This Week's Best Photo: Magic Johnson & Urban Chamber President Emeritus Hannah Brown

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - Earvin "Magic" Johnson was recently in Las Vegas for AARP's Vegas @ 50+. As the NBA Hall of Famer and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises embarks on his own 50th year, his company continues a three-year collaboration with Aetna in the "Team up for a Healthy Tomorrow" initiative. Johnson spoke at the AARP event and hosted a VIP reception.

Bill To Extend Unemployment Benefits & Homebuyer Tax Credit Passes

(Washington, D.C. ) - Led by Nevada Senator Harry Reid, the U.S. Senate this week passed a bill that will extend unemployment benefits, the Homebuyer Tax Credit, and tax relief for struggling businesses. "These additional 14 weeks of benefits will allow Nevadans looking for work to pay the bills, support their families, and put food on the table," Reid said. "I'm also pleased that we successfully extended the homebuyer tax credit to continue this important incentive that is helping to stabilize the housing market. This amendment is a win across the board for Nevada and the country and I'm grateful that Senator Baucus and I were able to include it in the bill." For a summary of the Reid-Baucus Amendment Extended Unemployment Benefits, go to http://reid.senate.gov

Links, Inc. To Host 2nd Annual Sepia Fashion Review, December 5th

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - Fresh from the success of October's health forum, the Links, Inc. is channeling their energy into the next community focused project. The "Sepia Fashion Review: Fashion Odyssey", will take place at the World Market Center Las Vegas on December 5th. The cocktail reception will begin at 6:30 PM. The fashion show, which will feature the Hamilton Vogue Esquire Models of Chicago will start promptly at 7:30 PM. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Links, Inc. Scholarship Fund & Community Programs. The Links, Incorporated is an exclusive non-profit organization based upon the ideals of combining friendship and community service. The organization was founded in 1946 to focus on civic, cultural and educational endeavors and is comprised primarily of professional African American women. The Links, Inc., Las Vegas Chapter consists of professional women from across the city who are dedicated to their community. Tickets for the December 5th fashion soiree are $65, and can be purchased by calling 702.648.4800

"By The People: The Election of Barack Obama", Premieres On HBO November 3rd

(November 1, 2009) - The HBO exclusive, "By The People: The Election of Barack Obama" documentary is a moving record of the Obama campaign's history-making odyssey to the White House. Interwoven with the drama of the campaign is never-before-seen footage of Obama behind the scenes, as well as interviews and candid moments with wife Michelle Obama, the couple's young daughters, Malia and Sasha, and senior campaign staff, volunteers, reporters, supporters and opponents. Airs November 3rd at 9 PM on HBO. For more info, go to http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/bythepeople/synopsis/index.html

BET.com To Host Scripted Comedy Series, "Buppies", Beginning November 3rd

(November 1, 2009) - Black Entertainment Television will launch a 10-part short form series, dubbed "Buppies", streamed via the web (BET.com) beginning November 3rd. Tatyana Ali will star as a young, socialite publicist trying to recover from a broken relationship. The scripted comedy series will have new episodes premiering on consecutive Tuesdays. Cosmetics company CoverGirl has signed on as sponsor for the series' 4 to 5 minute episodes, for which Ali also serves as executive producer. To learn more, go to http://www.bet.com/

Cahlan-Edison Elementary To Receive Donation Of Sports Equipment

(NORTH LAS VEGAS, NV) - The City of North Las Vegas Utilities Department is donating new sports equipment for physical education classes that benefit more than 750 students at Cahlan-Edison Elementary School, an Edison Learning Institute. The Utilities Department will present the donation on Wednesday, November 4th, at the school, located at 2801 Fort Sumter Dr. Utilities Department employees have been collecting items to donate to the adjacent school for the past two weeks. They have collected more than $1,000 worth of sports equipment. "Cahlan-Edison has been a great neighbor to the Utilities Department for more than 10 years," Utilities Director David Bereskin said. "It pleases me that our employees are giving back to the children in the community by making it their mission to donate new sporting equipment for the students to enjoy."

