September, 2011 - Volume XVIII Issue VIII - Circulation... Plenty!

HAPPY BACK TO SCHOOL MONTH!
 (Even if I made that up)

Strive to learn something new!   Teach someone something!  Endeavor to share your love of learning!   Read an actual book (the kind with pages)!

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This issue of The Crystal News is dedicated to the memory of L.A.Banks who I didn't know well but with whom had the honor to speak about her brilliant book series, and to the memory of my aunt, Dorothy Walker, who I didn't know well enough but who created a life memory that helped my survive my childhood.

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A date has been set for Troy Davis' execution: September 21, 2011.  A clemency hearing has also been set - for Monday, September 19, 2011.  This is Troy Davis' last chance.  Please take action to save him.

Boyfriend From Hell Launch Party

• Saturday, September 10th, 2011 • 4:00 pm
• Hosted by E. Van Lowe & White Whisker Books
• (310) 617-7567
• Vroman's Books
• 695 E. Colorado Blvd.
• Pasadena, CA 91101

Gala Tribute for ETA Founder

T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh will be on hand at ETA Creative Arts Foundation's annual fundraising gala on Saturday, September 10, 2011 to help honor co-founder Abena Joan Brown.  After 40 years as president and producer of eta Creative Arts Foundation, Brown is stepping down as president. On March 1, 2011, Phillip Thomas was promoted to the position of president/CEO of the non-profit organization, one of the oldest and most prominent African American cultural institutions in the city of Chicago.  

 Keymáh got her start in one of ETA's long running productions, Okoro Johnson's, "The Regal Theater," she playing Dinah Washinton, and Tammy Terell, and sharing the role of Claudette Robinson with Sherry Scott.   During the run, she became one of the Regalettes after jumping in unrehearsed for one of the dancers in the show, choreographed by Najwa I.  This led to the versatile performer joining the Najwa Dance Corps. She has returned to support and perform for both dance company and ETA.

SAG Elections May Decide Merger Equity

A Message From Esai Morales, William Mapother, Scott Bakula, Valerie Harper, George Coe and David Jolliffe:  Every day, SAG members from Hollywood are asking questions about merger. Our answer, 'Let's make sure a merger benefits all Screen Actor's Guild members.' The usual response from the ruling majority of the SAG board?: “We’ll deal with that once merger happens.” Is that answer good enough?  We don’t think so.  Therefore, we’ll demand that before you’re asked to vote on merger, SAG answer your questions about a merged union. For example:

-Will the pension and health plans of the new union be as strong as SAG’s are now?
-Will the new union require its members to work ONLY union jobs (Global Rule 1) as SAG does now?
-Will actors have the majority vote regarding their own interests like SAG does now?
-Will the new union have requirements for membership as SAG does now?
-Will the facts, both PRO and CON, be included in the merger referendum sent to members for a vote?
The current SAG leadership believes that CERTAIN issues don’t need to be resolved before you vote on merger... Creating a merger plan behind CLOSED doors with AFTRA is unacceptable... SAG members must know the whole truth about a merger plan before being asked to vote... Please vote for the following independent candidates to ensure all voices are heard and all questions are asked.
Sincerely,

#3 William Mapother, #20 Scott Bakula, #26 Esai Morales, #27 Valerie Harper, #31 George Coe and #56 David Jolliffe.  We also ask for your vote for the additional independent candidates:  #6 Scott Pierce, #24 Pete Antico, #39 John Tremaine, #46 Mobin Khan and #48 Ron Ostrow.  For more information about the independent candidates, please visit RU4SAGMERGER.com.  Ballots must be returned by September 20th. 

T'Keyah Goes Back-to-School

On Friday, September 23, 2011, T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh will speak at her alma mater, St. Sabina Academy as part of the 2nd Annual Back To School With The HistoryMakers event.  The HistoryMakers is a nonprofit organization and the producers of the nation's largest African American oral history video archive.  For the event, 500 HistoryMakers will visit schools in nearly 109 cities and 35 states across the country to recount their own school experiences and the struggles they encountered on their paths to success.  The HistoryMakers Founder and Executive Director, Julieanna Richardson, says, "By bringing these living legends into the schools, we are raising awareness about the achievements of the accomplished African Americans in local communities and bringing these leaders into schools to see things firsthand."  

This year's participants include Senior Advisor to President Obama Valarie Jarrett, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, former Ambassador Andrew Young, singer/actress Melba Moore, Broadway choreographer George Faison, poet Nikki Giovanni, actress T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh (In Living Color, Cosby) and poet/author Sonia Sanchez.  Last year, Keymáh spoke with with fellow HistoryMakers  “The Wind Done Gone” author Alice Randall and her husband, business leader David Ewing author at Pearl Cohn High School in Nashville, TN, where she was directing jeff obafemi carr's "Route 66: Finding Nat King Cole" at Amun Ra Theatre. (www.thehistorymakers.com)

 

Kudos for Keymah Online

    

Celeb's We Love on NatSun  |  T’Keyah Crystal Keymah Posted on Nature Sunshine by Younique Curlz {Cheneri} on August 26, 2011- Her natural hair journey…

Sass 'n Curlz' Monday’s Muse—T’Keyah Crystal Keymah Posted on Sass 'n Curlz on August 8, 2011-

FAMU and FSU to Collaborate on New Dental School

The Florida State University (FSU) College of Medicine is prepared to work collaboratively with a future FAMU College of Dental Medicine.

KUDOS KUDOS KUDOS KUDOS

Congratulations to: Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre, National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., who will be appointed by President Barack Obama to the Board of Trustees of the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Foundation; Actor Author Molepo who was recently honored in his hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa for his contributions to  the entertainment industry.  Florida A&M University, named one of the best colleges in the Soutest by The Princeton Review; and Atlantic Southeast Airlines'  Captain Rachelle Jones, first officer Stephanie Grant and flight attendants Diana Galloway and  Robin Rogers for making history as the first all Black commercial airline crew go on girls women!

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The Crystal News respectfully acknowledges the life and transition of: Nick Ashford, L.A. Banks,   Jimmy Henderson, Hattie McClure, Bubba Smith, and Dorothy Walker.

We are blessed to have known their warm heart, bright smiles and good works. We are inspired to follow their brave and noble examples.

Have you hugged someone you love today?

The Crystal News - http://thecrystalnews.blogspot.com/ 
T'Keyah Fights City Hall - http://tkeyahfightscityhall.blogspot.com/ 

Keymah Presents - http://keymahpresents.blogspot.com/ 

www.tkeyah.com - Where Crystal visions come to life!