FOLLOW US: www.twitter.com/bpga

JOIN US: www.facebook.com/blackprofessionals

LOCAL CITY CHAPTERS:

New York City: www.bpofnyc.com

HOUSTON: www.bpofhouston.com

ATLANTA: www.meetup.com/bpatlanta

MIAMI: www.meetup.com/bpmiami

BALTIMORE: www.meetup.com/bpbmore

RALEIGH: www.meetup.com/blackcarolina

Haiti Now: We must do our part…but we must be wise in our approach to helping.

So many of us are capable of doing something to contribute to the way things are in Haiti right now-business owners, community workers, social workers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, farmers, etc…but we must do so with the wisdom of distance.

Going to Haiti is NOT a wise solution unless qualified to do so.

To make a simple point clear, observe this video taken just a couple days ago in Haiti…

Anderson Cooper of CNN has been there since last week reporting on the situation.

Please be advised the content is not for children or those who may be disturbed by the images.

CLICK HERE

E-Blast Newsletter | Issue 3
Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Produced by
Black Professionals Global Alliance
NYC * HOU * ATL * MIA * BMORE * NC

Greetings everyone.

THE BOOK OF ELI (JANUARY 15)
Starring: Denzel Washington
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKfZrbS79To

SLAP THE DONKEY (JANUARY 28-31)
Opening Reception hosted by Danny Glover
Documentary starring Al Sharpton (you read right!)
Featured at the San Diego Black Film Festival:
http://www.sdbff.com/opening_films_reception.htm

TAKERS (FEBRUARY 10…some say FEB 26 SO CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS TO BE SURE!)
Starring: TIP “T.I.” HARRIS, IDRIS ELBA, JAY HERNANDEZ
and MATT DILLON
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A02uOtxuFAk

BROOKLYN’S FINEST (MARCH 5)
Starring: Don Cheadle and Wesley Snipes (You read right!)
also Richard Gere, Ethan Hawke and Ellen Barkin (wow.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sI_HAfB0Fsk

WHY DID I GET MARRIED TOO (April 2)
Starring: The same cast as the first; Janet Jackson, Malik Yoba, Jill Scott, Cicely Tyson and Lou Gossett, Jr. to name a few.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGCwKT5PKRw
Synopsis (SPOILER ALERT!):  Gathered together in the Bahamas for their annual one-week reunion, four close couples eagerly reconnect, sharing news about their lives and relationships. But their intimate week in paradise is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Sheilas ex-husband, Mike, who hopes to break up her new marriage with Troy and win her back. The others soon realize they too are not immune to the challenges of commitment and fidelity. Angela doesnt believe her husband, Marcus, can be faithful now that hes a celebrity television newscaster. Dianne and Terrys relationship is feeling the strain of raising children. And Patricia, a successful self-help psychologist, must finally reveal the deep flaws in her seemingly perfect marriage to Gavin. With their relationships hanging in the balance when they return home, each couple must choose between blame and forgiveness, doubt and faith, with life-altering consequences.

SOUNDS OF POETRY
(JANUARY 28-31 in SAN DIEGO AT THE “SAN DIEGO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL(www.sdbff.com)then a limited theatrical release during the spring)
Wow…we’ll get to see Robin Givens like we’ve never seen before.
SYNOPSIS (SPOILER ALERT!):  Abuse, Drugs, Molestation, and Neglect are the elements of her childhood. Monique watched as her mom destroyed her body with drugs. She defended her life from the predators that came in and out of her mothers home in Atlanta. The painful sounds she took in as a young girl were converted to beautiful sounds of poetry in her journal. The hurtful environment left her with no option but release emotions through poetry. With the constant disappointment of being rejected by the one person she cares the most about (her mother), Monique finds comfort in her journal. With no one left in her corner at the tender age of 8, her poetry becomes her best friend. She writes her innermost dark secrets, never to reveal them. Finally getting the courage to know when enough was enough, running away from the abuse, drugs, molestation, and neglect. Monique left her only best friend (her journal). Finally freed of the horrific life, she begins to blossom into a beautiful women under the loving care of her grandmother. She continues to fall in love with her one true friend, poetry. With time her wounds are healed until she runs into an unexpected visitor from the past. What will she do when the hurtful sounds of her past comes back to hunt her ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsCfP5FFldI

BONUS on SOUNDS OF POETRY: INTERVIEW @ V103…ATLANTA
(for BP’S in the Georgia Peach!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJewuTI912Q

BIG MOMMA’S HOUSE 3: No specific date, no trailer
…but we know it will be in theaters this year!

