Youth Speak

I was checking out the Internet today looking for the upcoming Tavis Smiley event where he will be moderating the Republican Presidential Debate. I found it.

Don't miss it on PBS or online on September 27, 2007, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD. Moderated by Tavis Smiley, the Republican presidential candidates will participate in a forum about how they will address issues of concern to Black America, as it relates to the book, Covenant with Black America. It was interesting to see who has not confirmed as of today; Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, Senator John McCain, Governor Mitt Romney, Senator Fred D. Thompson. Interesting. Well I hope all my readers watch it. This will be a show for sure.

I digress. In looking for info on the debate I came across the Tavis Smiley Foundation. Wow..I had no idea what he is doing to help the youth of today. Check out the movie profile featuring the students of the Leadership Institute. These kids have it. I thought I would share that with you. Let me know what you think. Tavis Talks.com is full of valuable information and fun too.

Townhouses are Hot in Harlem

Two beautiful townhouses have just reached the market this week in the Harlem Landmark District of Striver's Row. Both of these homes have been renovated with the latest technology, top of the line appliances and renovated to the "T". Both have garages, high ceilings, and a additional rental unit.

Buying a townhouse anywhere in Manhattan is a challenge. Homes like this will run 6 - 14 million in other areas of Manhattan. This two Harlem properties listed by Halstead Property Brokers are a steal at $3,499,000 & $4,200,000. If you are looking for something a little more inexpensive, I have seen two other Brownstones in Harlem for only $1,350,000 and $1,750,000 but you will have to gut renovate them. If you are looking to buy a brownstone in Harlem, do it now. Next stop ...The Bronx.

262 WEST 139TH STREET -

Located on the prestigious Strivers' Row, one of the most beautiful blocks in Manhattan, this triple mint two family home is unparalleled. The 17 foot wide townhouse has just been entirely rebuilt transforming it from a shell to a classic beauty. No expense was spared and every detail has been meticulously appointed. This complete "Smart House" allows you to control security, audio, thermostat and lighting from a single touch pad or the internet. The owner's triplex is a luxurious five bedroom, four and a half bath with two terraces and a private garage. The kitchen is outfitted with custom cabinetry and the finest appliances. The gracious Master suite has everything you could want including a large marble bath with a steam shower, a fireplace and a large private terrace. Any of the remaining four bedrooms can easily be used as a media room or a home office as there is more than sufficient electricity and cable. With its own separate entrance, the garden duplex would make for a top notch rental or an extra special place for guests. Priced at $4,200,000 * description from the Halstead website.

259 WEST 138TH STREET

OLD WORLD ELEGANCES MEETS NEW TECHNOLOGY
Harlem Landmark District.THE RENOWED STRIVER'S ROW. Keeping with the style of the original architecture of that era, Celebrity Contractor, Gregory Carey, from one of TLC's top TV shows, has tastefully renovated this Magnificent 17X100ft Striver's Row Townhouse. This Level 2 Smart-House Wired Townhouse is a Masterpiece of Design. The present configuration is an Owner's Triplex with a 1 bedroom rental Duplex Apartment. This townhouse can be easily converted to a one family dwelling. The Owner's 4 Bedroom Triplex Features a Heated 2 Car Garage, Roof Deck, Skylights and 2 Wood Burning Fireplaces. The 1 Bedroom Rental Duplex has a Recreation Room, Wood Burning Fireplace and Private Entrance. This Fabulous Striver's Row Townhouse is equipped with Central Air; Radiant Heat System, LG W/D, Built in Sound Systems throughout the house with separate controls in each room, I-Pod Stations, Virtual Security Systems, Advanced Ventilation Systems, 2 Skylights, one with a decorative lighting feature. The Gourmet Kitchen has Stainless Steel High End Appliances and Granite Counter Tops. The Sky-Lighted Master Bath has the Original 6 Ft Claw Foot Tub. THIS TOWNHOUSE IS EXCEPTIONAL!

The information of these two properties are available on our Halstead Property website. Feel free to contact me to arrange an appointment.

Holiday Returns to Legendary Jazz Club

Last night I stopped by the legendary jazz spot called Showman's Bar in Harlem, NY. Over the years this club has featured some of the jazz greats; Sarah Vaughan, Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington, Eartha Kitt, Pearl Bailey since 1942.

This Friday and Saturday features Ms. Cynthia Holiday who blends jazz and blues with style, class and fun. Her debut CD will be released this fall. The band was kicking and the crowd was live. Last night in attendance was socialite Janice Coombs and Kevin Powell -motivational speaker/activist and former Real World star, who I hear is running for Congress.
If you are ever in Harlem and want a nice evening out to hear live jazz check out Showman's
(212) 864-8941 located at 375 West 125th Street(East of Morningside Ave.) call for schedule and showtimes. Soul food appetizers are always available -- free for the asking. Two drink minimum (E.G. $14 minimum) per set is strictly and politely enforced.

