generation of black children and youths (absence of role models, challenges, role of parents, education, environment, networking and empowerment
  3. Psychosocial conflicts affecting the black communities (availability and access to health and psychosocial services) 
  4. Qualification and access to the labour market (recognition of qualifications from countries of origin, strategies towards a non discriminatory access European labour market for black women etc) 
  5. Political participation (in both public (formal) and private (informal) sectors
Participation in the congress
The target group of the congress are black European women of African heritage who are active in the area of migration and human rights in their countries, and who are interested in exchanging, networking and developing a common lobby at the European level.

Criteria for participation
  • Be a black woman member of/appointed by an organisation working with black women and youths in one of the 27 EU member states
  • Be a black women activists, artist, writer etc.
  • Have the capacity to communicate by Email
  • Have a good command of the English language both in speaking, understanding and writing.
  • Be interested in exchange, networking and common lobby at the European level
Practical arrangements
The congress will take place in Vienna, Austria. Details of congress shall be communicated later on after registration. Venue will be publish by the end of June 2007

Cost of Participation
Participation is free of charge. Due to limited financial resources we are Unfortunately not able to cover all travels cost of participants. We are currently working out a means to cover Meal and Hotel costs for all participants.
 
If you have any questions regarding the congress please do not hesitate to contact Beatrice Achaleke (Tel:   +43 1 9660 425)
Email: office@blackwomencenter.org
 
 
 
 
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Vybe Ms Wisdom

(Serena Richardson/ Ms Wisdom) 
 
At age 9, Brooklyn-born Serena Richardson may not have known much. She may not have known that she had a purpose in life, that she would call herself a poet some two decades later, or that her pseudonym would be "Wisdom", but she knew enough to know when to start writing when the "Who am I?" question became ever more present for a young girl of Native-American and African-American descent.
 
 
 
When performing her first piece in 1998 titled, "Who Am I?" at a spot called House of Grooves, she was titled "The Diva". This Gemini had a newfound purpose; she craved for the microphone. She was on a path to finding herself and delivering messages of positivity. She was a new person. For Wisdom, who recognizes her purpose as a gift from God, her charge is to speak words that bear truth with her mission being "To heal the world".
 
She has performed on many stages opening for some of the industry's top artists, such as Kurtis Blow, KRS ONE, Erykha Badu, and Def Jam's Jessica Care-Moore. full performance show from her is a cultural experience complete with African dance, Brazilian drums, congas and soulful vocals along with rhythmic rhymes. Deemed as "The Next Generation Host" and "The Face of Brooklyn Bridge Entertainment", Wisdom has featured at numerous poetry venues and Hip Hop shows.
 
Wisdom has also hosted the hottest nightclub in Phoenix, Club I.O., in addition to having had her own weekly open mic night known as VYBE in the thriving downtown Phoenix area. Recently, she has provided renditions of her own poetic works, as well as those of world-renowned poets for several Black Poet Ventures "poeticductions", including "Echo Verses" performed at the Herberger Theatre and Phoenix College, and "If I Could Change the World" performed at The Phoenix Arts Center.
 
 
 
Wisdom has also performed throughout the state at various arts festivals and universities. Currently, Wisdom is pursuing performances overseas and working on a CD where her provocative poetry can be experienced by an even wider audience. Whatever the venue, Wisdom provides an experience that an audience will never forget.
 
More about Ms. Wisdom:
 
AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS:
  602-714-2335 

ESPECIALLY THE UK
 

 

 


IMANI-PLANT A SEED
The journey towards a dream

(Imani Whidby)
 
My name is IMANI Whidby. I was born, May 26,1977,in San Leandro, Ca and raised in Oakland,Ca. My sign is Gemini and I am 29 years old with a 10 year old son, Stephen Austin. I am a singer, songwriter, composer, producer and owner of independent record label, IKMCORPS.
 
I was a homeless teen. I had to fend for myself and learn quickly. Thanks to the kindness of others who took me in and guided me through, I am here. I think who I have become as a person is based on the people I've met, the things I've experienced through the years. I believe i am influenced by everyone and we are all somehow connected. I am a people person. I've actually talked with "crazy people". It was me, them and all our imaginary friends. I love to see people happy. If only for a moment.
 
As a child, I remembered not being able to express myself and never being understood by my peers and adults. I was a strange and very sensitive kid, shy, lonely and timid. I was never popular in school and was constantly picked on. I longed for true friendship. I had a few friends from various racial back grounds and loved to learn their cultural traditions and languages.

