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The First African American Woman to Receive an Emmy For “Outstanding Variety Special”

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RIKKI HUGHES, LONGTIME PRODUCER TO DAVE CHAPPELLE, 
CONTINUES TO DELIVER PROJECTS AND MAKE AUDIENCES LAUGH

EMMY and GRAMMY Award-winning producer Rikki Hughes continues to produce successful projects for film and television.  Her growing roster includes Dave Chappelle’s latest acclaimed and provocative comedy special, “Sticks & Stones.” As a veteran in Hollywood, Hughes and her company Magic Lemonade have been behind some of the most memorable television specials and series in entertainment including, BET Honors, Kat Williams: It’s Pimpin’ Pimpin’, BET’s ABFF Honors and HBO’s All Def Comedy series.

Known as “the woman behind the laughs,” Hughes made history last year as the first African American female recipient of an EMMY for “Outstanding Variety Special” for her role as Producer of Chappelle’s Equanimity & The Bird Revelation specials, which she also won a GRAMMY for “Best Comedy Album.”

A trusted collaborator of the comedy icon, Hughes also produced his most recent Sticks & Stones, the hotly debated special that prompted enthusiastic praise from audiences (resulting in a 99% audience Rotten Tomatoes score) in the face of criticism from reviewers for material they found to be offensive. Sticks & Stones marked the 5th time working with Chappelle for Hughes, having also produced his previous specials The Age of Spin (GRAMMY Award-winning), Dave Chappelle: Equanimity & The Bird Revelation (GRAMMY and EMMY-Award winning), and Epilogue: The Punch Line.  Her accolades also include an NAACP Image Award nomination.

https://youtu.be/fmsxuITR0Gc
Having started out in the music business (and eventually running the international department for Priority Records), Hughes made her foray into television in 2001 producing awards shows such as The BET 25thAnniversary Special and The BET Comedy Awards. She transitioned into producing  stand-up series and comedy specials such as the TVOne series Who Got Jokes? starring Bill Bellamy and comedian Katt Williams’ breakout special, It’s Pimpin’ Pimpin’. Starting in 2006 and for a decade, Hughes served as the Co-Executive Producer of TVOne’s nightly series Baisden After Dark and became the go-to producer for BET’s ABFF Honors and BET Honors and the BET fashion special Rip the Runway.

Hughes’ current television project is BET’s The Next Big Thing. The music competition series follows 12 contestants as they participate in an immersive artist development bootcamp, with the finalists getting the chance to audition in front of four major record labels and possibly sign a deal. The show’s star-studded judging panel is comprised of Dame Dash, Tina Davis and Zaytoven, with guest mentors including Tamar Braxton and Lil’ Kim.

Magic Lemonade is also working on a new sketch show with comedian and viral sensation Emmanuel J. Hudson, titled Mind of EP, coming soon.
“Sticks & Stones” Marks The 5th Chappelle Special for The Powerhouse Producer

Minority-Owned Firms Can Close the Wealth Gap and Drive the U.S. Economy

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MBDA’s MBE Policy Symposium (l to r: Aron Betru, Milken Institute; Henry Childs II, MBDA; U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross; and Dr. Ashley Winston, Macrodyn Group, LLC)

U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), in collaboration with the Milken Institute, convened prominent scholars, economists and business leaders to combine research efforts in support of the growth and expansion of minority business enterprises (MBEs).  Fifty years after the inception of the MBDA, it is estimated there are more than 11 million minority-owned firms.

“Minority businesses operate in an ever-changing domestic and global economic environment,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.  “With a complex array of variables perpetually at play, it is crucial for MBEs to remain flexible to the realities of the business world, and for government to create new pathways to success.”

Attendees at the MBE Policy Symposium dialogued with experts such as Matthew J. Slaughter, Dean of the Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business, and a former member of the Council of Economic Advisors; and William Bradford, Dean of the University of Washington Foster School of Business, and Partner in the Ascend 2020 Initiative.   Other contributors to the conversation included Gregory B. Fairchild, Academic Director of Public Policy and Entrepreneurship, Darden School of Business, University of Virginia; Melissa Koide, Founder and CEO, FinRegLab; Shelley Stewart III, Partner, McKinsey & Company; and Carol Caldwell, Chief for Economic Statistical Methods Division, U.S. Census Bureau. The discussion emphasized that policies intended to drive positive change for MBEs must be considered in the context of the future of the U.S. economy.

