---The Hispanic vote---
During the November 4, 2003 general elections, the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA) conducted the nation's largest Hispanic-targeted exit poll of the 2003 election cycle. The election-day poll found that 14% of Hispanics who cast ballots on November 4 were first-time voters compared to the 9% of first-time voters in the 2000 presidential election as reported by Voter News Services (VNS). PRFAA conducted the poll as part of its ongoing Hispanic-targeted voter education, registration and mobilization campaign entitled "Que Nada Nos Detenga!" (Let Nothing Stop Us!). Puerto Rico Governor Sila M. Calderon launched the campaign in ten states in July 2002 and it has since expanded to fourteen states including such key battleground areas as Florida, Indiana, New York and Pennsylvania. The poll contains numerous results that demonstrate that Hispanics and Puerto Ricans will turn out to vote in large numbers -- when effectively empowered and motivated by a focused effort that educates and mobilizes them. The poll also bears an ominous warning for candidates and parties who believe the Hispanic vote can be taken for granted or captured via emotional or personality appeals. Whereas 49% of voters came out to vote because they felt their "voice needs to be heard" and 28% because "the issues are important to me," only 20% indicated they voted because "candidates on the ballot need my support." An overwhelming portion of voters polled -- 37% -- indicated they were motivated to vote because they believed the Hispanic or Puerto Rican community would benefit.

---BLACK ENTERPRISE on TV---
BLACK ENTERPRISE, in partnership with Chicago-based Central City Productions (CCP), announced that the BLACK ENTERPRISE REPORT, a television series to focus on African American financial and personal empowerment, would make its national broadcast debut on Saturday, November 29. The weekly half-hour series will initially be available in over 70% of black U.S. television households and is slated to provide minority business coverage, investment tips, career guidance, personal finance advice, entrepreneur profiles, stock market updates, and lifestyle information to viewers across the country. Check local listings for individual stations and airtimes.

---November 13: NY Seminar: "Business Connections for Profitability"---Corporations and businesses will gather in New York to get the bottom line on recent diversity and business trends during a leadership seminar, "Business Connections for Profitability." The insights to be presented document the newest 'reality' for diversity and business success across markets, industries and geographies. The event will also feature a discussion and review of Fortune Magazine's 2003 diversity special section, Martha R.A. Fields and her new book, Love Your Work by Loving Yourself, and Mosaica, the newest diversity, business and public relations reference guide Don't miss it! Registration required: To register, send an email to NYseminar@unityfirst.com or call 800-286-3659.

---Alex Haley sets roots in NASCAR---
George W. Haley, former U. S. Ambassador to The Gambia, brother of the late Pulitzer Prize winning novelist Alex Haley, and Executor of the Estate of Alex Haley, announced that the Alex Haley Estate would field a Nextel NASCAR race team beginning with the Daytona 500 in 2004.Working in partnership with Empire Sports Group, the Estate of Alex Haley has begun discussions with car manufacturers and has established a strong list of potential sponsor candidates. Immediate plans call for the new team to be headquartered in the Concord, NC area. Speaking on behalf of the Haley Estate, George Haley said, "The Estate's foremost goal is to perpetuate Alex Haley's spirit and legacy of family, human connection, brotherhood and understanding. The Estate could not be better positioned to fulfill that goal on a global basis than through motorsports and the NASCAR family. Haley also said that "the African-American fan base is the fastest growing segment of NASCAR. Our venture will further open the door to meaningful participation in NASCAR for African-Americans and other minorities."

---Urban Entrepreneurs Series---
In Los Angeles, famed "Boondocks" cartoonist Aaron McGruder put down his pen for a few hours to draw a picture of successful black business owners giving back to the communities from which they came. In Chicago, Johnson Development Corporation's Kenneth Lombard emphasized the importance of offering the highest level of services as black business owners. And in Washington, D.C., Shannon Reeves, the illustrious and outspoken co-owner of the Chevron Freedom Fund-and a four-term president of the Oakland, Calif. NAACP-spoke about working hard to get what you want. These nationally known, high-profile business owners, who took time out of their hectic schedules to act as spokespersons for Miller Brewing Company's fourth-annual Miller Urban Entrepreneurs Series, offered sound and valuable advice to hundreds of aspiring and current business owners who attended these seminars across the country. Upscale handbag and luggage designer Aina Cherry, Sister Souljah, president of A Souljah's Story, and Russell Simmons, CEO/President of Rush Communications, also served as program keynote speakers in Atlanta, Detroit and New York respectively. "Be aware. Be awake. Be responsible," said McGruder as he spoke to the crowd at the Los Angeles seminar. "Understand that you have the power to do good as a Black entrepreneur."

---Tips Every Parent Should Know---
Teens get their drivers' licenses at a risky time in their lives. Teens already have the highest crash risk of any age group, making collisions the leading cause of death for young people age 15-20. Driving-age teens are also four times more likely to use marijuana than younger adolescents. Combining drug use with teens' inexperience on the road and risk-taking is a recipe for disaster. New research shows that approximately one in six high school seniors report driving under the influence of marijuana, about the same number as alcohol. In 2001, an estimated 38,000 high school seniors in the U.S. crashed after driving under the influence of marijuana. So, how can you help your teen Steer Clear of Pot? Go to UnityFirst.com and check out a list of simple things parents can do and say to help prevent their teens from using marijuana and keep them safe on the road. For more information on marijuana and driving safety, visit www.theantidrug.com/teendriving. The site also offers a free teen driving kit and on-line quiz for parents. The kit can also be ordered by calling 1-800-788-2800.

---2003 Source Hip-Hop Music Awards---
The 2003 Source Hip-Hop Music Awards took Miami by storm on October 13th. The show is set to be broadcast November 11, 2003 on BET at 8 PM (ET/PT). This year's winners -- presented by such diverse match-ups as Mike Tyson, Laila Ali and Roy Jones, Jr., Lil' Kim and Larenz Tate and The Neptunes and Clipse -- include: 1) The ever-popular 50 Cent, who nabbed Male Single of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Album of the Year; 2) St. Louis sensation Nelly, for Male Artist of the Year as well as special recognition with the Source Youth Foundation Image Award; 3) Lil' Kim, the Female Artist of The Year and Female Single of The Year; and 4) Lil' Jon & The East Side Boyz for Artist of the Year- Group and Video of the Year. The Source Awards bestowed a series of honors to those singular individuals who have undeniably and compellingly influenced Hip-Hop: legendary Rapper Kurtis Blow was honored with this year's Pioneer Award

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