PlayDate Triple Play with Dwele

PlayDate Birmingham is back on deck Saturday, August 15, 2009 with special guest Dwele. The soul crooner will trade in his microphone for turntables  and serve as the guest DJ for the hundreds of fans that come out for popular monthly event. This Triple Play event also includes a back-to-school drive and a spades tournament.  Simply bring school supplies for discounted admission and make sure you bring your “A game” to leave with “braggin’ rights” until next time!

PlayDate Birmingham Triple Play
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Time: 9:00 pm – 2:00 am
Sheraton Hotel – Downtown
http://www.playdatebirmingham.com

14th Annual Back-To-School Rally ’09 (R.E.S.P.E.C.T)

The 14th Annual R.E.S.P.E.C.T Rally will take place August 1, 2009 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm on the More Than Conquerors Faith Church Campus.  This back to school rally has become a cornerstone event in the City of Birmingham offering families and young people a chance to start the school year off right with a family-fun event that focuses on respect for one another.

The R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Rally is free to all that wish to attend and will offer food, games, rides, entertainment, a fashion show and giveaways.  The first 1,500 elementary and high school students to attend will receive free back-packs and school supplies.

For more information call (205) 322-2644

Teach Your Children Well: Basic Financial Education

Even before your children can count, they already know something about money: it’s what you have to give the ice cream man to get a cone, or put in the slot to ride the rocket ship at the grocery store. So, as soon as your children begin to handle money, start teaching them how to handle it wisely.

Making allowances

Giving children allowances is a good way to begin teaching them how to save money and budget for the things they want. How much you give them depends in part on what you expect them to buy with it and how much you want them to save.

Some parents expect children to earn their allowance by doing household chores, while others attach no strings to the purse and expect children to pitch in simply because they live in the household. A compromise might be to give children small allowances coupled with opportunities to earn extra money by doing chores that fall outside their normal household responsibilities.

When it comes to giving children allowances:

* Set parameters. Discuss with your children what they may use the money for and how much should be saved.
* Make allowance day a routine, like payday. Give the same amount on the same day each week.
* Consider “raises” for children who manage money well.

Take it to the bank

Piggy banks are a great way to start teaching children to save money, but opening a savings account in a “real” bank introduces them to the concepts of earning interest and the power of compounding.

MotherGirlPiggyBank While children might want to spend all their allowance now, encourage them (especially older children) to divide it up, allowing them to spend some immediately, while insisting they save some toward things they really want but can’t afford right away. Writing down each goal and the amount that must be saved each week toward it will help children learn the difference between short-term and long-term goals. As an incentive, you might want to offer to match whatever children save toward their long-term goals.

Shopping sense

Television commercials and peer pressure constantly tempt children to spend money. But children need guidance when it comes to making good buying decisions. Teach children how to compare items by price and quality. When you’re at the grocery store, for example, explain why you might buy a generic cereal instead of a name brand.

By explaining that you won’t buy them something every time you go to a store, you can lead children into thinking carefully about the purchases they do want to make. Then, consider setting aside one day a month when you will take children shopping for themselves. This encourages them to save for something they really want rather than buying on impulse. For “big-ticket” items, suggest that they might put the items on a birthday or holiday list.

Don’t be afraid to let children make mistakes. If a toy breaks soon after it’s purchased, or doesn’t turn out to be as much fun as seen on TV, eventually children will learn to make good choices even when you’re not there to give them advice.

Earning and handling income

Older children (especially teenagers) may earn income from part-time jobs after school or on weekends. Particularly if this money supplements any allowance you give them, wages enable children to get a greater taste of financial independence.

Earned income from part-time jobs might be subject to withholdings for FICA and federal and/or state income taxes. Show your children how this takes a bite out their paychecks and reduces the amount they have left over for their own use.

Creating a balanced budget

With greater financial independence should come greater fiscal responsibility. Older children may have more expenses, and their extra income can be used to cover at least some of those expenses. To ensure that they’ll have enough to make ends meet, help them prepare a budget.

To develop a balanced budget, children should first list all their income. Next, they should list routine expenses, such as pizza with friends, money for movies, and (for older children) gas for the car. (Don’t include things you will pay for.) Finally, subtract the expenses from the income. If they’ll be in the black, you can encourage further saving or contributions to their favorite charity. If the results show that your children will be in the red, however, you’ll need to come up with a plan to address the shortfall.