Yet, despite decades of research about MBEs, there are data limitations hindering the ability to develop effective policy in this area.  Existing data, largely survey-based and incomplete, points to disparities, but it has yet to isolate and clearly identify the causes and consequences of these disparities. MBDA, the only federal agency solely dedicated to MBEs, established the Office of Policy Analysis and Development (OPAD) to generate solutions to persistent disparities in access to capital and MBE annual revenues.

By collaborating with renowned institutions like the Milken Institute, The MacroDyn Group and others, MBDA plans to pursue a rigorous, evidenced-based, empirical and analytical foundation for policy development and public engagement.  Ideas for new MBE-focused research topics, datasets and economic modeling were discussed at length during the MBE Policy Symposium and networking breaks.

“Big data, new simulation tools, predictive analytics and the application of machine-learning algorithms offer great promise for researchers in the MBE space,” said Henry Childs II, MBDA National Director.  Childs further stated, “These new techniques have the potential to create inclusive growth strategies and be the building blocks for evidence-based policy making.”

As demographics shift, and minority groups become a majority of the United States population, it is imperative for the growth of the U.S. economy that MBEs are well understood. To achieve that, MBDA is expanding its engagement with statistical agencies, academic researchers, NGOs and other stakeholders to ensure that data continues to be pursued, sourced and continually improved.

“The Milken Institute is delighted to work with MBDA to advance discussions designed to support minority enterprises. Our goal is to explore a host of national policy initiatives to address the lack of capital in low- and moderate-income communities, and to promote research on MBEs and their impact on jobs and wealth creation.” Aron Betru, Managing Director, Milken Institute Center for Financial Markets.

About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week

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.

Since 1983, every U.S. president has issued a Presidential Proclamation designating National MED Week to recognize the contributions of the minority business community to the U.S. economy. MBDA has hosted the National MED Week celebration since its inception.  The 2019 National MED Week events are sponsored by Facebook, The Coca-Cola Company, Raytheon, AT&T and IBM.  The MBE Policy Symposium was supported by The Milken Institute and Mintz.  Learn more at https://medweek.mbda.gov.

Minecraft: The Exhibition World Premiere Coming to Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture

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MoPOP celebrates Minecraft’s 10th Anniversary by bringing its virtual 
landscape to life October 19, 2019
 The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is pleased to present
Minecraft: The Exhibition, opening to the public on October 19, 2019. Designed for players and non-players of all ages, the exhibition celebrates the game’s 10th anniversary by exploring how Minecraft has developed into a platform for unlimited creative expression, community-crafting, and inspiration to build a better world outside of the game.
Created in partnership with Mojang, Minecraft: The Exhibition is dynamic and immersive featuring life-size Minecraft creatures, scenic backdrops, a day-night lighting cycle, audio effects, and a gallery score. The exhibition will span over 6,000 square feet of the museum and is among the most ambitious exhibitions produced by MoPOP, offering fans of all ages the opportunity to experience the best-selling game of all time like never before.
“We are thrilled to co-create Minecraft: The Exhibition with Mojang and host the world premiere at MoPOP,” said Brooks Peck, Senior Curator of MoPOP, “Minecraft is not only a game that allows for unlimited creativity and exchange of ideas, it also promotes inclusiveness and equality, which are core to MoPOP’s mission.”  
Since 2009, Minecraft has not only become the best-selling game, it has also grown into a pop culture phenomenon by connecting millions of fans across the globe. “We wanted to bring Minecraft to life in the museum to explore it more deeply, celebrate its community, and share this important phenomenon with the world,” added Brooks Peck. 
“We’re so excited about this collaboration with MoPOP because it gives everyone a chance to see the world of Minecraft through a new lens. We can’t wait to see what the community thinks of Minecraft: The Exhibition,” said Lydia Winters, Chief Brand Officer at Mojang.
In the exhibition, visitors will feel as if they have stepped inside the blocky world of Minecraft, with scenes, patterns, colors, and textures being informed by actual in-game builds. The gallery will feature 15 life-size characters from the game, including the explosive Creeper and mysterious Enderman. Visitors will receive a hands-on experience at a real-life crafting table and face off against a groaning Minecraft Zombie. It also features game stations where players can try the game as well as explore some epic and elaborate creations from the community. Numerous exhibition films with interviews with the game’s creative team, builders, and community members show how Minecraft inspires creative exchanges, community creation, and social change.
Fans can purchase tickets to Minecraft: The Exhibition starting September 17, 2019 at MoPOP.org/Minecraft. The exhibition will remain on view until September 2020. 
KEY DATES:
  • Exhibition Tickets On-sale: September 17, 2019
  • Exhibition Press Preview: October 16, 2019
  • MoPOP Member Exclusive Preview: October 18, 2019 
  • Exhibition Opening Weekend Celebration (open to the public): October 19, 2019 
For more information, visit MoPOP.org/Minecraft
PHOTOS/VIDEO
For available artwork please visit the Press Room here.
# # #
ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF POP CULTURE (MoPOP)
MoPOP is a leading-edge nonprofit museum in Seattle with a mission to make creative expression a life-changing force by offering experiences that inspire and connect our communities. MoPOP reaches multigenerational audiences through our collections, exhibitions, community events, and educational programs, bringing understanding, interpretation, and scholarship to the pop culture of our time. For more information, visit www.MoPOP.org
ABOUT MOJANG
Mojang is a game development studio based in Sweden, best known for developing Minecraft. In 2014, Mojang joined Xbox Game Studios to continue work on Minecraft and bring their vision, creative energy and innovative mindset to the development of future games.
ABOUT MINECRAFT
With over 91 million unique Minecraft players engaged across all platforms and over 176 million copies sold worldwide, Minecraft is the best-selling video game in history. The Minecraft franchise continues to reach new players through an expanding line of consumer products, game updates, Minecraft Marketplace and the amazing content created by its vibrant and growing community. Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures, and we’re excited to see its world expand with new games like “Minecraft Dungeons” and “Minecraft Earth,” Minecraft: Education Edition is a special version of the game designed for schools and educational settings, supporting 21st Century learning across subjects from coding to chemistry

