RezaRitesRi.com

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 some of the last bulletins:

- Great things are happening with the Rhode to Africa Interview Series and Concert Series, and a bigger update will be sent out soon. I wanted to give you a sneak peek, though, since you’ve been such a great supporter. A couple updates you should know about:

-I just finished posting a 3-minute audio promo for the Rhode to Africa Interview Series. Three minutes, soon to be available on
iTunes, but as of yet unreleased…how can you resist a listen? Paste or type http://m.podshow.com/media/18354/episodes/126679/rezaritesripodcasts-126679-09-24-2008.mp3 where you put in web addresses or visit www.myspace.com/RezaRitesRi to hear it on my myspace page.

- The Rhode to Africa Concert Series is moving…to Firehouse no. 13 in Providence. Painters and artists take note - Firehouse 13 is a gallery space too!! It is easy to find: behind the McDonalds and Dunkin Donuts on Broad Street near Classical and Central High Schools, and it is a great venue for all kinds of events. Visit www.firehouse13.org for more info.

- RIFuture.org, one of RI’s top blogs, is supporting Rhode to Africa. Check out the ad on their blog by visiting www.rifuture.org or by visiting the blog post directly - http://www.rifuture.org/showDiary.do?diaryId=4070 - to see the write-up.

- Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, Providence American, Motif Magazine and Elea’s Restaurant are just a few of Rhode to Africa’s newest supporters. Don’t be left out; check out the attachments, which list ways you can sponsor the groundbreaking project, or contact me using
the info provided below.

- REMINDER: Labor Activist Bill Fletcher, Jr. Lecture at Brown University - THURSDAY (Sept 25) @ 4pm: Race, Labor, and the Future of American Democracy

- The Greatness of Gospel - performance Sunday (Sept 28) at Mixed Magic Theatre featuring The Exult Choir.

- For Immediate Release: Freedom Festival on Tap

- Women’s GlobalNet: AWARDS, WORKSHOPS & FORUMS TO SUPPORT COURAGE, COMMUNITY & CAPACITY AMONG WOMEN

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PROVIDENCE, RI - Check out this youtube video. It features RI Young Professionals 2007 and 2008 President, Raymond Watson - and his group, Big Dude Crew - and it is done by RI director and filmmaker Nuala Cabral. It’s a debate and reminder about voting, and it features young, men of color. She and many of her friends, says Cabral, have “joined thousands of inspired, creative young people from across the country in a grassroots effort to encourage young people to get out and VOTE on Nov 4.”

Cabral also recently filmed a video recently in Brooklyn, NY. It was for an artist named Honey Rochelle, and it was for a tune called “Obama Song.”

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Rhode To Africa (R2A)
An Interview Series and Concert Series

Presented by

RezaRitesRi.com
Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc.
Beatbox Studio
WRIU, 90.3 FM
Firehouse 13 **NEW VENUE**

Lady Dubb, pictured here, is one of the featured artists in the concert series and on one of the interviews. She was born in Providence, RI, but both of her parents were born in Liberia. She strongly relates to her family’s national roots.

The R2A Interview Series: will be made of four 30-minute audio recordings that will document conversations with concert series participants and community leaders. Beginning in October, they will air on WRIU 90.3 FM and be available as podcasts on RezaRitesRi.com and iTunes. A bonus conversation featuring R2A’s producers and major supporters is currently available for download and broadcast.

The R2A Concert Series: will begin in October (2008), featuring live and recorded music by artists, bands, poets, and DJ’s who are Africans living locally or regionally in RI or elsewhere in New England. It is part of Rhode Island Council for the Humanities’ Freedom Festival, a collaborative series of events scheduled for October.

About RezaRitesRi.com: RezaRitesRi.com is a website/blog maintained by Reza Corinne Clifton, an award winning online publisher, freelance journalist and grassroots community leader who created the site in 2005.

About Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc. (MHNA): Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc. is a non-profit, community development agency located in the historic Mt. Hope section of the East Side of Providence, RI. MHNA was incorporated in 1981 to address issues affecting the Mt. Hope neighborhood.

