Author: Editors Baltimore

McDaniel College Launches 150th Anniversary Celebration

Visit 150.McDaniel.edu to learn more and follow #McDaniel150 on Facebook and Twitter

WESTMINSTER, Md. – McDaniel College marks its 150th anniversary with a year-long sesquicentennial celebration honoring its past, present and future.

Founded in 1867 as the first coeducational college south of the Mason-Dixon Line, McDaniel was formerly known as Western Maryland College, named for the Western Maryland railroad. The college’s founding date is Sept. 4, 1867, when the first academic year began, and the college’s charter was approved by the State of Maryland on March 30, 1868. In 2002, the college was renamed for William Roberts McDaniel in honor of his 65-year association with the college as a student, professor, administrator and trustee.

As a kick off, college historian James E. Lightner, who has served the college for five decades as a 1959 alumnus, professor emeritus of mathematics and current trustee, is the speaker at McDaniel’s 147th Commencement on Saturday, May 20, 10 a.m., in the college’s Gill Center. Lightner penned the history of the college in his more than 700-page book, “Fearless and Bold.”

Debuting in May 2017, a commemorative logo celebrating the 150th anniversary will appear on banners and signage on campus and throughout Westminster, Md., as well as on college stationery and other materials.

An anniversary website, 150.McDaniel.edu, will include an interactive historical timeline and a calendar of 150th anniversary-related events. The hashtag #McDaniel150 will also be utilized on Facebook and Twitter to celebrate the 150th anniversary.

Throughout the 2017–2018 academic year, the college plans to hold lectures, exhibitions and other events to commemorate the anniversary, including two special celebrations:

· McDaniel College’s 150th Birthday Party takes place on campus in conjunction with Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Free and open to the public, the event features live music, children’s activities, food and a beer and wine garden. A timeline exhibit highlighting each decade of the college’s history will be on view in Rice Gallery, Peterson Hall, with a reception beginning at 10 a.m., including opening remarks by college historian James E. Lightner. (The exhibition runs Thursday, Oct. 19–Friday, Nov. 10). There will also be self-guided historic tours of campus and viewings of “Fearless and Bold: LIVE,” a 90-minute multimedia presentation on the college’s history adapted from the book, “Fearless and Bold,” in Decker Auditorium, Lewis Hall of Science.

The Birthday Party will continue as McDaniel’s Green Terror football team takes on the Mules of Muhlenberg College at 2 p.m. at Kenneth R. Gill Stadium, with a cake-cutting ceremony slated for halftime (approximately 3:15 p.m.). McDaniel is nationally recognized for its unique drive-in tailgating tradition and approximately 2,500 fans annually attend the Homecoming football game. Admission to the game is free; parking on the field is $10 per vehicle (cash only, payable at the gate).

· Holiday Light Show illuminates Kenneth R. Gill Stadium with a drive-through light display synchronized to music throughout the holiday season. The show opens on Saturday, Nov. 25, in conjunction with Westminster’s Miracle on Main Street holiday electric parade.

The college also plans to participate in various community engagement activities, including the Westminster Fallfest Parade on Thursday, Sept. 21, and the holiday electric parade on Saturday, Nov. 25, as well as the PEEPshow at the Carroll Arts Center in March 2018. An exhibition pairing former and current art faculty members at McDaniel with alumni artists will be on display at the Carroll Arts Center from Jan. 9–Feb. 25.

In addition, McDaniel’s Center for Experience and Opportunity (CEO) will be hosting “Service Saturdays” with McDaniel students spending one Saturday each month working on community service projects with local nonprofit organizations. The Westminster Clean Up in April 2018 also includes McDaniel students volunteering at various sites throughout Westminster.

