HRUrbanLegends

Hoops meant to curb violence

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:34:01 GMT

NEWPORT NEWS— Want to watch some good hoops and contribute to a good cause all at the same time? Then stop by the 4th Annual Stop the Violence Basketball Tournament, which starts 10 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. Sunday at Menchville High School. The event will feature 8 male teams 18 years and older in a double-elimination tournament. Of course if it’s anti-violence, then you know that Best Kept Secret will be involved and providing free haircuts on site, but this time they have some help. Other on-site barbers providing free hair cuts include Barbers Pause for the Cause and Andre McNair (master barber & owner at Hair Cuts Unlimited). The event will also feature giveaways such as Reebok gear, STOP THE VIOLENCE wristbands and Velvet Rope nail polish. Admission is $6 daily at the door or $10 for in advance for a weekend ticket. For more information, call 757-349-6806 or email stvbball@gmail.com.

Tomlin Tailgate

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 03:13:39 GMT

The Coach Mike Tomlin & Gridiron Greats Tailgate Party returns to the Hampton Roads Convention Center on Thursday night after a 2011 diversion at Hampton's NASCAR Sports Grill. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com/event/3461608765/zvents, or visit hryf.org for more information. With the return to its original venue, the event promises to be the cozy feel-good community event that marked its first couple years. Some advice: Come early; the lines form quickly. The event is put on by the Hampton Roads Youth Foundation, with hosts Johnny D and The 757 Club. Kudos to the Convention Center General Manager Eric Nealy and the city of Hampton for bringing this event to its most appropriate location.

Howard U. alumni to meet

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 03:10:09 GMT

Howard University's Alumni Association of Hampton Roads will host its monthly meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday at Roger Brown's Restaurant & Sports Bar in Portsmouth. Contact club President Iola Elijah-Redden for more information at: iolar1@cox.net or (757) 344-5659

WHRO Teacher Town Hall goes to the source

Sun, 06 May 2012 22:30:33 GMT

WHRO recently hosted a Teacher Town Hall involving 100 teachers from all across Hampton Roads. The teachers shared their views on such topics as the drop-out rate, parental and community involement, the educational system overall and how to connect with students. The program will air for the first time on Sunday May 6, at 6 p.m., but it can also be viewed from the link below. The link also includes more discussion from the teachers that took place after the televised, hour-long portion had ended. The program -- moderated by Barbara Hamm Lee, executive producer and host of WHRV’s weekly Another View radio program -- is part of the "American Graduate: Let's Make it Happen" series. The link also provides access to "Circumstances: The Dropout Epidemic," by WHRO producer Lisa Godley, which explores why some students in Hampton Roads believe dropping out is their only option. Also from the link, readers can acess "Jasmine's Journey" by former Virginian-Pilot educatioin reporter Cheryl Ross, a portrait of one of the students featured in the documentary. http://www.whro.org/home/html/american-graduate/

Alley holds fundraiser for family of 8-year-old

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 21:04:57 GMT

NEWPORT NEWS -- Take a break from your basketball viewing today (Sunday March 25) to attend a fundraiser for the family of an 8-year-old shooting victim. Bishop Kendrick Turner, pastor of Temple of Praise Outreach, is holding an event 3 p.m. to 7 p.m at the Alley Nightclub, 100 Newmarket Square. Turner is also hosting an event 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. April 2 at Classic Lanes bowling alley, at 630 79th Street. LaShae Toliver, a 2nd grade student at Merrimack Elementary School in Hampton, was hit in the neck by a stray bullet Wednesday night while at her home. Earlier this week, she remained hospitalized in stable condition with non life-threatening injuries. As of Thursday, she was at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughter in Norfolk in stable condition. For more information contact Turner at 725-0082.

