Tag Archives: Black History Month

Black Chamber of Arizona Launches Black History Month Business Series

Weekly, In-Person Series Spotlights Employer Firms Driving Job Creation, Growth and Legacy Across Arizona

PHOENIX, Ariz., Feb. 3, 2026 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The Black Chamber of Arizona announced today the launch of Black History in Business: Fireside Chats Across Arizona, a four-part, in-person Black History Month business series held every Thursday in February from 7–9 p.m. The weekly events will spotlight Black-owned businesses and employer firms, highlighting their role in job creation, economic growth and community legacy across the state.

Image caption: Black Chamber of Arizona Launches Black History Month Business Series.

Designed for entrepreneurs, executives, creatives and professionals, the series convenes at Black-owned businesses and focuses on candid dialogue around growth, resilience, collaboration and legacy. Each session features business leaders sharing real-world insights, relationship-driven networking opportunities and practical takeaways for attendees looking to start, grow or scale their ventures.

“Black history is not just something we honor, it’s something we are actively building,” said Dr. Velma Trayham, President and CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona. “This series is about celebrating excellence in real time, learning directly from leaders who are doing the work and ensuring that our businesses are not only surviving, but scaling, collaborating and leaving a lasting legacy.”

Each session is organized around a distinct theme and includes a new lineup of business leaders and innovators:

FEBRUARY 5 – LEADERSHIP, PREPAREDNESS AND VISION (WEEK 1)
A candid discussion on leadership, preparation and building businesses with longevity in mind.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-history-month-business-series-week-1-tickets-1981952335789

FEBRUARY 12 – SCALING WITH INTENTION: GROWTH, BRAND AND INFLUENCE (WEEK 2)
A “Content Lab”–style evening focused on how Black-owned businesses scale with purpose while maintaining brand integrity, visibility and operational excellence.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-history-month-business-series-week-2-tickets-1981949290681

FEBRUARY 19 – COMMUNITY, CAPITAL AND COLLABORATION (WEEK 3)
A focus on relationships, access to capital and shared economic impact, exploring how collaboration and ecosystem-building fuel sustainable growth.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-history-month-business-series-week-3-tickets-1981950102108

FEBRUARY 26 – LEGACY, LEADERSHIP AND THE FUTURE OF BLACK BUSINESS (WEEK 4)
A forward-looking conversation centered on legacy, leadership and the future of Black enterprise in Arizona and beyond, examining how today’s decisions shape opportunity for the next generation.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-history-month-business-series-week-4-tickets-1981954538377

Events are free for Black Chamber of Arizona members, with non-members encouraged to attend and consider membership as a pathway to greater connection, visibility and support within Arizona’s small business ecosystem.

In addition to the Black History Month series, the Black Chamber of Arizona offers year-round sponsorship opportunities for corporations, institutions and philanthropic partners seeking to align with diverse business growth, supplier diversity and inclusive economic development. Sponsorships provide brand visibility, access to a growing network of small businesses and opportunities to support programs that drive measurable business impact.

To reserve a seat, learn more about sponsorship or explore partnership opportunities, visit blackchamberaz.org/events/ or email info@blackchamberaz.com.

ABOUT THE BLACK CHAMBER OF ARIZONA

Founded in 1995, the Black Chamber of Arizona advocates for economic growth and entrepreneurship across the state. Through strategic partnerships, advocacy and innovative programming, the Chamber supports small and underserved businesses in driving wealth creation, job growth and community advancement. The organization serves as a hub for connection between entrepreneurs, corporate partners and community stakeholders committed to building a more inclusive and prosperous Arizona. For more information, visit https://blackchamberaz.org/.

NEWS SOURCE: Black Chamber of Arizona

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (Black Chamber of Arizona), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/black-chamber-of-arizona-launches-black-history-month-business-series/

Celebrate Black History Month at Soul Fest in Oakland Park!

The event promises an unforgettable experience with vibrant live music, featuring the Derek Mack Band, and an array of tempting food trucks

OAKLAND PARK, Fla., Feb. 5, 2025 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Join us at Soul Fest as we honor Black History Month by celebrating the rich contributions and achievements of the African American community. This free, family-friendly event will take place on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Jaco Pastorius Park at 4000 North Dixie Highway, Oakland Park, Florida.

Image caption: Oakland Park FL Soul Fest 2025.

“Soul Fest is a celebration of music, culture, and community spirit. It’s a night for families and friends to come together, enjoy live entertainment, and experience the energy of Oakland Park. Join us at Jaco Pastorius Park for an unforgettable evening filled with soulful sounds and family-friendly fun!” said Mayor Tim Lonergan.

The event promises an unforgettable experience with vibrant live music, featuring the Derek Mack Band, a cash bar, and an array of tempting food trucks, including Gold Soul, Curve Way Kitchen, Knockout Food, Potatoes of Steele, The Souse House, and Shontaestys Treats to name a few.

Children can enjoy a dedicated activity area, game tables, and more surprises, ensuring fun for the whole family. The event fosters a sense of community unity and pays tribute to cultural heritage.

Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a soulful evening under the stars. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in a celebration of culture, music, and community. Come and be a part of Soul Fest 2025!

For more information, please visit Soul Fest | Oakland Park, FL – Official Website or call 954-630-4500.

ABOUT OAKLAND PARK, FLORIDA

The City of Oakland Park is undergoing an exciting transformation as it prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2029. Guided by a vision to create a more dynamic and vibrant community, Oakland Park is delivering high-quality amenities and facilities for its residents. Key municipal projects, such as City Centennial Park, Fire Station 9, the North Andrews Gardens Community Center, and the new Public Works Complex, are complemented by private developments including the Sky Building, BLYS, Oaklyn, Oak Tree, and the Horizon.

