What Are You Doing To Help Haiti?

It's been a few weeks since the 7.0 monster came and took Port Au Prince, Haiti by storm.  After all of the news update from many sources,  televised fundraisers, and local collections......who is going to continue to help our brothers and sisters in Haiti?

Haiti will need help for the next few years, after the cameras are packed up and local organizations move on to relieve the next disaster.

The Association of Black Media Workers (ABMW) of Baltimore are teaming up with several organizations to bring to you the Baltimore Newsmakers Forum--a monthly forum in which local newsmakers will discuss local and international issues that will directly affect the citizens of Baltimore and in surrounding areas.

The first Baltimore Newsmakers Forum will be held at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum (830 E. Pratt Street in Baltimore) on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.  The topic of this month's forum is Haiti: Past, Present, Future.

Confirmed panelists include:

-Sunni Khalid, News Editor at WYPR. Sunni won the Columbia University School of Journalism's Silver Baton Award for his coverage of Haiti for WYPR. 

-Dr. Joseph Baptiste of the National Organization for the Advancement of Haitians (NOAH). 

-Lowell Melser, Reporter for WBAL-TV. Lowell was aboard the Baltimore based USNS Comfort as it deployed to Haiti. 

-Madison Smartt-Bell, Professor at Goucher College and author of the well-received trilogy on the 1791 Haitian Slave Revolution.

-André Chung, Photojournalist, founding member of the Iris PhotoCollective. Andre' has produced powerful photojournalism for over 20 years, and just returned from Haiti.

Please join us for an enlightening evening of dialogue, images, and information on the earthquake, and recovery of Haiti.

Doors open at 5:30, the event begins promptly at 6:00pm. The event is free.

What are you going to do that would help Haiti longterm?
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What's Your New Year's Resolution????

Hey Fam........... 2009 was a hell of a year......we laughed, cried, made milestones in life, and were fortunate enough to live throughout the year to do greater things. In 2009 we were fortunate to witness something that we never saw happening.......the first black President of the United States took his place in office this year. Not only that......a Universal Health Care bill is in process ....thanks to our black president. I don't know about you.....but I'm feeling like I can achieve anything in 2010. Just to assure that I get off to a great start I am going to write down my plans........what are your plans for 2010? What great things do you plan to achieve?

Rihanna speaks about the Domstic Violence

Many say....."She must've done something"....but does that matter?

Rihanna speaks out about her abusive relationship with Chris Brown..... how she tried to go back....but a part of herself could not allow that.

How could she show a young girl to go back to a man that could eventually kill her?

What do you think?

The Future of Hip Hop...AND THE FUTURE IS NOW!

Hip Hop got you down?

Has our beloved culture reached its peak?

Depends on who you ask...we bangin out over here shorty.

Check out Erykah Badu's Baby Father...

New Orleans own, Just Blaze and J-Dilla (R.I.P) cosigned...

JAY ELECTRONICA

Oprah Winfrey & Tyler Perry present......PRECIOUS

Last Thursday evening Lionsgate held the premeire of "Precious," which was inspired by the novel "Push." The screening was incredible.

Precious portrayed an illiterate, sexually abused young woman with very low self -esteem. Because she received this treatment from both her mom and dad, Precious believed that she was a lost cause. After attending and alternative school and giving birth to her second child, Precious found that there were people in the world that loved and cared for her .......she found her reason to escape the abuse and PUSH!!

Many of us know someone like Precious, and many times being on the outside looking in we do not take time to assess another person's situation. Precious will be in theatres on November 6th. For anyone that has experienced anything in Precious's life........continue to PUSH!!!

Terra Cafe' in Baltimore

It's been said that Baltimore City is filled with crime, thieves and poverty.......the Terra Cafe' displays the exact opposite. Serving everything from Omlets to perfectly fried and battered fish.

In speaking with the owner, Terence Dickson I learned that great food and a warm environment was not all that they had to offer. Free WIFI internet connection, exemplary customer service, and occasional live music and open mic is also available.

Go down to the Terra Cafe' located at the corner of St.Paul and 25th streets in Baltimore. The business hours are Monday - Saturday from 9am-9pm. For more information call (410) 777-5277 and tell them that Tee from Strictly Hip Hop sent you.

Former Campaign Manager, ghost writer, and younger brother of well-known politician Lawrence Bell has finally written a book. Last night, Marshall Bell's book signing was a huge success at Baltimore's Terra Cafe.'

His new book entitled "The Darkest Secret" debuted in style with live music, great food, and a wealth of intelligence among black people. It was evident that this successful event was a group effort, as his Bell's mom sold the books, his older brother spoke, and he moved the crowd. While slogan of the event was "Networking With a Purpose," the purpose was clearly served as Bell sold and signed many copies of his book.

For more information about Marshall Bell and "The Darkest Secret" go to www.facebook.com and search for Marshall C. Bell. SUPPORT THE CAUSE!!!