---Black Enterprise Publisher Earl Graves to be featured on TV One's "On Point with Armstrong Williams, Thursday, July 8 --- Prominent African American business executive Earl Graves, founder and publisher of Black Enterprise magazine, offers a frank assessment of how racism affects African Americans in business today and reflects on the secrets to his success in a wide-ranging interview premiering on TV One Thursday, July 8 at 8 PM [Check local listings]. The interview was conducted for On Point with Armstrong Williams, a series of special interviews conducted by commentator and columnist Armstrong Williams. The program will repeat at 11 PM that night, as well as Wednesday, July 14 at 8 PM and 11 PM (all times ET). When asked to comment on the state of black business today, Graves said, "What is a great disappointment to me is that we were actually on a faster track - by that I mean the progress we were making -- in the Nixon era going up to the Reagan era and then things started to go the other way because the country looked up and said these African Americans are getting ahead too fast. I think the word diversity was really created to marginalize African Americans, because there are companies who have 10 or 12 different kinds of special groups that dilute the impact on African Americans who were the ones who historically had been held back and who were brought here as an enslaved people," He also stressed that African Americans strongly believe in the American system, and that it's critical for African American businesses not to let racism win out. He offers insight into how he built his company that now consists of a highly successful book and publishing house, an executive conferences division and a $90 million private equity fund that invests in black businesses. Launched in January 2004, TV One (www.tvoneonline.com) offers a broad range of lifestyle and entertainment-oriented original programming, classic series, movies, fashion and music that focus on African American themes, issues, culture and politics.

---Getting the vote out---
The names of more than 2,100 eligible voters in Florida were recently found on a list of people to be purged from the state's voter rolls. In response, here is an excerpt from the Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe's statement, "Florida officials have had nearly four years to correct the voting problems that marred the 2000 presidential election. And yet it was recently reported that thousands of voters were mistakenly placed on Florida's list of felons. With just 123 days until the next election, this potential careless and needless disfranchisement of thousands of voters is extremely disturbing. Florida's list of felons is seriously flawed and needs to be scrapped. Moving forward with this list would be a dereliction of duty at the highest levels of Florida government."

---Harlem Book Fair in New York, Saturday, July 24, 2004---
More than 40,000 attendees and over 150 African American authors are expected to convene in Harlem on Saturday, July 24, 2004, from 12 Noon to 7:00pm at the 6th annual Harlem Book Fair in New York City). Participants confirmed to date include: Wheatley Book Award Recipients Maya Angelou, Terry McMillan, Chinua Achebe, Maryse Conde, Yusef Komanyakaa. Comedian Paul Mooney will perform. The audience can also meet and greet authors and presenters: including Max Rodriguez, Publisher QBR, The Black Book Review, J.L.King, Spike Lee, Sonia Sanchez, Ossie Davis, Andria Hall of the Hallmark Network(America At Worship), Hugh Masekela, Zane, Jawanza Kunjufu - Publisher African American Images, Patrick Henry Bass - Book Editor for Essence Magazine, Rev. James Forbes of Riverside Church, Michael Eric Dyson, Haki Madhubuti -Publisher Third World Press, Derrick Bell, Michael Baisden, Dr. Rev. Arlene Churn, Jaccquelin Thomas, Jill Nelson, Journalist Juan Williams, Craig Seymour, Rebecca Carrol, Omar Tyree, Rev. Dennis Dillon -Publisher of the New Christian Times, Manning Marable, Vickie Stringer, Dr. Rovenia Brock, Dr. Andrea Sullivan, Hilton Hudson, Bell Hooks, Ray Winbush, Ilyasah Shabazz, and Susan Fales-Hill, as well as many others. The Harlem Book Fair, which is free to the public, will feature over 250 exhibit booths, four stages, celebrity authors, book selling, storytelling and a variety of musical entertainment that will run a two-block stretch on 135th street between 5th Avenue and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. "It is the largest gathering of African American authors, book lovers and publishers in the country," notes its founder, Max Rodriguez who is also the publisher of QBR: The Black Book Review. The program of activities will also include an opportunity for attendees to be a part of the studio audience for the author panel discussions that will take place at the Schomburg Center for Research and Black Culture and air live on C-Span's Book TV. A total of 15 free author panel discussions will take place during the day and cover topics ranging from the state of affairs of the Black church to a host of other topics where authors will discuss every day life issues facing Black America. Authors will offer their perspectives on relationships, health, finance, music, politics, street fiction, the state of black publishing as well as provide tips on how to become a successful self-published author. This year the book fair will expand it's base to include a Christian Book and Sound Stage Pavilion, where well-known and self-published authors of faith will be on-hand to meet and greet the audience and engage in up-close and personal discussion and book signings. For more information, to receive sponsorship and exhibitor applications or to register as a volunteer, please e-mail LegzPro@aol.com or contact Jane Best via phone, (718)398-7334.

---Business Highlight: Meet two of New York's top photographers -
Gerald Peart:
Peart is a professional photographer with a keen eye for detail and 15+ years of service to his credit. He has provided top-level services for corporations/executives and professionals, non-Profit organizations, public relations agencies, news groups and special events/conferences. Peart has been around the world where he has recorded and documented many memorable moments for his clients. For more information, call (718) 797-1949 or send an email to: geefoto@aol.com
E. Lee White:
Photographer E. Lee White focuses over 20 years of experience through his camera lens each time he shoots in his Tribeca (NY) studio. His broad range of specialties include environmental portraiture, photos of corporate executives for use in annual reports, advertising, brochures, travel and public relations, as well as coverage for key meetings. White's clients include top executives and corporations, and small to mid-sized business and community initiatives. For more information, call (212) 766-2864, send email to lee@leewhite.com, or go to www.leewhite.com .

---Job Opportunity of the Week: Technical Consultant (Massachusetts)----
Seeking associate technical consultant for full time employment. Candidates will be responsible for supporting a group of small business clients (10-100 users) with their Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP based desktop computers. The position requires at least two years of providing desktop technical support and Windows NT/2000 network administration. The ability to clearly communicate technical concepts and procedures to non-technical customers is an important skill for this position. Technical independence and creative problem solving skills are especially valued. An outgoing personality and sense of humor are major pluses. Qualified applicants should reply with a brief cover letter that highlights their experience and distinguishes their problem-solving capabilities. Also include a standard resume that includes experience, job history, and educational and certification credentials, if any. Those invited in for an interview should be prepared to engage in a detailed technical discussion that relates to their stated areas of expertise. Please contact Jerome Saliga at 781-932-9032 x12.

---Tour of Success presents Spike Lee, George Fraser in Philadelphia, PA - July 13, 2004---The Business Exchange: 2004 Tour for Success presented by Volvo Cars of North America and produced by the Global Diversity Group travels to Philadelphia for a July 13 event with Spike Lee and networking guru George Fraser. The Tour for Success brings free seminars, workshops and networking opportunities to emerging minority entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country. The event begins at 9 a.m. (registration opens at 8 a.m.) with free interactive workshops focusing on key business issues and trends including: "Winning at the Contract Game", "Marketing Your Way To Success" and "Gaining the Competitive Edge via Technology." There are also workshop tracks focusing on issues that concern mature businesses as well as Business Basics workshops for startups. The workshops, Success Story Session and Luncheon with George Fraser and session with Spike Lee are FREE and open to the public, but registration is required. Tickets are also available for the Economic Empowerment Networking Reception. To register for the Tour of Success event or enter a drawing to win two free tickets to the Empowerment Networking Reception, send your name, address, phone and email to info@unityfirst.com or call 800-286-3659.

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