--The Rev. Al Sharpton visits Massachusetts---
On October 12, the Rev. Al Sharpton brought many enthusiastic words about his pursuit of the Presidential office to a Springfield, Massachusetts pastoral celebration for the Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ. During a welcoming reception of African American businesses, church and community-based leaders, Sharpton said, "…we must raise our voice for what is right." Boston-based writer Haywood Fennell listened intently to a story Rev. Sharpton shared about an old teacher of his who said, 'that he [Sharpton] came from a dysfunctional family.' Sharpton echoed, "Well, I don't know where she is tonight, but I just want to let her know that this dysfunctional person is announcing that he plans to function as a Presidential candidate for 2004." There was a silence, followed by a thundering applause of approval, reported Fennell, after hearing from Rev Sharpton that he will not go away, but "continue his pursuit for justice and equality all the way to the White House." Just a month ago, Reverend Sharpton initiated his first fundraiser for the "Sharpton Explore 2004 Committee." Sharpton has also set a goal for the National Action Network to registering one million women by 2004 and well as develop outreach efforts in 30 states. FYI, Sharpton's new book "Al on America" (Kensington Books), co-written with journalist Karen Hunter", has been released. As part of the book, Sharpton notes that "In this new millennium, in this new America, it's time for new leadership. It's time for a leader who understands that our greatest strength lies in our differences. A true leader understands that getting people to embrace the differences of others will only make this nation stronger."

---UnityFirst.com/African American Newswire to share information about MOBE---
As part of its newly established relationship, UnityFirst.com and African American Newswire will share information about the MOBE (Marketing Opportunities in Business & Entertainment) Business Clinic to be held in Harlem, New York at the Magic Johnson Theaters, November 3-5 2002 in New York City. MOBE is the ten-year-old premier national business, entertainment and new media conference series serving corporate professionals and business owners who wish to build business and relationships with the African American consumer and business segments. In addition to providing case-study success presentations by leading marketers, MOBE is unique in providing a 12-month business, brand and career building relationship and alliances with symposium attendees. The Business Clinic series allows successful marketers and leading professionals to present an overview of the business topic and respond to questions from attendees, speaking directly to their specific business building strategies, concerns and ailments. The sessions are planned to help participants return to their businesses with actionable solutions and the powerful business remedies for success in the upcoming year. The Business Clinic includes sessions designed to help registrants consisting of corporate and product marketers as well as entertainment, marketing, advertising and sports business owners understand the psychographics of the urban consumer, hone brand strategy expertise to build, maintain and leverage equity locked within their brands. Understanding why widely recognized brands use alliances and cross-promotions and the critical elements of a successful event, including: marketing, sponsorship, sales, barters, partnerships, and productions will also be explored. Even those interested in international trade will get insights on how to expand reach and results internationally. "The MOBE Business Clinic is a timely and cost-effective addition to the annual MOBE Master Series, which will take place April 4-9th 2003 in Florida at the Roney Palace Resort in Miami's popular South Beach area and is prescription for maximizing 2003 business ROI," says Yvette Moyo, MOBE co-founder. For more information contact Rael Jackson: 773-651-8008 or go to www.mobe.com.

---Holy Day of Atonement: October 16---
Minister Louis Farrakhan will deliver his Holy Day of Atonement message on October 16, live from New York City. Contact your local Muhammad's mosque for information.

---Circle of Sisters Expo in New York City: October 19---
Come on down to the Circle of Sisters Expo in New York City and enjoy the seminars, displays and festivities. UnityFirst.com wants to meet you….come to our booth (#517), with this email and claim one of our special gifts. Also, visit the Circle of Sisters Book Party on Saturday, October 19th from 3:30pm to 6:00pm in the Special Events Hall at Manhattan's Jacob Javits Convention Center during fourth annual Circle of Sisters Expo. The Book Party will bring African-American women, a major consumer force in the publishing industry, together with some of their favorite writers as well as introduce them to some rising new literary stars. The Circle of Sisters Book Party is co-sponsored by Black Issues Book Review and will be hosted by DeeDee McGuire, on-air radio personality and co-host of The Doug Banks Morning Show. We're looking forward to seeing you!

