Resistance a Play by Richard C. Goodman and Directed by Shela Xoregos

RESISTANCE, promises to be an exciting play. It is written by Richard C. Goodman and is directed by Shela Xoregos, and will be performed by the Xoregos Performing Company.

The play is costumed in 1851 style. It features characters: Congressman Thaddeus Stevens, Underground Railroad hero William Parker, a courageous Quaker woman and others.

The Plot centers around a fight ignited by the Fugitive Slave Act between the South and the Abolitionists is given dramatic impact.RESISTANCE, in its New York premiere, has a cast of eight superb actors and is directed by Shela Xoregos.  It seems to be busy this Saturday, February 22nd, 2014 and is listed to be performed at the Bronx Library Center at 2:30 Click Here for more Info on the Bronx Performance and the Flushing Library in Queens.  See the graphic below for more of the Flushing, Queens, NY performance details...

Special Events to Take Advantage of from the Central Library on Jamaica Ave

Upcoming Events at the

I find the Queens Main Library in Jamaica Queens to be an amazing resource for residents, their children especially and families.  They have some great upcoming events for young people and also on professional development.  Checkout some of these classes below...


Urban Book Club

Many of the books we discuss are urban themed. Members decide which books to read, and supplementary activities are incorporated into club meetings on a regular basis. All are welcome! Date: 3/2/14 and Time: 2:30pm

Typing Lab

If you type slowly and would like to improve your skills for work, school or any other reason, come to typing practice lab to get guided assistance and tips from a Queens Library instructor. Class code CC290 Date: 2/19/14 and Time: 4:15pm

Project Fashion Mavens

Are you interested in fashion, or would you like to work in the fashion marketing industry? Then this program for teens ages 13 to 18 is for you! Date: 2/20/14 and Time: 4:30pm

Drama Club

Join us for a 10-week program on the arts of acting and performance. Each Tuesday we will address a new area of stagecraft, culminating in a showcase at the end. This program is for teens in grades 7-12. Space is limited, so please preregister in the Teen Room. Date: 2/18/14 and Time: 5:30pm

Discover the Super Legacy of Southeast Queens and its Special Place in Black History

By Kamau Austin, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Southeast Queens Scoop.

My soul looks back and wonders about the richness of our historic area in Southeast Queens.  When I was a boy I lived right across the street from a business pioneer and one of the most successful black entrepreneurial endeavors in Queens' history. It's only fitting that I talk about our area and its distinguished legacy during Black History month.

I remember the awe and inspiration I got from living across the street from the Wallace & Wallace fuel and oil related companies.  I remember reading how there were two synergistic businesses being run by the family business moguls of the Wallace & Wallace Oil and Fuel companies.

If memory serves me correctly one Wallace & Wallace company was in oil distribution and the other in fuel refinement. To be honest as a teenager I didn't know exactly how they made their money in the oil business but I was proud a Black man could run a community based business with world wide connections and operations.

I remember both companies were in the Black Enterprise 100 back in the day. If I remember correctly, one company was doing  over 90 million dollars and the other business was doing about 70 million dollars. So they were both listed as number 2 and number 7 respectively when I was growing up.

In other words the Wallace & Wallace Companies in our community back in the late 60s and early 70s were doing about 160 million dollars! Astounding income for now - much less almost 40 years ago. I've yet to reach their pinnacle of success but later at least I did get featured in Black Enterprise (April 1990 Marketing the Motherland!) due in part to their business inspiration.

The super legacy of entrepreneurs like the Wallace & Wallace Oil and Fuel Companies, Fubu, and Russell Simmons made me feel like I could become successful in business too and fired up my imagination with images of me running my own business. But the accomplishments of the Wallace & Wallace Oil and Fuel companies weren't alone.

Our neck of the woods was also home to some of the top jazz, entertainment, sports, and social luminaries in times past.  It is good to note that Queens is considered the most ethnically diverse area in the world! If Queens County were a city it would be the 4th largest city in the United States. (source Wikipedia)

As noteworthy as Queens is as a county in NYC - what is amazing is Blacks who live in the Southeastern Part of Queens also make a higher average income than ethnic groups in the surrounding areas! Queens County is the only large county in the whole US where Blacks have higher average household incomes than other ethnic groups in the surrounding areas.  These are historic facts according to the US Census and the New York Times.

Therefore, Blacks in our area are on top economically in the most ethnically diverse area in the world! This certainly has to be seen as a testament to our hard work and resilient spirit.

Southeast Queens is an important historical area especially to African Americans also for cultural reasons in addition to its business and economic legacy.   

Famous jazz artists and entertainers that lived in our area at one time or had homes here are: Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, Fats Waller, Mercer Ellington, Count Basie, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, LL Cool J, 50 Cent, Run DMC, Q Tip, actor Joe Morton (a grad of Andrew Jackson High School) and many many others.

