Historic Capital Press Club elects new president, leadership team 

WASHINGTON, D.C.  - Award-winning journalist Hazel Trice Edney, editor-in-chief of the Trice Edney News Wire and President/CEO of Trice Edney Communications LLC, has been elected president of the historic Capital Press Club.

Edney, a veteran reporter, who is also former editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service and BlackPressUSA.com, was elected by the CPC board April 19. She took office May 1.  

“I nominated Hazel Trice Edney because she is able to be the proactive advocate for communications professionals of color needed in the DC area,” says CPC President Emeritus Derrick Kenny, owner of Bold American Marketing. “She boasts a stellar track record as a seasoned journalist and has earned numerous awards. In addition, she has the proven ability to manage a non-profit communications organization, educate young communications professionals, motivate volunteers and establish partnerships with valued corporations and newsmakers. She is ideal for this office. She has the vision, strength, integrity and faith that are needed to move CPC forward into the future.”

The new leadership team also includes First Vice President Robyn Wilkes, Director of Communications, Greater Washington Urban League; Second Vice President Sherrie Edwards-Lassister, Senior Account Manager, Campbell and Company; Treasurer Joan Davion of The Davion Group; Immediate Past President Nyree Wright, Senior Vice President, MSLGROUP Americas; and Kenny, who is also Digital Media Manager, Montgomery CountyOffice of Cable and Broadband Services.

“Newsrooms across America are shrinking. That means the numbers of Black journalists in the newsrooms are diminishing while the numbers of injustices facing African-Americans are increasing,” said Edney, who has reported for the Black Press for more than 25 years. “In addition to the destructive forces of racism in our communities, we also see its economic impact on our media outlets. This climate reveals that this organization of Black media professionals is just as necessary and just as relevant as ever. The Capital Press Club will not shrink from the front lines in the war for justice and equality for others as well as ourselves.”  

It was 44 years ago that the Capital Press Club was established as the National Press Club refused to accept African-American members. As it approaches its 70th Anniversary in two years, The Capital Press Club exists to unite communications professionals of color through professional development, networking, new business opportunities and entrepreneurship, and issues advocacy. Its diverse membership of journalists, marketing, public relations, advertising and communications professionals from all disciplines is dedicated to maintaining superior standards of ethics, promoting cooperative business competition, and addressing the recruitment and retention of qualified minority communications professionals.

Biography of Hazel Trice Edney

Award-winning veteran journalist Hazel Trice Edney is president & CEO of Trice Edney Communications and editor-in-chief of Trice Edney News Wire. She is former Editor-in-Chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service and Blackpressusa.com and former interim executive director of the NNPA Foundation.

Edney is also an adjunct professor of journalism at Howard University. She has taught Reporting & Writing, Writing for the Media and the Freshman Seminar Class of Annenberg honor students. She is also the Entrepreneur in Residence at Howard’s John H. Johnson School of Communications’ CERRC (Communications Entrepreneurship Research and Resource Center), where she teaches students how to become business owners.

A native of Louisa, Va., she was the first Black woman inducted into the Virginia Communications Hall of Fame. She covered Capitol Hill, the White House and national electoral politics for NNPA from Sept. 2000 to Sept. 2010, including as an investigative reporter in NNPA’s NorthStar Investigative Reporting Program.

Edney has a Master’s Degree from the Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government, where she was awarded the William S. Wasserman Jr. Fellowship on the Press, Politics and Public Policy for her journalistic impact while reporting for the Richmond Afro-American and subsequently the Richmond Free Press. She is also a 2006 graduate of Harvard’s KSG Women and Power Executive Leadership program.

She was a 1999-2000 congressional fellow, sponsored by the American Political Science Association. In the nine-month fellowship for journalists, she served as a legislative aid in the personal office of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

Her journalism awards also include the 2011 New America Media Career Achievement Award; a fellowship at the Annenberg Institute for Justice in Journalism at the University of Southern California; the prestigious Lincoln University Unity Award in Media for economics writing; the coveted Tisdale Award, named for crusading Black Press editor the late Charles Tisdale of the Jackson Advocate; and a string of NNPA Merit Awards, including NNPA First Place Feature Story Merit Award 1990 for her final interview with Virginia death row inmate Wilbert Lee Evans, published in the Afro.