Together, these investments are reshaping Oakland Park, enhancing its appeal, and reinforcing its status as a thriving destination. With progress in full swing, the city is laying the groundwork for a bright future that will serve generations to come. For more information on Oakland Park’s “Building Our Second Century” initiative, visit the City website at https://www.oaklandparkfl.gov/.

IMAGE LINK FOR MEDIA: https://www.oaklandparkfl.gov/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=14261

EVENT INFORMATION: https://www.oaklandparkfl.gov/590/Soul-Fest

NEWS SOURCE: City of Oakland Park Florida

This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (City of Oakland Park Florida), who is solely responsible for its accuracy, by Send2Press Newswire. Image, if any, was provided by the news source and not this website or the wire service. Information is believed accurate, as provided by the news source, but is not guaranteed.

To view the original story, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/celebrate-black-history-month-at-soul-fest-in-oakland-park/

National Postdoctoral Association Announces Free Membership for HBCU Students

ROCKVILLE, Md. /ScoopCloud/ -- The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) today announced that it would provide free membership to any undergraduate or graduate student enrolled at any Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU). The same is true for any postdoctoral scholar ("postdoc") working at such an institution.

"Black History Month provides time for both reflection and action," said NPA executive director and chief executive officer, Thomas P. Kimbis. "We want to do our small part at pushing back against the tide that has historically disadvantaged certain Black students from attaining their desired jobs through first obtaining postdoc positions."

Data show that Black researchers are underrepresented in postdoctoral and university faculty positions. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, "6 percent of faculty were Black, specifically 4 percent Black female and 3 percent Black male" in 2021. Meanwhile, the U.S. Census Bureau finds that Black students make up 15.7 percent of all enrollments in higher education during the same time period, creating a significant disconnect between student and faculty positions.

According to a White House initiative, "HBCUs offer all students, regardless of race, an opportunity to develop their skills and talents. These institutions train young people who go on to serve domestically and internationally in the professions as entrepreneurs and in the public and private sectors."

"Building an inclusive community of support is foundational to the mission and the vision of NPA," said NPA chair of the board of directors, Caleb C. McKinney. Starting immediately, the NPA will offer free access to all of its resources to individuals at HBCU institutions to broaden understanding in the Black community of the pathways opened through postdoc positions.

As the national voice of the postdoctoral community, the NPA provides professional development, networking, skills education, and leadership opportunities to postdocs following a path to top academic, industry, entrepreneurial, nonprofit organization, and government positions.

About National Postdoctoral Association:

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) educational association headquartered in Rockville, MD. Founded in 2003, the NPA envisions an inclusive community where all postdocs are empowered, valued, recognized, and supported in their current and future endeavors. The NPA serves the entire postdoctoral community, including its 20,000 individual and 230 organizational members.

Learn more: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/page/Join

RELATED LINKS:

https://nces.ed.gov/

https://jbhe.com/2023/01/black-enrollments-in-post-pandemic-higher-education/

The National Postdoctoral Association (NPA) today announced that it would provide free membership to any undergraduate or graduate student enrolled at any Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCU). The same is true for any postdoctoral scholar ("postdoc") working at such an institution.

Related link: https://www.nationalpostdoc.org/

Black History Month – Teaching Black Children The Value Of Building Wealth, Saving Money, and Financial Literacy

NEW YORK, N.Y. /ScoopCloud/ -- On the last day of Black History Month, nationally recognized Black Producer and Creator Joe Young, Jr., in partnership with JPMorgan Chase, will launch a print and digital comic book teaching financial literacy to students featuring "KEMET, BIG TIME SAVER."

On February 28, 2023, 10 a.m. at P.S. 171 Patrick Henry Preparatory school in Harlem, Principal Dimitres Pantelidis, will host a Black History Month event for fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade students to celebrate the conclusion of the month.

Students will officially meet KEMET, a ten-year-old time-traveling comic character who goes back to meet African-American historical firsts, legends, and inventors, both living and deceased, who share with KEMET what they have done to contribute to the outstanding accomplishments of building this country and improving civilization.

By traveling through a history time capsule called "Sankofa 82," KEMET, in mascot form, will talk to the students about the value of money and saving and the importance of financial literacy.

"There is a dire need for youth in urban areas to understand the importance of basic money management," said Joe Young, Founder and Producer of Joe Young Entertainment. "KEMET, BIG TIME SAVER will engage the students to think about the value of money, saving, and investing. Promoting financial literacy in our schools impacts the mind and behavior towards money management and understanding the value and importance of generational wealth."

"Financial health is a critical component of creating a stronger economic foundation and building generational wealth for the Black community," said Jumoke Fagbayi-Butts, Vice President and Senior Business Consultant at Chase. "We are committed to addressing the unique financial needs of those too often left behind in a growing economy. Our firm works with leaders like Joe Young to support the next generation of Black prosperity."

"We are happy to join nationally recognized cartoonist Joe Young, his cartoon character KEMET, BIG TIME SAVER, and JoAnn H. Price, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of Fairview Capital, to present this comic book to all students at P.S. 171 in Harlem," said Rocky Chowdhury, Vice President, and Community Manager for Chase in Harlem. "Building positive financial health habits early in life leads to great success, and applaud Joe's work to teach students responsible money habits that will help secure their financial futures."

KEMET, BIG TIME SAVER BACKGROUND

KEMET, BIG TIME SAVER comic book, was co-written by Joe Young and his daughter Paige Young. The comic book story features ten-year-old "Ro" who runs a lemonade stand and decides to use her profits from the revenues generated from her lemonade stand business to buy a new scooter. She gets frustrated after running into problems raising enough money.

