WQED Presents Live Forum Portrayal and Perception: African American Men & Boys

PORTRAYAL AND PERCEPTION: AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN & BOYS
Multi-Part Series to Encore in Advance of New Episode and Live Forum on November 14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 2, 2013

CONTACT:
George Hazimanolis
412-622-1366
ghazimanolis@wqed.org

PORTRAYAL AND PERCEPTION: AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN & BOYS
Multi-Part Series to Encore in Advance of New Episode and Live Forum on November 14

PITTSBURGH -- Building on the success of last year’s Portrayal and Perception: African American Men & Boys initiative, WQED will continue sharing the many stories of African American men and boys who are accomplished members of the community throughout western Pennsylvania.

Past episodes of Portrayal and Perception: African American Men & Boys will re-air on Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. starting October 1 through November 11.

• 10/1 – “Owning It”: Michael Bartley shows how local African American entrepreneurs, often overlooked by commercial media, are not only experiencing financial success, they are inspiring future business leaders.
• 10/8 – “Pitch Perfect”: Minette Seate profiles leaders and members of Pittsburgh's Afro American Music Institute, which goes beyond teaching music to foster a culture of pride and community responsibility.

• 10/15 – “Game Changers”: Chris Moore reveals how One Hood Media combats negative images by urging young men to define themselves using available media, rather than allowing others to do it for them.
• 10/22 – “Teaching Success”: How do you teach an African American boy to become a leader? "Teaching Success" looks at three different on ramps to the road to success: a program for young entrepreneurs and one of its star pupils; the commitment of African American educators at Pittsburgh's Manchester K-8 school on the North Side; and, the Black Male Leadership Development Institute, a seven-day leadership training collaboration between Robert Morris University and the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh.
• 10/29 – “Media Men”: Focusing on communications careers, featured profiles include: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Tony Norman; WQED/PCNC/KDKA Radio host Chris Moore; Pittsburgh Tribune-Review photographer Sidney Davis; and social media networker Alex Simmons.
• 11/6 – “Journey to Medicine”: Following middle school students, medical school students and seasoned professional physicians, this episode looks at local black males who are pursuing careers in medicine.
• 11/11 – “The New Trailblazer”: After the turbulent 1960s and 70s, the torch has been passed to a new generation of leadership in Pittsburgh’s African American community. Featuring attorney Blaine Jones and Pennsylvania Representative Ed Gainey, this program shows how they are making their mark in law and politics and offers perspective from those who once walked in their shoes.

On Thursday, November 14 at 7:30 p.m. “Have You Ever Considered Teaching?” premieres. This episode encourages African American males to explore a teaching career. For the past twenty years there has been a steady decline of black males in the profession.

Immediately following LIVE at 8 p.m. will be Portrayal & Perception: A Community Forum. During the broadcast, western Pennsylvania community leaders, activists and concerned citizens will discuss how the media portrays African American males and how society views them as a result. The broadcast will engage a studio audience as well as people commenting via social media. The forum is the culmination of eight WQED documentaries that reported on people and organizations working to spotlight positive rather than negative images of black men.

As part of the partnership with BMe (which piloted projects in Philadelphia and Detroit to highlight black males engaging with and leading others in service to their communities), WQED plans to identify and recognize local men and boys who are serving Pittsburgh’s communities with an awards ceremony in 2014. Over 200 stories about Pittsburgh men and boys may now be seen at bmecommunity.org.

WQED Pittsburgh has a proud history of honors, including 134 National and Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, an Academy Award, and many, many others, including two Emmy® Awards for Station Excellence. WQED was founded in 1954 as the nation’s first community-supported broadcaster. WQED changes lives by creating and sharing outstanding public media that educates, entertains and inspires. It is the parent company of WQED-TV (PBS); WQED: The Neighborhood Channel; WQED: The Create Channel; WQED Showcase; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; the Pittsburgh Concert Channel at WQED-HD2 (89.3-2FM) and online at www.wqedfm.org; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive (www.wqed.org) and iQ: smartmedia, WQED’s Educational initiative (www.wqed.org/edu).

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Great Collaborations Series Announced

GREAT COLLABORATIONS PRESS RELEASE:

GREAT COLLABORATIONS SERIES SET
December 20, 2012

PITTSBURGH, PA -- The struggle for equality in American society for both Jews and Blacks has inspired a series of cultural programs sponsored by the August Wilson Center for African American Culture and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh.

"Great Collaborations: The Alliance of Blacks and Jews in the 20th Century" is a seven-month educational and cultural series encompassing three performances, a major art exhibition and a series of Town Hall Meetings.

