If a Man Wants You

I got this via e-mail:

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IF A MAN WANTS YOU

This was/is good.... and very true!

• If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away. If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay.
• 
  Stop making excuses for a man and his behavior. Allow your intuition (or spirit) to save you from heartache.
• Stop trying to change yourselves for a relationship that's not meant to be. Slower is better.

Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy. If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve then heck no, you can't "be friends." A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend. Don't settle.

If you feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is. Don't stay because you think "it will get better." You'll be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better. The only person you can control in a relationship is you.

Avoid men who've got a bunch of children by a bunch of different women. He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant, why would he treat you any differently?

Always have your own set of friends separate from his.

Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you. If something bothers you, speak up.

Never let a man know everything. He will use it against you later.

You cannot change a man's behavior. Change comes from within.

Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are... even if he has more education or in a better job.

Do not make him into a quasi-god.He is a man, nothing more nothing less.

Never let a man define who you are.

Never borrow someone else's man. If he cheated with you, he'll cheat on you.

A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you.

All men are NOT dogs.

You should not be the one doing all the bending...compromise is a two way street. You need time to heal between relationships...there is nothing cute about baggage... deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship. You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you...a relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals...look for someone complimentary...not supplementary.

Dating is fun...even if he doesn't turn out to be Mr. Right. Make him miss you sometimes...when a man always know where you are, and your always readily available to him- he takes it for granted.

Never move into his mother's house.

Never co-sign for a man. Hallelujah, thank you Jesus!

Don't fully commit to a man who doesn't give you everything that you need. Keep him in your radar but get to know others.

Share this with other ladies..... You'll make someone SMILE, another RETHINK her choices, and another woman PREPARE. They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them and an entire lifetime to forget them.

While on Safari in Africa!

The Harlem Renaissance Revisted Play 2009

The play ran from May 7-9 at the Lilla G. Frederick Pilot school in Dorchester, MA.

Me (Ms. Thelma), Charles Jackson (Joe the Bartender) & Ruby Hill (Director) during a break from dress rehearsal.
The paperboy talks to Langston Hughes

Weldon Johnson talks to Langston Hughes
Billie Holiday belts a number

Steve Lucky explains how he made it

Billie Holiday offers some words of enouragement to Ethel Waters and Aaron Douglas

Ms. Thelma just heard her horoscope.

Ms. Thelma needs a man in her life

Dancers

Life every Voice and Sing

Goat Ride

This photo was taken in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A man transports a goat on his back while riding a bicycle. I don't think he smelled too good afterwards.

Open Call - Gospel Singers and Groups

OPEN AUDITIONS:

The Oscar Micheaux Family Theater Program
2009-2010

Producers of:
The Annual Harlem Renaissance Revisited With a Gospel Flavor
From Gospel to Hip-Hop and All in Between, Featuring Dance A Lot, A Lot of Dance

SERIOUS ONLY…

Gospel Singers
Gospel Groups

AT:
Blackstone Community Center
50 West Brookline Street
Boston, MA. 02118

May 30th, June 6th and June 13th 2009

From 12:30PM until 2:30PM

Call for audition appointment: (617) 238-2460


Program Sponsored By: Tri-Ad Veterans League, Inc.

Joe Thomas & Chico DeBarge at Berklee College

Africans are Genetically Unique

I just could not resist posting this!

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Africans have world's greatest genetic variation

WASHINGTON – Africans have more genetic variation than anyone else on Earth, according to a new study that helps narrow the location where humans first evolved, probably near the South Africa-Namibia border.

The largest study of African genetics ever undertaken also found that nearly three-fourths of African-Americans can trace their ancestry to West Africa. The new analysis published Thursday in the online edition of the journal Science.

"Given the fact that modern humans arose in Africa, they have had time to accumulate dramatic changes" in their genes, explained lead researcher Sarah Tishkoff, a geneticist at the University of Pennsylvania.

People have been adapting to very diverse environmental niches in Africa, she explained in a briefing.

Over 10 years, Tishkoff and an international team of researchers trekked across Africa collecting samples to compare the genes of various peoples. Often working in primitive conditions, the researchers sometimes had to resort to using a car battery to power their equipment, Tishkoff explained.

The reason for their work? Very little was known about the genetic variation in Africans, knowledge that is vital to understanding why diseases have a greater impact in some groups than others and in designing ways to counter those illnesses.

Scott M. Williams of Vanderbilt University noted that constructing patterns of disease variations can help determine which genes predispose a group to a particular illness.

This study "provides a critical piece in the puzzle," he said. For example, there are clear differences in prevalence of diseases such as hypertension and prostate cancer across populations, Williams said.