This Week's Best Shot: Vegas' Night Out At The Black Mayor's Ball

Photo courtesy Rodney Smith

November & December Concert Schedule

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - A variety of acts are scheduled for November and December. For more information or to purchase tickets, click on the links below.

NOVEMBER
11/5 - Queen Latifah - http://www.primmvalleyresorts.com/
11/6 - R. Kelly - http://www.ticketmaster.com/
11/11 - 11/12 - Santana - http://www.thejointlasvegas.com/
11/20 - 11/22 - The Four Tops - http://www.orleanscasino.com/
11/20 - Kenny G. - http://www.ticketmaster.com/
11/21 - Hiroshima - http://www.stationcasinos.com/
11/21 - Raphael Saadiq - http://www.houseofblues.com/
11/22 - Kem & Laura Izibor. http://www.ticketmaster.com/
11/25 - Bet Live! 106 & Park Tour w/Mario - http://www.houseofblues.com
11/27 - Patti LaBelle - http://www.primmvalleyresorts.com/
11/27 - Bill Cosby - http://www.treasureisland.com/
11/27 - Avant - http://www.ticketmaster.com/
11/28 - Stevie Wonder - http://www.ticketmaster.com/

DECEMBER
12/5 - Boney James - http://www.boulderstation.com/
12/10 - Aventura - http://www.thejointlasvegas.com/
12/12 - Ice Cube - http://www.livenation.com/
12/26 - B. B. King - http://www.ticketmaster.com/
12/27 - Boyz II Men w/ Salt-N-Pepa - http://www.ticketmaster.com/
12/29 & 12/30 - Black Eyed Peas - http://www.ticketmaster.com/
Ongoing - The Lion King - http://www.lionkinglasvegas.com/

Las Vegas Chapter of the National Bar Association Announces Scholarship Recipients At 2009 Gala

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - The Las Vegas Chapter of the National Bar Association (LVNBA) celebrated 20 years of giving back to the Las Vegas community on Saturday, October 24th at their annual scholarship gala. This year's recipients included Colin Seale, Nechole Garcia, Jessica Goodey and Richard Manhattan. In addition, LVNBA paid tribute to the Floyd Mayweather Jr., Charitable Foundation, Nevada Partners, Marquis & Aurbach and Dean John V. White. The Woody Woods Quartet provided the musical setting while special guest Tommy Davidson delighted guests with a dose of comedic entertainment. Outgoing President F. Travis Buchanan delivered a heartfelt speech as he passed the torch to incoming 2010 President, Richard F. Boulware. The gala, held at the Rio All Suites Hotel & Casino welcomed more than 250 guests. The Las Vegas Chapter of the National Bar Association (LVNBA) is Southern Nevada’s affiliate member of the National Bar Association. LVNBA’s mission is to enhance the professionallives of its members by providing a source of networks, support and mentorship for African-American attorneys while encouraging community service for those in need. To learn more about LVNBA, go to http://www.lasvegasnba.org/

Conti Moore, Esq. (shown with Tommy Davidson) was the Gala Chairwoman.

ESSENCE named to Advertising Age A-List of top 10 magazines for 2009

(October 28, 2009) - ESSENCE magazine received special industry recognition recently as a magazine that reaches beyond the printed page to build a future as a finely-honed media brand. The publication was ranked No. 6 on the 2009 Advertising Age Magazine A-List. Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the leading media and communications company dedicated to African-American women. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events, and online, the Essence brand is "Where Black Women Come First". For 39 years, ESSENCE, which has a brand reach of over 8 million, has been the leading source of cutting-edge information relating to every area of African-American women's lives. For more info, go to http://www.essence.com/

Vanessa & Angela Simmons Take Part In Local Youth Empowerment Summit

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - The "Youth Empowerment Summit" (YES), hosted by the National Conference of Black Mayors was held last Saturday at the William U. Pearson Community Center. Students from across the city participated in a panel discussion led by BET's Jeff Johnson. Also on the panel were "Pastry" sport shoe designers Vanessa Simmons and Angela Simmons, daughters of Run DMC's "Rev. Run". Pictured with the Simmons are gospel recording artist Canton Jones, Assembly District 7 candidate Carolyn Essex and a local student.