Her professional media appearances have included the Tavis Smiley Show; CNN; C-Span, Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Potter’s Touch; The Al Sharpton Show; George on the Hill; Washington Watch with Roland Martin; Rhythm and News; the Joe Madison Show and the Washington Journal. Hazel was named “2008 Role Model” by the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education and a “2010 Phenomenal Woman” by the Phenomenal Women’s Alliance. She was also featured as a “Living Legend” on Tom Joyner’s BlackAmericaWeb.com in February 2011. In addition to building the Trice Edney News Wire, Hazel is currently writing her personal memoir. She can be reached at Hazel@triceedneywire.com or 202-291-9310.

Baisden’s  Sequel to Maintenance Man skillfully mixes modern-day issues including corporate greed, voter suppression, and political corruption, with murder and suspense

Miami, FL- As one of the most influential and engaging personalities in radio history, Michael Baisden is an iconic figure. The social activist, filmmaker, television host, and speaker commands a daily audience of over seven million listeners with his top rated afternoon drive radio program heard in 22 of the top 25 urban markets. But when Baisden dons his hat as a best-selling author, he fully encapsulates the essence of his magnetic force. His previous titles like “God’s Gift to Women,” and “Do Men Know What They Want” have traditionally titillated while informing, unmasking relationship and societal issues that many might deem risqué. However, with his sixth book release “Maintenance Man II: Money, Politics and Sex…Everyone Has A Price” Baisden raises his own bar, delivering an explosive political romance thriller that mixes sex and politics with volatile flair.  

In “Maintenance Man II: Money, Politics and Sex…Everyone Has A Price” Baisden builds upon the saga of his former main character, Malcolm Tremell, a gigolo who first came to life in Baisden’s 1999 release “The Maintenance Man.” “The Maintenance Man” saw the author gain notoriety for unapologetically disclosing the lifestyle of a man who rendezvoused for pay with married women. The original “Maintenance Man” followed a litany of releases, including “Never Satisfied: How and Why Men Cheat,” and “Men Cry in the Dark” and solidified his stance as one of the most successful self-published male authors on the literary scene.

With “Maintenance Man II,” Baisden broadens the storyline as Tremell comes out of retirement to not only rebuild his contact list of high-end female clientele, but also franchise a male escort service worldwide. Intrigue, drama and danger quickly come into play when Tremell liaisons with the wife of a powerful and corrupt Republican senator. When they unwittingly uncover the senator’s underhanded deal with the powerful Kross brothers for political control, Tremell will have to tap his military training and street smarts to not only save his life, but also those closest to him.

Baisden, once again educates as he entertains, brilliantly engaging his readers. Utilizing Malcolm Tremell as the ultimate Renaissance man protagonist, he brazenly unveils several harsh and dark realities behind the current political process. He skillfully touches on some of the most critical political issues to date, including voter suppression as well as corporate greed, seamlessly interspersing them between a romantic and politically charged plot. The novel’s tone is captivating and inviting, whisking the reader into a non-stop escapade of sex, action and adventure.

“Whether it’s my daily radio show, one of my film productions or TV shows, my audience recognizes me as the voice of the people. My career was launched with my books, so it’s important for me to continue writing novels that push the envelope. My mission has always been to challenge people to think outside the box and adopt lifestyles and attitudes that work for them, not society.  ’Maintenance Man II’ is my best novel yet; unlike any story I’ve ever told.  It’s like James Bond, Bourne Identity and Shaft all rolled into one action packed and sexy thriller!” reveals Baisden.  

All of Baisden’s books, including “Maintenance Man II: Money, Politics & Sex…Everyone Has A Price” can be purchased at Target stores and  Amazon.com For more information on Michael Baisden, go to  http://www.BaisdenLive.com/  or join him at “Michael Baisden Live” on Facebook and “Baisden Live” on Twitter.  

