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THE CRYSTAL NEWS
March, 2014
Volume XXI Issue II Circulation... Plenty! |  |
History Month!
This Month, Pledge to: Learn Something About the Achievements of Women! Cherish Your Female Friends and Family Members! Challenge Gender Stereotypes and Pay Disparities! Honor Your Mothers! Challenge Domestic Violence! Support Women Owned Businesses!Support the Fair Treatment of All People! Cherish Your Wives, Sisters and Daughters! Love and Forgive! Be a Part of the Solution!
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This issue of The Crystal News is dedicated to the memory of Chokwe Lumumba, an unapologetically Afrocentric, stedfast civil rights leader, and Juanita Moore, a warm and regal trailbrazing performer (acknowledged in the last issue of TCN). We should all be so brave... We should all be so honorable...
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Again this year, I am participating in the Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) SoCal Speed Mentoring. During the annual event modeled after the speed-dating concept, AWM producers, writers, directors, performers, and executives meet in five minute sessions with those interested in the field. (see more below).
Projects in the Works... Don't Get Me Started, my latest solo show may surface again this summer in Chicago. The wheels are in motion... Speaking of my solo shows, the wheels are also turning for the final (for real this time) live performance of my long-running Some of My Best Friends: A Collection of Characters. Although I cringe at the thought of them, there may be an online fundraising effort down the road for the associated filmed version as well... Still thrilled to be in production for the feature film, Revival, written by Harry Lennix, and now under the gifted helm of director Obba Babatunde! We continue to shoot in Los Angeles. Look for updates on these projects and more in the coming issues of TCN.
Projects in the Works... Don't Get Me Started, my latest solo show may surface again this summer in Chicago. The wheels are in motion... Speaking of my solo shows, the wheels are also turning for the final (for real this time) live performance of my long-running Some of My Best Friends: A Collection of Characters. Although I cringe at the thought of them, there may be an online fundraising effort down the road for the associated filmed version as well... Still thrilled to be in production for the feature film, Revival, written by Harry Lennix, and now under the gifted helm of director Obba Babatunde! We continue to shoot in Los Angeles. Look for updates on these projects and more in the coming issues of TCN.
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...
Color of Change says, "One night before what would have been Jordan Davis' 19th birthday, a Florida jury resulted in a mistrial for his killer, Michael Dunn, on the count of of first-degree murder. Dunn, however, was found guilty on four charges — including three for attempted murder. That's right — a white man killed an unarmed Black teenager and just got away with it, using Florida's so-called "Stand Your Ground" or "Shoot First" law as a deflective shield for this racially-motivated killing. It's a gripping comparison and a terrifying continuation of the injustice we saw with Trayvon Martin — with both murders taking place in the same state just months apart. ...In the years and months since Michael Dunn murdered 17-year old Jordan Russell Davis in cold blood at a convenience store in Jacksonville, his hostility towards Black folks has been made abundantly clear. In a letter to his daughter written from his jail cell while awaiting trial, he wrote,'This may sound a bit radical but if more people would arm themselves and kill these [expletive] idiots when they're threatening you, eventually they may take the hint and change their behavior." Although not submitted as evidence in the trial, these letters paint a chilling portrait of a man consumed by racial bias, exacting vigilante justice on an unsuspecting — and unarmed — Black child. We just need one final push to get it to the table." Please join me in signing Color of Change's petition to the Florida's elected officials to demand an end to 'shoot first' laws: Click Here! This is where the action is...
CHARM "Blossoming Beauties" Workshops
Every 1st and 3rd Saturdays through 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 Carr,girlexpo@mycharm.org (877) 54-CHARM (24276), Option 5
Park Forest - Budding Roses for Tweens- 12:00p-2:00p -
1st SaturdaysPark Forest - Blossoming Beauties for Teens - 9:30a-11:30a - 1st & 3rd Saturdays
Contact: Eva Robinson, erobinson@mycharm.org (708) 528-8503
Every 1st and 3rd Saturdays through 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 Carr,girlexpo@mycharm.org (877) 54-CHARM (24276), Option 5
Park Forest - Budding Roses for Tweens- 12:00p-2:00p -
1st SaturdaysPark Forest - Blossoming Beauties for Teens - 9:30a-11:30a - 1st & 3rd Saturdays
Contact: Eva Robinson, erobinson@mycharm.org (708) 528-8503
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CHARM BOARD NEEDS YOU!
