The Brownsville Collective Volume 2 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”

**Copyright © 2013 THEBROWNSVILLECOLLECTIVE

Food for Thought

Check out Pitkin Avenue

“Culture Walk” for a view of Black history posted in the

store windows!

CONTACT US

PHONE:

(917) 681-0540

EMAIL:

thebvillecollective

@gmail.com

Join us on

FACEBOOK:

THEBVILLECOLLECTIVE

25¢

FREE

Know your

Community Food for thought

YOUTH

HEALTH

TRAINING

February 9, 2014

Opportunities

FACEBOOK FAVES

Business hELP The Bville Collective

JOBS

Community Events

TRUTH

1st Annual

“Culture Walk” Is made possible by:

Deidre Olivera

A special Thanks to: Deidre Olivera, Daniel Murphy, J. Brodick and Viviana Gordon, Jesse Gordon and Brother Tahir ,Viola Greene-Walker

Who are some of the:

Authors? Political Activist? Artist? Inventors?

KINGS? Scientist?

Of African American Descent?

What hardships did they Overcome?

How can YOU change history?

(If you don’t see a sign IN THE STORE WINDOW, it’s because they

choose not to support celebrating black history in this community)

BE PROUD OF YOUR CULTURE AND WHO YOUR ARE

WE Honor

Black History month

and all of the people who

have contributed to

life, and to making this

world a better place

“Sankofa”

The Brownsville Collective Volume 2 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”

Know Your COMMUNITY

PAGE 2

You are in Community Board #16

Viola Greene, District Manager 444 Thomas Boyland, Bklyn, NY 11212

Community Board #16 (718) 385-0323

GENERAL COMMUNITY BOARD MEETING

FEBRUARY 25TH 7:00 – 9:00pm

444 Thomas Boyland

City Agency Concerns: DIAL 311

Local: Community Board #16 (718) 385-0323

CITY Councilmember

Darlene Mealy (718) 953-3097 41

st Council District

1757 Union Street, 2nd Floor Brooklyn, NY 11213

WHO TO CALL???

Issues *Questions *Comments, “laws” * Funding * Policies or

procedures* Budgeting

CITY

LOCAL

STATE

STATE Assemblyman

William Boyland (718)-498-8681 55

th Assembly District

467 Thomas S. Boyland St.,Bklyn 11212

Brooklyn Borough President

Eric Adams (718) 802-3700

209 Joralemon St, Bklyn NY 11225

STATE Senator

V. Mongomery (718) 643-6140

25TH

Senate District

30 Third Avenue , Bklyn NY 11217

FEDERAL

Congresswoman

Yvette Clarke (718) 287-1142

123 Linden Boulevard 4thFL,

Brooklyn, NY 11226

CITY Councilmember

Inez Barron (718) 649-9495 42

st Council District

718 Pennsylvania Ave. Brooklyn, New York 11207

STATE Assemblywoman

Inez Barron (718) - 257-5824 60

th Assembly District

467 Thomas S. Boyland St.,Bklyn 11212

The executive members of the community Board are currently restructuring and will inform the community of the new procedures for 2014

73rd PCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING Anthony Newerls, President

THURSDAY,

FEBRUARY 20TH 7:20 pm

Brownsville Heritage House

581 Mother Gaston Blvd

73rd PCT COMMUNITY CLERGY MEETING Reverend Acey Pettaway, President

MONDAY,

February 24th 7:00 pm

R.D Brown Houses 1630 St. Marks / off Thomas Boyland

1470 East New York Ave, Bklyn, NY, 11212

(718) 495-5411 Commanding Officer Gulotta

This year’s felony assaults and the number of

shootings are higher than the rest of the city

For Information/Assistance you can call:

Auxiliary Coordinator , P.O. Johnson

718-495-5558

Domestic Violence , P.O. Rivera /P.O. Baez

718-495-6205

Youth Officer , P.O. Nelson

718-495-5426

Community Affairs P.O Boone/P.O. Spears

718-495-5422

Crime Prevention, P.O. French

718-498-8786

The Brownsville Collective

444 Thomas Boyland 2ND

Floor

Editor in Chief/ Publisher

Deidre Olivera

Executive Editor

M. Morton Hall

Proof Reader

Gwendolyn Johnson

Event Placement

Jesse Gordon

Legal Lives Columnist

Latrice Walker, ESQ

Treasurer

Earlene Franklin

A Special “Thank You!”