About Michael Baisden

Michael Baisden is a recognized best selling author, nationally syndicated radio personality and TV talk show host.  His high-octane energy and love for interacting with his listeners is just one reason for the popularity and success of his number one rated Michael Baisden Show, which is broadcast to over seven million listeners in nearly 80 affiliate stations across the country.    

Baisden is known for spearheading the historic Jena Six March, The Michael Baisden Foundations 2010 One Million Mentors National Campaign to Save Our Kids, where he spoke in over 72 cities signing up mentors and the recent Trayvon Martin awareness campaign. In March, Baisden along with Rev. Al Sharpton held a rally in Stanford, FL to protest the injustice over the lack of an arrest in the killing of Martin, a teenager who was just walking home from the store.  Over 30,000 people attended the rally along with the teenager’s parents and other leaders.  In 2012, to further his commitment to mentoring, he formed a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and African American Fraternities for the Mentoring Brothers in Action Campaign to recruit more African American mentors for Black boys.

With nearly 2 million books in print, both hard and soft cover, his work blends the perfect combination of entertainment, humor, provocation and sexuality. Michael’s vibrant personality on and off the air has made him a people magnet.

He first began attracting attention with primarily female followers as an author and publisher of the highly successful bestselling books: “Men Cry in the Dark”, “The Maintenance Man,” (two of his titles ultimately were adapted into stage plays selling to sold out crowds across the states), “God’s Gift to Women”  and a hot new book “Do Men Know What They Want.”    

Baisden has released the “Collectors Edition of Maintenance Man” followed by his sixth book “Maintenance Man II: Money, Politics & Sex…Everyone Has A Price” on e-book, paperback and hard cover.  The hard cover book will be available exclusively at Target June 1, 2012.      

Michael Baisden photo: http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/5117/michaelbaisdenmm2.jpg

“Maintenance Man II” book cover: http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/8574/mmiicover.jpg

James Campbell’s new book The Color of War: How one battle broke Japan and another changed America is the story of the critical battle for Saipan, where for the first time in WWII black troops were sent to the frontlines to fight side-by-side with white Marines. It also details the massive and little known explosion at the Port Chicago Naval Ammunition Depot in July 1944, and the resulting mutiny trial of 50 African-American sailors who were on duty that day– a trial which would transform race relations in the military and in America.

Imagine that you’re an African-American in 1943. You live in the fiercely racist South and have heard that the military is looking for strong, patriotic black men. The local recruiter fills your head with visions of glory: You’ll serve as a sailor aboard a destroyer or a submarine, or carry a rifle on the frontlines among your white Marine comrades. When you return from the war, you’ll be treated like a hero.

Fast forward six months. If you opted for the Marines, you’re working with a malarial control unit in the swamps of North Carolina among the mosquitoes and snakes. Or you’re sent to Saipan where you and your fellow black Marines manage to unload 6,000 tons of essential equipment each day.

The Japanese are trying to kill you, and you are unarmed. You pray. Later, as casualties mount, a colonel hands you a rifle and sends you into battle alongside seasoned white Marines.

If you opted for the Navy, you’re sent to the Port Chicago Naval Ammunition Depot near San Francisco, a base that reminds you of a prison work camp or a plantation – white officer overseers and black workers. You’re ordered to load bombs that you’ve never been trained to handle onto ships that will pave the way for Marine assaults of the Pacific islands. “One day this place is going to explode to Kingdom Come,” is what your fellow sailors say.

One day it does – July 17, 1944 – with nearly the force of an atomic bomb. Three hundred and twenty men die. Another 390 are injured. Most are black sailors.

Almost six thousand miles away, Admirals Ernest King and Chester Nimitz celebrate the end of the brutal battle for Saipan, an island that would become the launching pad for U.S. bombers headed for Japan.  According to historian Donald Miller, seizing Saipan was “as important to victory over Japan as the Normandy invasion was to victory over Germany.”

Weeks later, the Navy blames the Port Chicago sailors for the explosion. And when you and the other survivors refuse to handle ammunition again, it launches the largest mutiny trial in U.S. history. Thurgood Marshall, chief counsel for the NAACP and future Supreme Court Justice, attends. When the Navy court convicts and sentences you and 49 more men for mutiny, Marshall handles your appeal and mobilizes the black community for a struggle that will  foreshadow the country’s bitter Civil Rights battle.

