---A Memorial Day salute---
On this Memorial Day weekend, let us remember those veterans who lost their lives…those fighters who were never found… those soldiers who continue to fight and those soldiers who return home after military service. We salute you…and send our salute to you, your families and communities.

---Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival, August 12-14, 2004---
In its second year, the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) will be held August 12-14, 2004. Amidst the enchanting island of Martha's Vineyard, this three day event will highlight "The Future of African American Filmmakers and the Issues we Continue to Face." This exciting, one-of-a-kind film festival will highlight key achievements of African Americans in the film industry. Attendees can expect engaging conversations that will explore some of the most successful approaches on how to build effective strategic partnerships. Additionally, aspiring filmmakers should walk away with the much needed tools to propel them ahead. Unlike some other film festivals, the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival caters to an upscale, mature audience that truly appreciates fine art. The Directors Chat, Q&A sessions and other discussions are guaranteed to be thought provoking and informational. In addition, the location and rich history of the island, located just seven miles off the Massachusetts coastline, provides attendees wonderful sightseeing opportunities from the Gay Head Cliffs, to Cottage City, known for its gingerbread houses. . MVAAFF showcased more than 30 films last year and will showcase even more this year. In addition to screening newly discovered films, attendees can enjoy the continued success of the Island's African Diaspora experience. The film festival will open with a pre-festival reception in New York City. The island activities will include a Director's Luncheon, Director's Chat and opening/closing parties at the Mansion House, host hotel. Sponsors Kodak and Final Draft will award prizes to the best short film and screenplay. Other festival sponsors include Dukes County Bank, UnityFirst.com, Edgartown National Bank, Martha's Vineyard Film Society, Mansion House, Island Real Estate, Martha's Vineyard Co-operative Bank and presented by Run and Shoot Filmworks, Inc. For more information or to attend the events, send an email to mvfilmfestival@yahoo.com.

---New England Conference on Black Philanthropy, June 1-3---
The New England Conference on Black Philanthropy, in partnership with the National Center for Black Philanthropy, Inc., will be held Tuesday, June 1 through Thursday, June 3, 2004 at the Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale (155 Temple Street, New Haven, Connecticut). The theme of the 2nd annual conference is "The Power of Individuals to Build Communities." The conference will host approximately 300 professionals in the field of philanthropy including members of nonprofit organizations nationally and in the Northeast region. Ron Ancrum, President of Associated Grant Makers in Boston, Massachusetts says "In order for philanthropy to be effective, it is critical that citizens are empowered to make a difference in their own communities. African American donors want to feel invested in the outcomes of their philanthropy in the communities in which they live and have a personal alliance. The African American community is increasingly being targeted for philanthropic outreach. This conference will be a key provider of professional education for grant makers on how they can increase their value through partnering, collaborating, brokering and other strategies. If you teach individuals to focus on assets instead of deficits, they will unite around a common vision of future success." The goal of the conference is to encourage and cultivate giving by promoting philanthropy within Black communities in the Northeast, to increase the capacity of Black development professionals, highlight the critical roles individuals play in charitable giving, and cultivate greater institutional investment in Black communities. For more information contact Lisa McGill, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven at lmcgill@cfgnh.org or (203) 777-2386.

---LULAC and La Raza join call for increased funding for Alzheimer Research---Alzheimer's disease and related dementias are projected to increase more than six-fold among Hispanics in the U.S. during the first half of the 21st century, according to a new report released by the Alzheimer's Association. This increase means that 1.3 million Hispanics will have Alzheimer's disease by 2050, compared to fewer than 200,000 currently living with the disease. "This report should serve as a wake-up call to Congress and the nation," said Stephen McConnell, Ph.D., senior vice president and public policy for the Alzheimer's Association. "As the fastest growing population in the country and the group that will have the greatest life expectancy of all ethnic groups, Hispanics will experience a dramatic rise in their risk of Alzheimer's disease. This will overwhelm their families and communities unless we take action now. "The life expectancy of Hispanics will increase to age 87 by 2050, surpassing all other ethnic groups in the United States. Age is the single greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. By the middle of the century, Hispanics will increase as a proportion of the total elderly population from five percent today to 16 percent.

---Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964---
On June 22, 23, and 30, 2004 (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) at the Georgetown University Law Center (Moot Court Room, 600 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC.), the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, in cooperation with the American Bar Association/Equal Employment Opportunity Committee, the District of Columbia Bar/Labor & Employment Law Section, the Georgetown University Law Center, and the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, is pleased to host a series of panel discussions that will examine the enactment and enforcement of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination in employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, religion, and sex. These discussions will bring together many of the leading judges, lawyers, and activists involved in the passage of Title VII and its amendments and the litigation of the landmark cases interpreting Title VII and establishing the guidelines for proving workplace discrimination. No reservation or pre-registration is required.

---Chicago: DuSable Museum 30th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival---
On Saturday, July 10, 2004 and Sunday, July 11, 2004 from 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM, the DuSable Museum of African American History will host their 30th Annual Arts & Crafts Festival. The event will take place at the Museum, located at 740 East 56th Place (57th Street at South Cottage Grove Avenue) in Chicago's Washington Park.This year marks the 30th anniversary of connecting Black Art and History.

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