To help children learn about budgeting:

• Devise a system for keeping track of what’s spent
• Categorize expenses as needs (unavoidable) and wants (can be cut)
• Suggest ways to increase income and/or reduce expenses

The future is now

Teenager Teenagers should be ready to focus on saving for larger goals (e.g., a new computer or a car) and longer-term goals (e.g., college, an apartment). And while bank accounts may still be the primary savings vehicles for them, you might also want to consider introducing your teenagers to the principles of investing.

To do this, open investment accounts for them. (If they’re minors, these must be custodial accounts.) Look for accounts that can be opened with low initial contributions at institutions that supply educational materials about basic investment terms and concepts.

Helping older children learn about topics such as risk tolerance, time horizons, market volatility, and asset diversification may predispose them to take charge of their financial future.

Should you give the kid credit?

If older children (especially those about to go off to college) are responsible, consider getting them a credit card. Most major credit card companies require an adult to cosign a credit card agreement before they will issue a card to someone under the age of 18 (as of February 2010, the Credit CARD Act of 2009 will generally require this for consumers under age 21). Ask the credit card company for a low credit limit (e.g., $300) or a secured card. This can help children learn to manage credit without getting into serious debt.

Also:

• Set limits on the card’s use
• Make sure children understand the grace period, fee structure, and how interest accrues on the unpaid balance
• Agree on how the bill will be paid, and what will happen if the bill goes unpaid
• Make sure children understand how long it takes to pay off a credit card balance if they only make minimum payments

If putting a credit card in your child’s hands is a scary thought, you may want to start off with a prepaid spending card. A prepaid spending card looks like a credit card, but functions more like a prepaid phone card. The card can be loaded with a predetermined amount that you specify, and generally may be used anywhere credit cards are accepted. Purchases are deducted from the card’s balance, and you can transfer more money to the card’s balance whenever necessary. Although there may be some fees associated with the card, no debt or interest charges accrue; children can only spend what’s loaded onto the card.

One thing you might especially like about prepaid spending cards is that they allow children to gradually get the hang of using credit responsibly. Because you can access the account information online or over the phone, you can monitor the spending habits of your children. If need be, you can then sit down with them and discuss their spending behavior and money management skills.

Waddell & Reed
Mahari A. McTier
Financial Advisor
2809 Butterfield Rd
Suite 170
Oak Brook IL 60523
(630) 954-4611ex: 141
205-266-1570
mmctier@wradvisors.com
www.mmctier.wradvisors.com

Author E. Lynn Harris dead at 54

(CNN) – E. Lynn Harris, the author who introduced millions of readers to the “invisible life” of black gay men, was a literary pioneer whose generosity was as huge as his courage, friends said Friday.

Harris, 54, died Thursday night while on a business trip to Los Angeles, California, said Laura Gilmore, his publicist.

Harris wrote a series of novels that exposed readers to characters rarely depicted in literature: black, affluent gay men who were masculine, complex and, sometimes, tormented.

Keith Boykin, an author and friend, said Harris encouraged the black community to talk openly about homosexuality.

“We have a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy in the black community,” Boykin said. “E. Lynn Harris encouraged people to ask and to tell.”

Read more here.

My Adventure with Slick Rick

By Patrice McLaurin

Slick Rick can easily be classified as one of the premiere lyricist of his time.  With his British accent, funny punchlines and impeccable “Art of Storytellin’”, Slick Rick brought to hip hop a style that was refreshing and new. He had an uncanny ability to energize his audience with candid tales from the hood, that caused us to listen intently to each story, anxiously awaiting to hear what would happen next.  I mean come on, what child of the 80′s doesn’t remember waiting by the radio for Loddie Doddie to come on so you could tape it?  (I just took yall back huh?)  Or, who amongst us can’t complete this timeless lyric…”Dave the dope fiend shooting dope…”? (I see you smiling)

That is why it is needless to mention how humbled and honored I was to actually have an opportunity to speak with the legend, the pioneer, “The Ruler” himself, Slick Rick!  Our conversation was unexpected (at least for me), and unscripted.  In fact, it was more so a window of opportunity that was afforded me after his performance at the Highland Conference Center on Friday night, that I in turn, wanted to share with you.  For in my brief exchange with Slick Rick, I raised a question that I’m certain a number of us would like the answer to; one that all of us who adore hip hop and was fortunate enough to experience it at its height, has a viewpoint about.  My question was as follows:  “As a pioneer of the industry, what is your opinion of the state of hip hop today?”   “The Ruler” was genuine is his response, and being that I am not one who likes to offer my interpretation of what’s said, I recommend that you to view the video, (shout out to my husband for having the wherewithal to record it), and listen to his theory for yourself.