BONUS: “for colored girls who’ve considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf”
This “trailer” for the film was shot last summer for the play which took place in Atlanta in a limited run. You may still find it touring the country. I’ll keep a look out for it and post an update if I get new information!
Actress Jasmine Guy is directing “for colored girls who’ve considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf” starring fellow Atlanta resident Nicole Ari Parker, former Atlanta resident Crystal Fox and Robin Givens at the Southwest Performing Arts Theater in southwest Atlanta. The True Colors Theatre production opens July 15
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPkj3JUAeEU

BLACK CINEMA THROWBACK: “MAHOGANY”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFB2E8v4MUg

ANOTHER BLACK THROWBACK: “BLACK BELT JONES”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o954Q-EIlIQ

See in the February Black Cinema update!

Freedom
Founder/CEO, Black Professionals Global Alliance
New York City * Houston * Atlanta * Miami * Baltimore * North Carolina
www.blackprofessionals.wordpress.com
Also look for our fan page on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/bpga

Black Professionals of New York City
and
Mix To Go Magazine’s “Fade To Black Edition”

present

BRUNCH AND BROADWAY

Our first gathering for those of you looking for something different and exciting!

We are excited to present a duel treat (so far…more on this later!):

BRUNCH: Pam Real Thai
404 W 49th St, New York 10019
(Btwn 9th & 10th Ave)
(212) 333-7500 | (917) 405-4423

Read about them here:

http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/pam-real-thai-food/#ixzz0Zb2P4hwp

This restaurant is considered one of the best for Thai food in the city, and I whole-heartedly agree.
The food is always flavor-filled, the menu offers a great variety for all kinds of tastes (vegetarians take note!)
and the location is perfect for what will follow our brunch gathering…a Broadway show!

BROADWAY: “Race” at the Barrymore Theatre
243 West 47th Street (8th/9th Avenue)
New York, NY 10036
In the heart of Times Square

As a brand new entry to Broadway theater, this show is going to be a real treat for those of you who LOVE a well written story about US, about LAW and the relationships between both, hence the title.

Written and directed by David Mamet, a director I have long followed (we’ll be getting together to see a few good movies in the near future as well!)…just go to your local video shop or go online and purchase a download of “House Of Games,” one of my all time favorites to get some idea of this man’s work.

Great attention to detail, great acting and…well, I haven’t seen it but I peeked at some of the reviews.
THREE good reasons to be excited about this play: James Spader, Kerry Washington and David Alan Grier.

THE GATHERING

This part is extremely important! First, this event is scheduled to take place on my birthday, and I wanted to celebrate 42 years of living with a select group of family members-my peers here on BP NYC!

Second, it is imperative that if you sign up you follow through with attending. Each person who signs up will get an email from me to confirm your attendance and then you will be required to purchase your ticket. My reason for this unique approach to a meetup is because I booked a group of 20 people only, knowing we can get at least that many people to attend. IF more show interest it will be on a first come first serve basis, and I cannot guarantee a reservation…remember, this play JUST started and may catch on after the holidays.

The same is true about the restaurant reservation. You MUST be willing to attend both, because that is what the reservations are for…we won’t be mixing the groups for brunch and then another group for the play…not this time.

BRUNCH: 12noon at Pam Real Thai
BWAY: 2:30pm at Barrymore Theatre (showtime is 3pm with 1 intermission)

Generally, I trust our members will “dress to impress,” but because of the nature of the event and the fact that I am spending my special day with a select few of you, my peers, I would like us to enjoy ourselves in style. It also happens to be 1 day before MLK Jr.’s birthday celebration.

If this event goes well and enough members comply, then I will gladly add more events like it every few months, as there are a number of well-regarded plays coming up in 2010.

So take a look at Pam Real Thai’s reviews and their menu, then check out the reviews for “Race,” and make a decision to attend. I am hoping we get a solid group together so we can do more gatherings like this!

ALSO NOTE:

There will be another event taking place on this day with less restrictions: “Black Comedy Explosion.” If it isn’t already on the calendar, look for it to appear very soon or contact me for information.

If you have any questions or comments reach out to me by mail anytime or call me at my office (212) 252-2528.

Regards,

Freedom | Group Organizer
Black Professionals Of New York City
www.meetup.com/bpofnyc

"Changing the world one person at a time"

We are excited to present our 2009 Fall Membership Drive.

All of our chapters currently running (see the banner box above) are accepting members with open arms and a less stringent application process. Cities to come include:

Baltimore (January 8, 2010)

Washington D.C. (January 22, 2010)

New Orleans (February 15, 2010)

Raleigh-Durham (March 8, 2010)

Las Vegas (April 16, 2010)

Caribbean (May 7, 2010)

Los Angeles (June 18, 2010)

Toronto (July 16, 2010)

If your city isn’t listed, join the one nearest to you!

Click on the banner box above to join us at our Facebook page!

CALENDAR ALERT: September 17-19, 2010 is our “First Annual Black Professionals Business Conference & Awards” in South Beach, Miami. Be sure to follow this blog for updated information!

"On The Road + In The Mix!"