CHARM Outreach And Mentoring Services is a 501c3 women's organization created to assist women of all ages build self-esteem; to empower, encourage, and inspire them to passionately pursue the highest purpose for their lives. If you are looking to support an organization that is making a profoundly positive difference in the lives of women and girls in the Chicagoland area (and expanding soon), consider joining our small but mighty Board of Directors. We meet once a month by phone, serve on committees, raise funds and participate in at least one of our main events per year. Interested? Check out http://mycharm.org/ or email Administrator@Mycharm.org. Challenge Yourself. Honor Yourself. Arm Yourself With Knowledge. Restore What Was Broken. Motivate Others.
Keymáh Speeds Again
On Saturday, March 22, 2013, from 9am-12noon, T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh joins other media professionals for the annual Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) SoCal Speed Mentoring. AWM producers, writers, directors, performers, and executives meet in Studio City, CA with those interested in the field. On her participation last year, Keymáh said, "I spoke to a lot of bright and promising people." The speed-mentoring event was modeled after the speed-dating concept, where every mentee gets five minutes in front of each mentor. At the end of the morning, mentees will have experienced valuable one-on-one conversations with several industry professionals! The event was the brainchild of performer / radio personality and AWM SoCal Past President LaFern Cusack, and has been conducted every year since her tenure. For more information on the Southern California chapter of AWM, visit http://www.awmsocal.org/.
On Saturday, March 22, 2013, from 9am-12noon, T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh joins other media professionals for the annual Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) SoCal Speed Mentoring. AWM producers, writers, directors, performers, and executives meet in Studio City, CA with those interested in the field. On her participation last year, Keymáh said, "I spoke to a lot of bright and promising people." The speed-mentoring event was modeled after the speed-dating concept, where every mentee gets five minutes in front of each mentor. At the end of the morning, mentees will have experienced valuable one-on-one conversations with several industry professionals! The event was the brainchild of performer / radio personality and AWM SoCal Past President LaFern Cusack, and has been conducted every year since her tenure. For more information on the Southern California chapter of AWM, visit http://www.awmsocal.org/.
I'm So Glad I'm From FAMU!
Last month, the Board of Governors of the State University System of my beloved Alma Mater, Florida A&M Universityconfirmed Elmira Magnum as our 11th president. Mangum, who will begin her FAMU tenure on April 1, 2014, will be the first woman to hold the school's highest post in our 126-year history. Another hearty thanks and well wishes go out to our Interim President Larry Robinson and First Lady Sharon Robinson for their inspired service to our great school, especially during challenging times. I urge every college graduate to support your Alma Mater not just with your money, but with your time and your input as well. I strongly encourage all FAMU alumni to support our school, our new president, our local and national alumni organizations, the individual school(s) from which you graduated, and of course, The T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Endowed Theater Scholarship at Florida A&M University!
Last month, the Board of Governors of the State University System of my beloved Alma Mater, Florida A&M Universityconfirmed Elmira Magnum as our 11th president. Mangum, who will begin her FAMU tenure on April 1, 2014, will be the first woman to hold the school's highest post in our 126-year history. Another hearty thanks and well wishes go out to our Interim President Larry Robinson and First Lady Sharon Robinson for their inspired service to our great school, especially during challenging times. I urge every college graduate to support your Alma Mater not just with your money, but with your time and your input as well. I strongly encourage all FAMU alumni to support our school, our new president, our local and national alumni organizations, the individual school(s) from which you graduated, and of course, The T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Endowed Theater Scholarship at Florida A&M University!