For All of our

Community

Collaborative Submissions

Mosque #7C

Paul Toomer Muhammad

Brownsville Multi Service center

Brownsville Neon Jacquelin Simmons

Pitkin Avenue BID Daniel Murphy

Community Bd #16 Viola Greene-Walker

Evangelist Gwendolyn Moore

Peacekeepers Tahir, Chaplains Sharon and Douglas, Jesse

Brownsville Community Justice Center James Brodick Vivianna Gordon

District #15 Family Advocate

Paige-Best- Hardy

We Honor Black

History Month

The Brownsville Collective Volume 2 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”

PAGE 3

Food For Thought

During a building excavation in Lower Manhattan in 1991, a

cemetery for free and enslaved Africans was discovered. Over 400

remains were identified, but one coffin in particular stood out.

Nailed into its wooden lid were iron tacks, 51 of which formed an

enigmatic, heart-shaped design that could be a Sankofa. The site is

now a national monument, known as the African Burial Ground

National Monument, administered by the National Park

Service. A copy of the design found on the coffin lid is

prominently carved onto a large black granite memorial at the

center of the site

The National Museum of African American History and

Culture uses the heart-shaped symbol on its website The "mouse

over" for the image reads, "The Sankofa represents the importance

of learning from the past."

Sankofa symbols show themselves all over Washington, DC,

particularly in fence designs.

Sankofa is an event used by Saint Louis University to honor

African American student graduates and students who graduate

with degrees in African American studies.

It symbolizes one taking from the past what is good and bringing

it into the present in order to make positive progress through the

benevolent use of knowledge. Adinkra symbols are used by the

Akan people to express proverbs and other philosophical ideas.

The sankofa bird also appears on carved wooden Akan stools, in

Akan goldweights, on some ruler's state umbrella or parasol

(ntuatire) finials and on the staff finials of some court linguists. It

functions to foster mutual respect and unity in tradition

*From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

SANKOFA

It is often associated with the proverb,

“Se wo were fi na wosankofa a yenkyi," which

translates

"It is not wrong to go

back for that which

you have forgotten."

OR

" reach back and get it"

Have You seen this symbol on a fence?

Do you believe that it

is by accidental that

many people of

“African American descent don’t know

much about their

history?

If you were to ask,

many don’t know

where some of their

ancestors are from.

All too often, they

have little to no

knowledge past their

parents’ home or their

grandparents. Establishing history

is an important part of

belonging.. Of

knowing that you are

a part of something

so much greater than

yourself. Of being

able to understanding

that your connection

and contribution to the

world confirms your

hope that yes, you

have been born from a

line of kings and/or

queens.

That your family

was highly respected

as craftsman, hunters,

mathematicians,

scientist, traders,

priests or architects. That if you would

just reach back and

look at who you really

are you might be

begin to understand.

The lies of a system

made to keep you

blind and unaware.

At one point in

time it was

punishable by death

if you spoke your

native tongue.

You were forced to

believe that you are defined by what

someone else called

you, and by the

limitations set forth

by a system meant to

keep you lost. Not

allowed to consider

that the blood that is

running through your

veins is that of

nobility. Perhaps not in the “western

view” of noblility.

but belonging to the

culture of people

know for strength,

love, & family.

Sankofa

DeidreOlivera

It functions to foster mutual respect and unity

in tradition

This is the Andinkra

symbol for “Sankofa”

The Brownsville Collective Volume 2 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”

Youth Opportunities

PAGE 4

11TH GRADE ONLY: Summer Science Program in Southern California & New Mexico – Application Deadline February

28th

The Summer Science Program is a 39-day residential enrichment program, held on two campuses (one in Southern California, one in New Mexico). 11th graders enrolled in pre-calculus are eligible to apply. By day, students learn college-level astronomy, physics, calculus, and programming. By night, working in teams of three, they take telescopic images of a near-earth

asteroid, then write software to calculate that asteroid's orbit around the sun. Stimulating guest speakers and field trips round out this intense, exhilarating immersion into hands-on science. This program has need-based financial aid available. For students on free/reduced lunch, the program is FREE.

To apply, please visithttp://www.summerscience.org/admissions/index.php.

