community ANNOUNCEMENT

WHEN BEING A BLACK GIRL IS YOUR ONLY CRIME! We are outraged by the unconscionable act of violence committed in a Spring Valley math class this past Monday. While we applaud the decision of Sheriff Lott to fire Ben Fields, we are deeply concerned that charges are still pending against two young Black girls.  These teenagers are not only victims of police abuse, but also of the entire regime which includes the teacher who tried to expel student from class because of a minor infraction, the administrator who escalated the situation by calling the police, the law that permits students to be arrested for “uncooperative behavior,’’ and the criminal “justice” system that continues to punish two traumatized girls rather than apologizing to them and supporting them. That these two young women are forced to confront the emotional burden of being subjected to criminal adjudication on top of having been physically and emotionally abused is further evidence of how deeply entrenched and harmful this punitive approach to education is. We know that violence against Black girls and women is not new; it is the same violence that brutalized Salecia Johnson, Diamond Neals, Mikia Hutchinson, and Dajerria Becton. The vicious bodily assault on the young Black high school student is indicative of the ways that Black women and girls throughout society encounter state violence on a daily basis.  This system extends beyond Spring Valley and threatens Black girls across the United States. Join the African American Policy Forum next Tuesday November 2nd at 12pm EST for a webinar on Black girls and discipline entitled, "Spring Valley is Everywhere: When Being A Black Girl is Your Only Crime." REGISTER HERE This webinar will amplify the voices of young women who have been impacted by overly punitive discipline policies, educators who have witnessed the criminalization of Black girls in schools, scholars who have researched the gendered and racialized dimensions of the School to Prison Pipeline, and more. Speakers will include: Kimberle Crenshaw- The African American Policy Forum Je'Kendria Trahan- Black Youth Project, DC Amanda Petteruti- Co-author of “The Case Against Police in Schools,” a report from the Justice Policy Institute Kisha Wester- Educator and Youth Advocate Samantha Master- Planned Parenthood Federation of America And more…. If you or your child has experienced overpolicing in schools, please send us an email at info@aapf.org. We want to hear your story! #SpringValleyIsEverywhere #BlackGirlsMatter Facebook Twitter Website Instagram YouTube About the African American Policy Forum Founded in 1996, AAPF was developed as part of an ongoing effort to promote women’s rights in the context of struggles for racial equality. It serves as an information clearinghouse that works to bridge the gap between scholarly research and public debates on questions of inequality, discrimination and injustice. Website: www.aapf.org  Email Address: afampolicyforum@gmail.com Phone Number: (212) 854-8041 Mailing Address: African American Policy Forum, Inc. 435 West 116th Street, Rm. 827 New York, NY 10025

bring back THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK

From back in the day, circa mid- 1980's, there was a buzz on the streets of New York City about "THE LITTLE BLACK BOOK."

"The Little Black Book" was  approximately 5"x 5",  had 17 pages and could fit neatly in a shirt or pants pocket.  The booklet was written by Carol Taylor, R.N.

Now in case you didn't know, or don't know, Carol Taylor, R.N. became the first Black airline flight attendant in the United States when she joined Mohawk Airlines in 1958. The company was interested in hiring a minority candidate.Taylor was hired from among 800 applicants.

Prior to that milestone in  her career, Carol Taylor, who attended Elmira College in upstate New York, had also graduated, in 1955, from the Bellevue School of Nursing as a registered nurse, hence the designation, R.N.

But this is not about her being a pioneer in Black History, or aviation. This is also not about her being a pioneer in nursing, where she founded the first professional nursing journal in Barbados in the 1960"s, nor is it about her being a journalist, or civil rights activist in the 1970"s, where Carol Taylor co-founded the Institute for Inter Racial Harmony,  This is about "The Little Black Book" that Taylor wrote in 1985.

"The Little Black Book" was originally written as a survival guide to help young Black men succeed in a racist society. According to Taylor, "I started writing out rules of survival for my son...and I suddenly thought...why not write out directions for all Black Males living in America?"

Carol Taylor eventually penned a total of 30 rules that young Black men should follow to ensure  they do not become an endangered species in American society.

The object of this Survival Manual was to save lives, the lives of Black males.

I ran into Carol Taylor one day in the late 1980's on Court Street in downtown Brooklyn, New York, where I purchased a copy of "The Little Black Book"  for myself, so  I could instruct my young sons. We chatted and she autographed my copy of the booklet.

But now in 2015, I have young daughters , who need to be schooled on how to conduct themselves around authority figures, because they are now targets, as well as Black males.

So there is a need for "The Little Black Book"  to resurface and to be revised to include survival techniques for Black females. As a matter of fact, Black females  are  now being constantly violated by the authorities that are supposed to be serving and helping them.

We all need to know that Black females matter too! Without Black females, there would be no Black males.