WHERE THE ACTION IS: Restore Order in Central African Republic
Joanne Mariner of Amnesty International writes, "It's a miracle she survived. I met an 11 year-old Muslim girl in the Central African Republic a few weeks ago. She had survived a horrific assault on the village of Bouguere – in a country where sectarian violence has spiraled out of control. Join me in urging the UN to rush peacekeeping reinforcements and swiftly deploy international police units to help stop ethnic cleansing in the Central African Republic and restore law and order. I came to this region with a small group of Amnesty investigators looking into reports of mass killings and forced evictions of Muslims. Throughout our travels, we found case after case of mayhem and death. We found a young girl crouching in the corner of an abandoned house. She had been there, alone, without food or water, for four days. The rest of her family had been killed. She was terrified, and so weak she could not even stand. To find her, we had just walked down streets littered with bodies, including 3 women and a baby. Small bundles of clothing were found near the bodies – indicating they were slaughtered as they tried to flee. A miracle shouldn't be the only way out of this nightmare – and citizens of a country should not be forced to flee their homes on the basis of their religion. These communities need protection now. ...Whole neighborhoods have been abandoned. ... Members of both communities are at risk. The international community's reaction to these human rights atrocities has been shamefully inadequate. Help us break the logjam – please take action with Amnesty right now."
To join me in signing the petition to tell the UN and the African Union to restore law and order for Muslims and Christians,Click Here! This is where the action is...
To join me in signing the petition to tell the UN and the African Union to restore law and order for Muslims and Christians,Click Here! This is where the action is...
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Walker Walker at Theater Theater
Two shows by versatile playwright Celeste Bedford Walker are running on alternate weekends at Theater Theater, 5041 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90019. Both shows are produced by Sparkling City Entertainment, JuVee Productions, Jeff Murray and The Robey Theater Company.
CAMP LOGAN-a thoroughly entertaining and compelling story of six Black U.S. soldiers enduring incidents leading up to the tragic 1917 racially charged riot at their Camp Logan base in Houston, Texas during World War I. You will laugh and you will cry with these resilient and endearing soldiers as you get a glimpse into their personal lives in their barracks on base. Camp Logan runs through March 23, 2014
SASSY MAMAS....they're not who you think they are! 'A new stage play you don't want to miss! Age ain't nothing but a number! Come cheer, laugh and holla with these newly branded cougars as three feisty friends decide to flip the script and begin to experience life dating younger men! Hold on to your toys boys, these ladies are definitely wound up!' Sassy Mamas runs through March 30, 2014
Two shows by versatile playwright Celeste Bedford Walker are running on alternate weekends at Theater Theater, 5041 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90019. Both shows are produced by Sparkling City Entertainment, JuVee Productions, Jeff Murray and The Robey Theater Company.
CAMP LOGAN-a thoroughly entertaining and compelling story of six Black U.S. soldiers enduring incidents leading up to the tragic 1917 racially charged riot at their Camp Logan base in Houston, Texas during World War I. You will laugh and you will cry with these resilient and endearing soldiers as you get a glimpse into their personal lives in their barracks on base. Camp Logan runs through March 23, 2014
SASSY MAMAS....they're not who you think they are! 'A new stage play you don't want to miss! Age ain't nothing but a number! Come cheer, laugh and holla with these newly branded cougars as three feisty friends decide to flip the script and begin to experience life dating younger men! Hold on to your toys boys, these ladies are definitely wound up!' Sassy Mamas runs through March 30, 2014
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Nia Imani Academy of Excellence (NIA)
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
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
A Raisin in the Sun at Stage Aurora - Darryl Rueben Hall, Founder
March 28-April 6, 2014 (Jacksonville, FL) - Stage Aurora Theatrical Company presents Lorraine Hansberry's classic, A Raisin in the Sunthe Broadway Musical Hit Dreamgirls at the Stage Aurora Performance Hall, 5188 Norwood Avenue inside Gateway Town Center.
