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The RI Young Professionals, Providence Black Repertory Company and Mu Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. host the 3rd Annual All-White Affair: A Summer Eleganza at Waterplace Restaurant on July 9, 2009.

Providence, R.I. – Rhode Island Young Professionals (RIYP), an auxiliary of the Urban League of Rhode Island, in partnership with Providence Black Repertory Company and Mu Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will host its third annual All-White Affair: A Summer Eleganza on Thursday, July 9, 2009 from 6:30 PM – 1 AM. The event is part of Black Rep’s genre-defying music festival, Sound Session ’09. As a fundraiser and the only Sound Session event offering an upscale networking dinner and gala for business leaders, community champions, and up-and-coming professionals, the Eleganza will be held at Waterplace, a Pinelli Marra Restaurant and Lounge, downtown Providence, RI.

Drawing from the charm and beauty of Caribbean, Pacific, and other Island Cultures, Eleganza guests will be draped in all white attire, enjoying a carefully selected dinner from Downcity Providence’s premiere Restaurant and Lounge, Waterplace. With a Live Jazz by Reception by Gregg Mazel quartet at 6:30 PM and dinner served at 8, the latter part of the evening will be devoted to dancing and entertainment provided by surprise guests, live performers and Providence’s best DJ’s ½ PINT. Eleganza guests will be treated to a night of ‘decadence and elegance’ at our Summer Eleganza; All White Affair and at Sound Session 09. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

The All White Affair event has been a success for the past two year thanks to sponsors like Nappa Building Corporation, Rhode Island Hospital, Detroit Collision, and South Street Café.

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How to purchase All White Affair Tickets
Tickets for the 3rd annual Eleganza are available by calling 401-419-0088 or visiting RIYP’s Eleganza Home Page: www.riyp.org . Tickets must be purchase by Monday, July 6th 2009. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit programs and services offered by the hosting organizations: Rhode Island Young Professionals, Mu Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Providence Black Repertory Company. All are 501(c)3 organizations. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

About Sound Session ‘09
Providence Sound Session’ 09 is New England’s premier summer music festival. A multi-stage, genre defying event, Sound Session is produced by the Providence Black Repertory Company in partnership with the City of Providence, Department of Art, Culture & Tourism. 09 Festivities run from July 5 through July 12, 2009.

About Providence Black Repertory Company
Providence Black Repertory Company, www.blackrep.org, fosters a creative environment that celebrates the artistic contributions of black artists throughout American history. The company produces and presents artistic performances that bring people together, provoke thought, inspire hope, and create understanding. The Black Rep is an arts organization that provides a unique experience inspired by the cultural traditions of the African Diaspora in three key areas: theater, education, and public programs.

About Mu Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Founded on December 4, 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Mu Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., www.alphaphialpha.net, has continued to supply voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world. Long standing at the forefront of the civil rights movement, Alpha men include Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Martin Luther King Jr. and the Honorable Thurgood Marshall. The fraternity through its college and alumni chapters serves the community through nearly a thousand chapters in the United States, Europe and the Caribbean.

About Rhode Island Young Professionals
Rhode Island Young Professionals (RIYP), www.riyp.org, is a member-based non-profit serving Rhode Islanders between the ages of 21 and 40. Founded in 2002, the organization is an auxiliary of the Urban League of Rhode Island and the Rhode Island chapter of the National Urban League Young Professionals. RIYP serves the League’s movement toward social and economic equality by providing a diverse membership with networking opportunities, workshops and resources aimed at nurturing personal and professional development. An active part of the Rhode Island community, RIYP is dedicated to offering and promoting services and programs that encourage meaningful participation in civic life. General body meetings are held the first Thursday of the month, 6:00p to 8:00p, at the Urban League headquarters, 246 Prairie Avenue, Providence, RI 02905; meetings are open to the public. For more information about RIYP, visit www.riyp.org.