However, it is my sincere hope that this discussion did not end with Slick Rick and I.  I think that a dialogue surrounding this question is necessary, as hip hop is certainly having a profound influence on our neighborhoods and communities.  As such, I encourage each of you to post your comments and give us your assessment of the state of hip hop today.  Is it dead like brother Nas states, or is it alive and well?  Has it literally become a colossal Tower of Babel whose words and images are corrupting the minds of our youth?  Or is it strictly straight?  I don’t know, let’s talk about it.  We might as well.  Because whether we acknowledge it or not, the impact of hip hop is real, and it is truly affecting us all.

Peace and Power.

Extraordinary African American Women Celebrated in Interactive Exhibit

BIRMINGHAM, AL., July 21, 2009—It would be difficult to imagine the course of American history without them: Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad; Rosa Parks and her brave refusal in 1955 to relinquish her seat on a Montgomery city bus; Fannie Lou Hamer and her courageous stand at a 1968 political convention.  These stories of courage and commitment are among the many featured in Freedom’s Sisters; a collaboration between Ford Motor Company, the Cincinnati Museum Center, and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES).  The interactive exhibit showcases 20 extraordinary African American women, inviting visitors to bear witness to some of the most important moments in our nation’s history.

“From Mary McLeod Bethune to Dorothy Height, the amazing women of Freedom’s Sisters inspire and motivate all Americans to build a better world,” said Pamela Alexander, director, Ford Motor Company Fund.  “Ford is deeply proud to present this important, educational and uplifting exhibition.”

Activities in support of the exhibition begin Friday, July 24 with a Black Tie Gala for exhibition supporters.  Honored guests include Birmingham native and Freedom’s Sister Dr. Sonia Sanchez and Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier who will emcee the event.  The exhibition opens at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute on July 25, 2009.  It remains there until October 4, 2009, and then travels on a three-year national tour to five additional cities.  A variety of engaging educational and community outreach programs are planned during the exhibition’s run in Birmingham.  Visit the Institute’s Web site at www.bcri.org for detailed program information.

“How wonderful it is to return home for the Freedom’s Sisters exhibit,” said Sonia Sanchez, world renowned poet, and Freedom’s Sister.  “I am so glad that Birmingham decided to host.  It shows the forward moving thinking not only of Birmingham but also of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.  I look forward to seeing everyone and being in the company of such great women.”

The exhibition has been embraced by a prestigious National Committee of Honor.  Members of the Freedom’s Sisters Committee of Honor include Quincy Jones, Mae Jemison, General Colin Powell, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Cathy Hughes, Sheila Johnson, Elizabeth Eckford, Johnetta Cole and a wide range of national dignitaries, reflecting the exhibition’s broad appeal.

“These 20 women left not a footnote but a footprint on American history,” said SITES Director Anna R. Cohn.  “Many of their stories may not be well known, but their roles and contributions were monumental in shaping our country and its conscience.”

Organized around four themes – “Dare to Dream,” “Inspire Lives” “Serve the Public” and “Look to the Future” – Freedom’s Sisters is designed especially as an educational tool targeting students.  Historical simulations and interactive displays are being set up to drive home messages and meanings central to each woman’s life.

Freedom’s Sisters

• Ella J. Baker
• Barbara Jordan
• Constance Baker Motley
• Mary McLeod Bethune
• Shirley Chisholm
• Rosa Parks
• Mary Church Terrell
• Sonia Sanchez
• Septima Poinsette Clark
• Coretta Scott King
• Kathleen Cleaver
• Betty Shabazz
• Myrlie Evers-Williams
• Harriet Tubman
• Fannie Lou Hamer
• C. Delores Tucker
• Dorothy Height
• Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
• Charlayne Hunter-Gault
• Ida B. Wells

Praise the Runway

Word of Life Faith Church host the first ever Praise the Runway gospel hair and fashion show.  This event is a combination of a runway fashion show, hair show, live gospel performances, door prizes, food and displays of the hottest new fashions all in one night.

Fashions from NuWear, K & K Fashions and local designer J.R. Houston will be showcased. To complement the fashion, gospel artist Marquita Anthony (of the UAB gospel choir) and the Faith Apostolic Church Young People choir and other invited special guest will perform live.

Praise the Runway will start at 6pm on July 25, 2009 at Word of Life Holiness Church located at 600 Henson Street. Midfield, Alabama 35228.

All ages are welcome to come and admission is free.  Don’t miss Praise the Runway!  For more information contact Kim Johnson at (205) 356-8869  or by email at kdj97@aol.com.

Young Sista’s STOP Leaving Your Man Behind

With pants literally sagging below their knees, these young brothers stroll up and down school hallways and through neighborhoods without a care in the world.