KEMET, alerted about her dilemma, takes off in "Sankofa 82" to help her. He introduces Ro to three successful Black entrepreneurs from past and present: the late A.G. Gaston, one of the wealthiest African Americans of his time, including a $130 million business empire spanning communications, real estate, and insurance; JoAnn H. Price, Co-Founder/Managing Partner of Fairview Capital Partners (Private Equity and Venture Capital firm) with over $10.4 Billion in assets under management since inception; and the late Mary Ellen Pleasant, a 19th-century entrepreneur, financier, real estate magnate, and abolitionist who was the first self-made millionaire of African-American heritage.

Beginning in March, Young and his mascot KEMET will commence a tour to visit schools and youth groups with his KEMET BIG TIME SAVER PROGRAM. The KEMET youth activity sheets, which include fun and educational Black history facts, are distributed nationwide to schools and Black newspapers, reaching over 22 million readers a week. Young is in pre-production for the KEMET BIG TIME SAVER animated film.

* 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. P.S. 171 Patrick Henry School, 19 E 103rd St, New York, NY 10029

Black History Month event with over 100 elementary students to meet KEMET, celebrate African American leaders and discuss the importance of financial health and generational wealth for young people. Courtesy of JP Morgan Chase, every student will receive a copy of KEMET, BIG TIME SAVER.

* 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Apollo Theater, 253 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027

Joe Young will host a KEMET Book Signing at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem to celebrate Black History Month.

ABOUT JOE YOUNG:

Joe Young is the Founder and president of Joe Young Entertainment and the President and CEO of Hartford's Got Talent!, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. He is an award-winning cartoonist, filmmaker, producer, writer, and teaching artist. Young is the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees of The University of Bridgeport. In 2022 Young teamed up with music icon Smokey Robinson to produce the animated BLACK AMERICAN film. The animation was featured on ABC's "The View" TV program. In 1999, he received the Daily Point of Light award from the White House from Presidents Bill Clinton and the late President George H.W. Bush for volunteering to bring the arts to inner-city youth.

He has been recognized for his accomplishments, including being an Amazon National Best-Selling Author, featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not, and in The NAACP 100 Most Influential Blacks in CT. His work has appeared in People, Ebony, GQ and Jet Magazine, the Boston Globe, New York Times, C-Span, ABC's The View, CNN, the Black Family Channel, and other national media outlets.

Learn more: https://joeyoung.org/

For more information on Joe Young and the KEMET comic property, email: info@joeyoungentertainment.com

On the last day of Black History Month, nationally recognized Black Producer and Creator Joe Young, Jr., in partnership with JPMorgan Chase, will launch a print and digital comic book teaching financial literacy to students featuring "KEMET, BIG TIME SAVER." Students will officially meet KEMET, a ten-year-old time-traveling comic character who goes back to meet African-American historical firsts, legends, and inventors.

Related link: https://joeyoung.org/

Authoritative Book, ‘Ancient Black Civilizations Matter,’ Adds Ancient History to Black History Month

SHELBURNE, Nova Scotia /ScoopCloud/ -- Perusine Press celebrates Black History Month with author Procopius Canning's deeply researched book "Ancient Black Civilizations Matter: Sort of like Wakanda, only real!" (ISBN: 979-8696570037), a fascinating survey of Blacks and Black culture in the ancient world.

Although ancient Black history has been studied extensively by specialized scholars in universities, little about the subject has been communicated to society at large by our mainstream media, Hollywood, or even high schools.

"Leaving out an entire race from ancient history is a rather egregious omission," says Canning, and further, "it was disturbing to see some of the offenders who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6th wear symbols from ancient Roman history as symbols of white power."

"Ancient Black Civilizations Matter" importantly shows that such prejudice is historically fallacious and demonstrably false.

Unfortunately though, ancient Black history still remains largely hidden from both popular knowledge and professional historiography, meaning the scholarly writing and presentation of history. This book shows that people of color played a far greater role in Classical Civilizations than is commonly known amongst people today.

Ancient Black history includes the ancient Kushite Kingdom that once ruled Egypt, along with the Kingdom of Numidia, famous for its well trained and disciplined cavalry. Numidia was a nation that proved to be a valuable Roman ally in many times of conflict, but in certain other periods, it became a dreaded and fearsome enemy. Numidian warrior King Jugurtha took on, and attempted to defeat, the Roman empire in what we call the Jugurthine Wars. Historically, Jugurtha was one of ancient Rome's greatest existential threats.

Real people and actual events present for the record the dynamic and often exciting role that Africans and people of color played in Classical Civilizations. The fascinating stories of Lusius Quietus, the first Black ancient Roman senator, and Juba, the philosopher king of Numidia, who married Cleopatra Selene, the daughter of the famous Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, in an inter-racial royal marriage ceremony that predated Harry and Meghan's by 2,000 years, contribute to showing how Africans participated in shaping the ancient classical world. Ancient Black history includes many individuals, both men and women, who were of particular influence.

"On the topic of the famous ancient Roman empire, we know clearly that at times people of color became its rulers. For example, the Ethiopian Emperor Pescennius Niger, or the much longer lasting and influential African rulers of the Severan Dynasty," says Canning.

This sun worshiping dynasty, lasting from 193 CE - 235 CE, was founded by Julia Domna of Syria, and Septimius Severus, of Africa. Domna's familial ancestors were African as well, being from the same town as Septimius, Leptis Magna, a thriving seaport in the ancient African nation of Tripolitania.

While embracing long standing ancient Roman traditions, the Severans also brought numerous foreign influences with them, that many Romans eagerly adopted. This included certain fashion styles, and importantly, new theologies. Julia Domna's father was a high priest of the Cult of Elagabal. By the late second century CE, many Romans were questioning the traditional pantheon of gods and goddesses, along with their ancient myths. They seemed to embrace much of what was new that the Severans brought with them to Rome. To the political benefit of the Severans, many Roman legions had already adopted these exotic African and Syrian influenced religions, such as the Cult of Mithras and the sun god Elagabal, the latter of which evolved into the official state cult of Sol Invictus, the invincible sun, under Emperor Aurelius in 274 CE.

