Brand Newz

It’s at the Y! The YMCA story

cmartin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:00:53 +0000

Have you ever taken the time to ask yourself or any body for that matter what the YMCA letters stood for? Or wondered what the red triangle in the middle of the letter Y symbolized? Many may never realize the true purpose and influence that the YMCA has had on our culture and society. The Y was the starting point for many of our beliefs, religions, values, and sports.

After the Industrial Revolution, the growth of new jobs in the railroad industry and the centralization of commerce brought many young men to London to fill these jobs. These men worked mostly 10 to 12 hour days and often times 6 days a week. These men were in need of relief from all the crime and dismay upon the streets of London. This liberation came to them from a man name George Williams. He, along with others organized the first Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) on June 6, 1844. The YMCA provided Bible studies and prayer for these men. The purpose and mission statement was “The Improvement of the spiritual, mental, social, and physical condition of young men.”

By 1851 twenty-four Y’s were in Great Britain with a membership totaling 2,700. That same year North America formed the first two YMCA’s, one in Montreal on November 25th and one in Boston on December 29th. The Y became so popular that by 1853 the 1st African American Y was founded in Washington, DC by a freed slave name Anthony Bowen. In Paris, 1854, the 1st International Convention of YMCA’s meet and at that time there were 397 different Y’s in 7 different nations with a total of 30,369 members.

The YMCA was started by Evangelicals, but crossed over the lines that separated all different churches and social classes in England, which lead to include all men, women, and children of all races, religions, and nationalities. Before the death of George Williams in 1905, Queen Victoria knighted him as Sir George in 1894. A large stained glass with a red triangle on it in Westminster Abbey was dedicated to symbolize his work to the YMCA’s.

In the early days, YMCA’s were run almost entirely by volunteers, but as the approach of the 19th century, bigger buildings called for more full time associates. Along with that came gyms, swimming pools, auditoriums, and bowling alleys. The Ys took up boys work and organized summer camps. In camp, boys learned many exercise drills, routines, and aerobics. In fact, the term “bodybuilding” was used in 1881 by a staff member of the Boston YMCA. The Y also organized college students for social action by literally inventing the sport of basketball, volleyball, racquetball, softball, and even football. The first professional football team was created at the YMCA in 1895 in Latrobe, Pa. It was at the International YMCA Training school, where James Naismith invented the game of basketball. Not only was basketball invented there, but the game’s first professional team came from a Y.

The entire YMCA movement had been heavily involved in character development from the beginning. Taken from a quote that was stated by George Williams, after responding to a young man who said that he had lost his belief in Jesus, “First I would see if the young man had dinner”, the Y examined the issues and emerged with four core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Afterwards, the Y began to incorporate these values in all programs.

Although not well documented, it is believed that the first female member of a YMCA joined in Brooklyn, NY, in the late 1850s, based on a statement by one observer in 1869 that Brooklyn had had women as members for half of its existence. The Brooklyn YMCA was founded in 1853. There were several female members, at least unofficially, by the 1860s. Ellen Brown, who was not only the first female employee of a YMCA, but also the first boy’s work secretary in the movement, was hired in 1886. By 1946, women accounted for 12 percent of the membership. Almost immediately after the founding of the YMCA in the United States in 1851, women taught classes, raised funds and functioned as a ladies aid society would in a church. These committees of women were largely informal, and official Ladies Auxiliaries were not formed until the 1880s.

Father’s Day in its present form was created at a YMCA staff meeting in Spokane, Washington in 1909 by Louise Smart Dodd. The Y and the Spokane Minister’s Alliance swiftly endorsed the idea and helped it spread, holding the first Father’s Day celebration on June 10, 1910. President Wilson officially recognized Father’s Day in 1916, President Coolidge recommended it in 1924, and in 1971 President Nixon and Congress issued proclamations and endorsements of Father’s Day as a national tradition

In the African American communities, YMCAs have a long and varied history. The first Y for blacks was founded by a freed slave, in Washington, D.C. in 1858. In 1896 there were 60 active black Ys, 41 of which were student Ys at colleges. The first black student YMCA was formed in 1869 at Howard University, Washington, D.C. By 1924, there were 160 black Ys with 28,000 members.

YMCAs, being integral parts of the black community, played important roles in the struggle for civil rights. Twenty-five black YMCAs were built in 23 cities as a result of a challenge grant program announced by Julius Rosenwald in 1910. Rosenwald promised $25,000 toward the construction of YMCAs in black communities if the community raised $75,000 over a five-year period. Adjusting for inflation, Rosenwald’s grants would total about $10 million today.

