Get connected, apply and succeed as the 100 Black Men of Greater Cincinnati presents their Economic Development Conference, “From Recession, to Recovery – Moving on, and Prospering in, the Current Economy”. Be there as our region’s thought leaders on economic development share applicable knowledge that will provide you with an edge today! This event is free and open to all.

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The Schott Foundation for Public Education releases its 2010 report, Yes, We Can , which takes a state-by-state look at how effective US school districts are in educating Black Males.

Highlights of the report’s findings include:

• The five worst performing districts with large Black male student enrollment (exceeding 40,000) are New York City, N.Y. (28%); Philadelphia, Pa. (28%); Detroit, Mich. (27%); Broward County, Fla. (39%); Dade County, Fla. (27%).
• The states with Black male student enrollment exceeding 100,000 that have the highest graduation rates for Black male students are New Jersey (69%), Maryland (55%), California (54%) and Pennsylvania (53%).
• Some states with small populations, such as Maine, North Dakota, New Hampshire and Vermont have graduation rates for Black males higher than the national average for White males.
• The districts with Black male student enrollment exceeding 10,000 that have highest graduation rates for Black male students are Newark, N.J. (76%); Fort Bend, Texas (68%); Baltimore County, Md. (67%) and Montgomery County, Md. (65%).
• The districts with the lowest graduation rates for Black male students are Pinellas County, Fla. (21%); Palm Beach County, Fla. (22%); Duval County, Fla. (23%); Charleston County, S.C. (24%) and Buffalo, N.Y. (25%).
• Dade County, Fla.; Cleveland, Ohio and Detroit, Mich. also have notably low graduation rates for Black male students – each at 27 percent.

According to a recent analysis performed by the economic forecasting firm, Moody’s Economy.com, the recovery of the Cin­cinnati economy gained momentum in the first five months of the year, thanks to a solid rebound in man­ufacturing and modest improvements in private ser­vices. Job gains broadened as consumer-driven indus­tries like retail and leisure/hospitality complemented hiring in recession-proof healthcare/education. Sens­ing improvements in the labor market, workers have started to stream back into the labor force, but steady job creation has kept the Cincinnati jobless rate stable at just below 10.5%. However, many have also become discouraged due to the length of their job search, and have exited the labor force. Lingering job losses in some of the larger drivers like financial and professional/ business services prevented a complete labor market turnaround; discounting temporary federal hiring for the census, public sector payrolls have also failed to provide sustained support so far this year.

However, relative incomes in the greater Cincinnati area continue to stay ahead of the national average. From more than 15% above the U.S. average, median household income in Cincin­nati has lost much of its edge; however, median in­come is still about 6% above that of the nation as a whole. One reason for Cincinnati’s better than aver­age income is the concentration of a large number of well-paying headquarter positions in the area. It is likely that head­quarters consolidation will also add to local payrolls in the near term when Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble Co. adds more than 600 new jobs to one of its facilities. The company has decided to consolidate logistics and planning operations that are now scat­tered over several sites across North America.

The slow recovery in the Cincinnati economy will continue to gain traction in coming months, but a transition to a self-sustaining expansion is not certain. Similar to the national outlook, it is unlikely that job growth will be strong enough to bring down the unemployment rate in any meaningful way before the end of the year.

Therefore, the question really is how can you participate in the nascent recovery, and grow as the local economy grows. How can you capitalize on opportunities as local businesses set spending and growth goals, communities continue to develop, and lending increases throughout the small business community? Answers to these and other related questions are the focus of the upcoming Economic Development Summit sponsored by the 100 Black Men of Greater Cincinnati. Business, community, and financial leaders and experts will assemble to address these issues in the first of an ongoing series of discussions led by the 100 throughout the upcoming year. Check back as we get closer to the event to learn more about how to position you to participate profitably in the recovery of the Cincinnati economy.

Dr. LaVaughn Henry, is Vice President and Sr. Regional Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s, Cincinnati Branch.

The following health information is your personalized prescription for good health.

It is divided up into smaller segments that make it easier to understand and simplify the actions you need to take to implement the plan.