MLK's niece to speak Saturday in Newport News

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 15:05:56 GMT

The Rev. Robin Scott King, niece of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will be keynote speaker for the 10th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Conference and Banquet at 6 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Marriott at City Center in Newport News, Virginia. Those scheduled to attend in include Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, State Senator Henry L. Marsh, Newport News City Council Members Tina L. Vick, Dr. Patricia Woodbury and Joseph Whitaker; Hampton Vice Mayor George Wallace and City Council Member Will Moffett; and others. The day's events will began with a conference of diverse speakers in Employment, Health, Education, Business, Transportation, Economic Development and Human Services. The Community Forum runs from 3 to 4 p.m. hosted by Tina L. Vick, Newport News City Council Member. The Andrew Shannon Gospel Music Celebration will be held at 4:30 p.m. and A Social (Meet and Greet) will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. at the Newport News Marriott Hotel on Saturday, January 28, 2012. The event will culminate with the 7 p.m. Banquet in which Rev. Robin Scott King will speak on the theme "Is The Dream Over?" The Banquet will also include the Andrew Shannon Gospel Music Celebration featuring the Richmond GMWA Choir, Pentecostal Followers of Christ, and Divine Measures Band. For more information contact Andrew Shannon, Event Chairman at (757) 877-0792 or Edna V. Davis, Co-Chair at (757) 218-8157.

Phillies' Jimmy Rollins at Virginia Baseball Academy

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 14:26:38 GMT

Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins is the featured attraction Saturday, Jan. 28 for a fundraiser for the Wayne Gomes Youth Baseball Diversity Foundation. Three separate training sessions will be held: 9:00 am, 11:30 am, and 2 pm. the Virginia Baseball Academy, 1322 La Salle Ave #A, in Hampton. Rollins, a three-time All-Star, former MVP and World Series star, will lead a hitting clinic during two sessions. During the 1-day $125.00 camp, a child can hone his or her hitting and defensive skills while learning about Rollins' mental approach to the game. The 1-day interactive clinic will feature hands on instruction on hitting, fielding and defensive play. The camp will also feature coaches from the best high school baseball programs in Hampton Roads: Coach Roland Wright (Western Branch), Coach Wiley Lee (State Champion Great Bridge High School), Coach Fenny Carter (Phoebus High School), Coach Steve Mingee (Bethel High School), Coach Mike Moore (Hampton Christian High School), Coach Brian Cave (Newport News Apprentice School), and Coach Brett Wheeler (Hampton High School Pitching Coach). Parents will also have the opportunity to learn. For a donation of $25 to the WGYBDF, parents are invited to attend Jimmy Rollin's talk on his mental approach to the game of baseball. They will also be allowed to take notes and watch the hands-on instruction during the camp. To register visit www.Virginiabaseballacademy.com or call 757-251-6367. Entry to the speaking portion of the camp will be granted to those who wish to make a $25 contribution to the fundraising event.

Black Expo Tour Saturday in Hampton

Sat, 20 Aug 2011 15:00:00 GMT

The Black Expo Tour returns to Hampton on Saturday (today), with a slate of business and networking events and face-time with the stars. The Hampton Virginia Black Expo starts at 11 a.m. Aug. 20 at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, off Coliseum Drive and Pine Chapel Road in Hampton. Admission is $10 for this show, which rotates between Hampton and Virginia Beach. The power "Mind Your Business" seminar is presented by Wells Fargo from 11:30 a.m. to noon. The Nationwide seminar runs 2 p.m. to 2:30. Predictably, the longest lines will be where local fans can line up for photographs and autographs with the stars. This year's lineup include Miss Virginia USA 2011 Ashley Smith and entertainers Clifton Powell and Rachelle Neal. So head out to the convention center, grab a free bag and make your rounds to the vendors who will have all types of giveaways. Black Expo Tour Event Schedule Saturday, August 20 11:00 AM……….. Doors Open 11:05 AM……….. Welcome Workshops Schedule 11:30 AM -12:00 PM…………….."Mind Your Business" Presented by Wells Fargo 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM……………..Nationwide Seminar Special Celebrity Guest Schedule 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM………Miss Virginia USA 2011 Ashley Smith 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM………………Clifton Powell 3:00 PM- 4:00 PM………………Rachelle Neal On the Main Stage 11:10………...Sons of Zion 11:20……….. National Recording Clarinetist Sharron 1:00………….The Entourage 2:30……….. ...National Recording Clarinetist Sharron 2:35…………..D.R.A.G. the Kid 2:40…………..Spicy Divas 2:45…………..GGT Boyz 4:00…………..The Entourage 4:10………….Hair Show 4:15………….Sons of Zion Organization: Black Pages USA, Virginia Black Expo The purpose of the Black Expo is to promote economic development through increased exposure for minority-owned businesses. African-American owned businesses have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to the public and procurement officers from major corporations and government entities. It is also an opportunity for major corporation and government entities to develop viable working relationships with minority-owned businesses while marketing their products and services to a growing consumer market. This event is a family-oriented event that exposes the community to business opportunities and cultural resources. Business owners have the opportunity to secure exhibitor booths to showcase their products and services. Black Expos are enhanced by including seminars/workshops, health fairs, entertainers and food vendors.

