Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto Swap Praise Instead of Blows at Apollo February 28, 2012 5:16pm | By Jeff Mays, DNAinfo Reporter/Producer      Click to see all pictures (8 photos) (L) Floyd Mayweather and (R) Miguel Cotto pose at a press conference to promote their upcoming fight on May 5 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas at the The Apollo Theater on February 28, 2012 in New York City. (Chris Trotman/Getty Images) HARLEM— The crowd was hyped, the music was loud and two gold-colored thrones sat on the stage of the Apollo Theater during the second leg of Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Miguel Cotto's tour to promote their upcoming title bout in Las Vegas. The event had all of the pomp and circumstance of a big-time boxing match but none of the venom as the men shook hands and even complimented one another, with Mayweather calling Cotto "one of the best." "It was a dream of mine to come to the Apollo," Mayweather said as his entourage, including rapper 50 Cent, looked on. "I never thought I would be on this stage." But all the niceties will end when the brawlers get in the ring, Mayweather reminded the crowd. "When it comes down to it, it's one on one," he said. The world-class boxers will meet for the WBA super welterweight world championship at the MGM Grand on May 5. "I want this day to pass quickly and get training," Cotto said. "On May 5, I'm going to make every Puerto Rican proud." The event, which was open to the public, drew hundreds of people who formed a line in front of the Apollo that snaked around the block. Read more: http://www.dnainfo.com/20120228/harlem/boxers-trade-compliments-instead-of-blows-at-apollo-theater?utm_content=chiefcharley472%40gmail.com&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Floyd%20Mayweather%20and%20Miguel%20Cotto%20Swap%20Praise%20Instead%20of%20Blows%20at%20Apollo&utm_campaign=Floyd%20Mayweather%20and%20Miguel%20Cotto%20Swap%20Praise%20Not%20Blows%20at%20Apollocontent#ixzz1nnyGTQ8d

Teens to Study History of Hip-Hop at New-York Historical Society February 29, 2012 8:38am | By Leslie Albrecht, DNAinfo Reporter/Producer   UPPER WEST SIDE — Move over Henry Hudson, and make way for the Notorious B.I.G. This spring the venerable New-York Historical Society's Saturday Academy will offer a series of free courses meant to bring history alive for young people. The series, which also includes free SAT prep for students in grades 10 - 12, runs from March 10-April 28. In the hip-hop class, called "Hip-Hop In Context," students will listen to pivotal songs like "Cop Killer" by Ice-T's 1990s group Body Count, but they'll also explore hip-hop's place in New York City's wider cultural life, instructor Dylan DePice said. In addition to rap music, students will also study graffiti and break dancing and their place New York's history. "Hip-hop started in the 1970s, but I'm going to go back even further and talk about the history of the U.S. That leads us to a moment in the '70's where the Bronx is sort of this ignored little area of the city where there's all this youth rebellion that becomes hip-hop," DePice said. The class will cover the dawn of hip-hop, with the Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight," explore the differences between East Coast and West Coast rap, and discuss how politically minded groups such as Public Enemy and N.W.A. Gave way to the bling era of the 2000s. Read more: http://www.dnainfo.com/20120229/upper-west-side/teens-study-history-of-hip-hop-at-new-york-historical-society?utm_content=chiefcharley472%40gmail.com&utm_source=VerticalResponse&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Teens%20to%20Study%20History%20of%20Hip-Hop%20at%20New%20York%20Historical%20Society&utm_campaign=Hell's%20Kitchen%20High%20School%20Teacher%20Charged%20with%20Sex%20Abusecontent#ixzz1nnxdsxto

Swann - African Americana Auction Tomorrow, March 1st

If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may see it online.           Auction Tomorow Thursday, March 1st 10:30 am & 2:30 pm Our auction of Printed & Manuscript African Americana begins Thursday, March 1st at 10:30 am. The afternoon session begins at 2:30 pm with lot 313. Exhibition Hours Continue Wednesday Feb. 29  10 - 6 • Searchable 3D Catalogue here • Online Catalogue here Wyatt Houston Day Specialist, African Americana For questions about items in the sale, or to arrange phone/absentee bidding, inquire: David Rivera 212-254-4710 ext. 13 drivera@swanngalleries.com Illustrated: top / bottom Stride Toward Freedom. The Montgomery Story - Lot 246 Martin Luther King, Jr. [1958] Inscribed to A. Philip Randolph, with extensive notes by Randolph General Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. - Lot 413 General Davis with a group of his officers of the 369th National Guard Infantry at Fort Smith, New York, 1938       Printed & Manuscript African Americana Swann Galleries  104 East 25th Street   New York NY 10010 tel 212-254-4710  •  fax 212-979-1017 www.swanngalleries.com