The Columbia University Science Honors Program (SHP) is a highly selective program for high school students who have a strong interest in the sciences and mathematics. The SHP holds classes at Columbia from 10:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. on Saturdays throughout the academic year. Courses are primarily in the physical, chemical, biological, behavioral, and computing sciences; and instructors are scientists and mathematicians who are actively engaged in research at the University. For more information, and to apply, please visit http://www.columbia.edu/cu/shp/apply.html.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime

Give it a try—At least apply!

Since 1997, the Coca-Cola Pre-College Leadership Program at the Andrew Young Center for Global Leadership (formally known as the Leadership Center) at Morehouse College, the first of its kind at a historically black college and university (HCBU), has been a beacon in providing leadership training to high school students and college pre-freshmen.

For seven days each summer, students from high schools across the United States are introduced to the traits, skills and behaviors necessary for effective 21st century

leadership.

Each day the program accentuates a leadership principle:

love, integrity, courage, wisdom and hope.

For more information, please visit https://www.morehouse.edu/centers/leadershipcenter/pre-college.html. To apply, visit http://www.formstack.com/forms/?1599874-

btvYNhUPpi

Apply Online:

https://www.morehouse.edu/centers/leadershipcenter/pre-

college.html

Morehouse College Coca-Cola Pre-Leadership Program – BOYS ONLY:

Application Deadline February 24th

Eligibility: • Male students completing their sophomore or junior year of high school by June 2014 • Male students completing their senior year of high school who have applied for admission to

Morehouse College for fall 2014

Columbia University Science Honors

Program –Application Deadline

February 27th

The Brownsville Collective Volume 2 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”

PAGE 5

YOUTH/ paid internships

Bridging the Gap Program Overview

What Is Bridging the Gap?

Bridging the Gap is a new initiative from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) that seeks

to connect 10th and 11

th grade high school students that have an interest in pursuing a career in

conservation science, zoology, marine science, ecology, or biology, directly with

professionals in those fields. In addition to receiving hands-on experience and mentoring,

students will obtain information in areas including educational planning, financial aid options,

effective job search methods, resume building, networking, job referral, and more!

Where Will Bridging the Gap Take Place? All five WCS living institutions will participate in this new program: Central Park Zoo,

Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, New York Aquarium, and Bronx Zoo.

What Does Bridging the Gap Offer To Students?

Bridging the Gap’s programming is grouped into four phases:

Phase I: School-to-Career Institute The School-to-Career Institute is an intensive learning program which seeks to

introduce participants to the variety of science careers in zoos and aquariums.

Students will participate in eleven (11) sessions over a five month period. At the conclusion of the School-to-Career Institute, students would have completed a total of

sixty (60) contact hours with WCS staff at their respective site. Students will attend:

Nine (9) weekend sessions (10AM to 4PM)

Two (2) after-school sessions (4PM to 6PM)

*Students who will enter into the 10th

or 11th

grade in September 2014 are eligible to apply

for the Fall 2014 group.

Phase II: Mentoring

Mentoring is an essential component of this program that will be introduced during

Phase I and will continue for the length of time the student participates in the program. Each student will be paired with a WCS staff member who is currently in a

career that aligns with the future goals of the student.

Phase III: Career Building Clinic Students will develop a skill acquisition plan that will include high school course

selection, interview coaching, college applications, and scholarships/financial aid.

The Career Building Clinic will take place over the course of two (2) sessions that run

from 10am to 4pm.

Phase IV: Internships/Employment

WCS offers a variety of internship experiences for Bridging the Gap participants.

A minimum of 40 hours is required.

If I Am Selected As a Bridging the Gap Student, Am I Eligible to Receive a Stipend and/or

School Credit Through the NYC Department of Education?

All Bridging the Gap students are eligible to receive credit toward high school graduation through the School-to-Career Institute. In addition to the stipend, all participating students

will receive a MetroCard to reduce travel costs.

If you are interested in applying to Bridging the Gap, please contact Courtney R.

Wiggins, Project Coordinator, at cwiggins@wcs.org or (718) 399-7339 Ext 350.

The application Deadline for the September 2014 Bridging the Gap

cohort at Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, New York Aquarium,

Prospect Park Zoo, and Queens Zoo is Wednesday, March 19, 2014.

Are you 14-18?

Are you currently enrolled in school or a GED

Program?

Do you want to learn about the law?

Do you want to help other teens who have

gotten into trouble?

