Africaalumni.com hosts African Networking Happy Hour

DALLAS – African professionals and young entrepreneurs gathered at a Networking happy hour organized by AfricaAlumni.com. The event which took place at the upscale “Go Fish” Lounge was primarily an avenue to get you connected to a powerful global network of African professionals and entrepreneurs.

Through the AfricaAlumni.com network you will be able to stay connected with like minded individuals, share ideas and information, obtain employment and business opportunities, mentor others or be mentored, advertise your business, products and events, and much more!

For more information, visit; http://www.africaalumni.com/home.php

Documentary by Tosan Aduayi for Trendy Africa USA

Trendy Africa is a proud member of the Africa Alumni Network.

OUT AND ABOUT DOWNTOWN DALLAS WITH PANASHE DESIGNS

Dallas is probably the most diverse city in the United States offering minorities the opportunity to realize dreams and fulfill passions. Panashe designs, Zimbabwean by ethnic origin has realized such passions largely motivated by residing in Dallas. We spend hour’s downtown at various sites capturing moments to treasure.

 

Panashe Designs is a unique, elegant and fun women’s clothing line that will debut in August of 2010. Panashe means “God is in this Temple”, establishes the existence of the fashion line. Panashe Designs was formed as a solution to a vision: Panashe Ministries – a 501C3 ministry geared to cater to single mothers, house them, groom them and create employment.

 

The primary goal for Panashe Ministries is to help change the mindset of single mothers around the United States so that they do not rely on handouts and government welfare. Panashe Designs’ unique clothing selections and exclusive personal style services will ensure that our customers (all women) are well dressed and that they gain confidence within themselves.

 

Panashe comments; “Our designs are usually accented by African fabric to bring out the unique style. Another thing that inspires me is the fact that I have this vision to build. The funds generated from Panashe Designs are to fund Panashe Ministries and build a center. Having gone through hardships that single parents face, I am constantly reminded that there is a single mother out there who needs me to be obedient in this thing so they can get to the next level.”

 

 Photo documentary by Chibuzor Okonta, Executive Editor Trendy Africa USA

Face Of Africa Texas 2010

DALLAS – The promotional event intoducing the first edition of the annual Face of Africa Texas pageant held at the Dallas Infomart Center on Stemmons freeway recently. The Exclusive Black and White Affair organized by Kobi promotions, Unique by NS and supported by Afrodiaspo attracted a large crowd of participants and spectators alike.

Co founders of the pageant, Nana Osei and Kobi Appiah led the black and white dress theme of guests in designer wears. The winners of the pageant which is scheduled to hold on the 10th of July are expected to be awarded scholarship funds, booking contracts as well as titles and crowns.

Photos by Chibuzor Okonta, Executive Editor Trendy Africa USA

At the UNIHIV Fundraising Gala in Beverly Hills

BEVERLY HILLS – UNIHIV held its inaugural fundraising gala at the Lotus Room in Tanzore, Beverly Hills. Funke Beasly (Fashion Designer and Creative Director of LaFunke) founded UNIHIV along with Miss Angela Adelaja, first runner up in the 2009 Miss Nigeria in America Beauty Pageant and a current candidate for her PhD from Michigan State University in Epidemiology (concentration on infectious diseases – HIV/AID).

UNIHIV is an organization that is dedicated to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS and de stigmatization of victims of the disease especially in Africa. The event was supported by Miss Nigeria in America-MNIA, Inc  whom have been very active in community service and continues to support organizations that work towards improving the lives of others especially Nigerians here and back home.

Trendy Africa is the Official Magazine for UNIHIV.

Photos by Kay.S.Jay Photography

The Esek Family Celebrate a double in Houston

It was the 50th birthday of Lady Jossy Esek as well as the 30th wedding anniversary of Sir Charles and Lady Jossy Esek. The double celebration witnessed a capacity attendance of guests who turned out in top notch cultural attires. Enjoy a sneak preview of over 1,000 photos captured at the all night shindig.

VIEW AND ORDER MORE PHOTOS HERE

Documentary by Tosan Aduayi for Trendy Africa USA @ 2010

Human Rights Activist Dr. Dorothy I. Height (1912-2010)

For nearly half a century, Dorothy Irene Height has given leadership to the struggle for equality and human rights for all people. Her life exemplifies her passionate commitment for a just society and her vision of a better world.