---Philadelphia marks first salute of new leadership of TransAfrica Forum---
The leaders of TransAfrica Forum - international labor organizer Bill Fletcher, Jr. and actor/activist Danny Glover - will hold their first public event since taking on their leadership of the internationally renowned organization at a Philadelphia reception October 17 at the premier restaurant and jazz club Zanzibar Blue. The Philadelphia Benefit will offer the new leaders an introduction to longtime supporters as well as provide the opportunity to discuss new initiatives of the organization. The AIDS/HIV pandemic in Africa, sweatshops in the developing world, Haitian sovereignty and the injustices of international monetary institutions are among the issues that TransAfrica pledges to embrace. The reception was spearheaded by Widener University Professor Dr. Richard Cooper. TransAfrica Forum is the nation's foremost research, education and advocacy organization dedicated to global justice for the African world. Focused on political and economic conditions in Africa, the Caribbean and Latin America, TransAfrica sponsors conferences, community awareness projects and training programs to inform the public of current conditions in the African Diaspora and to present alternative perspectives on U.S. foreign policy. For further information on the Philadelphia Benefit Reception, contact Gwen McKinney at (202) 833-9771.

---2003 Commemorative Stamp Program celebrates 'Year of Firsts'---
The 100th anniversary of the first controlled, powered airplane flight, the first African-American U.S. Supreme Court Justice and the first national wildlife refuge are among the historic subjects that will be honored on new commemorative stamps in 2003.

---New York Power Authority hosts purchasing expo for minority and women-owned vendors---
Eugene W. Zeltmann, president and chief executive officer of the New York Power Authority (NYPA), announced that NYPA will sponsor a supplier diversity purchasing exchange for minority and women-owned businesses (M/WBEs) on Monday, Oct. 21, 2002 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Hotel Utica in downtown Utica. Zeltmann will also give keynote remarks to kick off the event."As part of Governor Pataki's continuing efforts to promote economic development in Upstate New York, the Power Authority is expanding its successful supplier diversity program to bring more opportunities to the region's minority and women owned businesses. This year's event in Utica will inaugurate our plans for annual Upstate purchasing exchanges," said Zeltmann. For more information, contact Connie M. Cullen, 914/390-8196.

---Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee with Angela Davis top off the HistoryMakers ---
The HistoryMakers presents "An Evening With Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee," 5:30 P.M. on Friday, October 18, at the Art Institute of Chicago, 230 S. Columbus Drive. The legendary couple will be interviewed by their longtime friend, activist and educator Angela Davis, in front of a live audience as part of 60-minute PBS TV special. This event culminates two days of activities that includes: "Meet The HistoryMakers: A Day of Education;" on Thursday, October 17, from 7:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M., at the Wyndham Hotel Chicago, 633 North St. Clair Street; and "Salute to the 2002 HistoryMakers," at 6:00 P.M. on Thursday, October 17th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, 151 East Wacker Drive.When Angela Davis was imprisoned in 1971, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee led the efforts to earn her release. Mr. Davis served as Chairman of the Angela Davis Legal Defense fund. This will be the first time the three of them have shared the stage in this manner."Meet The HistoryMakers: A Day of Education," is a program designed especially for Chicago-area teachers, students and librarians. Educators and students will have the opportunity to interact directly with influential African American HistoryMakers from around the country during moderated panel discussions throughout the day. Moderators and panelists include: Dr. Audrey Manley; Willy T. Ribbs, car driver; Dr. Louis Sullivan, former U.S. Surgeon General; and six HistoryMakers in their 90's. 125 HistoryMakers from across the country are expected to attend. This event culminates a year's worth of interviews that include: David Dinkins, former Mayor New York City; the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson; jazz legend Ramsey Lewis; author Terry McMillian; Carol Mosely Braun, former U.S. Senator and Ambassador to New Zealand; Willie T. Ribbs, race car driver; the Reverend Al Sharpton; Dr. Louis Sullivan, former U.S. Surgeon General; and Wellington Webb, Mayor of Denver. The HistoryMakers, founded in July of 1999, is a national institution committed to preserving, developing and providing easy access to an internationally recognized, archival collection of thousands of African American video oral histories.

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

For more information on African American Newswire, a national press release distribution service targeting the diverse press or UnityFirst.com, call 413-734-6444 or send email to editors@unityfirst.com.

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