american - Blogs - Black Business Women Online

Airline Cuts

Posted by Dana Hickles on September 5, 2009 at 1:30pm

Tuesday, September 1, 2009, 12:39pm CDT | Modified: Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 7:35amAMR to cut 921 flight attendant jobsDallas Business JournalAmerican Airlines Inc. said Tuesday that 921 flight attendant positions will be eliminated, effective Oct. 1. The move will help the airline reach its previously announced goal of cutting 1,200 flight attendant jobs by the end of the year.The airline had delayed the cuts to allow time for flight attendants to accept voluntary leaves. In a statement, American said the reductions include "449 voluntary options, 224 involuntary overage leaves and 228 furloughs.”Flight attendants who volunteered to accept leaves saved 279 jobs from ending up on an involuntary furlough list, the airline said. With a two-month involuntary leave, 244 flight attendants will preserve their jobs while also allowing other flight attendants to continue flying.After accounting for the overage leaves, travel separations and modified flying schedules, the airline still had to eliminate 228 flight attendant positions to reach its goal of cutting 1,200 positions by October.American announced in late spring that the carrier would make the cuts to help keep the airline's operational expenses in line with the business demands of the current economy.Southwest Airlines Co. will cut 42 round-trip flights but add another 32 round-trip flights for schedules that run from Jan. 10 through March 12.The changes will mean a loss of 10 round-trip flights during the early 2010 travel period, Southwest said. A spokesman for the airline said 92 markets will be affected by the changes.The only adjustment in North Texas is the addition of one flight between Dallas and Houston, Dallas-based Southwest (NYSE: LUV) said.The airline says it's adjusting its flight schedule due to changing traffic patterns.Southwest uses optimization technology to help assess customer demand and add value, a spokeswoman for the airline said, noting that scheduling changes at Southwest occur throughout the year.

What are you looking to accomplish within your business!

Posted by Freedompeople Magazine on June 22, 2009 at 11:39pm

FREEDOMPEOPLE Magazine was created to elevate and inspire. We have focused our mission on doing what is best for people to try to enrich the life's of each of our readers and all people in the urban communities, by providing a excellent publication that is greatly needed in the coming days. Many forget what entertainment means, when it is just that: Entertainment. What you spend most of your days listening to or watching on TV. But what's on TV is just that; Reality TV, NOT Your reality.FREEDOMPEOPLE Magazine will be a very valuable influence in the world because we can relate more to our reader's then what they see on TV or read in other magazines therefore, our reader's will trust in what we provide to them in each and every issue! We know that by providing our readers with the necessity of knowledge they need; they will become better human beings with a better, clearer conscious of the "Real Picture" so to speak. We have focused our vision in, FREEDOMPEOPLE Magazine, to teach our readers what we think is the best "entertainment" for our community and our younger generation growing up in the world!Please visit our website and SUBSCRIBE!

Prosperity of the Spirit means to Tap in the Power Within

Posted by Omitunde on April 7, 2009 at 9:15pm

Prosperity of the spirit comes about only with focused action and intention. It is not like cashing a check and seeing the goods you purchased.Every action is not a transaction there is not a tangible exchange or payoff for every thing we do in life.We operate in a system of values that is supposed to come from our family through the people that care for us and raise us.We learn to be honest individuals functioning as productive people responsible for representing our family as good citizens and respectable representations of our parents.Struggle and trauma can make us feel empty and disconnected from our very own family, like an outcast that one understands.Continue ReadingAfrican American Family Connection magazine promotes family values through original content and articles relating to the traditions, history, culture and social-environmental issues that challenge the quality of life for the black family. Omitunde, Creative Director http://www.africanamericanfamilyconnection.com

The Path to Happiness and Prosperity - TeleSeminar

Posted by Omitunde on April 10, 2009 at 6:44pm

This seminar is only for people who believe in prosperity!