About WRIU: WRIU is Rhode Island’s leading non-commercial radio station, available at 90.3 FM or online at www.wriu.org. The station is a broadcast service of the University of Rhode Island made possible through funds from the college, underwriting partners and listener support. It is operated by students and community members.

Other R2A Supporters: Rhode Island Council for the Humanities, Beatbox Studio, Bashment Sounds, The Liberian Community Association of RI, www.RIFuture.org, The Rhode Island Young Professionals (RIYP), The Providence Black Repertory Company, Oasis International, RI State Representative Joseph Almeida & more.

For more information about R2A, click here to listen to a conversation with several producers and supporters of the project. Click on any of the the photos above to download a PDF of the full Info Sheet.

Confirmed performers to date:
- Rooted Sound ft. Lady Dubb (Liberia/Reggae Band)

- Michelle Cruz (Cape Verde / Acoustic / Jazz)

- Africa Rainbow (Cape Verde/Reggae Band)

- Riders Against the Storm (Haiti / USA / Hip Hop)

- Vivi, aka Mr. Loverman (Senegal / Afrobeat DJ)

- Reza Rites (USA / Pan-African Women’s DJ)

- Abstract Soul (USA / World Soul, Afro-funk DJ)

- DJ Blade Mon (USA /Reggae & Caribbean DJ)

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R2A is supported by organizations and partners like RI Council for the Humanities, Beatbox Studio, Bashment Sounds, The Liberian Community Association of RI, www.RIFuture.org, Oasis International, The Providence Black Repertory Company, The Rhode Island Young Professionals (an auxiliary of The Urban League of Rhode Island), & RI State Representative Joseph Almeida.

Are you a business or individual who wants to donate merchandise or money toward the project? Are you a member of the press interested in interviewing the producers or any of the artists? Want more information about co-hosting one of the performance nights or accessing the interview series for events and discussions? Contact Rhode to Africa (R2A) Director, Reza Clifton, by emailing rezaclif@gmail.com, or by calling 401-497-5246. Be sure to mention “Rhode to Africa” in subject lines and phone messages.

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PROVIDENCE, RI - If you haven’t listened to the newest RezaRitesRi Podcast yet, then you’re missing out on a conversation about the past, present, and future of Blacks in RI. The thirty-minute mix of poetry, music, and commentary were co-produced by me, Reza Rites, and by Vertygo - a co-owner of Beatbox (Recording) Studio in Pawtucket, RI. Music was used with permission from three RI-based artists: Spoken Word Poet and Hip Hop Emcee Kalyana Champlain; Spoken Word Poet Yunus Quddus; and Hip Hop Emcee Chachi Carvalho.

Click here to download the link or here to access it on iTunes.

Michael Van Leesten, board chair of MHNA and Black Rep, listens with pride to Raymond Watson and Chachi Carvalho (not pictured here). He has mentored and supported the two young men, as well as many other individuals and professionals - particularly of color - in RI. Hear what Van Leesten, Carvalho, and Watson had to say by downloading the conversation here. Photos courtesy of Tony Bass, “Jawz,” and City Beat TV.

The recording features Risa Gilpin of Rhode Island Council for the Humanities (RICH); hip hop recording artist, promoter and Pawtucket community advocate Charles “Chachi” Carvalho; Michael Van Leesten, chair of Mount Hope Neighborhood Association (MHNA) and chair of Providence Black Repertory Company; Raymond Watson, MHNA Executive Director and Rhode Island Young Professionals President; and me as interviewer.

The result was a lively discussion about contemporary and enslaved African-Americans in RI, and about a series of activities being co-organized by RICH to launch a new initiative. On the Road to Freedom was designed by RICH to commemorate the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and to celebrate African American Heritage in RI. Freedom Festival 2008 begins September 27 with most events happening in October.

Risa Gilpin of RI Council for the Humanities (RICH) considers what a speaker to her right is sharing. RICH is encouraging community members and organizations looking for grants or developing programs to get involved in On the Road Freedom. Click here to access the conversation on iTunes, and hear ways that you can contribute or develop programming too. Photos courtesy of Tony Bass, “Jawz,” and City Beat TV.