Reports: Jets sign Plaxico Burress

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 14:51:55 GMT

The New York Jets have signed Plaxico Burress, according to ESPNNewyork.com. Complete story is below. Welcome back to the NFL, for another Hampton Roads star. Burress is a Chesapeake native who starred at Green Run High School. Let's make comeback Player of the Year a repeat from Hampton Roads, following up on Michael Vick's 2010 successful return to professional football. Click here for full story. http://espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/6820679/plaxico-burress-new-york-jets-agree-one-year-deal-sources-say

Tina Vick Fashion Show at the Alley

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 23:19:02 GMT

The Annual Tina L. Vick Fashion Show, Dinner & Dance is 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday July 29 (now) at the Alley, 100 New Market Square in Newport News. Watch Tina Vick and her cast of models sashay down the runway. Then you can have a delicious meal and dance the calories away. Tickets are $10 each, $30 for VIP tickets. Vick was the lone elected official to publically support the Alley in its fight against local ABC officials who tried to shut down the club, which has a predominantly African-American clientele. A local judge agreed with the Alley's owners, and with contentions by Vick and SCLC chief Andrew Shannon, that ABC officials were unfairly blaming the bar-restaurant for events out of its control. Tonight's event is sponsored by Friends of Tina L. Vick.

NFL stars teach, then preach Hampton Roads youths

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 19:32:59 GMT

The NFL might be on strike, but the league was in full effect this weekend in Hampton Roads for the Hampton Roads All Star Football Camp. More than a dozen NFL stars and employees participated in two days of events, including the Mike Tomlin tailgate party at NASCAR Cafe in Hampton on Friday. The annual camp celebrated its 15th anniversary on Friday and Saturday at Christopher Newport University in Newport News. Current and former NFL players participating included Antoine Bethea, Dwight Hollier, Nathaniel Adibi, Chris Ellis, Ras-I-Dowling, Tyrod Taylor, Aaron Brooks and Mike Tomlin. Camp co-founder and organizer Carl Francis is director of communications for the NFL Players Association. The camp concluded on Saturday afternoon with an annual rap session, in which the NFL stars gave personal testimonies about success and perseverance. Brooks, former quarterback of the New Orleans Saints and UVa., told the athletes that faith should be as big a part of their lives as their talents. "The faith gave me the confidence," Brooks said. "Believing in yourself, your family and your God will put you in a place where you need to be." Tomlin concurred and even took it a step farther. "I agree with that," Tomlin said, "but faith without action is meaningless. What is it that you are doing today that will make your dreams become realities." The high school athletes also asked questions of the NFL stars, with Tomlin responding to: How does it feel to lose a big game." Tomlin's Steelers lost to the Green Bay Packers in the most recent Super Bowl. "It was very disappointing," Tomlin said. "It was disgusting. There is a saying that 'gunfighters get shot.' " But any game -- whether it's a win or a loss -- can be a learning experience as well as provide renewed perspective. "It doesn't define me." Tomlin said. "It (football) is what I do; it's not who I am. That perspective will allow you to endure the successes as well as the failures."

Celebrity hoops game canceled

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 18:49:18 GMT

Michael Vick and Allen Iverson will not be appearing on a Hampton basketball court tonight. The 757 Celebrity Basketball Game has been canceled. The game was set to tip-off at 6:30 p.m. Saturday (tonight) at Hampton High School. It was unclear why the game was canceled. Organizer Mark Godwin could not be reached for comment. Organizers had said the game would feature such players as Vick (NFL) Iverson (NBA), Tyrod Taylor (NFL), Ronald Curry (NFL), Chris Ellis (NFL), Duke Crews (CBA), Jimmy Williams (NFL), Marques Hagans (NFL), Antoine Bethea (NFL), Maucho Harris(NFL), Kam Chancellor (NFL), DeAngelo Hall (NFL) and many more! Proceeds were to benefit the Hampton Roads Player Association. The celebrity game was to follow the Friday-Saturday Hampton Roads All Star Football Camp, celebrating its 15th anniversary, and the increasingly popular Mike Tomlin Tailgate Party, which drew more than 600 people (really many more than that) to NASCAR Cafe on Friday. Also, over the weekend, Allen Iverson was scheduled to make an appearance at a softball tournament sponsored by Cross-over Promotions, the Iverson and Gary Moore non-profit that provides educational and athletic opportunities for Hampton Roads youth..