Rhode Island Young Professionals, An auxiliary of the Urban League of Rhode Island & The Providence Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi present

“Speak Your Mind, Soothe Your Soul” A Networking & Open Mic Event

Thursday Feb 26th @ OLIVE’S 108 NORTH MAIN ST. Providence

- 7pm Networking + open mic sign up
- 8pm Performances + open mic
- 9:30pm Neo Soul & Bsides w/ DJ Finesse

FREE BEFORE 10pm, special performances, refreshments & giveaways

For more info, click here or visit www.riyp.org

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Hey now,
If you still haven’t signed up for the Reza Rites Chirp - the yahoo group for friends, supporters and readers of the website - then you’re missing out! Check out the subjects from some of the last bulletins:

- RICKMAN OBAMA LETTER

- POEM for PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA

- Travel to Israel/Palestine in 2009 - Be transformed

- Michael Eric Dyson: “From Homer to ‘Hova…” November 5-7 (OMA Top 10)

- Free Clinic for Artists

If you are interested, follow the instructions below to get these and other updates.

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Can’t wait for the RezaRitesRi newsletter? Have info to share NOW?


Join the RezaRites Chirp,
a Yahoo group for friends and readers.

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Hey All!

This is Kalyana Champlain (feel free to call me Kal;) ) and I am the newest edition to RezaRitesRi.com. Needless to say I am very excited to be included on Reza’s website. Not only is she one of my closest and dearest friends, but also one of the most badass sistas I know when it comes to making moves and looking out for the community. When she first approached me she explained that her vision was to could add that “spiritual” piece (NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH RELIGION) to her site; something similar to what you used to get from Susan Taylor in Essence.

Therefore, in my pieces you will be likely to find a lot about the lessons of my own personal journeys with the intent to provide insight into the self. I try and keep them candid and welcoming to the reader, inspiring self reflection and development. Along with these you will also be dropped the occasional cultural critique, of which Ms. Rites and I are both a fan of. I hope that you enjoy my segments and that they help you on whatever journey you may be on. Power to the People- that real INTERNAL type, ya feel me!

Hope and Triumph,
Kal

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Editor’s note: See Kaly’s writing skills below in the piece called “I Am Not My Hair.” Hear her literary performance skills as one of the featured artists on the newest RezaRitesRi podcast: Freedom, Community, and Reparations in RI.

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Can’t wait for the RezaRitesRi newsletter? Have info to share NOW?


Join the RezaRites Chirp,
a Yahoo group for friends and readers.

Below, I’ve included a few updates and excerpts from new posts on RezaRitesRi.com. Many of the posts come from the various sections of the Listings page, which I’ve finally updated! You’ll see that the “From RIYP” section has recent editions of the organization’s newsletter while the other sections have information from The Providence Black Repertory Company (Blackrep.org), Just A Step Productions, The Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies - at URI, Making Access (makingaccess.com), UNITY: Journalists of Color’s 4th Quadrennial Convention, the Providence Dept. of Art, Culture + Tourism, and RImix Weekly Updates.

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FROM LISTINGS - “Artist, Community and Volunteer Opportunities”:

Volunteer At AS220 - Sometimes, they have amazing posters that need to go up and around town. In this case, they may need some kind folks to do that.

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Latino Artists Directory of Rhode Island Sign Up - The Hispanic Heritage Committee/Rhode Island is updating and expanding their existing data base of Latino artists of Rhode Island to include artists from around New England.

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FROM LISTINGS – “Events From Reza Rites”

FUNDA Fest: A Celebration Of Black Storytelling

January 20 - 27
Time & Locations Vary
Admission Price Varies

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MLK Day Woonsocket: A River of Dreams, A City of Hope

Monday, January 21, 2008
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Woonsocket High School
777 Cass Ave.
Woonsocket, RI

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Chachi Carvalho Lights Up MLK Holiday with Polyphonic

Monday, January 21, 2008,
Providence Black Repertory Company’s Xxodus Café
276 Westminster Street
9:00 PM

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The Manton Ave Project Presents:

It Was A Cold January-y Night

January 25 at 7pm,
January 26 at 3pm & 7pm,
January 27 at 3pm

Media And Arts Center
The Met High School, Public Street Campus
325 Public Street
Providence, RI

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Rhode Island Young Professionals
5th Annual Winter Soiree & Silent Art Auction:
“Drawing from our Past, Securing our Future”

Saturday, January 26, 2008
6:00pm at the Hilton Providence
21 Atwells Avenue,
Providence, RI
Tickets include free entry following the event the Black Rep

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The Bluest Eye

February 2 - March 9
Providence Black Repertory Company
276 Westminster Street
Tickets Are $20 For Adults, $10 For Children & Seniors.