"The human genome describes the complexity of our species," added Muntaser Ibrahim of the department of molecular biology at the University of Khartoum, Sudan. "Now we have spectacular insight into the history of the African population ... the oldest history of mankind.

"Everybody's history is part of African history because everybody came out of Africa," Ibrahim said.

Christopher Ehret of the department of history at the University of California, Los Angeles, compared genetic variation among people to variations in language.

There are an estimated 2,000 distinct language groups in Africa broken into a few broad categories, often but not always following gene flow.

Movement of a language usually involves arrival of new people, Ehret noted, bringing along their genes. But sometimes language is brought by a small "but advantaged" group which can impose their language without significant gene flow.

Overall, the researchers were able to study and compare the genetics of 121 African groups, 60 non-African populations and four African-American groups.

The so-called "Cape-colored" population of South Africa has highest levels of mixed ancestry on the globe, a blend of African, European, East Asian and South Indian, Tishkoff said.

"This will be a great population for study of diseases" that are more common in one group than another, she said.

The study also found that about 71 percent of African-Americans can trace their ancestry to western African origins. They also have between 13 percent and 15 percent European ancestry and a smaller amount of other African origins. There was "very little" evidence for American Indian genes among African-Americans, Tishkoff said.

Ehret added that only about 20 percent of the Africans brought to North America made the trip directly, while most of the rest went first to the West Indies.

And, he added, some local African-American populations, such as the residents of the sea islands off Georgia and South Carolina, can trace their origins to specific regions such as Sierra Leone and Guinea.

The study was funded by the National Cancer Institute, the National Institutes of Health, the Advanced Computing Center for Research and Education at Vanderbilt University, the L.S.B. Leakey and Wenner Gren Foundation, the National Science Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard and Burroughs Wellcome foundations.

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On the Net:

Science: http://www.sciencemag.org

Save Chez Vous Boston

Subject: PRESS CONFERENCE AT CHEZ VOUS ROLLER SKATING RINK ON APRIL 14, 2009 @ 6pm.
Dear friends, concerned members of the community and esteemed colleagues,

On Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 6pm an official press conference will be held at the Chez Vous Roller Skating Rink regarding the impending closure of the iconic venue. Currently owned by community activist Greer Toney, the Dorchester landmark has been an important area landmark since 1932. The city's only roller skating and entertainment center not only provides an alternative to the violence that plagues the surrounding neighborhoods it has been an external family to its loyal patrons for decades.

Chez Vous has hosted several anti-violence functions over the years, notably last year's "P.E.A.C.E. Night @ Chez Vous" which received positive reviews from The Boston Herald (Chris Faraone), and The Banner (Tierney McAfee). The event featured a video shoot by recording artist Blue Chip and focused on alternatives to gang violence and drug peddling through community empowerment. P.E.A.C.E. Night attracted the attention of many community leaders such as Cindy Diggs of PeaceBoston and Tina Cherry of the Louis D. Brown Institute for Peace.

The success of that event provided the foundation for "Another P.E.A.C.E Night @ Chez Vous" which was planned to expand on the positive theme of the original P.E.A.C.E. Night. Recording artist/actor Bow Wow, who was scheduled to appear as the event's celebrity guest and speaker, arrived at Chez Vous but left without making a public appearance at the direction of his road manager who, despite the presence of three hired security teams, both the City and State police and in-house security staff, deemed the venue "unsafe" for the artist's entry. Hundreds of fans, many who had waited hours to see their beloved star shine, left Chez Vous with tears and a general feeling of having been let down by their idol.

Greer Toney, in her commitment to bringing the Atlanta-based star to Boston to speak about the importance of education and unity, used the skating rink's mortgage allotment to secure Bow Wow's appearance. As a result of his absence Ms Toney was forced to refund the patron's fees, ultimately resulting in Chez Vous' fate. The 77-year old venue will be auctioned off on April 15, 2009 and Boston will lose one of its finest resources.

A day prior and the day after the event, in unrelated instances, two young men were killed on Boston 's streets. One of the dead, an aspiring NBA star, was a Chez Vous regular before relocating to California to pursue his dreams. He was, ironically, in the city briefly to assist his family with moving out west. The potential for increased violence on Boston 's troubled streets if Chez Vous' doors are closed are great. The skating rink not only provides a safe environment for its patrons who have few alternatives, its staff are active mentors and mediators in the gang infested Roxbury, Dorchester , and Mattapan neighborhoods.