Friday, March 28 7pm - Saturday, March 29 at 6pm
Sunday, March 30 at 3pm
Wednesday, April 2 at 10am SCHOOL MATINEE (Tentatively scheduled)
Saturday, April 5 at 6pm - Sunday, April 6 at 3pm
Tickets: Students & Seniors $15 Advance & Door Adults and General Public $20 Advance & $25 Door. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ticketleap.com or by calling the Stage Aurora Box Office at (904) 765-7372 or (904) 765-7373.
March 28-April 6, 2014 (Jacksonville, FL) - Stage Aurora Theatrical Company presents Lorraine Hansberry's classic, A Raisin in the Sunthe Broadway Musical Hit Dreamgirls at the Stage Aurora Performance Hall, 5188 Norwood Avenue inside Gateway Town Center.
Friday, March 28 7pm - Saturday, March 29 at 6pm
Sunday, March 30 at 3pm
Wednesday, April 2 at 10am SCHOOL MATINEE (Tentatively scheduled)
Saturday, April 5 at 6pm - Sunday, April 6 at 3pm
Tickets: Students & Seniors $15 Advance & Door Adults and General Public $20 Advance & $25 Door. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ticketleap.com or by calling the Stage Aurora Box Office at (904) 765-7372 or (904) 765-7373.
WHERE THE ACTION IS: Protect Native Women in Canada
Holly Jarrett posted following on change.org. "My cousin Loretta went missing the day before Valentine's Day. She was studying the issue of violence against Native women in Canada -- women like us, since our family is Inuit. I am devastated to say that now Loretta has become one of the women she was fighting to help. Because last week, her body was found in a ditch. My family and I have been ripped apart by what happened to Loretta. She was only 26, and she had dedicated her life to stopping exactly this kind of violence against Native women. Unfortunately, Loretta's case is not unique. She is one of hundreds of missing and murdered Native women. This violence has to stop. My family and I are going to keep fighting to finish Loretta's work. I started a petition calling for a government inquiry into the epidemic of missing and murdered Native women in Canada. Will you click here to sign my petition?
There are all kinds of numbers about how bad and widespread this problem is, how Native women in Canada like Loretta and me are 5-7 times more likely than non-Native women to face violence in our lifetimes. But it was hard to visualize those numbers before. Not anymore. Now I see Loretta's body, alone and abandoned by the side of a highway. We talked about the struggles we face as Native women, how we wanted to break the cycles of violence. I joked that Loretta was going to change the world, but ... I really believed she could do it. I still believe that Loretta can change the world. I will not let her death be in vain. I know that with major international attention ... we can get justice for Loretta." To join me in calling for a public inquiry from the Federal Minister for the Status of Women into the rash of violence against Native Canadian women, Click Here! This is where the action is.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The search for great natural hair care products continues: For the next few months, as I continue to work on the next edition Natural Woman / Natural Hair, I'll be looking for more products to love and to share. Have a wonderful natural hair product you want me to try? Send samples to me at T'Keyah Crystal Keymah, Inc. 10061 Riverside Dr. #714, Toluca Lake, CA 91602. No mineral oil based products please.
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WHERE THE ACTION IS: My Black Year...
As you have read in earlier issues of The Crystal News, Maggie'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. This month: Cafe Buna (MARINA DEL REY'S BEST KEPT SECRET!), 3105, Washington Blvd., Marina Del Rey, Ca. 90292 Hours: 6am to 4pm Daily, Monday – Sunday (Kitchen closes 15 minutes before closing) http://cafebuna.com (310) 823-2430. I went there with a group of my sorority sisters and we had a wonderful time! I got jealous every time someone's order came, because there are too many delicious items on the menu to decide what to get, including plenty of vegetarian options! My favorite? The Acai Berry Smoothie. Yum, yum yum! As you may have gathered by now, a month rarely passes without visits to Coley's Jamaica's Best Cuisine, 10842 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601(818) 761-4944, and Hooper Shell, 11913 Compton Ave, Los Angeles, CA. (323) 566-1667. This is where the action is...