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Thirteenth Annual Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading
(Part of RISD Museum’s Black History Month Events)

Sunday, February 3, 2008
1:00 pm
The RISD Museum
224 Benefit Street in Providence
Admission Is Free And Open To The Public

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Artist Simone Spruce-Torres Presents

“Reflections”

February 1 - February 29, 2008
Warwick Public Library
600 Sandy Lane
Warwick, RI 02889
(401)739-5440

Hours:
Monday - Thursday (9:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.)
Friday & Saturday (9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Sunday (1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.)

Reception:
Thursday, February 14, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

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COMMUNITY ACCESS CHALLENGE

Calling ALL Community Leaders, Organizations and Business Professionals to participate in the Access Challenge, An educational program designed to educate nondisabled people about the importance of handicap accessibility in public places through hands on experience.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008, 8:30 AM – Thursday, February 21, 2008, 6:00 PM

Starting and ending at Westfield Lofts Community Room
230 Dexter Street
Providence, RI. 02907

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FROM LISTINGS – “Job and Scholarship Opportunities”

Providence Youth Student Movement
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Position Title: Women’s Group Coordinator
Starting Date: February- March, 2008

To apply, email cover letter and resume to Ammala at womensgroupprysm@gmail.com

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DARE is currently seeking a full-time Development/Communications Coordinator to increase the organization’s fundraising capacity, through the following work:

Foundation Fundraising
Grassroots/Individual Donor Base Development
Communications
Organizational and Staff Development

To apply, send a resume, cover letter, writing sample and three references to sara@daretowin.org by February 8, 2008.

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Providence Alumnae Chapter,
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Currently accepting scholarship applications from High School Seniors and College Students (Soph/Jr).

Applications Available online at www.dstprovidencealumnae.com or visit a school guidance counselor.

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Community Outreach Committee of PPAC 2008 Arts Scholarships.

Applications for the ARTS Scholarships 2008 program will be accepted through March 7, 2008. ARTS Scholarships 2008, sponsored by Textron, Inc. and the PPAC Annual Fund Donors, will provide 25 scholarships valued at up to $500 each to qualified, talented Rhode Island students (student must be aged 11 - 14 by June 1, 2008). These scholarships offer young artists an opportunity to attend local, summer arts education programs that will broaden their experiences in a chosen area of study. For more information please click here or call 401-421-2997.

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Acoustic Guitars, Rap Duos and more at SAM Fest

Photos and Article by Reza Corinne Clifton
(Originally posted on Friday, November 17, 2006)

1st photo: Big John Tierney and Charles Chachi Carvalho perform together at the Living Room. 2nd photo: DJ Therion spins hip hop for the audience. Click here to see more photos from the night

PROVIDENCE, RI - One man’s mission to address youth violence became another opportunity for both established and up and coming artists, performers and athletes at a recent event called the Sports Art Music Festival—or SAM Fest. Organized by Big East Music Entertainment, LLC (BEME) and the self prescribed Hip Hop Mayor of Providence, Charles Chachi Carvalho, SAM Fest brought together artists of the hip hop elements—rappers, dj’s, visual artists and breakdancers—and skateboarders, who all converged at the Living Room on Saturday night, November 11. The event was also in honor of Randy Hien, who was the longtime owner of the Providence local music headquarters, the Living Room, until his recent death on September 25.

The multitude of local artists who showcased their talents at the November 11 event included photographer Owen Muir; reggae and hip hop turntablists, respectively, DJ Therion and DJ Blademon; and members of the breakdancing troupe, Case Closed. But also front and center was Carvalho himself and his fellow hip hop emcees—19 year old female prodigy, Wande, and her co-performer that night Lah-Young Wahmu.

