Alpha Kappa Alpha Names Rev. A.R Bernard Economic Growth of the Black Family Award Recipient

On April 2, 2009, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc honored Rev. A.R. Bernard as it's Economic Growth of the Black Family award recipient during the North Atlantic Regional Conference Public Meeting.


In 2008, Pastor Bernard demonstrated his considerable clout by inserting himself into the citywide debate over affordable housing, leading the opposition to the sale of Brooklyn's Starrett City, a move which would have resulted in higher rents for its approximate 6000 units. Rev. Bernard’s skillful leadership led to his team winning the bid to purchase the property for $600 to $700 million versus the asking price of $1.3 billion. The lower price tag will help keep Starrett City, the nation's largest federally subsidized housing complex, affordable.



Pastor Bernard's achievements and charismatic leadership in this City have been outstanding. The record may never accurately show the impact his leadership has had on the economic development of New York City and its families, but his anointed work and fight for the economically under served will not go unrewarded.

See link below for footage of the award presentation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppPxoMtKA2I&feature=email

See link below to the Crains article when AR Bernard was named one of the 25 New Influentials
http://www.arb.tv/portals/11/pdf/press-releases/crains-influentials.pdf

African American Family Celebration at the National Zoo

If you can't get tickets for the White House Easter Egg Roll, here's another fantastic option.

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ActivitiesAndEvents/Celebrations/Easter/

Celebrating the African American Family
April 13, 2009Free admission
Easter Monday has been a Washington-area multicultural tradition for many years. Visitors enjoy a variety of special family activities, including an Easter egg roll and hunt, crafts; entertainment ranging from children's dance troupes to costumed characters and storytellers; and special opportunities to learn more about our animals. In addition, we offer an array of delicious food.
Admission is free, and this fun-filled day traditionally welcomes thousands of area families.
Easter Monday will be held rain or shine.
Children's Activities
Easter egg hunt
Easter bunny
Organized field games and activities
Arts and crafts
Arcade games
Create-a-Critter (in front of Lemur Island)
Double-dutch jumping rope (12-2 p.m. at various locations throughout the Zoo)
Pathways to Freedom—The Peace Quilt
In honor of the work and life of civil rights activist Rosa Parks, the Pathways to Freedom—The Peace Quilt will be displayed for visitors to trace the various civil rights and freedom trails, as well as the important events in Parks' life. The quilt was specially created for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Pathways to Freedom Chapter of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute of Self Development, an organization co-founded by Parks to continue her legacy. The quilt is the concept of Ella McCall-Haygan, a personal friend of Parks and regional director of the institute. It was made and designed by international award-winning quilt-maker Geri V. Ford. McCall-Haygan will be on hand to share Parks’ story.
Live Entertainment Schedule

11 a.m.-4 p.m.
DJ George of Talk of the Town

11 a.m.
Mutual Agreement: an a cappella gospel quintet

11:40 a.m.
Webb Elementary School Dance Team

12:15 p.m.
Lara Family and Friends Steel Drum Team

2 p.m.
Baba Jamal Koram: master storyteller in the oral history and traditions of West African cultures and music

3:15 p.m.
Fan Fan/Global Beat 101: Caribbean and reggae music

Animal Program Schedule
10 a.m.
1 p.m.

Meet a Naked Mole RatSmall Mammal House

Meet a Kori BustardKori Bustard Exhibit (behind Bird House)

Meet an InvertebrateInvertebrate Exhibit

Meet a GorillaGreat Ape House
10:30 a.m.

Giant Octopus FeedingInvertebrate Exhibit

Meet a CheetahCheetah Conservation Station

Giant Fish or Stingray FeedingAmazonia, entrance level

Elephant BathElephant House
1:30 p.m.

Meet an Aldabra TortoiseReptile Discovery Center

Asian Otter Feeding DemoAsia Trail Otter Exhibit

River Otter FeedingUpper Valley Trail
1:30-3 p.m.
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Caring CorralKids' Farm

Caring CorralKids' Farm
2 p.m.
11 a.m.