During the 90’s, a tremendous change occurred in the field of youth development. About half a million children received care at a YMCA each year. In 96, childcare became the movement’s second largest source of revenue, after membership dues. Though child care was not started at the Y, but it urged other organizations to meet the needs of a changed and changing society. Today, the YMCA is the largest non-profit provider for child care and is larger than any for-profit chain in the country.

One of the main reasons to examine the contributions of the YMCA in the past is to inspire today’s youth, YMCA staff, and volunteers to serve their communities with the same concern, determination, courage, and strength. The YMCA is truly a movement in history that helped shape our society and we all should acknowledge their service to our communities.

– Erica McRae

A Hip Hop Soda Shop? The Hip Hop Soda Shop Story

detrickclark — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:00:52 +0000

This story is a good look from Stephanie Carr. Stephanie got this during a recent trip to Tampa, Florida. It’s good to see that others are making a positive difference with the creative energy of Hip Hop.

With so much pessimism surrounding hip hop, how does one manage to rockaway the stereotype? Unsure, well one Far Rockaway native, Jamar McNeil seems to have the answer. It all started when McNeil was attending The University of Maryland when a concept, creative vision, and contest changed his life forever.

McNeil’s idea was simple, but yet ideal. It was to create an eatery that was influenced by the prototypical fifties soda pop shop look blended with good hip-hop, and sprinkled with the most up-to-date online video gaming.

The core of the Hip Hop Soda Shop’s concept design is an 11,000 square foot area that includes a health food menu, large gaming areas with more than 35 HDTVs’, Internet connected Xbox 360s’, and even a state of the arts recording studio. The Hip Hop Soda Shop combines and uniquely blends two of the most modish aspects of pop-culture today, hip-hop and online gaming.

In 2003, McNeil entered a business concept competition held at George Washington University, titled “Ideas Happen Live”, sponsored by Bank of America and Visa. McNeil and his partner, Brian Peters, a Bronx native, presented their soda pop shop and hip hop idea and won in a landslide. The pair received $2,500 in cash for their concept.

Instead of taking the money and spending it on new kicks, gear, and bling, McNeil decided to use the money wisely and make the vision a reality. Being savvy businessmen the partners knew that things wouldn’t take off easily, so they decided that the first thing to do was to incorporate their company, which would catapult their launch into the restaurant business. They founded the company “Halls of Hip-Hop”, formerly known as H3 Enterprises and went public with the company, dubbing the slogan “Hip-Hop Meets Wall Street.” Halls of Hip Hop made history by becoming the first hip-hop enterprise in the world to be publicly traded on the stock market.

Once they had incorporated the parent company of “Hip Hop Soda Shop,” McNeil and Peters had to find a way to establish, build, and maintain their corporation. So McNeil and Peters devised a game plan, which included several key people including fashion mogul and Def Jams Records, founder Russell Simmons and former NAACP president, Dr. Benjamin Chavis.

In June of 2007, McNeil named Chavis, the H3 enterprises, Chief Executive Officer. Shortly, after Chavis taking the position as CEO the company began to take shape. Under Chavis leadership they opened their first Hip-Hop Soda shop in Tampa, Florida with plans on franchising and opening up several more locations throughout Florida in the next few years.

McNeil’s Hip Hop Soda Shop is more than just a business, they are role models for today’s youth and prime examples of what can happen with a little ambition and creativity. H3 Enterprises’ is managing to rockaway the stereotype of ill hip hop by providing a positive face for hip-hop and its’ culture.

Like McNeil and Peters the Youth Entertainment Studios is striving to make a difference in young peoples’ lives. YES is a, youth development program that surrounds teens at risk with positive ideas, digital multimedia studios, and positive people. In 1991 the youth leaders challenged a group of teens from a public housing community to work together to make a music video with a positive message. They did. The teens’ music video, Steppin’ into the Light, was so powerful it aired on Black Entertainment Television (BET), The Family Channel and other national networks. This success then sparked the birth of YES in 1994.

The Virginia based company was founded by S. Harry Young, Danene Washington, Mark Reeves, and Sandrie Serrano.

YES is at the forefront of youth development and offers a model that is productivity driven, rather that activity oriented. YES helps teens to set goals, work on them goals and then make them goals come true. While providing teens a safe place to work, hands-on media production experience, and spiritual growth.

Portions of this article were provided by www.hiphopsodashop.com and www.yesamerica.org.

“The Art of Business” The Elite Stylz story

detrickclark — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:00:12 +0000

In the birth of the golden era of hip hop and graffiti one Jamaica, Queens’s team created and innovated a popular trend like no other.