13-Year Old Nigerian-American accepted into Duke GIFTED program

Missouri City, TX (BlackNews.com) — Back in 2013, Noella Ukpe Roberts of Missouri City, Texas, was narrating adorable videos of her favorite folktale, Lǎo Lǎo Tóu, in fluent Chinese. Today, the 7th grade student, invited to join the Duke University Talent Identification Program’s prestigious 7th Grade Talent Search in October, has gained admission into Duke’s Summer Studies Program. She will be taking a college-level equivalent course in finance that will explore marketing, innovation and the effects that the stock market, taxes, mortgages and interest-bearing accounts have on our daily financial decisions.“

Qualifying for Duke’s Summer Studies is such an amazing opportunity. I’m hoping to gain skills in finance that will prepare me to own and operate my own animation studio one day,” said Noella.

Each year, Duke TIP identifies a group of academically talented students in the United States based on their exceptional grade-level standardized test scores. Only those who score at or above the 95th percentile qualify to participate in the 7th Grade Talent Search and to take the ACT or SAT, which are designed for college-bound eleventh and twelfth graders. Of those, only the top scoring participants are granted admission to Duke’s Summer Studies Program.

“We are so proud of our daughter,” said Noella’s father, Gabriel Emegha. “She has consistently worked hard at her academics and is extraordinarily focused and determined to make her dreams come true!”

Participants in the 7th Grade Talent Search also receive a variety of support services and gain access to research and other information about using their academic abilities more effectively.

For more information about Noella, contact Dionne Roberts-Emegha at (281) 748-7410 or visit www.NoellaCommunityImpact.com.

Front Page:Comcast Cares Day Volunteers Spruce Up Park and Rec Center

Mayor Catherine Pugh joined youth volunteers to paint a mural inside the Farring Baybrook Recreation Center on Comcast Cares Day, April 22, 2017 in recognition of Earth Day. Volunteers, made up of Comcast employees and family members, local fraternities and civic organizations, to perform cleanup and other work at Farring Baybrook Park and Recreation Center— helping with landscaping, painting and the beautification of the park and center.

Caribbean author debuts children’s fantasy book at African American Children’s Book Fair

BALTIMORE — Children’s author Danielle Y.C. McClean will debut her fantasy adventure book, Secrets of Oscuros: The Protectors’ Pledge on May 6, 2017, at the 5th annual African American Children’s Book Fair at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt Street in Baltimore from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Danielle Y.C. McLean is a third-place winner of the CODE 2016 Burt Award for Caribbean Literature—the largest prize for Caribbean children’s literature for her children's fantasy adventure book,

Danielle Y.C. McLean is a third-place winner of the CODE 2016 Burt Award for Caribbean Literature—the largest prize for Caribbean children’s literature for her children’s fantasy adventure book, “Secrets of Oscurus: The Protectors’ Pledge.”

A third-place winner of the CODE 2016 Burt Award for Caribbean Literature (the largest prize for Caribbean children’s literature), The Protectors’ Pledge is a fast-paced adventure set deep in a Caribbean forest with JV, a twelve-year-old hero who must risk everything to save the forest and his village.

McClean breathes life into the exciting story, which is centered around JV who can’t wait to spend his vacation exploring the Oscuros Forest. Everyone in the village of Alcavere believes the Oscuros Forest is a place to be feared, inhabited by dangerous and magical beings. But JV is not afraid, even after his first trip into the forest brings him face to-face with a mysterious creature.

Then the disappearance of one of their own shakes the village and JV joins the search. He finds himself deep in the Oscuros Forest on a rescue mission and committed to a promise, which the Protectors of the forest insist he keeps, no matter how dangerous things get.

Can JV complete his daring quest even as he uncovers in the process, a shocking secret that will force him to question everything he thought he knew?

“Writing The Protectors’ Pledge was a labor of love to celebrate and share my Caribbean heritage with children in an exciting and engaging way. To win a CODE 2016 Burt Award for Caribbean Literature means I achieved that goal and inspires me to keep moving forward on my journey as an author,” said McClean.

