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          November, 2013  
   Volume XX Issue IX     Circulation... Plenty!     

Happy November!!!
Happy 
Gratitide Month!

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This Month, Pledge to: Cherish Your Life and it Purpose! Cherish Your Family!  Cherish Your Friends!  Cherish Your Skills, Talents, Gifts and Other Blessings! Cherish Your Challenges and Know That They are in Your path to Teach You! Cherish Those Who Have Sacrificed for You!  Love and Forgive!  Be a Part of the Solution!
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KEYMÁH JOINS CHICAGO's SSCFCU TO PROMOTE FINANCIAL WELLNESS.


On Saturday, November 16, 2013, South Side Community Federal Credit Union (SSCFCD) holds their 10th anniversary celebration, “People Helping People,” at the DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 East 56TH Place, from 6:00 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.  During the event, SSCFCU and T'Keyah Crystal Keymah will announce the launching of their newly formed strategic collaboration to improve the economic health of the community. “I believe the best way for me to give back to my community, ” the performer, Keymáh says, “is to invest in it with my time, talent and treasure. This is why I am so excited to partner with the South Side Community Federal Credit Union.”  South Side Community Federal Credit Union is a mission-driven, not-for-profit, community development financial institution that specializes in financial education and alternatives to predatory lending.  President/ CEO, Gregg Brown, says, “We are very enthusiastic and fortunate to partner with the multi-talented T'Keyah Crystal Keymah.  She is a powerful performer, director, writer and activist who shares our vision of community economic empowerment. Born and raised on Chicago's South side, she is truly using her celebrity status to make the neighborhoods she grew up in economically healthy and safe again.”  Together South Side Community Federal Credit Union and T'Keyah Crystal Keymah embark upon a journey to reverse the cycle of poverty on Chicago's South side by creating a pathway to prosperity. Don’t miss them atSouth Side Community Federal Credit Union’s 10th Anniversary Celebration, Sat. Nov. 16th at the DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, IL 60637. (773)548-5500 www.southsidecommuntyfcu.org

WHERE THE ACTION IS: Formerly "T'Keyah Fights City Hall"  which was formerly the "Do Something" and sometimes the "T'Keyah's Two Cents" columns of this newsletter, this is what the action should be...

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Ron Hasson, the president of my chapter of the NAACP, is petitioning California Attorney General Kamala Harris to address the racism that appears to be rampant on UCLA's campus.  Mr. Hasson writes, "Dr. Christian Head was a respected surgeon at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). But because he is black, Dr. Head was the target of blatant discrimination -- including a public presentation that featured an image depicting Dr. Head as a gorilla being sodomized by his white supervisor. Dr. Head fought back. After more than 100,000 people signed a petition supporting him on Change.org, his lawyers were able to secure a landmark settlement from UCLA. ...   The Los Angeles Times reports that the recent campus-wide study of racism at UCLA -- led by former California Supreme Court Justice Carlos Moreno -- said that UCLA regularly ignored complaints about discrimination and retaliation. One Latino professor reported being called a racial slur by a colleague in front of his students. He says he was told that reporting what happened to him would only "cause more trouble."  Since UCLA refuses to take action to address systemic racism on campus, it's time for Attorney General Harris to step in. As a strong woman of color in California leadership, Attorney General Harris is uniquely positioned to take swift and decisive action to address UCLA's pernicious culture of discrimination. I know that if thousands of people sign my petition, Attorney General Harris will respond, just as a petition created key pressure to enable Dr. Head to win his settlement from UCLA." It turns my stomach to think of what students are really learning in an environment that allows professors to be openly treated in this manner.  Please join me in signing Ron Hasson's petition to California Attorney General to intercede: Click Here!  This is where the action is...