Great! Since this includes you, read on.Recognize prosperity and correct your views about money.Gain the tools you will need to discover what is blocking your prosperity and change your views about money and wealth.Examine the milestones we experience in life that influence our attitude and values around money.Believe that you deserve the best and can receive it.We all want to pursue happiness by living a comfortable life and having all the things we want.Do you find that prosperity and wealth stays just beyond your reach?How do you get in your own way?* We can see prosperity when someone else has it.* Is there a difference in having money or wealth?* What does prosperity mean to you?* What are your symbols of prosperity.Send in your Prosperity Questions in advance to network@aafamilyconnection.comFacillator: Omitunde, mentor and creator of African American Family Connection “Kitchen Table Wisdom for A Stronger African American Family”®AAFC empowers families locally, nationally and globally to establish and reclaim a presence as a viable positive force for change. http://www.africanamericanfamilyconnection.comThe Teleseminar will be April 23rd, 2009Start time 7:00 p.m. EST (East Coast Time)AAFC Conference Line:218.486.1616 (Access Code Sent after Confirmation)So put the kids to bed early, get yourself settled and join us.

Register early to reserve your place now!http://africanamericanfamilyconnection.com/the-path-to-happiness-and-prosperity.htm

Do You Know James Ingram the Artist from Akron OH

Posted by Omitunde on March 13, 2009 at 12:28am

The latest music of one of my favorite artist and someone knew from my hometown is so awesome I want everyone to be blessed with this music as I have been for most of my life. James Ingram and I grew up in the same neighborhood, in Akron, Ohio and his music is so familiar to me.James has an extensive collection of music from Revelation Funk of the 1970’s to singing back up with Ray Charles and everyone remembers PYT “Pretty Young Thang” and “Secret Garden” just to mention a few of his talents.I have listened to his parents sing in church, his brother play the organ in church and stood next to his sister in our high school choir. Yes the entire family is talented and deeply Spiritual. This latest work brings back memories of that sleepy little industrial town where everyone worked at the rubber factory and went to church.His latest work reminds me of high school football games, summer picnics at Turkeyfoot Lake and going to church. “Stand in the Light” is reminiscent of Sunday school followed by morning service and a dinner after church already prepared waiting to be reheated.The testimony of a neighbor or someone “shouting” and being filled with the Spirit that morning in church inspired you to make a new commitment to yourself to be better because it could always be worse and that you could be in someone else’s shoes.In Don’t Let Go he sings of what his father taught him about lessons learned and enduring life on life’s terms. His family was a strong presence in the church as I remember them.Continue ReadingOmitunde, Publisher of African American Family ConnectionAn online magazine about African American Family values, traditions, and culture.Visit AAFC for the latest issue each month and a copy of "The Ripple Effect" E-Coursehttp://www.africanamericanfamilyconnection.com

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine

Posted by Omitunde on February 19, 2009 at 2:32am

Aging in the African American Community

"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine." My granddaughter sang this song to me to remind me to be present and available for my family to be thankful for my health and ability to maintain good health.It is awesome that I can play games with her and prepare my own meals, bathe myself, dress myself and maintain my own daily survival. There are many of my peers in my age group that cannot take care of themselves.Remember when grandma could watch the children and cook a big holiday meal, or granddad would repair our car and give us money when we needed it. When their health began declining and they needed us, we were not available.Omitunde, Publisher of African American Family ConnectionAn online magazine about African American Family values and community.Visit AAFC for the latest issue each month and a copy of "The Ripple Effect".http://www.africanamericanfamilyconnection.com

Emancipation from public education

Posted by BlackHomeSchoolers on February 11, 2009 at 5:30pm

As parents we must make tough decisions in regards to our kids. The decisions we make will impact their lives even after they are all grown up. Just imagine for one moment that a decision that you made ruined or deeply impacted your child’s life in a negative way. How will you deal with knowing that your decisions may have harmed your child.Well, believe it or not the decision to send children to public school has proven to have some major negative ramifications. Many children pick up some very bad habits and ways from being in public school. Many of our young people are exposed to drugs, alcohol, sex, homosexuality, violence and more just from going to public school. Some children face the pressures of bullying and not being able to keep up among other things. All of this is the result of being in an unstable and hostile environment.When a child is in a hostile environment they are unable to function properly. There is no such thing as telling your child to merely concentrate and ignore what‘s happening around them. A statement such as that , suggest that you don’t have an answer for your child and therefore can only put the situation on the back burner. Many parents find out the hard way that this decision may ultimately harm their child’s future. The instability in the public school environment has helped lead to the rapid decline in academic achievement in our schools. This is why there is such a huge increase in home education. The public school system has failed our children.Home education has such a rapid increase, especially amongst African Americans, which is primarily due to the insufficient educational process of the public school. It is estimated that more than 2,000,000 American children are home schooled. This number will continue to increase as parents awareness is sparked. More and more parents are taking the plunge into home schooling as they realize that they can better educate their children.Black home schoolers are especially motivated to take on the role as parent-teacher seeing that African American children have a higher dropout rate than any other race. The only way to protect your child from becoming a part of this dropout statistic is to become and early dropout through emancipating yourselves from the state institutional education. Please understand that I’m referring to having your child drop out of a failed institution and reviving their learning through home education. We here at The Black Home Schoolers Association would like to help in every way we can. Please feel free to contact us or visit our website at: www.BlackHomeschoolers.com

