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2011 Y&P for Obama Recap
What started as a vision has turned into reality. With more than $10,000 raised, and 36 Young & Powerful Rising Stars honored including the likes of Donovan McNabb, John Legend, Grammy award-winning Che "Rhymefest" Smith, Jessica White, Miri Ben-Ari, and more. Young & Powerful for Obama recently wrapped up 5 fundraisers in 5 cities (NYC, LA, DC, Chicago, & Springfield) in our movement to re-elect President Obama in 2012. In the historic 2008 presidential election we raised $150,000, and we will increase our efforts in the upcoming election year aiming to raise $250,000 for President Obama's 2012 campaign.
To join the host committee for our upcoming 2012 events:
E-mail us at yp4obama@gmail.com,
follow us on Twitter @ yp4obama, or like us on Facebook.
About Y&P Rising Star Award
The Annual Y&P Rising Star Award honors a diverse group of individuals and organizations who demonstrate the ideals and values of Y&P for Obama. Winners are recognized for their accomplishments in civic engagement as a means to constructive change, as well as their ability to showcase civic-mindedness, vision, pragmatism and tenacity in identifying and addressing public challenges. Recipients have been honored at the Y&P for Obama fundraising events in their respective cities.
DREAM | CHICAGO 10.5.2011 @ Park 52
By Prentice Butler, Chicago's Y&P Chair
Rising Star Award Acceptance Videos:
Nadine Valazquez
Click here to see event photos >>
Photos by Nicolette Stanton Photography
On Sept. 29, Chicago's Y&P for Obama kicked off the first major fundraising event of the year at Park 52 restaurant located blocks away from Obama's home in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. More than 100 supporters came to this event, which featured a silent auction and the Rising Star Award ceremony.
Here are our full list of honorees:
Senator Emil Jones III - Illinois State Senator, Spokesperson for IHOPE
Terrell Owens - NFL Great, Advocate for Alzheimers Research
Che "Rhymefest" Smith - Grammy-Award Winning Artist, Hip-Hop Goodwill Ambassador
Donavan McNabb - Quarterback for Minnesota Vikings, Founder of Donavan McNabb Foundation
Israel Idonije - Defensive Tackle for Chicago Bears, Founder of Israel Idonije Foundation
Joshua Mercer - Founder of Swish Dreams
Jalissa Meredith - Miss Black Illinois 2011, Community Activist
Demi Lobo - Pop Singer, WGCI Radio Personality, Founder of 4 Dreams Foundation
Roshonda R. Payne - Owner of TheSavvySistah.com , Founder of Support-a-Vision
Nadine Velazquez - Actress, Founder of Follow Your Art
Maya-Camille Broussard and Chrishon Lampley - Owners of Three Peas Art Lounge, Art Gallery Curators
Calvin L. King III - Educator, Coach, Producer and Playwright
During the fundraiser, Chicago's Y&P chapter discussed a number of upcoming programs that Y&P has to offer, including the Project Pipeline Mentoring program and other upcoming community service projects. Attendees were not only eager for the re-election of President Barack Obama, but also eager to get involved in their respective communities in Chicago.
A diverse group of honorees at this event included founders of foundations, non-profit organizations, community trailblazers, and political activists in the local community.
We would like to thank Park 52 and all who assisted in making the event a success.
Let's continue to keep the DREAM alive in 2012!
PROGRESS | L.A. 10.5.2011 @ Philippe Chow
By Jacqueline Robinson, L.A.'s Y&P for Obama Chair
Rising Star Award Acceptance Video:
Lance Briggs
Click here to see event photos >>
From Compton to Chatsworth, Long Beach to Lancaster, Inglewood to Irvine; the culmination of our hopes, dreams, energy and determination commenced on October 5th for L.A's. Young & Powerful for Obama fundraising event featuring Rising Stars Keith Nolan, Kellie M. Hawkins, Felton Newell, Dawn Richard and Lance Briggs. Vivica A. Fox was the recipient of the L.A. Y&P Each One Teach One Award award.
As the emerging leaders of Los Angeles, the great global city of the 21st Century, let us rejoice for the country shall now embrace the course of Progress we have collectively pushed throughout Southern California since the civil unrest of 1992.
President Obama must hit the ground running and we must stand behind him and push the entire way!