Sport stars that lived in our area are the legendary Joe Louis, the amazing Babe Ruth, pioneer Jackie Robinson, Roy Campanella, Floyd Patterson, and Bob Cousy just to name a small number.

Other business luminaries or companies from the area are Russell Simmons, Daymon Johns and the founders of FUBU.

Civic greats that lived here are W. E. B. Du Bois and Roy Wilkins.  And how can we forget the Godfather of Soul Mr. James Brown, himself owned a home in St. Albans, Queens.

My Southeast Queens peeps are Super Strivers! Southeast/Jamaica Queens is certainly an area with a Super Legacy and Special Place in Black History. Checkout this NY Times Story: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/01/nyregion/01census.html

Jazz Gig in Jamaica & Southeast Queens Shares the Love Black History Month.

St. Albans, New York, February 17th, 2014 - Jazz talent has always found a home in St. Albans, and Jamaica, Queens, New York. It is well known that jazz legends like Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, Fats Waller, Count Basie, and John Coltrane to name just a few, lived in St. Albans, at one point in their lives.

Until now, ironically, there has been lack of quality classy establishments in the area that have been receptive to showcase jazz talent in St. Albans and Jamaica, Queens. Enter jazz artist and financial entrepreneur Edward Jackson, who has recently built a quality establishmen underground to showcase jazz in an above board big way in St. Albans. His new Jackson Room was built, with a lot of hard work and dedication to the jazz art form, in the basement of his building also housing the well respected Jackson Tax Service.

The last gig at Jackson Room, "Jazz is Instrumental for Black History Month!", was a successful and uplifting heartfelt musical tribute to Black History Month .

In this regard, Mr. Jackson and his staff want to continue to go into Black History month with the same elevating energy and intensity focusing on our rich musical culture. In February Jackson Room will be celebrating Black History Month from the perspective of "Love is in the Air this Black History Month!

"During February we will be celebrating our contributions to the American Art form Jazz" says Jackson. We will play music from African American composers who were instrumental in creating this original musical art-form.

Some consider jazz the only truly original American musical art form and of course its roots began in the rhythmic soulful expressions of our ancestors in places like New Orleans and the Deep South. In the great historical migrations of Black people moving into the Northern Cities Jamaica and St. Albans, Queens, the town where Jackson Room is located, was a home of some of the most preeminent artists in jazz.

"We are therefore bringing the history of jazz back home starting this month" says Ed Jackson. "Our heritage inspired performances will be on Saturday, February 22nd, 2014, and will feature world class respected musicians playing with the highly regarded Ed Jackson Quartet."  The Ed Jackson Quartet will feature the following artists:

Akiko Tsuruga - Piano
       
Saadi Zain - Bass 

Lionel Cordew - Drums and...

Ed Jackson - Sax

The true essence of Black History Month is: LOVE.  Therefore, if you live in South Queens this is a musical treat you won't want to miss.

"Love is in the Air this Black History Month"

with the Ed Jackson Quartet
Saturday, February 22nd, 2014
                                                                      
2 Shows: 8:00 & 10:00

Cover: $15.00  (includes 8:00 show & 10:00 show)

Free Healthy Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments

Make a Reservation at the Jackson Room Website
Or

Make a  telephone reservation (Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm)
by calling: (718) 525-2387

Reuben Freeman Brings Morals to the Home Front

St. Albans, NY (PRWEB) January 09, 2014, Chewing one’s food with their mouth closed, treating elders with respect, and doing well in school seem like common sense to many adults, however, Freeman feels there is a, "gross lack of respect for authority, teachers, females, parents," and more. This is precisely what prompted Freeman, a former staff sergeant in the U.S. Army, to write, "I am a Good Boy: Essential Life Lessons for Young Boys" (published by AuthorHouse).

Reading more akin to a traditional guidebook, "I am a Good Boy" provides an easy to understand set of rules to help steer young boys in the right direction. Covering over 40 topics it manages to hit nearly every facet of a boy’s life, from talking to their grandparents properly to excelling in sports.

"I am a Good Boy" also contains additional motives for the parents beyond having well-behaved children, as Freeman goes into the financial cost of different fines and legal fees that can be accrued by having misbehaved children. With easy to understand language and morals nearly any parent could agree with, "I am a Good Boy" is useful for old and young alike.

"I am a Good Boy"
By Reuben Freeman
Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 126 pages | ISBN 9781481723701
E-Book | 126 pages | ISBN 9781481723718
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

About the Author

Reuben Freeman is a former staff sergeant from the U.S. Army and a retired school teacher. He has five children as well as five grandchildren, and often helps his community with mentoring, educational and recreational activities. He is currently working on his second book.

Shleppers Supports 2013 Community Mayors Association

Queens, NY & White Plains, NY (PRWEB) January 25, 2014

Top New York moving company Shleppers Moving & Storage is proud to announce its recent donation of time, warehouse storage, trucks, and support to the Community Mayors Association Serving Children with Special Needs Operation Santa Toys Party located at Kennedy Airport in Jamaica, New York from December 9th main toy giveaway event on December 11, 2013. The premier event from the Community Mayors Association benefits children with special needs.

