Did you know that kids all over the country weekly perform in Dance Competitions for prizes and awards? Yes they do. I discovered the All American Talent Awards through my partner, Kenny who has been a judge for 5 years now.

I went to my first event fully expecting pushy parents and teachers shoving these kids into competitions for their own ego and pride. It isn't that way at all the All American Talent Awards. Suprisingly the kids work hard to perfect their craft no matter how big or small as they are. The love and support that comes from the families , teachers and friends are amazing. It is also the way to achieve diversity sensitivity at a very young age.

I have been extra impressed by their talent - as a layman - but I am not a judge. All American Talent has 3 professional judges that look to bring out the best in the dancers through their critique and workshops. They judge fairly which not all competitions do.

Why is this so important...it just shows that whatever inspires young people whether it be sports, dance or music ... the opportunity should be presented and preserved for this young generation.

Back when I was growing up, all of the above activities were a part of the school program. Now more than ever events like All American Talent give the children and the parents something to do together. Next Sunday, April 29th, the All American Talent Awards Regional Competition will be held at the Christ the King High School in Queens, NY. If you get a chance, bring your kids and watch it. It's free and who knows, your child might be inspired to dance.

What A Week

We start with winter in April. If people are still saying that there is no Global Warming, what do you call this. Man. I feel so sorry for all those people who were flooded out and don't have flood insurance. What are they going to do? Wow.

Then we move to the horrible murders on the Virginia Tech campus. Such a shame. Shows that mental illness is very real. Although all deaths are sad I really hope the media does not bypass on the loss of the African American brother who lost his life.

The triple major straight A student Ryan Clark, 22, was known as "Stack" to his friends in the Marching Virginians college band. The Virginia Tech senior came from Martinez in Georgia and was a "true example of 'The Spirit Of Tech'," according to a message posted on the band's Web site. He majored in biology and English, and carried a 4.0 grade-point average, according to the coroner in Columbia County, Georgia. Clark was a resident assistant at West Ambler Johnston Hall, the dormitory where he and another person were shot dead at 7:15 a.m. Monday. He had been planning to pursue a PhD in psychology with a focus in cognitive neuroscience, according to the Marching Virginians Web site. Read more about Ryan from his friends and people who knew him. RIP. Our hearts go out to all those affected as well as the shooters family. Read more here at CNN.

Spring is Here and the RE Market is Hot!

The spring real estate market in Manhattan promises to be hotter than ever. If you are thinking about buying in the city or anywhere in this area, now is the time to do it. Why?
> Rents continue to rise and you are getting no tax benefits or equity.
> Your rent can increase each year with no end in sight.
> Owning your own property is a great way to save money.

Although prices seem to be so high you wonder how in the world you could ever buy most people can. There are lots of programs out there that can help you. It might take some time but why not start now. Perhaps you have a friend or a family member looking to purchase here or somewhere else. Please tell them that you have a friend that knows the business and has the resources to help them from a worldwide network of great broker associates around the world to excellent mortgage brokers and lawyers who are honest and diligent.

If you have any real estate questions just email me and I will do what I can to help. Check out this wonderful new Harlem property. It might just be for you.

The Langston Condominiums
68 Bradhurst Ave. @ 145th Street

Ranging from $630,000 for a two bedrm & two bath and up.

Infusing a warm combination of natural elements, the attended Langston Lobby imbues Natural Wenge Tropical Hardwood paneling, Quartz Terrazzo flooring and stainless accents. Embrace the 24/7 lifestyle: concierge and doorman services,on-site attended garage, private fitness facility and residents’ terrace.

The Color Purple Blooms with Fantasia

Last night Ms. Fantasia hit Broadway with a bang. It is wonderful that so many young people are now going to Broadway to experience the magic of live musical theater. Thanks to the success of Usher in Chicago now many popular young African American pop stars are playing to packed audiences of their peers. That is an amazing accomplishment since the average price of a decent seat at a Broadway production is upwards of $100.00 per seat. This afternoon's performance of The Color Purple was full and 80% were African American. My sources report that Fantasia gave and excellent performance for a virgin of theater. She continues to build her carreer in the entertainment industry through her books, movies and records.