Click here to keep reading

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From the November 15, 2006 RI Rap Remembers Randy Hien event

** Special Note: Photo by Corey Taylor **
From the November 17, 2006 Grand Tracks event at the Black Rep

Photographer Corey Taylor, aka (reggae) DJ, “Blade Mon” captures a self-portrait alongside hip hop artist, Chachi Carvalho.
From the June 23 2007 Juneteenth Concert at RISD Museum.

Attention RI-based grassroots activists, high school students, people of color, faith-based leaders, and others!

(Two participants from Leadership for a Future 2006 - left to right, Isja Williams and Ronnie Young. Click on the photo to link to more information and the application form.)

Hi Reza,

I hope this note finds you well. I am writing to ask you to please help spread the word about the Leadership for a Future. Is there any way you can post some information on your blog? If so, see enclosed brochure and the short description below. Thank you so much.

Carolina Bernal
cbernal1@att.net

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The Institute for Labor Studies and Research and the Rhode Island for Community and Justice are currently accepting applications for the Leadership for a Future (LFAF) class of 2008. This state-wide program provides a leadership training environment for emerging leaders from community groups, labor unions and the religious community. It also provides an opportunity for leaders from diverse groups and diverse backgrounds to forge relationships and networks that will benefit themselves and their organizations throughout their lives.

(Pictured to the left and right are LFAF ‘06 participants, Sonja Ogando and Alex Moore. In the center is Dr. Toby Ayers, Executive Director of Rhode Island for Community and Justice (RICJ), a co-producer of LFAF. Click on the photo to link to more information and the application form.)

In addition to obtaining information from resource people about Rhode Island’s history, culture, economics and politics, leaders in the program will share their experiences and learn from each other. This process will create a powerful, committed, diverse network of graduates who have taken the time to understand and know each other. This network is critical and necessary if the shared goals of economic and social justice for all our citizens are to be achieved.

To apply, click here to link to the PDF application for LFAF 2008 or send your name, organization (if any), address, phone and email to cbernal1@att.net. The cost of the program is $400.00 but scholarships are available! The program starts with a weekend retreat at Camp Canonicus in Exeter from February 8th - 10th. Following the retreat are seven sessions which will meet every other Saturday from 9am – 1pm. The deadline for applications is January 1, 2008.

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Reza Corinne Clifton was a participant in the 2006 class of Leadership for a Future. During the program, she was elected to the distinguished position of class speaker, a role which mandated delivering talks about the program and on behalf of her classmates. Click here to glimpse or read those orations.

RezaRitesRi.com, a RI-based website promoting ethnically, artistically, and socially diverse voices, is expanding its team of writers/ journalists/ photographers/ correspondents. RezaRitesRi.com is a 21st century blog intentional in featuring and highlighting multicultural arts and culture; Civil Rights, Human Rights and empowering political dialogue; and inclusive historical and social reflection. Faithful to its RI roots, but considerate of its broad reach, the site recognizes and celebrates the presence and countless contributions of people of color, young people, women, local artists, grassroots leaders and other people generally and systematically underrepresented in the public sphere.

Visitors to the site will find full length articles and interviews, exclusive photographs, thoughtfully selected event listings, original podcasts, informative and interesting links, and more. But we’re looking for more, and we’re looking to expand our team of contributors. This is not a chance to be paid…at least not yet. This IS a chance to be published and seen by a readership as far away as Spain, California, Washington, D.C, and more. It is also a chance to be promoted and supported by a team well-known for 1) written contributions to and regular appearances on various RI radio stations, print publications, and blogs; and 2) grassroots work in the Providence community and across college campuses in the state.

Previously published AND non-published individuals, and RI and non-RI residents are welcome to submit work or initiate contact. Non-negotiable are the following things: some familiarity with the site; the passion and energy for learning and expression; the willingness to explore diversity locally and contextually; and the desire to join a team OR strictly follow guidelines/deadlines.

To send samples of your work, to discuss a trial writing assignment, or to RSVP to a March 31 informational meeting, please email rezaclif@aol.com with a subject that sounds like “Joining RezaRitesRi.com” or “Writing for RezaRitesRi.com.”

