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When Diversity Matters Most. The Strength Lies In Differences, Not In Similarities

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Archives for July 2018

NAACP Lifts American Airlines Travel Advisory Cites Progress on Commitments, Including Implicit Bias Training

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NAACP, the nation’s foremost civil rights organization, announced it has lifted its travel advisory against American Airlines. The organization issued the advisory last fall. The NAACP and its partners have been monitoring the airline’s progress on a number of commitments agreed to last year, including a diversity and inclusion gap analysis, implicit bias training for the airline’s 130,000 team members, and the implementation of a new discrimination complaint resolution process for both team members and customers.
“We have worked with American Airlines for nearly a year, and they have taken substantive action to begin to address implicit bias, said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. “They have embraced the situation and we are encouraged by their commitment to improve upon their internal processes and increase inclusion across their airline. Our work with American has included very candid, open and ongoing dialogue about the realities for African Americans who travel with American and other airlines, and we will continue to monitor progress and share feedback with them.”
“The news belongs to American’s 130,000 team members who have enthusiastically embraced our goal to lead all industry in diversity, inclusion and equality.  This is work that will never be complete, but we are making great progress,” said Doug Parker, CEO and Chairman of American Airlines. “We thank the NAACP for recognizing our progress and look forward to working with them in the future as we continue on this mission.”

About the NAACP:  
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more about the NAACP’s work here.

About American Airlines Group: 
American Airlines and American Eagle offer an average of nearly 6,700 flights per day to nearly 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. American has hubs in Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. American is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, whose members and members-elect serve nearly 1,000 destinations with 14,250 daily flights to 150 countries. Shares of American Airlines Group Inc. trade on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AAL. In 2015, its stock joined the S&P 500 index. Connect with American on Twitter @AmericanAir and at Facebook.com/AmericanAirlines. 

 

FEMALE ROLE MODELS OF COLOR INSPIRE TEENS

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Deborah Santana Shares How Young Women Can Embrace Their Heritage
2018 has been a year plagued by gender and racial discrimination. From the numerous cases of sexual assault, to the racial injustices across America, it is becoming increasingly important for young women of color to stand strong in the face of adversity.

Deborah Santana is empowering young women and encouraging them to embrace their heritage despite the racial injustices happening every day.

Her new book, All the Women in My Family Sing, highlights stories of cultural strength by 69 women of color from ages 16 to 77. The book celebrates diversity and promotes female empowerment at a time when young girls need it the most.
“Young women of color need role models to inspire success. There are so many strong, heroic, and inspirational women of color…but their voices are largely underrepresented. We need to change this…”

…says Santana who hopes to broaden cross-cultural understanding by showing people how very alike we are no matter our skin color, ethnic heritage, or place we live.

“Our intention is to celebrate women as divine expressions of possibility, power, and important to the harmony of our world,” adds Santana.

Deborah Santana is on a mission to empower underrepresented voices and to impact the world of publishing in America — particularly important in a time when 80% of people who work in publishing self-identify as white (as found recently in a study by Lee & Low Books, and reported on NPR). The book is a watershed title, not only written, but produced entirely by women of color, including the publishing, editing, process management, book cover design, and promotions.

Tips for Buying Your First Mattress Together

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 7 Tips for Buying Your First Mattress Together

Discover advice on choosing the mattress style that’s right for you as a couple.

With all that goes into wedding planning, sometimes the only time when a couple can think of life after the nuptials is when they add to their registry. Even when compiling items for the wish list, though, brides and grooms choose household items such as kitchen gadgets, china, and maybe even bedding – but what about the mattress that you’ll be covering with those new sheets and sleeping on as a married couple?

To get some tips for finding a mattress that is of high quality and suits you both, the experts at CertiPUR-US, a not-for-profit foam certification program, have shared their tips for newlyweds with us. Read on below for more details!

It’s one of the most important purchases you’ll make together – after all, you spend a third of your life in bed and the quality of your sleep can profoundly affect your everyday mood and long-term health. However, for many just-hitched couples, mattress shopping can be a mystery. It’s not an easy item to comparison-shop, and, also, who has tons of experience buying mattresses? The good news is that this is one item on your shopping list you can take lying down!