No-football talk stirs bar fright

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 10:20:42 GMT

Pro football is more than just a game. It’s America’s favorite sport, a staple in our lives. In the fall, it’s how we fill Thursdays through Mondays, socializing and cheering on favorite teams as sip on beverages and eat chicken wings at our favorite bars. So what is this talk about no football for the 2011-2012 season? I’d like to think that National Football League owners and players will at some point reach an agreement in their current labor impasse. But for now, this billionaires vs. millionaires feud is prompting some uneasy discussion among fans – and not just in NFL cities. For instance, in Hampton Roads, which regularly produces NFL stars, bar proprietors are among those most concerned about the prospect of not having the foot traffic that could make or break a business. Take NASCAR Café in Hampton – and don’t let the name fool you. "The players and owners can’t lose sight of the fact that the fans are what make the NFL," said Nick White, general manager of the NASCAR Café in Hampton’s Power Plant Complex off Mercury Boulevard at Power Plant Road. "If you’re not taking care of the fans, then the NFL doesn’t exist," White said. Despite its racing theme and NASCAR memorabilia, NASCAR Café is basically a sports bar, and for the 16-week NFL season, plus the playoffs, the location is pretty much NFL fan headquarters. Having no football "will definitely hurt business in the Fall," said White, who added that in that time period, football fans make up about 60 percent to 70 percent of the business. It would also hurt White personally as a fan. A former Denbigh High School football player himself, White is a New York Giants fan, who holds the Pittsburg Steelers as his second favorite team. White attended Denbigh a few years before Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin attended school there. White’s younger brother was in high school around the same time that Tomlin was there, and White recognizes that Steelers’ fans make up the largest part of the crowds who gather to watch football at NASCAR Café, followed by Dallas Cowboys fans, then Washington Redskins. Fans fill the location to view the multiple giant television screens, plus the smaller screens that are situated at many of the location’s booths, where fans can control channel selection and volume. NASCAR’s patio, which contains an outdoor bar and television screens, and which serves as the smoking area, is also a popular spot for football fans. "Every football Sunday, we’re packed," White said, "so it would definitely have a big impact on us." "We’d really have to be creative to come up with something else." Ditto for Bailey’s Sports Grille in Newport News, which is more of a traditional sports bar and which has smoking sections in the majority of the establishment. Bailey’s, located at the Patrick Henry Mall, is just a few miles from the Denbigh area that produced Tomlin as well as Indianapolis Colts defensive back Antoine Bethea. Bailey’s department manager Darrell Wells, a native of New Jersey and Northern Virginia, and also a New York Giants fan, is equally concerned that his establishment – as well as his Steelers’ led customer base -- would be greatly affected by an extended lockout of NFL players. "It’s going to hurt anybody that has TVs," Wells said. "It’s already challenging enough with the state of the economy. It’s going to hurt everybody. "I think eventually they’ll come to an agreement," Wells added. "There’s too much money at stake. It’s just the process of getting there." The numbers the two sides are arguing over – reported to be about a billion dollars – are too much for the proprietors, as well as the average fan, to get a good handle on. White said he can understand that the players "have to make money when they can make money" because of their short career span. Wells said he is sure the owners have lost money "in the current economy." And although the owners have discussed extending the season by two games to 18 games, some players’ sources have said that because of the concerns over injuries, an extended regular season is non-negotiable. For now, the nearly month-long NCAA tournament is a welcome break from concerns of a non-football fall. But as soon one team cuts down those final nets, it’ll be time for the NFL’s owners and players to act like men. And stop messing around with our most cherished livelihood. David Squires can be reached at 247-4639 or at dsquires@tribune.com