Keep in mind:

• Eat as healthy as possible as often as possible. This does not mean eat healthy all the time – there is something very soul satisfying about cheating or deviating from the path. Include raw fruits and vegetables daily. Eat fresh and if possible buy locally grown produce from farmer’s markets or better yet veggies grown in your own back yard.
• “Control your portion – control your life”. Portion control is as important as the quality of the food you eat.
• If you drink then red wine is the best alcoholic beverage. The darker the wine the more health benefits it has. Limit intake to one to two glasses daily. Have some alcohol free days during the week. Those who drank a few times per month are less likely to be obese compared to nondrinkers.
• Drink at least 48 – 64 ounces of water a day. Include in this green, red, and other teas. People who exercised and drank plenty of green tea lost slightly more weight and more belly fat then non tea drinkers.
• Take a variety of supplements on a daily basis. They support and complement the nutrients found in your food. It is real important to buy quality supplements, read more expensive supplements. Sprinkle turmeric, rosemary, and fresh ginger root on your food. A Kansas State University study showed they had the highest amount of antioxidants (the good guys).
• Exercise at least 30-60 minutes on a daily basis. If you have health problems or are older this has to be done in consultation with your cardiologist. A combination of aerobic, weight lifting, and stretching is best.
• Seriously consider Tai Chi and Yoga. They combine mind, body, and spirit and are an excellent addition to any workout regimen. You can practice anywhere and no special equipment is required.
• Take time to laugh/pray/meditate on a daily basis. There is lots of good information to support the health benefits of these strategies.
• Get 8 – 10 hours of sleep a night. This allows your body to heal and repair. You will also be fresh and well rested to take on the challenges of the next day.

Well folks are you ready to get started??? I know that you can do it. I look forward to sharing this journey with you – the ups and downs that will lead to the ultimate success – “Improve Your Quality of Life through Good Health”.

Sincerely,

Keevin R. Davis, MD

P.S. Just so you don’t miss out on all the fun ground beef hamburgers (85% lean) has less fat then an equivalent ground turkey burger – so enjoy!

Doctors Denise and Keevin R. Davis are board certified physicians who are the hosts of the award winning television show, “Doctors in the Kitchen”, a program that focuses on healthy home cooking. As physicians of culinary health our purpose is to educate, encourage, and empower people to obtain the best health possible by increasing their knowledge of proper food selection, preparation, and consumption along with sustainable and environmentally friendly life style choices

So when do you have the time to make a difference in someone else’s life that’s just looking for that nudge to be great like you?

A wise man[1] once said, “if you’re given 15 minutes, are you going to use it to keep your people asleep or to wake them up?”

At various points of my young professional career, I have participated in various youth-mentoring programs, volunteered with an adult-literacy program, worked on political awareness campaigns, and helped coach a girl’s softball team. I’m sure this sounds like a huge commitment time-wise, but really, we’re only talking a few hours a week, and never at the expense of my own professional life, my significant other, and even my free time. It’s not really that hard, and it’s usually pretty fun too. Coaching a winning girl’s softball team good stuff, let me tell you.[2] Sure, it’s service, but that doesn’t mean you don’t get something out of it for yourself.
Do something. Anything. It’s not hard, and you never know whose life you might make better with the slightest amount of effort. The true changes needed to elevate our community take time, sacrifice, and commitment, not just a Black President and a few forwarded emails. Don’t just talk about the problem, be a part of the solution.

I hope you’ll join me. The next generation is waiting on you.

[1] Wondering who the wise man of note is? The legendary Chuck D, of course.

[2] No need to lie, losing sucks. It’s much more fun to win. Winning roolz.

-Ed.

Eddie Maisonet is a freelance sports writer, blogger and big-time hoops fan from Oklahoma who currently resides in Cincinnati. Keep up with Eddie on his award-winning blog Ed The Sports Fan and on Twitter.

Dr. Joshua Murfree, VP of Programs, 100 Black Men of America, addresses national drop-out crisis on MSNBC

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn” – Alvine Toffle

Give it up. As soon as you understand how it works everything you like about Facebook and *insert social network or website here* will be completely different. You will immediately need to relearn the tweaks and new features. There is no need to complain and mope via your twitter. A “#facebooksux” hash tag won’t help. No need to start a Facebook group demanding the internet giant change things back. Do you really think you and 2,000 of your friends are going to change Facebook? Be real. You have 3,000 friends and Mark Zukenberg is pushing 500 million.

There are a few things you can do to exercise your influence. Signing up as a beta tester will allow you to present feedback that will directly be considered while the platform is transformed.
#2 USE IT! – Interact

No one likes a lurker. Those creepy unassociated people that prowl through Facebook, pick through twitter feeds, and drool over foursquare check-ins. Lurkers are more concerned with watching what everyone else is doing than adding to the conversation.