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         I'm So Glad I'm From FAMU 
Last month, my beloved Alma Mater, Florida A & M University celebrated its annual Homecoming, and I was among the alumni that traveled back to the city of seven hills to renew ties and support our school.  I had a ball with my line sisters, with (Interim) President Larry Robinson and First Lady Sharon Robinson and too many others to name.  I often speak to students.  I always enjoy speaking to the current students and this trip was no exception.  I urge every college graduate to support your alma mater not just with you money, but with your time and your input as well.  I strongly encourage FAMU alumni to support our school, (Interim) President Larry Robinson, the individual school(s) from which they graduated, and, of course,  The T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Endowed Theater Scholarship at Florida A & M University

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CHARM "Blossoming Beauties" Workshop Series Every 1st and 3rd Saturdays

10/5/13-3/15/14

The "Blossoming Beauties" Workshop Series was created to uncover the realistic truths of beauty beyond physical attributes in an effort to mold young women of substance. The series runs every 1st and 3rd Saturday from 10/5/13-3/15/14. Each session features a different guest speaker on topics such as Body Image, The Power of Influence, Reputation & Respect, Vision, Goal-Setting & Self-Efficacy and more!

Hazel Crest - Blossoming Beauties for Teens - 10:00a-12:00p  - 1st & 3rd Saturdays
Contact: Aaja Corinne Carrgirlexpo@mycharm.org (877) 54-CHARM (24276), Option 5

Park Forest - Budding Roses for Tweens- 12:00p-2:00p  -  1st Saturdays
Park Forest - Blossoming Beauties for Teens - 9:30a-11:30a  -  1st & 3rd Saturdays
Contact: Eva Robinsonerobinson@mycharm.org (708) 528-8503

For more information and to register, please visit: http://www.mycharm.org/fall-program.htm

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Keymáh Walks With Delta Sigma Theta
for St. Jude


On Saturday, November 23, 2013, actress and humanitarian T'Keyah Crystal Keymáhwill walk with members of the Century City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in the St. Jude Give Thanks Walk in Los Angeles.  The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas who believed that no child should die in the dawn of life.  The hospital has played a pivotal role in pushing U.S. pediatric cancer survival rates from 20 to 80 percent overall, and is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted to children. It is also a leader in the research and treatment of blood disorders and infectious diseases in children.  No family ever pays St. Jude for the care their child receives, and for every child treated, thousands more have been saved worldwide through St. Jude discoveries. 
For the third consecutive year, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will participate as a National Volunteer Team for the St. Jude Give Thanks Walk.  The organization encourages members and others all over the country to assist the kids of St. Jude by participating and / or supporting one of the family-friendly, 5K walks taking place in 75 communities across the country On Saturday, November 23.  Cities are listed on the St. Jude Walk Your participation helps provide lifesaving treatment and world-class patient care to patients in the fight against cancer, sickle cell disease and other catastrophic illnesses – at St. Jude and in communities everywhere.

Registration is easy. Simply visit fundraising.stjude.org/deltasigmatheta and select the walk nearest you to start your own team or to join an existing team. If a walk is not offered in your market, you can still participate as a virtual walker.  T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh, who participated in both the March of Dimes walk and AIDS Walk L.A. this year, says she’s lacing up her walking shoes again because she is grateful that St. Jude offers such remarkable help to families experiencing such challenging situations.  The actress also once again asking that her family, fans and friends give any amount great or small to sponsor her walk.   To do so,  click here to access her page.  Any donation will be appreciated!


WHERE THE ACTION IS: Demand GMO Labeling

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Sierra Club is petitioning the FDA, to urge them to protect the public from companies like Monsanto that are spending millions and millions of dollars to crush citizens’ initiations to label GMO products in the marketplace.  They write, “A wide variety of genetically engineered and modified foods have entered the United States' food system in enormous amounts. But in sharp contrast to 64 other nations that require labeling of these unnatural foods, consumers in the United States are in the dark and have no way of knowing whether the products they eat and feed their families are genetically engineered. Americans deserve to know what companies like Monsanto are hiding in the foods we feed our families. What is really frightening, is that if Monsanto is willing to spend the amount of money it is spending just to avoid proper labeling of its 'foods,' then they must know that thinking consumers will not want to experiment with their health by continuing to eat genetically modified products. With every food purchase that we make, US citizens trust  that the FDA would not allow onto the market anything that is bad for us.  By continuing to allow companies like Monsanto to sell products as food, when we have know idea what is really contained in them, is a misuse of our trust.  At the very least, please require labeling of GMOs now!”  I agree. To check out more on GMO's, Click Here for a terrific Mother Jones article.  To join me in signing the petition to ask the FDA to require that GMOs be labeled as such, Click Here!  This is where the action is...