Greetings,
I just wanted to take the time to update you about new articles, listings, writers, photos and more on RezaRitesRi.com. This message became even more important after I saw a friend yesterday who asked me why I had taken him off my list. Perplexed at first, I quickly realized that (Hallelujah), he had become accustomed to – or dare I say excited about – receiving such an update twice per month, yet not one was sent in December and only one was sent last month.

Well, there’s good news and bad news. The bad news – as you probably know, I’m pretty busy and unlikely to get less busy. I will try very hard to go back to two updates per month, but I certainly can’t promise. The good news – 1) as you may remember, I’ve invited a few different, talented people to contribute to the site, and they’ve delivered some excellent work which you can see right now; and 2) new events, articles, and photos are always being posted to the site, which you can view twenty-four hours a day, with OR without prompting.

I recommend you browse the site at your leisure and over the course of more than one visit to really enjoy the experience; on the other hand, there are a few things toward which I want to make sure I direct you. For example, RezaRitesRi reporter Marco McWilliams has delivered the first multimedia piece to the site with a three-part, filmed interview and tour of the current exhibit on Lynching at the URI Providence campus gallery. There’s also a play review for the Providence Black Repertory Company’s current play, Black Maria, written by reporter, Natalie Myers, and an article about a national restaurant that recently made Providence it’s 100th location.

Don’t forget the recent photos section, which has had many additions made to it, from a Civil Rights Forum, a reggae concert, and more. The Listing section is where you can find out about these types of events before hand, or, if you’re interested, you might see a place where you might meet a RezaRitesRi staff person (hint hint – follow the link to the RI College Black History Month Flyer or to the RI Young Professionals).

I hope that all is well, I thank you for reading – and forwarding for those who do – this message, and I look forward to receiving any feedback you might have about the site, the new writers, or anything else.

Sunshine and laughter,
Reza

1. Nehassaiu de Gannes

2. Seven Akbaar

3. Marvin Novogrodski

4. Dorothy, Aaron, and Rachael Jungels

5. Christopher Johnson

6. Iyaba Mandingo

7. Judge O. Rogeriee Thompson

8. Charles Clemons

9. Terry Gresham

10. Iyeoka Okoawo

11. Belkis Raquel Paulino

12. Ricardo Pitts Wiley

13. Rick Benjamin

14. Nate Lopes

15. Tessa Spencer

16. Baby J

17. Curtis Dann-Messier

18. Kohei Ishihara

19. Bishop Michael Tolbin

20. Ivette Luna

21. George Lima

22. Mark Messam

23. Peter Dante

24. Baby Matt

25. Blade Mon

26. Ras Attitude

27. Batch

28. Moon the Digital Ancient

29. Julian Dash

30. Alex Moore

31. Cynthia Langlykke

32. Sidney Tillet

33. Shane Flox

34. Andy Trench

35. Marie Popko

36. Dave Pereira

37. Mike Montanaro

38. Elizabeth Montanaro

39. Chuck D.

40. Maya Breuer

41. Anne Edmonds Clanton

42. Bill Jiacovelli

43. Michelle LeBrun

44. Tricia Rose

45. Ronia BlueAzul Peguero

46. Angel Quinonez

47. Keith Briggs

48. Luna

49. Nada Samih

50. Ghada Ageel

51. Rela Mazali

52. Shireen Kamis.

53. Jacob Pace

54. Marco McWilliams

55. Jerome Thompson

56. Michael Clifton

57. Thomas Duffy

58. Vanessa Gilbert

59. Laura Jacqmin

60. Molly Rice

61. Trista Baldwin

62. Melissa Flaherty

63. Jennifer Lawless

64. Asif Ullah

65. Joe O’Connor

66. Curt Columbs

67. Hope Alswang

68. Andrew “Moon” Bain

69. Angel Quinonez

70. Chachi

71. Randy Hein

72. “Big” John Tierney

73. Romen Rok

74. Sterby Rock

75. Al Bums

76. Dox

77. Storm Davis

78. Symmetry

79. Jon Hope

80. Minister Ref

81. Kevin Gibbs

82. CL Smooth

83. J-Scratch

84. Justin Case

85. Araab

86. Merk

87. Raidge

88. Nuncio

89. Animal

90. Lee Wilson

91. Lexcano