At age 7, I found my voice while listening to "who's loving you" by Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. A light went on and a tear fell. That is where this journey started. I remember telling my grandmas, Helen and Lucille (r.i.p.) that I was going to be a singing doctor so that I could heal them when they get sick and I could sing.
 
At the age of 19 grandma Lucille died of cancer. She had it all my life and everyone new but me.I felt so alone and confused when she died. We were very close.I loved school. I use to go to the music room at lunch and play the piano. I'd sing every note from the lowest C note to the highest C note.
 
Then I used to just play the piano. I knew how to read notes and what they were but I loved to play by ear. Music and playing instruments came easy to me all I had to do is hear it.I believe it was in high school, I wrote my first Christmas song. I had an English and Spanish version. Spanish and French are my favorite languages.

I believe I was 16 when I was introduced to A.K from AK productions. He was doing a album for King George at the time. I ended up being the background singer on his "Life of a Kingpin" album, which I heard went platinum I wouldn't know since I didn't get any credit or paid or even a copy of the album. It's ok because I learned a valuable lesson.
 
At 19 I had my son Stevie. He changed my life for the better. Before him I was suicidal and longing for unconditional love. Which I never got and I guess someone wanted me to live. Later on that year I met Jacques Burvick. He mentored me in music.
 
Then I moved to LA where I met Norman Connors. He showed me the industry like no other. I learned a lot from them over several years. Thanks guys for taking me under your wing.

A few years later I thought I was in love and moved to N.O. I lived there for 5 wonderful years. Started producing my own music and my own record label, SPIRIT WARD RECORDS. It was great until the constant thunderstorms, tornado, hurricane watches, oh and did I mention, the realization that I was 6 ft below sea level...

I left N.O and the man I loved in 2002. Back in Oakland, CA I was determined to keep doing music. I did every studio invitation and met Bill. He plays guitar and produces. He's also a painter and a carpenter. He revolutionized my whole world in more ways then one. He introduced me to PRO TOOLS AND REASONS. Fate chose us to be friends and I am happy to have him in my life.
 
Then on Sept. 21, 2002 I met Kyran Murphy. He is a photographer and he took the picture you are looking at. I met him when he was a manager at kid R us in Emeryville. We've been madly in love for 5 yrs now, come Sept.
 
 
 
ABOUT THE ALBUM:
PLANT A SEED
 
This album is dedicated to: MY GRANDMA LUCILLE, My stepfather: CURTIS HUMPHRY & My fellow Gemini: DRISS(R.I.P)
 
Plant a seed is about creating idea, sharing wisdom and knowledge. Planting a seed is to give others something to think about. To inspire an evolved way of thinking. I have a few feature artists: Stephen Austin, T-pop, Deli, Normniz, Dee. This album has R&B as well as hip-hop attributes to it as well as a message.
 
MY PLAN FOR IKMCORPS:
My success is the success of all.
 
1.) I plan for IKMCORPS to one day become a record company.
This company will be fully dedicated in music. All genres will be welcome. All decision will be made based on artists' music. I too often meet artists who are turned away because they're look wasn't is style, but they had more talent then the person who got picked. I want to let everyone to be heard.
 
2.) I want to open a refuge for homeless and runaway children.
Being that I was a homeless teen at one point in my life, I know all the things that could and does happen to these children and they don't report for fear of cps. No one wants to be in foster care.
 
I have a whole elaborate vision in my head that must be realized. In this age of big industry and Internet mass the little people get lost in a sea of "look at me". I want to say listen to us.
 
SPECIAL THANKS:
I would like to say thank you to:
 
Sandra for allowing me to be on her website and believing in me. She has been a good friend since my album "Passion".
 
Stephen Austin (my son), for just being my sunshine during the rain and not allowing me to ever give up.
 
Nornnizz for being my inspiration and making me feel like I was being felt.
 
T-POP ( my god daughter) for keepin' me on the grind.
 
Deli (my brother) for believing, sticking by me, and teaching me that I can do anything.
 
Oakland, my life and hopes all I hold dear.
 
All my friends, family, and fans in:
Hayward, Berkeley, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York and all around the world.
 
 
SONG REVIEW FROM SONG TIGER FOR THE ALBUM "PASSION"
Review of Imani- Passion
Posted: 03/18/07 20:35:20 | Tag: Reviews
Review of Imani- Passionby ST Staff 3 out of 5 paws
 

Imani is a singer, songwriter, composer, and producer out of New York State. Passion is her debut album, but don't let that fool you. She's been singing for quite a while, and her experience is evident throughout this new album.
 