A Pre-K - 5, Christian school 

101 Catalpa Drive, # 104 in LaPlata, MD.
301-392-1848
niaimaniacademyofexcellence@gmail.com
ourniaacademy.com 
Rev. Amina Fola-Rose, Head of School 

Donate    News on NIA - Take a Tour of NIA 

Go For Sisters 

Bernice (LisaGay Hamilton) and Fontayne (Yolonda Ross) grew up so close people said they could “go for sisters”, but time sent them down different paths. Twenty years later, those paths cross: Fontayne is a recovering addict fresh out of jail, and Bernice is her new parole officer.  Also starring Edward James Olmos as disgraced ex-LAPD detective Freddy Suárez. GO FOR SISTERS is a welcome return to the border for master filmmaker and two-time Academy Award nominee John Sayles.

http://goforsistersmovie.com/
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Riot/Rebellion
A world premeier written by Ovation Award Nominee Donald Jolly, and directed by Barbara Roberts is about the times and circumstances around the historic 1965 Watts Riots.  The core stories in this original commissioned work are drawn from in-person interviews with living witnesses to the events.  

November 14th - 24th, 2013
  Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm
    Sundays at 3pm

The Mafundi Institute
  1827 103rd Street
  (103rd & Wilmington)
           Los Angeles, CA

http://wattscommunitystudio.wordpress.com/2013/11/09/join-watts-village-theater-co-for-riotrebellion/
The Best Man Holiday

Director: Malcolm D. Lee - Cast: Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa LathanAfter nearly 15 years comes the long-awaited next chapter to the film that ushered in a new era of comedy. When the college friends finally reunite over the Christmas holidays, they will discover just how easy it is for long-forgotten rivalries and romances to be ignited.


http://www.best-man.com/

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WHERE THE ACTION IS: Ask for Walmart Workers' Holiday

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Stephenie Ritter has a petition on Change.org asking Walmart to close its stores on Thanksgiving. She says, “Thanksgiving is a time for family, and so many people are forced to work. Other large corporations, such as Home Depot, close their doors. Most businesses are closed on Thanksgiving, I understand that Walmart is a staple in many towns, but everyone survives it being closed on Christmas. As a single mother, it breaks my heart to know that I won't be able to spend that time with my son.”  Personally, I'd rather they closed altogether... but why not start with Thanksgiving so that the bulk of the employees: the ones protesting discrimination against women (the largest class action suit of its kind); and those protesting inconsiderate scheduling (not being allowed to work full time... with full-time benefits and being told when they must work... like on Thanksgiving); and those who have to supplement their pay... with government welfare, can at least spend this day with their loves ones.  To join me in asking Walmart to close its stores... on Thanksgiving, Click Here!   It’s a start. This is where the action is.
The search is on:  I was stylin
g my hair recently and really missed a product that is no longer made.  Three years ago, I talked to a few companies about partnering with them for the launch of the second edition of my hair book.  Nothing panned out but some of the players have changed since and I have as well.  So for the next few months, as I work on that next edition, I'll be looking for more products to love and share.  Have a natural hair product you want me to try?  Send samples to T'Keyah Crystal Keymah, Inc. 10061 Riverside Dr. #714, Toluca Lake, CA 91602.  No mineral oil please. 
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PictureWHERE THE ACTION IS: My Black Year...