Using extensive research and first-hand interviews with veteran white Marines and black Marines and African-American sailors who survived Port Chicago, Campbell  crafted The Color of War to paint a gripping picture of July 1944, the explosive month that changed the course of history. The Color of War juxtaposes the spirit of the Greatest Generation with the scars of segregation.

NOTE: This June, in a timely and fitting tribute, the black Marines who fought in Saipan will be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their WWII service.

The Color Of War

How one battle broke Japan and another changed America

James Campbell

List $30.00 Trade Hardcover  $14.99 Kindle edition

512 pages  Published by Crown Publishing

Official Publication date May 15, 2012

ISBN-10: 0307461211 ISBN-13: 978-0307461216

Historical non-fiction

From the acclaimed World War II writer and author of The Ghost Mountain Boys, an incisive retelling of the key month, July 1944, that won the war in the pacific and ignited a whole new struggle on the home front.

About the Author James Campbell

James Campbell is a native of Wisconsin. He received his B.A. from Yale University and M.A. from the University of Colorado. He has written adventure travel, environmental, and military history pieces for Outside, National Geographic Adventure, Islands, Backpacker, Audubon, Coastal Living, Field and Stream, Sports Afield, Military History and many other magazines and newspapers.

His first book, The Final Frontiersman, won one of two nonfiction prizes at 2006 Midwest Booksellers Choice and was named by Amazon editors as the #1 Outdoor Book of 2004 and one of the Top 50 titles of the year.  In 2006, in conjunction for the research and writing of his second book, The Ghost Mountain Boys, he followed the footsteps of the Ghost Mountain Boys across New Guinea — a journey that historians describe as “one of the cruelest in military history” — and shot a documentary film in the process. No one from outside New Guinea had ever attempted to retrace the soldiers’ route. He discovered a wilderness and mountain villages largely unchanged in sixty years.

He lives in Wisconsin with his wife and three daughters.

Atlanta, GA (BlackNews.com) — Beauty Supply Institute will be holding its 3rd annual Beauty Supply Entrepreneurship Summer Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on August 4, 2012.

Since 2010, Beauty Supply Institute has been holding conferences that specifically train aspiring beauty supply store owners how to open beauty supply stores. The beauty industry is a $15 billion industry with low African-American representation as owners. Beauty Supply Institute was founded in 2007 to educate and engage entrepreneurs on the aspects of the industry in order to increase ownership among African-Americans.

Since the conference has been established, attendees have opened stores in places like Florida, Virginia, Ohio and Georgia, some within three months of attending. The conference is an all-day conference consisting of 6 classes, a lunch buffet, and take-home materials. Attendees will have an opportunity to intimately interact with staff and get their specific questions answered and concerns addressed. Courses taught include, “Avoiding Industry Pitfalls”, “Lease Negotiation”, “Uncovering Hidden Revenues”, “How to Raise Capital” and more.

This year’s conference guest speaker will be Maggie Anderson, founder of the Empowerment Experiment, who, for one year, only made purchases from black-owned businesses. When asked what inspired Devin Robinson, the founder, to start this organization and conferences, he says, “In 2005, I was threatened with a golf club and kicked out of a store by a Korean owner for no reason whatsoever. This inspired me to open my own stores, and I quickly learned how many other people wanted to have stores of their own. I soon realized this problem was bigger than one city and this industry needed more black owners. I decided to do whatever I could to make that a reality.”

Robinson led a one-week national boycott against non-black stores in 2009. He started his own beauty supply store chain, with one store putting two Korean-owned stores out of business. He employed an all-black staff before selling his stores to other Blacks in order to train individuals across the country. His team continues to develop stores nationwide and deliver them to other entrepreneurs.

Devin Robinson and Beauty Supply Institute has appeared on many national media platforms to include Radio One, CBS, Sirius XM radio, Ebony magazine and syndicated Michael Baisden and Rev Al Sharpton radio shows.

