---Amnesty International condemns execution of North Carolina inmate---Amnesty International, the world's largest grassroots human rights organization, has mobilized its activists to condemn the execution of Robert Bacon in North Carolina on October 5, 2001. As the execution date nears, thousands of letters, faxes and emails flood the Governor's office from Amnesty International members around the world. "Robert Bacon's case represents the racial bias that is so common throughout the death penalty system in the US," said Sue Gunawardena-Vaughn, Director of Amnesty International USA's Program to Abolish the Death Penalty. "We urge Governor Easley to grant clemency to Bacon, especially in light of widespread local and national concern about the fairness of the application of capital punishment," she said. Bacon, an African-American man, was sentenced to death for the 1987 murder of Glennie Clark. Bacon's girlfriend Bonnie Clark was found guilty of planning the murder of her estranged husband (Glennie Clark). She was sentenced to life imprisonment; Bacon was sentenced to death. On Friday, September 28, students from Amnesty International groups at Duke University, North Carolina Central and North Carolina State Universities, and UNC-Chapel Hill joined others to hold a rally at the Capitol in Raleigh to urge Gov. Easley to grant clemency to Bacon. The organization joins numerous legal scholars and a state government legislative committee in decrying the unequal application of the death penalty in North Carolina based on race. "Bacon was sentenced to death twice by selected all-white juries, some of whom were vocal in their bias against African-Americans," said Ari Kohen, AIUSA's State Death Penalty Coordinator for North Carolina. "Indeed, a former juror from Bacon's trial recalled that 'some jurors felt that it was wrong for a black man to date a white woman.' "For additional information visit www.amnestyusa.org or contact Jen Corlew at jcorlew@aiusa.org.

---Luster's PCJ Jumpstarts the school year with the personal computer sweepstakes---The new school year has started, but it is not too late to let Luster Products help you with homework and book reports. Because you want to ensure that your daughter has the best possible chance to succeed in school and has the proper tools, why not enter the Luster Products' PCJ Personal Computer Sweepstakes. Luster Products knows it is not enough just to look good. They realize how important it is to have the right equipment for school. Children need to have computer skills in order to excel and be successful in school. Today, computers are used in almost every aspect of life, and girls are learning to do everything from writing essays and designing posters to conducting research and creating cool hairstyles - all on computers! So, moms, you can enter the Computer Sweepstakes for a chance to win one of five iMac personal computers with Epson 777i Color Printers and extended software; a Homework Wiz electronic speller/dictionary; a Cykibo Wireless Inter-tainment System; or PCJ products and t-shirts. To enter, simply complete an official in-store entry form found in specially marked PCJ Pretty-n-Silky relaxer kits (regular and course) and mail it to: Luster's PCJ Computer Sweepstakes, P.O. Box 09013, Chicago, IL 60609. Check with retailer for complete details. Entries must be received by December 15, 2001; drawing will be conducted on or about December 30, 2001. You must be 18 or older to enter. Void where prohibited. For more information about PCJ products or the Keys of Success Sweepstakes, please visit the Luster Products website at www.lusterproducts.com or call (773) 579-1800.

---October Jazz with Patricia Adams in New York---
Treat yourself to a relaxed evening of fine dining and live jazz at Yvonne's Southern Cuisine, 503 Fifth Avenue at Sixth Street, in Pelham, NY on Friday, October 5 and Friday, October 26, from 6:30 to 10:00 pm. Hear the 'not so standard' jazz standards by Duke Ellington, Arlen & Mercer, Fats Waller, Billie Holiday and more by jazz vocalist Patricia Adams. Duo with Jon Weiss on keyboard. On Friday, October 26, Patricia Adams will perform with Frank Wilkins on piano. Come on out and let the music entertain you while you enjoy the elegant surroundings and the soulful entrees served. Make your reservations (recommended) now by calling (914) 738-2005. FYI, there is plenty of free parking.

---Pat Means Expands Relationship with 100 Black Men of America---Turning Point Communications President Patricia Means announced the expansion of a partnership with the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. during the groups' Annual fall Leadership Conference, September 26-29, 2001 in Arlington, Virginia. The relationship involves the creation and expansion of comprehensive small business development seminars and programs targeting minority-owned small businesses nationwide. Previously, Turning Point Communications, a small business media resource and parent company to Turning Point Magazine, www.Turningpointmagazine.com and producer of the California African American Business Summit, partnered with the Orange County, California Chapter of the historic philanthropic organization to host Summit 2001 in Irvine, California. This alliance is the first of several to be announced by Ms. Means, as she moves to create a national coalition that will strengthen and expose the talent in the multi-billion dollar minority small business market. "In the coming weeks, we will launch several programs that include current partners Wells Fargo Bank, Operation HOPE, Inc. and the TPC Foundation, Inc. that will assist many business owners in issues related to funding," adds Ms. Means. "We believe that with a little effort and support, the minority small business community can be a major force in strengthening and supporting our national economy." Year 2002 will find this media veteran expanding the publication to a nationwide audience, conducting business summits across the country, hosting a business radio show and creating a cable television program geared towards minority small business owners For more information, contact Damon T. Oliver, (323) 692-7834 or send email to dtoliver@mediaone.net.

----National Diversity Week: October 14-20---
Philadelphia-based Next Step Enterprises, Inc. is preparing for its third annual National Diversity Week. Like all major events, National Diversity Week is sure to make its mark in history. Created and organized by Philadelphia-based diversity media group, Next Step Enterprises, Inc., the third annual week takes place from October 14 - 20, 2001 throughout the nation. The week-long series of events includes panel discussions, seminars, workshops, and luncheons, all with diverse themes. Small and large businesses alike are encouraged to take part in National Diversity Week by sponsoring, promoting and hosting an event in their city. Current promotional cities include Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta, New York, Washington, DC, Miami, and Philadelphia. Launched in January of 1996, NEXT STEP magazine (www.nextstepmag.com) is widely regarded as the nation's number one publication on diversity and multiculturalism. According to publisher Norm Bond, "National Diversity Week builds on our earlier successes by allowing people to discuss the most important issue of the 21st century, understanding and managing diversity. We hope that all Americans will join us in building this grassroots effort. Our goal is educate, elevate, and motivate people regarding diversity matters." National Diversity Week is endorsed by a growing number of corporations, national organizations, colleges and government bodies. For more information about NATIONAL DIVERSITY WEEK call (215) 281-7538 or check out UnityFirst.com. Also, send email to Norm Bond or Next Step Enterprises, normbond@nextstepmag.com.

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