"Throughout the 20th century, Blacks and Jews have shared in the struggle against violence, bigotry and the fight for civil and human rights," said Sala Udin, Interim President of the August Wilson Center.  "These collaborations have forever changed the world’s political and cultural landscapes, and we're excited to be exploring the history and its implications through the arts."

"This amazing series showcasing our two communities won't just explore past collaborations, but will also highlight the potential for going forward as partners," said Skip Grinberg, chair of the Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation.  "The prospect of engaging people in the arts to generate new ideas and an open dialogue is a very appealing one, and I hope it leads us to new collaborations in the future."

Among the programs that are part of the Greater Collaborations series are the following:

• The Nazi Olympics: Berlin 1936 exhibit, now through February 28, 2013:  On loan from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the exhibit focuses on the 1936 Olympic Games, which showed the triumphs of Black and Jewish athletes – despite Hitler’s theories of “Aryan Superiority.”  A partnership of the Holocaust Center of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and the August Wilson Center, where the exhibit is housed.  For hours and fees, visitwww.AugustWilsonCenter.org or call 412.258.2700

• A Gershwinter Night, December 29, 8 pm, and December 30, 2 pm:  A once-in-a-lifetime concert – a tribute to the music of George and Ira Gershwin, including selections from Porgy and Bess – featuring the Sean Jones International All-Star Quintet with special guest Eli Degibri, the famed Israeli saxophonist and Director of the Red Sea Jazz Festival. Rounding out the super-star quintet will be Roger Humphries on drums; Dwayne Dolphin on bass; Alton Merrell on piano; and Sean Jones on trumpet.

• The Sisters Grey, March 22 – March 24 & March 29 – 31 8pm: This theatrical presentation by Gab Cody and Lori Roper tells of two sisters in law – one Black and one Jewish – who both believe their family histories of racial oppression require retribution and sacrifice from others. A funeral, an heirloom ring which survived the Holocaust and a bevy of secrets set the stage for turmoil in this comedy that asks why we still question love outside our own tribe.

• Paving the Road of Survival, April 12 and 13, 8pm:  The August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble journeys through two distinct times in history, representing our individual and collective strengths gained through our heart-wrenching pasts.  Featuring "The List" choreographed by Christopher Huggins and "Dedication" choreographed by Kevin lega Jeff.


A series of Town Hall Meetings, free and open to the public, is also part of the Great Collaborations program.  Meetings include:

• Tainted Games: The Politics of Race in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, December 27, 5:30pm, Jewish Community Center (5738 Forbes Ave.):  Guest Speaker is Dr. David Clay Large, author of Nazi Games, The Olympics of 1936, and a reaction panel will feature Sala Udin; Joy Braunstein, Director of the Holocaust Center of the Jewish Federation; and Holocaust Educator Jason Russo.

  Early 20th Century Collaborations, 1900-1930 – The Birth of the NAACP and National Urban League, February 21, 2013, 5:30pm, August Wilson Center (980 Liberty Ave.):  Guest Speakers will be Dr. Esther Bush, President, Pittsburgh Urban League, and Constance Parker, President, Pittsburgh NAACP.

  World War II and the Civil Rights Era, 1940-1970, March 14, 2013, 5:30pm, Center Avenue YMCA (2100 Center Ave.):  Guest Speakers will be Dr. Barbara Burstin and Dr. Larry Glascoe – University of Pittsburgh Historians.

  Political Maturity – Yes We Can, 1970 – 2009, Thursday, April 4, 2013, 5:30pm, Homewood Carnegie Library Auditorium (7010 Hamilton Ave.):  This session will take place on the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination; guest speaker to be announced.

For ticket information about all events visit www.AugustWilsonCenter.org or call 412.456.6666. For more information visit:http://www.jfedpgh.org/greatcollaborations.aspx

 Jennifer Wylie Faines
E: jennifer.faines@gmail.com
P: 412-559-2860
T: @jfaines
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfaines

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Bridging African Rhythms and Jazz Theme of African Arts in the Park Festival

UMOJA African Arts Company
PO Box 5230
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone:  412-290-0894
Fax:  412-232-3262
www.AfricanArtsInThePark.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mrs. Darcel Madkins, President & CEO
UMOJA African Arts Company
Phone: 412-290-0894
Fax: 412-232-3262
umoja@umojacompany.org
www.AfricanArtsInThePark.org

UMOJA African Arts Company in partnership with CitiParks to Host the African-American Festival being held at Point State Park in Downtown Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA   - African Arts in the Park Festival is dedicated to the demonstration and promotion of African and African Diaspora Arts in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. This year’s theme, “Bridging African Rhythms and Jazz”, appeals to people of all backgrounds recognizing that African music is a strong contributor to the genre of jazz music.  Umoja’s mission,” to raise awareness and increase appreciation for the rich cultures of Africa and their influence on the world”, utilizes the African Arts in the Park as a wonderful event for such an exposition.  Plan on stopping by Umoja African Arts Company’s 8th Annual African Arts in the Park Festival, August 11th & 12th, 2012, in Point State Park from 11AM-7PM in the center of Downtown Pittsburgh.