Seats are limited. Registration begins May 15, 2012. More information can be found at www.beautysupplyconference.com or www.beautysupplyinstitute.com or by calling 404-551-4398.

LA riots 20th Anniversary

Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) — The Whirlwind or The Storm: LA Riots Perspectives by Darryl James has been completed for release on April 27, 2012 – the twentieth anniversary of infamous 1992 acquittal and rioting, unleashing a unique history of rioting in America accompanied by viewpoints on civil unrest.

The book includes essays by Los Angeles Mayor James K. Hahn, Public Enemy’s Chuck D. Comedian Paul Mooney, the late Bo Taylor (founder of Unity One and organizer of the LA gang truce), “Sweet” Alice Harris (the “mother” of Watts), Pat Moore (former Compton City councilwoman), and a host of activists, politicians and average citizens as well as Henry Keith “Kee Kee” Watson, one of a group now known as The L.A. Four, prosecuted for involvement in the beating of Reginald Denny.

Award-winning author Darryl James, founder of Tenacious Books, has collected personal statements and essays on the ‘92 LA Riots, culling powerful reflections on the conditions that gave birth to one of the most violent outbreaks of domestic civil unrest in recent history–The LA Riots of 1992. Those essays form the basis of the new book, The Whirlwind or The Storm: LA Riots Perspectives.

The riots affected men and women of all races, leaving citizens from every corner of the nation with a personal perspective. James brought in eyewitnesses to the events in Los Angeles in 1992, or in Watts twenty six years earlier, who have unique insight on those events.

“The LA Riots of ‘92 were broadcast all over the nation and all over the world, and were felt at a feverish level,” said James. “Reading accounts of people who were there provides a sense of how a normal day unraveled as nervous tension evolved into chaos and disorder. These essays will nearly suffocate the reader with palpable authenticity.”

The Whirlwind or The Storm: LA Riots Perspectives also contains a dynamic retrospective on the 1992 Los Angeles Riots from Henry “Kee Kee” Watson, one of the group known as the LA Four, connected to the beating of Reginald Denny.

Twenty years after the LA Riots, “Kee Kee” Watson talks about beating Reginald Denny and gives an overview of the conditions that caused the two major riots of Los Angeles (1965 and 1992).

The book was published using the new eBook for Kindle technology, which is also available for personal computers. It will also be available for print on May 1. Both versions are available on Amazon.com.

The Whirlwind or The Storm: LA Riots Perspectives sells for $2.99 for the eBook and $14.99 for the physical book. For interviews or more information contact Tenacious Books at 888-501-4448 or email Darryl James at Darryl@darryljames.com.

Photo Caption: Bookcover

Spring “Eggs to Chicks” exhibit breeds an extremely rare
Auburn Java Chicken

GLENVIEW, IL – To the astonishment of Museum workers and guests alike, Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago’s current exhibit Eggs to Chicks hatched a seldom-seen Auburn Java chick, one of the rarest breeds in existence. The strain, common in the 1800s, actually disappeared over time, but the recessive gene has remained dormant in the Black Java variety, and recently new chicks of this exceedingly uncommon breed have been hatched. Approximately 300 Auburn Javas are currently known to be in existence in the world.

The Auburn chick, “Aubrey,” was hatched on April 25 in the early morning. The Museum contacted the Museum of Science and Industry and Chicago’s Baby Chick Hatchery exhibit, which later verified it as an Auburn Java.

Aubrey will stay on display at Kohl Children’s Museum until May 7 at which point which she will move to her new home at the Museum of Science and Industry which is dedicated to the repopulation of the Auburn Java species. Lambs Farm in Libertyville will be taking other chickens hatched during the exhibit.

“After 12 years of hatching chicks at our Museum, it’s thrilling that we see the Auburn Java breed hatched again!” said Sheridan Turner, President and CEO of Kohl Children’s Museum.

Kohl Children’s Museum receives a shipment of approximately 15 eggs per week from Garfield Farms in LaFox, Ill. The Eggs to Chicks exhibit features a child-height egg incubator, a hatchery unit and a pen for newborn chicks. With more than 150 eggs being hatched at the Museum, the delivery and incubation times of the eggs ensure there will always be new chicks hatching any given week for the duration of the exhibit.