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As you have read in previous 2013 issues of  The Crystal NewsMaggie's Anderson's book, "Our Black Year" inspired me to up my own support of Black business, and I decided to find and champion at least one business per month. Recent months' businesses: The South Side Community Federal Credit Union (SSCFCU), of course!  SSCFCU, 5401 S. Wentworth, Suite 25, Chicago, IL 60609 (773) 548-5500 www. southsidecommunityfcu.org.  Somehow, I just learned of the credit union last year and joined as soon as I did.  Not we have forged a partnership to help empower the community!  I did get to the Soul Vegetarian in Atlanta when I was last there (879 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 (404) 752-5194), but you better believe that during FAMU's Homecoming, I made a couple of visits to Soul Vegetarian1205 South Adams Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (850) 893-8208 soulvegfl@gmail.com, http://www.soulvegtallahassee.com/, oh, how I love them!  Yummy, yummy in my tummy!  Of course we had to stop by the party at Parks and Crump Attorneys at Law,240 North Magnolia Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32301 (850) 222-3333, 850) 224-6679 Fax, (877) 529-9529 info@parkscrump.com, parkscrump.com/‎.  Hopefully I will never require the services of the firm whose motto is “We Help David Fight Goliath,”  but if I ever did, I would  know that I was in good hands. Back in L.A., I made a trip to Harold and Belles2920 West Jefferson Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90018 Open 7 days, 11:30AM - 10PM (sun-thu) | 11:30AM - 11PM (fri-sat) (323) 735-9023 www.haroldandbellesrestaurant.com/.‎ Awarded Best Creole in L.A. 2013 (Los Angeles Magazine), it has an upscale feel with the warmth of a family diner.  I can't attest to the yum factor of the seafood, but I had a delicious salad and baked potato!    Still didn't need to trek back to Hooper Shell, 11913 Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA. (323) 566-1667, because I'm still using the gas cards I bought the last time I was there!  This is where the action is... 
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 Robin Walker, Owner
The Walker Group, LLC
TWG - 1431 Huntington Drive Calumet City, IL 60409
The Walker Group, LLC (TWG) is a Certified Public Account & Consulting firm concentrated primarily in performing audits for not-for-profit organizations, local governments and municipalities, and entities regulated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Our professionals take a risk-based approach to each engagement, insuring performance and operating efficiency. We go beyond traditional fundamentals to add tangible value and elevate the audit to an even more strategic and productive role in today’s corporate governance environment. 
*Auditing  
 *Accounting  
 *Management Consulting
 *Business Information Systems
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twg@thewalkergrpllc.comrwalker@thewalkergrpllc.com
(708) 868-2545 
WHERE THE ACTION IS: Letting Your Money Work for YouPicture
As many people gear up for the biggest spending season of the year, please keep in mind that this is also the biggest going into debt time of the year as well.  OK, I just made that up but its probably true.   My point is, let my money (your credit and your good name) work for you, not against you.  Give of your time, spend your money only in places that support you and your community meaningfully.  Support businesses that deserve your support and encourage others to do so.  This is where the action is...    

Thank you!!!!  Thank you!!!  Thank you!!!

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Thank you to: My line sister Carla Knight, Karen Moore and Avis Sweet, for organizing such a terrific Transient 26 line reunion; to  Tyler Perry for giving my M&M sister Angela Robinson Whitehurst for such a great story line last season onThe Haves and Have Nots; everyone who has or will help me celebrate my birthday by raising funds for AIDS Walk LA,NIA Imani AcademyThe T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Scholarship at Meharry Medical CollegeThe T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Endowed Theater Scholarship at Florida A & M UniversityCHARM Outreach and Mentoring Services and / or The T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Fine Arts Room at St. Sabina Academy; and South Side Community Federal Credit Union, for wanting to be in partnership with me as much as I want to be in partnership with them.    MUAH!  And I mean it!!!!

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SSCFCU Added to the Birthday Gift List!