The Severan Dynasty included also the Emperor Caracalla, who granted in his Constitutio Antoniniana, in the year 212 CE, Roman citizenship to the people of the African provinces. With this important edict, the population of people of color in the ancient Roman empire who were officially Roman citizens, and recognized as such, holding as Aristotle eloquently stated, "legal redress in accordance with justice" under Roman law, increased from the thousands, to well over a million. These are proportionally very significant numbers given the much smaller populations of ancient time.

Indeed, in the decades bordering the late second and early third centuries, ancient Roman history seems to be deeply intertwined with the famous ancient proverb, of unknown origin, but quoted by Erasmus, Aristotle, Pliny and others that, "semper aliquid novi Africam adferre," meaning, "always something new out of Africa."

For all those interested in filling a knowledge gap in the study of ancient history, "Ancient Black Civilizations Matter: Sort of like Wakanda only real!" is now available on amazon.com. here: https://a.co/d/89ybQ5x

Learn more about the author at: https://procopiuscanning.com/

Perusine Press celebrates Black History Month with author Procopius Canning's deeply researched book "Ancient Black Civilizations Matter: Sort of like Wakanda, only real!" (ISBN: 979-8696570037), a fascinating survey of Blacks and Black culture in the ancient world.

Related link: https://procopiuscanning.com/

Mzuri Moyo Aimbaye Kicks Off 2022 GOTV Tour Featuring Award-Winning One-Woman Play: The Fannie Lou Hamer Story

ATLANTA, Ga. /ScoopCloud/ -- Healing Through The Sound of Music announces: Award-winning singer, actress, and playwright, Mzuri Moyo Aimbaye kicks off the 2022 tour of her one-woman stage play about voting rights activist, Fannie Lou Hamer, with a live performance Feb. 17, 2022 at University of Maryland Eastern Shores in Princess Ann, Maryland. 'The Fannie Lou Hamer Story: Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired" celebrates the unsung hero whose brave struggle for human dignity and freedom became a catalyst for the passage of the Voter's Rights Act of 1965, and also promotes voting in the 2022 midterm elections as part of their Voice of the Empowered (V.O.T.E.) 2022 edutainment tour.

"I am excited to kick off our 2022 tour during Black History month because Fannie Lou Hamer made huge sacrifices to defend American democracy. That's the reason we must fight to keep our history included in school curriculums," said Aimbaye. "She was a warrior in the fight for voting and civil rights. Given the surge in voting restrictions across the country as well as the attempts to limit access to Black History, it's critically important to learn about the sacrifice and success of Fannie Lou Hamer, the daughter of a sharecropper."

The audience is in for a treat as Aimbaye couples her exceptional storytelling abilities with her mellifluous voice and commanding stage presence to take the audience on an incredible journey as Fannie Lou Hamer returns from heaven on a mission to invoke a sense of purpose and responsibility. Through intimate conversation and twelve emotionally moving songs Aimbaye gives a witty and personal account of Fannie Lou Hamer growing up as the youngest of 20 siblings in the 1920s on a Mississippi sharecropping plantation and the struggles she encountered fighting for the right to vote.

"Black History is American History and we have a duty to make sure our children and grandchildren know our struggle," adds Djehuty Se Hotep, producer of "The Fannie Lou Hamer Story." He adds, "Mzuri created this play after being moved by footage of Hamer's truthful account of voter registration suppression and brutal jail-house beatings. Mzuri knew that she needed to find a way to give an oral rendition of Hamer's testimony that would create the same emotion, authority, and call to action to vote that Hamer did."

Additional February and March tour dates include February 22, Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA; March 8, University of Maryland in College Park, MD; and Mar 18 and 19 at the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center in Lexington, Kentucky.

For times and tickets go to https://www.thefannielouhamerstory.com/

Awarded "Best Actress," "Best Producer," and "Best Play" at the 2015 Atlanta Black Theater Festival, "The Fannie Lou Hamer Story" is part of a national voter empowerment initiative coupling the musical extravaganza with panel discussions and town hall meetings for an innovative "edutainment experience" aimed at registering, educating and mobilizing voters. The play is Directed by Byron C. Saunders and produced by Healing Through the Sound of Music, a social impact music and theatre production company. Virtual and in-person tour dates are still available.

For more information visit https://www.thefannielouhamerstory.com/, email mstee@thefannielouhamerstory.com, or call (347) 395-0259.

For more information on Healing Through The Sound of Music, visit: https://www.healingthroughsoundmusic.org/

Healing Through The Sound of Music announces: Award-winning singer, actress, and playwright, Mzuri Moyo Aimbaye kicks off the 2022 tour of her one-woman stage play about voting rights activist, Fannie Lou Hamer, with a live performance Feb. 17, 2022 at University of Maryland Eastern Shores.

Related link: https://www.healingthroughsoundmusic.org/

‘Ancient Black Civilizations Matter’ – Brand New Book, Explores Black Lives in Classical Civilizations and Embraces the Healing Power of History

SHELBURNE, Nova Scotia /ScoopCloud/ -- Procopius Canning, historian and creator of the scholarly award-winning web sites Timeline: Ancient Rome, and Gladiator: The Real Story, announces the publication of "ANCIENT BLACK CIVILIZATIONS MATTER: Sort of like Wakanda, only real!" (ISBN: 979-8696570037), a deeply researched popular survey history of Blacks and Black culture in the ancient classical world.

While ancient Black history has been studied extensively in universities by specialized scholars, little about Blacks and Black culture in Classical Civilizations has been communicated to society at large, by way of high schools, Hollywood, or the mainstream media.