MoPOP celebrates Minecraft’s 10th Anniversary by bringing its virtual 
landscape to life October 19, 2019
Seattle, WA (September 12, 2019) – The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is pleased to present
Minecraft: The Exhibition, opening to the public on October 19, 2019. Designed for players and non-players of all ages, the exhibition celebrates the game’s 10th anniversary by exploring how Minecraft has developed into a platform for unlimited creative expression, community-crafting, and inspiration to build a better world outside of the game.
Created in partnership with Mojang, Minecraft: The Exhibition is dynamic and immersive featuring life-size Minecraft creatures, scenic backdrops, a day-night lighting cycle, audio effects, and a gallery score. The exhibition will span over 6,000 square feet of the museum and is among the most ambitious exhibitions produced by MoPOP, offering fans of all ages the opportunity to experience the best-selling game of all time like never before.
“We are thrilled to co-create Minecraft: The Exhibition with Mojang and host the world premiere at MoPOP,” said Brooks Peck, Senior Curator of MoPOP, “Minecraft is not only a game that allows for unlimited creativity and exchange of ideas, it also promotes inclusiveness and equality, which are core to MoPOP’s mission.”  
Since 2009, Minecraft has not only become the best-selling game, it has also grown into a pop culture phenomenon by connecting millions of fans across the globe. “We wanted to bring Minecraft to life in the museum to explore it more deeply, celebrate its community, and share this important phenomenon with the world,” added Brooks Peck. 
“We’re so excited about this collaboration with MoPOP because it gives everyone a chance to see the world of Minecraft through a new lens. We can’t wait to see what the community thinks of Minecraft: The Exhibition,” said Lydia Winters, Chief Brand Officer at Mojang.
In the exhibition, visitors will feel as if they have stepped inside the blocky world of Minecraft, with scenes, patterns, colors, and textures being informed by actual in-game builds. The gallery will feature 15 life-size characters from the game, including the explosive Creeper and mysterious Enderman. Visitors will receive a hands-on experience at a real-life crafting table and face off against a groaning Minecraft Zombie. It also features game stations where players can try the game as well as explore some epic and elaborate creations from the community. Numerous exhibition films with interviews with the game’s creative team, builders, and community members show how Minecraft inspires creative exchanges, community creation, and social change.
Fans can purchase tickets to Minecraft: The Exhibition starting September 17, 2019 at MoPOP.org/Minecraft. The exhibition will remain on view until September 2020. 
KEY DATES:
  • Exhibition Tickets On-sale: September 17, 2019
  • Exhibition Press Preview: October 16, 2019
  • MoPOP Member Exclusive Preview: October 18, 2019 
  • Exhibition Opening Weekend Celebration (open to the public): October 19, 2019 
For more information, visit MoPOP.org/Minecraft
PHOTOS/VIDEO
For available artwork please visit the Press Room here.
# # #
ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF POP CULTURE (MoPOP)
MoPOP is a leading-edge nonprofit museum in Seattle with a mission to make creative expression a life-changing force by offering experiences that inspire and connect our communities. MoPOP reaches multigenerational audiences through our collections, exhibitions, community events, and educational programs, bringing understanding, interpretation, and scholarship to the pop culture of our time. For more information, visit www.MoPOP.org
ABOUT MOJANG
Mojang is a game development studio based in Sweden, best known for developing Minecraft. In 2014, Mojang joined Xbox Game Studios to continue work on Minecraft and bring their vision, creative energy and innovative mindset to the development of future games.
ABOUT MINECRAFT
With over 91 million unique Minecraft players engaged across all platforms and over 176 million copies sold worldwide, Minecraft is the best-selling video game in history. The Minecraft franchise continues to reach new players through an expanding line of consumer products, game updates, Minecraft Marketplace and the amazing content created by its vibrant and growing community. Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures, and we’re excited to see its world expand with new games like “Minecraft Dungeons” and “Minecraft Earth,” Minecraft: Education Edition is a special version of the game designed for schools and educational settings, supporting 21st Century learning across subjects from coding to chemistry

Treehouse’s 5th Annual African American Community Conversation

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Treehouse’s 5th Annual African American Community Conversation is on Wednesday, October 23rd  at 5:30 p.m. at the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) in Seattle, and I hope you’ll join us! This year’s conversation is titled “Black Excellence: Celebrating our success and preparing for the future.” We need each of you to join the conversation, as Treehouse seeks to close the academic/opportunity gap for African American youth that have experienced foster care. We encourage youth to attend the event and participate in the discourse as well.

 

The exhibits at NAAM are open to those attending the conversation. We encourage you to show up at 5:30 p.m. and explore the museum before our discussion.

 

See event details attached, and register at https://engage.treehouseforkids.org/AACC19. Feel free to bring a friend and spread the word.

Are Washington students are missing out on basic life skills ?

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Math, science and language arts are standard classes that Washington students will be learning when they head back to school, but it is the class that is not on their schedule this year that can affect them the most. Personal finance is a lifelong beneficial subject for children to learn in school, yet a recent study analyzed 11,000 high school course catalogues and concluded only 1 in 6 high schoolers is currently required to take a personal finance course to graduate. Washington currently does not have a law that requires students to take a standalone personal finance class. Without these classes, students are missing out on critical life skills that help everyday adults avoid money problems such as budgeting, saving, investing and even how to do their taxes.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) The New Frontier  In Cybersecurity

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Why AI Is The New Frontier In Cybersecurity
 