The Main Stage will be filled with West African music, dance, and jazz.  Attendees can bring their chairs and blankets and hear live bands.  They will be entertained by various West African dance and drum troops including Sankofa Village, Dreme Drum Dance, Legacy Arts Project, and Tam Tam Magic.  Jazz musicians include Afro-American Music Institute, Jessica Lee Quartet, Elevations, Roger Humphries and RH Factor, AfroJazz, Chelsea Baratz Band, Ray Ryan and the Riverside Band, Tim Stevens and the Leonard Johnson Project, Kevin Howard Band, Dwayne Dolphin Band, and Spirit Filled Ministries.

The Culture Hut will offer interactive demonstrations such as West Africa’s influence on Jazz by Kuumba Inc., African storytelling by Temujin the Storyteller and Jackie Jonas, and drum workshops by Assane M’Baye. New this year are cooking and tasting demos which connect West African food and food from New Orleans by Phat Girlz Cookin’ and Culinary Artists.

We encourage a visit to our Children’s Hut.  There will be Spanish & French Arts & Crafts, Reading Is Fundamental, Carnegie Library activities, African storytelling & mask making, jewelry making, face painting, henna artists, petting zoo, Debo the Clown, a stiltwalker, and a bounce house.

Our food vendors will serve a variety of American and international food. The retail vendors will have several crafts, art, and clothing. Admission to this event is free.

UMOJA African Arts Company is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is celebrating its 23rd season of bridging and unifying diverse cultures through educational and artistic presentations of African art, culture and heritage.   Sponsors include City of Pittsburgh, Heinz Endowments, Pittsburgh Foundation, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield,  Poise Foundation, The Soul Pitt, Residence Inn- Marriott, and Wyndham Hotel.

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Diane Daniels Honored with Keystone Press Award

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 12, 2012

CONTACT: DONALD PATTERSON
dantessoul@aol.com (412) 241-4436

LOCAL WRITER RECEIVES PNA AWARD

Diane I. Daniels receives the 2012 Keystone Press Award from a PNA representative.

PITTSBURGH, PA…….Since a junior in high school, Diane I. Daniels knew she wanted to be a journalist. Her first article was published in 1973 and she has been writing ever since. Her years of writing and reporting were recently recognized during the 2012 Keystone Press Awards Conference. She was one of hundreds of reporters, editors, photographers and page designers honored by the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association (PNA) Foundation during the awards banquet in Gettysburg. Based in Harrisburg, the PNA is a trade group serving newspapers in Pennsylvania seeking to "advance the interests of Pennsylvania newspapers" and protect the free and independent press.

Recognized for New Year Means New Attitude, an article that appeared in a January 2012 edition of the New Pittsburgh Courier, she was acknowledged in the Business or Consumer category. The article discussed President Barak Obama’s Jobs Act, the White House’s Startup America Initiative and included a 2012 forecast from local entrepreneurs, politicians and community leaders.

According to PNA officials, Daniels’ entrée was just one of close to 5000 entries - from 145 PNA newspapers. “It feels good to be recognized,” said Daniels.” “To be awarded on the state level is exciting.”

Daniels, the owner of DID and Associates, a Pittsburgh based public relations/ business development firm says that throughout her career her goal has been to assist in the creation, development and promotion of women, minority and youth businesses. Her business motto is that she - promotes, publicizes and popularizes. Understanding the importance of marketing for a small business and non- profit agencies, she has been responsible for and works with ventures to assure that they receive positive media recognition. As a result, she is noted for writing business features in several publications including the New Pittsburgh Courier, Soul Pitt Media and Onyx Woman Magazine. She also has been responsible for gaining media exposure for entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations in Dallas, TX and New York.

“Writing is a gift and talent that God has bestowed upon me and I am glad that the New Pittsburgh Courier is the outlet to relay the story of businesses and to educate the public. Since a teenager I've known the significance of the New Pittsburgh Courier to the African American community and dreamed of writing for them. It is an honor to be a part of their century old legacy.”