"Leaving out an entire race of people from popular history is a rather egregious omission," says Canning, and further "it was disturbing to see some of the miscreants who stormed the Capitol Building appropriating symbols from ancient Roman history as symbols of white power."

Revealing the extent of the role of Blacks in the ancient world would help undermine such hate groups, Canning believes, making the content of his new book especially important. While it is true that few people know much about the daily life of Blacks and Black culture in the ancient world, the truth is, at times, they even ruled it.

Heretofore hidden ancient Black history covers the remarkable life of ancient Rome's first Black senator, Lucius Quietus. It includes the Black emperor Pescennius Niger who, like Black soldiers and Black slaves, braided his hair in rows, revealing that Black culture superseded class distinctions. It portrays the learned Black philosopher king Juba II, who ruled ancient Numidia, and who wedded the daughter of the famous Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, Cleopatra Selene, in a celebrated inter-racial royal marriage, predating Meghan and Harry's, by 2,000 years.

It includes the first African emperor Septimius Severus, who together with the revered African empress Julia Domna, began the Severan Dynasty, the longest rule of the ancient Roman empire by people of color. It includes centuries of sculpture, painting, and artifacts, found deep within the digital art history archives of the world's leading museums, the most appropriate of which, are used in Canning's book. These events, along with the empire shattering Jugurthine Wars, led by the Black warrior king Jugurtha, should lay to rest any notion that ancient history belongs to any one race alone.

"ANCIENT BLACK CIVILIZATIONS MATTER: Sort of like Wakanda, only real," embraces the healing power of history, proving that when accurately described, people of color will not only see themselves reflected in Classical Civilizations, they will see themselves participating actively and meaningfully within them, at all levels. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stated that, "all life is inter-related. All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly... This is the inter-related structure of reality." Ancient history is as compelling a proof of Dr. King's eloquent wisdom as are today's current events, indeed.

ABOUT PROCOPIUS CANNING

Procopius Canning B.A., B.Ed. is a retired educator, author, and creator of two of the most visited ancient Roman history sites on the internet, TIMELINE: Ancient Rome, and Gladiator: The Real Story. These scholarly web sites have won three awards from the Encyclopedia Britannica, have over 2.4 million page views, and have internationally held simultaneously both the 3rd and 4th place search result positions for ancient Roman history on Baidu, the most popular search engine in China. "ANCIENT BLACK CIVILIZATIONS MATTER: Sort of like Wakanda, only real!" is his fourth book.

MEDIA CONTACT: Procopius Canning exovedate@gmx.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

https://ancientblackcivilizationsmatter.com/

https://ancientromanhistoryrevival.com/

300 dpi & 72 dpi PRESS & WEB PHOTOS: https://ancientblackcivilizationsmatter.com/press-info/

RELATED TOPICS
Books, Publishing, Black History, Ancient History, Art History, Ancient Rome, Black Lives Matter.

Procopius Canning, historian and creator of the scholarly award-winning web sites Timeline: Ancient Rome, and Gladiator: The Real Story, announces the publication of "ANCIENT BLACK CIVILIZATIONS MATTER: Sort of like Wakanda, only real!" (ISBN: 979-8696570037), a deeply researched popular survey history of Blacks and Black culture in the ancient classical world.

‘Can’t Look Away: Photographs of the Civil Rights Struggle’ New Docuseries Released by the Gund Gallery to Celebrate Black History Month

GAMBIER, Ohio /ScoopCloud/ -- The Gund Gallery at Kenyon College is pleased to announce the release of the first episode in the new docuseries "Can't Look Away: Photographs of the Civil Rights Struggle."

"Can't Look Away" seeks to reveal connections between the Black Lives Matter movements and the Civil Rights struggles of the 1950s and 60s through conversations centered on select photographs depicting the Civil Rights Era.

Developed as a way for the Gallery to inspire our community to critically engage with some of the most pressing issues we face today, each episode will feature experts from across Kenyon College discussing photographs made available for the program by Gund Gallery supporters David Horvitz '74 and Francie Bishop Good.

These images demand our attention and compel us to think deeply about the legacy of racism in the United States, leading us to explore how history can inform the ways we respond collectively to the legacy of unresolved racial strife that continues in our time.

The series begins with a wide-ranging dialog on Burt Glinn's Little Rock, Arkansas, 1957 that touches on subjects from the powers of the US Supreme Court, to the racial politics of the Cold War, and the influence of press coverage on the success of protest movements.

Discussants in the series include Glenn McNair, Professor of History; Francis Gourrier, Assistant Professor of American Studies and History; Austin Porter, Assistant Professor of Art History and American Studies; and Jodi Kovach, Curator of Academic Programs at the Gund Gallery.

"We had originally planned to release the first episode of this series at the beginning of February, in celebration of Black History Month," says J. Christopher Fahlman '72, director of operations and visitor experience at the Gund Gallery and project manager for the series. "COVID-19 concerns presented a number of challenges to our production, but with all the participants' cooperation, we were able to responsibly and safely realize this project with only a modest delay."

"It was important to all those working on 'Can't Look Away' that we make a contribution honoring African Americans and people of color who enrich our country in innumerable ways and are so often met with violent racism in their daily lives," adds Caroline Culbert, director of communication and engagement at the Gund Gallery. "By fully leveraging our expertise exploring the discursive nature of contemporary art, and making the resulting works available online for free, we hope to further the conversation around racial justice in our community and encourage others to engage in the tough conversations that drive structural change."

We would like to extend a special thanks to our discussants, all our campus collaborators at Kenyon College, and our partners at Kokosing River Productions.

Funding for this video series was generously provided by David Horvitz '72 and Francie Bishop Good.