Some of these same brothers wouldn’t be caught dead with a book in their hands, sitting in the front row of class or raising their hands to ask or answer a question.

What you going to do with your life young man? you ask…  “imma rap” is the usual reply.

Don’t get me wrong yours truly could have been looked at in the same light. However, there was a semblance of a plan behind all of that mischief. Additionally, my school days (some 16 years ago) were a little less complex that it is now.

How is it that so many young brothers have this same look, this same way of speech and this same naively optimistic look at life? Why is it that after so many of these “type” brothers end up in jail, smoked out or dead that you have a fresh crop right on their heels as replacements ?

Figured it out yet? ….. WOMEN!!

Or in this case our young sisters. They are the enablers, the cannon fodder, the match to the firecracker of these young men’s souls that keeps them dwelling I ignorance, apathy, and hypermasculinity all so they wont receive that death sentence of being a “lame ass nigga!” Translation … you will not be a hit with the girls.

So as you sisters finish out your scholastic career where some of you move on to bigger and better things. Remember what you requested of the young brother when you begin to desire a “Good Man” to get married to and spend your life with.

Cash for Clunkers

On June 24, 2009, President Obama signed into law the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) Act of 2009.

The legislation creates a new program, commonly referred to as “Cash for Clunkers.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), though, refers to the program as the Car Allowance Rebate System. The program provides $3,500 or $4,500 vouchers that can be used toward the purchase or lease of a fuel-efficient new vehicle (new vehicle leases must be for a period of at least 5 years to qualify, however) when you trade in an old “gas-guzzler.”

To qualify for the program:

• You must purchase or lease a new vehicle between July 1, 2009 and November 1, 2009.
• You must trade in a vehicle that is in drivable condition, was manufactured after 1984, and was continuously owned and insured by you for at least one year at the time of the trade. The vehicle must have a combined fuel economy value of 18 miles per gallon (mpg) or less. (For help in understanding and determining combined fuel economy, see the government website www.cars.gov.)
• The new vehicle that you purchase or lease must retail for less than $45,000 and have a combined fuel economy value of at least 22 mpg for automobiles (18 mpg for certain SUVs, minivans, and light pickup trucks weighing under 6,000 pounds).

You’re eligible for a $3,500 voucher if the new vehicle is at least 4 mpg more efficient than the eligible trade-in (if the new vehicle is an SUV, minivan, or light pickup truck, it generally needs to be only 2 mpg more efficient than the eligible trade-in vehicle). You’re eligible for a $4,500 voucher if the new vehicle is at least 10 mpg more efficient than the eligible trade-in (if the new vehicle is an SUV, minivan, or light pickup truck, you generally qualify for the $4,500 amount if the new vehicle is 5 mpg more efficient than the eligible trade-in vehicle).

Vouchers are paid directly to the dealer. Since the dealer must destroy the vehicle you trade in, you won’t get any trade-in value beyond the amount of the voucher. As a result, if you intend to trade in a vehicle that’s worth more than the amount of the voucher you’re entitled to, you will not from the program.

It’s important to note that the program also applies to heavier trucks (those that weigh 6,000 pounds or more), but the rules and fuel efficiency benchmarks are slightly different.

Waddell & Reed
Mahari A. McTier
Financial Advisor
2809 Butterfield Rd
Suite 170
Oak Brook IL 60523
(630) 954-4611ex: 141
205-266-1570
mmctier@wradvisors.com
www.mmctier.wradvisors.com

Dr. Regina Benjamin from South Alabama is nominated as Surgeon General

President Obama has nominated Dr. Regina Benjamin as Surgeon General.

A graduate of Xavier University, Morehouse School of Medicine, and the University of Alabama School of Medicine, Dr. Regina Benjamin chose to return to the region that she grew up in, starting a family practice in Bayou la Batre, Alabama (a small shrimping village along the gulf coast). After several years moonlighting in emergency rooms and nursing homes to keep her practice open, and with an MBA from Tulane under her belt, Dr. Benjamin converted her medical office into a small rural health clinic dedicated to serving the large indigent population in her community.

Her extraordinary dedication and self-sacrifice have already won Dr. Benjamin national recognition. In 1995, she became the first African-American woman, and the first person under 40, to be elected to the American Medical Association (AMA) Board of Trustees. Dr. Benjamin also serves on the Board of Physicians for Human Rights.

Dr. Benjamin is a 1998 Mandela Award Winner, a former Kellogg National Fellow, has been featured as ABC Television’s Person of the Week, and in 1996 was chosen by CBS This Morning as Woman of the Year.

Next Page »