Do you want the opportunity to

get PAID? Applications are Due No Later than

March 30, 2014

www.facebook.com/brownsvilleyouthcourt

Apply on Online at

www.brownsvillejusticecenter.blogspot.com

Contact us via email to

byc@courtinnovation.org or call us at

347-404-9582

Law

Internships

Brownsville Justice Community Learn how to start and run a business

Learn about new foods options and become a

healthy eating advocate

Complete projects to help the neighborhood

Receive customer service and computer skills

certifications and work with our job developer

Eligibility Criteria: 16-24 years old with Justice

System involvement in the last 12 months. Strong preference for Brownsville residents (73

rd Pct/CB 16)

Stop by to apply! Location:444 Thomas S. Boyland Street, klyn,11212

* GED and college assistance * Internship placement * Professional development training * Participation in community benefit projects * Paid stipends of up to $1400 over six months! To Apply: Contact Benjamin Smith at (347) 404-9585 or visit the office

The Brownsville Collective Volume 2 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”

a

Jim Crow laws 1876 and 1965

The Jim Crow laws were racial segregation laws enacted between in the United States at the state and local level.

The separation in practice led to conditions for African Americans that tended to be inferior to those provided for white Americans, systematizing a number of economic, educational and social disadvantages. While Northern segregation was generally de facto, there were patterns of

o segregation in housing enforced by covenants,

o bank lending practices, and

o job discrimination,

o including discriminatory union practices for decades.

Some examples of Jim Crow laws are the segregation of public schools, public places, and public transportation, and the segregation of restrooms, restaurants, and drinking fountains for whites and blacks. The U.S. military was also segregated. These Jim Crow Laws followed the 1800–1866 Black Codes, which had previously restricted the civil rights and civil liberties of African Americans with no pretense of equality.

Black History Month

PAGE 6

After reading what the “Jim Crow Laws” were, do you believe that we are no longer under those laws? Or Does it sound like something that is still familiar?

DOES “JIM CROW” STILL EXIST? If so, why do you think so?

If not, Why don’t you think so?

Let us know what you think at thebvillecollective @gmail.com

Or leave a message at (347) 450 -2075

The Brownsville Collective Volume 2 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”

Events

PAGE 7

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR SPONSORS

581 Mother Gaston Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11212

Invited Guests: Elected Officials, Brooklyn Jazz Consortium, Brownsville Multi-Service Center, Reverend Dr. C. Anthony, Nicole Junior esq, Civilian Complaint review Board; Dr. C. Olivera- Womens Urogynecologist;and more

Information and assistance will be provided on the following topics

Mental health- Bereavement *Adult survivors of child abuse* Economics Incarceration* Domestic violence* Unemployment* Affordable quality apartments Drug abuse / alcoholism*Self esteem*Teaching children etiquette*Taking marriage vows

seriously*Women's urinary incontinence – options

For more info Call Community Board #16 at (718) 385-0323

The Brownsville Collective Volume 2 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”

BMS is rooted in the Brownsville Community Development Corporation, which was founded by civil rights activists in 1974 as part of a citywide anti-poverty initiative. In 1982, in response to a community survey which identified health as its top priority, BCDC opened a health center, Brownsville Multi-Service Family Health Center BMS, which was staffed by one doctor, one clerk and the founding director, Joseph Francois.

The mission of BMS is to provide and promote integrative and high quality medical, dental and social services to enable every individual and family in the communities it serves to achieve total health.

The signature main building, their headquarters, with its turquoise paint, stands out on the corner of Rockaway and Blake and the recently

renovated lobby now includes a glass foyer and a street access pharmacy on site. From those early roots BMS has grown from one site to now

ten locations throughout Brownsville and East New York and its family of employees, many of who are community residents, has increased to

over 260 making BMS the second largest employer in Brownsville and serve around 20,000 people a year.

BMS services run the gamut, from Primary and OB/GYN care to HIV/AIDS treatment to Dental Care to social work and counseling. BMS also

works with a shelter for homeless women, runs a small halfway house for substance abusers, gives parenting and job training classes, provides

specialty services like Optometry, Podiatry, Cardiology, Pulmonology and many more. In keeping with its mission in 2004, BMS partnered with

the NYC Department of Education and New Visions and started a health care-focused public high school in East New York – World Academy for

Total Community Health (WATCH). The health center also operated a small farmers market on the corner of rockaway and Sutter. Most recently

BMS completed a capital expansion opening an oral surgery center BMS Dental@Genesis and BMS@ Ashford, both located in East New York.