L.A.'s Young and Powerful for Obama gathered in Hollywood to raise thousand of dollars to help our President continue forward PROGRESS. In our position as the modern day Ellis Island it is important that we remain at the forefront of progressive change in America.
Join us as we fight for 4 more years! We promise to bring you the most enriching and enjoyable experience during this historic election.
Let us continue to establish L.A.'s Young & Powerful as a social, economic and political powerhouse.
PROGRESS...
VISION | NYC 10.12.2011 @ Hudson Terrace
By Morgan McCray, New York's Y&P for Obama Chair
Rising Star Award Acceptance Videos:
Hettie Barnhill | Jessica White | Janelle Monae
Click here to see event photos >>
Photos by Laki Taylor lakitaylor@hotmail.com
& Mike Massay mike.massay@gmail.com
Vision was held from 6pm –10pm on Wednesday, October 12 th at the Hudson Terrace. The event was a benefit honoring rising stars Miri Ben-Ari, Janelle Monae, Daya Vaidya, Hettie Barnhill, Irijah Stennett, Mayor Cory Booker, and Jessica White while raising money for the re-election of President Obama for the 2012 Presidential Campaign.
VISION brought together over 100 young professionals to celebrate this cause with words from keynote speaker, Professor Theodore Shaw. We walk away from this with new alliances and stronger bridges. The feedback from attendees, both via e-mail and from anecdotal conversations on the day, indicated excitement, satisfaction, and also the desire to continue to build upon this movement.
A special thanks to Russ Green and Chris Correa for hosting the event, T. Nicole Merritt for assisting with event logistics, Daniel Car & Limo Service for transporting our rising stars, Amit Sehu for creating the artwork for the awards, Mandela Gregoire for his videography services, and Hudson Terrace for accommodating our event.
We should be proud of this benefit and be thoroughly inspired to out-do ourselves in the months to come. NY's Y&P for Obama thanks you for your support and your continued hope.
YES WE CAN!
HISTORY | Springfield (IL) 10.21.2011 @ Catch 22
By Dominic Watson, Springfield's Y&P for Obama Chair
Click here to see event photos >>
Springfield's Y & P Event went well. All those who attended were very pleased with the event. The planning committee was praised by the Rising Star Award recipients. They were truly appreciative of the uniqueness of the awards received. Something that one award recipient said that really stood out was how we as young black Americans cannot wait for our elders to pass the torch, we have to step up to the plate and take it. This really resonated with us. It became increasing evident that other leaders present felt the same way.
Present at the event were several key community leaders and organizations that were interested in seeing what Y & P is all about. We were frequently asked about what we do, how we came about and so forth. Several organizations such as: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., NAACP and Delta Sigma Theta showed interest in partnering on upcoming projects. Specifically, the State President of Phi Beta Sigma was interested in partnering with us for Greek Lobby Day festivities in 2012.
This fundraiser was a coming out party, so to speak, in the Springfield community for Y&P. In Springfield we are excited and fired up about moving forward with Y&P Initiatives. We are already planning another fundraiser for 2012. On behalf of Springfield's planning committee, I would look like to thank Y&P for all the assistance that was given, specifically Fabiola Fleuranvil and the national team. It was our pleasure to host such an extraordinary event.
FUTURE | D.C. 10.27.2011 @ Bar 7
By Cadene Russell, D.C.'s Y&P for Obama Chair
Rising Star Award Acceptance Videos:
Raheem Devaughn | Erica Hubbard | Oneika Phillips
Click here to see event photos >>
Photos by: Karim Alammuri karim.alammuri@gmail.com
On Thursday, October 27, DC's Young & Powerful for Obama came together at Bar 7 in Washington, DC to kick off the year-long stretch to the 2012 election. With host Russ Green and remarks from Felix Sorgho and Adjoa Adofo of Y&P's national board, DC's Young and Powerful mixed, mingled and recognized the contributions of the 2011 Rising Star Award Recipients for excellence in philanthropy, the arts, community involvement and service through political engagement.
As the group strived to support President Barack Obama, Y&P for Obama recognized those throughout the District of Columbia and beyond that continue to be icons in their communities.
