Our Time PressThe Local Paper with the Global View

By Linda Armstrong

Black Circus Going Strong In 14th Year
  The UniverSoul Circus is back in New York and it’s in Brooklyn playing at its usually location at Prospect Parks Wollman Rink at Ocean Avenue and Parkside. This show is so much fun and it is so appropriate for the entire family. There are times that you will laugh, be astonished and simply find yourself completed engulfed in the audience participation moments. When you think of going to the circus do you associate doing things like the “Hookie Pookie” or “If You’re Happy And You Know It…?” Well, at UniverSoul Circus you participate with the entertainment about as much as you watch the talented performers.
  This circus has wonderful music and it always distinguishes itself as being the only Black owned circus. A circus which is now celebrating 14 years. I remember it from its first year and remember thinking I didn’t know this is what circus could be like. I remember thinking this is absolutely fantastic and it’s a circus that truly represents African American people with the marvelous Ol’ School and New School music, the entertaining clown like Onionhead, who by the way is still with this show and the acts that simply grab your attention and maintain it.
  Family, love, support, praising the Lord and just having a good time are all definitely parts of the UniverSoul Circus experience. And this circus manages to perfectly blend astounding circus acts with fabulous moments of audience participation. It takes what one may look at as the simplest of children’s game and songs and makes it an experience to remember as everyone gets to perform it together. This circus obviously feels that making the circus experience more valuable to families means giving parents and children the chance to have fun doing the same things, whether its putting your arms up to pass around gigantic beach balls or joining in a fun call-and-response with Ringmaster Tony Tone, who leads the audience with the words, “When I say Big Top, You Say Circus.” As he says the words the audience is completely into repeating it with the same tone and length as Tony Tone presents it. This is so much a part of the circus whenever I hear it’s coming back to town and
 arrangements are made for tickets, I say to my little one, “When I say Big Top you say Circus,” and we just have fun doing before we even enter the show.
  The show this year has exciting acts including acrobats, flyers, daredevils, quick-change artists, and a contortionist. A young lady performs on a large ring-flying, flipping and swinging and is a delight to behold. This is a circus where you can get “your scream on” as the audience competes to see which side of the tent can scream the loudest. The tent fills with Caribbean beats as the Caribbean Experience comes out and has dancers, stilt walkers and limbo dancers. “Send in the clowns” is something that UniverSoul does very well, as Onionhead takes the floor with Country and Lucky. Though Country and Lucky are much more than clowns, they are also versatile, talented Hip Hop dancers and acrobats. A quick-change act will leave you not wanting to blink. But whether you blink or not, you still won’t be able to figure out how a beautiful woman is suddenly wearing a totally different outfits within a matter of moments and simply following a curtain partly covering her and being shaken. This act is Soul Elusions.
  Each year I look forward to the next part of the show, which is the Soul Train Line. It’s such a wonderful chance for adult audience members to go to the ring and shake their groove thing. This circus is more fun than you will experience at most. Where else do they pass around a huge beach ball that the audience gets to hits from section to section.
  Everyone was enthralled watching Wheel of Death Soul Circus Daredevils-Jose and Henry-perform as they ran inside of large, steel wheels and ran and jumped on the outside of the wheels. This circus showcases Chinese acrobats, Ricardo-the Contortionist from Havana Cuba, motorcycle riding daredevils and the UniverSoul Elephants. A disappearing act features tigers.
  UniverSoul will play in Brooklyn through May 6 and then it will be playing for one week in the Bronx and Queens. To find out more information go to UniverSoul’s website.

by Catherine Alicia Georges, EdN, RN, FAAN,
Associate Professor and Chairperson, Department of Nursing, Lehman College, CUNY.

Estelle Osborn was a pioneer in nursing. She worked arduously to make sure that Blacks were included in the profession of nursing and was active in professional nursing organizations both Black and White.
So has Phyllis Jenkins. She was the first project director of a federally funded program at Lehman College in the early 1970’s to increase the number of racial and ethnic minorities entering and completing nursing programs.  She was a founder of the New York Black nurses Association and the National Black Nurses Association. Her services as a medical officer in Sierra Leone were also a first. She is an advocate for persons from vulnerable and underserved populations and in increasing the racial and ethnic minority participation in nursing.
The Critical challenges that  the health care delivery system and the health professions face, are a  shortage of registered nurses, globalization of the health workforce, escalating costs of health care, lack of health insurance for over 40 million persons, patient safety , quality of care and the continued health disparities of racial and ethnic minorities. 
There has been an attempt to increase the number of persons entering the nursing profession but the mix of racial and ethnic minorities have not been significantly changed.
The good news is that more people are interested in nursing as a profession. There are some federal state and local efforts being implemented to eliminate the health disparities but the morbidity and mortality statistics still remain grim.
 – Compiled by Azizza Johnson and Bernice Elizabeth Green