This year, for the charity event in Jamaica Queens, Shleppers donated a variety of services in support of the worthy cause from beginning to end. Shleppers’ received and stored multiple pallets of water and table cloths and picked up 4,000-5,000 toys to also be stored until the date of the event. For the charity event itself, Shleppers assisted by picking up equipment, and distributing toys to children. After the event Shleppers returned all leftover toys to The Community Mayors Association.

About Shleppers Moving & Storage:
Founded in 1978, Shleppers Moving & Storage began moving with one van and one vision–to serve its customers with commitment and integrity. By working in partnership with customers, New York’s top movers have earned a reputation as the city’s number one moving and storage company, offering a wide range of relocation services, including local, long-distance, and international moving, packing, unpacking, and private storage.

With dedication, teamwork, and innovation, Shleppers is a NY moving company that puts customers first, creating a moving experience that’s efficient and reliable from the first box to the last. Shleppers is also deeply committed to charity and community involvement, with its donation of trucks and logistical support for the Community Mayors Foundation , the Catholic Charities of Brooklyn & Queens, The March of Dimes, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, The JCC Maccabi Games, The United Way, UJA Federation, the Solomon Schechter School of Westchester, Haddassah, the Food Bank of Westchester, and others. For more information, quotes, supplies, or moving tips, please visit http://www.Shleppers.com.

About Community Mayors Association:
Over the years, the Community Mayors has served the needs of millions of children with disabilities by providing opportunities for them to experience and enjoy a diverse array of events and activities tailored to their unique needs. Through the efforts of all those who give their time, energy, and financial support, The Community Mayors is able to make a positive difference in the lives of the children it serves. Its membership boasts the best of New York’s best, including such luminaries as former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, New York State Senator Marty Golden, Northeast Queens City Councilmember Tony Avella, Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz and many more. For more information about the organization, please visit http://www.communitymayors.org.

Jamaica NY MC "Focus the Truth" Makes BIG Moves Coast 2 Coast

Source: New York, NY (PRWEB) January 30, 2014

Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes announces the release of the “City Of Angels” music video by Focus The Truth. The project, presented by Coast 2 Coast Video Distribution, is now available for view on YouTube. The video is directed and edited by Andreas Olof.

Focus The Truth is an artist from Jamaica, Queens, NY who has spent the last two years in London UK recording music and producing videos. Starting to MC at the early age of fourteen, Focus sent much time as a kid battle rapping and freestyling on street corners. Learning the power of message through lyrics, Focus got a degree in English in Queens and choose to further his education studying for an MBA in London. Here Focus spent his spare time doing what he loves, writing and performing music as well as watching music videos.

With a strong appreciation for visuals and the creative arts stemmed from his obsession with cartoons and hip hop culture, Focus recreates his lyrical story telling into captivating visuals that transcend generations. Focus’s first full length release, the 11 song “D.U.I. (Discourse Under Influence)” LP is a product of his collaboration with London-based producer, Smoking Indoors, from the summer of 2012. Drawn to his poetic flows and technical delivery, fans received a both entertaining and authentic message that unveiled the truth about life.

“Berwick Road” is Focus’s latest project featuring 17 songs that create a soundtrack for an intellectual out on the town for a night of debauchery, exploring tales of his life in London and roots in New York. Building on his partnership with producer Smoking Indoors, the pair have layered in classic samples from Nat King Cloe, Frank Sinatra, and Nina Simone as well as playing on London’s appreciation for Reggae music with strong influences from Barrington Levy and even a feature for Jamaican Reggae artist King Soyah. Focus wanted to create a product that has an organic live feel so he commissioned the live instrumentation talents of London’s own JJ Bounce Trio.

Focus The Truth encompasses many attributes that were present in what many deem the “Golden Era” of Hip Hop, from conscious truth filled lyrics to cutting edge production that mashes up samples from the past with modern live instrumentation. Focus’s timeless approach to Hip Hop along with his poetic intellect and unique delivery position him to be a shining light of hope in what has become a dark sea of disappointing shallow Rap releases. If you are a true Hip Hop head looking for something that speaks to the reason you fell in love with Hip Hop in the first place, Focus The Truth is definitely worth the listen. Check out Focus The Truth’s latest release “Berwick Road”, currently available for download on DatPiff.

About Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes
Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes are the most widely distributed mixtapes in the world, with over 100 million downloads/plays generated by over 200 volumes officially hosted by major artists. Coast 2 Coast has a solid reach in the new music industry with a digital magazine, DJ coalition, industry tips blog, yearly convention, and more. Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes represents a unique opportunity for artists of all urban genres, from major to indie. For more information, visit http://www.coast2coastmixtapes.com.