For the book lover on your Christmas list...

Posted by Diane Martin on December 7, 2008 at 1:00pm

Autumn Leaves by Diane Martin

Autumn Leaves is the story of forbidden love, lies, and deceit. It is a story of self-discovery that engages the readers own definition of love gained and love lost. Claire is in love with the man of her dreams who she plans to marry until a woman walks into their lives and forces her to question herself, her beliefs, and her love for the only person who has always been there for her. Mimi is Claire’s best friend. Open about every aspect of her life, Mimi holds a secret that if exposed could change both of their lives forever. In a story of self-reflection, we find a connection in each woman’s struggle for definition and truth.***Adult ContentPaperback: 264 pagesCover and Book Design: Borel GraphicsPrinted by: United Graphics, Inc.Language: EnglishGenre: Mystery, Psychological ThrillerISBN-10: 0980217612ISBN-13: 978-0-9802176-1-2Rating: ***** (5 Stars)Purchase Price: $18.99Book ReviewMaking Choices and Keeping Secrets Can Be DeadlyIn Autumn Leaves, author Diane Martin, introduced readers to a unique and interesting story of forbidden love, secrets, revenge, and choices. Claire thought she had everything she wanted – she was in love with the man of her dreams and she had a great best friend. Yet, there was still something missing. After being introduced to Autumn, a high school friend of her boyfriend, Claire began to experience desires that she never felt before. Claire began to make choices that affected her relationship with her boyfriend. She also began to keep secrets and tell lies that became deadly to them all.Martin has written a very sensitive story. Readers will become involved in the lives of the characters as they made choices that affect everyone. Many of the topics discussed are considered taboo despite being considered mainstream by others. Martin discusses the consequences and options that character Claire had to face and the impact her choices had on her everyday life. I found the book to be very entertaining and l literally dropped my jaw when I got to the end. This book is a must read for anyone that likes drama mixed with some mystery.- Priscilla C. JohnsonTo purchase a copy:http://dimartin01.books.officelive.com

Sankofa, “go back and fetch it”

Posted by Omitunde on November 2, 2008 at 6:14pm

I grew up during a time when African Americans loved each other and lived in neighborhoods and communities that were interconnected like the web of love. A web of love and support that looked like women cooking for other families when there was illness or taking food to a repast for a family grieving the loss of a loved one. Yes, I was one of those children thatwas corrected by a neighbor and again when they informed my parents of what I was guilty of.Today we are not that close knit community. If you say something to a young person today, you could get cussed out or worse, physically attacked.Reuniting the African American family is very important to me and I hope is it important to everyone who cares about the future of African American children. Have you ever looked around at the people that would come to your aid in a crisis? If you are the head of your household, who would come to assist your loved ones if something happened to you? It is urgent that we reconnect and become strong again.Read more

What Does Daddy Do?