The exhibit is open now through May 14, 2012

About Kohl Children’s Museum
In recognition for its outstanding exhibits and impact on Chicagoland families, Kohl Children’s Museum was recently named one of the country’s Ten Best Children’s Museums by Parents Magazine. The Museum was ranked sixth out of more than 300 children’s museums nationwide and was the only Chicago area museum recognized.

Offering 17 interactive, hands-on exhibits for children ages birth to 8, the Museum’s mission is to encourage young children to become effective learners through self-directed complex play. Kohl Children’s Museum is located at 2100 Patriot Blvd., in Glenview, Ill. at the corner of Patriot Blvd. and W. Lake Ave. in the newly redeveloped area known as The Glen. The Museum can be easily reached by public transportation, including Pace bus and Metra trains.

For more information, visit the Museum’s website at www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org or call (847) 832-6600. The Museum is open on Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Special members-only hours are from Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Admission prices are $9.50 for children and adults and $8.50 for senior citizens. Children under 1 year old and members are free.

Veteran Chicago producer pens global anti-youth violence anthem, vows to support CEASE Fire with proceeds

CHICAGO, IL (BlackNews.com) — The killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin remains at the forefront of national news headlines. While most news reports center around what Martin’s shooter George Zimmerman may have been thinking when he pulled the trigger, a Chicago-based music producer and father of two teen boys is sparking a nationwide dialogue on what Martin may have been thinking during the final moments leading up to his tragic death.

Darryl Duncan is an award-winning producer and composer. He recently penned the song “18″ in tribute to Martin. See the YouTube video of the song at http://youtu.be/9YrV18apV-c

Duncan wrote “18″ from the perspective of Martin who had recently celebrated his 17th birthday at the time of his murder. “I just began to write the words as if he were talking…what would Trayvon have said IF he could have defended himself? What would Trayvon want the world to know about the last few minutes of his life?” Duncan said.

Duncan also wanted to create the song to give young people nationwide a voice. “Every child deserves to make it to 18 without having to face the threat of senseless violence,” he said. “My sons are 16. They are Trayvon Martin. This song is not only dedicated to them but to those whose lives have been cut short.”

Duncan tapped lead vocalist Isaiah Robinson, Emmy award-winning vocalist Joan Collaso and a local gospel choir to deliver the powerful vocals, creating a song that poignantly captures the emotion people across the country have felt in the wake of Martin’s death. “18″ is available on iTunes, Amazon mp3, Spotify and Google Play. A portion of the proceeds with be donated to CEASE Fire, an internationally acclaimed youth anti-violence organization.

To arrange an interview with Darryl Duncan, contact Monique Caradine @ Momentum Media Group: 708-720-4252 x156 or email Mo@momentum-media.tv

About Darryl Duncan:

An award-winning songwriter and producer, Darryl has worked with music industry legends including Chaka Khan, R. Kelly, Earth, Wind and Fire and many more. His company, The FLOW Corporate Audio Group, creates jingles, theme music and custom audio development services for businesses around the world.

Background on Trayvon Martin’s case:

Viewed by George Zimmerman as “suspicious” and a “threat,” Zimmerman followed, confronted and ultimately fatally shot Trayvon Martin on February 26, 2012. Zimmerman claims he shot in self-defense but it was later determined that Martin was unarmed, carrying only a cell phone and a bag of Skittles candy, as he walked through a gated community in Florida where his father’s fiancé lived. Due to mounting public pressure, Zimmerman was finally arrested and charged with second degree murder on April 11, 2012.