Highlights From The Pink Ribbon Mixer: In Support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - Since 2006, EVibe has hosted informative events targeting Las Vegas women of color. This year, the "Pink Ribbon Mixer" was launched in partnership with the local Susan G. Komen affiliate to help pay tribute to those who have been touched by breast cancer -- while providing a low-key setting to provide information about risk factors specific to women of color. Guests mixed and mingled at the Lounge inside Panevino Ristorante while enjoying Pink Bubblegum Martinis created just for the occasion. A volunteer from the Komen organization was on hand to share her personal story of breast cancer survival, while distributing informational packets. Of the more than 75 women who took the pledge to "get screened", ten were selected from a raffle to win "pink" prizes for their support of and participation in the event. A follow-up event is already in the works for 2010. To learn more about the local Komen affiliate, go to http://www.komensouthernnevada.org/

BET to Premiere the 2009 BET HIP-HOP Awards October 27th

(October 27, 2009) - Comedian Mike Epps will host the premiere of the 2009 BET HIP HOP Awards tonite on BET. Taped in Atlanta's Boisfeuillet Jones Civic Center, the 2009 BET HIP-HOP AWARDS celebrates the biggest names in the game -- both on the mic and in the community. Jay Z and Young Jeezy kick off the show, followed by performances and appearances from Missy Elliott, Monica, Fabolous, The Dream, Tiny and Toya, Jim Jones and Ludracris, among others. Highlights include a tribute to women in hip-hop honoring Fatima Robinson and Missy Elliot for their significant contributions to the hip-hop culture with their art, creativity, originality and pure talent. Airs tonite at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT on BET. For more info, go to http://www.bet.com

Nevada State Senator Steven Horsford Named to The ROOT 100 List of African American Leaders

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - Steven Horsford, Nevada State Senator and Majority Leader has been named to The ROOT 100, which recognizes emerging and established African-American leaders who are making extraordinary contributions. The ROOT 100 celebrates leadership, creativity, service, and, above all, excellence. Horsford was elected to the Nevada State Senate in November 2004 where he represents Senatorial District Four. He has served in three special sessions and two regular session of the Nevada Legislature, and serves on the committees of Judiciary, Human Resources and Education, and Legislative Operations, Elections and Ethics. To learn more about Senator Horsford, go to http://www.stevenhorsford.com/ To see the full profile and others who made The Root 100, go to http://www.theroot.com/views/root-100

Reid Announces Funding For Job Creating Housing Projects

Washington, D.C. - Nevada Senator Harry Reid announced more than $46 million of economic recovery funding is headed to Nevada for job creating housing projects. Specifically the money will create jobs building and rehabilitating houses for low income families and individuals throughout the state. "This money will continue our efforts to create and save jobs across the state, while providing housing for Nevadans who really need it," Reid said. "This is why we passed the economic recovery act, and I'm pleased to see another important facet taking hold in Nevada."

This Week's Best Photo: The First Family's Official Portrait

U2 & Black Eyed Peas In Concert; NCBM and AARP Conventions - Vegas This Weekend

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - Sam Boyd Stadium anticipates a sell out crowd as U2 and Black Eyed Peas perform on Friday, October 23rd. The concert is one of many events taking place over a busy weekend that includes the National Black Conference of Mayors and AARP's Vegas @ 50+. Tp purchase tickets for the U2 concert, go to http://www.unlvtickets.com More information about the two conventions are included in separate posts.

