DoubleBack Productions

Southern News - Summit of the Americas

Adrena — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 07:05:48 +0000

Today is the opening of the 5th Summit on the Americas in Port of Spain Trinidad from April 17 - 19, 2009. The Country is a buzz to welcome President Obama. But more importantly, hemispheric cooperation and respect have risen. I suspect the Summit will restore a unified view of the Americas not just the US and those other countries and islands. The major focus of this Summit will be on human prosperity, energy security, climate change and sustainable development.

The Summit is organized by the Organization of American States. Thirty-four nations in the western hemisphere will attend. Trinidad and Tobago has been planing for the arrival of the heads of states, observers, families and visitors for over a year. Security details, aircraft arrivals and downtown traffic concerns are the talk of the local news. Even the US State Dept is hosting a digital town hall and hoping for significant online participation. At the very least, the import and export ratio for change is on the rise.

DC Emanicipation Day - April 16th

Adrena — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 15:26:00 +0000

From DC Office of the Secretary Emancipation Statue - DC

Emancipation Statue in DC

The enslaved people in Washington, DC were freed nine months before President Abraham Lincoln issued his famous Emancipation Proclamation, telegraphing the eventual end of slavery to the rest of the nation. On April 16 1862, President Lincoln signed the Compensated Emancipation Act, For the release of certain persons held to service or labor in the District of Columbia, making DC residents the “First Freed” by the federal government.

Emancipation Day celebrations were held annually from 1866 (pictured at right) through 1901, and resumed in 2002. In 2005 Emancipation Day was made an official public holiday in the District of Columbia. Each year, a series of educational and commemorative activities is held during the week prior to the holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in Washington, DC.

Calendar of Events

April 12, 2009

Concert: Marian Anderson Tribute. Denyce Graves, Sweet Honey in the Rock, the Washington National Opera, and the Chicago Children’s Choir commemorate the 70th anniversary of Marian Anderson’s historic performance on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

April 16 - 18

Conference: Emancipation and Race in the Age of Lincoln. A national conference exploring the domestic and international dimensions of emancipation. Each day will feature panel discussions and an evening performance.

Tribute to Dr. John Hope Franklin

Adrena — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 16:34:48 +0000

What a life he lived…We are saddening by the passing of Dr. Franklin. DBP would not have been as informed, passionate or steadfast in the journey to discuss and learn more about Black History without pioneers such as Dr. Franklin. Our prayers are with his son, John W. Franklin, and family.

To cleebrate his life, plan to attend this event

16th Inauguration Tribute to

John Hope Franklin:
Voices and Images of Liberation

Division of Fine Arts Presentations

Keynote Address:
Dr. Lonnie G. Bunch, Director
National Museum of African-American History and Culture

Ira Aldridge Theatre
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Welcome to DBP

Adrena — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 18:43:12 +0000

History is fantastic and welcome to the most important part of the timeline.

We hope you like our update web site. Please browse and come back often for events, news and commentary.

Thanks!

Did you know there are Afro - Iraqis?

Adrena — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 18:52:04 +0000

Black is a Primary Color

In Iraq, the African presence dates back at least 1500 years. In Southern Iraq, a large concentration of Black Iraqis are located in the Basra province. Just as in the southern United States, they face discrimination and are rallying for political and economic empowerment. Often called abd or slave, the Black Iraqis are less educated than the Arab population. They are institutionalized in the country’s celebrations, frequently hired as drummers and entertainers for celebratory events. Within their communities, they still practice and celebrate many African traditions including healing ceremonies

Inspired by US President Obama, the Free Iraqi Movement is advocating for a recognized minority status and protection of rights. They are actively participating in this year’s local elections. Stay tuned to international reports on the election results.

Resources
www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/26/iraq-black-elections-obama

www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96977550

www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4271003

Photo Credit: Corey Flintoff/NPR

White House Chefs

Adrena — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 08:51:41 +0000

In 1832, Augustus Jackson developed the modern method of manufacturing ice cream. Called the “Father of Ice Cream,” he was a chef in the White House before moving to Philadelphia. In addition, he developed several ice cream flavors. Jackson created a unique method of using ice mixed with salt to control ice cream temperature. However, he never patented his technique.

Source http://whatscookingamerica.net/History/IceCream/
IceCreamHistory.htm

Afro Latinos Across the Globe

Adrena — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 08:40:17 +0000

VidaAfroLatina.com speaks directly to the Black Diaspora in and from the Spanish-speaking world. Lori Robinson is the editor of this comprehensive web site by and about Latinos of African descent. On the site you can find news, videos and events produced by Afro Latinos in the US and across the globe. Robinson remarks, “I think everyone should embrace and celebrate their heritage. And we should all want to learn about the rich cultures of others. I personally feel that my life is dramatically enhanced as I learn more about and connect with people from other countries.” Feliz Navidad!

DBP Honored at CBC Veterans Braintrus

Adrena — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 22:34:31 +0000

September 2008

Standing: Adrena Ifill, Christopher Moore, Asa Gordon, Dr. Richard Danford, Jr., Dr. Ed Brown, Judge Robert Russell, Jr., Dr. Vince Patton III, Andy Ambrose & Frederick Gray. Seated: Bevelyn Whitfield, Thomas Yarosz, Actor John Amos, Cheryl Johnson

Creative Industries & Economic Development

Adrena — Thu, 01 May 2008 19:45:58 +0000

UN Details How Creative Industries Stimulate Economic Development

Cultural Policy is the intersection of governmental action to develop, support and expand creative assets. There has been a global push towards national and international policies for cultural preservation as an economic development. With this effort, creative industries have gained more cache as engines of growth in the 21st century. The creative sector includes the arts, culture, museums, tourism, festivals, newspapers, video gaming, architecture and other traditional and technology-based good and services.

The United Nations is one of leaders in this movement. Recently, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) published The Creative Economy Report (http://www.unctad.org/Templates /webflyer.asp?docid=
9750 &intItemID=4494=1&mode=highlights) which details how nations can achieve economic growth through the development and expansion if its creative industries. It aims to “provide empirical evidence that the creative industries are among the most dynamic emerging sectors in world trade. It also shows that the interface among creativity, culture, economics and technology, as expressed in the ability to create and circulate intellectual capital, has the potential to generate income, jobs and export earnings while at the same time contributing to social inclusion, cultural diversity and human development. “

While it is a large document, please start by looking at the Highlights and ask yourself - “If I was in school today, what career would I choose?” then think about how current regulations are supporting or hindering that profession’s success.