• Dorothy Height was born in Richmond, Virginia March 24, 1912, and educated in public schools in Rankin, Pa, a borough of Pittsburgh, where her family moved when she was four.
• Height established herself early as a dedicated student with exceptional oratorical skills. After winning a $1,000 scholarship in a national oratorical contest on the United States Constitution, sponsored by the Elks, and a record of scholastic excellence, she attended New York University and earned her bachelor and master’s degrees in four years. She did postgraduate work at Columbia University and the New York School of Social Work.
• In 1933, Height became a leader of the United Christian Youth Movement of North America in the New Deal era. It was during this period that Height’s career as a civil rights advocate began to unfold, as she worked to prevent lynching, desegregate the armed forces, reform the criminal justice system and for free access to public accommodations.
• Height was named to deal with the outcome of the Harlem riot of 1935.

Height was an organizer and served as Vice President of the United Christian Youth Movement of North America. In this capacity she was chosen as one of 10 American youth delegates to the World Conference on Life and Work of the Churches in Oxford England. Two years later (1939), she was a representative of the YWCA to the World Conference of Christian Youth in Amsterdam Holland.

• 1937 was the turning point in the life of Dorothy Height. She was serving as Assistant Executive Director of the Harlem YWCA when Mary McLeod Bethune, founder and president of the National Council of Negro Women, noticed young Height who was escorting Eleanor Roosevelt into the NCNW meeting. Mrs. Bethune invited Height to join NCNW in her quest for women’s rights to full and equal employment, pay and education.
• In 1938, Height was one of 10 American youth invited by Eleanor Roosevelt to spend a weekend at her Hyde Park NY home to plan and prepare for the World Youth Conference to be held at Vassar College.
• Height served in her dual role as YWCA Staff member and NCNW volunteer, integrating her training as a social worker and her commitment to rise above the limitations of race and sex. She rose quickly through the ranks of the YWCA, from the Emma Ransom House in Harlem to the Executive Director of the Phyllis Wheatley Association in Washington D.C. and to the National Staff.
• For thirty-three years – (1944 – 1977), Height served on the staff of the National Board of the YWCA of the USA and held several leadership positions in Public Affairs and Leadership Training and as Director of the National YWCA School for Professional Workers. In 1965, she was inaugurated and became Director of the Center for Racial Justice, a position she held until her retirement.
• In l952, Height served as visiting professor at the University of Delhi, India, in the Delhi School of Social Work, which was founded by the YWCAs of India, Burma and Ceylon. She became known for her internationalism and humanitarianism, and conducted international studies and travel to expand the work of the YWCA.
• Height made a study of the training of women’s organizations in five African countries: Liberia, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Nigeria under the Committee of Correspondence.
• Height was elected National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in 1947 – and served until l956. She carried the Sorority to a new level of organizational development, initiation eligibility and social action throughout her term. Her leadership training skills, social work background and knowledge of volunteerism benefited the Sorority as it moved into a new era of activism on the national and international scene.
• In l957, Height was elected fourth National President of NCNW and served until l998 when she became Chair and President Emerita.
• In 1960, Height was the woman team member leader in the United Civil Rights Leadership along with Martin Luther King, Whitney H. Young, A. Philip Randolph, James Farmer, Roy Wilkins and John Lewis.
• In 1961, while Height was participating in major Civil Rights leadership, she led NCNW to deal with unmet needs among women and their families to combat hunger, develop cooperative pig banks, provided families with community freezers and showers, etc..
• In 1964, after the passage of the Civil Rights Act, Height with Polly Cowan, an NCNW Board Member, organized teams of women of different races and faith as “Wednesdays In Mississippi” to assist in the freedom schools and open communication between women of difference races. The workshops which followed stressed the need for decent housing which became the basis for NCNW in partnership with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop Turnkey III Home Ownership for low income families in Gulfport Mississippi.
• In l970, Height directed the series of activities culminating in the YWCA Convention adopting as its “One Imperative” to the elimination of racism.
• In 1970, Height established the Women’s Center for Education and Career Advancement in New York City to prepare women for entry level jobs. From this experience in 1975, Height in collaboration with Pace College established a first-time Associate Degree for Professional Studies (AAPS) – now incorporated as a regular professional studies degree course at Pace University.
• In l975, Height participated in the Tribunal at the International Women’s Year Conference of the United Nations in Mexico City. As a result of this experience, NCNW was awarded a grant from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to hold a conference within the conference for women from the United States, African countries, South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. This was followed with a site visit with 50 of the women to visit with rural women in Mississippi.
• Under the auspices of the USAID, Height lectured in South Africa after addressing the National Convention of the Black Women’s Federation of South Africa near Johannesburg (1977).
• Height led a crusade for justice for Black women and since l986 worked to strengthen the Black family. Under her leadership:

 

•  
  • In 1966, NCNW achieved tax-exempt status.
  • In 1974, NCNW dedicated the statue of Mary McLeod Bethune in Lincoln Park, Washington D C; the first woman on public land in the Nation’s Capital and to an African American or woman of any race.
  • Developed model national and community-based programs ranging from teen-age parenting to pig “banks” – which addressed hunger in rural areas – and were replicated by many other groups.
  • Established the Bethune Museum and Archives for Black Women, the first institution devoted to black women’s history; and established the Bethune Council House as a national historic site.
  • Height placed NCNW on a course of issue-oriented politics, sponsoring “Wednesdays in Mississippi” when interracial groups of women would help out at Freedom Schools; voter registration drives in the South; and established communications between black and white women.
  • Established the Black Family Reunion Celebration in 1986 to reinforce the historic strengths and traditional values of the Black family.

Dorothy I. Height has received awards and citations including the:

• John F. Kennedy Memorial Award
• Hadassah Myrtle Wreath of Achievement
• Ministerial Interfaith Association Award
• Ladies Home Journal – Woman of the Year
• Congressional Black Caucus – Decades of Service
• President Ronald Reagan – Citizens Medal
• Franklin Roosevelt – Freedom Medal
• Essence Award
• Camille Cosby World of Children Award
• Caring Institute – Caring Award
• NAACP – Spingarn Medal
• National Women’s Hall of Fame
• President Bill Clinton – Presidential Medal of Freedom
• On Height’s 92nd birthday March 24, 2004, President George W. Bush presented her the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian and most distinguished award presented by the United States Congress.

She has received thirty-six Honorary Doctorate Degrees from universities and colleges such as:

Tuskegee University, Spelman College, Pace University, Bennett College, Lincoln University, Harvard University, Howard University, Princeton University, New York University, Morehouse College, Meharry Medical College, Columbia University.

Source – http://www.ncnw.org/about/height.htm

Photo – AP

 

Statement by the President on the Passing of Dr. Dorothy Height 

Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dorothy Height – the godmother of the Civil Rights Movement and a hero to so many Americans.  Ever since she was denied entrance to college because the incoming class had already met its quota of two African American women, Dr. Height devoted her life to those struggling for equality. She led the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years, and served as the only woman at the highest level of the Civil Rights Movement – witnessing every march and milestone along the way. And even in the final weeks of her life – a time when anyone else would have enjoyed their well-earned rest – Dr. Height continued her fight to make our nation a more open and inclusive place for people of every race, gender, background and faith. Michelle and I offer our condolences to all those who knew and loved Dr. Height – and all those whose lives she touched. 

Obianaka Anyaegbu and Dr. Darego Maclayton Wed in Houston

HOUSTON, TX – A worthy gathering of intellectuals and young professionals formed part of the glorious group of invited guests that graced the wedding ceremony of Dr. and Mrs. Darego Maclayton JNR. Guests were seated by assigned table numbers characterising a shift from the infamous trend thus setting the pace for a classy nuptial. Enjoy clips of the cute day.

Photo documentary by Braimah Oyarekhua, Executive Director, Trendy Africa USA

Nikki Obuekwe Marks her 50th Birthday

ARLINGTON – Nikki Obuekwe is just one of the manifestations that 50 is the new 40. The only obvious sign that she is really 50 was the presence of her four grown up children. The event was fun filled with lots of dancing and grubs. View highlights of the event below.

Documentary by Tosan Aduayi for Trendy Africa USA

2010 DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES AWARD WINNERS

DALLAS, TX, April 16, 2010 – At the first “Dallas Film Society Honors” presented by the Gail L. and Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation awards event in the four-year history of the DALLAS International Film Festival, Ryan Piers Williams’ THE DRY LAND was announced as the winner of the unrestricted $25,000 cash prize for the Target Filmmaker Award for Best Narrative Feature and Lucy Walker’s WASTE LAND received the unrestricted $25,000 cash prize for the Target Filmmaker Award for Best Documentary Feature.