This Monday Kevin Powell presents another in his series "Black and Male in America". The event is held Brooklyn, NY It is definitely worth checkout out if you are in NYC.

Monique & Giving

MO'NIQUE: I COULDA BEEN YOUR CELLMATE

If you haven't seen this show ...you must. Mo'Nique has a mouth like Redd Foxx and the heart of a sensible women. Now, if you are not ready for the continued use of the "N" word, "MF", "B" and every other profanity be warned. She uses them all yet weaves them into a powerful message for the lost.

Stand-up comedienne and actress Mo'Nique takes creative daring to a whole new level when she performs her special brand of no-holds-barred, jaw-dropping humor where no comic has gone before: a women's prison in Ohio.

Every teen and adult should see it. Church folks too. God won't be mad at ya. Showing on Showtime this month.

Next up I want to talk about the Oprah show called "The Gift of Giving Back." As we move from the "Me" generation to the "What's Next" generation these shows prove that if everyone did a little something to help their neighbor the world would be a better place. It is so easy to walk by a homeless person and not give a quarter, or go on vacation to foreign lands and not think to take some used clothes or money to an orphanage, or not write a letter in defense of the Jena 6 or the Katrina victims. Why do that? Because it makes you feel good. What better reason do we need. Feel good today!

RIP - Luciano Pavarotti
The legends are passing. He is yet another one. Here is a rare video with him and James Brown.


Other Pavarotti Performances Ave Maria w/Barry White w/Queen

What People are Talking About

Here are just a few issues that people are talking about. The underlined are links to various articles you might find interesting. I did. Hit comments below to leave your opinions.

• Jena 6 - Racism alive and well in USA


• Health Care Crisis in the African American community - Where to Go for Help
  
• Katrina Aftermath Still Hurting - Finding a Way Back


• Housing Crisis - Choices for Us All


• Credit Crunch - Good credit is more important than Money



• Job Security - Does it still exist?
  
• Where is the Love? - Everyone looks for love or do they?


• Election Coverage - Why Care?


• Iraq War - Unbias Information

In God I Trust

In this age of cynicism and political correctness it is oftentimes hard to find a place to fit in. My minister sister has been asking me for some time now why I have not joined another church. She expressed her concerned that my personal relationship with Jesus Christ was not enough. That is was most important that I fellowship with other Christians in order to maximize my spiritual potential. Having been a member of so many churches over the years what has been consistent in all of them has been the inner politics that has turned me off. People that talk the talk but don't necessarily walk the walk.

Many denominations are inclusive to a point but quote the Bible to exclude others. That is against my principles. Last week a friend of mine of thirty years invited me to go with her to church. She told me about this minister from her home town in Memphis that had recently been appointed to head a church on Park Avenue in NYC. For those that don't know, Park Avenue is one of the wealthy streets in the city. You can imagine what was going through my mind. Anyway, the night before church I went to the opening of a new club that my business associate produced. I didn't get to bed until 4am so when I woke up, with a headache I might add, it took everything I had to get up and go to church with her. Being a man of my word I pulled myself together and we took a cab down to the church.

What amazed me was the friendly, non pretense of everyone I met. We were greeted at the door with such warmth I knew immediately that I would enjoy the service. Now to be honest, I am use to great soul stirring music and a lot of shouting. This church didn't offer that however it did offer a sense of fellowship and community right from the start. The message of the day was "A Radial Welcome" delivered by Dr. Alvin O. Jackson. He spoke about the need for churches to offer a real welcome to people that come in to the house of worship. Regardless of their income, social status, sexual orientation or color, all should be welcome. Now that is radical.

I decided to write about this for a number of reasons. It is easy to become jaded nowadays. People don't speak to each other on the street, respond to emails, everyone is stressed over what they don't have. I took a chance and believed in a friend and my sister and got out of my comfort zone and went to a new church and loved it. For people in New York City who find that although they are believers they are still searching for a place to call home, this is an option. Click the link for details about the Park Avenue Christian Church.

Make a Difference Today! Jena 6

Watch this and do what you can to help these brothers out. Next time it could be one of us. Racism in America is alive and well.



Now that you saw this ...what can you do to help NOW?

• Call your local news papers, radio and tv station. (just google the info) and ask them why this is not news but the Senator sex scandal and Brittney Spears is?
• Write or call your Congressman & Senator and tell them that you are watching.
• Send a contribution to Jena 6 Defense Committee - PO Box 2798, Jena, LA 71342 or email jena6defense@gmail.com

For more information read the interview with the kids at http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/07/10/1413228