Photo Caption: The single cover for Darryl Duncan’s song “18″ in tribute to Trayvon Martin

Actor Lamman Rucker star of Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns and Emmy Award Winning News Anchor Cynne Simpson Scheduled to Host 

Mary Mary, Chef Jeff Henderson and James Brown Among Special Guests

WASHINGTON, DC -  The U.S. DreamAcademy announced it’s “Power of a Dream” Gala, themed “Dreams for the Future” to be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2011 (Reception 5:45pm Dinner 7:00pm) in Washington, DC to benefit their nationally recognized after-school programs for children. The event will be held at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel located at 2660 Woodley Road, NW, Washington, DC 20008. Each year the Power of a DreamGala attracts the support of Hollywood celebrities, political figures, corporate executives, community leaders, and VIPs to invest and raise awareness to further help U.S. DreamAcademy programs succeed in making a difference in the lives of at-risk youth and children of incarcerated parents.

Honorees for this year’s event, who are also making a difference in young people’s lives with their philanthropic efforts include: Lars Houmann (President & CEO Florida Hospital), Mark Ingram, Jr. (Heisman Trophy Winner New Orleans Saints of the National Football League), Laura Kaeppeler (Miss America 2012), Hilton O. Smith (Sr. Vice-President, Community Affairs Turner Construction Company), George Allen “Pat” Summerall (Former National Football League Player and Television Sportscaster), and Kathy Victor (Board of Directors Chairman, Independent Business Owners Association International).

A special highlight of the evening will include performances by; the USDreamAcademyDREAMKids, Grammy Award Winning Gospel Group Mary Mary, and Grammy Award nominee and founder of U.S. DreamAcademy, Wintley Phipps. Chef Jeff Henderson

Executive Chef, Best Selling Author, Multi-Grammy Award and Star of the Food Network’s

“The Chef Jeff Project” will serve as the keynote speaker. Emmy Award and Edward R. Murrow Award winning anchor (ABC7/WJLA TV) Cynne’ Simpson and popular actor and Star of Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns” Lamman Rucker will emcee the gala.

Honorary Congressional Gala Co-Chairs for the event will be The Honorable Ben Cardin (D-MD.) and The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD). Corporate Gala Chair is Darien C. Grant, J.D. of Turner Construction Company. VIP guests will include; Members of Congress, Sport legends, Corporate Executives and community leaders. Sponsors of the Gala include Amway (Presenting Sponsor), Insurance Advantage, USA Funds, Anna Sue Dowd,

Southwest, Wells Fargo, Florida Hospital, Ancile Solutions, Adventist Health Systems, Kaloram Partners, G.S. Proctor and Kelly & Associates Insurance Group / KTBS Payroll.

The US Dream Academy Gala Honorary Congressional Committee includes the support of The Honorable Orrin Hatch (R-UT),The Honorable Barbara A. Mikulski (D-MD), The Honorable John P. Sarbanes (D-Md.), Rep.Corrine Brown (D-FL), The Honorable Robert P. Casey, Jr. (D-PA), Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO), Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), Rep. Laura Richardson (D-CA37), Rep. André Carson (IN-7), and The Honorable Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).

About the U.S. DreamAcademy                                                                                                                   

The mission of the U.S. DreamAcademy is to empower children who are at risk of future incarceration to maximize their potential by providing them with academic, social and values enrichment through supportive mentoring and the use of technology. The vision is to create an army of young men and women with positive dreams for their lives, equipped with the tools to make those dreams a reality with the core values of Faith, Freedom, Inspiration and Integrity.

The U.S. DreamAcademy focuses on impacting the lives of children with incarcerated parents and children falling behind in school.  The program, founded by renowned gospel singer Wintley Phipps, is currently operating in 10 cities nationwide.  Its research-based initiatives challenge over 600 young people daily and engage them in active learning through one-to-one mentoring, strong academics, and technology-driven activities and curricula. www.usdreamacademy.org.

In Washington, D.C., the DreamAcademy Learning Center is co-located at the Ferebee Hope Elementary School where students have access to after-school academic support, character building and dream building activities along with weekly mentoring by positive adult volunteers.

Important Statistics

• One in 40 children in the United States has an incarcerated parent.
• More than 10 million children in the U.S. have had a parent in prison.
• Each year about 400,000 mothers and fathers finish serving prison or jail sentences, and return home.

Miss America 2012 Laura Kaeppeler video supporting the U.S. Dream Academy 11th Annual “Power of a Dream Gala” http://amway.wistia.com/p/ZhVBS