Here are seven tips to help you feather your new nest together:

Size matters. When sharing a bed, consider a queen- or king-size mattress. We typically move around in bed 40-60 times a night and make lots of full-body turns. Freedom of motion is critical to sound sleep.

Shop and flop. If you’re shopping traditional retail or in person at department stores, go together, wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can easily slip off, and don’t be shy – lie down for a solid 5-10 minutes and compare notes.

Buying online? It’s increasingly popular, but do your research. Buying a mattress from an e-tailer is convenient, but carefully check return and shipping policies. Test their customer service response before you buy to be sure they’ll be responsive should there be a problem.

Get a room. If you’re not in a hurry, book a romantic getaway at a hotel that carries the brand of mattress in which you are interested. Or, have you liked a bed at a particular hotel? Ask them what brand it is. Concierges are often asked this question.

How does it feel? Whether a mattress is too cushy or too firm is highly individual. A memory foam mattress sleeps differently than an innerspring mattress. Compare a variety of types of beds to narrow your choices. Can’t agree? Some couples opt for beds divided into two compartments with individual controls so each half can have a different setting.

What’s inside? A new resource for the health-conscious is CertiPUR-US, a not-for-profit certification program for the polyurethane foam used in bedding (and upholstered furniture).  Certified foam is made without PBDEs, TDCPP, or TCEP (“Tris”) flame retardants, ozone depleters, formaldehyde, lead, mercury, or other heavy metals, and phthalates regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The foam is also tested to be low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) for indoor air quality.

Shop for value, not price. Newlyweds spend much of their time in the bedroom, and, let’s face it – many marital issues are either created or solved in bed. Being tired or suffering from back pain isn’t conducive to intimacy. Buy the best mattress you can afford and consider it an investment in your marriage.

Being in the haven of a bed with your beloved is one of life’s most wonderful and simple experiences. Whether you’re spooning, face-to-face, or have each other’s back, your nights together can greatly enhance your relationship and individual sense of well-being. And there’s no better foundation for your future days of marital bliss than a good night’s sleep.

If you would rather not receive future communications from Steppingstone LLC on behalf of Certi-Pur-US, let us know by clicking here.
Steppingstone LLC on behalf of Certi-Pur-US, 600 S Maple Ave, Purcellville, VA 20132 United States

How Do We Get More Citizens to Vote?

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The NAACP is set to launch voter participation and civic engagement projects concentrated in 6 states to increase African American voting for the 2018 election. In 2020, the NAACP will roll out the projects nationally.

We need your help right now as community leaders to take the Civic Engagement and Voter Participation Survey. Your participation will help the organization develop the best messages possible and pinpoint spokespersons who will help increase African American voter participation in this year’s midterm elections and the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.

Take the NAACP Civic Engagement and Voter Participation Survey:
https://bit.ly/2JLjjI9

Seattle Center Festál Fall Line-Up Offers Outstanding Entertainment,

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Seattle Center hosts eight post-Labor ethnic cultural festivals, part of the Seattle Center Festál series, starting with the Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festal, Sunday Sept. 9 and wrapping up the 2018 series with Hmong New Year Celebration the first Saturday in November.

Here are fall festival information and highlights:

Live Aloha Hawaiian Cultural Festival, 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 9, Seattle Center Armory, Mural Amphitheatre and Fisher Roof, attracts enthusiastic crowds with Hawaiian spirit, live music, island BBQ and musubi offerings and creative hands-on learnings. Big island band Ho’aikāne headlines a schedule of live Hawaiian music in its multitude of traditions and influences. Seattlelivealohafestival.com.

Seattle Fiestas Patrias, 12 p.m.–11 p.m., Saturday and 12 p.m.–6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 15-16, Armory, Fisher Pavilion and Seattle Center Pavilion, observes Latin American independence with live music and dance, children’s and wellness activities and Latin foods in ways that remind us all of the indomitable spirit of freedom. In keeping with the 2018 festival theme, Without Barriers, producer Sea Mar Community Health Centers will present an exhibition of 62 posters that draw attention to immigrants in the world, developed in partnership with the Mexican National Commission on Human Rights. Seattlefiestaspatrias.org.