The Shirt Kings took on the streets of New York’s Jamaica Blvd, with creativity and purpose. The Shirt Kings have been airbrushing for over 25 years for an array of cliental. Everyone from every borough and neighboring states came to Jamaica Blvd to get their jeans, sweat suits, t-shirts and coats personalized with self portraits and names.

These works along with 80’s fashion kingpin Dapper Dan are forever immortalized in many classic rap videos. Dapper Dan was a inspiration for later works from Christopher who was commisioned to create the famous Salt ‘n Pepa jackets in the “Push It” video. He also, designed Kid ‘n Play’s 2 Hype tops in the “Gettin Funky” video along with other well known athletes, Hip Hop and R&B recording artist.

Play and hip hop pioneer Dana Dane eventually launched the IV Plai Clothing Store which also produced air brushed work and the successful School of Hard Knocks apparel line.

Even before the Shirt Kings, artist have always been expression their inner selves through artistry since ancient times. Art work is dated back as far as Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire’s. In modern times, spray paint and markers have become the most commonly used materials to create art.

This art was once characterized as Graffiti. Graffiti can be anything from simple scratch marks to elaborate wall paintings but none the less all are considered pieces of art to the creator.

Modern graffiti is often intertwined and associated with the culture of Hip-Hop as one of the four main elements of the culture in America since the late 1960s. Around this time, graffiti was used as a form of expression by political activists as activist considered art a cheap and easy way to make a political statement.

Contemporary usage of the word graffiti has evolved to include any graphics applied to any surfaces in any manner that constitutes vandalism.

With all of this said technology has evolved just like the culture of art, with tools and new developments but one particular tool has lasted longer than all. The airbrush is a small, air-operated device that sprays various media including ink and dye, but most often paint through a process called atomization.

Even today, spray guns developed from the airbrush era are still considered a type of airbrush. The very first airbrush was invented in 1879 by Abner Peeler, in Iowa.

Since Peeler’s invention of the airbrush, commercial artists and illustrators have adopted the technique of airbrushing exceedingly.

Artist realized that Peeler’s airbrushes allowed them to create high quality images while mastering a high level of realism.

Airbrush images can be found today in many different forms of advertising, and publishing including comic books, graphic novels, tanning, cosmetics, clothing and automotives.

Artist use airbrushes to apply special tanning solutions as a form of sunless tanning which has proved to be a lot safer and healthier alternative to tanning than the actual sun. Airbrush tanning eliminates the possibilities of a person enduring the damaging effects of long term exposure to the sun due to tanning.

When it comes to women and cosmetics, women are almost prone to try anything to better their appearance including Facelifts, Eyelid Surgery, Nose Surgery, Eyebrow lifts, facial implants and even paint. Airbrush makeup may seem like a new concept but it has been used in film for years.

Airbrush makeup picked up a bit of popularity in the 1970s. Airbrush makeup is makeup that is sprayed on to the face and body using a fine mist, originally being an area of specialty in the cosmetic world.

Today, airbrush makeup is on the rise in popularity due partially to the increase in technology such as digital pictures and digital television and its long-lasting durability. Airbrush makeup can be used in a variety of purposes.

Besides being used in film and television, airbrush makeup is a favorite of photographers. Not only are airbrushes used for the face but it’s used for the hands. Airbrushes are used to apply images onto human finger nails as well as synthetic nails.

However, the most popular use for the airbrush is in t-shirt airbrushing. Most t-shirt airbrushing artist offer to paint anything that will hold paint including jeans, denim jackets, leather apparel and etc… often it is a jumping point for most to get into the automotive field of airbrushing.

In the automotive field airbrushes are used to spray murals, graphics, and other artwork on automobiles, motorcycles and helmets. Airbrushes are also frequently used in the collision repair industry to return vehicles to standard condition.

Artist remember, public art work is appreciated as long it’s not defacing property and owner’s consent is granted…

“All Things Hip-Hop” The AllHipHop.Com Story

detrickclark — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:00:21 +0000

All types of business can be found online from, grocery perishables, the selection of medical physicians, to automobiles these days. Some companies have had the luxury to experience success on the World Wide Web, due to the mass number of web users. One company that is at the forefront of those luxuries is online hip-hop giant AllHipHop.com.

AllHipHop is the worlds leading hip-hop resource and the most widely read hip hop entity today. Allhiphop.com reaches millions of hip hop heads per month. (According to a COM Score Networks, Traffic measured audited).

AllHipHop.com was founded in 1998, by CEO’s “Grouchy” Greg Watkins and Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur. Watkins and Creekmur saw a void that was unfilled and rose to the opportunity to give back to an art that they both loved so much.

