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Archives for September 2019

Minority Business Development Agency Awards $3.6 Million for Business Development in Indian Country

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The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) announced grant awards totaling $3.6 million to support business development in Indian Country.  The investment represents an historic level of 17% of all the MBDA grants awarded this year.

“Under the guidance of President Donald J. Trump, economies are booming across the country,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “These projects have the potential to further allow Native-owned businesses to build on this unprecedented economic climate and, in turn, create jobs and new opportunities in their communities.”

The diversity among the projects shows strong promise for Native-owned businesses to achieve entrepreneurial growth and global competitiveness.  They encompass a range of strategies to address identified needs in Indian Country, including but not limited to access to capital, incubator/accelerators, federal program coaching, public-private partnerships, and broadband.  Collectively, the objective is to ensure Tribal entrepreneurs and Tribal businesses are better connected to business opportunities and trained in entrepreneurship, leading to a stronger foundation for economic growth.

“These grants affirm MBDA’s long-standing commitment to economic development in Indian Country,” said Henry Childs II, MBDA National Director. “There are many examples of economic success in Indian Country. This includes areas such as energy, tourism, and gaming. Indigenous communities are a vital part of regional economies but are often disconnected from efforts to promote regional and rural development. This disconnect contributes to disparities in socio-economic outcomes experienced in Indian Country. MBDA’s investments will help link Indigenous communities with regional and rural development efforts,” stated Childs.

The FY 2019 grant recipients are:

  • Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Asian, Inc.
  • National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development
  • Native American Development Corporation
  • Oregon Native American Business Entrepreneurial Network
  • Regents of New Mexico State University
  • Rural Community Assistance Corporation
  • Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma, Inc.
  • Salish Kootenai College
  • Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
  • Southwest Business Development Consultants, LLC
  • Spruce Root, Inc.
  • The TAALA Fund

Funds will be available for a 2-year period, September 2019 – August 2021.  All recipients will have access to management and technical assistance from MBDA and its Office of Native American Business Development.

About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
MBDA is the only Federal agency dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of U.S. minority business enterprises through the mobilization and advancement of public and private sector programs, policy and research. Our services better equip minority-owned firms to create jobs, build scale and capacity, increase revenues and expand regionally, nationally and internationally. In 2019, MBDA commemorates 50 years of economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and recommits to Winning the Future for all U.S. minority-owned businesses. For more information visit www.mbda.gov.

The Washington Fairness Campaign host former Governor Gary Locke, Larry Gossett and Hyeok Kim to learn more about the I-1000

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The Washington Fairness Campaign to approve Initiative 1000 will host an event for the public to gather and learn more about the Initiative 1000 with featured Washington state leaders.

The Washington Fairness Campaign, a broad coalition representing hundreds of organizations, unions and businesses in support of Initiative 1000 held an event to discuss the Approve 1000 campaign 

Gary Locke, former Governor, Secretary of Commerce, King County Council member Larry Gossett and former Ambassador to China and Ed Lazowska, Bill & Melinda Gates Chair in the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering at UW will be featured at this event to speak with community members to discuss Initiative 1000. Initiative 1000 will be featured on ballots in November under “Referendum 88”.

The goal of this event is to provide a platform for the public to come and speak about the Initiative with the featured leaders in Washington state, Gary Locke and Ed Lazowska. This will be an opportunity for the public to come and foster conversation around the Initiative.

I-1000 celebrates our state’s diversity and is the right action to ensure fairness and opportunity for all our citizens. Creating a level playing field ensures we all succeed. Vote to approve I-1000 via Referendum 88 to help every Washingtonian get the opportunities we all deserve. – Gov Locke.

African Pride Doubles Down on Moisture with Addition of Two NEW Styling Products

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African Pride, a trusted hair care manufacturer with more than 30 years of experience creating affordable products with high quality, naturally formulated ingredients has added two NEW styling products to its Moisture Miracle collection.

African Pride’s NEW Flaxseed Oil & Shea Butter Gel N Cream.

 

The Moisture Miracle collection, which hit retail shelves Spring 2018, is crafted with a signature blend of natural, premium ingredients of African origin to help those with kinky and coily textures replenish, restore and retain moisture to keep hair healthy and manageable throughout each step of the wash day and styling routine.

“While we had wash day and the hair maintenance part of the routine on lock, we saw an opportunity within the Moisture Miracle collection to provide additional product solutions to help create well- moisturized and defined styles,” said Kendria Strong, African Pride Director of Marketing. “To do that we knew we needed to find the right mix of natural, premium ingredients that make styling and manageability easier for Type 4 hair to combat shrinkage, while elongating and defining curls and ingredients that provide deep hydration to soften the hair and restore shine.”