The Italian Festival, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday and 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 29-30, Armory, Fisher Pavilion and Seattle Center Pavilion, underscores the culture’s influences, achievements and culinary expression in our region. Highlights include: The Swingle Kings live from Perugia, Italy in their first American appearance; celebrity chef Marco Sciortino headlining a lineup of Italian cooking demonstrations; Opera for Kids, four, free 30-minute performances of an interactive version of the beloved opera classic “Hansel & Gretel“; a grape stomping competition and the ever-popular – and expanded – Food Court & Vendor Market. Festaseattle.com.

CroatiaFest, 12 p.m.–6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 7, Armory, calls attention to the rich heritage of Croatia and its cultural presence in our region. Continuous traditional music and dance performances, children’s activities and multiple food vendors provide for a colorful and entertaining afternoon. One of the top Croatia bands in this country, Tamburaski Orkestar Ponoc, (known also as Ponoc Tamburitza Orchestra), travels from Pittsburgh, Penn. to debut at the festival using the Croatian national instrument, the tamburitza, a lute-like family of instruments key to traditional folk dancing, singing and celebration. Croatiafest.org.

Turkfest, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 13-14, Armory and Fisher Rooftop, marks the extraordinary arts and expression of a culture infused with eastern and western influences. The theme this year is A land of Wonders, Turkey. Group Truva, a leading Turkish folk music band from Vancouver BC, will perform and then participate in a Q&A session. Turkfest.org.

Diwali: Lights of India, 12 p.m.–6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 20 in the Armory, celebrates light over darkness, good over evil and the place Indian cultures in our region. The colorful festival features classical Odissi, Bharatanatyam and Kathak dances, a mandala decorative arrangement, henna tattooing and Indian vegetarian food for sale. Renowned South Indian classical musician, Master Violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan & Ensemble, are featured in a performance of Indian contemporary music. Facebook.com/vccfestivals.

Dia de Muertos – A Mexican Celebration to Remember Our Departed, 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Saturday and  11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27-28 in the Armory, keeps deeply spiritual traditions alive with elaborate community altars, face painting, sugar skulls making, processions and holiday foods including the sweet bread of the dead. Diademuertosenseattle.org.

Hmong New Year Celebration, 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 3 in the Armory, preserves ancient Southeast Asian highland cultures with this multigenerational harvest festival featuring traditional holiday activities including ball-tossing, flower cloth making, live performances and Hmong food. Touly Vangku, one of the first Hmong artists to produce a music album in the United States following the Secret War of the 1980s when many Hmong families settled in this country, whose passion for music inspires and touches many in the Hmong community, will perform and host a session on the preservation of the Hmong language and the place of youth in Hmong performing arts. Hmongofwa.org.

The Festál series brings to light the culturally rich communities who shape the character of our region. Some festivals were formed in response to war or ethnic displacement and others to unite their communities, educate the public and dispel stereotypes. For many of them, Seattle Center serves as a central place, where they can share their culture and build community through live music, dance, visual exploration, literature, film, workshops, demonstrations and hands-on learning and play for kids and adults. The festivals also feature authentic foods for purchase and ethnic marketplaces.

Seattle Center Festál is a public program presented by community organizations in partnership with Seattle Center. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit Seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

About Seattle Center Festál

This illuminating series of 23 ethnic cultural festivals on weekends throughout the year seeks to connect people in ways that build understanding, dispel stereotypes and generate pride among the generations who participate in these shared experiences. Seattle Center Festál is produced with the generous support of KUOW 94.9 Public Radio, Coca-Cola, Alaska Airlines, T-Mobile, 4Culture, the City of Seattle and Seattle Center Foundation.

Worthy Of Double Honor – Bethlehem Baptist Church Pastor Anniversary

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Dr. Jackson is a native of Alexandria, Louisiana, currently resides in University Place, Washington. He’s married to Rev. Evette Jackson, and they have two sons, Omari and Eric, II.

After serving for several years, Pastor Jackson was licensed and ordained at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, in Norcross, Georgia, by Bishop Dr. William Sheals.  He went on to serve as Assistant to the Pastor, Youth Pastor, and Singles’ Pastor at The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church, in Atlanta, Georgia.