AllHipHop.com has become the Mecca for online hip hop resources, in today’s ever so changing industry. AllHipHop.com features multimedia, daily news, interviews, artist and music reviews, columns and editorials.

Watkins and Creekmur reach isn’t just limited to the Internet, they also have working relationships with many offline print publications including magazines, newspapers, television and radio outlets including with affiliations with: CNN, The Source, XXL, Complex, New York Post, New York Daily News.

Since its birth in 1998, AllHipHop.com has evolved with the change of technology, delivering daily news alerts to music industry reps and hip-hop lover’s two-way pagers, cell phones and email addresses.

What Def Jams founder and CEO of Rush Communications, Russell Simmons, had to say about allhiphop.com “AllHipHop.com is such a great resource for hip-hop. I know that I can count on my daily news alerts being accurate and timely and AllHipHop is making a significant impact upon hip-hop.”

For your latest hip-hop news and reviews visit the #1 hip-hop resource on the planet @www.AllHipHop.com.

“Music for My Soul” The Lisa McClendon Story

detrickclark — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:00:19 +0000

Gospel’s soul sister and this weeks Brand Newz “Music Boxx” featured artist, Lisa McClendon entwines the sounds of soul, jazz and funk melodies while serving food for the mind, body and spirit. The 27-year-old alto and undefined songwriter earned her place in music last year with her debut release “My Diary, Your Life” which drew significant praise for Lisa’s incisive lyrics and funky neo-soul style.

McClendon’s breath-taking talent caught the attention of many inspiring writers, singers and record company representatives. McClendon really gained the love of the “heart of dixie“ and Mobile, Alabama-based label, Integrity Gospel.

After gaining the love of Alabama, McClendon signed with Integrity in early January and immediately began to hone her soul and God-given talents on a sophomore project entitled “Soul Music.” When asked how this talent came about, Lisa humbly replied how she remembered growing up in and around music, harmonizing along with the radio tunes and, like so many other child prodigies, “singing into a microphone hairbrush.”

As a child and adolescent, McClendon shared her vocal talents with various choirs and groups including a female urban group named 3N1. She traveled throughout the southeastern region of the U.S. as part of a music and dance street ministry. McClendon states that she would practice over Ella Fitzgerald or Ted and Sherri tracks until she “got it”–a technique she continues to use until this day. It was during her adolescent years that she saw first-hand the power of God and music ministry.

McClendon’s blend is like no other particular sound, however she cites melodic greats Ella Fitzgerald, The Commodores, Natalie Cole and Curtis Mayfield as some of her early influences, as well as, Harry Connick, Jr., and other artists such as Paul Morton, Jr. and Brian “B-Drill” Dilliard and big band music and the lyrical talents of India Arie and Lauryn Hill. Despite the great musical influences of such artist, McClendon quickly acknowledges that any talent she has as a performer, writer or worship leader is a gift given solely from God.

McClendon never guessed that she would be qualified to do any of this, referring to her role as both a rising gospel star and a local worship leader at the Potter’s House in her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida. McClendon stated, that “One day, I asked God, ‘Why me?’ and He said as plain as day, ‘Not you, me.’” From that day forward she knew she was qualified to deliver God’s message.

McClendon traces her desire to minister through music back to her father who is a pastor and to her teen years. She committed her life to Christ at age 15 and being delivered later at age 19.

“My heart is to speak the truth in love,” says McClendon. “The truth will make you free. So many people aren’t free because they haven’t received truth. My mission is to deal with life and issues. Things that are sugarcoated such as immoral sex, lying, divorce, etc… I want to take the sugar off and just call it what it is, and then offer hope. I want to go beyond the church walls… to go and teach all nations. Some people may never go to church. So, I’ll be a part of the church that goes to them.”

Lisa and her husband L.T. currently reside in Jacksonville, Florida with their two-year-old daughter, Diamond Cherise.

Reader, whether it is your purpose in life, to be a singer, writer, doctor, or lawyer, always remember the impossible is possible. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Matt 18:4

Runaway Loves. The Ludacris Foundation story

cmartin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:00:46 +0000

We wanna send a big BNz thanks to our girl Stephanie Carr for her great interview with Ludacris and his Atlanta, Ga. based foundation. Christopher Brian Bridges is a multi-platinum hip hop mega-mogul, actor and rapper but Chris “Lova Lova” has a feel of affection that goes far deeper than the surface of multi-platinum selling albums. Behind the scenes, Ludacris wears many hats with his many titles. Bridges is a successful record label executive, entrepreneur and philanthropist and most recently Chairman and CEO of his very own thriving non-profit organization, “The Ludacris Foundation. (TLF)”

The Ludacris Foundation is a non-profit Atlanta-based organization that inspires and aids urban youth to live out their dreams. TLF was originally established in December of 2001, by Bridges, William Engram and Chaka Zulu after the three seen a need to help youth help themselves. The foundation is based on the principles learned at an early age by Luda which include: self-esteem, spirituality, communication, education, leadership, goal setting, physical activity and community service.