By Akosua Kathryn Albritton

Don’t Snitch Policy: Who Penned It?
Did anyone catch the segment on CBS’ 60 Minutes (April 21, 2007) where mega rap stars, Busta Rhymes and Cam’ron had the mike to wax intellectually? These men fell down on the job. The issue is the current theme of “no snitching to cops” under any circumstances. True, for several months different rappers are penning and rhyming threats to those in the ‘hood who want to call the police.
It doesn’t matter whether a shooting, a robbery or drug sale is the reason for the call. Rappers are now teaching that calling the police is bad. In essence, crime does pay. Our teens are listening to this. Once they start dancing to it, it’s a done deal. That message is saved in deep memory. For those unaware of the power of dance: it is a form of communication. We send and receive messages from watching and doing the dance. People who love gangsta rap are singing and dancing to the breakdown of the social fabric.
The impetus to 60 Minutes looking at this music trend is most likely Harlem Children’s Zone’s Geoffrey Canada. The murder of a young man well-known to him occurred and no one has come forward to give information on the murder, though he was in the company of others, namely Busta Rhymes. Canada asked whether “anyone held the young man in their arms” as his life ebbed away or was it cold avoidance.
Busta Rhymes took part in the segment and stayed clear of any direct language regarding the murder. Rather, a video tribute to the slain man is what Busta Rhymes gives to a life that ended so early. Canada is very concerned about this turn in rap music. Rappers are teaching fans to avoid the police and let crimes be resolved within the community. Cam’ron displayed bullet wounds in his upper arms. He stated that if he knew a mass murderer lived next door to him, he wouldn’t call the police. He would move. That’s fine for Cam’ron. He has money that’s too hot for his pockets. What about the average working person. Can we quickly put together two or three months of rent to move to another apartment. If you’re in New York, that’s $2,700 or $3,000. Cam’ron would have people spend thousands of dollars when all they need do is dial 9-1-1. Cam’ron would have folk spend thousands of dollars to move away from domesticate violence when possibly, shouting “Hey, quiet down or I’ll call the cops,” may do some good?
These two men had an opportunity to represent to the world what it means to be a man, a celebrity and a role model. They follow the script of “no snitching.” Who told them to stick to the policy? Cam’ron points the finger to the record company. Cam’ron says he wouldn’t be able to sell records without it. He’s not saying the rap audience wouldn’t buy it because that crew buys different genres within rap. The rap world appears to be directed to write certain lyrics or the music won’t be heard; to dress a certain way or they won’t be seen and do certain things or they won’t get paid.
Their comments have generated much dialogue on the web and blogosphere.  All Hip Hop’s website features an editorial entitled “21 Questions for Cam’ron and his ‘No Snitching’ Ethos”.  Technorati, a blog search engine has 3,241 search results for the key words, ‘no snitching.”  At the top of the list is “21 Questions for Cam’ron and his ‘No Snitching’ Ethos”.  How deeply embedded this ethic is within gangsta rap fans is to be seen.  It’s a feather in CBS’ cap for bringing it to the attention of its audience.
NEW YORK CITY BROADBAND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
On Tuesday, May 22, from 12 noon to 3 pm, in Brooklyn Borough Hall’s Courtroom hearing room, the New York City Broadband Advisory Committee will convene its second public hearing to hear testimony from Brooklyn residents, nonprofit organizations and businesses. Gale Brewer thanks the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz for their help in securing this beautiful space. Brooklyn Borough Hall is located at 209 Joralemon Street in downtown Brooklyn If you would like to testify at this hearing, please contact Jeff Baker (jeffrey.baker@council.nyc.ny.us / 212-788-9193), Counsel to the Committee on Technology in Government. Brooklyn residents, nonprofit organizations and businesses are particularly encouraged to testify (Reprinted from E-Update for the Committee on Technology in Government of the City of new York, April 22, 2007).
Attention Film Aficionados: Tribeca Film Festival
If it’s spring then, it’s time for the Tribeca Film Festival.  This year it runs from April 25 through May 6, 2007.  This year over 200 are offered from Canal @ Sixth Avenue, Canal @ Varick and Franklin Street @ Varick.  Special niches include Tribeca/ESPN Sports Film Festival, Tribeca Family Festival, Tribeca Talk Panels and Tribeca Drive In. For details about all locations, film descriptions and festival events, visit www.tribecafilmfestival.org