With breach attempts and cyberattacks increasing, many companies say artificial intelligence (AI) is a necessity in identifying and thwarting threats, and they are devoting bigger pieces of the budget for AI’s role in cybersecurity.
“It’s a fundamental tool going forward due to the approaching reality of the 5G-enabled world, where massive amounts of data will need to be analyzed in real time,” says J. Eduardo Campos, co-founder with his wife, Erica, of Embedded-Knowledge Inc. (www.embedded-knowledge.com) and co-author with her of From Problem Solving to Solution Design: Turning Ideas into Actions.
“5G will empower machine-to-machine communications, and the new wireless technology will be faster, carry more information per second, and interconnect sensors, devices, and computers at large scale.
“With more data flowing at higher speeds, only AI solutions will be able to handle such high volume of transactions while monitoring applications and sensors at the edge of companies’ networks.”
Campos offers some reasons AI is an effective cybersecurity tool for businesses:
  • System-entry protection. AI systems can scan the retina and fingerprints for biometric logins, identifying small changes in patterns — a more secure point of entry than traditional passwords provide. “Hackers cracking passwords open Pandora’s Box,” Campos says. “Passwords are vulnerable to cyberattacks, and personal information such as credit cards are easily compromised. Changing passwords alone isn’t a solution. Biometric systems lower your risk of breaches because biological characteristics are hard to duplicate.”
  • Enhanced threat detection and attack prevention. Cybersecurity firms are training AI systems to detect malware and viruses by using special algorithms. “This enables AI to use pattern recognition, which helps identify malicious software and isolate them,” Campos says. “AI systems are being trained to recognize ransomware before it encrypts. The predictive analytics AI uses are much faster than a manual approach.”
  • Time and cost saving. The average overall time to detect threats and respond to breaches is reduced by up to 12%. “This time reduction occurs by repeatedly scanning for anomalies that show threat patterns,” Campos says. “AI used in fraud detection has saved some companies millions.”
  • Natural language processing. This is a subfield of computer science, information engineering and AI related to programming computers to process natural language data and narrow down the most pertinent information. “AI-powered systems can collect data for reference by scanning articles and studies on cyber threats, helping organizations prepare effective strategies,” Campos says.
“There is still no guarantee against a cyberattack,” Campos says. “But AI certainly takes cybersecurity a step further, and businesses of all sizes are taking notice at a time when threats are always knocking at the door.”
About J. Eduardo Campos
J. Eduardo Campos is co-author with his wife, Erica, of From Problem Solving to Solution Design: Turning Ideas into Actions. Campos spent 13 years at Microsoft, first as a cybersecurity advisor, then leading innovative projects at the highest levels of government in the U.S. and abroad.  His consulting firm, Embedded Knowledge Inc. (www.embedded-knowledge.com), works with organizations and entrepreneurs developing customized business strategies and forming partnerships focused on designing creative solutions to complex problems.

America’s Automotive Trust Honors John D. Barline with President’s Award

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John D. Barline

David L. Madeira, Vice Chairman of America’s Automotive Trust announced today that the organization is distinguishing John D. Barline with the 2019 President’s Award for Outstanding Service to LeMay – America’s Car Museum (ACM).

The President’s Award recognizes a member of the automotive community that has made significant contributions to the Museum’s success as the home of the LeMay Collection and nation’s largest automotive museum. Barline was instrumental in establishing ACM, securing land agreements with the city of Tacoma, handling disputes, planning a capital campaign, and helping secure the New Market Tax Credit Financing agreement.

“What a wonderful and totally unexpected honor to receive the ACM President’s Award. It truly means a lot to me since it was Harold who got me involved at the very beginning,” said Barline. “So, I really have to thank my good friends, Harold and Nancy LeMay for this—Thank you Harold and thank you Nancy!

“I vividly recall back in the ’90s having many long meetings centered around how to keep Harold’s car collection together, the creation of the Museum, his purchase of Marymount, the city’s desire for a location next to the Tacoma Dome, the first nonfamily board of directors, and so forth.”

Barline’s name will be placed permanently on a plaque outside the administrative offices at ACM with other recipients from past years. The award will be conferred prior to the Wheels & Heels Annual Gala on September 7 at ACM.

“Each year we make the presentation of the President’s Award to honor those that have taken large who have made outstanding contributions to the success of America’s Car Museum,” said Madeira. “John has been an important partner in many ways, providing us with wise legal and strategic counsel and strong leadership as Board Chairman when we launched the drive to build the Museum. We are thrilled to be able to present him with this honor, forever recognizing his many, significant contributions to LeMay – America’s Car Museum.”