Images Available:

High-resolution digital files are available upon request. Credit line: Still from "Can't Look Away: Photographs of the Civil Rights Struggle" showing Burt Glinn's photograph Little Rock Arkansas, 1957. Courtesy of the Gund Gallery at Kenyon College, (c) Gund Gallery 2021.

About the Gund Gallery:

The Gund Gallery is located on the beautiful 1,000-acre wooded campus of Kenyon College in the village of Gambier, Ohio just 45 miles from downtown Columbus. The Gund is dedicated to presenting 20th-21st century art and visual culture that reflects and informs the interdisciplinary mission of liberal arts education. Exhibitions and all public programs at the Gallery are free and open to the public.

While classes are in session, the Gallery is open Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday from 1-5 p.m. When classes are not in session, open hours vary.

To learn more visit http://www.thegundgallery.org/, call 740-427-5972, or email gundgallery@kenyon.edu.

Gund Gallery exhibitions and programs are supported, in part, by the Gund Gallery Board of Directors and the Ohio Arts Council.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/944rZx5vzU0

Twitter: @gundgallery

The Gund Gallery at Kenyon College is pleased to announce the release of the first episode in the new docuseries "Can't Look Away: Photographs of the Civil Rights Struggle."

Related link: http://www.thegundgallery.org/

Book Release: ‘Say Their Names, 101 Unarmed Black Women, Men and Children Killed By Law Enforcement’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Campaign Justice announced today that Black History Month is not only a time of recognizing the accomplishments of African-Americans, but is also a time to brighten the spotlight on systemic racism within law enforcement. "Say Their Names: 101 Unarmed Black Women, Men and Children Killed By Law Enforcement" (ISBN: 979-8570456860) is a newly released reference book which documents the stories of a few who have lost their lives during a brush with police.

"Why, in this nation, do too many black Americans wake up knowing that they could lose their life in the course of just living their life? Why does justice not roll like a river or righteousness like a mighty stream?" President Joe Biden has said.

George Floyd's murder was as shocking as it was common. As were the murders of Breonna Taylor, Tamir Rice and James Earl Chaney.

This compilation of lost lives is more of an encyclopedia and serves as a permanent record for the 101 deaths of unarmed people of color attributed to law enforcement. (Note, this is not a complete record and covers individuals who died from 1920-2020.)

We document who they were as people, the details surrounding their deaths, as well as if there were any arrests or convictions of officers involved. The book is dedicated to their families, as well as hero whistle-blower officers who stood up against systemic racism. We have also included links to over 200 social justice organizations.

This 556-page book is available NOW on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, Kobo and Google Play. Links can be found at https://www.campaignjustice.org/.

To coincide with this press release, we have placed the ebook on sale; from $9.99 to $0.99 for one week only: https://www.amazon.com/Say-Their-Names-Children-Enforcement-ebook/dp/B08NZZZK6J/

Campaign Justice is a newly formed organization by an established author and non-profit founder, whose mission is to promote social advocacy and justice projects for marginalized communities.

Campaign Justice is also working on a children's book which recognizes and addresses their fear of law enforcement.

Learn more at:
https://www.campaignjustice.org/

https://www.facebook.com/CampaignJustic1

https://twitter.com/CampaignJustic1

*PHOTO link for media: (Book Cover) https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0209s2p-saytheirnames-300dpi.jpg

Campaign Justice announced today that Black History Month is not only a time of recognizing the accomplishments of African-Americans, but is also a time to brighten the spotlight on systemic racism within law enforcement. "Say Their Names: 101 Unarmed Black Women, Men and Children Killed By Law Enforcement" (ISBN: 979-8570456860) is a newly released reference book which documents the stories of a few who have lost their lives during a brush with police.

Related link: https://www.campaignjustice.org/

Black History Month: Climate Leadership Takes Root February 22-23, 2019

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. /ScoopCloud/ -- Delivering the inaugural Black History Month welcome remarks, Bay Ecotarium and Smithsonian Affiliated Aquarium of the Bay President and CEO, George Jacob shared his vision for the $260 million Climate Literacy and Ocean Conservation Living Museum in the making in San Francisco.

Twin iridescent orbs inspired by fish scales, ohlone shell mounds and ocean geometry rise above rippling waves of the San Francisco anchored with a third parabolic cortex that serves as an artificial intelligence robotic pod fostering dynamic climate content.

"Set in three acres of 'zone green' this unique living science museum aims to immerse, move hearts and minds to precipitate continues action to transform lives and induce a lifestyle change towards symbiotic sustainability with nature," said Jacob, the visionary at the helm of this ambitious landmark world class project.

What makes this narrative unique is that it celebrates the indigenous perspectives of environmental stewardship by over 90 native American tribes include the ohlone, the chumash, the miwok, the yokutz et al, who have been stewards of the land for centuries.

With many cities including Oakland, Berkeley and San Francisco declaring Climate Emergencies, never has the momentum been greater to establish a climate and ocean conservation museum. Even as environmental justice and conversations seeking transcendence from marginalized to mainstream engagement, took center stage as author Carl Anthony shared through his powerful new book the need of the hour resonated with the hundreds of attendees who flocked the Aquarium of the Bay to celebrate.

"Our partnership and SANKOFA DAYS at The BAY establish our shared commitment to the principles that stand at the core of this movement for environmental justice and sustainability embodied in the words of Dr. King, 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly,'" says Executive Director of The NorCalMLK Foundation, Aaron Grizzell.

"In our griot tradition, we seek to construct a new narrative that will resound, and raise mindfulness and collective consciousness of our environmental legacy... a respect, care, and love for our mother Earth; as well as, awaken and ignite our youth to take up the banner for environmental justice and climate change action to secure the future for coming generations," says, Board Member Angelique Tompkins.