Posted by Omitunde on October 31, 2008 at 6:30pm

I am ranting about Dads today....Mom's generally have most of the responsibility with children. Even if mom works full or part-time, they are expected to do everything. Even when father's are in the home, mother's do most of the work.Mothers manage every aspect of their child or children's lives. There are some Dad's who do these things too. So why is to special and amazing when a man does these thing but just responsibility when a woman does it?Not every woman may do everything on this list. This list reflects the things that children need. They can exist without all of these things, But they deserve this and more. If you are not doing all these things, this in no way is a reflection of you or how you live and/or take care of your children.These things are done by most women, and not meant to reflect every possible situation. Whether a women is married or has a partner, these items are the what every women should be doing for her children if she has them.Work in or out of the home to make a living to maintain basic needs of her familyBuy and cook for their children on a regular basisShop for whatever it is that children need, based on what they can affordClean up behind them and teach them to maintain a clean environmentPrepare children for private/public child care or school by potty-training, manners, communicate, share, etcBathe them or make sure the bathe everydayComb or cut their hair, wash it and teach them to take care of itEnsure that children brush their teeth at least twice a dayGet them to school either by walking/driving or pubic transportationMonitor how much television they watchMonitor how much time they spend playing video games or using the computerRead to them, and teach them to readHomework is essential to be done with at least one parent dailyBeing their biggest fan and letting them know they are celebratedWipe their butts and teach them to wipe their own buttsWashing, storing, taking care of clothes that they grow out ofPurchase what they need - from A to ZSort through what they have outgrownMake sure they dress appropriately for the weatherSupport them in social activities and sportsInspire a desire for learningOkay so this is not what I would call is an extensive list, so what do Dad's do?????If you are a dad and you do these things, great, but what happens if you want to go out with the boys, or watch the football game? Why is it easier for men to go about doing whatever they want to do and the women is always expected to take care of the children? The children belong to both parents even if they do not live together.Omitunde, Publisher of African American Family ConnectionAn online magazine about African American Family values and community.Visit AAFC for the latest issue each month and a copy of ."The Ripple Effect"

Fired @ 54, not supervisable!

Posted by Omitunde on November 6, 2008 at 7:30pm

I went after a job in a place where I believed I could make a difference providing a service to Black people, my people that I feel most connected to. The revolutionary side of me is passionate about affecting social change and making a difference. All fired up after finally completing my undergraduate degree I was idealistic and proudly anticipating working at a Historically Black College.My intent was to connect with African American parents and students to assist them in securing funding through Financial Aid effectively as someone who understood the anxiety they may have been experiencing. My belief is that I understood the challenge of feeling intimidated and overwhelmed but together we could come up with a plan that worked to the advantage of the student and parent and secured their admission, tuition, and housing requirements.The work proved to be more than challenging and even though I anticipated it to be difficult I expected to be trained well enough to meet the challenge. A very wise woman that had been in the industry for almost 30 years taught me as much as she could in between the demands of her own student load and time lines.The office operations were flat and loosely structured and the environment was highly charged by politics and big egos. When I needed help I would go to my co-workers and make every effort to get the right answer for the best outcome. In almost every instance, I received a different answer no matter who I went to. Seasoned individuals performed procedures the way it has always been done like before computers became the focus. It was effective in its time although time consuming. Fairly new professionals performed procedures in whatever way allowed it be done the fastest. Mistakes were made but time lines were met most of the time.Read moreOmitunde, Publisher of African American Family ConnectionAn online magazine about African American Family values and community.Visit AAFC for the latest issue each month and a copy of "The Ripple Effect".

NEW ISSUE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY CONNECTION IS READY!!!

Posted by Omitunde on October 15, 2008 at 5:36pm

Hope your October is colorful and beautiful!Here's a toast to Women in Business and the abundance of the Harvest season!May your business grow and grow and grow and the seeds you plant yield prosperity!Check out the Current Issue of my magazine.Sign Up to Stay In Touch and receive a free copy of The Ripple Effect - a personal development EcourseGo to http://www.africanamericanfamilyconnection.conLinda

Support Indie Businesses - Stop This Bail Out!

Posted by Donna Maria Coles Johnson on October 1, 2008 at 3:00pm

Join Me and the American Small Business League!

In a phone conversation a few minutes ago with a representative of the American Small Business League, I was given permission to post this information. While the ASBL serves companies with up to 500 employees, far more employees than Indie Business Owners have, their interests are similar to ours in some ways. ASBL's review of the new Emergency (it's not an emerency) Economic Stabiliation Act of 2008 reveals a provision that give unfettered discretion to the federal government to waive set-aside provisions that benefit small, woman-owned and minority-owed businesses.