Martin Blockson release party Wed. at Blurr

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 03:59:09 GMT

Click the link to check out the sounds of Martin Blockson... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMz33OGnkCA&feature=autofb ... Speaking of Crabbers ... Regulars for the Sunday football outings at the former Crabbers will remember one of the few loyal Baltimore Ravens fans, Martin Blockson, who always came decked in his purple. Blockson plays a mean horn. He is a rather accomplished saxophonist, now playing with the Accoustic Connection. He has been a regular at a number of spots around town, including the former Phoebus Ultra Lounge, where I'd see him setting up after my friends and I would wrap up taping of our Last Word 4 Now internet TV show. Martin has moved on, as have the rest of the former Crabbers and Ultra Lounge patrons. On Wednesday, Feb. 23, he's having the official CD release party for "The Other Side of Blue." The party starts at 7 p.m. at Blurr Bistro and Ultralounge, at 605 Pilot House Drive in Newport News. Blockson described the new CD. "My favorite Miles Davis CD was kind of Blue," he said. "I have 3 trumpet players as guest on it. So its my own tribute to all things blue. "Blue is a color that means different things to different people. To one, Blues is sad, to another a comfortable pair of jeans, to another: a beautiful day. I let them decide. It's about the many sides of blue."

Education Town Hall is set Saturday for Newport News

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 03:09:05 GMT

A local journalists' group has gathered leaders from education and community leaders to hold an Education Town Hall on Saturday. The event runs 10 a.m. to noon at the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Ave. in Newport News. The event will be moderated by WTKR NewsChannel 3 anchor Barbara Ciarra, and the event is being organized by the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals. The organization is the local affiliate of the National Association of Black Journalists of which Ciarra is a past president. . The event is free and open to the public. The panelists will address the dropout epidemic, the quality of area schools, parental involvement, community action and other academic issues raised by the audience. Confirmed panelists include: Dr. Ashby Kilgore, Superintendent of Newport News Public Schools; Dr. Linda Shifflette, Superintendent of Hampton City Schools and Dr. David Stuckwisch, Superintendent of Portsmouth Public Schools. Additional speakers include education advocates, community leaders, parents and students. “HRBMP is committed to helping children graduate from high school and live their dreams,” says Cheryl Ross, HRBMP President and Portsmouth Education Reporter for The Virginian-Pilot. She continues, “We hope the town hall will provide “a-ha” moments for students, parents, educators and others who face educational challenges and seek to overcome them. We also anticipate that this will be an informative time for the Hampton Roads community to learn more about the local state of education.” Since its inception in 1982, HRBMP remains committed to responding to the issues that affect the people and places within Hampton Roads. HRBMP is a nonprofit network of communicators serving as a liaison between the community and the media and is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. Since 1989, HRBMP has awarded more than $120,000 in scholarships and grants to African-American college students, local colleges, and to other worthy causes. HRBMP is an affiliate chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). For more information on this event, please contact 757.256.3264

Ellen's birthday bash to be a Crabbers' reunion

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 02:47:58 GMT

Remember Crabbers, Hampton own version of the television bar Cheers, with an Afro-centric twist. It's been almost three years since the popular sports bar/restaurant closed its doors. Former owner/manager Ellen Abbitt is hoping to pull the old crew back together again for her upcoming birthday bash. The event is Monday night Feb. 28 at the new Terra Restaurant & Lounge in the Peninsula Town Center (behind Barnes & Noble). The event will feature live entertainment. For more information, email: EllenAbbitt@yahoo.com. The Terra Restaurant & Lounge is at 2330 McMenamin Street. You can also RSVP to Ellen Pitsilides Abbitt at 757.806.0730.

Iverson's fire is remembered on All-Star Weekend

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 12:35:20 GMT

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/14708086/iversons-hunger-kobes-passion-highlight-landmark-96-class In the modern era, it's hard to imagine an NBA All-Star Weekend without an Allen Iverson presence. For years, Iverson brought the "little man" presence to the game. He was both fire and ice on the court. CBSSports.com's Ken Berger caught up with Iverson over the weekend to relive some of those moments. You can read the entire article at the link below. http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/14708086/iversons-hunger-kobes-passion-highlight-landmark-96-class

'A BAR' officially opens at the Alley for Super Bowl Party

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 22:20:42 GMT

Been to the Alley lately? If you have, you've seen the transformation of the former Wall Street side, which has now morphed into the A Bar, a trendy looking sports bar featuring six 100-inch high-definition TVs. Grand Opening is Super Bowl Sunday, when doors open at 4 p.m. If you haven't been to the Alley lately, you'll be blown away by the new setting. Yes, not 2, not 4 but 6 giant HDTVs. The room has been completely renovated, including a new DJ booth, new dance floor and new big, wide bar just inside the A Bar entrance. Owner Barry Davis says he's trying to help fill the void still felt with the closing of Crabbers restaurant and bar some two years ago. The A Bar will also be open each night for the NBA playoffs' 40 Game in 40 Nights, which takes place in the spring.