Reid Cosponsors Bill To Establish Stronger Consumer Protections

(Washington, D.C. ) Nevada Senator Harry Reid is cosponsoring a bill that will amend the Truth in Lending Act to help protect consumers from overdraft fees that are often too high and, in some cases, even avoidable. The legislation would also allow consumers who make purchases with a debit card or check to be notified if the sale would result in an overdraft, rather than the bank automatically approving the sale and charging the customer an overdraft fee, which many often do. In addition, it would provide strong new consumer protections and disclosures for all types of transactions, including paychecks and direct deposits.

"If you are one of the many people suffering from the effects of this economy, something as simple as a $50 overdraft fee can really hurt," Reid said. "I'm pleased to cosponsor this bill, which restores fairness and accountability to Nevada consumers from their banks. This bill will save Nevadans money by limiting the amount a bank can charge for an overdraft fee and requiring banks to post transactions in a way that consumers do not incur avoidable overdraft fees."

Book Signing With Author Rekaya Gibson, October 23rd

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - Las Vegas author Rekaya Gibson will sign copies of her debut novel, The Food Temptress. Published by Xpress Yourself Publishing Company, the novel captures the hearts and minds of men with recipes embedded in each short story. The Food Temptress serves up a delectable treat connected by Ambrosia's continuing quest for both romantic and culinary perfection. The event will take place from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. on Friday, October 23rd, at Rhythm Kitchen, 6435 S. Decatur Blvd., Las Vegas.

Las Vegas To Host National Conference of Black Mayors 35th Annual Convention, Oct. 21 - 24

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - The National Conference of Black Mayors will be celebrating its 35th Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 21-24 at the MGM Grand Hotel. Each year during the annual convention, NCBM brings together mayors and municipal leaders, including several international delegations, state and federal officials, as well as members of the public and private sectors for the purpose of networking and obtaining information on the latest policies and strategies for municipal government. The weeklong event will include informative workshop modules, influential training sessions, dynamic forums and roundtable discussions around vital issues affecting the functioning of local government. Exciting social events, with special appearances by some of America’s most well known leaders and personalities, round out the week’s activities. For more information, go to http://www.ncbm.org/

Make A Difference Day Is October 24th

(October 20, 2009) - Created by USA WEEKEND Magazine, Make A Difference Day is an annual event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every October. Make A Difference Day is the most encompassing national day of helping others -- a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. In 2008, 3 million people cared enough about their communities to volunteer on that day, accomplishing thousands of projects in hundreds of towns. Everyone can participate. The next event is Saturday, October 24, 2009. For more information about how you can make a difference, go to http://www.makeadifferenceday.com/

Project Alpha Will Host A Teen Conference, October 24th

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - Over 100 local youth will have the opportunity to talk "person-to-person" about issues of sexuality as they take part in a one-day workshop sponsored by the Theta Pi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Alpha Men and Divas of Tomorrow Youth Program. The Project Alpha conference will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at the University of Nevada Las Vegas CBC Building located at 4505 S. Maryland Parkway. The conference will run from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Admission is FREE and the event is open to the public. For more information please contact Jason Beasley at 521-5022 or visit http://www.alphalv.com/

"Time To Deliver", National Day Of Action on Health Reform Set For October 20th

(Washington, DC )- Organizing for America (OFA), a grassroots project of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) will be holding a national day of action on health insurance reform in all 50 states on Tuesday, October 20th. OFA's “Time to Deliver” health insurance reform events will take place in neighborhoods across the country, with the goal of generating 100,000 calls and commitments to call Congress in a single day. Community members will also be able to watch a live simulcast of President Obama. Las Vegas “Time to Deliver” Call Event will be held on the campus of UNLV. Nevada OFA will be bringing a homemade “phone booth” to the location where OFA Volunteers will ask students and passersby to call their members of Congress in the “phone booth.” The location is UNLV- Amphitheater, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154. The timeframe is 10 AM - 5 PM.

