coalition vs caucus

Woody King Jr. & Ruby Dee

The Black, Latino & Asian Caucus (“The Caucus”) of the New York City Council was met by members of the ten groups that comprise the Coalition of Theatres of Color (“The Coalition”) in response to information that four of its members were being eliminated for annual support. In an email sent to The Coalition, it was advised that the New Heritage Theatre Group, The H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players, The Paul Robeson Theatre and The Negro Ensemble Company would lose funding despite the fact that $800K had already been allocated to The Coalition in June 2009. Presenters for The Coalition were a veritable “Who’s Who”, not only in Black Theatre, but in Theatre, full stop, and included Ruby Dee, Voza Rivers, Woody King Jr., and Daniel Beaty. 

The Caucus, as a whole, claimed that they had no knowledge of the email that had been sent to The Coalition, and had no part in any decision to revoke the funding to these four theatres. The Caucus, Chaired by Council Members Robert Jackson and Maria del Carmen Arroyo, was surprised by the presence of The Coalition which, according to Councilman Jackson, was not on the agenda to present their case for that day. By sheer turnout, however, there was no way of turning away this group of people passionately united for this all-to-important common cause. Councilman Jackson conceded that The Caucus would give them time at the end of the scheduled meeting to present their cases and then The Coalition could schedule a formal presentation at a later date. 

Representatives for the targeted theatres –– headed up by Chairman Voza Rivers, Executive Producer of the New Heritage Theatre Group - expressed their objections to being eliminated mid-season and presented their arguments for why they should continue to receive funding from The Council. These are theatres with long, consistently productive histories which have turned out iconic artists such as Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Harry Belafonte, Ozzie Davis and Ruby Dee. A few members of The Caucus – Council Members Letitia James, Inez E. Dickens and Leroy Comrie - were particularly vocal in their support of funding these theatres and getting to the bottom of the confusion that caused these concerns in the first place. With additional support from Council Members Charles Baron, Robert Jackson, Albert Vann and Jumaane D. Williams the general consensus was that this situation would be clarified and resolved to the satisfaction of all parties.

Originally reported at

break out designers in a series

August 10, 2009, New York City, NY  - Fashion Week kicks off in New York City and will be chock full of fashionista activity.  Breakout Designers in a Series, a collaborative fashion event, will take place on Thursday, September 10th at Scandinavia House, featuring designers Jaqueline Rank and Gabrielle Morales of Stem Designs.

A new sportswear company, Stem Designs will introduce their Spring 2010 collection with a focus on swimwear and cover-ups.  The collection, inspired by The Mountain Dwellings in Copenhagen, Denmark, reflects the fun colors and lines of this architectural masterpiece.  Many of the pieces in the line have cut-outs and lines inspired by both the structure’s garage and roof gardens. The collection will be presented as part of an interactive modern fashion show and photo shoot presentation.

There will also be a silent auction, benefitting Marriage Equality New York – MENY.  This is a grassroots organization comprised of volunteers who devote their efforts to achieving marriage equality, under the leadership of Ron Zacchi, Executive Director.  "Bonnie Bien, of LA Press PR, has put together a great show of emerging artists for fashion week.”  Mr. Zacchi goes on to say, “MENY is honored to be chosen as the sole beneficiary of all proceeds from the event's silent auction. With the upcoming 6th Annual Wedding March taking place in DC, these funds will help us bring New Yorkers to our country's capital in support of marriage equality."

New York is one of the most liberal states in the country and yet the state is still trying to pass a law that enables same sex marriage. The auction will take place at the Breakout Designers in a Series event and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the continued efforts of MENY.

Move Over Movember

Movember!
Photo: fengschwing

November is here and with it comes the cold weather, flannel, ski caps and mustaches? Yes, mustaches!

Every November, men around the world, grow out their mustaches for Movember, a global movement dedicated to increasing awareness of men’s health issues, primarily prostate cancer. The movement started in 2003 in Melbourne, Australia when an intrepid group of 30 men decided to grow out their mustaches for 30 days and raise funds for prostate cancer and depression. This movement spread around the world, thanks to media coverage and the internet.