Danielle Y. C. McClean was born on the Caribbean island of Trinidad in a home where books were valued and plentiful. Though she went on to earn advanced degrees in French and Spanish translation as well as a law degree, she retained a love of books and a desire to become an author. In 2016, her debut novel, Secrets of Oscuros: The Protectors’ Pledge, won a CODE 2016 Burt Award for Caribbean Literature. McClean lives with her husband and two children in Tennessee, where she is a translator, interpreter and Spanish teacher.

The Protectors’ Pledge is published by CaribbeanReads Publishing. E-books and print books are available for purchase at select bookstores and all online booksellers.For more information, visit: www.daniellemcclean.com.

32nd Fallen Heroes Day honors police, firefighters killed in line of duty

Baltimore— The 32nd annual Fallen Heroes Day ceremony will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017 at 1 p.m. at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. The annual event, which attracts more than 1,500 guests from across the state of Maryland, honors and remembers police and correctional officers, firefighters, and emergency medical/rescue personnel who died in the line of duty during the past year. It is the only statewide ceremony in the nation that brings together all segments of the public safety community. Fallen Heroes Day is also an opportunity for the public to show their appreciation for those who risk their lives every day to protect the citizens of Maryland.

The 2017 Fallen Heroes Day ceremony will honor Firefighter/Paramedic Lieutenant John Ulmschneider of the Prince George’s County Fire Department who died just weeks before the 2016 ceremony. On April 15, 2016, Firefighter/PM Lieutenant Ulmschneider and another medic responded to a “welfare call” at the home of a man suspected to be suffering from a medical emergency. When there was no answer at the door, forcible entry was used. The occupant of the home shot at the medics, mortally wounding 37-year-old Firefighter/PM Lieutenant Ulmschneider, a 13-year member of the Fire/EMS Department.

The ceremony will begin with a procession of more than 25 honor guard units from across the state, police motorcycle and mounted units, bagpipers, and drummers. Kai Jackson, veteran journalist and Fox 45 News anchor will be the keynote speaker.

Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and Keiffer J. Mitchell, Jr., Special Advisor, Governor’s Legislative Office, will give memorial addresses. Princella Hunter, the mother of Fallen

Hero Trooper First Class Shaft Hunter who was honored at the 2012 Fallen Heroes Day Ceremony, will speak as a survivor. Television news anchor and radio host Mary Beth Marsden will serve as MC.

During the ceremony, the family of Firefighter/PM Lieutenant Ulmschneider will be presented with a replica of the Fallen Heroes Memorial and a resolution from the Maryland General Assembly. Additionally, one police officer and two firefighters who died in the line of duty, before Fallen Heroes Day was established in 1986, will be remembered and their families will be presented with a Governor’s Proclamation.

“Our hearts go out to the Ulmschneider family as we remember Firefighter/ Paramedic Lieutenant John Ulmschneider and those public servants across the nation who have died in the line of duty,” said John O. Mitchell, III, Chairman of Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens. “This year, as always, Fallen Heroes Day provides an opportunity for the citizens of Maryland to take time to show appreciation and respect for the men and women who risk their lives each day when they report to work.”

Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens was established in 1958 by John Armiger, Sr. In 1976, he set aside 330 burial spaces for fallen heroes and their spouses. Ten years later, he established the tradition of Fallen Heroes Day.

Keeping with tradition, Governor Larry Hogan has issued a proclamation declaring May 5, 2017 as Fallen Heroes Day in Maryland and has ordered flags flown at half-staff at the State House and all state facilities.

The Fallen Heroes Memorial is located within Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens, 200 East Padonia Road in Timonium.

(BPRW) Vy Higginsen’s Mama Foundation Salutes The Incomparable Cissy Houston at Grand Opening of The Harlem Gospel Concert Series

(Black PR Wire) Harlem, NY — In the tradition of excellence always associated with Vy Higginsen, The Mama Foundation for the Arts launches The Harlem Gospel Concert Series starring Vy Higginsen’s Gospel Choir from Harlem at The Dempsey Theater, 127 West 127th Street starting April 15th and continuing the first three Saturdays in May (6th, 13th & 20th). Each week, Higginsen brings to the stage the soulful sounds all things gospel in a high-energy, roof-raising and floor-shaking concert experience. The first show will honor gospel legend and vanguard, Dr. Cissy Houston, for her outstanding contribution to the genre of gospel music.