The Ludacris Foundation includes a team of 11 hardworking individuals with an average of twenty years of professional experience between them ranging from Fortune 500 corporate executives, to legal, healthcare, and financial and music gurus. These individuals have come together as a team sharing the same vision, passion and concern for young people. These individuals diligently seek to uplift families and foster economic development in several communities across the country.

Ludacris and The Ludacris Foundation have received numerous awards and accolades, such as a Community Service Award for the city of Atlanta and most recently, the 2007 Spirit of Youth Award from the National Runaway Switchboard (NRS), for their community involvement. Bridges foundation has join forces in 2006, with the National Runaway Switchboard in a national effort to decrease youth runaways.

According to a study conducted by the Research Triangle Institute, between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away each year. A study performed by The American Journal of Public Health, confirmed that youth aged 12-17 are at higher risk for homelessness than adults and of that number 47% of them runaway/homeless youth indicated that conflict between them and their parent or guardian was a major problem.

With such a stagnating number of youth running away from home NRS has adopted the popular hip hop genre as a means to connect with inner-city youth. Luda’s popularity and buzz fit perfectly in the grand scheme of things, as he helps to raise the awareness a number of ways including a smash hit “Runaway Love” featuring music world diva Mary J. Blige. Luda also raised the awarness through several audio and video public service announcements (PSA’s), fundraisers and many Luda Cares Initiatives.

The Ludacris Foundation provides gifts and grants to 501c3 organizations with music, arts and educational programs that promote youth development. In addition, they provide food clothing and toys for communities in need through their Luda Cares Initiatives. Their goal is to Increase the national awareness of issues facing runaways, educate every American about solutions and the role each can play in preventing youth from running away, increase awareness of supporting programs and most importantly helping to keep at-risk youth safe and off the streets.

For more information on The Ludacris Foundation visit www.theludacrisfoundation.org

“”We Can Fly” The Dr. Stewart Fulbright Story Pt. 2

detrickclark — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:00:33 +0000

Once again J-Fatz and Jeffonda “Jae” Evans, have saved the day with yet another inspirational story, concerning a group of important men and women!

According to the North Carolina Museum of History, there were nine North Carolinians who trained as the country’s first black aviation cadets at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama during World War II.

HARVEY ALEXANDER, 81, of Greensboro.

Before the war: Lived in southern Illinois. Had the highest average in science at his integrated high school but was given the school’s science award in private, rather than at the annual honors ceremony. First black commerce school student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
During the war: Served as pilot in charge of a crew of five on B-25 bombers. Spent nearly 1,000 hours flying training missions in the United States. Once glided a B-25 in for a landing after both engines malfunctioned.
After the war: Alexander, taught college. Became chief financial officer at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro and at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte. He also ran a vending business.
Recollection: “The white pilots were high school graduates. They received maybe 20 hours [in the air] then were shipped overseas. Nearly all of us were college graduates or had some college education. But we had to continue to train. Had I gone to combat, I would have been one of the most experienced pilots. All we did was burn up gasoline.”

WALTER CHAVIS, 79, of Raleigh.

Before the war: Born and raised in Raleigh. An average student who loved the piano, he looked up to his older brother, John Henry Chavis, an honors student and Shaw University class president.
During the war: His brother joined the Tuskegee Airmen first but disappeared over the Adriatic Sea. Chavis, serving in the Army at U.S. bases, transferred to Tuskegee Army Air Field. In aviation training when war ended.
After the war: Worked as a musician, shoe repairman, chauffeur, and veteran’s hospital attendant and federal motor pool employee.
Recollection: “Everybody knew my brother. He was class president of four classes at Shaw University. He was in ‘Who’s Who.’ I thought maybe I could find my brother. That was definitely my goal when I went to Tuskegee.”

DR. JOHN DRIVER, 79, of Cary.

Before the war: A native of Indianapolis. Attending Indiana University as a pre-medical student when he received his draft notice to report for duty.
During the war: Accepted into the Tuskegee aviation cadet program. Began pilot training but left the program to serve as a surgical assistant.
After the war: Completed college at Indiana University, then graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn. Became an oral surgeon.
Recollection: “We proved we could fly airplanes and do any other job that needed to be done in the military. We showed the whole concept of segregation is a farce. It’s not the color of your skin that matters; it’s your ability to do the job.”

