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National Network News--

----Congressman Fattah on the case---
Upon review of a conclusive study showing that Black children are almost three times more likely than white children to be labeled mentally retarded and then assigned to special education classes, Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) is calling on President George W. Bush to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter. "Many of us have known for quite some time that African American students were inappropriately labeled and taken out of the basic education track," said Congressman Fattah. "However, this Harvard University report gives us convincing evidence of the wrongful treatment of minority students," said Congressman Fattah. "I am calling on the Bush Administration to conduct an investigation into this matter by the Department of Education and by the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department. If President Bush really wants to show his compassion, he must take the necessary steps to end racial discrimination in our public schools."

--Gift of knowledge---
Hundreds of libraries in underserved communities across Sub-Saharan Africa will receive donated copies of "Africana: The Encyclopedia of the African and African-American Experience," a comprehensive encyclopedia on black history and culture co-edited by Harvard University professors Dr. Kwame Anthony Appiah and Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. This donation is being made possible by a $150,000 grant from Citigroup working in partnership with Africana.com, Books For Africa and Sabre Foundation. Distribution of 2400 books will continue over the next several months to libraries in countries including: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

---Designer Touch launches new website for professionals only---
In response to the growing presence of African-Americans on the internet, Designer Touch is proud to announce the launch of its new mini-website For Professionals Only at www.designertouch.com. The mini-website was launched February 1, 2001 and is geared towards meeting the needs of professional hairstylists by providing product knowledge, step-by-step tutorials on achieving hairstyles, a photo gallery of current hairstyles and distributor references on where Designer Touch products can be purchased. Designertouch.com For Professionals Only was developed as an informational, yet entertaining tool for professional stylists and reflects the brand's commitment to upgrade and educate stylists about new styling trends, new products and new business technology relevant to industry growth. The Designer Touch product line includes stylist-trusted products such as StraightFX Relaxer, Texturizing Relaxer, Moisturizing Shampoos and Conditioners for Color Treated Hair, Neutralizing Shampoo and a host of styling aids. Designer Touch can also be found at various trade shows and other events that are relevant to the hair care industry. For more information about Designer Touch products, visit the Designer Touch website at www.designertouch.com or call (800) 621-4255. Luster Products is the leading African-American owned manufacturer of hair care products for people of African descent worldwide. In addition to Designer Touch, Luster Products produces several other hair care products: Pink Oil Moisturizer, S-Curl and PCJ. For more information, contact Renita Brown, Luster Products Inc. (773) 579-1800 x222 or send email to twalker@flowerscomm.com.

---National Black Chamber of Commerce News---
The National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has entered into a strategic alliance with Product2Store (product2store.com) for its small- and medium-sized African American manufacturers and retailers. Black-owned companies that sign up in the next three months will receive lifetime memberships on Product2Store's interactive business-to-business retail Internet system for a one-time fee of $495. Product2Store's standard membership fee is $495 annually. Through Product2store.com, buyers, retailers and consumers worldwide can access and view unique product offerings from manufacturers and suppliers worldwide. African-American manufacturers who join Product2Store will receive the opportunity for worldwide product exposure to 500,000 United States and European retailers.

---Chicago: wealth-Building conference for women---
Chicago-area women are invited to a conference on Saturday, March 10 that will explore how to start and manage a wealth-building plan. The conference is intended to address personal finances for women of all ages and at all stages of financial planning -- be it beginning a plan or enhancing existing strategies and investments. The conference will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 10 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, 230 S. LaSalle Street. The cost is $40, and scholarships are available. Pre-registration is required by March 6. No walk-up registrations will be accepted on the day of the event. For more information or to register, call the Women's Self-Employment Project (WSEP) at 312-606-8255. Dr. Julianne Malveaux, economist and syndicated newspaper columnist will be the keynote speaker. Additional speakers include Brooke Stephens, author of "Wealth Happens One Day at a Time: 365 Days to a Brighter Financial Future" and "Talking Dollars and Making Sense: A Wealth-Building Guide for African-Americans."

---Diversity Pipeline Alliance---
For the first time ever, a group of leading organizations have banded together to address the problem of minority under-representation in business and management education. The Diversity Pipeline Alliance encourages African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans and Native Americans to pursue careers in business. In the months ahead, the Diversity Pipeline Alliance will prepare and release a comprehensive report on the status of minority participation in business education. Subsequently, the Alliance will conduct an aggressive marketing campaign to show minorities aged 12 to 24 how studying business can open exciting career opportunities. For information, contact Nicole Chestang at 703-749-013.

---Interested in Snoop Dogg or Sade?---
"What really happened to Sade in Jamaica? What is the beef behind Suge Knight and Snoop Dogg?" You've heard the rumors, you've seen what the tabloids had to say, now it's time for your favorite artist to testify to the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth in Black Entertainment Television (BET's) new series, BET: Testimony. BET: Testimony premieres on Tuesday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT with the graceful and exotic, Grammy award-winning Sade. Sade gives her testimony about what went on during her world tours, why she has been away so long and why she will never go back to Jamaica. On Tuesday, March 20 at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT BET: Testimony will profile rap innovator Snoop Dogg. Snoop Dogg will tell his side of the story about all that went on between him and Suge Knight, CEO of Death Row Records.

---Chris Tucker to host NAACP Image Awards---
The NAACP announced that one of Hollywood's hottest and fastest rising stars - comedic actor Chris Tucker will host the 32nd NAACP Image Awards. The show will air on Friday, March 9 (8 pm) on FOX.

---Job Opportunity of the Week---
National Employment Minority Network (NEMNET)
NEMNET has assisted hundreds of professionals of color in their search for employment and professional development. This year, NEMNET is sponsoring its 5th Annual Diversity Career Fair for teachers, coaches, and administrators on Saturday, March 10, from noon to 3 pm at the Wheeler School in Providence, Rhode Island. Meet over 50 public and private schools (K-12) who are looking to meet, interview and hire candidates of color interested in education. Positions include: Teachers, coaches, counselors, diversity coordinators, admissions representatives, business managers and more! Don't miss this great opportunity. Bring at least 25 copies of your resume. Experience and certification are helpful, but not necessary. Register online for the March 10 (noon-3 pm ) Career Fair in Providence, Rhode Island. Go to WWW.NEMNET.COM and click on career fairs. For more information, call 800-964-0534

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