Dr. Cissy Houston started singing at five, touring the country with her family gospel group, The Drinkard Singers. However, her extensive career has led her to perform in the all female quartet, The Sweet Inspirations and a with the world’s most esteemed vocalists. A selected list of luminaries she has graced the stage with is as follows: David Bowie, Robert Flack, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Bette Midler, Elvis Presley, Paul Simon, Luther Vandross and Dionne Warwick. Houston has received numerous awards, performed in film and on stages as an actor and is a best selling author but her greatest achievement is being the mother and first influence of the talented Queen of Pop, Whitney Houston.

“It’s great to be apart of the grand opening of the Harlem Gospel Concert Series.” states Dr. Houston “I am grateful and humbled that they chose to honor me. Vy continues to do great things in the community and aboard. What an honor!”

Vy Higginsen’s Gospel Choir from Harlem is a celebrated group of performers elevated from the Mama Foundation’s Gospel for Teens program. In 2006, Houston was an early supporter of Gospel for Teens (GFT) and applauded Higginsen’s efforts to teach aspiring teenagers about the importance of gospel music as an art form. Gospel for Teens is an award winning program of The Mama Foundation for the Arts and Vy Higginsen’s School of Gospel, Jazz and R&B Arts. The choir can be seen accompanying today’s most celebrated pop icons like Ariana Grande, Chance the Rapper and Madonna. Through the nurture and commitment of its leadership, it has grown to be a highly respected and influential source of education and self-development for youth.

Gospel music is the foundation for all popular music in America and The Harlem Gospel Series is kicking of the grand opening of their Spring series by honoring one of it’s earliest voices with a concert chock full of good singing (and even a performance by Houston). This celebration will sure to excite gospel music lovers young and old. Tickets are $35 -$50 available at SmartTix.com.

For more information, please contact Nicole Duncan-Smith, The Mama Foundation for The Arts.

African-American nurse overtakes psychiatric industry — mental health care options just got better!

Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) — African-American professionals facing discrimination, looking to hire attorneys, been referred to mental health services, or expecting to be ‘made whole’ hoping equality will come through administration must pause.

During the years 2012-2016, because of white supremacy, Glennae E. Davis, a registered nurse, faced systemic discrimination at University of California Los Angeles so disturbing it sent her seeking psychiatric care. Exercising the Americans with Disability Act caused corporate marginalization so severe her and her family were without vested benefits and financial support for two years. And, because UCLA is self-insured she didn’t qualify for state disability insurance. With seemingly two options left: accept physical and psychiatric diagnosis, psychiatric and opioids prescriptions, and their treatment plans, or work like she didn’t need an accommodation all in order to receive a paycheck.

No wonder the CDC says, “Depression is the most common type of mental illness, affecting more than 26% of the U.S. adult population. It has been estimated that by the year 2020, depression will be the second leading cause of disability throughout the world, trailing only ischemic heart disease. Evidence has shown that mental disorders, especially depressive disorders, are strongly related to the occurrence… the event.” (www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/basics.htm). The event for many is conflict at work. Causing fear, depression, pain and ischemic heart disease.

Surprised at the options presented. Surprised that physician and nursing colleagues would choose to cause harm to protect the corporation. Giving Glennae a third option– stand in truth. Push past the fear, depression, and pain to up level the profession of nursing for you.

So be BOLD — discover how to make critical decisions that bring Better health, better Life, Liberty.(TM) for yourself, your community, and the nation. Reading her memoir, Yet Here I Stand, My Journey from Bondage to Liberty is your first step. Then check out her website and become a member of Naesvision.com – It’s free!