African Pride’s NEW Rose Water & Argan Oil Curl Mousse

The NEW Moisture Miracle styling products include:

  • Flaxseed Oil & Shea Butter Curl Defining Gel n’ Cream (6oz) – This 3-in-1 curl training formula blends flaxseed oil and shea butter to provide superior curl definition, hydration and shine; enhancing your natural curl pattern without flaking.

Ingredient benefits:

    • Flaxseed Oil – defines and molds curls, provides natural hold, restores shine
    • Shea Butter – deeply moisturizes, strengthens and protects
  • Rose Water & Argan Oil Curl Mousse (8.5oz) – Lightweight foam blends rose water and argan oil to condition hair while adding body, control and flexible hold, leaving curls well-defined, soft to the touch and frizz-free.

Ingredient benefits:

    • Rose Water – softens and helps to repair hair’s porosity
    • Argan Oil – adds natural shine and smooths hair cuticles

These NEW Moisture Miracle products are priced between $4.49 – $4.99 and are available at Amazon.com/AfricanPride. The Flaxseed Oil & Shea Butter Curl Defining Gel n’ Cream is also available at Walmart.

Additional products in the Moisture Miracle range, which include the (1) Aloe & Coconut Water Detangle & Condition Pre-Shampoo, (2) Honey & Coconut Oil Nourish & Shine Shampoo, (3) Honey, (4) Chocolate & Coconut Oil Nourish & Restore Conditioner, (5) Coconut Milk & Honey Hydrate & Shine Leave-In Conditioner, (6) Coconut Oil & Baobab Oil Hydrate & Strengthen Leave-In Cream, (6) Shea Butter & Flaxseed Oil Moisturize & Define Curling Cream, (7) Moroccan Red Clay & Shea Butter Detox & Soften Heat Activated Masque and the (8) Strengthen & Protect 5 Essential Oils with Vitamin E, can be found at Walmart, Dollar General and local beauty supply stores nationwide.

About African Pride
For 30 years, African Pride has addressed the hair care needs of all hair types and textures whether natural or relaxed with brands like Black Castor Miracle, Moisture Miracle, Shea Miracle, Olive Miracle and Dream Kids. We believe in the unspoken power of a great hair day. The boost of energy that’s given when your beauty and confidence is intertwined should be accessible to all women. That’s why we created African Pride products with premium, natural ingredients at an affordable price to ensure that you’re less stressed about your hair and more focused on stepping into your best self.

In Loving Memory Mary Alice Hudson

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Mary Alice Hudson

Mary Alice Hudson peacefully passed away on August 25, 2019 in Goodyear, AZ. She was born September 4, 1933 in Johnson City, TN. She graduated from Richland High School in Richland, WA in 1951 and eventually settled in Seattle in 1969. Mary quickly became a prominent, well-known figure of the Central Area community while working at The Neighborhood House Community Center as a social worker. After raising her 11 children, primarily as a single-parent, she raised numerous foster children; many of which remain a part of her family today. She was also very hands-on in the daily lives of her grandchildren. Being “Granny” was one of her greatest joys. Mary was preceded in death by her son, Wade Collie, and her granddaughter, Makeia J. Murphy. She leaves to grieve her 4 daughters, Alicia Brown, Alice (Harold) Murphy, Kathy Cloy and Helen (Daniel) Ross; her 6 sons, Johnny (Cheryl) Cloy, Roy Cloy, George Cloy, Alpheus (Letha) Cloy, Marvin (Christie) Cloy and Tommy (Anne) Hudson, III; 15 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Martin Luther King Memorial Baptist Church 4519 NE 10th Street; Renton, WA 98059 on October 5, 2019 at 11am.

Our heartfelt condolences to the family of Missionary Mary Alice Hudson
Please Sign, Leave a Comment or Memory for the family to cherish

 

Tacoma City Officials, Puyallup Tribe Councilmembers, Community-Based and Faith-Based Organizations and our Youth “Take It To The Streets”.

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Tacoma City Officials, Puyallup Tribe Councilmembers, Community-Based and Faith-Based Organizations and our Youth “Take It To The Streets”.

by Evangelist Janis Clark

One thing is for sure, Tacoma concerned citizens is taking to the streets to help curb the recent uptick of violence.  Approximately 300 citizens, to include an impressive group of African American Granddads, Dads, Uncles, Brothers, Nephews and Cousins hit the pavement for a “Call To Action – Tacoma Cease-Fire”.  This movement is led by Community Leader Candace Wesley.

“Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards says that there have been 22 homicides in the city so far this year, more than all of 2018. Every city council member on Tuesday, September17 voted in favor of a “ceasefire” proclamation, but Woodards says the city is only a part of the solution.” “When citizens of Tacoma like this step up and say, ‘We know there is a problem and we know we are part of the solution,’ that’s a different narrative,” Woodards said.