DC's Rising Stars include:
Adam Clampitt – Board Member, DC Water Board
Joshua Lopez – 2011 DC City Council Candidate
Victoria Kirby – 2011 OFA DC Summer Organizer, LGBT advocate
Natalie Cofield – Business Leader, Founder of NMC Consultant Group
Dr. John Bullock –Educator, Former Baltimore City Council Candidate
Adam Barr – Founder, DC For Obama
John Legend – Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, philanthropist, Founder of "Show Me" Campaign
Taraji P. Henson – Academy Award nominated-actress (DC native), advocate for heart disease research and At-Risk Youth
Erica Hubbard – Actress of Let's Stay Together, Founder of Erica Hubbard Foundation
Rashida Jolley - Harpist/Band Member/Backup Singer for Lady Gaga's Worldwide Tours, Former Miss Washington DC Queen, President Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS
Oneika Phillips – Lead Dancer/ Performer from National Hit Stage Play Broadway Musical 'FELA'
Raheem DeVaughn – DC Key to the City Recipient, CDC HIV/AIDS Prevention Celebrity Partner and community activist
That evening, young professionals, entrepreneurs, elected officials and community leaders alike celebrated DC's rising stars as well as honored the dream of our President and the future of the country. With remarks from DC Council Member Michael Brown and Y&P for Obama supporter Miss Free, formerly of 106 & Park and a daily source of news and entertainment on the Big Tigger Morning Show, DC's Young & Powerful had support from all across the district.
In addition, young professionals were graced with the moving performances of NY Rising Star Hettie Barnhill, actress, award winning dancer, choreographer and performer in the Broadway Musical 'FELA', and Member of A Long Walk Home; as well as a phenomenal harp and song performance by DC Rising Star Rashida Jolley. Rachel & Rebecca Crouch and Charles Jean Pierre displayed beautiful artwork throughout Bar 7 and Sylvia Morrison, renowned author, female impressionist and stand-up comedian brought even more excitement to the show. Also, Dominque Jones graciously provided complimentary cupcakes from The Sugar Company.
Special thanks to Y&P for Obama co-founders Jarvis Houston and Felix Sorgho, DC's Y&P Co-Chairs Keith Benjamin & Malik Haughton, national board members, DC's phenomenal host committee, Bar 7 and everyone that attended for making our 2011 fall fundraiser a success! There is more work to be done and we thank you in advance for being committed to the cause.
To become a part of DC's Young & Powerful for Obama,
email dc@yp4obama.org to join the Host Committee.
New York's Young & Powerful Chapter Launch 2.0
By Sophia James, New York's Y&P Chair
Young professionals around the city were eager to learn about Young & Powerful through the long awaited New York Young & Powerful Launch Event, which was held on Sept. 22 at the trendy Slate Lounge in lower Manhattan. This event, planned by NY Y&P's Chapter Chair Sophia James and Event Coordinator Crystal DeVonne, provided the opportunity for guests to network and learn more about the New York Chapter.
Sophia and Crystal, along with one of Y&P's National Chairs Felix Sorgho, discussed the mission of the Launch event, the importance of building the NY Y&P's leadership team and upcoming programs and community service projects. The New York team emphasized its Chapter will host business seminars, community events and social affairs, which will cater to young professionals in the NYC area. The Chapter encouraged leaders in business, media, marketing, and politics to get involved. To further engage guests, attendees had a chance to win two complimentary tickets to NY's Young & Powerful for Obama Fundraiser "VISION," which was held on Oct. 12.
The goal of the evening was to draw attention to the New York Chapter and gain membership of dedicated, knowledgeable young professional leaders. The event was attended by many young professionals of diverse industries – media, non-profit, public sector and finance.
"The Chapter Launch event was a successful evening of networking and enjoying cocktails," said DeVonne. "The DJ played an eclectic mix of music that kept the night moving."
Missed the Chapter Launch event? No need to panic! The Chapter will be hosting similar upcoming programs.
If you are interested in NY Chapter membership or want to help organize future social functions, please contact Sophia at ny@youngandpowerful.org.
Also join NY's Y&P Facebook Group.
The Cookie Jar: A Note on Ethics for the Young Professional
By Kristyan Rose Gilmore, Y&P National Legal/Compliance Chair
 Someone calls you with a new venture or to ask a favor of you. The opportunity sounds promising but you get a feeling in your gut that it may be unethical. Opportunities like this are like cookie jars. The cookies, or the rewards of the deal, are there for all to partake, but DO NOT get caught with your hand in the cookie jar. While some are too fearful to put their hand in the jar, others eat a smorgasbord of cookies. It comes down to how bad you want the cookie and whether you are equipped with the tools to navigate the "gray areas" that vary with each cookie jar.