Daniels, a graduate of Wilberforce University has also received an award from the Semper Fidelis Club, one of the oldest social organizations in McKeesport for the many business features she has written and for being the first African American writer for her hometown newspaper, the McKeesport Daily News. The U.S. Small Business Administration has applauded her efforts by recognizing her as the 1994 Minority Small Business Advocate of Western Pennsylvania on the State and Mid-Atlantic Regional levels and was nominated as Media Advocate in 1996.

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DID and Associates

P. O. Box 8723 ◊ PITTSBURGH, PA 15221
PHONE (412) 241 - 4436 ◊ didassociates@yahoo.com

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

Portrayal and Perception: African American Men and Boys

AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN & BOYS SPECIALS EXPLORE PORTRAYAL & PERCEPTION


Portrayal & Perception: African American Men & Boys Premieres Tuesday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. on WQED-TV

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 14, 2012

CONTACT:
George Hazimanolis
412-622-1366
ghazimanolis@wqed.org

Maria Pisano
412-622-1459
mpisano@wqed.org

AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN & BOYS SPECIALS EXPLORE PORTRAYAL & PERCEPTION

Portrayal & Perception: African American Men & Boys

Premieres Tuesday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. on WQED-TV

PITTSBURGH—In the new series Portrayal & Perception: African American Men & Boys viewers will discover local individuals and organizations who are challenging common portrayals and perceptions of them and their culture.

Chris Moore

To set-up the context for this important series WQED’s weekly multi-cultural program Horizons (which airs Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. on WQED-TV) will hold a dynamic conversation on the February 21 episode about why re-shaping the portrayal and perception of African American males is important to all facets of our society. Joining Emmy®-Award winning producer and host Chris Moore will be for this discussion will be:

• Dr. Larry E. Davis, Dean of the Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh and Director of the Center on Race and Social Problems;

• Desmond King, Andrew Mellon Professor of American Government at Nuffield College, Oxford University;

• Dr. Marcia M. Sturdivant, Deputy Director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Office of Children, Youth and Families (CYF.)



Minette Seate


Known for teaching the craft and culture of African American musical forms to area youth for almost thirty years, The Afro American Music Institute (AAMI) has a lasting impact on the students it serves. On Tuesday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. on WQED-TV the premiere episode of Portrayal & Perception: African American Men & Boys comes from Emmy®-Award winning producer Minette Seate. In this special, Seate explores the AAMI and its Boys Choir, where they continue a legacy of mentorship to children in our area. The AAMI goes beyond choir rehearsal to foster a culture of pride and responsibility to one’s community.

On Monday, March 19 at 7:30 p.m. on WQED-TV, Emmy®-Award winning producer Michael Bartley takes a look at local African American entrepreneurs. In this episode Bartley takes viewers to several local and unique businesses where hard-work, vision and service are the crux of these operations. Often overlooked by commercial media, these individuals are experiencing financial success and finding ways to inspire future business leaders.

The third of these special episodes airs on Tuesday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. on WQED-TV from Moore who talks with African American males who are fed up with the portraits of them drawn by mainstream media. They believe that in order to combat these negative images it is their responsibility to define who they are instead of leaving it to someone else. Through One Hood Media Jasiri X and Paradise "The Arkitech" Gray are teaching young people how to control the image of young black males by using the mediums at their disposal. Moore explains to viewers how the New Media Academy of One Hood Media is helping the students use their own stories to prepare for the future.

A fourth episode and town hall meeting are also planned as part of the series and will air in October 2012.

Funding for Portrayal & Perception: African American Men & Boys was provided by a grant from The Heinz Endowments, which supports efforts to make southwestern Pennsylvania a premier place to live and work, a center for learning and educational excellence, and region that embraces diversity and inclusion.

WQED Pittsburgh has a proud history of honors, including 128 National and Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, an Academy Award, and many, many others, including two Emmy® Awards for Station Excellence. WQED was founded in 1954 as the nation’s first community-supported broadcaster. The people of WQED create, produce and distribute quality programs, products and services to engage, inform, educate and entertain the public within their community and around the world. WQED Pittsburgh is one of the first broadcasters in the country to be fully high-definition (HD) in its studio and field production capabilities. It is the parent company of WQED-TV (PBS); WQED: The Neighborhood Channel; WQED: The Create Channel; WQED Showcase; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive (www.wqed.org) and The WQED Education Department.

