Charter Schools: Are They Saving Harlem’s Schools?

Education

New York City is well on track toward Mayor Bloomberg’s goal of having 100 charter schools by the fall. Charters are publicly funded but privately managed. Some parents believe they provide competition that can force the rest of the school system to improve. But others believe they’re draining resources. WNYC’s Beth Fertig took a close look at their effect in Harlem – a neighborhood that’s seen an explosion in charters.

To witnesss the debate over charter schools firsthand, it’s worth going someplace you wouldn’t expect: a girls’ bathroom at PS 123.

Bette Midler To Turn E. Harlem Green

Four-time Grammy winner and self- confessed glitz queen Bette Midler enters an East Harlem lot at her characteristic hip-swaying march, swapping the outsize pink feather headdress of her Las Vegas show for gardening gloves.

Midler is here to open a community garden next to an abandoned tenement, the 33rd oasis her New York Restoration Project has transformed from garbage-strewn wasteland.

‘You Are Not Alone’ Michael Jackson

Music

Michael Jackson You Are Not Alone…

R.I.P!
But YOU ARE NOT ALONE
For I am here with you
Though we’re far apart
You’re always in my heart
But you are not alone

(from youtube.com “comments”)

Latest: Michael Jackson Dies In LA Hospital

Michael Jackson, the moonwalking former child star who became known the world over as the “King of Pop” before his life and career deteriorated in a freakish series of scandals, died Thursday, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. He was 50. The person said Jackson died in a Los Angeles hospital. The person was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity.

The circumstances of his death were not immediately clear. Jackson was not breathing when Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 p.m., Capt. Steve Ruda told the Los Angeles Times. The paramedics performed CPR and took him to UCLA Medical Center, Ruda told the newspaper.

Unconfirmed Reports That Michael Jackson Has Died?

A fire department official tells the Los Angeles Times that Michael Jackson has been rushed to the hospital.

Steve Ruda (ROO’-dah) told the newspaper Thursday that Jackson was not breathing when Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 p.m.

The paramedics performed CPR and took him to UCLA Medical Center, Ruda told the paper.

L. Londell McMillan, a lawyer for Jackson, did not have any information. Messages left for other Jackson associates were not immediately returned.

The hospitalization was first reported by the Web site TMZ.

AfroPop Series To Premiere

Film

Documentary Series on Today’s African Diaspora Explores Issues of Migration and Homeland Identity for People in Search of Opportunity

AfroPop: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange Program, an innovative documentary series on contemporary life, art and pop culture in the African Diaspora, is returning to public television this fall. The second season of the groundbreaking series, produced by the National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC), will premiere in October 2009. The series is co-presented by American Public Television (APT).

This year, AfroPop’s four, one-hour shows focus on the movement, migration and displacement of African people in search of opportunities for a better life. Four years after Hurricane Katrina, stories of its impact on the lives of displaced New Orleanians still resonant today as Director Alex LeMay’s Desert Bayou focuses his lens on one group airlifted to Utah for humanitarian assistance only to be strip searched and treated as refugees in their own country.

National HIV/AIDS Testing Day in Harlem

Harlem Dowling Specialized Service Division to Provide Free Testing in Marcus Garvey Park

Friday, June 26 from 11:00 – 5:00 PM

In an effort to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in the central Harlem community, Harlem Dowling West Side Center for Children and Family Services Department for Specialized Services will host a get out and get tested health-drive in recognition of National HIV/AIDS Testing Day. “Knowledge is power”, stated Cherie Blae, Harlem Dowling Specialized Services Program Director. “Education and information are key empowering elements in combating HIV/AIDS.”

Ledisi’s Hot Soul In The Park

A modern day siren known for her jazz influenced vocals and flowing rhythms, Ledisi brings her Southern-inspired soul sound to the stage. In 2000, Ledisi released her first solo album Soulsinger: The Revival, featuring the breakout singles, “Soulsinger” and “Get Outta My Kitchen.” Since then, she has released three other albums including It’s Christmas, which led to her very own TV special, “Ledisi Christmas,” that aired in December 2008. Currently, Ledisi is writing new music for her fifth studio album.

Sunday, June 28, 2009
From 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Central Park SummerStage

City Schools On The Brink Of Chaos

Education
Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, who will be able to appoint a member of the Board of Education if mayoral control is not renewed by next week’s deadline, announces program  his appointee will introduce to ensure continued safe and effective operation of NYC public schools if the mayoral control law expires and the Board is reconstituted.

One Centre Street, Manhattan
19th floor
Thursday, June 25, 2009
11 a.m.

Reeps One At Release Party @ Atmos NYC

Music

Here’s a video series from Harlem’s Atmos Store with Reeps One and music by DJ Scoop (The Party LifeSaver). The event was for Chach’s (Artist) shirt release party in collaboration with Atmos x Yume …

#1

Disney’s First Black Princess

News

Harlem’s Anika Noni Rose spoke to HipHollywood.com Thursday night about her role in the upcoming Disney animated film “The Princess and the Frog.”

Full trailer

Anika told us she was honored to play the role of Disney’s first black princess and she also addressed the recent controversy surrounding the race of her animated castmate.

Black Eyed Peas The E.N.D

Music