---U.S. Census Bureau on Poverty, Income and Health Insurance---
Poverty: The nation's official poverty rate rose from 12.1 percent in 2002 to 12.5 percent in 2003. In 2003, among people who reported a single race, the poverty rate for non-Hispanic Whites was 8.2 percent, unchanged from 2002. Although non-Hispanic Whites had a lower poverty rate than other racial groups, they accounted for 44 percent of the people in poverty. For Blacks, neither the poverty rate nor the number in poverty changed between 2002 and 2003. People who reported Black as their only race, for example, had a poverty rate of 24.4 percent in 2003. Among those who indicated Asian as their only race, 11.8 percent were in poverty in 2003, up from 10.1 percent in 2002.
Income: Real median household income remained unchanged between 2002 and 2003 at $43,318. Real median income did not change between 2002 and 2003 for non-Hispanic White households (about $48,000), Black households (about $30,000) or Asian households (about $55,500). Households with Hispanic householders (who can be of any race) experienced a real decline in median income of 2.6 percent between 2002 and 2003.
Health Insurance: The number of people with health insurance increased by 1.0 million to 243.3 million between 2002 and 2003, and the number without such coverage rose by 1.4 million to 45.0 million. The percentage of the nation's population without coverage grew from 15.2 percent in 2002 to 15.6 percent in 2003. The uninsured rate did not change for Blacks (about 19.5 percent) or Asians (about 18.7 percent) between 2002 and 2003. The health insurance coverage rates of Blacks and Asians were not different in 2003. Non-Hispanics who reported White as their only race saw their uninsured rate increase from 10.7 percent to 11.1 percent. The uninsured rate for Hispanics, who may be of any race, was 32 percent in 2003 - unchanged from 2002.

---BOOK of the WEEK: The Practice of Power: Finding Success in a Diverse World---The Practice of Power: Finding Success in a Diverse World (Leading Edge Press), authored by Janine and Tom Fondon, is one of the most inspiring books for people seeking viable ways to find success in this multicultural world of rapidly changing demographics. This book moves you beyond success trivia and focuses on the untapped 'practices of power' - that will boost your ability to move past obstacles, address negativity, become more culturally literate, put life in perspective and achieve goals in this global world we live and work in. With contributors such as activist Dick Gregory, MBC Network's Willie Gary and motivator Jewel Diamond Taylor and others, the book is an excellent resource for teachers, students, corporations, businesses and community leaders seeking to encourage positive relationship-building and knowledge-sharing across cultures, commerce related initiatives and communities. The book shares: 1) one of the most intriguing, culturally diverse walking tours including world facts and diversity timeline from sites across the U.S., Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and the Caribbean, 2) Role model stories of people who learned to move past obstacles with wisdom, 3) Power styles/characteristics of people who may either enhance your chance to succeed or push you into the depths of depression, 4) A Native American inspired framework for charting your success and, 5)several proven paths to the 'Powerful' thinking required for achieving success in a diverse world. The key to success is effectively interacting with people from all walks of life - including those who want you to succeed as well as those friends, family, or work associates, who often wait for you to fail. This book is key for…savvy business professionals who think they know it all... upwardly bound professionals who figure they have got to have it all... young people who are destined for success ... folks who are sick and tired of being sick and tired, and individuals who simply want to get ahead." To order the book or schedule informational presentations based on the book, call: 800-286-3659 or send email to info@unityfirst.com.

---Hispanic Heritage Month---
Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries-Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico achieved independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.

---Tour for Success: Business Exchange Conference -Washington, D.C. , Sept.7---The Global Diversity Group's National Business Conference, "Tour for Success" will be held in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, September 7, 2004 at the Renaissance Washington, D.C. hotel. The conference, which attracts a range of African American and diverse businesses and offers various activities from free workshops to business networking events including "The Art of Networking" session with author and networking guru George Fraser, a "Success Stories" Session with Allan Houston, professional basketball player and entrepreneur and an Economic Empowerment Networking Reception. For more information or to register, go to MPBNETwork.com.

---MBAs in Houston---
More than 13,000 black business professionals are expected to gather in Houston Sept. 14th - 19th for the 26th annual conference, career fair and exposition of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Inc., the nation's premier non-profit organization focused solely on economic empowerment for African Americans. This year, the association -- which represents more than 100,000 Black MBA graduates in the United States -- will unveil several new initiatives including a new non-profit foundation, a homeownership empowerment program, an executive career success network, a corporate management leadership institute as well as award some $500,000 in scholarships to top undergraduate and graduate business students. This year's speakers include: Vernon Jordan, attorney, Tavis Smiley, Les Brown, Star Jones, Stedman Graham, Kwame Jackson, first runner-up on NBC's The Apprentice and Harvard MBA.

---Village of Robbins, Illinois to celebrate during annual Homecoming---
The Village of Robbins is set to stage its 6th Annual Homecoming and Back-to-School festival, The four-day family event takes place over the Labor Day Weekend (September 2nd - 5, 2004) and features a wide variety of entertainment, rides, games and prizes for all ages, including the nationally recognized Thyrll Latting Black Cowboy Rodeo. The Village of Robbins is an predominantly Black suburb just southwest of Chicago. It's the birthplace of many famous athletes, aviators, business people and entertainers. For more information, send email to cwillett@chicagoreporter.com