WILSON V. EAGLESON, 83, of Dudley.

Before the war: Grew up in Bloomington, Ind., fascinated by planes. Moved to North Carolina, where his dad taught chemistry and coached sports at what is today N.C. Central University. The school’s Eagles mascot was inspired by his father. Attended civilian pilot training school while at West Virginia State College.
During the war: Trained as a fighter pilot at Tuskegee. Joined the 99th Pursuit Squadron in Italy in 1943 and flew about 350 missions. Had two confirmed and two unconfirmed German Luftwaffe kills. Earned two Purple Hearts, multiple air medals and other honors.
After the war: Served in the Air Force for 30 years, mainly as a flight mechanic and instructor. Earned Distinguished Flying Cross on a mission over Indochina. After retiring, raised horses and golden retrievers on a New York farm, then moved back to North Carolina.
Recollection: “They talked about disbanding us and sending us home. But we knew what we were doing. We knew we were good. We simply ignored the talk.”

STEWART FULBRIGHT, 83, of Durham.

Before the war: Made model airplanes and visited air shows as a youth in Springfield, Mo. Graduated from Lincoln University in Jefferson City. Fulbright taught high school and college French.
During the war: Became a first pilot in charge of five other men training to fly B-25 bombers. Participated in protests against segregation at Freeman Field, Ind.
After the war: Figured the University of Chicago wouldn’t be tough after serving in the military. Received his M.B.A. there, and then got a doctoral degree at Ohio State. Became a college professor and first dean of the business school at North Carolina Central University (NCCU).
Recollection: “We had been through a lot of adversity and we had pretty much conquered it, and it gave me, and I’m sure everyone else, the confidence to go on. It was just a matter of various guys picking out what they wanted as careers. We had a lot of guys with doctoral degrees, bank presidents, college presidents, politicians.”

WILLIAM MCDONALD, 79, of Durham.

Before the war: Grew up in Detroit. Interested in planes and pilots. Attending the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor when he applied to become an aviation cadet.
During the war: Shocked by segregation in the South. Trained as a pilot late in the war, but transferred from Tuskegee to Tampa.
After the war: Earned bachelor’s degree at Michigan in engineering. Did graduate work at Ohio State. Became a researcher for aerospace companies. Ended career as plant director in charge of facilities at NCCU.
Recollection: “In Cincinnati, on the train down from Detroit, they told us it was time to get on the ‘colored car.’ That was the first car after the coal car. I argued with the conductor because I was supposed to have a Pullman [a sleeping compartment] out of Cincinnati to Mississippi. They finally let me sneak in there late at night and sneak out early in the morning. That was my first experience with that.”

HERNANDO PALMER, 80, of Smithfield.

Before the war: Raised on his family’s farm in Macon, N.C. Started riding on planes at age 8 and decided he would try to learn how to fly. Attended North Carolina A&T State University for three years.
During the war: Trained as a bombardier and navigator after completing the Tuskegee aviation cadet program. Like other black airmen who learned to fly multi-engine bombers, never sent overseas.
After the war: Finished at A&T and earned a master’s degree in education at N.C. State College. Taught high school. Worked for the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, helping veterans returning from war learn more about agriculture. Participated in lawsuit alleging the extension service discriminated against black employees and farmers. Held various officer positions with North Carolina Mental Health Association. Serves on Johnston County’s election oversight board.
Recollection: “Here late, since the movie has come out, and people have learned something about the Tuskegee fliers, people in general have finally come to appreciate those of us who went through that experience at Tuskegee. They want to shake your hand, to hug you, to express their appreciation for what you did. So it’s just a different world, and it’s too bad that so many of our comrades didn’t live to see what a change has been made.”

JOHN B. TURNER, 81, of Chapel Hill.

Before the war: A senior at Morehouse College in his native Atlanta. Played football, sang in a quartet, studied to be an engineer. Friends with Martin Luther King Jr.
During the war: Became a first pilot, trained to lead a B-25 bomber crew. Flew all over the United States. Arrested and reprimanded for protesting segregation at Freeman Field, Ind.
After the war: Helped form an association to help black veterans get benefits. Switched from engineering to social work, receiving doctoral degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Worked for National Urban League and taught college. Served as dean of UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Social Work.
Recollection: “I wanted to go overseas. I expected to go. But it wasn’t my decision. It was the decision of people who were against the integration of the services.”

HAROLD WEBB, 77, of Raleigh.

