Martin Luther King, Jr.

Holiday Celebration Calendar

Fresno, CA

Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You don't have to have college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.

Dr. Martin L. King, Jr.

Friday, January 13, 2006

5:30-6:30 PM
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Evening Reception and Awards Presentation: Fresno City Hall, 2nd Floor Lobby & Council Chambers, 2600 Fresno Street.
Contact: Dr. Jean Kennedy (559) 270-1023 or Julia Dudley (559) 457-2780.

5:30 PM
A reception and awards program at the African American Historical and Cultural Museum, 1857 Fulton St.

Saturday, January 14, 2006

8-9 AM
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Breakfast will be held at the Clovis Veterans Memorial Building -Independence Room, 453 Hughes Avenue (corner of 5th Street & Hughes Ave.). Members of the Community are invited to enjoy a delicious breakfast is $5.00 per person. Fresno City College President, Ned Doffoney will speak.
Contact: Caroline Carlson (559) 324-2416.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

6PM
The Drum Major for Justice Award Banquet is hosted by the California Advocate Newspaper (http://www.caladvocate.com/Archives/DrumMajor2006/default.asp). Radisson Hotel Cost, $75. Reception is followed the awards banquet starting at 7 PM.

5:30-6:30 PM
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Candlelight Vigil at the Fresno City Hall Fountain, 2600 Fresno Street, Fresno.

Monday, January 16, 2006

9:30 AM- Assembly. 10 AM March Start
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. March and Food Drive to End Hunger in Fresno. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. at St. John's Cathedral, 2814 Mariposa Ave.

11 AM
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Program Memorial Auditorium, Fresno Street between N and O Streets (across from the Fresno Water Tower). An inspiring and enjoyable program will be hosted by the City of Fresno's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Committee.

Contact: Ed C. Bailey (559) 304-5772

Prespections, Poverty and Kayne West from a Vegas View

Today, I read an editorial piece on Black Commentator , which highlighted a study of 1200 people (500 blacks & 700 whites) about their views on how race factored into the federal government's response to Hurricane Katrina. Unsurprisingly, there was a great disparity between blacks and whites on the issue. The article also asked those polled whether Kayne West comments about George Bush, FEMA, Hurricane Katrina and racial inequality were unjustified. The editor states that the difference in perception (9% blacks, 56% whites) demonstrates that race is still an issue in our country.

I guess what makes this article particularly striking is that I saw Kayne West after his concert on News Years Eve in Las Vegas. The capacity crowd of about 7500 ($75-300 a pop) was primarily white. Despite Kayne's clear message in his lyrics and on national TV about societal wrongs regarding race, poverty and urban repression he continues to garnish fans across ethnic and socio-economic lines. Is it because young white suburbanites are searching for ways to rebel against the cultural institutions established by their parents & families? Is it because people are tired of a federal government that is unresponsive to the needs of the people whether they are of seniors, veterans, international citizens, or black/African-American? Or could the fans like artists who just don't like George Bush? I say it could any or all above.

In Fresno where the concentration of poverty is greater than pre-Katrina New Orleans, race and poverty are issues swept under the old rug already plauged with a huge lupe of dirt. It kick up dust every time someone walks over it and acts as its not there. Maybe that's why we have bad air-- no one wants to clear the dust.

Creative Blender @ Storyland

Storyland Map

Creative Blender on Huntington

Downtown Living Continues!

August 5, 2005

3650 Huntington Blvd.
(between 6th and 7th Street, just east of downtown)

Right After Work- 5PM

If you've ever wanted to get a look at the inside of one those beautiful homes on historic Huntington Boulevard then this is your chance! That's right! Not only is this month's Blender being held at an amazing home in the heart of Huntington, it's the same home featured on the August cover of Fresno Magazine!

So bring a friend.....share ideas...... have fun!





Map of
3650 E Huntington Blvd
Fresno, CA 93702-2806

Blendin' @ Borgata

Downtown Living is Here!

Dont Miss Creative Fresno's

Creative Blender

Poolside party @ Villa Borgata Condominums

The Friday after ArtHop

July 8, 2005

• Catered Food by Grand Occasions with No-Host bar
• Prizes- Stuff to Your New Condo!
• Model tours available
  

We start right after work-- 5 to7 PM

Villa Borgata condominium complex in downtown Fresno is located on Huntington Blvd. just east of R St. behind the Old Fresno Hofbrau . Map

Michael Jackson: Not Guilty

Well, well, well. It's the case everyone knows about and probably has talked about over the water cooler at some point. The verdict from the Michael Jackson was read this morning as not guilty on all ten (10) counts. Courtroom on-lookers said the courtroom was quiet, the Jackson family wassupportive, andfor the most part Michael was emotionless .

I really didnt know how the jury was going to rule in this case. Yet, I just couldn't see Michael in prison. Think about it: Michael in the prison throwing huge concerts for the officers and their families, wearing something other than his military state/princely attire, and an entourage of big black men that aren't a part of the security provided by the Nation of Islam. It would be even wierder than the already wierd life of Jackson. At the most I thought he would be convicted of at least one count with minimal sentencing (house arrest or probation).

The case does raise some interesting thoughts & questions about our society:
(1) Can wealth afford you freedom despite testimony & evidence?
(2) Are the tables of justice finally turning for men of color?
(3) How many would be out enjoying freedom if they had enough money for top lawyers and investgators?
(4) What does this case say about celebrities and those that get entangled in their lives?

Please share your thoughts & feelings.

Jackson Trial information (as if you really needed it):

E Channel Online
Court TV
AboutMichealJackson.com
CNN

Fresno's 27th Annual Juneteenth Celebration & Festival

Gospel Night- June 17th @ 6 PM

Parade- June 18th @ 10 AM

Celebration: Booth & Stage Entertainment- June 18th @ 12 Noon- 6 PM

Where: Hinton Community Center, 2385 Fairview (Church St.) just south of Edison Computech

Host: City of Fresno- Parks & Recreation, The Office of Councilmember Cythnia Sterling, and Fresno West Coalition for Economic Development (FWCED)

For Vendor & Information Booth Reservation: Contact Tate Hill at FWCED (559) 485-1273 or tateh@fwced.org

What is Juneteenth all about?

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.

From its Galveston, Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19^th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.

Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future.

For more information: Juneteenth.com

Other California Juneteenth Events

Not finding "it" in Fresno?

Are you new to Fresno or the Central Valley and how havent been able to make a connect to the urban and ethnic communities? Do you know where to find Starbuck's and an apple-raspberry muffin but you're dying for a good piece of sweet potato pie or a Vietnamese Ice-Coffee? Or maybe you are just looking for a little bit more "color". I hope you can get the information and resources you are looking for here. Feel free to express your thoughts, frustrations, or fears about your new town.