He was the founding pastor of the Greater Heights Christian Church in Lithonia, Georgia, where he served for 8 years.  After leaving Georgia, he served as the senior pastor of the Main Post Chapel Gospel Congregation in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.  Prior to 2014, Dr. Jackson resided in Ewa Beach, Hawaii (the Island of Oahu), while serving a tour of duty at Schofield Barracks and Fort Shafter.  He now lives in University Place, Washington, and serves as senior pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Tacoma.  Additionally, Pastor Jackson’s ministry has reached abroad, as well.  He’s taken pilgrimages throughout Israel and done missionary work in Haiti.

In 2003, Pastor Jackson earned a Master of Divinity degree (cum laude), with a concentration in Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Care and completed additional course work in Homiletics, at Morehouse School of Religion at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta. Previously, in 1992, he received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Louisiana and graduated from Peabody Magnet High School.  Understanding the necessity of education and preparation, Pastor Jackson returned to the academy, and in May 2012, he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree (summa cum laude) at the ITC, where he specialized in Pastoral Counseling. (Dissertation: “Bridging the Gap between Sunday in the Combat Zone and Sunday at Home: Case Study: The Intersection of War, PTSD, and Pastoral Care & Counseling for Soldiers and their Families”).

Additionally, he has spent over 30 years in the military – over 25 years as an officer.  From 2007 to 2008, Pastor Jackson completed a tour of duty in Iraq, where he ministered to hundreds of Soldiers on a weekly basis and trained over 50 ministers – two of which were licensed into the Gospel ministry. Upon completion of his tour, he became an Army Chaplain and continues to minister today. He has also served in this capacity in the local chapter of his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, where he’s a Life Member. Likewise, he was certified by the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police as a police chaplain.

Over the years, Pastor Jackson’s ministry has been heavily involved in the lives of the youth and unmarried adults. Beyond that, he has developed a seven-phase series of Ministers’ Development Training courses, in which he covers various subject from ministerial conduct to roles of a pastor.  In 2001, after having trained more than 75 ministers, Pastor Jackson launched EDJ Ministries, Inc., whose goal is to educate and elevate the thinking of ministers and lay-leaders.

This man of God is a preacher, teacher, speaker, poet, and the author of Good News From On High!  His personal mission is to educate, empower, and encourage all people – both young and mature, “churched” and “un-churched,” laypersons and ministers. With such a love for people, Pastor Jackson has devoted his life to God’s service and people.

Pastor Jackson’s motto is: “Preaching to encourage…and teaching to empower.” This is a goal he sets for reaching God’s people, so they are spiritually equipped.  Above all…Pastor Dr. Eric D. Jackson is spirit-filled. He loves the Lord, is crucified with Him!

Welcome to the 60’s with HAIRSPRAY, JR!

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Tacoma Little Theatre presents


SUMMER CAMP @ TLT is pleased to present their performance of the Broadway favorite, Hairspray Jr,  directed by Melanie Gladstone and Jill Heinecke.  The 1950s are out, and change is in the air! Hairspray JR. is the family-friendly musical piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs. 

It’s 1962, and spunky, plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has one big dream – to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When she finally gets her shot, she’s transformed from social outcast to sudden star. In balancing her newfound power with her desire for justice, Tracy fights to dethrone the reigning Miss Teen Hairspray, Amber von Tussle, and integrate a TV network in the process. With the help of her outsized mom, Edna, and guest DJ, Motormouth Maybelle, the rhythm of Tracy’s new beat just might prove unstoppable.

Hairspray, Jr will run Friday, August 17, 2018 until Sunday, August 19, 2018.  Friday and Saturday showings are at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm.  This show is recommended for all ages.

Tickets are $7.00 and may be purchased online at www.tacomalittletheatre.com, or by calling our Box Office at (253) 272-2281.

CYRANO DE BURGERSHACK

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Tacoma Little Theatre presents  CYRANO DE BURGERSHACK

Rock and roll songs bring a classic story to life in CYRANO DE BURGERSHACK!    

ClubTLT is pleased to present their summer performance of Cyrano de Burgershack, directed by Jennifer Niehaus-Rivers.
Cyrano is king of the local Burger Shack, but he can’t seem to win the love of his best friend, Roxanne. When Roxanne confesses her crush on the new burger-flipper, Christian, Cyrano decides that playing Cupid is better than sitting out of the game. An updated, modern-day version of Edmond Rostand’s Cyrano de Bergerac, this rollicking musical features some great hit songs!
Cyrano de Burgershack will run Friday, August 3, 2018 until Sunday, August 5, 2018.  Friday and Saturday showings are at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2pm.  This show is recommended for all ages.