Stop_sign_408

Indies, I know that some large businesses have acted unfairly to take advantage of some of the SBA's set-aside programs. I am personally disgusted with how programs that were originally designed for real small businesses have been intentionally ignored by companies that find a way to benefit simply by having attorneys walk through loopholes and publicists to "spin" everything once they've made millions of dollars by emloying unethical and illegal practices. I fear from a policy perspective that this will only get worse if the government can use this new law to waive, at its discretion, provisions protecting traditional small businesses. Just imagine where that leaves Indies! Please review ASBL's overview below and decide for yourself whether you agree that the law should not pass with this provision. If so, act now using the easy to use templates and links below.

Letter From American Small Business League

Today, I am contacting you with an important legislative alert and a call to action. As you may know, [Monday,] the House of Representatives voted down the financial bailout bill, by a 228-205 House Vote. The bill, H.R. 3997, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, contained a provision that could have had far-reaching negative impacts for small businesses across the country. We are concerned that as Congress moves forward with the second incarnation of the bill, this legislative language could come up again.

Specifically, Section 107 of H.R. 3997 would give overly broad authority to the Secretary of the Treasury, allowing the Secretary to waive or suspend provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). The bill states, "The Secretary may waive specific provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation upon a determination that urgent and compelling circumstances make compliance with such provisions contrary to the public interest." This vaguely worded power grab could lead to vital small businesses programs being suspended on the whim of the Treasury Secretary.

While this bill was voted down in House, it is almost certain that a new bailout bill with a similar provision will be introduced and possibly voted on soon. We cannot allow a bill to pass that contains legislative language, which weakens or removes the current protections for small businesses. In addition to concerns regarding the bailout plan, we are concerned that the language of H.R. 3997 did not contain any provisions to help small businesses compete during these hard economic times. With that in mind, we are pushing for the inclusion of a provision that would stop the diversion of federal small business contracts to large corporations, as a means of giving a boost to the middle class economy.

Given the gravity and time sensitive nature of this issue, we ask that you offer an official statement from your chamber opposing language similar to that of Section 107 and supporting the removal of large firms from federal small business contracting programs. Additionally, we ask that you distribute our message to your members, asking them to contact their elected officials regarding this issue. We would appreciate a copy of any letter that you decide to send to your congressional representatives. Please email me a copy of your letter or send it via fax to (707) 789-9580.

For your convenience I have included: a description of our concerns, a link to the congressional contact portal, a copy of H.R. 3997, and a letter template that you can personally use to contact your congressional representatives.

Thank you and please let me know if you have any questions.

Best regards,
Kevin Baron | Director of Government Affairs
American Small Business League
707.789.9575w | 707.789.9580f
kbaron@asbl.com | www.asbl.com

ASBL Concerns

We are concerned that Section 107 of S. 3997, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, will be included in the second incarnation of the financial bailout bill. Section 107 of the bill, will give overly broad powers to the Secretary of the Treasury, which would allow the Secretary to waive specific provisions within the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) given, "urgent and compelling circumstances," which make compliance with such provisions contrary to the public interest. The suspension of the FAR would effectively remove vital protections for small businesses in federal contracting programs.

The language in H.R. 3997 was too vague and ill defined, which will open the door for an abuse of power that will harm small businesses. New bailout legislation will be introduced and possibly voted on by the end of the week and we cannot allow a bill to pass, which contains legislative language that weakens or removes the current protections for small business contractors, while giving the Treasury Secretary, overly broad powers.

Every year billions of dollars in federal small business contracts are awarded to Fortune 500 corporations, their subsidiaries and European firms. The current language of the bailout bill does not address stopping the diversion of federal small business contract dollars to large corporations. We believe that by including language to remove large firms from small business programs, we could infuse the middle class economy with billions of additional dollars.

Due to the urgency of the current financial situation and the willingness of Congress to introduce and pass a bailout bill within a quick timetable, we are asking that you take immediate action to help protect small businesses.

Links

H.R. 3997 (PDF)
Chamber Endorsement Letter Template
Senate Contact Portal
House of Representatives Contact Portal

Sample Letter

Dear Senator/Representative _______,

I would like to express my concern regarding the inclusion of Section 107 from H.R. 3997, the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 or any other legislative language that has the potential to weaken federal programs designed for small businesses. I oppose giving the Secretary of the Treasury the ability to waive specific provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) under any circumstances.