Every individual has an ethical threshold that is born of at least three rule sets. First, your core value set is framed by some form of indoctrination- usually familial, religious, or educational. Second, is the notion of human dignity, which globalizes the "golden rule" concept of treating others as you would like to be treated. Finally, we are ruled by the Constitution and all of the rights and responsibilities springing there from. This probably includes some set of regulations promulgated by the institution that governs your profession (i.e. American Bar Association or company policy). These sources are the foundations of professionalism and ethics, so anything not specifically addressed by one or more rule set is "gray area."
In a society that praises whistle-blowers and impedes privacy rights daily. How does one navigate the ever expanding "gray area?"
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Self assess - Take an assessment of your personal and professional grey areas. First, consult the applicable regulations to define any bright line rules, add in value-based rules, and then cut yourself a little slack.
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Reach out - Consult with a professional mentor, clergy member, or a subject matter expert in your field to gain more insight.
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Trust your instincts - Your moral compass will not steer you wrong. If you are still unsure, then confidently let the opportunity pass and do not look back. There will be other jars with cookies that are made just for you.
Y&P Member Spotlight: Jaques Hamilton
 After graduating from University of Chicago in 2011, Jaques Hamilton had a vision to develop model programs such as school-base, community-base, and group home-base models that address the problems of young African American and Hispanic adults in urban communities across the country. He made an effort to develop The L.I.F.E., Inc. Lifeline Mentoring Programs that benefit a number of inner city high-risk youth ages 12-21 years old that are having behavioral and academic problems. The mentoring programs such as the school year, after school, and summer programs has had a positive effect on behavioral and academic outcomes among the "high-risk" adolescents by incorporating evidence-base interventions used to increase reliance in youth from the 40 developmental assets. Overall, The Lifeline Mentoring Programs offers a variety of youth development, civic engagement, violence intervention/prevention, academic enrichment, and leadership services. For more information please visit L.I.F.E., Inc web site at http://yourlifebeyond.org/
Originally From: Houston, Texas by the way of Memphis, Tennessee
Fraternity: Alpha Phi Alpha (Theta Theta Chapter)
Education: B.A. in Liberal Arts from McNeese State University; M.S. in Social Work from University of Chicago
Favorite place to travel: Memphis, Tennessee or Anywhere in & out the country
Men's Fall 2011 Fashion Trends
By Chyanne, Y&P Style Columnist
@yuppiebychyanne
It's finally Fall and gentlemen you're in for a wonderful treat this season. This Fall season is filled with so many different styles, fabrics, and colors for you to choose from. So this year let's say, "bye-bye" to the traditional black and gray because it's time to experiment with some color and diversify your style. So let's jump right into it.
Trend #1: Wingtip Oxfords
This style of shoe is a classic and would be worth the investment. If $300+ is not ideal for you, check out Bass and Aldo for similar looks at a steal.
Trend #2: Cable Knit
The cable knit sweater is such a masculine texture and a great way to show your colorful side. Opt for a orange, blue, or a deep purple.
Trend #3: Socks
Now that you've spent your money on a nice pair of shoes. It's about time that you accentuate them with a beautiful solid or pattered sock. Just so you know, color plays another role here -- want to play it safe, opt for red.
Trend #4: The Mini Tie
This isn't your ordinary skinny tie that you're use to seeing. The mini tie is an inch and a quarter or an inch wide. Yes...there's a difference, but this trend will work with your suits or a casual button down shirt paired with a cardigan. You can find this trend from designers like Thomas Pink and in stores like H&M.
Again, don't be afraid to play around with some of these trends. And the best part is you can incorporate them into your weekend wardrobe. Who said saving money isn't fun! |
Doris Turner is the Chief of the Center for Minority Health Services for the Illinois Department of Public Health. She executes the planning, developing, coordinating and implementing agency programs and policies to improve the health status of Illinois' communities of color. She is also responsible for expanding and enhancing the relationships between the Department of Public Health and those community health organizations, grantees, health care providers, legislative groups and other associated interest groups that serve the target population.