Participants in the conversation are also some of the supporters and partners of “The Rhode to Africa Interview Series and Podcast Series.” For more information about Rhode to Africa (R2A) and who else is supporting it, click here to visit the R2A section of the website or here to download a PDF of the info page.

Other contact info of potential interest:

- RICH Freedom Festival - www.rihumanities.org

- Beat Box Studio - www.myspace.com/beatboxstudio.

- Providence Black Rep - www.blackrep.org

- RI Young Professionals - www.riyp.org

- Chachi Carvalho - www. myspace.com/bigchach

- Mount Hope Neighborhood Association - 401-521-8830.

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I know that I am NOT the only one producing, hosting, promoting or searching for news, new websites, events, conferences, funding opportunities, etc. And I know that I’ve missed a few of the emails, flyers, and updates that you or someone else has sent to me for forwarding to others. That is why I am hoping you’ll consider joining my yahoo group: “The Reza Rites Chirp.”

The goal and the benefits of joining are simple and similar:

1. You get early looks at RezaRitesRi postings, podcasts, photos etc.

2. You send early looks at postings, podcasts, photos etc. on your website to be received by me and other members of “The Chirp.”

3. You receive updates from me, Reza Rites, about my WRIU radio show dates, and events I’m organizing, co-hosting or helping to promote.

4. You send your own updates about events and opportunities to be received by me and other members of “The Chirp.”

5. People who love diversity, new media, pan-African music and art, strong women, justice, and human rights talk and share ideas with each other.

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Editor’s Note: Examples of what you missed if you are not on the list include:

- October 4: Help Build Better Schools (September 15)
- Job Posting: MCSW Executive Director (September 14)
- RAS…RI Hip Hop duo wins John Lennon Songwriting Contest (September 4)
- A RezaRitesRi sneak peek (August 27)
- New Yoga Class! (August 11)
- LOOKING FOR EXTRAS! (July 26)
- Speakers Needed - Pens of Power Conference! (June 27)
- ZAP MAMA and IYEOKA @ Paradsie Rock Club (June 27)

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Peace,
Reza Rites

To join,

Click on the flower and follow the instructions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to talk about what is on your mind and what you would like see happen in the future for you, your family and especially, the children. All forums are held from 6:30-8:30 p.m and are free and open to the public.

PROVIDENCE, RI - Join this opportunity to discuss the disparities between Black America and White America based on the New York Times bestseller “The Covenant” edited by Tavis Smiley. The Covenant is a collection of essays that plot a course for African Americans, explaining how individuals and households can make changes that will immediately improve their circumstances in areas ranging from health and education to crime reduction and financial well-being. Each essay outlines one key issue and provides a list of resources and suggestions for action.

Though the African American community faces devastating social disparities, this celebration of possibility, hope and strength will help leaders and citizens keep Black America moving forward. Dates, locations, and topics of upcoming forums include:

Thursday, September 18: ECONOMIC PROSPERITY, with Rev. David D Mitchell, PhD, Scholar, and Dr. Warren Simmons as Moderator. Rochambeau Branch Library, 708 Hope Street, Providence, RI.

Tuesday, September 23: EDUCATION, with Warren Simmons, PhD, Scholar, and MarySylvia Harrison as Moderator. Providence Athenaeum, 251 Benefit Street, Providence, RI.

Wednesday, October 8: DIGITAL DIVIDE with Jamele Adams, MA, Scholar, and RayRickman as Moderator. Bryant University, Smithfield, RI.

Tuesday, October 21: RURAL DEVELOPMENT with Corey D. B. Walker, PhD, Scholar and Ray Rickman as Moderator. Congdon Street Baptist Church, 17 Congdon Street, Providence, RI.

Thursday, November 13: THE COVENANT IN ACTION, CCRI Liston Campus, Providence

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The Covenant with Black America is funded by the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities and presented by Anne Edmonds Clanton. All forums are held from 6:30-8:30 p.m and are free and open to the public. For more information call 401-258-1910.