Additionally, small businesses are the backbone of our nation's economy. Every year billions of dollars in federal small business contracts are awarded to Fortune 500 corporations, their subsidiaries and European firms. That said, I support amending the current language of the bailout to include a boost for small businesses in middle class America, by precluding the federal government from counting large corporations towards the congressionally mandated small business procurement goal.

Small businesses are a vital engine of growth in our economy and I strongly urge you take action to ensure that small businesses remain protected.

Thank you,

Name
Date

What do you think?

I just wrote my representatives. Did you write yours? Share your thoughts and actions!

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Turn You On!

Posted by KAMAL IMANI*The Soul Griot! on October 6, 2008 at 7:10pm

Updates and Social Networking Works

Posted by Christine on August 26, 2008 at 1:26pm

Hi all!As you may or may not know, I've opened a new website for sista-, mom- and women-preneurs. The url is womenpreneurs.info,. It is primarily an informational site and I encourage you all to sign up for email updates. In addition, I have placed all of the BBC featured businesses on this site also. If you were a featured business of the BBC and your site has not been added, please drop me a line using the "Contact Box" on the front page of the site.I am also still chugging along on my 60 day Squidoo Challenge. Let me tell you, it is a challenge. Writing on something new everyday is certainly stretching my creative and writing skills. However, as I get to the topic of my post - it's well worth the challenge - because Social Networking works.I joined sistapreneurs.com in November of 2007, but I have not been truly active until Feb-March of this year. I also purchased LaShanda's "banner ad" package and my ads are running on her network of sites. I was checking my statcounter the other day and I started looking at my traffic and where it came from. 72% of my traffic to my sales sites originated from either sistapreneurs.com, one of msoyonline.com sites or a person with whom I connected on this site. That is a tremendous amount of traffic! In February, my total page visits were 944 (for the month) . By July, it has risen to 1600 for the month.Social networking works - I have three blogs (not including what I do on here), I write content for Squidoo, I have two sales websites (which I have optimized for the search engine), I write guest posts on other blogs, I have a myspace, I twitter, I'm on linkedin and facebook. Plus, my new website, womenpreneurs. Whew! It's a lot of work, but since I'm seeing results, it's well worth it.I truly expect my page hits to increase --I'm actually preparing for Christmas as we speak.So, please, if you're blogging, tweeting, etc. and not thinking you're seeing results, look at what you're doing -- target your audience and write to them.I remember one thing that Richelle Shaw said in her teleseminar - you are selling yourself - the product is just a by-product of your successful selling of you. If you can get people to connect with you, you will be able to sell them your product or service. Stop selling your product and sell yourself. Good luck!CeeCee Woolard
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R&B Singer Mario Discusses His 'Do Right Foundation' In emPower Magazine

Posted by liu karama/emPower magazine on July 19, 2008 at 7:00pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: DeShuna SpencerPhone: 703.328.5522Email: deshuna@liukarama.comR&B Singer Mario Discusses His 'Do Right Foundation' In emPower Magazine