Say something! Speak out. Comment on post, blogs, and engage others. This your chance to connect, learn and grow by learning from and with others.
#3 Internet Reputation is Your Bond…Sensor Your Self

The previous point provides backdrop. Despite its fear factor the internet does provide one level of control that can protect you from anything. SENSORSHIP. Protect information that is important to you by excluding it from the public domain. Don’t tweet, post, or send it via text message. That picture you took doing a keg stand back in 2003 might keep you from getting a job in 2010. Believe it or not, the “Best of 2 Live Crew” video snippet posted to your Facebook wall may cost you a job as well.

Do yourself a favor. Delete all negative depictions of your image, and personal brand from the internet. Google search your name and see what comes up. Make sure it represents your personal brand in fashion your current or future employer can appreciate.
#4 LinkedIn

“A networker likes to meet people. I don’t. I like accomplishing things in the world. You meet people when you want to accomplish something” – Reid Hoffman

As of June 29, 2010 young people 18-24 years of age only accounted for 24% of LinkedIn 70 million users. I dare to ask, what portion of that 24% has fully set up their profile, utilizes its functions, or even know how it works? Why is this troubling? LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network. Are you looking for an internship, career, job, or career advice? Have you considered opening your own business? Do you need an innovative project for a campus activity? LinkedIn is the place to interact, accomplish goals all while growing ideas into a profitable reality.

#5 You’re Being Watched- Get Used to It

A few weeks ago I conducted an informal poll with some close friends. Surprisingly my friends believe they can keep protect their internet reputation by restricting access to their Facebook pages. Some of these same people believe avoiding social media new comers (i.e. Twitter) is a feasible way to maintain privacy……WRONG.

Social Media is a prime example of “What’s sad is done”. Once you post information, opinion, news article the information no longer belongs. The ramifications and consequences associated with their release will be yours to deal with. Oh by the way….the internet and computers do not completely delete anything.

Tracking down your secret internet identity isn’t hard. It involves connecting all of your profile in one place to gather a picture of who you are. Web-based services like Flowtown.com do the leg work (for a small price). Nothing is sacred. Even those camera phone pictures you don’t want anyone to see. They are on someone’s server tagged with your phone number. All it takes is the right technology and motivation. The library of congress has already added past and future tweets to their collection. ….SCARY AINT IT..
#6 “Social Media” Does not Equal “Social Networking”

This is actually more of a personal pet peeve. “Social Media” does not equal “Social Networking”. The most consistent resource known to man (*sarcasm*) tell us:

“A Social Network is social structure made up of individuals (or organizations) called “nodes,” which are tied (connected) by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as friendship, kinship, common interest, financial exchange, dislike, sexual relationships, or relationships of beliefs, knowledge or prestige”.- Wikipedia

According to this definition we are all very familiar with social networking outside of what the internet offers. Have you ever seen a group of old men that hang out every morning at White Castles? If not, stop by the White Castles on the corner of Reading and William Howard Taft. When your mom and her friends got together once a month to play bid whist they were in fact SOCIAL NETWORKING.

The aforementioned bid whist tournament and daily White Castle examples allowed their participants to share ideas, stories, concepts, debate, and pass the time together. Isn’t this what Social Media does?

Social Media is not Social Networking. It is the virtual word and social sorting in which social networking thrives.

“I am humbled by the appointment to Cincinnati Public School Board.”

“Sean is the right type of leader for Cincinnati at this period in the school system’s history. The 100 will continue to support his work and vision for reversing negative trends in school completion, access to challenging curriculum, and disciplinary procedures, that continue to have disparate impact on African American boys.” –Ernest Perry, President, 100 Black Men of Greater Cincinnati, Inc.

Sean T. Parker

“I look forward to finding ways to connect the community with our future leaders.”

RESIDENCE: Cincinnati, OH

EDUCATION: Howard University – B.A., Journalism/Public Relations

OCCUPATION: Proctor & Gamble – Manager, Ohio Government Relations & Community Affairs

LOCAL & NATIONAL AFFILIATIONS

* 100 Black Men of Greater Cincinnati,Inc., Member
* CincyPAC, Founder
* United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Impact Committee Member
* Fine Arts Fund, Multicultural Arts Accelerator
* Strive, Communications Committee Co-Chair
* Agenda 360, Communications Committee Member
* Enjoy The Arts/START, Past Board Member
* Cincinnati Parks Foundation, Past Board Member
* National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Young Professionals, Past Board Member
* DC Charter School Board
* Senate Office of Hillary Clinton

INTERESTS: Politics, Volunteering, Sporting Events