The groundbreaking at America’s Car Museum took place in 2010, followed by its grand opening in summer 2012. The 4-story, 165,000 sq.-ft. Museum is the largest auto museum in North America and houses over 300 vehicles. Funding for the massive complex took part over nearly a decade with the help of Barline, Madeira and many others.

Barline added: “There are lots of memories, but of special meaning was the hiring of one David Madeira to be our first true museum director. He became our fearless leader, raised big dollars, created a hard working national board, and got the museum built and running. What a spectacular and special place Tacoma now has, the LeMay – America’s Car Museum! Thank you David and thanks to our tireless board of directors. It’s been a long road and although quite challenging at times, it has been fun and most definitely worthwhile!”

For more information on AAT, visit www.aat.org.

 

About America’s Automotive Trust (www.aat.org)

America’s Automotive Trust (AAT), headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, is a not-for-profit corporation that seeks to secure America’s automotive heritage and to transfer the skills and knowledge necessary for the future of collector vehicles and the enthusiast community for generations to come. AAT is made up of four founding members: LeMay – America’s Car Museum, the RPM Foundation, Club Auto and the Concours Club.

 

About LeMay – America’s Car Museum (americascarmuseum.org)

America’s Car Museum (ACM), a member of America’s Automotive Trust, is an international destination for families and auto enthusiasts to celebrate America’s love affair with the automobile and learn how it shaped our society. Based in Tacoma, Wash., the stunning 165,000-sq.-ft. facility has been recognized as one of MSN’s 10 Best Automotive Museums worldwide, USA Today’s 10

Best Museums in Seattle and KING5’s Best Museum in Western Washington. ACM serves as an educational center for students of all ages, features 12 rotating exhibits and hosts AAT’s annual

Signature Events.

 

The Black Hair Conspiracy

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Since California passed Senate Bill 188 known as the CROWN Act, becoming the first state to provide expanded discrimination protections for natural hair, other states have followed suit — New York, New Jersey, and now a proposed bill in Kentucky.
Desreta Jackson, known for her iconic role in the film “The Color Purple” as the young Celie, is today a natural hair expert and California native well-versed in the hair discussion. As author of “The Black Hair Conspiracy,” Jackson has extensive knowledge of the history of hair and the ways in which common myths and customs have been falsely ingrained in popular culture. As a thought-leader in the natural hair realm, she provides an insiders-view on this current topic with broad insights and well-versed responses. Desreta is available for interviews to educate your audience on the CROWN Act and its implications for 2020.

 

The Black Hair Conspiracy takes an in-depth look into the psychological effects of social media standards of beauty and its mental and physical impact by connecting historical facts with psychological theories by some of the greatest philosophers in history, The Black Hair Conspiracy debunks a series of lies put in place to psychologically enforce and control the thinking that we have learned today.

The Black Hair Conspiracy is a step-by-step guide on how to grow and maintain healthy, natural hair from maintenance to protective styling; while disproving common lessons and practices passed down by mass media and the hair care industry. The Black Hair Conspiracy will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how the hair grows along with how to safely find protective styles. It also warns you against the dangers of bad braiders, hair stylist and salons, all while invalidating common myths and customs we have psychologically been brainwashed to believe. “It is not just hair” is the core of the book that teaches how to connect your own hair energy and harness the powers to understanding your personal and financial wealth connections!

•Learn how to care for chemically treated hair
•Learn hacks to solve common hair problems
•Learn how to make homemade products they don’t want you to know about
• Learn how to use your own natural hair energy

Have fun documenting your own journey with our interactive hair diary and learn your hair Do’s and Don’ts.

Breastfeeding Unlocks Lifesaving Benefits to Black Mothers and their Babies

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Removing Breastfeeding Stigma Could Unlock Lifesaving Benefits to Black Mothers and their Babies

Black Breastfeeding Week: Disparities in access to maternity care are alarming

The United States is one of the most dangerous places in the developed world for a black woman giving birth and for black infants in their first year of life.[i]

Stark racial disparities exist between black and white infants in the U.S. The infant mortality rate of non-Hispanic black infants is 10.9 per 1,000 live births, which is 2.3 times the infant mortality rate as non-Hispanic whites (4.7 per 1,000 live births).[ii]
Despite the news, there is a healthy, cost-effective strategy to help reduce infant mortality: Breastfeeding.