I encourage you to come out to the planned press conference and voice your concerns. Your attendance is welcomed and needed. Frankly, this issue is larger than keeping a business open. It is about the future of the community and its children. Your voice ushered in the presidency of this nation's first Black Commander In Chief. Your voice elected the state's first Black governor. Your voice is powerful and, once again, must be heard. Your community MUST be protected! I look forward to seeing you at this very important forum.

For additional information, please call; (617) 825-6877

Chez Vous Roller Skating Rink
11 Rhoades Street
Dorchester , MA 02124

The 11th Annual 'Harlem Renaissance Revisited With a Gospel Flavor' Play

Dates: May 7th-9th 2009

Time: 7:15PM

Place:Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School, 260 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA.

Tickets: Adults $15, Youth 12 and under $10, Elders $10.

For Group Rates call: 617-238-2460.

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This play written by Haywood Fennell Sr., features characters from the Harlem Renaissance era like Paul Robeson, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes and Josephine Baker. It talks about the hardhsips they faced and their triumps.

God's Bridge

Photos courtesy of Haidar Chamshama

This natural bridge is called Daraja la Mungu (God's Bridge). The bridge is located in Kiwira area, Rungwe District, Mbeya region in Tanzania.

Special Request - Prof. Ken Edwards (Joshua Mkhululi)

The late Prof. Ken Edwards (Joshua Mkhululi)

1945-2009

SPECIAL REQUEST

The family of the late Prof. Ken Edwards (Prof. Joshua Mkhululi) residing in Canada and Jamaica would like people to share their stories and memories of the deceased. If anyone has photos, they are also asked to share them.

Prof. Edwards mother is 84 years old and desparately wants to hear as much as she can about her son's life in Africa. He also has brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews who want to hear about their uncle.

Anyone who would like to share can e-mail his nephew, Michael Gardner at michaelsgardner@hotmail.com or they can e-mail me at chemiche3@yahoo.com.

Please let's share with the family the tales of their beloved who died ocean's away in a land that he loved

Berklee College of Music Scholarships for African Students

Music Scholarships for African Students
Africa Scholars Program - Berklee College of Music


The Africa Scholars Program is designed to create opportunities for gifted African musicians who lack the financial means to study at Berklee.

In addition, the program is intended to enhance Berklee's presence in Africa, including holding more auditions there; increasing awareness of Berklee among African musicians; and encouraging the already impressive roster of Berklee alumni from Africa to actively support this scholarship and Berklee.

Through the Africa Scholars Program, Berklee seeks to provide educational opportunities by awarding scholarships to talented musicians who are citizens of any African country and who meet the admissions requirements.
Eligibility:

Qualified candidates must be citizens of an African country. Candidates living or studying abroad are also eligible and may apply for this program.

Scholarship Candidates must have at minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent certification, and meet all admissions requirements.
All eligible candidates for scholarship and fellowship consideration must participate in a live audition and interview (A&I)

A limited number of full-tuition awards are available to exceptionally gifted musicians who participate in a live audition. Partial-tuition awards are also available.

Fellowship and Scholarship Details

Eligibility: Qualified candidates must be citizens of an African country. Candidates living or studying abroad are also eligible and may apply for this program.
Candidates may prove citizenship in one of the following ways:
If you reside in your country of origin, you may prove citizenship with a valid passport, birth certificate, or government ID.
If you reside outside of your country of origin, you may prove citizenship with a valid passport and visa.
Scholarship Candidates must have at minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent certification, and meet all admissions requirements for Berklee College of Music.

Auditions In Africa

All eligible candidates for scholarship and fellowship consideration must participate in a live audition and interview (A&I). Berklee will offer an African A&I event in Nairobi, Kenya during the month of June 2009. The following dates are subject to change:

Nairobi, Kenya - June 2 and 3, 2009

To apply for an opportunity to audition in Nairobi eligible candidates must complete an Africa Scholars Application form. Berklee will review all applications and send official invitations to selected candidates. For questions regarding the A&I events in Nairobi,
email
auditions@berklee.edu
or call
617 747-2579.


How To Apply…

Auditions Outside of Africa

Qualified candidates residing in locations abroad may apply for an A&I opportunity at one of Berklee's many international locations as part of the World Scholarship Tour (WST).

Candidates applying for these A&I opportunities will need to complete an online application form. Berklee will review all applications and send official invitations to selected candidates.

The 2009/2010 audition schedule will be updated by September 1, 2009, after which candidates may submit an application. Those candidates seeking to apply for an audition and interview through Berklee's WST may do so once the new schedule has been published to Berklee's website. We encourage candidates to bookmark the WST page and revisit it for further updates.