AARP's Vegas @50+, October 22nd - 24th

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - AARP Presents Vegas @50+, a 2-day forum including workshops, concerts and special programs. The 2009 National Event & Expo, scheduled from October 22–24, will be held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Las Vegas. Tickets are $25 for AARP Members, $35 for friends and family and include admission to all sessions and exhibits. For more info, or to purchase tickets, go to http://www.aarp.org/aarp/events/Life_at_50_Las_Vegas/

TV One presents, "Jill Scott: The Real Thing Tour, Live In Philly", October 18th

(October 16, 2009) - TV One will present Jill Scott: The Real Thing Tour (Live in Philly) on Sunday, October 18th. Witness one of music's biggest stars as she takes the stage in front of a packed hometown audience to perform a mix of her classics including "A Long Walk" and "Golden". Jill Scott: The Real Thing Tour airs on TV One. More info at http://www.tvoneonline.com/

Queen Latifah in November; Kool & The Gang & The Commodores This Weekend

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - Queen Latifah, with a new look and a new album titled, "Persona", is scheduled to perform in Las Vegas on November 5th at the Primm Valley Resort. Latifah’s new album showcases a range of styles – incorporating R&B, rap and jazz. "Persona" features collaborations with artists including Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige and Busta Rhymes. The new album is available in stores and online. Concert tickets may be purchased at http://www.primmvalleyresorts.com/ Other artists scheduled to perform this weekend:

10/16 - Kool & The Gang/Commodores - http://www.primmvalleyresorts.com/

10/17 - Justin Timberlake & Friends - http://www.ticketmaster.com/

BeBe & CeCe Winans' New Gospel TV Series Set To Launch October 18th

(October 15, 2009) - Popular gospel artists BeBe and CeCe Winans are back from a 15 year hiatus with a new show and album. "BeBe & CeCe Winans: Revealed" will premiere on the Gospel Music Channel on October 18th, 8pm ET/PT. Gospel Music Channel can be seen in 45 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224. The Grammy award winning brother & sister duo has also released a new album "Still"; available online at http://www.cecewinans.com/

Las Vegas Youth Orchestra To Perform Classical Music Under The Stars, Oct.15th

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - The Las Vegas Youth Orchestra is a diverse group of more than 300 students, ages 8 - 18 who are admitted by annual audition to this after-school program. The two upper-level groups, the Las Vegas Youth Philharmonic and Las Vegas Youth Symphony, perform symphonic repertoire with students preparing for entry into collegiate and professional-level organizations. Most students have five to eight years of musical experience and receive private instruction.

The community is invited to enjoy an evening extravaganza of classical music under the stars at the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra's concert on Thursday, Oct. 15th, at 6 p.m. at the Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza. Tickets are available at the gate, priced at $9 for adults and $5 for students, senior citizens and the disabled. The outdoor Festival Plaza is located at 720 Twin Lakes Drive in Lorenzi Park. Bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnics if desired, but no pets or glass containers. For more information on the youth orchestras, go to http://www.lvyo.org

Reid Announces Funding For CCSD For Solar Lighting Technology

(Washington, D.C. ) - More than $750,000 is headed to the Clark County School District for installing new solar technology that will provide high quality day-time lighting. The new lighting system, according to Senator Harry Reid, will provide natural light without generating any heat, which saves on air conditioning costs. Electricity bills will also drop because artificial lighting accounts for about one-quarter of the total energy consumed in an average commercial building. "This money will create good jobs in the Clark County School District while also helping to save taxpayer dollars by conserving energy," Reid said. "This is a win across the board for Nevada."