I am calling on Carol Taylor, R.N. to revise her manual to include women and girls!




To read more on Carol Taylor, GOOGLE her name.

a WRITER'S event - chicago

CONVERSATION Library Book Club: Patricia Smith Tuesday, November 10 12:30 PM Poetry Foundation 61 West Superior Street Free admission

All experience levels are welcome to a monthly book group moderated by library staff. In November, the book club discusses Patricia Smith’s Shoulda Been Jimi Savannah. Patricia Smith will attend. Space is limited to 15 participants. Please reserve your spot by emailing library@poetryfoundation.org.

birth of a COMMUNITY CREATOR

MAHALIA JACKSON was born on OCTOBER 26,1911, in New Orleans. She became one of the  most influential gospel singers in the world, who was heralded as an international singer and civil rights activist.

She sung at a rally in Montgomery, Alabama in 1956 to raise money for the bus boycott in progress at that time.

During her career with Columbia Records, she recorded over 30 albums, as well as a dozen "million seller" 45 rpm records.

Mahalia Jackson was often referred to as the QUEEN OF GOSPEL.

She died in 1972.


To read the details of her career GOOGLE her name

on this DAY

ON OCTOBER 25, 1940, BENJAMIN O. DAVIS. SR. ATTAINS THE RANK OF BRIGADIER GENERAL, BECOMING THE FIRST BLACK GENERAL IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY.

To read about his incredible journey GOOGLE his name

BLACK HISTORY QUIZ - the answer

RALPH J. BUNCHE was awarded the NOBEL PEACE PRIZE for his role in making an Arab-Israeli peace in 1949.

To read his bio and details of his career GOOGLE his name

for WRITERS ONLY - nyc

Writing Scripts 101   The curtain has risen on a brand new Gotham course—Writing Scripts 101. As entertaining as a great show, this course explores the basics of writing plays, movies, and TV shows. You will learn elements central to all three forms, and also how the forms differ from each other. You will start by learning that desire drives drama. Hamlet’s desire is to avenge the murder of his father. In the classic film Casablanca, Rick’s desire is to win back an old flame. In the TV show 30 Rock, Liz Lemon’s desire is to find some happiness in her personal life. Those desires drive the shows. Find a protagonist. Add desire. Add conflict. And you’re on your way to a dramatic story. But there’s so much more to know, and this course will set you down that road. We also offer other courses in the world of dramatic writing: Playwriting Screenwriting TV Writing Character Dialogue Script Analysis Video Game Writing Are you feeling the desire to write something dramatic? Then climb out of the audience and onto the stage with us.

the BLACK WRITER a history

Which came first, Black writers or Black Literature? Whichever it was, JUPITER HAMMON played a major part in it's development.

Jupiter Hammon was born into slavery in 1711, in Queens, N.Y.  Although he remained a slave throughout his life, he is believed to be the first Black writer to be published in what would later become the United States of America.

His parents were among one of the first shipment of slaves to Lloyd Manor in 1687, but unlike most slaves, they learned to read and write. Jupiter, as a growing child, attended school with the Lloyd children where he also learned to read and write.

Jupiter Hammon published his first poem, "An Evening Thought. Salvation by Christ with Penitential Crienes," in 176l, and thus laid the groundwork for the tradition we know today as Black Literature.

In essence, JUPITER HAMMON became the first published Black writer in America before it was even the United States of...Think about that!





To read more about Jupiter Hammon GOOGLE his name

community CELEBRATION

Celebrating Alvin Ailey

Robert Battle, Judith Jamison, Matthew Rushing and Rachael McLaren with Budd Mishkin

Be part of an unforgettable night of dance history. The iconic Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater grew from a fabled performance at 92Y in 1958. Led by Ailey and a group of young African-American modern dancers, the show changed American dance forever.   Explore the company's past and future with artistic director Robert Battle, former artistic director and dancer/choreographer Judith Jamison, and dancers Matthew Rushing and Rachael McLaren. Tue, Nov 17, 8:15 pm

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TOMORROW AT NOON -#whywecantwait