NEW THIS MORNING

CUOMO STARTS SPEECH WITH SWIPE AT PATERSON AND SPITZER: Gov. Andrew Cuomo drew gasps, laughter and applause last night at the Citizens Budget Commission when he bragged that New York has gone 14 months without a governor admitting to major felonies: http://bit.ly/xInC9a NEW THIS MORNING: * With his campaign treasurer facing fraud charges, New York City Comptroller John Liu is considering how to move forward with his run for mayor and faces speculation he may leave office, the Post reports: http://nyp.st/yku2m9 * The state Office of Children and Family Services has quietly and persistently tried to limit public access to case reports on child deaths that show how government agencies responded to earlier abuse reports, the Times says: http://nyti.ms/A5icld * A series of new wind power projects in and around New York City raises the prospect of developing wind as a significant part of the region's power supply, the Times reports: http://nyti.ms/z1xmEP * Attorney General Eric Holder said the Justice Department is just beginning to review the NYPD's surveillance of American Muslim neighborhoods for any potential civil rights violations, the AP writes: http://on.wsj.com/wIM19N * Corrections union head Norman Seabrook used racial and ethnic slurs in a speech to Rikers Island officers that was secretly taped and posted online by a union nemesis, the Daily News reports: http://nydn.us/wlh7eC   * The number of state workers earning more than the governor has grown to 1,252, a 26 percent rise over 2010, with SUNY's Alain Kaloyeros and SUNY Downstate's Dr. Antonio Alfonso earning the most, the Post says: http://nyp.st/xDwJwa

Fw: [SOA~2012] March NYC Puerto Rico and Cuba Solidarity Calendar

OCCUPPY THE TRAVEL BAN!   JOIN THE VENCEREMOS BRIGADE: OCCUPY THE TRAVEL BAN! Sunday, March 4, 2012 4-6PM The Solidarity Center; 55 West 17th Street, 5th Floor Building solidarity between OWS and Cuba, where the 99% Rule An afternoon of conversation. Learn about the history of the Venceremos Brigade and participate in discussions aimed at uniting OWS and Cuba on issues including: • Anti-Imperialism and Internationalist Solidarity • US-Cuban Relations • Arts and Culture in Cuba • Prisoner Solidarity and the Movement to Free the Cuban 5 • The Cuban Political System • Healthcare and Education in Cuba • Women's Rights and the LGBTQ Movement in Cuba • Race and National Identity in Cuba Contact us at: vbrigade@gmail.com or www.venceremosbrigade.net Que Viva la Solidaridad Internacional! Long Live International Solidarity! Venceremos! We Shall Overcome!     __._,_.___   . __,_._,___

Sake in Harlem

Sake in Harlem

A dinner pairing sake with the food of Red Rooster Harlem, 310 Lenox Avenue (125th Street), will be held by the Gohan Society, which promotes Japanese culture, Tuesday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., $175: sakecomestoharlem.eventbrite.com.

10 Black Films To See In 2012

10 Black Films To See In 2012

The key to keeping Black cinema alive is not to see big budget films produced by George Lucas, but to watch independent films coming from the next Spike Lees and Robert Townsends, who use small budgets to tell distinct Black stories that directly relate to our community.I have had the privilege of seeing several independent Black movies via the Black film festival circuit and here are 10 movies I recommend seeing. Not all movie will be in your local theaters, but all should be available via iTunes, NetFlix, Video On Demand or DVD sometime this year. If you are disappointed by representations of African Americans in Film and lack of recognition of Black talent please support these movies so Black people can determine how they are represented in the media.

10. Ghett’a Life

“Ghetta Life” is a Jamaican movie that shows the political violence and poverty in Jamaica while telling the tale of a young man who tries to escape slum life via boxing. The movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year to critical acclaim.

9. Let’s Stay Together

“Let’s Stay Together” was directed by Joshua Bee Alafia and tells the story of a man who makes a documentary on Black families while being inspired by Al Green. The movie was screened at the New Voices In Black Cinema Festival this year to a great reception.

8. Last Laugh

“Last Laugh” is a mockumentary directed by Kenny Young and starring Chris Rock’s younger brother, Tony Rock. The movie is both funny and moving as it tells the story of a comedian who struggles with drug abuse as he resurrects his once promising career.

7. Monkey Gang: The Mockumentary

“Monkey Gang: The Mockumentary” is a fake documentary about a fictional rap group who embody everything that is wrong about hip hop. The movie was directed by Montaigne “Mr. M” Massac and screened at the Hollywood Black Film Festival last year and will screen at the Queens World Film Festival Friday March 2nd.

6. Lesson Before Love

“Lesson Before Love” tells the story of four Black professionals looking for romance and success in their respective career fields. Directed by Dui Jarrod, the film showcases a different part of Black American romance that hasn’t been seen since “Love Jones.” The movie has screened at the Hollywood Black Film Festival last year and the New Voices In Black Cinema Festival this year.