On Wednesday, September 25th, “Drums Not Guns Peace March” organized by Stephanie Smith-Bright will begin at the old Portland Avenue Community Center now ran by the Korean Women Association (KWA) at 3513 East Portland Ave, Tacoma, WA 98404 and end at the Puyallup Tribal Administration Building on Portland Avenue. Also joining the Peace March is Elder A.J. Watkins, D. Min., Pastor of Simonton Genesis Ministries, Inc., with a faith-based response of “Fight for Peace – Protect Our Streets” in “laying down a blanket of prayer” for our loved city, Tacoma.

Next year is going to be a game-changing year for the Black community

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National Voter Registration Day, so there’s no better time to ensure you’re registered to vote and mobilize your networks to do the same. We all have the power to make a difference in 2020, but the work has to begin now.

Next year is going to be a game-changing year for the Black community and we are shaping a new culture of voting by bringing the Black community together as a potent political force. Hundreds of elected officials, activists, and public figures have already joined our campaign, including Actor, Director and Activist, Larenz Tate.

Supporters like you are critical to helping us maintain our momentum on the ground. We’re asking you to use your power to mobilize at least five African Americans to vote and participate in the Census in 2020.

List your five here.

We’re counting on you to be an advocate for democracy and social change. You have the power, claim it! Visit our website to mobilize your five people today.

Fighting forward,

Metro Parks Tacoma wins National Gold Medal Award

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Metro Parks Tacoma has won the prestigious 2019 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, the top achievement in the industry.

The announcement was made Tuesday, Sept. 24 by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration (AAPRA) at the opening session of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) annual conference.

Metro Parks also learned at the conference that it has earned accreditation for a second time, meaning it remains in an elite group of agencies that meet 151 rigorous standards for managing lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety and services. Only three agencies in Washington State have earned accreditation.

“Our staff, our volunteers, our program partners, and our community members rise to the challenge every day to help Metro Parks be among the best in the industry,” said Aaron Pointer, President of the Metro Parks Board of Commissioners. “The past few years have been extraordinary, as we’ve built new parks and facilities, added or enhanced programs, and developed new partnerships to expand our reach. Earning the National Gold Medal Award and accreditation at the same time is an incredible honor for everyone who contributes to our mission of creating healthy places to play, learn and grow.”

The National Gold Medal Awardprogram honors communities that demonstrate excellence through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development, and agency recognition. This is the third time Metro Parks has won it. The park district won the National Gold Medal in 1985 and 1992, and it was a finalist in 2017.

Metro Parks highlighted a variety of accomplishments in its application and video, including:

·         Opening the Pacific Seas Aquarium and Eastside Community Center in 2018.

·         Transforming a contaminated Superfund site into Dune Peninsula and the Wilson Way pedestrian bridge, which opened in July.

·         Creating the Elementary Sports Program and Whole Child Access Pass to reduce geographic and economic barriers that make it harder for children to participate in recreational opportunities.

·         Expanding environmental and conservation education from pre-school through high school, and implementing programs such as the Ocean-Friendly Restaurant campaign to reduce single-use plastics.

The other National Gold Medal finalists in the population category of 150,000 to 400,000 people were agencies serving Tampa, Fla; Norfolk, Va.; and Greensboro, N.C. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission was among four finalists in the state parks category, which was won by Florida.

The process for accreditation included a lengthy assessment of 151 standards, hundreds of supporting documents submitted as evidence, a four-day site visit by a team of trained park professionals, and a hearing with the commission to grant accreditation. Metro Parks was first accredited in 2014, and this was the district’s first time being reaccredited.

“I’m excited for our staff and everyone associated with Metro Parks to receive such distinguished recognition. It’s a credit to their passion, energy and innovative thinking,” said Metro Parks Executive Director Shon Sylvia. “This isn’t a one-time accomplishment. Being reaccredited shows we are doing our best to live these standards every day.”

Of the thousands of park and recreation agencies in the nation, only 178 are accredited, according to NRPA. The park departments in Bellevue and Shoreline are the only other accredited agencies in the state of Washington.

The NRPA is a nonprofit dedicated to helping its 60,000 members provide everyone with access to parks and recreation services for health, conservation and social equity. The AAPRA is focused on the administration of recreation and parks.

New Fare Share Plan to Invest in Workers, Housing, and Transportation

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We’re living in the most disruptive time for our workers since the Industrial Revolution. Our economy is changing, and long-term jobs are giving way to gig work. In this rapidly changing economy, we need to make sure our hard-fought worker protections are available for gig workers. That includes Uber and Lyft drivers, who work long hours to help all of us get where we need to go.

As Seattle grows, we also need to make sure our communities can afford to live near where they work, and everyone, regardless of income or ability level, has access to high-quality transit.