 

The Documentary competition jury also gave a Special Jury Prize to Michael Pertnoy’s and Michael Kleiman’s THE LAST SURVIVOR and a Special Mention for Editing (for Claire Didier’s work on the film) to Mark Landsman’s THUNDER SOUL.

 

DALLAS Star Award recipient John Lee Hancock (THE BLIND SIDE) made the presentation of the Target Filmmaker Awards during an evening that also included the presentations of the DALLAS Star Awards to Academy Award nominated director Frank Darabont (THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, THE GREEN MILE) and cinematographer Wally Pfister (BATMAN BEGINS, THE PRESTIGE, THE DARK KNIGHT), as well as the Texas Avery Animation Award to Pete Docter (UP).

 

Hancock’s award was presented by “Prison Break” producer Garry Brown, Darabont received his award from longtime Dallas area film critic Philip Wuntsch, and Pfister’s DALLAS Star Award has handed to him by longtime friend and Dallas Film Society Chairman Michael Cain. Docter was introduced by REEL FX Entertainment’s Animation Director Bryan Engram.

 

Dallas Film Society Executive Director Tanya Foster said, “The Dallas Film Society Honors” event was created to provide an exciting and glamorous event honoring our filmmakers to match the presentation and reverence shown them and their films throughout the festival. We are very fortunate that the Gail L. and Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation joined the DFS family and provided us with the means to put on the kind of show that this film festival and frankly, Dallas are known for.”

 

Matt Harlock’s and Paul Thomas’ AMERICAN: THE BILL HICKS STORY was the recipient of MPS Studios’ Texas Filmmaker Award and $20,000 in cash, goods and services. Robert Byington’s HARMONY AND ME received a Special Jury Prize. The presentation was made by MPS Studios’ Meredith Stephens with Bill Hicks’ niece Rachel Hicks on hand to accept the award.

 

Amy Grappell’s QUADRANGLE won the award for Best Short. Special Jury Prizes went to David Call’s B.U.S.T., Chris Teague’s MONKEYWRENCH and Kelly Sears’ VOICE ON THE LINE. Daniel Elliot’s JADE received a Special Mention for Acting for Aisling Loftus’ performance in the film. The award for Best Student Short went to Beth Spitalny’s PROCESSION. Shorts jurors Jon Korn and Kaz Radwanski presented the awards. Reel FX ENTERTAINMENT XXChief Operating Officer Kyle Clark presented the award for Best Animated Short to Cordell Barker’s RUNAWAY.

 

Will Cannon’s BROTHERHOOD won the Audience Award for Best Narrative, while Mark Landsman’s THUNDER SOUL won for Best Documentary and T.G. HERRINGTON’s MR. OKRA won the Audience Award for Best Short. DALLAS IFF Artistic Director James Faust and Senior Programmer Sarah Harris presented the awards.

(L – R) Aubin Peterson, Mike Peterson, Jason Crawford (BROTHERHOOD), Rachel Hicks (AMERICAN: THE BILL HICKS STORY), Andre Jones (MR. OKRA), Mark Landsman (THUNDER SOUL), Amy Grappell (QUADRANGLE), Ryan O’Nan (THE DRY LAND), Emilia Mello (WASTE LAND), Jason Berman (THE DRY LAND), Michael Nash (CLIMATE REFUGEES)

Da Grin Dies After Auto Crash

BREAKING NEWS: LAGOS – Nigerian rapper, Da Grin – real name – Oladapo Olaitan Olanipekun has passed away at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
23 year old, Da Grin was involved in a ghastly accident during the early hours of 14th of April 2010. According to reports, his car collided with a stationary trailer (heavy duty vehicle), he sustained injuries but was rushed to the hospital.

Sensational Nigerian Hip-Hop artist Dagrin, was yesterday involved in a motor accident. Although details were not available, a source said he suffered injuries to his head and chest which necessitated his being transferred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH. Sources claim that the Yoruba lyricist, who is currently enjoying rave reviews on his album CEO, is on admission.

Dagrin, real name Olaitan Oladapo, is currently with Miosofunyin Entertainment where he released his sophomore rap album Chief Executive Omo ita late last year.

Agency reports by Trendy Africa