African American Community

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.

California
Prolific writer-director, Don B. Welch will return to the Los Angeles main stage with his latest piece “My Brother’s Keeper” live at the Wilshire Ebell Theater in Los Angeles, March 30-31. The all-star cast is led by Emmy Award winner and five-time NAACP Image Award winner, Loretta Devine, as well as Vanessa Bell Calloway, Vanessa Williams, Flex Alexander, Shanice Wilson and a number of other stars. The story surrounds two brothers who own and operate the Legends nightclub, their family business in L.A. Recent events and unforeseen circumstances pit brother against brother in what may be the battle of their lives.

Georgia
The Tavis Smiley Foundation hosted the second of its national series of parent education seminars in Atlanta to give parents tools and information on how they can ensure their child’s success in learning. The “Too Important to Fail Parent Education Summit” was held at Spelman College and, in addition to the workshops, the program featured a presentation by James Shelton, the assistant deputy secretary for innovation and improvement for the U.S. Department of Education. The Tavis Smiley Foundation and Hyundai Motor America also announced a $5,000 grant to a local nonprofit organization that provides parent workshops on education issues.

Practical Politics

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.

Arizona
The Desert Caballeros Western Museum will hold a special exhibit in honor of Black History Month with a Buffalo Soldiers display in the Artist at Work Masterworks by Kenneth M. Freeman. Freeman (1935-2008), who was called the Rembrandt of the Rodeo, was a Jewish artist who painted depictions of the Buffalo Soldiers and served as a captain in the 9th Memorial Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers. On Saturday, Feb. 18, members of the Calvary will be at the museum to meet and greet visitors and answer questions about this important part of Arizona history. In addition, Bonnie Adams Freeman, curator of the Legacy Collection, will also attend as a lady of the 9th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers. There will be photo opportunities with all of the members.
 

California
In celebration of Black History Month, Union Bank has partnered with KCET to honor two extraordinary African Americans as part of the Local Heroes program. The program recognizes and pays tribute to exemplary leaders who are making a difference and enriching the lives of others by improving their work place, profession, neighborhood, community, region and the world. The 2012 Black History Month honorees are Shirlee Smith and Samella Lewis. In addition to Black History Month local heroes, honorees will also be identified during Women’s History Month (March); Jewish American Heritage Month (April/May); Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May); Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month (June) and Hispanic Heritage Month (September). The yearlong program will culminate in October 2012 where honorees will be formally recognized as part of the annual Local Heroes Awards.