ODU offers free screening of schools' film

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 22:15:01 GMT

As debate over school reform heats up, Old Dominion University is joining the community conversation with a forum on Tuesday. ODU's Darden College of Education will host a free screening of the 2010 documentary “Race to Nowhere.” The film, which is proving to be of interest to concerned parents, educators, counselors and community leaders across the country, will be shown at 6 p.m. in the Big Blue Room of ODU’s Ted Constant Convocation Center. Free parking is available in arena garages C and D, at 43rd and 45th streets, respectively, just off Hampton Boulevard. Those planning to attend are asked to register at http://rtnolddominionuniversity.eventbrite.com. WHRO public affairs host Cathy Lewis will moderate a discussion after the screening. Panelists include Jay Mahoney, headmaster, The Williams School, Norfolk; Debbie Bentley, retired educator; Christine Ward, ODU assistant professor of counseling; Joey Blacketer, ODU master’s student, Teacher Immersion Residency Program; and Tim Bostic, ODU assistant professor of English education. School reform has become an urgent national issue and 2010 has been the year of the education film. “Race to Nowhere” is being billed as a call to action to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens. For more information about the screening at ODU, call 683-5349 or send an e-mail to rsvpdcoe@odu.eduThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . For more information about the documentary visit www.racetonowhere.com.

Anti-gang forum to kick off variety show at Twist

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:01:40 GMT

Anti-gang organizations will hold a 7 p.m. forum Friday, Feb. 25 to help kick off a benefit variety show at the Twist restaurant and night club. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Best Kept Secret Stop the Violence organization. The event will also bring awareness to area gang violence. Organizers say panel discussion will include members from the Hampton police gang unit, the Department of Forensic Science Office, Hampton Commonwealth Attorney Office and the Hampton School Board. Invited speakers include: Terry Riddick- Best Kept Secret, Pastor Aaron Wheeler-Aaron Wheeler Group, Carlos Howard Funeral Home and Ynot Shakur-7 Cities Panthers. After the 7-9 p.m. forum, a plethora of local artists will perform, including Hip Hop, R&B, comedy and spoken word artists, including: NO ASSUMPTIONZ, Q.R.A.Z, SHOTGUN BUKK, T-MIRAGE, MELLO & TNT, J-RUC, Faseworld Ent., Hood Platinum, Black Gunnz Ent, Major Movement Ent., Lightz Out Ent, Good Game Ent., Ill Indies, J.O; Romonta, Alyriss, Cyko Tasha, Godchild-The Omen, Mr. Poetic, Skeeta G, (BAND) Raw Element, Novakane Fmega & Fats (Zulunation), Lots; G-Man Ent, Raw Koncept (Nottz), Sean Hicks, Johvanni, Lil' Kuzz, Steve Da Ghettotrophy, Daquan B, and more...SPECIAL INVITED GUESTS: Keith “DameDiddy” Smith, Rep Ya Set Dvd, Def Jam Records; Media Mami, Cymande, Rachael Faunce, Thomas "TD" Corbin (Se7en Magazine), Holobyte Films, Phenom DVD, James Murrell, Royal Majesty Ent. For more information, contact Supreme Truth of Breakout Artist Management at breakoutmgmt@yahoo.com or 757-292-8419.