IMPORTANT HEALTH ISSUES

PAGE 8

Dr.Joseph Francois was the former Chief Executive Officer of the Brownsville Community Development Corporation and the founding Executive Director of Brownsville Multi-Service Family Health Center. Mr. Francois, who

passed away on July 13, 2003, was a tireless and passionate advocate for the people of Brownsville, Oceanhill and East New York. It was his leadership and vision that shaped the corporation’s mission as a social change agent. We are ever mindful that his legacy is in our every achievement. On May 11, 2006, the Brownsville Multi-Service Family Health Center (BMS) held a dedication

ceremony during which the BMS Life & Wellness Center, one of the Health Center’s seven service sites, was renamed, BMS Life & Wellness

Center: Joseph K. Francois Pavilion, in honor of Joseph K. Francois, the late founding executive director

of BMS.

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY

The Brownsville Collective Volume 2 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”

Black History month

PAGE 9

LANGSTON HUGHES… James Mercer Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist. He was one of the earliest innovators of the then-new literary art form called jazz poetry

She worked 11 hours a day for $17 per week to help pay for Alice to attend college.

Living under Jim Crow laws, Walker's parents resisted

landlords who expected the children of black sharecroppers to work the fields at a young age.

A white plantation owner said to her that black people had "no need for education". Minnie Lou Walker, according to her daughter, replied "You might have some black children somewhere, but they don't live in this house.

Don't you ever come around here again talking about how my children don't need to learn how to read and write."

Her mother enrolled Alice in first grade when the girl was four years old.

Selected awards and honors

Ingram Merrill Foundation Fellowship (1967)

Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (1983) for The Color Purple[3]

National Book Award for Fiction (1983) for The Color Purple[2][a]

O. Henry Award for "Kindred Spirits" (1985)

Honorary degree from the California Institute of the Arts (1995)

American Humanist Association named her as "Humanist of the Year" (1997)

Lillian Smith Award from the National Endowment for the Arts

Rosenthal Award from the National Institute of Arts & Letters

Radcliffe Institute Fellowship, the Merrill Fellowship, and a

Guggenheim Fellowship

Front Page Award for Best Magazine Criticism from the Newswoman's Club of New York

Induction into the Georgia Writers Hall of Fame (2001)[63]

Induction into the California Hall of Fame in The California Museum

for History, Women, and the Arts (2006)

Domestic Human Rights Award from Global Exchange (2007)

Alice Walker is an American author

and activist

The Brownsville Collective Volume 2 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”

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Black History Month

PAGE 10

HarriettTubman Born into slavery1820 –1913 *Abolitionist *Humanitarian *Union spy

during the American Civil war

*Tubman escaped and subsequently made more

than nineteen missions to rescue more than 300

slaves using the network of antislavery activists and

safe houses known as the Underground Railroad

*As a child in Dorchester County, Maryland, Tubman

was beaten by masters to whom she was hired out

*Early in her life, she suffered a severe head wound

when hit by a heavy metal weight

*The injury caused disabling seizures, narcoleptic

attacks, headaches, and powerful visionary and

dream experiences, which occurred throughout her

life.

*A devout Christian, Tubman ascribed the visions

and vivid dreams to revelations from God

FAMOUS Harriet Tubman QUOTES “I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only

they knew they were slaves.”

“If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the

woods, keep going. If there's shouting after you, keep going. Don't ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going.”

“Twant me, 'twas the Lord. I always told him, 'I trust to you. I don't

know where to go or what to do, but I expect you to lead me,' and He

always did.”

“I had reasoned this out in my mind; there was on of two things I had

a right to, liberty or death; if I could not have one, I would have the

other; for no man should take me alive.”

Mary Jane McLeod

Bethune 1875 –1955 American educator and civil rights leader

One day she picked up a book and as

she opened it a white child took it

away from her saying she didn’t

know how to read. It was that

moment Mary decided that the only

difference between white and

colored folk was the ability to read

and write.