Posted on behalf of Dreamweaver Marketing Associates.  Joyce Kane is the owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

WQED Celebrates Black History Month with TV and Radio Programs

WQED RECOGNIZES BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH FEBRUARY'S PROGRAMMING ON TELEVISION AND RADIO



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 31, 2012

CONTACT:
George Hazimanolis
412-622-1366
ghaziman@wqed.org

Maria Pisano
412-622-1459
mpisano@wqed.org

WQED RECOGNIZES BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH FEBRUARY’S

PROGRAMMING ON TELEVISION AND RADIO

PITTSBURGH – WQED commemorates Black History Month with programs centered on the cultural struggles and accomplishments of African Americans not only in Pittsburgh, but throughout America. Classical WQED-FM 89.3 will acknowledge the importance of Black History Month by playing the music of various African American artists throughout the month of February.

Funding for Black History Month television and radio programming was made possible by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, First Niagara Bank, and the City of Pittsburgh.


February 1st – February 4th

• Thursday, February 2nd

Newspaper of Record: The Pittsburgh Courier 1907-1965 – (Airs: 8 p.m.) – With fourteen national editions and a peak circulation of over three hundred thousand, the Pittsburgh Courier was the leading Black newspaper of the last century. With accounts from Courier reporters and employees, this documentary reveals the role of the Pittsburgh Courier in reporting and shaping African American history.

Independent Lens “Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock” – (Airs: 10:30 p.m.) – This documentary tells the story of Daisy Bates, a black woman who was a feminist before the term was invented. Her public support of nine black students to attend the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, culminated in a constitutional crisis – pitting a president against a governor and a community against itself.


February 5th – February 11th

• Sunday, February 5th

Wylie Avenue Days* – (Airs: 3 p.m.) – This documentary captures Pittsburgh’s Hill District during its prime, which lasted from the 1930s through the 1950s. Wylie Avenue, located in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, was unique as it was the only street in America which began at a church and ended at a jail, but it was the spirit of this vibrant neighborhood that was the reason it was considered the heart of black life in Pittsburgh. A WQED production.

Barbershops: PA Stylin’* – (Airs: 4 p.m.) – Politics, romance, race relations, and hair care are the topics of discussion in “Barbershops: PA Stylin’.” Host Chris Moore visits several distinctly different yet similar African American barbershops that share a time-honored tradition practiced by barbers and patrons everywhere. A joyous mix of new ideas and fond nostalgia, “Barbershops: PA Stylin’” is the real-life story of one of the longest and liveliest traditions in the black community. A WQED production.

Torchbearers* – (Airs: 5 p.m.) – A documentary on Pittsburgh’s civil rights pioneers. “Torchbearers” uses interviews, photos and archival footage to tell the story of Pittsburgh’s struggles during the so-called “golden era” of civil rights. “Torchbearers” spans events from the 1950s through the 70s, and features many of the men and women who risked everything for their beliefs. A WQED production.

Secrets of the Dead “Slave Ship Mutiny” – (Airs: 8 p.m.) – During the summer of 1766, the Dutch Crew of the Meermin, filled to capacity with human cargo, set sail from Madagascar en route to the Dutch colony of Cape Town, South Africa, but it never made it. Along this journey the Meermin experienced an overpowering mutiny from the slaves and cunning acts of deception from crew members determined to reach Cape Town. This program tracks the efforts of archaeologists, historians and slave descendents to discover the full story of this dramatic historical event.


• Monday, February 6th

Underground Railroad: The William Still Story – (Airs: 10 p.m.) – “Underground Railroad: The William Still Story” profiles William Still, one of the most important yet unheralded individuals of the Underground Railroad. The film details accounts of black abolitionists, who had everything at stake as they helped fugitives follow the North Star to Canada.


• Tuesday, February 7th

Freedom Riders: American Experience – (Airs: 8 p.m.) – They called themselves the Freedom Riders, the integrated group of college students who risked everything and bought a ticket on a Greyhound bus headed into the Deep South. For this inspirational documentary, veteran filmmaker Stanley Nelson gained impressive access to many influential figures on both sides of the civil rights issue as he showcases the astonishing testament to those students that managed to bring the president and the entire American public face to face with the challenge of correcting civil-rights inequities that plagued the nation.


• Thursday, February 9th

Independent Lens “The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975” – (Airs: 10:30 p.m.) – Utilizing an innovative format that riffs on the popular 1970s mixtape format, the film is a cinematic and musical journey into the black communities of America. Filmmaker Goran Hugo Olsson brings newly discovered footage to light and introduces it to a new generation across the world in an examination of the Black Power movement from 1967 to 1975.

