Detroit Uplifted and Upgraded - Positive Detroit

What is We run the Neighbor”hood?”

“We Run the Neighborhood” is an initiative designed to promote health and community involvement in Detroit and its surrounding suburbs. This inaugural event will not only promote walking and running through Detroit area neighborhoods, but also creating friendships and unity among people within the same area.

Our mission is to introduce physical activity to the motor city. We at Positive Detroit challenge the citizens of this great town to park their cars for one weekend this summer and walk or run the five block radius that includes their residential neighborhood.

Exploring the neighborhood includes unveiling neighborhood city parks and services that are often missed as we drive in our cars. Running our neighborhoods also includes supporting urban community gardens, stores and recycling for a greener and cleaner Detroit.

Our weekend neighborhood runs will take place at the end of the summer in August. To sign up as an ambassador for your neighborhood email Info@PositiveDetroit.org. In the meantime lace up your shoes and get ready to move because we run our neighborhood.

Monica Link

The 2009 Midwest Technology Leaders Premier Awards Cocktail Reception is a celebration of community, collaboration and commitment to our region’s growing focus on technology. Proceeds of the event will go to local organizations focused on promoting the growth of technology in our area through education and resources.

Tickets can be purchased at MidwestTechnologyLeaders.com for $55 or at the
door for $65.

African Textile Exhibit Opens at Library Shoowa Textile from the Kingdom of Kuba June 2009 through August 2009, Adam Strohm Hall, 3rd floor of Main Library. Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward, north of Warren in Midtown Detroit.

Opening reception:Saturday June 6th at 2 PM,
rsvp 313-898-3007 or mbadmuseum@yahoo.com.

This exhibition of traditional Shoowa textile offers a stunning display of over 300 uniquely designed textiles coving all known styles, Kasa Velvet Raffia, Resist Raffia, Resist dyed Raffia, Embroidered Raffia including open work Raffia and Appliqué Raffia. Acquired over a period of twenty years, many of these textiles are shown for the first time. The exhibit is on loan from MBAD/ABA African Bead Museum of Detroit, a part of the immense collection of Shoowa embroider design cloth from Olayami Dabls and S. Jill Miller.The sheer depth and scope of these beautiful designed cut pile textiles is altogether a different world of excellence from a people who did not have a word for art.

Spectacular colors and patterns will captivate everyone interested in textile history, African material culture, collectors of textiles, quilters and anyone who appreciates outstanding craftsmanship and originality this exhibit will inspire you. Come tap into the minds of Shoowa people of the kingdom of Kuba.Sponsors: AlkebulanNation of Unity study group, Artist Village, Bambuti, Metro Business Guide, Truth Book Store, Team 313 Community Garden, Bundles of Love, Akankemenen Publishing.The exhibition is open to the public during regular library hours. Photography is permitted. Guide tours are available, call for information and appointment 313 898 3007, the MBAD/ABA African Bead Museum, “Where Detroit’s African Town Begins” 6559 Grand River, Detroit MI 48208. Library information 313-833-4042.

Conrad J. Welsing, MA, APR
Media Relations Specialist
Detroit Public Library
5201 Woodward
Detroit, MI 48202
Direct: 313-833-4043
Cell: 734-516-5962
Marketing Front Desk: 313-833-4042
Library Main Number: 313-833-1000

Detroit Auto Workers fill May 15 audience on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live’

Monica Link

Positive Detroit News

LOS ANGELES – Detroit native and rapper Eminem teamed up with late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel to bring 200 laid-off auto workers to California for laughs and a night of entertainment. The auto workers were invited to Los Angeles with one guest for the special show set to air on Friday May 15. The show, which airs late nights on ABC, will feature a musical performance by Eminem. There will also be a special concert in Detroit for the rapper who is set to release his new album this month. For more information about the show go to www.JimmyKimmellive.net