Mary McLeod Bethune was the only black woman present at the founding of the United Nations … representing the NAACP with W. E. B. Du Bois and Walter White

In 1896, the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) was formed to promote the dual needs of black women. Bethune served as the Florida chapter president of the NACW from 1917 to 1925 and made it a mission to register as many black voters as possible, which prompted several visits from the Ku Klux Klan She was invited to attend the Child Welfare Conference called by President Calvin Coolidge in 1928.

In 1930 Herbert Hoover appointed her to the White House Conference on Child Health. Bethune founded the National Council of Negro Women in New York City in 1935

She worked for the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932, and became a member of Roosevelt's Black Cabinet, sharing the concerns of black people with the Roosevelt administration while spreading Roosevelt's message

The NYA’s final report, issued in 1943, stated that, "more than 300,000 black young men and women were given employment and work training on NYA projects. She was the only black agent of the NYA who was releasing funds . These projects opened to these youth, training opportunities and enabled the majority of them to qualify for jobs heretofore closed to them. She made sure that black colleges participated in the Civilian Pilot Training Program, which graduated some of the first black pilots

Bethune founded the National Council of Negro Women in New York City in 1935 bringing together 28 different organizations to form a council to facilitate the improvement of quality of life for women and their communities

Mary McLeod Bethune was the only black woman present at the founding of the United

Nations in San Francisco in 1945, representing the NAACP with W. E. B. Du Bois and

Walter White.

Self-sufficiency was a high priority throughout her life. Bethune invested in several

businesses in her life including the Pittsburgh Courier, a black newspaper, and several life

insurance companies, one of which she began:

When blacks were not allowed to visit the beach, she and several other business owners invested in Paradise Beach, purchasing a 2-mile (3.2 km) stretch of beach and the surrounding properties, splitting it up and selling it to black families, and allowing white families to visit. Paradise Beach was later renamed to Bethune-Volusia Beach.

The Brownsville Collective Volume 2 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”

PAGE 11

For Your Information

Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little was also known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, was an African-American

Muslim minister and human rights activist

Shirley Chisholm

Chisholm said she ran for the

office "in spite of hopeless odds...

to demonstrate the sheer will and

refusal to accept the status quo."

FANNIE LOU HAMER

Shirley Anita St. Hill was

born in Brooklyn, New

York

On January 25, 1972, she became the first major-

party black candidate for

President of the United

States and the first woman

to run for the Democratic

presidential nomination.

Mark Dean American inventor and a computer

engineer

Dr. Mark Dean invented the microcomputer with bus control means for peripheral devices, a system that permitted the systems of IBM and IBM-compatible computers to rapidly communicate with one another. This made possible the development of fast and efficient personal computers.

Dean, holds more than 20

patents, including three of IBM's

original nine PC patents.

*Hamer picked cotton, and by

age 13 she picked 200-300

pounds on a daily basis.

*Youngest of 20 children “With the people, for the people, by the people. I crack up when I hear it; I say, with the handful, for the handful, by the handful , 'cause that's what really happens”

She was instrumental in organizing Mississippi Freedom Summer

… and later became the Vice-Chair of the Mississippi Freedom

Democratic Party, attending the 1964 Democratic National

Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in that capacity.

Her plain-spoken manner and fervent belief in the

Biblical righteousness of her cause gained her a reputation

as an electrifying speaker and constant activist of civil rights.

“...I always said if I lived to get grown and had a chance, I was going to try to get something for my mother and I was going to

do something for the black man of the South if it would cost my life; I was determined to see that things were changed”

The Brownsville Collective Volume 2 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”

PAGE 12

Black History Month

WHAT WAS THE EMANCIATION PROCLAMATION? (African Americans were freed because

help was needed to fight the civil war)

An executive order issued by President Abraham Lincoln on January 1, 1863, as a war measure during the American

Civil War, to all segments of the Executive branch (including the Army and Navy) of the United States.

The Proclamation did not compensate the owners, did not itself outlaw slavery, and did not make the ex-slaves (called

freedmen) citizens.

It made the eradication of slavery an explicit war goal, in addition to the goal of reuniting the Union. It proclaimed the freedom of slaves in the ten states that were still in rebellion, thus applying to 3.1 million of the 4

million slaves in the U.S. at the time. The Proclamation was based on the president's constitutional authority as commander in chief of the armed forces; it was

not a law passed by Congress.

The Proclamation also ordered that "suitable" persons among those freed could be enrolled into the paid service of

United States' forces, and ordered the Union Army (and all segments of the Executive branch) to "recognize and maintain

the freedom of" the ex-slaves.