By Mary Alice Miller

Twelve NYC Gold Medal winners will represent NYC at the national NAACP Act-So competition in Detroit this summer. Act-So represents Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics. Act-So’s slogan is the “Olympics of the Mind.”
112 projects were presented for Competition (including 15 incomplete projects). A total of 95 students competed in 22 Categories. Act-So categories open for competition are: The Sciences (Architecture, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), Visual Arts (Filmmaking/ Video. Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, and Photography), Performing Arts (Dramatics, Dance, Music: Instrumental- Classical, Instrumental- Contemporary, Vocal- Classical, Vocal- Contemporary, and Oratory), Humanities (Original Essay, Poetry, Play Writing, Short Story, Music Composition), and Entrepreneurship. Short Story is a NYC initiative; not a National Category.
Act-So projects are scored on a strict scale. The Gold medal must score 95 or better, Silver- 90 to 94 and Bronze- 85 to 89. Anana Kambon, National Director of NAACP Act-So, has worked hard over the years to standardize Act-So’s scoring system. “No longer can local winners compete at the Nationals simply by being the best in their category. They must also score within our point system. A sole project presented within a category cannot win Gold and go to the Nationals by default.” The benefits of winning local Act-So competitions are numerous. In addition to the Medals, winners receive cash awards. Gold receives $500, Silver receives $300, and Bronze receives $200. All winners receive a laptop computer. Gold medal winners compete at the Nationals; Silver and Bronze winners are eligible to go as observers.
Even greater benefits are available to National Act-So competitors. According to Kambon, “National Act-So competitors receive substantial monetary awards for the Gold, Silver, and Bronze national winners, as well as many additional awards sponsored by corporate and collegiate National Act-So supporters.” Berkeley College offers $380,000 annually to 18 Act-So students. The Maryland Institute College of Art provides a collegiate summer program or a 4 year scholarship to 8 Act-So participants. The National Organization for Minority Architects coaches and mentors in their chapter cities. NASA offers an annual Space Camp for 15 students. According to Kambon, “If you don’t take advantage of the local competition, you can’t get to National.” For the first time in recent memory, Brooklyn hosted the NYC competitions. Edward R. Murrow H.S. graciously allowed Act-So to use its space. 60 adult volunteers came out to judge the competition. The student competitors presented themselves in their recital best. One young man presented in white tux and tails. These students are serious. Student participants came from 4 NYC NAACP chapters: Mid- Manhattan, Williamsbridge, the Housing Authority, and Social Services, representing a variety of NYC high schools. The recently reorganized Brooklyn NAACP branch does not yet have its own Act-So program. Kambon states there are 25 NAACP branches in NYC; therefore there is the potential for 25 ACT-So programs.
Anton Tomlinson, energetic and amiable, is the Chairman and Executive Director of NYC Act-So Committee. Tomlinson has been affiliated with NYC Act-So for 14 years. He is a passionate advocate for students. At any opportunity, Tomlinson solicits corporate support for the Act-So program. During the award ceremony, he told the packed audience that 4 Act-So students need laptops or computers for college.
Con Edison Headquarters graciously hosted the 20th NYC Act-So award ceremony. Master of Ceremonies was Reg Chapman, News Reporter for NBC- Channel 4. In addition to the Act-So awards, several community leaders were honored. Christopher J. Farley, author of Before the Legend: The Rise of Bob Marley, was presented with the Humanities and Literary Award. Dr. Edison O. Jackson, President of Medgar Evers College received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Kenneth R. Theobalds, Vice President of Entergy Nuclear Northeast, received the Corporate and Philanthropic Award. Maurice McGlashan- Powell, Research Advisory Scientist and Engineer at the IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, received the Science and Technology Award. Nana Camille Yarborough, educator, griot, actress, singer, and host of Manhattan Cable’s Ancestor House, received the Performing Arts Award. Hazel N. Dukes, President of the NAACP NYS Conference of Branches, gave a special word of praise and encouragement to student participants and their parents.

Thursday, April 26, 2007 WellCare opened their doors in the growing borough of Bedford – Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Fox 5 News Medical Reporter Dr. Sapna Parikh was there as the special guest Master of Ceremony, introducing Brooklyn’s Deputy Borough President, Yvonne J. Graham. Also addressing the crowd of over 150 people were Hardy “Joe” Long, President of the Fulton-Nostrand Merchant Association, Captain Charlie McEvoy of the 79th Precinct and President of WellCare of New York Health Plans, Daniel Parietti. You knew something special was happening when a live band “The Cultural Band” was performing in front of the new WellCare Health Plans store front at 10:00 in the morning, said a customer passing by the crowd of people. The store is located 1331 Fulton Street, between Nostrand Avenue and Verona Place. Open 6 days a week.
“We are hoping to make an impact to this growing community”, said Greg Horta, Community Outreach Coordinator for WellCare. “We are working to collaborate with local clinics, business, and community based organizations to provide health screenings and services for the community.” During the month of June we are preparing to have Saturday – Screenings including blood pressure, bone marrow, glaucoma, diabetes and HIV testing.” “We are also looking for talented, customer-focused professionals to continue our mission to become the leader in government-sponsored healthcare programs”. “Just come by and our trained staff will answer all your questions.”
WellCare is a leading provider dedicated to government-sponsored health plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, State Children’s Health Insurance Programs and others. WellCare founded in 1985, with three employees and 1,000 members. By the end of 2006, WellCare has become the largest Medicaid and Medicare only contractor in the nation with more than 3,000 employees and revenues of 3.8. Billion. Our team of more than 2,600 associates, over 25,000 physician partners and 60,000+ pharmacies serve over 2.2 million members across the country. The WellCare Group of Companies operates plans under the WellCare, Staywell, HealthEase, Harmony and PreferredOne brands. WellCare’s recent launches include stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans and Open Access Private Fee-For-Service Plans.