Before the war: A Greensboro native. Attended N.C. A&T State University. His brother was a civilian flight instructor who trained military pilots in Tuskegee.
During the war: Followed his brother to Tuskegee. Training as a fighter pilot when war ended.
After the war: Got involved in voter registration and civil rights movement. Received a master’s degree from North Carolina A&T. Worked as teacher, principal and deputy superintendent for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. Became director of North Carolina Office of State Personnel. Served on several university boards. Currently, a Wake County commissioner.
Recollection: “Having been trained to fight for your country, then living in a segregated system, you became motivated to continue fighting. They fought the war against the enemy. And then they fought the war against Jim Crow and segregationist.”

For more information on the Tuskegee airmen logon to www.ncmuseumofhistory.org

“We Can Fly” The Dr. Stewart Fulbright Story Pt. 1

detrickclark — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:00:12 +0000

Wud up and what a good look from BNz’s regular contributor Jamar “J-Fatz” Harris and congratz on your graduation from NCCU! We wanna thank BNz’s producer Jae Evans and Fatz for this awesome 2 part story on the Tuskegee airmen. March 29, 2007 President George W. Bush recognized the Tuskegee airmen in our Nation’s Capital nearly six (6) decades after the triumph of World War II. President Bush awarded The Tuskegee airmen the most prestigious honor of the land the “Congressional Medal of Honor,” an honor only awarded to the “bravest of brave.” Among the brave honored was Durham’s own Tuskegee airman, Dr. Stuart Fulbright and the first African-American airmen to reach combat, Wilson V. Eagleson.

In 1939, as the world headed to war, Congress began funding civilian pilot training programs at colleges across the country, even a few black schools. In 1939, nearly 1,000 brave black fighter pilots as well as Fulbright trained as a segregated unit at a Tuskegee, Alabama, air base during a time when white’s thought that black men were incompetent creatures lacking intelligence, skills, courage and patriotism. Reality was most were actually college graduates or undergraduates. Others demonstrated their academic qualifications through comprehensive entrance examinations and those who possessed the physical and mental qualifications were accepted as aviation cadets.

The Tuskegee airmen “lacked patriotism,” alright these young men willingly risked their lives for a segregated country that discriminated against them because of two dim-witted basis the color of their skin and the fact their skin happened to be black. Much like the rest of the United States they had to eat at separate tables from white bomber crews while swimming pools and other recreational facilities were off-limits. Even with such governmental rebuff and public resistance these servicemen were dedicated, and determined enough to enlist and become America’s first black military airmen.

No test or quality standards were lowered for the black pilots or any of the others who trained in operations, meteorology, intelligence, engineering, medicine or any of the other officer fields. Enlisted members were trained to be aircraft and engine mechanics, armament specialists, radio repairmen, parachute riggers, control tower operators, policemen, administrative clerks and all of the other skills necessary to fully function as an Army Air Corps flying squadron or ground support unit.

Hundreds of airmen served and dozens died escorting and protecting the United States bomber aircrafts on missions from enemy threat throughout Europe, the Mediterranean and North Africa in over 200 escort missions. Even though these men risked their lives just like the rest of the servicemen enlisted however, they were not allowed to practice or fight with their white counterparts on any level.

Unable to be seen as equals the Tuskegee airmen distinguished themselves from white pilots by painting the tails of their airplanes red, which led to them becoming known as the “Red Tails.” During the entire time of the Tuskegee airmen service, white officers insisted on segregating the pilots, sometimes excluding them from important briefings. Unbeknown to the Tuskegee airmen white commanders labeled them as lazy, useless cowards in reports giving to the Army Air Force Command.

Many of the brave men of the Tuskegee airmen are still flying high in achievements including Dr. Stuart Fulbright a University of Chicago’s business school graduate and North Carolina Central University (NCCU) first dean of the business college.

The affirmative experience, along with the outstanding record of accomplishment of super pilots like the black airmen during World War II, and after, were vital factors in the launching of the historic social change concerning racial equality in America. The Tuskegee airmen helped to draw attention to racial inequality in America and ultimately set the tone for future blacks in the military however, many issues still need a great deal of addressing.

“New Editions pt.2″ The Ralph Tresvant Story

detrickclark — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:00:18 +0000

Ladies he is back again yes Mr. “Sensitivity,” Ralph Tresvant aka Rizz, has always been well respected, by his fans, peers and counterparts for over 25 years. New Edition has inspired many of today’s younger superstars and boy bands like Usher, Justin Timberlake, B2K, New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, the Backstreet Boys, and ‘N Sync.