Dr. Lenaye Lawyer, an OB-GYN and a market chief medical officer for AmeriHealth Caritas, a national leader in Medicaid managed care, said there should be greater awareness of the importance of raising the low black breastfeeding rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), black infants are 13 percent less likely to be breastfed than white infants.[iii]

“There are many factors that contribute to the low black breastfeeding rate,” Dr. Lawyer said. “We have to help ensure that hospitals and health clinics in minority communities have breastfeeding and lactation resources and information. And, we have to work with our community partners to remove the stigma of breastfeeding.”

The CDC’s Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) survey found that hospitals and health clinics in communities with more than a 12.2 percent black population were less likely to be supportive of breastfeeding.[iv]

Comparing facilities in areas with more than 12.2 percent black residents with facilities in areas with less than 12.2 percent black residents, the largest differences were in the percentage of facilities that implemented recommended practices related to helping mothers initiate breastfeeding early on (46 percent compared with 59.9 percent), having infants spend the majority of their time in the same room as their moms (27.7 percent compared with 39.4 percent), and limiting what infants eat or drink to only breast milk (13.1 percent compared with 25.8 percent), according to the CDC survey. These findings reveal racial disparities in access to maternity care practices known to support breastfeeding.[v]

An international study found that breastfeeding for at least two months cuts a baby’s risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) almost in half, and the longer babies are breastfed, the greater the protection.[vi] Breast milk is good nutrition for a baby, providing all the proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that a young body needs to stay healthy.[vii] Infants who are breastfed have a lower risk of developing asthma, Type 2 diabetes, eczema, and obesity.[viii] For premature infants, breast milk can be lifesaving, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The organization recommends that infants be exclusively breastfed for about the first six months with continued breastfeeding alongside introduction of complementary food for at least one year.

AmeriHealth Caritas works with local breastfeeding advocacy groups to promote awareness about breastfeeding to expectant mothers in historically disadvantaged communities. The organization’s Bright Start® maternity program hosts Moms2B community baby showers where expectant mothers can connect with local social service organizations and resources, including lactation specialists. The goal of Bright Start® is to improve birth outcomes and reduce pregnancy-related complications through early prenatal education and intervention.

“We have to work to help ensure that there is equal access to prenatal care and lactation programs and to help ensure that there are policies and practices to support women’s breastfeeding goals during prenatal care, during the maternity stay and after the birth,” Dr. Lawyer said.

About AmeriHealth Caritas
AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation’s leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. Operating in 11 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves more than 5 million Medicaid, Medicare and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management and specialty pharmacy services, and behavioral health services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven organization with more than 35 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. AmeriHealth Caritas is part of the Independence Health Group in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.

A simple, universal way to say I love you and connect with others

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Pamela Morey’s debut publication shows why ‘Pssst…Means I Love You’

Pamela Morey marks her debut in the world of children’s fiction with the release of “Pssst…Means I Love You” (published by Balboa Press), a tale showing how anyone can share their love and connect with others on sweet and simple levels.

 

Through the daily adventures of an extended family, the book teaches a way for people to say “I love you” without having to know different languages — using only the sound “Pssst…..” to convey love and connect with each other. Complemented with illustrations, the book invites readers to create fun family traditions that can be shared through the generations to come.

 

“With news today being centered around unfortunate violence and a disconnect between cultures, this simple book demonstrates ways we can all be more loving and caring towards each other and our planet as well,” Morey explains. “Saying I love you and caring for others is simple and can be fun.”

 

At its core, “Pssst…Means I Love You” proves how there is no language barrier to love and kindness.

 

“Pssst…Means I Love You”

By Pamela Morey

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 24 pages | ISBN 9781982228736

E-Book | 24 pages | ISBN 9781982228743

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

 

About the Author

Pamela Morey now resides in the Sierra foothills of Northern California. She is the mother of three and grandmother to one, and enjoys a sweet and simple life amid the rivers and trees portrayed in her first book, “Pssst…Means I Love You.”