On rare occasions the mainstream press does impressive work on positive stories of Black Men in American. The Washington Post has done something special this week.

The Washington Post is running an interactive series on their website entitled, "Being a Black Man", where they explore the lives of famous and everyday individuals from various backgrounds. It's worth taking a look at.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/interactives/blackmen/blackmen.html

If you live in the New York City area, I suggest you check out this inspiring program coming to NYC's Apollo Theater on May 19th 2007 at 8pm. It is called “The Beyond the Tears Concert."

The Save Africa Concerts Foundation will have entertainment and an awards ceremony to honor Winnie Mandela, Princess, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Minister Christine Walker and Prof. Babatunde Osotimehin for their work in AIDS/HIV. The program begins at 8pm. Ticket prices are $35, $50 and $75 can be purchased at Ticket master or at the Apollo box office.

All proceeds will go to help AIDS/HIV victims, prevention and education in Africa.

As a part of this fundraising initiative, we will give “FREE TICKETS” to “the Beyond the Tears Concert” to those who get tested for Hepatitis B at our designated facilities.

Hepatitis B is a virus that infects the liver. You can get it through Contact with infected blood, sexual fluids, or at birth if your mother is infected. You often have no symptoms and the virus can stay in your body throughout your life. Approx. 400 million people in the world have chronic Hepatitis B infection, including 1.25 million in the USA.

It is important to be tested because hepatitis B infection can cause severe liver damage and liver cancer. This infection can be silent in the beginning years. When symptoms occur it is often too late to get treated. Why not lessen your chances of getting this deadly disease by getting tested. Early detection can save your life.

Free confidential testing will be held at the following locations:

Harlem
Triage Vans on 116th Street and 125th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. and Fred. Douglass Blvd. on Saturday May 5 and Sunday May 6th from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Brooklyn
Testing will be held at the World Restoration Church International 770-784 Glenmore Avenue, Bklyn. 718-348-7414 on Saturday May 5th from 10-4

Refer A Friend

Recently I have been thinking about the power of referrals. In my travels I am often amazed the many ethnic groups freely give referrals to their friends. "You should try my Doctor, they are excellent" or "My realtor found me a great apartment - let me give you his number," or "You get great clothes from my designer." I am fortunate to have a few friends that appreciate my work ethic and have referred me to friends and associates in the entertainment business and real estate.

In over the 15 years of being in the real estate business unfortunately only a handful of African Americans have given referrals to me yet my other clients and customers from other ethnic groups freely give my name to friends and family. I wonder why this is. At first I thought it was just me but recently I have been hearing more and more reports of the same thing. Two weeks ago I was speaking with a young black man who was living in a foreign country for the last six years. He started a very powerful business in Europe and was bringing it over to the US. He explained how frustrated he was with his people that they didn't seem to want to help him yet those from other groups welcomed him with open arms. Unfortunately, I didn't have an answer for him.

It is my hope that this trend can be turned around. Here is some steps to accomplish this.

• Listen to the stories of your friends


• If you believe they are talented refer a friend


• Be proud to know that by referring a competent individual you are saving both time and often money.


• Let people know what you do

Sharing resources is what made this country great. It got us through slavery and segregation. All referrals are great but it is always nice to know that your people have your back also.

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