Naesvision is a Nurse Enterprise in Media with multiple health education and health promotion products created for African-Americans to cope and survive unique mental health challenges when facing adverse corporate systems not currently addressed through traditional healthcare options.

Freddie Jackson, still fabulous and fresh, works his music magic

New York, NY (BlackNews.com) — With 11 No. 1 hits and 30 soundtrack tunes, Freddie Jackson arrives with a soulful, love movement with the sizzling new single, “One Night,” featured on his album, “Love Signals.” Billboard has proclaimed the crooner, “one of the greatest of all time top R&B/hip-hop artists.” He has enjoyed 18 songs in the Top 10 with 11 tunes rocketing to No. 1. He earned an American Music Award and three Grammy nominations.

The Harlem native arrived on the music scene in 1985 with the now-classic soul album, “Rock Me Tonight.” Fellow church member Paul Laurence penned the title track for his platinum selling album. The tune shot to the No. 1 spot and sat there for an amazing six weeks.

“You Are My Lady,” was another crowd pleaser, hitting the charts at No. 13. The smashes continued with “He’ll Never Love You (Like I Do)” and “Love Is Just A Touch Away” sending them straight to R&B Top 10.

Jackson’s duet with Melba Moore, “A Little Bit More,” went to No. 1 R&B and he followed that triumph with the platinum selling album “Just Like The First Time” in 1986. The album’s No. 1 hit singles included “Tasty Love,” “Have You Ever Loved Somebody” and “Jam Tonight.”

He shined with soundtracks for 30 TV shows and films. He appeared on the soap, “One Life To Live” and sang “He’ll Never Love You (Like I Do).” His music was featured on many TV sitcoms including “The Golden Girls” and “Family Matters.”

Jackson’s music appeared in the children’s film, “All Dogs Go To Heaven” while “Rock Me Tonight” was featured in the classic, “Love & Basketball.” He appeared with his song, “All Over You” in the movie, “Def by Temptation” and as the King Of New York with his tune, “Dream On” alongside Laurence Fishburne and Wesley Sniples.

His new single, “One Night” from the album “Love Signals,” proves that the fabulous and fresh Freddie Jackson has worked his music magic again. He teams up with Gerald Albright on “Hold Me Tonight,” and each song is the pulse of passion and light. “All I Wanna Do” will surely become an anniversary tune for lovers. While “Save the Babies” is a global cry for help.

BLACKDOCTOR.ORG and The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health announce the 4th Annual Top Blacks in Healthcare Awards gala honorees

Chicago, IL (BlackNews.com) — BlackDoctor.org (BDO), the leading online health destination for African Americans, and The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health announce the highly-anticipated list of distinguished honorees for the 4th Annual Top Blacks in Healthcare Awards Gala. This celebration of Black excellence will take place on Thursday, April 27, 2017 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Washington DC.

The awards gala, hosted by radio and television legend Donnie Simpson, will honor 16 individuals who have made outstanding contributions to medicine and health. These highly esteemed and accomplished individuals not only maintain a demanding work/life balance, but they are also progressively moving their communities forward.

“These individuals have reached the highest levels in their careers, despite the challenges, and BlackDoctor.org is honored to celebrate their success. Their trailblazing work ensures that everyone has access to quality healthcare,” said Reggie Ware, President and CEO of BlackDoctor.org.

Dr. Freda Lewis-Hall, Executive VP & Chief Medical Officer of Pfizer, will deliver the 2017 keynote address. The 2017 honorees were identified and selected by previous Top Blacks in Healthcare award recipients as well as key individuals from partner organizations such as the National Medical Association, The George Washington University and the American Hospital Association.