Bay.Org / Bay Ecotarium:
Our mission is enabling conversations on climate resilience and ocean conservation globally, while inspiring actionable change locally by protection and preservation of the San Francisco Bay and its ecosystems, from Sierra to the Sea(TM).

* Aquarium of the Bay
* Sea Lion Center
* The Bay Institute
* The Bay Academy
* Eco Center at Heron's Head Park
* The Bay Model Alliance

Learn more at: https://bayecotarium.org/

NorcalMLK Foundation:
The Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3), charitable organization dedicated to extending Dr. King's vision by fostering a new paradigm that unlocks the promise in every person through ongoing, targeted initiatives throughout the San Francisco bay area and the northern California region. NorcalMLK impacts thousands of lives annually through its three initiatives: Healthy Communities, Learning Communities and Celebrating Communities. Learn more at: https://norcalmlkfoundation.org/

The Links, Incorporated:
The Links, Incorporated is an international organization of over 12,000 professional women of color who are committed to purposeful service. Links members are role models, mentors, activists and volunteers dedicated to active service in our communities. Information: http://www.linksinc.org/

Twitter: @AquariumOTheBay @linksinc #NorcalMLK #ClimateLiteracy

Delivering the inaugural Black History Month welcome remarks, Bay Ecotarium and Smithsonian Affiliated Aquarium of the Bay President and CEO, George Jacob shared his vision for the $260 million Climate Literacy and Ocean Conservation Living Museum in the making in San Francisco.

Related link: https://bayecotarium.org/

Grammy Award Winning Community Choir, Rev. Stef and Jubilation Presents ‘From The Middle Passage: An African American Journey’

UNION, N.J. /ScoopCloud/ -- IN CONCERT: Friday, February 8 - 8 p.m. - UCPAC's Hamilton Stage in Rahway, N.J. The group of people (over 100+ voices) that make up the powerhouse choir, JUBILATION, are a force in the industry.

Established in 1998 through the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), the choir made its debut at the NJPAC's second-annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration featuring the legendary gospel minister and singer, Shirley Caesar. That performance set the tone for what would become more than a decade of excellence and a dedication to praise and worship.

Four years after its formation the choir launched a traveling choir, VOICES OF JUBILATION, which has ministered domestically and internationally. In fact, its first tour was held in Japan. JUBILATION has been honored to perform with Queen Latifah at the U.S. Open Tennis Championships and at the Super Bowl.

A native of Newark, New Jersey, Reverend Dr. Stefanie R. Minatee - "Rev. Stef," as she is affectionately called, is the artistic director & founder of the Grammy(R)-Award winning choir, JUBILATION. She has built her life and career around music.

Upon graduating from Newark's prestigious performing arts high school, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in music performance with a certification in music education from Kean University. Afterwards, she spent nearly 30 years as a vocal education teacher in the Plainfield Public School District. Under the tutelage of Dr. Minatee JUBILATION has released six albums and holds the distinction as the last choir to have performed with the late music giant Ray Charles.

"The Blood" music video
https://youtu.be/PgZrriNZzeg

EVENT INFORMATION:

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION!
New Jersey's Own Grammy(R) Award Winning Community Choir,
Rev. Stef & Jubilation Presents
"From The Middle Passage: An African American Journey"

Friday, February 8, 2019 - 8 p.m.

THE HAMILTON STAGE
Union County Performing Arts Center
360 Hamilton Street - Rahway, NJ 07065
Tickets: $25
http://www.ucpac.org/hamilton-stage

For more information on JUBILATION, contact: http://www.jubilationchoir.org

Twitter: @RevStefandJub #jubilation #revstef #gospelchoir #blackhistorymonth #hamiltonstage

IN CONCERT: Friday, February 8 - 8 p.m. - UCPAC's Hamilton Stage in Rahway, N.J. The group of people (over 100+ voices) that make up the powerhouse choir, JUBILATION, are a force in the industry.

Related link: http://www.jubilationchoir.org

The Historic Ali Cultural Arts Celebrates Black History Month: ‘Beans, Rice and Gumbo’ Art Exhibition by Adewale Adenle

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The Historic Ali Cultural Arts (www.aliarts.org) in Pompano Beach is proud to celebrate Black History Month with an art exhibition by Nigerian artist, Adewale Adenle. Beans, Rice & Gumbo: Facts, Fictions and Frictions of Black History narrates the history of blacks from the pre-slavery era through the present day. The exhibition runs from February 1, 2018 through March 29, 2018.

"Adewale Adenle is a provocative artist, author and educator whose art captures your attention with its boldness," said Cherolyn Davis, program and facilities manager. "For this exhibit, he is showcasing many historical portraits that will open a dialog from various perspectives."

This exhibition critically narrates the history of Africans and African Americans in a visual journey that confirms, challenges and channels new thoughts and revelations in history. Adewale, working from historic photos and descriptions, depicts the rich history of Ethiopia, Egypt and other African lands and then takes viewers through the agony of slavery, the triumph of the civil rights movement into today's successes and struggles.

"Through my portraits, I hope to take viewers back through history in a way that will provide new perspectives and open-up dialogues about important topics," explained Adenle, who is also an artist in residence at Bailey Contemporary Arts in Pompano Beach. "There has been a lot of misinformation and misinterpretation of the past, which I feel has led to a slave mentality that still pervasive today. I call it 'post traumatic slave disorder.' But if you take the time to explore history and connect to the past, I feel it will remove that mentality."

Adenle though his work, also imagines Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcom X speaking together. While this never happened, Adenle uses the image to express the different approaches to a similar goal.

"Art is an amazing way to present topics for discussion. We connect through art and we can heal from it as well," Adenle said.