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Bug, a play written by Pulitzer and Nobel prize winning playwright Tracy Letts and directed by Black Rep’s Associate Director Megan Sandberg-Zakian, runs September 18 - October 19, 2008 with Showtimes on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. The Sunday shows are part of the “pay what you can” People’s Matinee, and they are followed by a discussion with producers.

(Providence RI, August 21, 2008) – Black Rep’s 2008-2009 Theater Season kicks off in September with Bug, a darkly comic thriller by Pulitzer and Nobel prize winning playwright Tracy Letts, directed by Black Rep’s Associate Director Megan Sandberg-Zakian. The show opens in previews September 18th, and runs through October 19th at The Providence Black Repertory Company (276 Westminster Street). Press and the public are invited to celebrate Opening Night on Friday, September 26th, at 7:00 p.m. Opening Night will be a special Pay-What-You-Can performance benefiting Black Rep’s People’s Matinee program. All are welcome; reservations are required.

A handsome drifter. A lonely waitress. But what’s that crawling across the bed? And why does the phone keep ringing with no one on the other end? Reality slows blurs and suspense turns to horror, as this unique thriller explores the line between conspiracy theory and actual conspiracy. A tale of love, paranoia, and the grip of government, Bug will get under your skin!

“We are very excited to have Bug at Black Rep,” says Artistic/Executive Director Donald W. King, “It’s one of those edge-of-your-seat, oh-my-god-what’s-going-to-happen-next kind of stories! At the same time, the play touches on the horrifying experiences of our soldiers, their visible and invisible wounds upon their return from combat – and since we are a nation at war it’s crucial to provoke conversation about war and its price.” Director Megan Sandberg-Zakian adds, “Bug will speak to anyone who feels some level of skepticism about the government’s intentions and actions… and it’s really, really fun to watch!”

Playwright Tracy Letts, an ensemble member at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, has recently been receiving international attention, as well as a Pulitzer Prize and multiple Tony awards, for his current Broadway hit, August: Osage County.

Now a major motion picture from the director of The Exorcist, starring Ashley Judd and Harry Connick Jr., Bug is the perfect play to get you in the mood for the season of chills, thrills and spooks. Don’t miss it! Please note that due to violent, sexual, and drug-related content, Bug is recommended for mature audiences only.

Tickets are $20 general for the general public and $10 for students and seniors. They can be purchased through Arttix RI, by visiting www.arttixri.com or calling 401-621-6123. Contact the Black Rep Box Office at 401-351-0353 extension 2, or boxoffice@blackrep.org for information about other special rates.

ABOUT THE PROVIDENCE BLACK REPERTORY COMPANY
The Providence Black Repertory 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. Black Rep has a range of season subscriptions and memberships available, and as always, every Sunday Matinee at Black Rep is The People’s Matinee, a pay what you can performance, followed by a talkback. Sunday Matinees are at 3 p.m., while all Thursday, Friday, and Saturday curtain times are now at 7:00 p.m.

The Black Rep’s 08-09 Theater Season is made possible in part through the generous support of: The Citizens Bank Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, The Shubert Foundation, and WRNI.

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Women of Achievement Awards are recognized nationally. They increase awareness and appreciation of the diverse contributions of women. YWCA Northern Rhode Island is pleased to announce the Women of Achievement Award Winners for 2008, fifteen local women that work for the economic empowerment of women.

The public is welcome to attend the awards luncheon on Wednesday, September 17 from 11:30am to 1:30pm at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln. It is the 4th Annual Tools of the Trade Luncheon with YWCA Northern Rhode Island as the host. Deb Ruggiero, local radio personality for Amazing Women, is the event emcee. Tickets are $50 and underwriting opportunities are available. For more details, visit www.womenofachievementri.org or call Lisa Piscatelli at 401-769-7450.

ADVOCATE: As a public official/activist, she shapes policies. Maureen Maigret is a consultant specializing in health care and aging services. For ten years she represented Warwick as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives and championed significant legislation to bring legal equity to women.

BELLWETHER: She is a business leader promoting opportunities for women in the workplace. Candy Castaldi is senior vice president of the Circulator Division at Taco, Inc. With Taco for 19 years, she heads the largest of four manufacturing divisions. Castaldi is a mentor to employees and to local school programs.