If you read last month's issue of The Crystal News, you know if began with a donation pitch in honor of my birthday.    You know how I drag things out, so there's still time to help me celebrate, and now I'm adding SSCFCU to the list!  I had a blast on my birthday which began walking with sorority sisters in AIDS Walk LA, which was part of my plan to champion three of my favorite causes for my birthday: health, education and the arts. To this end, I am asking my family, friends and fans to celebrate with me by giving just $5 to one or more of the following:  AIDS Walk LA (Feel free to join the walk as well); the Nia Imani Academy of Excellence (NIA) (Nia Imani Academy of Excellence 101 Catalpa Drive, Unit 104LaPlata, MD 20646(301) 392-1848 - Include 'Keymáh request' in the comment box or the memo line of your check);  TheT'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Scholarship at Meharry Medical College (Indicate in the comment box that you want your donation to go to The T'Keyah Crystal KeymáhScholarship); The T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh  Endowed Theater Scholarship at Florida A & M University (Under the 'Please direct my donation to' drop down menu, choose 'College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities,' then, under the 'Funds' drop down menu, choose "T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Endowed Scholarship (1328)"); CHARM Outreach and Mentoring Services (CHARM, 3108 State Route 59 Suite 124-177, Naperville, IL 60564 - Include 'Keymáh request' in the comment box or the memo line of your check); The T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Fine Arts Room at St. Sabina Academy(Indicate in the memo box that you want your donation to go to the T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Fine Arts Room); and / or The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic.   Why just $5?  Because times are hard, but every little bit helps.  If you want to give more, or to more than one I won't complain... I am so grateful to everyone who helped me pull of the benefit I did in Chicago last for St. Sabina Academy.  An Evening with T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh & Friends. If you live on or have a connection to the south side of Chicago, I also urge you to become a member of the South Side Community Federal Credit Union (SSCFCU), a not-for-profit financial institution that empowers and uplifts the community through educational programs, fair lending practices, competitive rates and great service.   To help me celebrate my birthday, please donate $5 in my name to one (or more) of the organizations listed above and / or become a member of SSCFCU.   Thank you so much!

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PictureRecently, I attended the performance of a friend and sitting in front of me was a woman with gorgeous gray locs.  I sat admiring her thinking how cool it is to see women of all ages embracing their natural beauty.  I wondered how long she had worn her hair naturally and what inspired her to do so.  During the intermission, the woman turned and saw me looking at her hair.  She leaned back toward me and, as if she'd been reading my mind, proudly stated, "You're the reason I starting wearing my hair naturally.  Thank you."  Well how cool is this?!  

  
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Cast Your Vote for 
Daughter of Fortune
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I'm so proud of USC graduate and brilliant filmmaker Dawn Kamoche, for her short film Daughter of Fortune.  It's getting rave reviews, its been accepted in a number of festivals and it was selected by theHuffington Post as one of the top 10 films in Black Voices Breakthrough Theatresponsored by Toyota Avalon. You can clickhere to see the film and vote! The film is only 20 minutes long and I think you will enjoy it.Please check it out and vote for Daughter of Fortune!!!  Thank you!    -tck
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WHERE THE ACTION IS: Don't Forget About Congo...

PictureTheir bones project is completed but African Great Lakes Action Network (AGLAN) is still committed to keeping us aware and involved in the struggle in Congo, "We remain deeply concerned about the ongoing violence in Congo. We urge the U.S. government as well as other global governments and the U.N. to hold perpetrators including the Rwanda and Ugandan governments accountable for crimes committed in Congo. We recommend among other things:
1. Sanction implicated top military leaders
2. Withhold military aid from implicated governments"
For more information or to read their Congo Primer, click here.  To check out Friends of the Congo, click here.  This is where the action is...   
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The   Crystal   News   respectfully acknowledges the life and transition of:

Karen Black, Eileen Brennan, Elaine Brown, Elizabeth Sybil Brown, Lois DeBerry, George Duke, Dennis Farina, T-Model Ford, Eydie Gormé, William H. Gray, GiGi Hines, Jenea James, Saul Landau, Arnold, Lazarus, Ken Norton, Nathanial Perkins-Ali, Carline Ray, Tikki Moore Smith, George Tall Chief, Helen Thomas, Lee Thompson Young, Randy TillmanEdward Butch Warren,and too many beautiful children (lost on the streets of Chicago and other places) to name...

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?
Stay Tuned...   Natural Woman / Natural Hair II - 2014

Have you hugged someone you love today?

http://www.keymahpresents.blogspot.com/http://www.tkeyah.com/https://twitter.com/tkeyahcrystal

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