---Reconsidering the Souls of Black Folks---
Perennial Strategy Group's Lamell McMorris hosted a book signing and luncheon for author Stanley Crouch to celebrate his literary work "Reconsidering the Souls of Black Folks." Mr. Crouch teamed up with noted journalist Playthell Benjamin for this thought-provoking look back at "The Souls of Black Folk", the visionary work by the great African American intellectual W. E. B. DuBois. Crouch and Benjamin praise the contributions of DuBois' work, noting its uncanny relevance to today's society and its profound impact on the field of African-American studies. The event was held during the recent Congressional Black Caucus conference. "Crouch has a breadth of knowledge about politics, art, jazz, blues and literature," Mr. McMorris said, "He is not only provocative but perceptive about these issues. Reconsidering the Souls of Black Folk is a fitting tribute to a literary and sociological triumph." For information on getting autographed copies of this book, send an email to info@unityfirst.com.

---New York: Wall Street Summit focuses on wealth-building for Latino business---The New America Alliance (NAA) will hold the 3rd Annual Wall Street Summit at New York's Le Parker Meridien Hotel on October 21-24, 2003. The event will focus on increasing wealth-building potential for the American Latino community, expanding American Latino presence on U.S. corporate boards, promoting greater access to capital for Latino businesses, investing in education and mentoring for American Latino students and entrepreneurs, and the release of a NAA white paper: American Latinos in the Financial Services Industry. A national 501(c) 6 organization of prominent American Latino business leaders, New America Alliance is dedicated to advancing the economic development of the American Latino community. The Alliance is organized on the principle that American Latino business leaders have a special responsibility to lead the process of building the forms of capital most crucial to Latino progress - economic capital, political capital, human capital and the practice of philanthropy.

---Chicago: Support for Spanish-language newspaper---
Hispania Capital Partners, a private equity fund co-sponsored by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), announced a historic investment to Rossi Publications, Inc., publisher of La Raza Newspaper, the leading Spanish-language newspaper in Chicago, Illinois and the largest circulated Spanish-language Sunday newspaper in the nation. The investment is the first investment by Hispania Capital Partners and paves the way for future investments to help fuel the growth of Hispanic businesses. Hispania Capital Partners, Rossi Publications, Inc., the USHCC and Washington Mutual, who provided the $4 million equity investment to Hispania Capital Partners, made the announcement during a press conference at the USHCC 24th Annual National Convention & Business Expo." This is a historic moment for the Hispanic business community. This investment provides La Raza Newspaper capital that will help them better serve the Hispanic community in Illinois and is essential to their success and growth," said George Herrera, USHCC President & CEO. "The USHCC is proud to be a co-sponsor of Hispania Capital Partners, the first private equity fund dedicated to Hispanic-owned businesses that is licensed by the Small Business Administration." Hispania's investment will enable the 33-year old company to accelerate its ongoing expansion in Chicago's suburban areas where the Hispanic population has grown by close to 70% over the past 10 years. Hispania will also assist the company in expanding the distribution of La Raza Paginas Amarillas; a rapidly growing Spanish-language telephone directory geared to Latino consumers in the greater Chicago area.

---New York Seminar: "Business Connections for Profitability"---On November 13, 2003 in New York City, corporations and businesses will gather to get the bottom line on recent diversity and business trends during a leadership seminar, "Business Connections for Profitability." The insights to be presented document the newest 'reality' for diversity and business success across markets, industries and geographies. Attend and learn how to achieve your business goals in a changing economy and diverse marketplace. The event will also feature a discussion and review of Fortune Magazine's 2003 diversity special section and Mosaica, the newest diversity, business and public relations reference guide. Then, participate in the networking event to 'connect businesses for success.' Don't miss it! To register, send an email to NYseminar@unityfirst.com or call 800-286-3659. Seating is limited. Ask for early registration discounts.

---New York: African Voices Writers Conference celebrates Caribbean literature---African Voices magazine will present "Caribbean Literature: Celebrating the Sweetness of Home" a writers forum focusing on the traditions of Caribbean literature, folktales and art at the Cultural Circle Conference 2003. The Circle Conference is an annual conference for writers and artists that offers information on everything from retreats and workshops to exhibition opportunities for visual artists and career opportunities in the book publishing industry. Artists will also learn about protecting and promoting their work on the Internet. Registration is $40. For registration information and conference schedule visit www.africanvoices.com or call 212.865.2982. The conference will kick-off on Saturday, October 25 at 6 pm with a special book signing for Dr. Elizabeth Nunez, When Rocks Dance, at the Brownstone Reading Series, 316 W. 137, Harlem, NY. On Sunday, October 26, from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm, the Circle Conference will be held at Harlem, New York's Schomburg Center, 515 Malcolm X Blvd.

---New Mexico: Day-long briefing on Native American health care---
On October 17, there will be a day-long briefing on Native American health care disparities. The event will be held at the Doubletree Hotel, 201 Marquette Avenue, NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is committed to protecting the civil rights of all Americans. A recent report released by the Commission found that the U.S. government spends 50% less money on health care for Native Americans than for any other group including prisoners and Medicaid recipients. The Commission is gravely concerned about chronic under-funding for education, housing, health care and infrastructure in Indian Country, and will use the trip to New Mexico as an opportunity to hear directly from Native Americans, public health experts, advocates and U.S. government representatives about disparities in the health status and outcomes for Native Americans.

---California: $21 million loan to Lytton Rancheria for tribal land acquisition---
Multimedia Games, Inc. announced that it entered into an agreement with the Sonoma County, California-based Lytton Rancheria of California ("Lytton Rancheria"), a federally recognized Indian Tribe, whereby Multimedia Games ("Multimedia") advanced the Tribe approximately $21 million, which the Tribe used to facilitate the transfer of land in San Pablo, California to the United States in trust for Lytton Rancheria.The Bureau of Indian Affairs accepted the San Pablo land in trust for the Tribe, relieving the Tribe of the landless status it has endured for over forty years. Clifton Lind, President and CEO of Multimedia Games, commented, "It is an honor to enter into this transaction with Lytton Rancheria's tribal leadership. This loan is consistent with Multimedia's long-standing support of Native American tribes and their efforts to maintain sovereign rights. However, it is important to note that this agreement is simply a loan, with no additional requirements or conditions imposed on Lytton Rancheria, other than the pledge of the collateral securing the loan and the requirement that the loan be repaid with interest within its term."Multimedia Games, Inc. is the nation's leading supplier of interactive electronic games and player stations to the rapidly growing Native American gaming market. The Company's games are delivered through a telecommunications network that links its player stations with one another both within and among gaming facilities.

---First Annual Latino AIDS Awareness Day---
On October 15 in over 100 U.S. cities, Latinos will join together to mark the First Annual Latino AIDS Awareness Day and to call on Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson to expand HIV prevention efforts in all segments of the Latino community. In cities from Anchorage, Alaska to Miami, Florida and from New York City to Los Angeles local organizations will sponsor activities to draw local and national attention to the fact that Latinos represent 20% of the persons living with AIDS but only 14% of the U.S. population

---Send your news, events and press releases to editors@unityfirst.com! ---

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