February 12th – February 18th

• Sunday, February 12th

Safe Harbor – (Airs: 3 p.m.) – “Safe Harbor” is an incredible story of strength and determination, told through the eyes of the slaves and the people who defied race and gender in one if the greatest survival stories of all time. “Safe Harbor” follows the Underground Railroad through a little-known passage to freedom in the northernmost corner of Pennsylvania. Character voices, reenactments, documents and diaries create a vivid account of Pennsylvania in the years leading up to the Civil War.

Gullah – (Airs: 4 p.m.) – “Gullah” is a documentary about the culture preserved by the descendents of the original slaves who have never left St. Helena Island, South Carolina where their ancestors endured their servitude.

A Harpist’s Legacy: Ann Hobson Pilot and the Sound of Change – (Airs: 4:30 p.m.) – This compelling documentary follows Ann Hobson Pilot’s trailblazing journey as the first black female principle player in a major symphony orchestra and also as an international soloist, teacher, mentor and driving force behind music-education programs for undeserved minorities. “A Harpist’s Legacy” uses her professional journey to explore the increasing racial diversity and shift in attitudes toward musicians of color in the classical music world.

Colored Frames – (Airs: 5 p.m.) – “Colored Frames” reflects on the last 50 years in African-American art by exploring the influences, inspirations and experiences of black artists. Beginning at the height of the Civil Rights Era and leading up to the present, it provides a truthful, unflinching look at often-ignored artists and their progeny. “Colored Frames” also chronicles the black artist’s struggle for visibility and acceptance in mainstream art society as well as their experiences challenging assumptions about what constitutes “blackness,” even within their own community.


• Monday, February 13th

Slavery by Another Name – (Airs: 9 p.m.) – “Slavery by Another Name” challenges one of America’s most cherished assumptions: the belief that slavery in this country ended with Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. This documentary tells a harrowing story of how in the South, even as slavery came to an end, new forms of involuntary servitude, including convict leasing, debt slavery and peonage, took its place with shocking force – brutalizing and ultimately circumscribing the lives of hundreds of thousands of African Americans well into the 20th century.

I am a Man: From Memphis, A Lesson in Life – (Airs: 10:30 p.m.) – Memphis sanitation worker Mr. Nickleberry tells an uplifting life story of endurance and character – joined by the other men and women of the 1968 sanitation strike whose courageous stand helped change the world forever.


• Thursday, February 16th

Jim Crow Pennsylvania* – (Airs: 8 p.m.) – Joined by historical footage, period photographs and interviews, the documentary explores ‘Jim Crow,’ its effect and legacy in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, whose southern border is the Mason-Dixon line that divided slave states from free states. A WQED production.

Independent Lens “More Than a Month” – (Airs: 10:30 p.m.) – Shukree Hassan Tilghman, a 29-year-old African-American filmmaker, is on a cross-country campaign to end Black History Month. Through this tongue-in-cheek journey, “More Than a Month” investigates what the treatment of history tells us about race and equality in a “post-racial” America.


February 19th – February 25th

• Thursday, February 23rd

Fly Boys: Western Pennsylvania’s Tuskegee Airmen* – (Airs: 8 p.m.) – This documentary tells the fascinating stories of more than 40 of the brave African-American soldiers who served their country as pilots, navigators, bombardiers, maintenance staff, and support staff during World War II. A WQED production.


February 26th – February 29th

• Monday, February 27th

In Performance at the White House: Red, White And Blues – (Airs: 9 p.m.) – President and

Mrs. Obama host this all-star celebration of the blues -- the musical form that sprang from the Mississippi Delta, up Highway 61 to the West Side of Chicago, with deep roots in Africa and slavery and influences on modern American music from soul to rock and roll. Leading popular artists' performances trace that migratory root and pay homage to the great figures of the genre and the songs they made famous -- from Robert Johnson to Muddy Waters.

American Masters “Cab Calloway: Sketches” – (Airs: 10 p.m.) – An ambassador for his race, Cab Calloway was the first black musician to tour the segregationist South, as early as 1932. A singer, dancer and band leader, he was an exceptional figure in the history of jazz. He was at the top of his game during the jazz and swing eras of the ‘30s and ‘40s, but his career flagged until he was rediscovered in the 1980s with appearances in the film “Blues Brothers” and the show “Sesame Street,” which gave him a new cult hero following of sorts.

* – Indicates that program will also be featured in February’s programming schedule on WQED: The Neighborhood Channel



ADDITIONAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH THEME PROGRAMS

ON WQED: THE NEIGHBORHOOD CHANNEL

K. Leroy Irvis: A Lion in Pennsylvania – This documentary, narrated by Julian Bond, follows the life of K. Leroy Irvis through his formative years, his struggles as an activist, his legendary political speeches and his commitment to achieve social justice for all Pennsylvanians. K. Leroy Irvis made history in 1977 when he became the first (and ultimately, longest-serving) African-American Speaker of the House in Pennsylvania. Before he retired in 1988, Irvis fought tirelessly for civil rights, health care, consumer protection, prison reform, improvements in housing and education, and government reform.