SCLC's MLK conference & banquet at NN Omni

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 16:32:56 GMT

The SCLC kicks off a two-day celebration today of the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The theme for this year is, "Is the dream over," as the annual, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. conference and banquet kicks off at the Omni Newport News. The Saturday activities will include a panel discussion, workshops, banquet and gospel musica celebration. The festivities conclude on Sunday with a gospel concert. The full event schedule is below. Participants on Saturday include Congressman Robert J. “Rob” Wittman; Edith White, President and CEO of the Urban League of Hampton Roads; Tina Vick and Joseph C. Whitaker, Newport News City Council members; Mark Rawlison, Radio Personality from STAR 1310; and the keynote banquet speaker, Bishop Marcus Campbell, Senior Pastor of Providence Baptist Church of Petersburg. The Rev. Dr. Curtis W. Harris, who served as a human shield for Dr. King, will be honored during banquet. The conference will kick-off at 1:00 p.m. and feature “Diversity – The Melting Pot Concept” with Moderator and Host Polly Chong, Attorney At Law. Tina L. Vick, Newport News City Councilmember will serve as Host and Moderator of the Community Forum from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. A Social will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. and “The Banquet” will be from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Banquet will include the Andrew Shannon Gospel Music Celebration featuring the Richmond GMWA Choir, Pentecostal Followers of Christ, Mt. Sinai Christian Development Church, Caprichia Moses and Marcella Wishom. On Sunday, January 30, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Omni Newport News Hotel the Andrew Shannon Gospel Music Celebration will be held. The Program will commemorate “20 years of Community Service” and will be hosted by Marcella Wishom. The Andrew Shannon Gospel Music Celebration on Sunday, January 30, 2011 is free and open to the public. The event will include Edna V. Davis, president of the Southeast Community Day Planning Committee, entertainment provided by 1DJX from Richmond, with musical selections from Mt. Sinai Christian Development Church and Walter “DJ” Davis, Jr. from Hampton, to name a few. Reflections of 20 years in community service will be held during the program. Various choirs, praise dancers and mime groups will participate in the event. The Gospel Music Celebration event will include special guest recording artists and performing artists Marcella Wishom, Veronica Cunningham, Whirlwind of Fire Mime and The Word Gospel Drill Team along with area choral ensembles providing musical tributes. For more information, contact Edna V. Davis, at (757) 218-8157. Saturday, January 29, 2011 Schedule of Events Host Hotel - Omni Newport News, 1000 Omni Blvd., Newport News, VA · 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. “Diversity – The Melting Pot Concept” - Polly Chong, Host · 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. “Community Forum” – Councilwoman Tina L. Vick, Host · 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Social · 7:00 p.m. “The Banquet” – Councilman Joseph C. Whitaker, Host 8:00 p.m. “Andrew Shannon Gospel Music Celebration” Sunday, January 30, 2011 Schedule of Events · The Andrew Shannon Gospel Music Celebration 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at The Omni Hotel in Newport News, Virginia The Andrew Shannon Gospel Music Celebration on Sunday, January 30th, 2011 is free and open to the Public. · The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Conference on Saturday, January 29th, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. is free and open to the Public The Southeast Community Day Parade and Festival was founded and organized by Andrew Shannon in 1991. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Conference and Banquet event is presented by the Southeast Community Day Planning Committee, in cooperation with Andrew Shannon, Event Founder and Organizer; and in partnership with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). For more information, contact Edna V. Davis, President of the Southeast Community Day Committee at (757) 218-8157.

Newport News schools chief weighs in on school reform debate

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 09:19:45 GMT

This is required reading folks. A Peninsula educational leader is weighing in on the national/local debate about public education. The movement is gaining momentum through a series of movies and documentaries -- one of the latest of which is the critically acclaimed "Waiting for Superman." In an op-ed piece in the Dec. 1 Daily Press, Newport News Schools Superintendent Ashy Kilgore says we ALL need to do our part to bring about quality education for ALL students. She also points out that parents, staff, volunteers and others have already pulled on their capes, and that they are looking for a few more good men and women to join their super team. In the piece, Kilgore says: "Waiting for Superman," the newest documentary about public education, isn't great because it reveals weaknesses and faults of public education — especially those in large urban areas. It isn't great because of its basic premise: that every child deserves a solid public school education and that well-educated children are vital to our communities and nation. Those are givens. What's great about this film is the idea that we don't have to wait for Superman to save the day — that we can all be Superman, or Superheroes, when it comes to helping all children reach their full potential. The film had a short-run in the Hampton Roads area, but the story is far from over here, and many people have called me or e-mailed me asking how they can see the film. Once the film has completed national distribution, it will be available on DVD and eventually on some cable networks. Also, a grass-roots movement is afoot to show the film to wider local audiences, which might even mean bringing the film back to Hampton Roads. Stay tuned for more details. Hampton Roads community and political organizer Gaylene Kanoyton and Hampton University governmental relations director Bill Thomas -- a frequent social commentator -- are among those who would like to participate in a public discussion about schools. In the meantime, find out what is going on in your school district. Are you ready to pull on a cape with an "S" emblazoned on your chest? Remember: "S" is for schools! Click here to read the entire piece by Newport News Schools chief Ashy Kilgore. http://www.dailypress.com/news/opinion/dp-nws-oped-kilgore-1201-20101130,0,5293334.story