BlackDoctor.org salutes this extraordinary list of Black healthcare professionals named as the “BlackDoctor.org Top Blacks in Healthcare” 2017 award recipients:

  • Kedrick D. Adkins Jr.; Chief Financial Officer, Mayo Clinic

  • Donna R. Cryer, JD; President & CEO, Global Liver Institute

  • Adaeze Enekwechi, PhD, M.P.P.; Associate Director for Health Programs, White House Office of Management & Budget, Appointee for President Barack Obama

  • Thomas A. Farrington; Founder & President, Prostate Health Education Network

  • Brian A. Hawkins; Director, Washington D.C. VA Medical Center

  • Yolanda Haywood, M.D.; Associate Dean for Diversity, Inclusion & Student Affairs, The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences

  • Michael A. Kelly; Senior Vice President Global Business Services, Amgen

  • Honorable Robin L. Kelly; Congresswoman, Illinois’ 2nd District

  • Evelyn L. Lewis, MD, MA, FAAFP, DABDA; CMO Warrior Centric Health LLC, CMA, ReX LLC and Immediate Past President of the American Academy Family Physician Foundation

  • Freda Lewis-Hall, MD, DFAPA; Executive VP & Chief Medical Officer, Pfizer

  • Kimberly Banks MacKay; Head, U.S. Legal and Compliance, Novartis Business Services

  • Veronica T. Mallett, M.D., MMM; Senior Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College

  • Joseph Melancon, MD; Chief of The GW Transplant Institute and Division of Transplant Surgery

  • Desiree Ralls-Morrison; Senior VP, General Counsel & Secretary, Boehringer Ingelheim U.S.

  • MajGen Leonard M. Randolph Jr. M.D.; USAF (Ret.); Board Chairman, Cincinnati YMCA; Board Vice Chairman, Mercy Health (Cincinnati); Former Deputy Surgeon General-USAF; Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Plan Administration

  • Jonathan Woodson, M.D.; Former Asst. Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, US Defense Dept. Current Professor of Surgery, Boston University

Award recipients will be featured on the BlackDoctor.org website, its Facebook page – with more than 1.5 million followers – and other related media. Currently, BlackDoctor.org has a total monthly audience reach of more than 40 million visitors.

Executive Editor, Sandria Washington, stated, “Today, more than ever, we must tap into our personal and collective power to create the changes we need in healthcare and beyond. Celebrating our honorees and sharing their incredible accomplishments will inspire our readers to keep pushing toward their own personal greatness.”

Sponsors for 2017 are Pfizer, Amgen, Novartis, Gilead and Otsuka. For sponsorship and ticket information, contact Candace Brandon, Candace@blackdoctor.org or at 312-222-1205.

BGE Green Grants Program Now Accepting Applications

Baltimore— Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) is now accepting applications for the 2017 Green Grants program. All 501c3 nonprofit organizations within the BGE service area that focus on conservation, education, energy efficiency, pollution prevention and community engagement are eligible to apply at www.bge.com/giving. Applications must be received by May 16, 2017.

Grants range from $1000 to $10,000 and are available to both new and existing programs that clearly demonstrate a commitment to environmental improvements in the community and to enhancing environmental stewardship throughout BGE’s central Maryland service area. Since 2013, the Green Grants program has provided more than $1,300,000 to nonprofit organizations throughout central Maryland.

“Since Green Grants started in 2013, we’ve helped 121 different organizations positively impact the environment in many different and meaningful ways,” said Alexander Núñez, BGE’s senior vice president of regulatory and external affairs. “We look forward to seeing creative ideas and programs put forward by this year’s applicants that will make a difference in the quality of life in the communities we serve.”

Since it was founded in 1816, BGE has partnered with Maryland communities to enhance our neighborhoods. Through the use of shareholder dollars, BGE supports programs that deliver measurable and sustainable impact in the areas of energy efficiency, the environment, education, economic and community development, and emergency response and safety.

BGE’s corporate citizenship aligns with its parent company, Exelon Corporation. As part of Exelon’s 2012 merger, Exelon and its subsidiaries committed to maintaining an average of $7 million in annual charitable giving for 10 years. The BGE Green Grants program fulfills part of that commitment.

For more information about the BGE:bge.com