Essex Announces Run For Assembly District 7

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - Carolyn Essex, a resident of North Las Vegas, recently announced her candidacy for Assembly District 7, North Las Vegas. A long-time resident of Nevada, Essex would like to bring her neighbors voices and issues of concern to Carson City. Essex stated that her platform will be the platform of her neighbors and that any bill she supports or brings before the Legislature will be the ideas, matters and concerns of her district. Ms. Essex is shown here with her spouse, Charles Essex.

NV Energy To Host GREEN ENERGY Workshop for Small Businesses, Oct.21st

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - "Partnership for Sustainability: Resources to Help Your Business Save Money in a Green Economy", will offer small businesses ideas and best practice solutions to support their business operations. Experts will speak about topics ranging from Energy Conservation and Management to NV Energy Supplier Certification Requirements. The event takes place Wednesday, October 21st, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. (lunch will be provided) at NV Energy's Corporate Office, 6226 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89146.

This small-business workshop is being presented by NV Energy in partnership with the Asian, Latin, Urban and Women's Chambers and is open to all small business owners. To RSVP, send an email including your full name and number of attendees to hgonzalez@nvenergy.com

Las Vegas Chapter of the National Bar Association to Host Scholarship Gala, October 24th

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - The members, friends and special guests of the Las Vegas Chapter of the National Bar Association will celebrate its 20th year giving back to the Las Vegas community through scholarships, mentoring and other community-focused programs on Saturday, October 24th. Members of the community will be honored and a deserving youth will be awarded a scholarship. The event starts at 6:00 and includes Cocktail Hour (No Host Bar), Dinner/Program and Live Band/Dancing. Held at the Rio All Suites Hotel & Casino, tickets are $75 (Individual Tickets) and $750 (Tables of Ten). The RSVP deadline is October 18th. To purchase tickets or for more information, go to http://www.lasvegasnba.org/

Motown Legend Stevie Wonder To Perform at MGM Grand, November 28th

(LAS VEGAS, NV) - Stevie Wonder; singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer is scheduled to perform at the MGM Grand on November 28th. Wonder, who signed with Motown at the age of eleven, has recorded more than thirty U.S. top ten hits and won twenty-two Grammy Awards. Tickets go on sale at 10 AM on Saturday, October 10th at http://www.ticketmaster.com/

Other artists scheduled to perform this weekend include:

10/9 - Jamie Foxx - http://www.ticketmaster.com/

10/9 & 10/10 - Mariah Carey - http://www.livenation.com/

10/10 - The Rippingtons - http://www.boulderstation.com/

10/10 - Dionne Warwick - http://www.cannerycasinos.com/

TV One presents, "Women of the White House", October 11th

October 9, 2009 - TV One takes you behind the scenes and introduces a few of President Obama’s top women: Desirée Rogers (pictured), Valerie Jarrett and Susan Rice were hand-picked by President Barack Obama to be part of his team because they distinguished themselves as leaders in their fields. They are credentialed, brainy, beautiful and at the top of their game. They shape policy, influence decision-making and have the President’s ear. Even with all of that, they manage to find time to be wives, mothers, sisters and girlfriends. Get to know these sisters in a way unlike any other. Don’t miss Valerie, Desiree and Susan as they share their lives and the story of how they came to hold the positions never before held by African-American women. For more info, go to http://www.tvoneonline.com/

U.S. President Barack Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize for 2009

(October 10, 2009) - The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009 is to be awarded to President Barack Obama for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama's vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons. Obama has as President created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play. Dialogue and negotiations are preferred as instruments for resolving even the most difficult international conflicts. The vision of a world free from nuclear arms has powerfully stimulated disarmament and arms control negotiations. Thanks to Obama's initiative, the USA is now playing a more constructive role in meeting the great climatic challenges the world is confronting. Democracy and human rights are to be strengthened. Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future. His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population.

For 108 years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has sought to stimulate precisely that international policy and those attitudes for which Obama is now the world's leading spokesman. The Committee endorses Obama's appeal that "Now is the time for all of us to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges." Oslo, October 9, 2009