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Elect Sylvester Jones - Sheriff
Prince George's CountyIn January 2014, Chicago native Sylvester Jones retired from the U.S. Marshals Service after more than 26 years of exemplary service. He served as Assistant Director for the Judicial Security Division, Assistant Director for what is now the Witness Security and Prisoner Operations Division. On August 21, 2001 Jones became the first African American law enforcement officer in Marshals Service history to be promoted from within the ranks to the Senior Executive Service tier. In 2005, Jones retired as a seasoned Lt. Colonel from the Army National Guard with 25 years of total service on both active and reserve duty. A decorated Desert Shield/Desert Storm veteran, he is also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Executive Research Forum, National Sheriffs Association, United States Marshals Association, and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
"Choosing a retired United States Marshal as the next Sheriff of Prince George’s County ensures you will have an innovative leader and visionary with the will, energy, experience, and expertise to collaborate effectively with the hard working officers of the Prince George's County Police Department and respectfully with citizens. I will protect this county with a focus on security, safety, and a sincere commitment to personal accountability with a visible presence in our communities." Sylvester Jones -http://SylvesterJonesforSheriff.com
Prince George's CountyIn January 2014, Chicago native Sylvester Jones retired from the U.S. Marshals Service after more than 26 years of exemplary service. He served as Assistant Director for the Judicial Security Division, Assistant Director for what is now the Witness Security and Prisoner Operations Division. On August 21, 2001 Jones became the first African American law enforcement officer in Marshals Service history to be promoted from within the ranks to the Senior Executive Service tier. In 2005, Jones retired as a seasoned Lt. Colonel from the Army National Guard with 25 years of total service on both active and reserve duty. A decorated Desert Shield/Desert Storm veteran, he is also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Police Executive Research Forum, National Sheriffs Association, United States Marshals Association, and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
"Choosing a retired United States Marshal as the next Sheriff of Prince George’s County ensures you will have an innovative leader and visionary with the will, energy, experience, and expertise to collaborate effectively with the hard working officers of the Prince George's County Police Department and respectfully with citizens. I will protect this county with a focus on security, safety, and a sincere commitment to personal accountability with a visible presence in our communities." Sylvester Jones -http://SylvesterJonesforSheriff.com
Thank you!!!! Thank you!!! Thank you!!!
Thank you to: my new publicist Tonya Carmouche, for joining Team T'Keyah; Obba Babtunde for stepping up to the plate onRevival; everyone who has or will donate to my charitable endeavors, NIA Imani Academy, The T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Scholarship at Meharry Medical College, The T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Endowed Theater Scholarship at Florida A & M University, CHARM Outreach and Mentoring Services and / or The T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh Fine Arts Room at St. Sabina Academy; and my house for withstanding earthquakes! MUAH! And I mean it!!!!
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Kudos to: Rev. Amina Fola Rose, principal of Nia Imani Academy of Excellence, on being the newestcoluminist at the Maryland Daily Examiner... Paster Michael Pfleger and the Faith Community of St. Sabina for pressuring Lamar Advertising into taking down their billboard advertising an assault weapon... FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., on being named a 2014 March 26 through April 27... KPFK Radio Stationfor sponsoring Dr. Joy DeGruy's lecture at Holman Methodist Church... and of course, Dr. Joy DeGruy, author of the phenomenal book, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome on her outstanding lecture and general brilliance...
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The Crystal News respectfully acknowledges the life and transition of:
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Antoinette Harris, Keith Hughes,Chokwe Lumumba,Harold Ramis,Frank Reed,Isaac Sidney "Sid" Caesar, and too many beautiful children (lost on the streets of Chicago and other places) to name...
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We are blessed to have known their warm heart, bright smiles and good works. We are inspired to follow their brave and noble examples.
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Have You Hugged Someone You Love Today?
Stay Tuned... Natural Woman / Natural Hair II - Summer 2014
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Read Back Issues of The Crystal News at:
http://thecrystalnews.blogspot.com/
I encourage you to follow my newsletter and blogs and to leave comments!
Copyright 2014 - T'Keyah Crystal Keymáh , Inc.
All rights Reserved
All rights Reserved
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