5. Inside Story

“Inside Story” tells the tale of an underdog South African soccer team and also deals with the bringing awareness to AIDS/HIV in South Africa. Inside story made its U.S. premiere at the Pan African Film Festival this year.

4. Pariah

Though “Pariah” debuted in 2011 to a limited release it will officially be released on DVD and Video On Demand on April 24th of 2012. The movie, directed by Dee Rees, tells the story of Alike, a teenage African American lesbian who struggles to come to grips with her identity and her relationship with her family. The movie premiered at Sundance last year and won the the John Cassavettes Independent Spirit Award for best movie made with a budget under $500,000 this year.

3. Better Mus Come

“Better Mus Come” tells the story of a young man caught up in the political violence in the turbulent late 70s in Jamaica. The movie directed by Jamaican, Storm Saulter made it U.S. premiere at the Pan African Film Festival this year, where Saulter won the award for best director.

2. A Million Colours

“A Million Colours” is a true story about a Black South African child movie star and his story of friendship, love and crime during the struggle against apartheid. The movie stars South African Idol winner, Wandile Molebatsi and had its American premiere at the Hollywood Black Film Festival last year.

1. Middle Of Nowhere

“Middle Of Nowhere tells the story of Ruby, a woman whose husband becomes imprisoned for eight years. The movie was directed by movie publicist turned producer and director, Ava Davernay, who became the first Black woman to win the Best Director Award at the Sundance Film Festival this year.

10 Black Films To See In 2012
Casey Gane-McCalla, Lead Blogger
Tue, 28 Feb 2012 22:02:32 GMT

Leap year shift keeps the calendar in line with seasons

Leap year shift keeps the calendar in line with seasons

"If we didn't have leap years, our calendar would be totally scrambled," says Geoff Chester of the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington.

Leap year shift keeps the calendar in line with seasons
Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:04:17 GMT

Coalition says unfair, ineffective NYPD frisk policy has to change

Coalition says unfair, ineffective NYPD frisk policy has to change

As the choir of Bethany Baptist Church in Harlem sang to a packed crowd of Sunday morning worshipers, the Rev. Kris Erskine waited in the narrow church vestibule to greet his invited speaker, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer.

Coalition says unfair, ineffective NYPD frisk policy has to change
Juan Gonzalez
Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:00:39 GMT

Condoms With QR Code Tell Us Where You Been Doin' It

Condoms With QR Code Tell Us Where You Been Doin' It

If advertisers and benevolent social media giants already know how many times we play Ke$ha and search for "weird back mole" on our phones, we might as well turn over the approximate locations where we embarrass ourselves sexually. Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest has distributed 55,000 condoms to college students in Washington State that have QR codes, and encouraged them to scan them whenever they practice safe sex. We have nothing against Planned Parenthood (Honest! We love it!) But maybe America's coeds need a refresher on how a condom works first. [ more › ]

Condoms With QR Code Tell Us Where You Been Doin' It
Christopher Robbins
Tue, 28 Feb 2012 23:09:57 GMT

Chicago street named after comedian Bernie Mac

Chicago street named after comedian Bernie Mac

A sign bearing the name of the late comedian Bernie Mac has been raised over a street in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. About 200 people, including his widow Rhoda McCullough, daughter Je’Niece McCullough and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, gathered Tuesday on a corner near the home where he grew up. Je’Niece McCullough says she hopes renaming the street [...]

Chicago street named after comedian Bernie Mac
The Admin
Wed, 29 Feb 2012 02:58:08 GMT

Black Director Wins Oscar For “Undefeated” H.S. Football Documentary Black Director Wins Oscar For “Undefeated” H.S. Football Documentary

TJ Martin, an African American director has won an Oscar for his documentary “Undefeated” about a Memphis High School football team that overcame considerable odds to have an undefeated season.

The movie was executive produced by Sean “P Diddy” Combs and Martin is the first African American director to win an Oscar for best documentary.

Martin also made history by becoming the 2nd person to drop an “F-Bomb” at the Oscars during his acceptance speech.

Black Director Wins Oscar For “Undefeated” H.S. Football Documentary
Casey Gane-McCalla, Lead Blogger
Mon, 27 Feb 2012 22:02:24 GMT

Asa Aarons takes consumer beat to Ch. 2

Asa Aarons takes consumer beat to Ch. 2

Veteran consumer reporter Asa Aarons has landed at WCBS/Ch. 2, the Daily News has learned. After a couple of years working first on employment stories and then consumer affairs for NY1, Aarons will head to the CBS-owned station this week to relaunch his “Ask Asa” segments.

Asa Aarons takes consumer beat to Ch. 2
RICHARD HUFF
Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:00:15 GMT