Mix To Go Magazine

in association with Black Professionals of Miami

present

“IN THE MIX MUSIC FESTIVAL”

March 23-27, 2010 | South Beach, Miami

Taking place during the world renowned Winter Music Conference, this 5-day event celebrates the DJ as the center of attention, along with new technology for nightclubs and mobile companies, workshops and Q&A panels plus more partying than you’ll find anywhere in the world in the space of so few days (FACT!!!).

Our exclusive event within an event will showcase the very best parties and DJs from around the world. Our members will get a rare glimpse into some of South Beach’s hottest lounges, nightclubs and super-sized facilities as well as posh hotels, pool parties and plenty of spontaneous parties in the streets, on the beach, and a members-only one-day cruise to the Bahamas and “Rhythm & Soul Lounge” cruise.

Details for each day’s activities will be announced during our Miami chapter’s first gathering Decmeber 4, 2009 so you’ll have to attend to get more information. You can also get tickets at half price from now until then (normally $120, now available for $60).

We’ll also feature hotel packages by December 4, and can arrange with air if you have family, friends or business associates coming from any destination.

Good morning, Black Professionals!

Thank you for taking a few moments to take part in YOUR group. Martina and I are the organizers, but we take your membership to heart and strive daily to make this group unique in that is stands out in your mind when you think of BP NYC and yet familiar enough that it reminds you how important your membership is.

We have a number of great events on the horizon coming your way. On occasion, we’ll get together with other meetup groups as is common practice here in NYC, but will primarily get together in our own facilities and spaces to showcase OUR unity. We strive to be a group that is about business AND social networking with community/charity and travel added for extra flavor.

Here are a few highlights of events coming up for you to mark your calendars for this and next month: (NOTE: Not all are posted to our site yet…you are among the first to know!)

Saturday, November 21: “Rich Black Poor Black: 12 Keys To Success For Black Professionals” (posted) Overview: Our first in a series of monthly life improvement seminars

Friday, November 27: “Rhythm & Soul Lounge” (6-8pm mixer, 8-11pm show) Overview: Mix To Go Magazine presents this brilliant artist showcase featuring local bands/singers

Wednesday, December 16: “Business Plan Basics” (6-8pm) Overview: Get your business organized with short to long range planning

Friday, December 18: “Rhythm & Soul Lounge” (6-8pm mixer, 8-11pm show) Overview: Mix To Go Magazine’s last edition of this always great R&B/soul band showcase

Wednesday, January 6: “Public Speaking Workshop” (6-8pm) Overview: Get your confidence up or improve on your oratory skills

Sunday, January 17: “Black Comedy Explosion” (time and location TBA) Overview: Some of the city’s hottest comedians come together in this exclusive event produced by Mix To Go Magazine and Black Professionals Global Alliance!

Please note BP NYC is a contributing supporter of Picture The Homeless, a non-profit based in The Bronx focused on awareness, civil rights and the housing conditions of the homeless throughout our city. A percentage of every paid member’s dues and donations go toward assisting their cause.

Speaking of causes, as of January 2010, we will require EVERY BP MEMBER to contribute to their community with some form of philanthropy. You can choose your own charity or means of giving back, or we can assist you in finding something that appeals to your area of interest. 1 hour a week, 2 hours twice a month or 4 hours at once monthly…whatever works for your schedule.

[b]Suggestions:[/b]

“Each One Teach One” helping young men get on and stay on the right track (Allah Youth Center, Harlem) “Sisters Act!” bringing our women together in exclusive gatherings to educate, to comfort and to bond (Sisters Act! New York)

Tutoring/mentoring young people (Children’s Aid Society in Harlem; NY and Brooklyn Public Libraries)

Working with teens in a variety of activities (YMCA, Flatbush, Brooklyn) Career advice and assistance with probationers and parolees (Center For Economic Opportunities, Wall St area)

Mix To Go’s “Metropolis Marathons” fundraising through walking (Autism Speaks…we have a BP NYC team-ask about it!!!), triathalons (The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society/Team In Training) and Family food drives (Food Bank, Picture The Homeless, Coalition For The Homeless)

“You Wear It Well!”ongoing clothing drives (Dress For Success/C.E.O. Program) Assisting with our efforts to eradicate homelessness (see PTH above, The Bronx)

Be sure to look for all of our events to be added to the calendar as the days and weeks progress on. As BP NYC members you get first dibs on such events before the general public does. As always with any of our business-oriented events, if you have suggestions, please contact me directly if you are interested in contributing.

Finally look for our line of merchandising to go on sale later this month. I’ll post links to the site for you to go directly and “style for a cause.” Any designers in the group should contact me with your ideas and creations. We’ll show the world our BP NYC pride while proceeds that benefit our various causes show our philanthropic side.

Membership is not a privilege but an honor that should change your life and the world you live in every day.

Enjoy it to the fullest.

Freedom | Founder/Organizer

Black Professionals of New York City

www.meetup.com/bpnyc.com (our membership-only website)
www.bypnyc.com (our blog-site…you are here!)

Look for us on Facebook as “Black Professionals Global Alliance” and become a fan!

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