House: A Black Horizons Special – This documentary is an in-depth and loving look at Pittsburgh's Westinghouse High School. Since the 1930's, Westinghouse has produced an amazing array of writers, educators, musicians and athletes. At the center of the special is the 64-65 Westinghouse Bull Dogs football team, who were all city champions. The program focuses on those players and where they are today, as well as others who were part of the Westinghouse success story.

WQED PITTSBURGH has a proud history of honors, including 128 National and Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Awards, an Academy Award, and many, many others, including two Emmy® Awards for Station Excellence. WQED was founded in 1954 as the nation’s first community-supported broadcaster. The people of WQED create, produce and distribute quality programs, products and services to engage, inform, educate and entertain the public within their community and around the world. WQED Pittsburgh is one of the first broadcasters in the country to be fully high-definition (HD) in its studio and field production capabilities. It is the parent company of WQED-TV (PBS); WQED: The Neighborhood Channel; WQED: The Create Channel; WQED Showcase; Classical WQED-FM 89.3/Pittsburgh; Classical WQEJ-FM 89.7/Johnstown; local and national television and radio productions; WQED Interactive (www.wqed.org) and The WQED Education Department.
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Posted on behalf of Joanne Quinn-Smith by Joyce Kane.  Joyce is the Owner of Cybertary Pittsburgh, a Virtual Administrative support company, providing virtual office support, personal and executive assistance, creative design services and light bookkeeping.  Cybertary works with businesses and busy individuals to help them work 'on' their business rather than 'in' their business.  www.Cybertary.com/Pittsburgh

August Wilson Center Announces 2011-2012 Season

AUGUST WILSON CENTER HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING

2011-2012 SEASON & MAJOR PROGRAMMATIC CHANGES

WHO: August Wilson Center for African American Culture



WHAT: The August Wilson Center announces its 2011-2012 season, major programmatic changes; introduces Artistic Directors and new resident company, the August Wilson Center Theatre Ensemble.



WHEN: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 10:30 am



WHERE: Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Education Center, August Wilson Center for African American Culture, 980 Liberty Avenue, Downtown


Treshea N. Wade

Manager, Marketing and Communications

August Wilson Center for African American Culture

980 Liberty Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15222-3736

Direct: 412.338.8734

Cell: 412.716.8961

Fax: 412.258.2701



www.AugustWilsonCenter.org

AAMI Boys Choir 20th Anniversary Reunion Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



MEDIA CONTACT:

Pamela Johnson
Afro-American Music Institute
412-241-6775 or 412-443-1770
aamusicin@aol.com
http://www.afroamericanmusic.org/

7131 Hamilton Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15208

Photo: AAMI Boys Choir pictured with Dr. James Johnson (far left) and Howie Alexander (far right)


AAMI's Boys Choir 20th Anniversary Reunion Weekend

June 18-19 -- Pittsburgh Center for the Arts



PITTSBURGH, PA (PittsburghNewsWire.com) -- Twenty years ago Pamela Johnson, co-founder of the Afro American Music Institute, Inc. (AAMI), a nonprofit organization located in Homewood, started to honor fathers with the creation of a Father's Day Tribute concert. That one-day event, would lead to the creation of AAMI's Boys Choir of Pittsburgh. AAMI's Boys Choir, a community-based program, enables youth to experience the cultural richness and excitement of creative musical expressions. Hundreds of young men have been choir members, and now, twenty-one years later as of June 2011 the AAMI's Boys Choir is still the Institute's premier Performance Ensemble.

This year's Father's Day concert, features AAMI's Boys Choir alumni Tommy Parker. Tommy Parker started singing with AAMI's Boys Choir at the age of 10 years old; today, he is producer and songwriter for Darkchild, working with artists such as Janet Jackson, Usher, and many others. On June 19, at 4 PM, AAMI will hold a Dinner Concert at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts located at 6300 Fifth Ave. On Saturday, June 18, Tommy Parker will hold a community Music Industry workshop at AAMI, 7131 Hamilton Avenue in Homewood from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. He will be accompanied by other musicians including Jessica Lee, Roy Razika and Keith Moncrief.