That’s why earlier today I announced my “Fare Share” plan to invest in workers, housing near transit, and transit and transportation projects.

Our Fare Share plan will:

  • Mandate Seattle’s minimum wage, plus benefits and expenses, for Uber and Lyft drivers, beginning July 1, 2020;
  • Invest in landmark worker protections, including a first-in-the-nation Driver Resolution Center;
  • Invest in transit and fully fund the Center City Connector streetcar; and
  • Support more than 500 new affordable homes near transit for people earning between $15 and $25 per hour.

 

The City of Seattle wants to create a model to ensure we’re appropriately compensating drivers for the hours they truly work, the expenses they are shouldering, and the benefits they deserve, even if they are currently classified as independent contractors.

Seattle is a national leader in ensuring our workers are treated fairly and can build a better life for themselves and their loved ones. From the Fight for $15 to our Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, we’ve always been the city that puts our workers before any company’s bottom line.

We also know that more and more workers like Seattle’s nurse assistants, construction workers, and preschool teachers can’t afford to live close to their jobs. And that’s why we need to continue to invest in more affordable housing as quickly as possible across Seattle.

There’s no doubt that the explosive growth of companies like Lyft and Uber has helped many people, and has helped create opportunity for many communities throughout our region.

But the fact remains that some Uber and Lyft drivers are not making minimum wage, while billion dollar companies are profiting off of using the City’s public resources, like the right of way and curb space. Last year alone, there were more than 24 million Uber and Lyft rides in our City, half of which started or ended downtown. That has had an impact on congestion, and has crowded our buses and curbs.

That’s why we need to think big and make important investments in transit like this one to ensure we keep transit moving in downtown Seattle, manage traffic, and achieve our climate goals.

This overall plan is about ensuring Seattle builds off our legacy of fighting for working families. And it’s about growing into the city we want to be.

Your feedback is critical to the success of this project. As always, please continue to write me at Jenny.Durkan@seattle.gov, reach out via Twitter and Facebook, and stay up-to-date on the work we’re doing for the people of Seattle on my blog.

Mayor Jenny Durkan is releasing her 2020 Proposed Budget

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Mayor Jenny Durkan is releasing her 2020 Proposed Budget.  In the second year of the two-year budget biennium, this budget maintains core services while at the same time increasing investments in priorities like public safety, housing and homelessness, transit and transportation, and opportunity and jobs for Seattle’s young people.

The 2020 Proposed Budget maintains resources and staff to support the ongoing work of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA).  We will continue to provide:

  • Naturalization assistance through our New Citizen Campaign and New Citizen Program;
  • The Immigrant Family Institute including the evidence-based Strengthening Families Program curriculum;
  • The Ready to Work program in three Seattle locations;
  • Removal defense via the Seattle/King County Expanded Legal Defense Network (ELDN); and
  • Citywide Language Access and Ethnic Media programs.

For those of you who watch the numbers closely, you’ll see that the total annual budget for OIRA looks lower (about $4M rather than $5M).  This is a result of technical changes in the way we reflect our grant funding and the ELDN partnership with King County.  Current recurring OIRA grants will now be added to the budget when each annual contract is signed, rather than assumed in OIRA’s base budget.  And because King County (rather than OIRA) is administering the contracts for ELDN, the King County investment of $810,000 for 2020 is not included in OIRA’s budget.  OIRA’s program delivery will not be affected.

NEXT STEPS AND COMMUNICATION ABOUT BUDGET
Over the next two months, the City Council will review the Mayor’s the proposed budget. Final adoption of the budget is expected on Monday, November 25. More information about details in the budget can be found at www.seattle.gov/budget, and you can also direct any questions to jenny.durkan@seattle.gov.

“Conversation With The Streets”

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“Conversation With The Streets” | IS A MOVEMENT

With the “Conversation With The Streets” movement,
we believe in an unconventional way of reaching out, healing, and educating!

SEPTEMBER 2019 PANEL RELEASED | DINNER WILL BE SERVED

Wed, September 25, 2019 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM PDT
Seattle City Hall (Main Level)   600 4th Ave Seattle, WA 98104

BLACK LEADERS UNITE

  • Andre’ L. Taylor, Activist and Motivational Speaker
  • Jay Morrison, CEO, Entrepreneur, and Real Estate Expert
  • Nuri Muhammad, Nation of Islam, Student Minister, Indianapolis, Indiana

This event is sponsored by the organization, NOT THIS TIME, with support from the Mayor’s Office of Seattle, Seattle Neighborhoods, Seattle Foundation, The McCaney Project, and Savren Marketing.

THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

YOUR COMMUNITY IS ONLY A CLICK AWAY … www.nwfacts.com