CARING: She addresses healthcare concerns. Annie De Groot is CEO and founder of Epivax, Inc.; co-chief editor and founder of Infectious Diseases in Corrections Report; scientific director and founder of GAIA Vaccine Foundation, and interim medical director and founding member of Clinica Esperanza/Hope Clinic. She designs new vaccines for diseases, offers healthcare in Providence and HIV care in Africa, and advocates for HIV care on a national/international level.

COOPERATIVE: They create vibrant networking environments that build relationships and foster career success. Judith Clare, Elizabeth Powers, and Mary Moroney co-chair The Women’s Summit at Bryant University. For 11 years thousands of women have attended and were offered prominent speakers, educational workshops, and a variety of networking opportunities. At Bryant University, Clare is the director of the Amica Center for Career Education; Powers is the assistant to the vice president for Academic Affairs; and Moroney is the director of Library Services.

DYNAMIC: She cultivates the self-development of others. Michelle Novello is executive director and founder of RiverzEdge Arts Project. This program provides art, leadership, business-skill development, and allows students the opportunity to make a difference in their community through community service projects. RiverzEdge was named as one of the top 50 arts- and humanities-based programs in the country serving youth in after-school hours.

ENTERPRISING: She practices an entrepreneurial spirit. Ann-Marie Harrington is president and founder of Embolden. This web-development and consulting firm has been in business for ten years serving the philanthropic, higher education, health, and professional services sectors. Three times consecutively it was recognized for business excellence in workplace flexibility ranked as one of the top 20% of employers nationally in terms of flexible work programs, policies, and culture.

ESSENTIAL: She assists families with their primary needs of food, shelter, and/or safety. Susan D. Wallace is executive director and founder of Caritas, Inc. Caritas is the oldest gender-specific residential drug treatment facility in the United States. In business for 37 years, it assists women/teens with substance abuse treatment and recovery.

LUMINARY: She has achieved career success and now mentors others. Acelia Terrero is the president and founder of Ada’s Creations, Inc. She is an inspiration to minority women, immigrants, and young people. Terrero immigrated to this country in 1983 and started her business baking from her home. Today she has a successful bakery/restaurant on Broad Street in Providence.

MINDFUL: She provides education and/or training. Hannah Claire Resseger is a program director at Mt. Hope Learning Center. She is a spoken word/rap artist and a youth worker. Resseger teaches girl power. Through the Rhode Island Commission on Prejudice and Bias, she has created civil rights teams in the Providence middle schools addressing issues of prejudice and bias, bullying and harassment, and hate speech/hate crimes. She also manages an AmeriCorps team.

NURTURING: She assists families with affordable quality child care. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith is CEO/president and founder of the Dr. Day Care Family. Her business began as a home day care and has grown to seventeen early learning centers and five school-age-after school programs. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith is an advocate and communicator on behalf of child care in Rhode Island.

PRUDENT: She helps plan for secure retirements. Joanne Daly is a financial advisor for UBS Financial Services, Inc. With 14 years of public accounting and financial planning experience, her practice focuses on retirement planning, estate planning, and educational funding. Daly works closely with women who are managing the challenges of widowhood and divorce and is a frequent guest speaker on women and investing. She is also the president of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American Society of Women Accountants.

VITAL: She supports lending/finance opportunities for women-owned businesses. Carol Malysz is the director of the Center for Women & Enterprise - Providence. She led the start up of this organization in Rhode Island. The Center provides education, training, technical assistance, and access to capital to ensure that all women, regardless of their economic status, have the opportunity to start and run their own business. Malysz is also a co-chair for the conference, Emerging Women in Business.

HELPING HANDS: A special presentation will be made to Donna M. Policastro, executive director of the Rhode Island State Nurses Association. Policastro has lobbied the State House for legislation that has impacted the role of nurses, nursing, and public health. She works with YWCA Northern Rhode Island on the workforce development component for YWCA’s Parenting in Progress program - an alternative education program for parenting and pregnant young women.

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