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National Network News--

---With Ownership, Wealth (WOW)---
The National Association of Realtors joined with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) and other housing industry groups including major lenders, financial institutions and community-based organizations, in a new initiative to add one million new African-American families to the homeownership roles by the year 2005. The program, "With Ownership, Wealth," or WOW, spearheaded by the CBCF, is being launched in the 37 Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) member districts. The African-American homeownership rate continues to lag behind that of the majority population. Despite the fact that the minority homeownership rate grew four times faster than for whites in the 1990s, it has only reached the rate of 46.7 percent. The rate for the nation as a whole is 67.4 percent, and for white Americans the rate is 73 percent. For more information, call 1-800-822-1669.

---Segregation today---
Overall Black/non-Black segregation levels are currently at their lowest point since roughly 1920, according to a new analysis of census data released by the Brookings Institute. The study, "Racial Segregation in the 2000 Census: Promising News," found that, while there are still a large number of "hypersegregated" metropolitan areas, the 1990s continued a three-decade trend towards decreasing residential segregation throughout the United States. The study, which includes measures of segregation for more than 300 metropolitan areas, is available on the web at http://www.brookings.edu/urban. The report also finds that: (1) Out of 291 metropolitan areas analyzed, 272 are more integrated than they were in 1990. (2) The average decline in segregation was 5.5 percent. The decline in segregation comes about from the racial integration of formerly entirely white census tracts. (3)The number of overwhelmingly African-American census tracts remained steady in the 1990s, although the number of African-Americans living in those tracts dropped. The West is the most integrated region of the country, followed by the South. The Northeast and Midwest are still quite segregated. For inquiries or copies of the full report and tables, contact Jennifer Bradley, 202-797-6414, or read the report online at http://www.brookings.edu/urban.

---Latino Mayor in Los Angeles?---
Based on a recent survey conducted by the William C.Velasquez Institute (WCVI) citywide of 800 likely voters, Antonio Villaraigosa leads Jim Hahn by 23 percent to 20 percent in the race for mayor. Is Los Angeles ready for a Latino mayor? Eighty-three percent say "Yes." Latino registered voters in the city of Los Angeles now make up approximately 315,000 or 22 percent of the total voters. Of those Latinos registered to vote, approximately 40 percent are expected to cast their vote on Election Day, April 10.

---More on Microsoft---
Cohen, Milstein, Hausfeld Toll, P.L.L.C., ("Cohen Milstein"), known for taking on some of the nation's most powerful corporations, and Johnnie Cochran of Cochran, Cherry, Givens, and Smith, P.C. have filed a Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington in Seattle against Microsoft Corporation alleging a pattern and practice of race and sex discrimination against African Americans and female salaried employees in violation of the federal civil rights laws. The court has appointed Cohen Milstein as lead counsel in the consolidated action. The Consolidated Amended Complaint alleges that employment policies and practices of Microsoft allow the Company's managers to exercise unbridled discretion, which have had the effect and caused the denial of promotional opportunities and equal compensation to qualified African American and female salaried employees. In addition to the Seattle case, there is another discrimination case pending against Microsoft in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, filed by Willie E. Gary of Gary, Williams, Parenti, Finney, Lewis, McManus, Watson, & Sperando. It had been assigned to Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson, who recently recused himself from hearing the case. Microsoft's motion to transfer that case to Seattle is pending.

---Citizens Trust Bank Promotes Internal Counsel--
Citizens Trust Bank announced that it had promoted its Internal Counsel, Karen C. Jackson, Esq., CPA to the office of Senior Vice President. Before her addition to the bank, the 79-year-old institution had always sought legal counsel from outside firms. Since she joined in May of 1997, Ms. Jackson has helped the bank significantly reduce its legal and professional fees. Citizens Trust Bank has been partners in the community since 1921. It is one of the nation's largest African-American-owned banks with over $260 million in assets.

---Frederick Douglass Home---
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), the nation's leading park advocacy organization, named the Frederick Douglass National Historic Site in Washington, D.C. to its third annual list of America's Ten Most Endangered Parks. Lack of necessary funding compromises the Park Service's ability to preserve Frederick Douglass' home. Interior and exterior features need repair and rehabilitation, and the scholar's books, textiles, furnishings and photographs are deteriorating from age and exposure. The site needs $2 million to cover the costs of rehabilitation and repair, plus an increased annual operations budget to support ongoing maintenance and other park operations. Frederick Douglass, the famous 19th-century African-American abolitionist and orator, lived in his Washington, D.C. home from 1877 until his death in 1895. Douglass was a leading voice in the anti-slavery movement, as well as a writer, publisher, women's rights activist, and U.S. minister to Haiti. The Park Service has taken care of Mr. Douglass' home since 1962.

--From the MBC Network---
Major Broadcasting Cable Network (MBC Network) founder and Senior Managing Partner, Alvin D. James will serve as producer of the first annual "A Celebration of Life" Benefit Concert. The event is being held in honor of a special cancer fund -- the Walton Payton Cancer Fund ---established in memory of Chicago Bear's running back, Walter Payton , the record breaking Chicago Bears' running back who succumbed to cancer on November 1, 1999. The celebrity night gala includes entertainment by R& B diva Patti LaBelle and the smooth vocals of Jeffrey Osborne. The event will kick-off with a 6:30pm VIP reception on Saturday, April 21, 2001 at The Park West in Chicago, IL. Major Broadcasting Cable Network, (MBC Network) is America's first African-American, owned and operated, 24-hour cable network committed to providing wholesome entertainment for the entire family.

---Job Opportunities of the Week:
---Smith College: Secretary to the President - Smith College---
The President's Office at Smith College seeks a well-organized, experienced, and discreet individual accustomed to working in a fast-paced academic environment for the position of Secretary to the President. Forward a resume and cover letter to: Investment Office, Smith College, Box 3001, 30 Belmont Avenue, Northampton, MA 01063.
---Investment Analyst-Smith College---
The Smith College Investment Office seeks an Investment Analyst to provide support for the oversight of the College's $950 million endowment. This position assists in the implementation, tracking and analysis of the College's investment policies, strategies and results. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and a minimum of five years of financial experience required. Forward a resume and cover letter to: Investment Office, Smith College, Box 3001, 30 Belmont Avenue, Northampton, MA 01063.
---Regional Executive for CancerControl/Prevention & Detection : American Cancer Society -Region 5 in Natick, MA has an opening for a Regional Executive for Cancer Control/Prevention & Detection covering Worcester County. Executive will be responsible for volunteer management and building community collaborations to increase mammography utilization rates, support tobacco control initiatives and comprehensive school health education. Candidate must have proven skills building relationships with community members, diverse population groups, health communities and business partners. Interested candidates should contact Helen Boyle (508) 652-4350.
---Wellesley College: Associate Controller for Sponsored Research---
Wellesley College seeks a Finance Information Systems Manager. If interested, send email to working@wellesley.edu

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