About Adewale Adenle:

Adenle's paintings and drawings connect his background to observations intermingled with primary emotions and personal experiences that are basic to his growth, especially as they continue to influence socio-political discourse in his homeland (Nigeria) and intertwined with policies in his adoptive country, the US. He explores dual realities and logics in political constructs and systems, arriving at a three-dimensional work that vastly engages the viewer to unload and search for multiple logics in its interpretation. Within these dualities, he induces metaphorical slippages in relationships between objects and their context to form new meanings and expose contradictions in many conventional social structures.

Adenle has over 15-years of experience exhibiting his paintings and working as a political cartoonist/illustrator/art editor with various newspapers in Nigeria, the U.S and Great Britain. In the 90's, his acerbic socio-political cartoons and paintings were thorns in the flesh of dictatorial military regimes in Nigeria as the country was agitating for democracy.

He has won numerous awards and grants among which are the 2000 Reuters News Graphics Travel Award, which included an instructive participation at the Malofiej/ Show-Don't- Tell-workshops at the University of Navarra, Pamplona- Spain, and work experience at Reuters in London, UK. He has given lectures and workshops at Rochester Institute of Technology-New York, Amarillo College-Texas, Cartoonist Rights Network/State Department's Sponsored workshop in Douala, Cameroon, among others. From 2002 to 2004, 'Wale was a studio painter at Marcus Akinlana's WON Murals-New Orleans, where he assisted in executing several public projects including the murals for the Philadelphia International Airport, PA and Aurora Community Center, CO.

He is the author of "Mixed Feelings," a 15-year celebration/collection of his socio-political satire. Published in 1999, the book was collected by The University of California (Berkeley Library) for selected acquisitions in Africana Studies and catalogued at The Library of Congress, Washington, DC. His most recent public commission includes among others, "Congo Square" a 7ft x11ft cast bronze sculpture, commissioned by the city of New Orleans and installed at the Louis Armstrong Park.

The Historic Ali Cultural Arts:
353 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33060 -- 954-786-7876.

About Historic Ali Cultural Arts:
The Historic Ali Cultural Arts is located in the former home of the late Frank and Florence Major Ali, who had emigrated from Cuba and The Bahamas respectively. As the first African American business owners in Pompano Beach, Frank operated a barbershop and Florence, who was a skilled seamstress, cosmetologist and fashion designer, also operated her business in the building. This two-story property was built in 1933 and placed on the City of Pompano Beach Historical Register in 2016.

The City of Pompano Beach, Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and the Rock Road Restoration Historical Group preserve the northwest corridor history and culture by telling positive stories of the African American experience through performing arts, visual arts and intellectual work that educates and celebrates all people of color throughout history.

More information: http://aliarts.org/.

About the Pompano Beach Redevelopment Agency (CRA):
A Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is a dependent district established by City government for the purpose of carrying out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the economic health of an area, and encouraging public and private investments in a CRA district. The CRA is governed by State Statutes, Chapter 163, Part III. The Pompano Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). The funds are collected as property values increase and a portion of that increase is captured by the Agency. TIF raises revenue for redevelopment efforts without raising taxes.

More information: http://pompanobeachfl.gov/index.php/pages/cra/cra.

The Historic Ali Cultural Arts in Pompano Beach, Fla. is proud to celebrate Black History Month with an art exhibition by Nigerian artist, Adewale Adenle. Beans, Rice and Gumbo: Facts, Fictions and Frictions of Black History narrates the history of blacks from the pre-slavery era through the present day. The exhibition runs from February 1, 2018 through March 29, 2018.

Related link: http://www.aliarts.org/

Edgy Video Heightens Awareness of Senseless African-American Killings

CHEYENNE, Wyo., Feb. 4, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "Unda Cova," a somewhat avant-garde, controversial and educational video released by S.L.P., LLC, provides a unique perspective about the recent and senseless killings of unarmed African Americans.

Roosevelt Matthews, rapper, songwriter, video producer and retired police officer, thought Black History Month was the ideal time to release "Unda Cova."

"My hope is to heighten public awareness surrounding these disturbing acts of needless violence taking place right under our noses," he says. "It stuns me that we are living in the twenty-first century, yet there are factions in society that refuse to relinquish the old southern ideology. The black struggle did not start in the 50s and 60s; it started when the first African set foot on this nation's soil."

Directed by Matthews and Porcha McCloud, "Unda Cova" opens with a scene in a neighborhood barber shop, Classic Styles. It showcases a group of African American men sitting around discussing race and inequality. It combines historical references, staged dialogue and rap music. The end result is a message that is powerful and thought provoking.

"In past decades, unarmed African Americans have been killed unfairly by white law-enforcement officers and white American citizens, with minimum to no accountability for their actions," Matthews says. "And, these unfair killings seem to directly correlate to the past. Simply put, there is a continuum of killings, demonizing and vilifying of African Americans since the Emancipation Proclamation."

In Matthews' opinion, some Americans dismissed the fact that Africans were easily disposed of because they were never immigrants in this country.

While "Unda Cova" is ultimately an entertainment video, it was also produced to educate and to make people think.

"We have to really examine where we are and where we have come from. We have to stop candy coating and evading the fact that racism is a conundrum that seriously needs to be addressed before we can continue to move forward," Matthews says.

The complete video can be viewed here:
(*UPDATED video link: 2.2.15)
http://youtu.be/reMS37JbjDo

About the Artist:

New Orleans born, Matthews grew up in Los Angeles where he was educated and consequently served 29 years with the Hawthorne Police Department. It was during his retirement that he started to see and become more and more disturbed by these senseless and fatal African-American shootings.

For more information, visit: http://www.streetlightsproductions.com/ .

For media queries, please contact: Roosevelt Matthews, S.L.P., LLC, 307-256-2111, ceo@streetlightsproductions.com.

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/edgy-video-heightens-awareness-of-senseless-african-american-killings-2015-0204-001.shtml.