The AAMI's Boys Choir has performed at festivals, churches, universities, civic affairs and social organizations throughout the metropolitan Pittsburgh Area. The Boys Choir toured and performed at Spellman College, (Atlanta, GA), St. Mark's Anglican Church, (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada), local churches in Milwaukee, WI and Six Flags Theme Park on the Great American Stage, (Gurnee, Il.). The Choir performed in Memphis, TN at the Civil Rights Museum and at Cannon Theatre in celebration of STAX Record's 50th Anniversary.

Proceeds from this year's concert will underwrite the costs for the Boys Choir Tour and performance at the 1st National Boys Choir, Invitational Convention at the University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, June 23-25, 2011. AAMI's Boys Choir will represent the City of Pittsburgh at the National Boys Choir competition.

A SHOUT OUT TO ALL YOUNG MEN WHO HAVE BEEN APART OF AAMI's BOYS' CHOIR

Please mail/email a brief personal biography for AAMI's Boys Choir Reunion Celebration. We would love to hear from you!

For more information, tickets or to donate to AAMI's Boys Choir Tour please contact AAMI at 412-241-6775 or visit us at www.afroamericanmusic.org.

**AAMI is a member agency of the United Way of Allegheny County -- Designation Code 927578**
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AAMI Open House Celebrates Music Education and Entertainment

Afro American Music Institute

Open House

@ AAMI - 7131 Hamilton Ave Pittsburgh PA 15208

Saturday April 30th 1pm - 7pm

Sunday May 1st 2pm - 6pm

AAMI invites you to come visit our facilities. Come join us and celebrate our rich legacy of music education and entertainment. Have a tour, meet the founders, the faculty, the staff, the board members and youth and adult students. Come see the newly renovated loading dock which will serve as the multi purpose room for upcoming events, recitals, meetings, rental space and more!



Performance Schedule

Saturday April 30th 1:00pm - 3:00 pm

AAMI faculty and Youth Jazz Ensemble

4:00pm - 7:00pm - Smooth Groove Band

Sunday May 1st 2:00pm - 6:00pm

Sunday's Best Gospel Featuring Deryck Tines Mitchell and other surprise guest artist.



Held At

AAMI
7131 Hamilton Ave
Pittsburgh PA 15208

Dr. James & Pamela Johnson, Founders of AAMI

For more information call (412)-241-6775 or visit our website at http://www.afroamericanmusic.org/

Afro-American Music Institute Celebrates 28th Anniversary



Dr. James and Pamela Johnson, Founders of AAMI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PITTSBURGH, PA (PittsburghNewsWire.com) -- The Afro-American Music Institute, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, providing systematic specialized Instrumental and vocal training in all styles of the African American music tradition, will be hosting its 28th Anniversary at the beautiful River's Club located downtown Pittsburgh on Saturday, March 26, 2011, starting at 6:00 pm.

The spectacular celebration will feature live music entertainment by AAMI's faculty, advanced students from our Jazz Youth Group, and special guest artists featuring Jazz artist Sean Jones, and popular rhythm and blues group "Smooth Groove." In addition to dancing the night away, the Chefs of the River's Club will be preparing a Soul Food Buffet menu.

The proceeds from the anniversary will benefit youth scholarship and programs at AAMI.

You don't want to miss this great celebration of AAMI's 28th years in the community!

Reservations are required. To RSVP or for additional information, please call (412) 241-6775.


MEDIA CONTACT:

Pam Jordon

Afro American Music Institute

7131 Hamilton Ave

Pittsburgh PA 15147

412-241-6775

AAmusicIn@aol.com

www.AfroAmericanMusic.org

Jazz Artist, Sean Jones





Business Exchange Breakfast--Do Business in the African American Community

Our Erie Neighbors

Tuesday, July 15, 2008
7:30-9:00 a.m.
RSVP by July 11, 2008
Toll Free: 877-374-0222
Email: ra-gacaaa@state.pa.us
Location:
Bayfront Convention Center
1 Sassafras Pier
Erie, PA 16507
The Business Exchange Breakfast is a platform for entrepreneurs, small
business~ community leaders, and government officials to learn about
opportunities and needs in the community. Don't .miss out on this exceptional
occasion to meet those who affect the African American community.
Don't miss out on this great opportunity!
Bring plenty of business cards!
This is a free event brought to you by the Governor's
Advisory Commission on African American Affairs.
For more information about the commission, visit
www.africanam.state.pa.us
Edward G. RendeJ~ Governor
,Sof!YaM. Tole1) Executive Director


Governor's Advisory Commission on African American Affairs
506 Finance Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
Phone: 877-374-0222
Fax: 717-787-4015
Email: ra-gacaaa@state.pa.us
www.africanam.state.pa.us

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