Tresvant is still captivating audiences and leading the pack both on the stage and off the stage, not only when it comes to music but now when it comes to multi-media. Ralph’s new love doesn’t involve women or the stage at all but it does involve music, animations and film.

Tresvant new love has persuaded him to start Xzault Media Group Inc. Ralph has successfully managed to merge both his present and past together along with animations and music. In October of 2004 “Sensitivity” appeared in the popular videogame Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, on R&B/Soul radio station CSR 103.9 that was anything but a coincident, that was a hint to the hobbies and interest of R&B’s bad boy.

Ralph shares Xzault Media Group Inc., ownership with several interesting minds including: Dan Dillman (Founder and CEO), Charles Richardson (Executive Vice President, Business Affairs), Dan Bell (Executive Vice President, Audio Development) and Mike Burton (Executive Vice President, Visual Development). Xzault Media Group, main focus is to be universally recognized as an independent producer of quality music, family-friendly 3D animated and non-animated content films, television, web casting and DVD services and products.

Ralph states, “We do everything from children’s animated movies, not cartoon more like your Shrek’s, Finding Nemo’s and that kind of children animations.”

Some of the new projects and endeavors Xzault Media Group is currently developing include: Ralph’s-anticipated solo album; the television docudrama “The Secrets of the Stone Tablets,” based on a true-life story; “The Xplorers,” an animated franchise for film and television; “Shark Chasers,” a reality series based on an eclectic group of commercial divers who travel the world to the most exotic places to dive with some of the most amazing and dangerous sharks in the ocean; “Sal Mander, Private Eye,” an animated television series based on the 1930s serial type private eye stories which features a cast of endearing reptilian characters and many others.

Ralph says, “We do a lot of shark adventure shows a lot of discovery channel type of things and explorer channels we do a lot of shows for those networks.”

So ladies it’s obvious, that Ralph has been doing a lot more than just, harmonizing these days, he has been producing his own music, web casting, while increasing his wealth and simply enjoying his piece of the American Pie…

“New Editions pt. 1″ The Ralph Tresvant Story

detrickclark — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:00:24 +0000

Team Brandnewz want to send a big shout out and a big thanks to “JUANITA MCCRAVY” for her exceptional video recording. We see that love still is alive and very well and where else better than at a New Edition concert to pop the big question. Congratulations’ to the future newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Levelle, Bridget Moton making it official, “best wishes again you crazy in love kids!”

New Edition was originally formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1980. New Edition was first recorded as a Jackson 5-esque collection of five young black teenage singers, including lead singer Ralph Tresvant, and vocalists’ geniuses Ricky Bell, Bobby Brown, Michael Bivins, Ronnie DeVoe and Johnny Gill. Tresvant has always stood out as #1 nevertheless, on the R&B charts.

New Editions, Ralph’s Tresvant has been often compared to some of music’s greatest entertainers like Mr. Let’s Get It On, Marvin Gaye and the king of pop, Michael Jackson because of his silky smooth vocal style, creative dance steps, and amazing stage presence, it’s no wonder why the ladies love him. Ralph’s super star entertainment reminds most pop fans of MJ, especially when Ralph starts to harmonized smash R&B hit “Candy Girl,” “Cool It Now” and “If It Isn’t Love.”

“Sensitivity” was written by two of the most incredible producers ever Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. “Sensitivity” hit #1 and #4 on the Hot 100 and it went gold. His self-titled album released shortly after in 1990 and went platinum as well, topping the R&B charts. The album scored two more hits with “Stone Cold Gentleman” reaching #3 on the R&B charts and “Do What I Gotta Do” which reached #2.

Like the Jackson 5, New Edition became a pop phenomenon, big enough to have Madonna as an opening act during their early days in the early 1980s. New Edition has sold more units in the United States than any other teen singing group ever. Legendary music icon Dick Clark once said that Ralph Tresvant is an amazing timeless artist that reminds him of the late great Marvin Gaye.

Tresvant has not only captured listeners but viewers as well. In 1991, Ralph appeared in Reginald Hudlin’s House Party 2 and in 2002 the play, “The Man Of Her Dreams.” In 1993, he released his second album, It’s Goin’ Down. The album gave Tresvant greater involvement and say so as he produced many of the tracks himself.

Ralph continues to entertain and excite his fans around the world with his god-given gifts and humble attitude. According to Tresvant, this is just the beginning of the next phase of his career. Tresvant promises to keep on entertaining and releasing new music for the years to come as he thrives to create new music and new projects, while mastering his production and writing skills. For more information on Ralph Trasvant and the new love in his life tune in to “My RDC” and BRANDNEWZ.COM tomorrow, to see what’s on “Mr. Telephone Man’s” mind.