Andiamo serves up lean meals for metro Detroit

Monica Link

Positive Detroit News

DETROIT – Italian food dynasty Andiamo is adding leaner food to its menu. Joe Vicari, president of the chain of gourmet restaurants said leaner meals were added to reflect the restuarants commitment to wellness in the community. The menu will include three starters, six entrees including Bisonte Con Insalata Di Portabella, a 6 oz hand cut Bison sirloin, char grilled and topped with a portabella mushroom slaw on a bed of balsamic braised swiss chard, and Petto Di Pollo Arrostito, pan roasted chicken breast with roasted tomato fillets and fresh herbs accompanied with roasted peppers, mushrooms and onions and 4 other delectable dishes. Chef Jim Oppat and Dr. Tom Rifai have also developed a Fruit Infused Panna Cotta surrounded by fresh cut fruits and berries as the perfect dessert accompaniment to the meal. For more information about menu updates visit www.andiamoitalia.com

Michigan Blues CEO’ pledges commitment to minority businesses
Monica Link
Positive Detroit News

In a recent speech at the Minority Procurement Conference, Michigan Blues President CEO Daniel J. Loepp said Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is striving to further develop its partnerships with Michigan’s Minority Business Enterprises and is dedicated to working to address the economic and health security needs of Michigan’s diverse communities.

Loepp, who was the keynote speaker at the event held in Detroit, also spoke of the value of supplier diversity. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan was honored as Corporation of the Year in Health Care for two consecutive years. In 2008, the Michigan Blues exceeded their corporate goal for doing business with diverse suppliers by 51 percent — procuring more than $59 million in goods and services from MBEs or combined minority and women-owned businesses.

For more information about the company’s supplier diversity initiatives email newsroom@bcbsm.com
PR Newswire contributed to this report

DAVE BING SWORN IN AS DETROIT’S NEW MAYOR

Monica Link

Positive Detroit News

Detroit’s top job is passed on to a new leader. Dave Bing was sworn in as Detroit’s 62^nd Mayor on Monday, May 11, 2009 at 3:15pm. Bing brings his entrepreneurial spirit to the city offices as Detroit’s new mayor. The process follows a long year of headline grabbing attention to the city and two mayors who struggled to carry the city through tough economic times and business turnaround. Bing was victorious in his bid for Mayor in a special election against interim mayor, Ken Cockrel.

Cockrel, now Detroit city council president, was sworn in to temporarily hold office after former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick resigned last year. Another election for the next four-year term for Detroit Mayor will be held in November. Like Cockrel, Bing must campaign again in order to keep Detroit’s top job.

Join us tonight at Wednesday March 18th at 8pm on Positive Detroit Talk Radio as we discover Detroit Latin Music with Benny from the Cruz Brothers.   Get a taste of the Cruz Brothers by checking out some of their music below.  You can learn more about the Cruz Brothers at cruzbrothersband.com

Feel free to call in and join the call by calling 1-724-444-7444, enter the call id 25537 then #, and press 1 then #.

Remember if you can not make the live show you can always listen to the broadcast later, right here on positivedetroit.org

 

 Bailala - Cruz Brothers: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Lensandra - Cruz Brothers: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Que Baje Desde El Cielo - Cruz Brothers: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Motown’s Berry Gordy to Be Honored at Urban Network Music-Entertainment Summit; Actor Danny Glover & Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame to Host Dinner Gala Kicking Off 4-Day Event

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ — Legendary music executive and founder of Motown Records, Berry Gordy, will be in attendance at the Urban Network Music-Entertainment Summit’s Awards Gala, Saturday evening, March 14, 2009, at the beautiful Pacific Palms Resort in Industry Hills, California.

Urban Network will honor Mr. Gordy’s career achievements in tribute to Motown’s year-long 50th Anniversary Celebration. Invited recording artists from the Motown label, in addition to executives past and present, are expected to attend the event.

To kick off the 4-day Urban Network Summit, Wednesday, March 11, acclaimed actor Danny Glover will host a special dinner in association with the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame. Urban Network’s Celebrity Golf Tournament begins on Wednesday morning, March 11 at 8am. KJLH Host, Guy Black, recording artists Howard Hewett, Kenny Lattimore and others are set to play.

R&B band Mint Condition will perform at the Summit Friday evening, March 13. Warner Elektra Atlantic Distribution (WEA) will be hosting “Ladies Night,” with performances by Grammy Award-winner James Ingram, Pleasure P and newcomer Young Steff.