Slaves had been part of the "engine of war" for the Confederacy. They (fought,) produced and prepared food; sewed

uniforms; repaired railways; worked on farms and in factories, shipping yards, and mines; built fortifications; and served

as hospital workers and common laborers. News of the Proclamation spread rapidly by word of mouth, arousing hopes of

freedom, creating general confusion, and encouraging thousands to escape to Union lines

Additionally, the Proclamation provided the legal framework for the emancipation of nearly all four million slaves as the

Union armies advanced, and committed the Union to ending slavery, which was a controversial decision even in the

North.

Hearing of the Proclamation, more slaves quickly escaped to Union lines as the Army units moved South.

As the Union armies advanced through the Confederacy, thousands of slaves were freed each day until nearly all

(approximately 4 million, according to the 1860 Census) were freed by July 1865

The Brownsville Collective Volume 2 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”

Black History Month

PAGE 13

+Otis Boykin born August 29, 1920

He began to invent products on his own, with some of his noteworthy inventions including a wire precision resistor used in televisions and radios and a control unit for the pacemaker.

This resistor would later be used in radios and televisions.

Two years later, he created a breakthrough device that could withstand extreme changes in temperature and pressure.

The device, which was cheaper and more reliable than others on the market, came in great demand by the United States military for guided missles and IBM for computers.

His most famous invention was a control unit for the pacemaker.

Taylor turned professional in 1896 at the age of 18 and soon

emerged as the "most formidable racer in America."

One of his biggest supporters was President Theodore

Roosevelt who kept track of Taylor throughout his 17-year

racing career

In one six-week period in 1899, Taylor established seven

world records

By 1898, he held seven world records at distances from .25 miles (0.40 km) to 2 miles (3.2 km) and he placed

first in 29 of 49 races in which he competed.

No one else came close to that record.

Taylor was entitled to recognition as national champion but

formation of a new cycling league that year "clouded" his

claim to the title

As an African-American, Taylor was banned from bicycle

racing in Indiana once he started winning and made a

reputation as "The Black Cyclone."

During his career he had ice water thrown at him during races, and nails scattered in front of his wheels, and was often boxed

in by other riders, preventing the sprints to the front of the

pack at which he was so successful

"There are positively no mental, physical or

moral attainments too lofty for the Negro to

accomplish if granted a fair and equal

opportunity."—Marshall Taylor

Marshall Walter

"Major" Taylor (26 November 1878 – 21 June 1932)

American cyclist

who won the world 1 mile

(1.6 km) track cycling

championship in 1899 after setting numerous world records

and overcoming racial

discrimination.

The Brownsville Collective Volume 2 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”

PAGE 14

Grants

February 25 Deadline for BizClips Video Contest to Win Great Prizes and Free Publicity for Small Business by bridgetwpollack, Contributor

Created: January 14, 2014, 9:12 am

What small business challenges are you facing this year? Help transform these

challenges into successful opportunities by making and uploading your small business

video story by midnight, Eastern Standard Time, on February 25, 2014. You could win

great prizes and free publicity to improve your small business productivity.

Enter the Small Business Productivity Makeover Contest Today-You could win the

grand prize, valued at $3,500, by sharing your story through “BizClips: The Small

Business Productivity Makeover Video Contest” at www.bizclips.score.org. The

Contest is sponsored by SCORE and Brother International, a premier provider of print

and communications products and services. The Contest celebrates SCORE’s 50 years

of helping more than ten million small businesses learn how to start a business, grow,

and achieve their business goals through free business assistance and education.

MAKE a Video about Your Small Business

The Contest is easy to enter, but the entry deadline is approaching quickly. Make your

30-60 second video, describing your need for a business makeover and how SCORE

could help address your challenges. Or you can also tell how SCORE previously helped

your small business. The video can be simple or fancy, as long as it meets the minimum

requirements. Here are some great tips on how to make a

video: http://bizclips.score.org/additionalinfo.

UPLOAD your video to the BizClips Contest website before midnight, February 25,

2014.

VOTE online for your video and ask others to help you get to the final round.

Voting is easy, too. All videos that meet the minimum requirements will be eligible for

online voting beginning April 1, 2014. Spread the word of your video and ask your

friends, family, customers and supporters to vote for you, too. They can also help you

win by spreading the word. Public voting makes up 40 percent of the judging criteria.