Tickets are $7.00 and may be purchased online at www.tacomalittletheatre.com, or by calling our Box Office at (253) 272-2281.

Caregiver film series begins at Tacoma’s Grand Cinema

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In communities all over the world, family members are taking care of relatives who are sick, disabled, or needing assistance in some way. By some estimates, one in four families is engaged in caregiving activities, with eighty percent of that care provided in the home. Currently, approximately 60% of caregivers worldwide are female, but more men and children are stepping into these roles every day.

Just like caring for someone we love, movies can touch our hearts, awaken our vision, and change the way we see things. Movies prompt both laughter and tears, especially if they resemble memories from our lifetimes. Movies about caregiving often stir a special empathy and connection with those who have been through the experience.

To celebrate family caregivers, Pierce County Aging & Disability Resources will host a series of films about caregiving at the Grand Cinema, with free admission for all!

“The film industry has a mixed track record of portraying realistic caregiving experiences,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources. “We have selected a series of films that explore the many dimensions of caregiving including family dynamics, chronic disease progression, and character development. We hope that by showing these films, it will help individuals better understand the complexities and demands of caregiving.”

On Saturday, July 7, the series will kick off with the showing of “Gen Silent,” a documentary film that explores the experiences of LGBTQ seniors needing long-term care and facing difficult health challenges. Their caregiving needs are often intensified by lifetime experiences of rejection, bullying and abuse, lack of family support and increasing financial needs.

The movies will be shown on the first or second Saturday of the month at the Grand Cinema, located at 606 S. Fawcett Ave. in Tacoma. All films will start at 11 a.m. with doors opening at 10:30 a.m.

There will be ten different movie screenings over the next year:

  • August 4 – Theory of Everything
  • September 8 – Happy Tears
  • October 13 – Miss You Already
  • November 10 – Glen Campbell: I’ll Be Me
  • December 8 – The Descendants
  • March 9 – August: Osage County
  • April 13 – The Diving Bell & the Butterfly
  • May 11 – You’re Not You
  • June 8 – Intelligent Lives

Each film in this series is free and open to the public. There is no reserved seating. Tickets are free but must be obtained in advance online through Brown Paper Tickets, at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3456750. For more information about the films call the Pierce County Aging and Disability Resource Center at 253-798-4600 or (800) 562-0332.

The Williams Project Announces Complete Ensemble Casting For Its Developmental Production Federico García Lorca’s Blood Wedding Of

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The Williams Project Announces Complete 
Ensemble Casting For Its Developmental Production Of
Federico García Lorca’s Blood Wedding
 
August 2-4, 2018 at Equinox Studios in Georgetown
 
The William’s Project today announced the full ensemble cast of its explosive, original developmental production of Federico García Lorca’s Blood Wedding, in a translation by famed American poet Langston Hughes. In this Andalusian tale, a bride’s ex-lover pays her a visit on her wedding day, sparking a sequence of events that will shock the whole town. Blood Wedding will run for one weekend only, August 2-4, 2018 at Equinox Studios in Georgetown, and tickets are on sale now online at TheWililamsProject.org.
Complete casting for Blood Wedding includes Brittain Ashford (Wife and Ensemble), Mia Ellis (Bride and Ensemble), Rebecca Gibel (Death, Servant, and Ensemble), Leicester Landon (Bridegroom and Ensemble), Tangela Large (Mother and Ensemble), Max Rosenak (Neighbor, Father, and Ensemble), David Samuel (Leonardo and Ensemble), and Reggie D. White (Moon, Mother-in-Law, and Ensemble).
“When casting a Williams Project show, I rarely think about who ‘fits’ each role,” Artistic Director Ryan Guzzo Purcell said. “Especially for a developmental process like Blood Wedding, I just want to work with a group of artists with huge hearts and huge talent, who are willing to put themselves on the line and command your attention. The thing these eight actors have in common is that they all go for broke. Lorca and Langston Hughes leave you nowhere to hide. And I’m so excited to watch these actors tackle this story.”