(Alexandria, VA)—In the July 23 issue of emPower magazine, J Records platinum selling, R&B recording artist Mario will share with readers why he is not just the average celebrity. Part of the magazine's “Star Power” section, which highlights celebrities' philanthropy and non profit work, the Q&A features his "Do Right Foundation."Mario talks about how he is aiming to inspire and emPower the youth through his foundation. Mario also candidly discusses the challenges he faced growing up, his mother's substance abuse problem and why he wasn't ashamed to reveal his past on a MTV documentary for all to see.Published by Liu Karama Productions LLC, emPower (www.empowernewsmag.com)--which launched last month--is the strong, upbeat, voice that tackles the day-to-day challenges facing the African American community, praises community organizations and individuals who are giving back, and publishes motivating columns and relevant national and international Black news. Exclusively online, emPower is an unbiased source offering content on politics, education, business, technology, science, sports, nutrition/fitness, stimulating books, film and music, the environment, mental wellness, the spirit and grassroots initiatives from expert writers and columnists. In addition, a multimedia section of the site hosts a blog, a social network, a forum, a news-related poll and a video library, which showcases seasoned or amateur videographers’ short documentaries. A “lighter-side” section of the site, called Literary, highlights poetry, readers’ travel experiences and first-person narratives. Podcasts and video casts, along with other exciting content will be added to the site next year. emPower is updated every Wednesday.About MarioMario released his debut album in 2002 at the tender age of 15 with his hit single "Just a Friend," creating great buzz in the world of R&B. The Baltimore native, followed up with a sophomore release in 2005, "Turning Point," that sold an impressive 2 million copies with hit single, "Let Me Love You," resting comfortably at the top of the charts for nine consecutive weeks, not to mention also being one of the highest selling ringtone singles to date. His second album also made it a great year at the 2005 Billboard Music Awards for him as he took home the R&B/Hip-Hop Award for Top R&B/Hip-Hop single, a Billboard Music Award for Hot R&B/Hip-Hop single of the year and a slew of nominations from the Grammy’s, BET Awards, Vibe Awards, MOBO Awards and the Soul Train Music Awards. This singer/songwriters latest release, "Go," is also topping the charts with hit single, "How Do I Breathe," showing that he has transformed into a mature young man and has proved that he is a force to be reckoned with.Mario, also, just wrapped up an impressive appearance on Dancing with the Stars, where although he did not win, still captured millions with his suave and charismatic dance moves. His talent however, does not stop with music and dancing, he is also an actor. He appeared in the 2006 film, "Step Up," and also in the 2007 film "Freedom Writers" with Hilary Swank.The future is bright for this young star and when he is not belting out hit tunes, he is using his celebrity to emPower the younger generation one youth at a time with his new mentoring foundation called, "Do Right Foundation." Find out more about Mario at mario2u.com and about his foundation at mariodoright.org.To learn more about emPower magazine, how to join the mailing list or become a contributor, visit: www.emPowernewsmag.com.

What is Business Credit Cards?

Posted by aika on June 3, 2008 at 9:04am

Financial is one of the important parts of the business. Whether it is a start-up business or an established business, business credit cards can be an aid in building business credit. As your business grows, you will need a helping hand to manage your business expenses and income. Using a business credit card separates your personal accounts from your business accounts. Most importantly, using business credit cards is the quickest and easiest way to obtain credit.Why Business Credit Cards?Here are some of the benefits why you should apply for a business credit card.Interest-free credit. Using business credit cards, your business can take advantage of interest-free credit for a limited period.Separation of expenses. For business, handling expenses is a difficult task. For example, how many times you've had to pay for a business dinner on your personal credit card if you need evidence of that.Expense managed report. With this, it allows you to get periodic reports of any section your business expenses. In this case, your accounting department no longer has to manually account for all your business expenses as the card comes with itemized monthly statements.Staff cardholders. Your staff can have each business credit card, so that they can meet their business expenses without having to pay for them personally.Online payments. You can pay quickly and easily all your business expenses online. In this way, it helps save your accounting team plenty of time and effort.Insurance. With the use of credit cards for business to pay for any business travel expenses of your staff members, they should not only get free travel insurance but also any other travel benefits that are associated with the card. In this way, it saves your business the expense of having to pay for the insurance separately.Higher credit line. Some credit card companies are willing to give business credit cardholders a higher level of credit than individuals. This should mean that your business never needs worry about how to pay for entertainment, stationary or travel expenses again.Rewards. Avail rewards packages with the use of your business credit card e.g. air miles, cash back, etc.Hotels. As a member of a business card program you may find that the card issuer has a special relationship with a hotel that gives you preferential bookings at hotels close to where you need to be - so no more long travel journeys from hotels to meetings.Billing. With small business credit cards billing, you may have an option whether to pay the entire balance each month or carryover a balance to the next statement period, as suits your business needs, much the same way individual credit cards do.