How To Apply For Auditions in Nairobi, Kenya

Berklee College of Music will be conducting live audition and interview events in Nairobi, Kenya. The aim of this program is to continue an annual process of visiting locations in Africa to provide opportunities for talented musicians to apply for the chance to study at Berklee College of Music.

Through this event, Berklee seeks to identify qualified candidates for the Roger Brown and Linda Mason Presidential Scholarship. Finalists for this award will be required to submit additional material for consideration.

All candidates seeking to study at Berklee College of Music in our degree or diploma programs will be required to complete the Admissions application process.

In addition to this primary award, Berklee seeks to identify candidates for admissions consideration and other partial-tuition scholarships to assist them with the cost of attending to the college.

All candidates are required to submit an application no later than April 21, 2009 through our web site. Those candidates not able to submit an application through our website may download and print an application form.

Please fax your completed application form to
617-747-8680.

All questions regarding your application for an audition may be directed to auditions@berklee.edu or you may call 617-747-2579.

Balancing Act

This lady is balancing a heavy load of bananas and talking on a cellphone at the same time. What a balancing act! The photo was taken my by good friend Michuzi in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania today.

President Obama and Siblings

US President Barack Obama greets members of his British and African-based family at the White House following his inauguration, including half-brother Abongo, far left, and stepmother Kezia, in yellow. The two on the right are his brothers by another white woman.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1158473/From-Bracknell-Kenya-Washington-First-picture-Obama-British-stepmother-inside-White-House.html

The Pruple Iris

THE PURPLE IRIS

There comes a point in your life when you realize:
Who matters,
Who never did,
Who won't anymore...
And who always will..
So, don't worry about people from your past,
there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.
Give these flowers to everyone you don't want to lose in 2009,
including me, if that's what is in your heart.
Try to collect 12; it's not easy!

Be kinder than necessary
Because everyone you meet
is fighting some kind of battle.

I Will Raise My Hand - Poem

I Will Raise My Hand

As I stand near the radio or TV, repeating the words
That some said we as a people would never say
The Oath of Office of the President of the U.S.A.
With each word spoken, a thought of those not here
Will come to mind with visions of struggles and lives lost
Over the centuries, face and places never to be forgotten
My raised hand will be for them too and the words
For those not yet here who will find their place
Maybe a little better in a world where finally, yes finally
We can say not in vain, for change has arrived….

In “my swearing in” as I hope others will also do
as a reminder that our work in rebuilding a country
that out Ancestors built with sweat, blood and tears over years
will be a different work, a work of making decisions that
We long knew we could do. It is now our time
to redirect the Dream and make it a reality as we work
together as one Nation, yes we can, yes we will and yes we must,
I do solemnly swear…

Written by Haywood Fennell, Sr.
January 17th 2009
Boston, MA.

Mrs. Obama's Warning!

Cassava Leaves

Cassava Leaves are a delicacy in Tanzania, East Africa. Here these men are buying Cassava leaves which they will take home for their wives to prepare for their families. It was goes well with Ugali (stiff corn meal) ! I like it cooked with ground peanuts or milk from a fresh grated coconut! (photo from Jiachie Blog)

Prayer for the Descendants of Harlem Renaissance

A Prayer for the Descendants of the Harlem Renaissance

Oh Mighty GOD, WE turn our hopes to YOU for YOU
Are ALL things good. WE, call upon YOU as our Ancestors did
When THEY were bought to this hemisphere in chains to become slaves
Thought many times WE felt deserted, but YOU turned YOUR face
And heard our cries. From the cotton fields and the tobacco fields
WE came out hoping and praying that FREEDOM would be OURS.

The talents that YOU had loaned us once hidden began to manifest
WE would write, sing, dance, act, but not without struggle. WE know
That when WE struggle together with YOU in our midst that we will achieve
For WE believe. YOU have taken US and placed our talents for others to emulate
Because our talents do not belong to US, but to YOU. The talents were loaned
To build a better world for ALL. WE accept the challenges laid down long ago.

WE shall not give up nor give in. OURS is a mission of honor, to bring to the
World that which will bring about greater understanding that WE too are your
Children, once enslaved, but never slaves, for WE are the Descendants of the
Harlem Renaissance….

Written through GODLY Inspiration by:
Haywood Fennell, Sr.
“A Descendant of the Harlem Renaissance”

Elephant Meat Barbecue

Mr. John Mnamba was visiting a village in Tanzania where he stumbled upon some elephant meat being smoked. Some tourists shot the elephant and donated the meat to the local villagers.
Mr. Mnamba took the photos with his cell phone.