The Crystal News: The Crystal News

THE CRYSTAL NEWS

Summer, 2014
Volume XXI Issue III Circulation... Plenty!
Happy Summer!!!

This Summer, Pledge to: Think of Ways to Spend Time with Your Family! Start a Garden / Plant Something New in Your Garden! Plan to Attend Family Reunions This Summer! Celebrate All Women on Mothers Day! Learn Something New! Try Something Again! Support Your Favorite Charities With Your Time, Talents, and Treasure! Celebrate All Men on Father's Day! Love and Forgive! Be a Part of the Solution!
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This issue of The Crystal News is dedicated to all 2014 graduates especially those at St. Sabina Academy, Florida A&M University (shout out to father and son graduation duo Sherwood Brown Sr. and Jr.), Los Angeles Community Colleges, High School graduate Bria Williams of Nebraska, and College graduate Romarilyn Ralston who will start graduate studies at Washington University this fall. Here's to the Class of 2014! Let us all strive to better ourselves...

Projects in the Spotlight... In addition to Co-Hosting CAAM Target Sundays on May 4, I am moderating Candidates Forums on May 7 (L.A. County Sheriffs Candidates) and May 17 (LAUSD Board Candidates). Then I head to Chicago for a South Side Community Federal Credit Union Financial Wellness Seminar on May 31, and a Dinner Theater Benefit for CHARM on June 1. I'll be back in CA in time to lead the Black National Anthem at the LACCD Black Graduation Celebration at Los Angeles Southwest College on June 3!

Projects in the Works... Don't Get Me Started, my latest solo show may still surface this summer in Chicago but may have a stop along the way. Not sure yet what this mean for the final (for real this time) live performance of my long-running Some of My Best Friends: A Collection of Characters and the cringe worthy online fundraising effort that is sure to precede the associated filmed version... There may be some Natural Woman / Natural Hair news around the corner as well. Look for updates on these projects and more in the coming issues of TCN.
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
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, "Next week, there's a California Senate hearing about the Prison Sterilization Prohibition Bill. This bill would give inmates access to the resources and information they need to make the best health choices for themselves. And make it much harder for medical staff to pressure prisoners.Last year, a devastating study revealed that nearly 150 women received legally-questionable sterilizations while serving prison terms between 2006-2010. Many were pressured by medical staff or had no knowledge about the procedures being performed on them. And a disproportionate number of them were likely women of color. Black women make up roughly 7% of California’s female population, but they make up 29.8% of female prison population in the state. Tell California Senators: Pass the Prison Sterilization Prohibition Bill...The majority of these sterilization procedures were carried out by Dr. James Heinrich, without proper state oversight, and cost California over $145,000. In response, Dr. Heinrich said, “Over a 10-year period, that isn’t a huge amount of money compared to what you save in welfare paying for these unwanted children - as they procreated more.” These are shocking words, especially from a prison doctor, but in line with California’s long and disturbing history of involuntary sterilization. A third of all forced procedures performed nationally under eugenics laws have taken place in California - sterilizing about 20,000 men and women. California’s eugenics laws were repealed in 1979, but the system is still fraught with abuse. The Prison Sterilization Prohibition Bill is an opportunity to turn the page on this history of misconduct and injustice, and to make a real impact on the lives of women inmates." Please join me in signing Color of Change's petition to the California Senate asking for an end to forced sterilizations: Click Here! This is where the action is...
CHARM BOARD NEEDS YOU!
CHARM Outreach & 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.
Congratulations to CHARM Outreach & Mentoring Services for earning the 2014 Patty Crowley Service Award from Deborah's Place!
WHERE THE ACTION IS: Alabama's Got Me So Upset!

Color of Change writes, "Aggressive gerrymandering efforts designed to dilute Black Alabamians' votes have delivered supermajority control of the state's legislature — and Alabama's entire executive branch — to the extreme right wing. With Black voters largely blocked from electing their candidates of choice, Alabama's unaccountable politicians are hard at work shredding the social safety net and attacking federal laws that protect our health. ...Comparing herself to civil rights champions fighting to end school segregation, Rep. Mary McClurkin (R-Indian Springs) just pushed a package of bills through the House that would force women to carry pregnancies to term even where pregnancy results from rape. ...Demand Alabama's Senate leadership and Gov. Robert Bentley recognize the House is committing a repugnant, costly overreach and reject HB 489, HB 490, HB 493, HB 494, and HB 31 now. ...Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families dollars are consistently diverted to projects that have nothing to do with fighting Alabama's staggering poverty rates, and the state has flirted with becoming the first to end TANF entirely. Alabama insists single adults making just $1,332 a year are too wealthy to qualify for Medicaid, blocking access to basic medical care for hundreds of thousands of residents... The GOP strategy is to "pack" Black constituents into fewer districts, "crack" up influential communities in non-majority Black districts, and otherwise "bleach" formerly diverse districts prone to cross-racial coalition building...Tell the state Senate and governor to do their jobs representing all Alabamians — and ensuring the state doesn't fall farther behind — instead of finding new ways to victimize Black families and communities." To join me in signing the petition to tell the Alabama representative to represent all Alabamians fairly, Click Here! This is where the action is...
I'm So Glad I'm From FAMU!
Recently, I visited my beloved Alma Mater, Florida A&M University to participate in the College of Social Sciences Arts & Humanities Reunion. It was great seeing those I knew again, and meeting new folks from the College at large, and my inner circle, the Theater department. During the trip, I shared an On Camera class for theater students, saw a terrific Essential Theatre production of Five Guys Named Moe, and was able to briefly meet Dr. Elmira Magnum, our new university president. I urge every college graduate to support your Alma Mater not just with your money, but with your time, your talent 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! If you are not a member of an alumni association, join one today!
Nia Imani Academy of Excellence (NIA)