Creepin' is a slow R&B jam that is full of lush harmonies, string samples, and a groove that lays way back. The melodies are catchy, and will make you bob your head. Imani's voice is strong and sultry. She knows how to play the listener.
 
Be With Me has a fat bass line and thick harmonies throughout the song. There are some opportunities here, where the timing of things might not exactly match up, or the mix is missing some of the bright treble it needs. The other tracks do not have this EQ issue.
 
Reep has a thick groove. The deep bass line, vibraphone accents, perfect harmonies and catchy melodies make this a stand out track. There are enough things going on that your attention can shift from part to part. The song cuts off abruptly at the end, but cannot take away from what the rest of the song delivers.
 
Some of the songs fade off a little quick, abruptly stop, or seem to be incomplete. I like changing up the length of songs, but a song, no matter its length, should feel done. Some of these just don't. That said, however, there are layers to keep things interesting. Imani is a very good vocalist.
 
She writes interesting songs. I can hear influence from Prince, among many of today's top R&B stars. This CD is full of great ideas, and delivers on most of them. Though production-wise, it is not perfect, and I think that she could reach further into her bag of tricks for more varied synth sounds. I am a full believer that each release will be better than the last. Make sure to keep your eyes on Imani
 
Don't forget to put yourself on the map. Sign up for my mailing list and view my selections of group blog rooms.
Listen to the full album "PLANT A SEED" AT:
THEN LEAVE YOUR REVIEW AT MY FRIEND'S AROUND THE WORLD GROUP BLOG SITE.
 
IMANIWHIDBY@earthlink.net
  518-320-7000 
 
 
 
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Blogging from the borders - my blog and I

(Sokari Ekine founder of Black Looks, South Africa)
 
I feel compelled to blog/write even though it is sometimes a terrifying experience. The more compelled I am to say something the more anxiety I experience and the more determined I become to overcome that anxiety. It's always been like that even when I was a child I was always speaking when I was supposed to be silent. Silence was/is never an option for me. When i started blogging I only had a broad idea that I wanted to primarily focus on anything to do with African Women - a very broad term for a whole continent - and the African Diaspora that is socially, politically, racially, culturally, ethnically and sexually diverse.
 
I also wanted to look at human rights, to challenge stereotypes and discuss issues such as gender, sexuality and racism and how these are constructed and manipulated by culture. These are areas that can make people feel uncomfortable because they reach to our core. They often reveal the hidden truths deep within ourselves. Talking about racism and ethnicity and sexuality can be threatening because they require people to consider the possibility that they may have racist or homophobic feelings and attitudes. Examining our sexual identities is perhaps the most difficult as it requires us to accept that identity is not rigid and thereby collapses the gender identity we have lived with since childhood.
 
All of these challenge the concept of culture as something fixed by time and constrained by limited sets of behaviour which ensure the subordination and oppression of groups of people such as women, children, gays and lesbians. I have also chosen to write about a range of issues that I have experienced directly or indirectly in my offline life such as gender violence, racism, sexuality, HIV/AIDS and cancer.
 
A starting point in reflecting on identity, blogging and me is to ask the question, "Where does my writing come from and where does it take me?" Where it comes from are my identities and where it takes me are to BL and all the other blogs I read regularly. Neither the blog nor my identities are mutually exclusive. For example in terms of race, gender and class, I can move between and within African, African European, mixed race growing up in privilege in Nigeria and mixed race living in Europe and Black 9-5 single parent in London. I also can find commonalities in an African American or a Chicana or Indian and white English experience. These are all very broad experiences and the aim is not to categorise them as this is not possible or meaningful but to show that there is a fluidity in my own identity that enables me to flow outside of a fixed set of identities. Likewise in terms of sexuality, I can move between lesbian, bi-sexual, gay , heterosexual experiences - all of these within a racial and class context.
 
Most recently I am beginning to learn and trying to understand transgender experience. A liberating experience which has led me to questions about myself, my identity and the experiences in my life that have led me to who I am today. I haven't found any complete answers but just the fact of finding the questions is a beginning - a kind of new journey backwards in my life. What I mean by this is that I can find a point of communication or commonalities with each of these communities. It does not mean all of these are aspects of my identity but rather that the multiple and transitionary nature of my identities enable me to position myself in multiple spaces.
 