NSAKA SUNSUM: Touching the Spirit. CACSEA Educators Symposium April 4th & 5th 2008

Posted by NU Renaissance~ Ms. Bradford on March 18, 2008 at 7:00pm

NSAKA SUNSUM: Touching the Spirit.CACSEA Educators SymposiumApril 4-5, 2008An Educational Process for Achieving EducationalExcellence with African American StudentsAUDIENCE: New and experienced teachers, administrators, professionaldevelopers, support providers, and parent/family/community members.CONTENT: A multifaceted institute which includes sessions on theâ€œNsaka Sunsum: Touching the Spiritâ€ with national and local universityeducators/scholars noted for their work in effective programs forAfrican American students. Large and small-group sessions will be heldwith successful classroom teachers and university educators who willdemonstrate and analyze effective classroom curriculum, instructionalpractices, and discuss classroom and school-wide implementation.EARLY REGISTRATION: DUE BY March 20, 2008. Onsite registration availableFEE: $100 per personThis institute is aligned with NCLB, Title One and SAITIntervention Requirements.LOCATION: Asa Academy 2811 Adeline Street Oakland, Ca 94607For information contact: CACSEA (510) 830-6305 â€“ cacsea@iasbflc.orgA separate registration form is available at www.iasbflc.org

Andrea's Insider

Posted by Andrea Fields on March 13, 2008 at 6:00pm

According to Target Market News, in 2005 Blacks/ African Americans spent $719 billion dollars on goods and services. It is projected that the buying power of Blacks/ African Americans will be $1 trillion dollars by the calendar year 2010. When I recently Googled 'black buying power' I was surprised by the number of professional articles I found that talked about how to market to Black/ African American people. Of the few articles I perused, not one of them talked about their corporate/ organizational responsibility to the communities they want to fleece. Not one of them mentioned the needs that exist in many of our communities. I was only five or six articles in when I got a clear image of a world (with few exceptions) that wants to take everything they can from us and give NOTHING back in return.An adage that I was taught many moons ago simply states: He who has the gold rules. It seems to me that since we as a race have the gold we should be ruling. I am so very happy to see the numbers of our people who are beginning to network with and patronize one another in greater numbers than ever before. I'm so happy that our value and worth are now being recognized and our historical accomplishments are no longer being hidden from our youth. But I am very curious and concerned about one thing. What is going to happen when our hard earned dollars are circulating in our own communities several times? What will happen as more and more sisters revert back to natural hair styles and patronizing black only nail techs in order to break the back of the Asian Connection that is not only taking over the hair care industry but is making inferior copies of black produced products while systematically nudging us out of the market? What is going to happen when there are lines outside of black owned grocery stores, liquor stores and gas stations while those that are owned and managed by other ethnicities become virtually empty? What is going to happen when our children are able to find summer jobs and internships within our own communities? What will happen as a result of us using our wealth for our own sustenance, empowerment, and glory?Personally, I don't think the rest of the world will stand idly by and let that happen. I suspect that at the very least we will all have a bunch of new found friends whose main concern will be to win our business away from our own family (I love that term as opposed to the n-word and it is soooooo fitting - my brothers and sisters). As that time approaches and as we deliberate regarding how to handle the opposition that is sure to come, let us remember that people of many nationalities would not hire one of us for any reason; and many of those who did required us to work for minimum wage money under the table, doing work that is beneath them so we would not be entitled to any working benefits or unemployment. Let us remember that many of them treated us like second or third class citizens while we were patronizing their establishments. Many of them intentionally cheat us and our children then get an attitude when we bring their -ah hem- error to their attention. I'm so glad that growing numbers of us are finally working in concert toward leveling the playing field. But remember, just because we deserve to benefit from the power of our own buying power doesn't mean they will sit by idly and let us.BTW: They in this blog specifically refers to people who are either not ethnically recognized as being Black or African American or supporters of the equal rights and entitlements of Blacks/African Americans.

Networking - There IS a Method to the Madness

Posted by Alive Inc & ALIVE Magazine on March 11, 2008 at 2:59pm

Networking - There IS a Method to the MadnessTuesday, March 18, 2008 8:00 pm CT - 9:00 pm CTWhat is networking? Simply put networking is the exchange of information. Networking is also relationship building. In this seminar, participants will learn the purpose of networking and how to successfully network. Whether you are looking for a new job or seeking to grow your business, this seminar gives you to the tools to succeed. Get answers to many questions including: What are the benefits of networking? Do I already have a network? How do I network? With whom do I network? How much time should I dedicate to networking?What will you do differently today?Alive Incorporatedwww.aliveincorporated.comseed. plant. grow.To register visit:http://aliveincorporated-emailinvite.eventbrite.com/

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.

Note: this page contains paid content.