A Pre-K - 5, Christian school

101 Catalpa Drive, #104, 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
WHERE THE ACTION IS: Save the Rainforest!

Sierra Rise shared the following: "Jaime Vargas, an Ecuadorian tribal leader, stood proudly in the howling wind and rain to send us this urgent plea: "Big Oil will stop at nothing to destroy our sacred rainforest home. But with your help we can save it!" Jaime and his Achuar people are guardians of a spectacular land teeming with one-of-a-kind plants and animals. But Ecuador's president, Rafael Correa, is racing to sell off the Achuar's rainforest home and the neighboring Yasuni National Park to greedy international oil companies. The president is determined to put profit ahead of his own people -- even though they're still suffering from Chevron's decades-old oil disaster... Tell Ecuador's President Rafael Correa: The world is watching -- protect the irreplaceable Amazon and halt all plans for oil drilling! ...For three decades, Texaco, now part of Chevron, dumped 18 billion gallons of toxic oil waste into the beautiful Ecuadorian Amazon. Thousands of people are still suffering a plague of deadly cancers and devastating birth defects.
This land is not only crucial for wildlife, but also to the seven vibrant indigenous communities that call it home... The Amazon can't afford another deadly oil disaster like Chevron's. Last November, hundreds of everyday Ecuadorians protested the proposed oil drilling. President Correa and his government, feeling the pressure, shut down Pachamama, a local nonprofit fighting the oil drilling, stifling his people's free speech. It's clear -- President Correa is feeling the heat." To join me in urging President Correa to save the rain forrest, Click Here! This is where the action is.

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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: On my trip to Tallahasse, I somehow missed getting to Soul Vegetarian, but oh my I made up for it by getting to, Nefetari's Fine Cousine and Spirits, 812 Macomb Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301, (850) 210-0548. Many restaurants through around the phrase fine dining. A good majority of them should take a course (pun intended) from Nefetari's. Dinning there was a royal experience! From the exquisite decor, to the warm, welcoming, flawless service, from every morsel of purposefully nutricious food that landed on my plate, to the enlightening conversation I had with the establishment's owner, I was delighted! I have never looked forward to leftovers as much as I did to those from Nefetari's. Try anything on the menu and you'll be pleased! Yum, yum yum! This is where the action is...

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Robin Walker, Owner
The Walker Group, LLCTWG - 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
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twg@thewalkergrpllc.com rwalker@thewalkergrpllc.com(708) 868-2545

The Kinsey Collection in Atlanta April 5th - July 13th, 2014!
Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305Located on 33 acres in the heart of historic Buckhead, the Atlanta History Center hosts award-winning exhibitions, two historic houses including the 1928 Swan House and the 1860s Smith Family Farm; Centennial Olympic Games Museum; 22 acres of historic gardens and trails; and the Kenan Research Center. The Kinsey Collection exhibit is a very natural and complimentary fit for the Atlanta History Center, and will be showing several new and groundbreaking objects that have never been displayed. www.thekinseycollection.com www.atlantahistorycenter.com.

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

Thank you to: everyone attending the Los Angeles Candidate Forums and the CHARM Dinner Theater Benefit in Chicago; to Christopher Cathcart to stepping in to help me with Media Relations; Jeffrey Anderson Gunter for Sharing the CAAM Target Sundays stage with me again; and 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! MUAH! And I mean it!!!!
KUDOS KUDOS KUDOS KUDOS

Kudos to: the Century City, Compton, Inglewood, Los Angeles, and Los Angeles South Bay Alumnae Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for organizing the L.A. Sheriff Candidates Forum on May 7 and being a partner for the L.A.U.S.D. Board Seat Candidates Forum on May 17; Ron Fry for winning an Education Award from the Florida A&M University National Alumni Associaiton, King of House Music, Farley Jackmaster Funk for having a Chicago street named after him on on May 02, 2014, oof Nia Imani Academy of Excellence, FAMU College of Law on its top passage rate for its first-time examinees passed the February 2014 Florida Bar Exam; Outgoing FAMU Interim President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., on having a scholarship named for him, and again, Dr. Joy DeGruy, on her phenomenal book, Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome! Go on woman!
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The Crystal News respectfully acknowledges the life and transition of:

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Floyd Adams, Jr., Terry Adkins, Marie Austin, James Avery, David Brenner, Tim Carpenter, Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, Joseph "Little Joe" Cook, Phillip Hayes Dean, Anna Gordy Gaye, Al Harewood, Debra S. Hooks, Osman Hummaida, Gabriel García Márquez, Daphne Miller, Latashia Nevitt, Paul Robeson Jr., Mickey Rooney, Samuel Jesse Smith, Edna Tatum,,Anthony Wilton "Tony" Tinsey, Eddy Thomas, and too many beautiful children (lost on the streets of Chicago and other places) to name...,