This translates to my reading blogs such as JayWalks, Republic of T, Women of Color, Angry Black Woman, Soul on Ice, Mshairi, Sabbahs Blog, My Hearts in Accra, Ore's Notes, Two, Marians Blog, White African, Wordsbody, 3rd World View, Cooking Diva, Sotho, Gukira, Nigeria Whats New, Blac(k) ademic, Planet Greneda, Nubian Soul and many more.
 
Visits to all of these open up new and different stories and perspectives which can become valuable in my own process of development. A persons blog is one part of their identity and if you share some part of that then you can communicate with them at some level which can make blogging a positive experience.
 
As bloggers we present ourselves as individuals, sometimes anonymously. After a period of time readers begin to make assumptions about the blogger based on the content of their blog, their approach to that content and their response to readers. But because of the medium, this presentation can never be complete. So many signifyers of ourselves are missing, the visual, our body language, our personal lives, anxieties, pleasures, family, friends, hobbies, work and the reality of our daily lives. I do not know how I am perceived by readers but since they are not aware of my personal circumstances, education, background and life history their perceptions can never be complete. Nonetheless many aspects of my identity come through my writings and commentary as well as responses to readers on my own blog and on other peoples blogs.
 
So yes BL represents many but not all aspects of me. So who am I - "the where does my writing come from"part of the question. In considering that question I always draw on Gloria Anzaldua and think of myself on the "borderlands"of somewhere. Anzaldua describes herself as being a turtle and carrying her home on her back and of being an internal exile even as a child (interview in Melus, 25/2000). I feel like this myself - part of something but then also at odds with it - never quite fitting in here or there but a traveler flowing through lots of different places. She writes
You say my name is ambivalence? Think of me as Shiva, a many-armed and legged body with one foot on brown soil, one on white, one in straight society, one in the gay world, the man's world, the women's world, one limb in literary world, another in the working class world, the socialist and the occult worlds. A sort of spider woman hanging by one thin strand of web.
To the second part of the question "where does my blog take me?"I think BL is like me - not sitting anywhere specific, often contradictory and always on a journey to somewhere. Sometimes I think of my blog as a kind of temporary home because on one level it is safe, familiar and comfortable. Other times it is a fearful and unpredictable place where violations can occur. But as in the offline life you deal with it and move on. Blogs are works in progress and mirror offline lives - we make errors of judgment, we have successes. Why should online lives be so different to offline ones - so we learn from our experiences, the good and the bad - try different things at different times. Some relationships work, some work for a while and some are just not meant to be.
 
We can never close the door on our identities which are constantly transforming and as we go through changes so to will our blogs. Keep on Blogging!
 
More about Sokari Ekine:
Black Looks
 
 
 
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Why I Blog

(Adrianne George, Sweden)
 

A Very Short History of Blogs:

 
When Tim Berners-Lee invented the web over 10 years ago, he was the first one to create a blog. Who could have envisioned they would become so popular? Through the power of the blog, viral emails, and SMS campaigns, one determined detractor can become much worse than an unsatisfied customer. Even employees can turn against you as Microsoft learned.
 
Over 10 years later blogs are as common place as mobile phones. In the early days bloggers were considered to be little more than people with too much time on hands. In the late-1990s, people like Cameron Barrett and Jesse Garrett began compiling links to other sites like their own. A 1999 technology article in Salon reports that serious journalists looked down on bloggers who considered themselves journalists.
 
Now journalists blogs are among the most popular as the public searches for news from alternative sources. Businesses are also using blogs as part of their marketing and communications efforts. Business Week magazine practices blogspotting and describes it as the world where business, blogs, and media collide.
 
Jessica Cutler was just another poorly paid worker on Capital Hill when the discovery of her blog by her bosses cost her, her job, and launched her publishing career. Other young adults, as well as teenagers have also felt the highs and lows of blogging.
 
See what others are blogging about in the Black Blog Watch community.
 

The Story of the Black Women in Europe Blog:

 
I started the Black Women in Europe blog as a companion to my webpage of the same name. As a sister from Washington, DC who moved to Europe, it was natural for me to seek out positive Black women in Europe. That's how I found Sandra and the Afro European Sisters Network.
 
It all started with a very modest group I started on MSN. Membership grew to about 10 ladies yet there wasn't very much activity on the message boards. I knew there had to be a better way to engage young, creative, ambitious, positive, funny, and black women. That's when I decided to harness the power of Web 2.0 and social networking.
 