FACT: Black women earn 64 cents for every dollar earned by a white man. Black women are also the primary breadwinners in a majority of Black households. Economic policy that uplifts Black communities must center Black women. Tomorrow at noon EST take a stand against the wealth disparities plaguing our families! #WhyWeCantWait: Where Do We Go From Here? Demarginalizing women and girls of color and creating an intersectional social justice agenda RSVP HERE! Speakers Include: Moderator: Alvin Starks, Director, Strategic Initiatives and Philanthropy, NAACP Kimberle Crenshaw, Executive Director, African American Policy Forum and the Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies Barbara Arnwine, Executive Director, Transformative Justice Coalition and Host of Igniting Change Radio Show Terry O’Neill, President, National Organization for Women Rosa Clemente, Hip Hop Activist, Lecturer and Journalist Darnell Moore, Senior Editor at MicNews and Co-Managing Editor at The Feminist Wire Mychal Denzel-Smith, Knobler Fellow and Blogger at The Nation William Darity, Professor of Public Policy, Duke University Marlon Peterson, Founder of The Precedential Group and recipient of the Soros Justice Fellowship Nimmi Gowrinathan, Feminist scholar and human rights activist LaDonna Sanders-Redmond, Education and Outreach Coordinator, Seward Community Co-op Nona Jones, Chief External Affairs Officer, PACE Center for Girls Jyoti Nanda, Professor at UCLA School of Law Monique Lane, Teachers College, Columbia University Kisha Webster, Director of Education and Community Development, Human Rights Campaign N'Dri Assie-Lumumba, Professor of Africana Studies, Cornell University Monica Simpson, Executive Director, SisterSong Priscilla Ocen, Associate Professor, Loyola Law School Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, Professor of English Education, Teachers College Lisalyn Jacobs, Vice President for Government Relations, Legal Momentum Anika Simpson, Professor of Philosophy and Women’s Studies, Morgan State University Samantha Master, African American Leadership & Engagement Specialist, Planned Parenthood Federation of America Shay McLean, PhD Student and Activist, University of Illinois Join us and share the event widely with your networks using the hashtag #WhyWeCantWait! Please also join us for a #WhyWeCantWait Twitter chat immediately following tomorrow's event.

JAZZ NEWS - KANSAS CITY

Tim Cunningham Saturday, October 24, 8 pm The Blue Room, $10 Smooth & sultry, cool, yet definitely funky. These words best describe the sound of saxophonist Tim Cunningham.  Cunningham has headlined venues across the globe, from intimate nightclubs to Las Vegas Casinos.  He continues to be a major part of multiple festivals, both in the U.S. and the Caribbean, bringing his soulful style to fans the world over. Blue Room Calendar October 2015   Buy Tickets at Ticketmaster or Call 816-474-6262. The Blue Room opens at 5 p.m. on Mon, Thurs., and Fri. and 7 p.m. on Sat. Bookmark BlueRoomKC.org for more!   November 2015 Have a Blue Room Pale Ale in the Blue Room! North Coast Brewing is proud to support Jazz education and makes a donation to the American Jazz Museum for every pint of Blue Room Pale Ale that's sold. Thank you for making Kansas City's 18th & Vine Jazz and Blues Festival a success! We enjoyed a sunny and beautiful 75 degree day, over twenty performances on four stages, and record attendance! Thank you to our sponsors who helped us celebrate the future and legacy of 18th & Vine while keeping ticket costs low so more patrons could join us! Preserving Works on Paper and Photographs  Saturday, November 14, 1-2:30 pm  Black Archives of Mid-America, Free Deborah Dandridge, University of Kansas Kenneth Spencer Library Research Field Archivist/Curator of African American Experience Collection and Kansas Collection, joins Mark Stevenson, conservator in private practice, in a discussion about preserving works on paper and photographs especially valuable for those looking to preserve family heirlooms.  Missouri District 3 (KC Metro) All-District Jazz Concert Saturday, November 21st, 3:30 pm Gem Theater, Free Clinician and tenor saxophonist Rick DiMuzio of Berklee School of Music and Chicago-based pianist Jo Ann Daugherty join bassist Bill McKemy and drummer Ryan Lee as they perform along side the Missouri District 3 All-District Jazz Band in concert the Gem Theater. At 8 pm, DiMuzio and Daugherty perform with Lisa Henry in the Blue Room. Hosted by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority  Amistad the Movie  Sunday, November 22, 1:30 - 5 pm Gem Theater, Free Cheptoo Kositany Buckner, Deputy Director of the Kansas City Public Library, and Stephanie Knappe, Samuel Sosland Curator American Art at Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Kansas City, offer remarks on the significance of Amistad and Woodruff's Amistad murals prior to a screening of the film. All Hail to Hale Through February 20, 2016 This dynamic exhibition showcases the private family art collection along with personal items from the artist, Hale Woodruff. Invited artists showcase their artwork that pays homage to the influence of the mastery of Hale Woodruff and what it has had on their creative process as visual artists. Read more about All Hail to Hale and related exhibitions in the Kansas City Star » Want to learn more or get more involved with the Museum? Visit AmericanJazzMuseum.org for more information about our performances, exhibitions, education, and research. Check out our membership program or join us for an upcoming Take Five Tour! Copyright © 2015 American Jazz Museum, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in to receive regular updates and news from the American Jazz Museum. Please be sure to add us to your safe sender list. Thank you for being involved! Our mailing address is: American Jazz Museum 1616 East 18th Street Kansas City, MO 64108 Add us to your address book