---Check out the February 2008 issue of Upscale Magazine---
Take a look at the fabulous February 2008 issue of Upscale magazine. In the publication, Founder and Publisher Bernard Bronner says, “Follow the leaders….We hope that they motivate you to keep living your dreams, so that you too can contribute to history in a big way." The cover features actress Malinda Williams and magazine includes stories highlighting Tavis Smiley, Martin Lawrence, Ben Vereen, Ella English, Author George Fraser, UnityFirst.com’s Janine Fondon, and Blair Underwood.

Lottie Shackelford

George Fraser

Tavis Smiley

Martin Luther King Jr.

Business World Index

---Democratic National Committee on Black History Month---
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean, Vice Chair Lottie Shackelford and Black Caucus Chair Virgie Rollins issued a joint statement celebrating the start of Black History Month. Here is an excerpt from that statement: "Today we mark the beginning of Black History Month, a time to reflect and celebrate the rich thread of African American achievement in the beautiful tapestry of diversity in America. America's history is a story made up of many voices under one great nation, and it is during this month that we remember that our nation can only fulfill its potential when we allow each and every American a chance to fulfill their own dreams."

---Author and speaker George Fraser releases his new book, “CLICK: Ten Truths for Building Extraordinary Relationships”---In CLICK: Ten Truths for Building Extraordinary Relationships, George C. Fraser, one of the foremost authorities on relationship building, details ten simple and proven principles that will allow people to tap into the richest resource on the planet – other people – no matter how hard it’s been in the past to do so. Readers will be able to apply these skills to all areas of their lives – to create an extraordinary marriage, lifelong friendships, or powerful and enriching business relationships. So what is “click”? Fraser insists that networking is just the beginning, connecting takes relationships to the next level, and clicking is when at least two people add a special value to each other and create synergy. It is the ultimate goal of the networking process – to create a win-win. Fraser, over the last 25 years, has built one of the largest and most influential networks in America using his click formula. The Ten Truths that he outlines in CLICK are based on the knowledge he’s gained while studying and teaching networking: "1)Tailor your relationships: to consciously create the perfect fit 2)Be authentic: attract what you love and what loves you 3)Trust first: release your real power 4) Communicate with your heart: a new source of intelligence 5)Love, give, serve, and add value: then watch what comes back 6)Bless them and release them: learn the lessons and move on 7) Be open to everything: you can remake your life 8)Make peace, not war, with words: create belief and confidence 9)It takes teamwork to make the dream work: seek caring, creative allies 10)Nurture your relationships: they are the core of your success." Get the book and make your new year even better than expected….go to http://www.10truths2click.com.

---State of the Black Union---
Tavis Smiley's annual "State of the Black Union" (SOBU) symposium will focus on the role African Americans will play in the 2008 elections, and intends to mobilize 1,000 volunteers to rebuild some of the poorest areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina. "Many Americans caught in the whirlwind of market forces this year have experienced hardships with homeownership -- a dream that Wells Fargo is committed to fulfilling and sustaining," said Andre Brooks, head of Diverse Segments for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. "This event provides a vital venue for discussion about this issue with an important segment of our customers, including thousands of customers we helped following Hurricane Katrina. We are proud to sponsor this event for the third year in a row." The State of the Black Union weekend kicks off in New Orleans on Friday, Feb. 22 with volunteers working at six simultaneous community service projects in the Upper Ninth Ward, the Lower Ninth Ward, Central City, Hollygrove, New Orleans East and Broadmoor. On Saturday, Smiley will host a conversation with 24 noted politicians, educators, social scientists, business leaders and clergy on "Reclaiming our Democracy, Deciding our Future" from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Ernest E. Morial Convention Center and broadcast live on C-SPAN.

---W.K. Kellog Foundation gives $3 million donation to Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial---As the nation prepares to observe Black History Month, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) announced a $3 million donation to the Washington, DC, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. The WKKF gift signifies the largest private foundation contribution for the four-acre Memorial which will be built on the National Mall. The donation from the WKKF lifts the fundraising total to $90 million of the $100 million needed.

---Signed, Sealed and Delivered: Vote Hope---
Vote Hope intends to sign, seal and deliver voters to Obama with their latest public service announcement featuring Stevie Wonder. The video PSA, fourth in a series produced by the grassroots organization, encourages youth and underrepresented communities in California to vote during the February 5th primary. Wonder, who has been a visible Obama supporter, and whose song, "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" has been played during Obama rallies, hopes that his efforts will help increase both voter turnout and support for Obama. "It's time to bring this country back to a good future," says Wonder. "You've got a voice, you've got a choice. Vote for Change," he adds. The forty-five second spot features Stevie Wonder writing in Braille to spell out his candidate of choice, Barack Obama.