The lens on Squidoo allowed me to piece together some of my favorite things: profiles, books, relevant news, memorabilia, historic videos, as well as raise money for charity. But for me that wasn't enough. So the blog was born.
 
On the blog I highlight entrepreneurs in Europe, share current events and news, and share other information and links we love.
 

Why You Should Blog:

 
Do you have an interest or keen passion that you would like to share? Blogs allow you to self publish and express yourself as you see fit, without the restraints of an editor. A blog can be your personal space and a space for your friends to gather. Use your voice.
 
More about Adrianne George:
 
 
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Creating Tomorrow

(Trina Roach, Germany)
 
As a Black Professional Woman in Europe, you are living and working in a country where there are few existing role models for success. If you are also a successful expatriate, you are performing under heightened scrutiny as new kid on the block, too. In either case, you are giving your all to make your professional dreams come true, while dealing with the added challenges of living and doing business within a culture not used to seeing Black women in that role.

That's just one of the reasons why - more and more often - you feel the need for a neutral "sparring partner"for open discussions, motivation and encouragement. This includes unpartisan feedback on important steps or major changes in business, that impact your entire life.

You've already heard about the benefits of business and career coaching, but either it's something your company reserves only for top management, or - if you are an entrepreneur you're not sure you can afford it.


Maybe a Coaching Club is the right answer for you?

What is a Coaching Club?
A Coaching Club brings people together that are serious about proactively reaching their career goals. Because they are committed, they want to turn their plans into action, and are ready to invest in themselves by working with an experienced coach as their accountability partner in order to achieve their goals within an agreed period of time.


How is the Creating Tomorrow Coaching Club for Black Professional Women in Europe organized?

Target Group:
Black Professional Women living throughout Europe, who despite the demands of daily business are prepared to work proactively, committedly and with focus on achieving their career goals, for example in one of the following areas:

-How do I successfully achieve my Next Career Milestone (NCM)?
-How can I effectively motivate myself (and others!) on the job?
-How do I successfully market myself on the job?
-How can I effectively position my company in the marketplace?

All of these topics are dealt with within the context of supporting you in effectively adapting your professional strengths and past learnings to succeed in your (new) business and cultural environment.

-Duration: 6 months
-Membership: Creating Tomorrow's Coaching Clubs are made up of 4-8 members


What are the Benefits of a Coaching Club versus One-to-One Coaching?
-As a member of a Coaching Club (even young) professionals can benefit from the support of an experienced coach over a longer period of time.

-In a Coaching Club professionals not only receive valuable input from their coach. They also receive relevant feedback from other Black Professional Women with a similar level of dedication and ambition.

-Because the Club Coaching Sessions are conducted by phone/Skype, you can dial in from literally anywhere. Club Coaching Sessions can therefore be much more easily integrated into the normal framework of your business and private life.

-Membership in a Coaching Club is financially attractive, especially for young professionals, because of the lower individual cost-per-session.

What are the Relevant Features of a Creating Tomorrow Coaching-Clubs?
Club membership lasts 6 months from the first Club Coaching Session. Membership includes:
-Intake Documentation (incl. Analysis)

-6 monthly telephone coaching sessions 60 minutes
(The exact day and time will be agreed within the group)

-6 focus mails as a reminder/preparation for the upcoming Club Coaching Session
(2 days before the next session)

-Audio copies of each session (MP3)
(For individual study/analysis at your convenience)

-2 individual telephone coaching sessions 45 minutes (timing as mutually agreed) (To confidentially intensify work on individual topics)

-Unlimited email support
(So you have access to support in a crisis)


How can I get in touch with you to learn more about Creating Tomorrow's Coaching Clubc for Black Professional Women in Europe?
-You can contact me directly at coaching@creating-tomorrow.com

-You're not sure if coaching is the right thing for you. To help you make the right decision for yourself, I'll send you a copy of my Coaching Quiz.

-You want to register to participate in an online information hour to ask all your specific questions about the "Creating Tomorrow Coaching Club for Black Professional Women in Europe" scheduled for Thursday, April 19th, also at 7:30pm
 
Coaching = Creating Tomorrow by taking positive action today!

Trina Roach

Creating Tomorrow:
The Leadership Consultancy Coaching Consulting Training
Tel.:   +49-171- 897 
eFax: +49-180-548209-49014
mailto: info@creating-tomorrow.com
Creating-tomorrow.com
 
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info@aesn.nl