Meet a Flamingo KeeperFlamingo Exhibit (behind Bird House)

Meet a KiwiBird House

Meet a HippopotamusHippo Yard or Elephant House

Elephant Training DemoElephant Yard or Elephant House

Meet a Naked Mole RatSmall Mammal House

Meet a GorillaGreat Ape House

Meet a GorillaGreat Ape House

Giant Octopus FeedingInvertebrate Exhibit

Meet an InvertebrateInvertebrate Exhibit

Spectacled Bear Feeding DemoLower Valley Trail

Eagle Feeding DemoValley Trail

Giant Fish or Stingray FeedingAmazonia, entrance level
2:30 p.m.
11:30 a.m.

Meet a CheetahCheetah Conservation Station

Sloth Bear Feeding DemoAsia Trail Sloth Exhibit

River Otter FeedingUpper Valley Trail

Meet a HippopotamusHippo Yard or Elephant House

Giant Fish or Stingray FeedingAmazonia, entrance level

Seal or Sea Lion Training DemoValley Trail

Great Cats Keeper TalkGreat Cats Exhibit

Great Cats Keeper TalkGreat Cats Exhibit
3 p.m.
12 p.m.

Meet a Marabou StorkMarabou Stork Exhibit (outside Bird House)

Birds in the Forest FeedingBird House Indoor Flight Room

Meet an Aldabra TortoiseReptile Discovery Center

Meet a Banded MongooseSmall Mammal House

Giant Octopus FeedingInvertebrate Exhibit

Meet an Aldabra TortoiseReptile Discovery Center



Meet an InvertebrateInvertebrate Exhibit



Dance of the JelliesInvertebrate Exhibit

2009 White House Easter Egg Roll

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are pleased to announce the 2009 White House Easter Egg Roll. The White House Easter Egg Roll will be held on Monday, April 13, 2009 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the South Lawn of the White House. Talented performers, special guests and thousands of visitors from all over the country are expected to attend this year. For the first time, tickets for the Easter Egg Roll will be distributed online so that more children and families from across the United States have the opportunity to experience this event. There will be no ticket distribution on the Ellipse the weekend before the event. More details about the ticketing process are below.
ThemeThe White House Easter Egg Roll dates back to 1878 and is an event designed to encourage children and their families to come outdoors and celebrate the start of the spring season. This year’s theme, ‘Let’s go play’, encourages America’s youth to lead healthy and active lives. The White House will open the South Lawn to children age ten and under, along with their families, to enjoy sports, cooking classes, live musical performances, storytelling and, of course, the traditional Easter egg roll. Please come dressed to be active and participate in all of the events.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/eastereggroll/

Children & Grief

Earlier this year, my Uncle Walter passed away. While he was hospitalized the last 6 weeks of his life, my 5 year old prayed often for his peace and healing. When he made his transition, I was faced with how to help my daughter understand death. She processed things in her own child like manner, "Mommy how did Uncle Water get to heaven?", she asked.

Just weeks later I was hit with the tragic murder of a dear friend from high school who left behind a 2 year old daughter. And again less than 2 weeks later I loss another dear friend, this time to Lupus. Not just my friend, but a daughter and mother to a 5 year old little girl, just a few weeks older than my own. So during our nightly prayers we have added these little ones to our prayer list, that God will protect and cover them with His grace and mercy as they grow without their daddy and mommy.

So I ask you, how have you had to handle death with your children? How do you help them understand loss while trying to protect them from the pain of grief?

In Loving Memory of Marc Stewart & Tiffani Roberts

Jack & Jill Turns 70

Below is a link to an article from the current issue of UPTOWN magazine that highlights the 70 year history of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.

Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is a family organization that provides cultural, social, civic and recreational activities that stimulate and expand the mind to enhance life. It is the largest and oldest African American family organization in the United States.

Along with sororities, fraternities and other exclusive organizations, J&J comes with it's own set of stereotypes and preconceived notions. The reality is , its goals and founding principles are rooted in providing opportunities for the development and advancement of our children. After all, isn't that what we all want as parents for our children?

Post and share your remarks.

http://www.uptownlife.net/content/view/254/28/

JB