“This Summit is quickly shaping up to be a fantastic event,” says Miller London, Publisher & CEO of Urban Network. “Our panel sessions will be compelling, and our showcases very entertaining. With Mr. Gordy joining us for a salute to the company that he created in Detroit some 50 years ago, this year’s Summit will be truly unforgettable.”

Panelists will include representatives from companies such as MySpace.com and ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, Universal Music Group, Fontana Distribution, EMI Distribution, the Recording Academy, Rushmore Drive, SoundExchange, Warner Bros. Sony Music Entertainment, Interscope Geffen A&M. Some of the celebrities who have participated in previous Summits include Destiny’s Child, Will Smith, Lionel Richie, Mary J. Blige, Boyz II Men, and Busta Rhymes, to name a few.

Registration information follows:

General Registration $200 - Allows attendees access to ALL panel/seminar sessions, Exhibit Area, Conference Gift Bag and Saturday Independent Music Festival.

VIP Registration $375 - Allows attendees access to ALL panel/seminar sessions, Conference Gift Bag, Meal Events, Showcases, Exhibit Area.

To Book Your Hotel - Please contact the Pacific Palms Resort, 626.810.4455.

Celebrity Golf Tournament Registration: Contact LaTanya Marble at 818.795.3735.

For information, visit www.urbannetwork.com or contact 213.388.4155 ext. 102 or ext. 105.

Source: Urban Network

CONTACT: Belinda Foster of AWJ Platinum PR, +1-323-556-0691, for Urban
Network

Web Site: http://www.urbannetwork.com

Monica Link

www.Link4productions.com

Maya Angelou, an American Legend, Shares Her Celebrated Wisdom and Humor on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit

African American Family Magazine presents ‘AN EVENING WITH MAYA ANGELOU’ AN AMERICAN LEGEND

Detroit, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ — Dr. Maya Angelou comes to Detroit to share her inspirational insight and absorbing stories on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. at The Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit. This event will give those in the audience a once-in-a-lifetime chance to hear one of our greatest voices. Dr. Angelou has published a new book, Letter to my Daughter, that reveals her path to living well and living a life with meaning by sharing life lessons with the daughter she never had but sees all around her. Letter to my Daughter has just received the 2009 Literary Non Fiction Award by the NAACP - Outstanding Literary Work - Non Fiction.

Dr. Maya Angelou is a remarkable Renaissance woman who is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. As a poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director, she continues to travel the world, spreading her legendary wisdom. Within the rhythm of her poetry and elegance of her prose lies Angelou’s unique power to help readers of every orientation span the lines of race - and Angelou captivates audiences through the vigor and sheer beauty of her words and lyrics.

African American Family Magazine’s Distinguished Speakers Series presents America’s most intellectual, inspirational and informative speakers, who engage broad-based audiences by addressing issues such as history, race, literature, economics and education. The series has hosted notables such as the late Coretta Scott King, Nobel Laureate and Pulitzer Prize recipient Toni Morrison, Sheila Johnson, the world’s first black female billionaire, Immaculee Ilibagiza, a Rwandan genocide survivor, John Bul Dau, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, entrepreneur Christopher Gardner and the Former President Bill Clinton.

“An Evening with Maya Angelou” is presented by Ford Motor Company and produced by African American Family Magazine. This event is also sponsored by St. John Health System, DTE Energy Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, Wayne County Community College District, McDonalds and Metro Parent Magazine. Partial proceeds from this event will benefit The Yes Foundation, a local 501c3 nonprofit organization that works to promote literacy in Detroit.

For ticket information, call (248) 398-3400, (313) 576-5111 or visit www.detroitsymphony.com. For more information about this event, call (248) 398-3400, ext. 128.

Call or email for additional information or a hi-res photo of Maya Angelou.

Source: African American Family Magazine

CONTACT: Lisa Grace, +1-248-398-3400, ext. 128, lgrace@metroparent.com;
Alexis Bourkoulas, +1-248-398-3400 ext. 123, abourkoulas@metroparent.com

Web Site: http://www.detroitsymphony.com/