Voting closes at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on April 30, 2014.

WIN great prizes and free publicity for your business.

The top 25 vote-getters will become finalists, gain significant free national media

exposure, and win aBrother P-Touch prize. The Grand Prize winner will be selected by

a panel of small business expertsto receive a business makeover with up to $2,500 of

products and services from Brother. The Grand Prize winner and a companion will be

flown to Washington, D.C. in September 2014 for a special national announcement and

awards ceremony at the 2014 SCORE Awards Gala. The grand prize winner will have a

professional business makeover video created to be shown at the Gala and promoted by

SCORE. The winner can also use the video for its own promotion. The total value of the

grand prize is $3,500.

“This is a unique opportunity for your small business to be in the limelight in front of a

national audience. We’ll be thrilled to help make the winning small business better,

stronger and more productive to meet its challenges,” said Ken Yancey, SCORE CEO.

Complete details are at www.bizclips.score.org.

Love Your BlockYOUR BLOCK

Applications now available!

Love Your Block is a special partnership

betweenCitizens Committee for New York City and NYC Service that provides a

unique opportunity for city residents to transform and

beautify their neighborhoods.

Love Your Block grantees will receive:

A grant of $1,000

Access to city services from the

Departments of Transportation, Parks and

Recreation, and Sanitation

Assistance with press for their

neighborhood event

Previous Love Your Block grantees have included

block associations, tenant associations, and

neighborhood-based volunteer groups. With funding

and city services, they have been able to clean

graffiti and vacant lots, construct wooden tree

guards, plant flowers in tree beds, remove litter, and

much more. Love Your Block grants pay for

materials for one-day neighborhood clean-up events

during the spring or summer.

Join us for a grant application information session to

learn about the grant and application process

onFebruary 4 at 6:30 PM.

Applications are due February 20, 2014.

Contact Tehmina with questions or to RSVP for the

information session at

tbrohi@citizensnyc.org or 212-822-9563.

Apply online here:

http://www.citizensnyc.org/grants/love-your-block

The Brownsville Collective Volume 2 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”

This proposal is subject to MWBE Participation

ON-CITY CAPITAL APPLICATION

Below is the link for the FY 14 Non-City Capital Application. Please follow the link to the application

and follow the instructions completely. Applications to the Council or DCA are Due by April 9, 2013.

After April 9, 2013 applications will NOT be accepted. This is an online application, do NOT mail a

hard copy.

If you are applying to the Borough President, please be advised their application deadline is

February 28. If you are applying to both the Borough President and DCA or the Council the deadline

is February 28, 2013.

If you have any questions please contact Scott Crowley at scrowley@council.nyc.gov.

FY 14 Capital Application Cultural Application,

click http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcla/html/funding/capital.shtml.

FY 14 All Other Project Application (use for all non-cultural projects),

clickhttp://www.nyc.gov/html/capgrants/capgrants.html.

Zelice Barcliff

Business and personal

Taxes

We specialize in:

Small Business Tax

Assistance

Non-profit tax assistance

Complicated tax compliance

Financial Statements

(516) 557-6347

Over 1,000 Copies in

distribution…And

Growing

The Bville Collective

PAGE 15

The Brownsville Collective Volume 2 - “Be blessed to be a blessing”

Thank YOU

PAGE 16

Estimated net worth of $20.8 billion USD as of November 2013

Aliko Dangote earned his net worth by founding The Dangote Group which now controls much of Nigeria's commodities trade. As a child, Aliko showed signs of his innate entrepreneurial spirit when he launched a business buying candy in bulk to sell to his elementary school classmates for a hefty profit. Dangote attended Al-Azhar University in Egypt where he earned a degree in business Upon his return, a powerful uncle secured him a highly lucrative government contract to manufacture cement plus a $5000 loan to launch a small business Dangote plans to change this by building a state of the art multi-billion dollar refining industry around Nigeria's most valuable sources of oil.

If successful, Aliko predicts that within five years he will be one of the wealthiest people on the planet, perhaps even #1

HONORS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

AND HERITAGE!

The Pitkin avenue

BID recognizes

African Businessman

Aliko Dangote for

BLACK HISTORY

MONTH

The BROWNSVILLE COLLECTIVE SAYS “SANKOFA”