I was introduced to Broadway when I was just 6 years old. My family brought me to NYC from Philly and I remember staying at the legendary Hotel Astor. We went to see "Golden Boy" starring Sammy Davis Jr. I remember it like yesterday. That same year I saw the Supremes and the Temptations at the Latin Casino. Those were the days. We returned again and again to Broadway for Hello Dolly with Pearl Bailey, Melba Moore in Purlie, Dreamgirls, Stephanie Mills in the Wiz and many more shows. It was the love of the magic and production in theater that opened the creative side of my life. It is so good to see stars that can bring the light for theater to a much younger generation. Let 's see if we can get more Black Musicals on Broadway and even on Radio AOL.

Fantasia in the great tradition of Broadway. Break a Leg! Get your tickets fast. Click here.

La Casa Rosada Food Campaign

Last week I had the opportunity to return to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic to celebrate the birthday of my good friend Greg. Everytime I travel to a foriegn country I look for a way to help out the unfortunate. Four years ago we were introduced to the La Casa Rosada Orphanage by an American - Anthony Montgomery that lives in DR. The orphanage cares for infants and children with HIV/AIDS in Santo Domingo.

This time I decided to ask several of my close friends and associates to give something that I could take down to help the orphans. I was overwhelmed by the response from the few people I asked. Because of their contributions we were able to buy 250 pounds of rice, 150 pounds of beans, 10 chickens, 400 plantinans, 50 stuffed animals, underwear and socks, coloring books in spanish and crayons, toilet paper and had enough to leave the Sister with $200 in cash. Wow...now that was more than I expected to get but I am truely thankful to my friends for their contribution.

We were also blessed to see another American Chris from Atlanta who was kind enough to drive us around all day to find the best price for the food in DR. He and his friend spent the whole day Saturday shopping and then delivering the van of food to La Casa Rosada. Did you know that gas down there is about $6.00 a gallon. He didn't even ask for gas money. Wow.
La Casa Rosada has a new project going now. They have been so successful in treating the kids that now they are growing up fast. It is necessary to separate the boys from the girls because the homones are starting to kick in. They have purchased some of the land but need to raise $250,000 to start to build the additional wing. The whole project is estimated at $1,250,000. Some friends of mine are trying to work out an arrangement with Banco Popular to make it easy for people to give. I will keep you informed.

You can also send checks to Maria Carmen Veiga c/o La Casa Rosada - Hogar-Escuela- Hospital

Av. Prol. Venezuela, C/ Isabel Aguero "Loly"

Los Tres Brazos, Santo Domingo, Este Rep. Dom

info: lacarosada2001@yahoo.com

Tribute to a Drum Major

On April 5, 1985 the world lost a special woman who believed the song "If I Can Help Somebody" that her living would not be in vain. Her name was Elizabeth Pinckney.

Today I was googling her name and found nothing. I thought what a shame that her contributions to the world were not available online.

She was born in Philadelphia, Pa on June 16, 1926. Her life was happy until her Mother died when she was just 15 years old. Her dad was a very light skin Navy Officer and her mom was an brown beauty. When her mother died her father remarried a very light divocee with one male child. Both were almost white. When her father died a few years later Elizabeth was living a life of hell primarily because her stepmother and stepbrother treated her like "Cinderella." She had to use the backdoor of her own house and was primarily demoted to that of a maid.

When she went to college she began to envision the possibilities for a bright future. Although Elizabeth had to work two jobs get through school on her own she fought the good fight and made it. She worked at Byberry Mental Institution in Philadelphia and as a maid in a rich persons house. By graduation she had become the Campus Queen of Cheney State Teachers College and thereafter met her prince charming, Edward. Despite the challenges in life, Elizabeth always was a giver.

As a second grade teacher at Kenderton Grade School she always demanded the best for her students. She went overboard to make sure that she empowered her students and let them know that they were loved and important.

She had been outside laughing and joking with her friends moments before she died at 55 years of age. Elizabeth told her husband that she was going to just take a short nap of which she never awoke from on that Good Friday. The shock of her death touched thousands of people across the country. After teaching for over 25 years she truely touched generations. Her funeral was huge not because she was famous but because she gave, loved and cared.

Giving came first and she passed that mission down to so many people.

RIP Elizabeth Pinckney.

Thank you for making the world a little better place. Oh and now you are on the internet. This is my tribute to a true Drum Major.