---More employers showcase diversity programs---
More U.S. employers are promoting their diversity outreach efforts as a competitive advantage in the marketplace, according to survey of 1,780 companies by Boston consulting and training firm Novations/J. Howard & Associates. Nearly half of employers (49 percent) publicize their attempts to recruit and retain a diverse workforce, the survey indicated. But 34 percent are low key about promoting their programs, although expressing strong support for diversity. Only seven percent refrain from discussing diversity programs publicly. "A decade ago, diversity was considered a 'sensitive' subject by most employers," according to Novations/J. Howard President and CEO Mike Hyter. "Diversity has been an organizational objective since the 1970s, but until the past decade few employers made it a selling point. Today, however, diversity is promoted not just for recruitment and retention, but also for a company's image among customers." For the most part, Hyter believes that corporate diversity's higher profile reflects trends in society. "Senior management no longer looks at diversity as an imposition, but as something at least inevitable, if not desirable," said Hyter. Novations Group Inc. is a leading provider of corporate and management training and consulting expertise designed to align a client's leadership, communication, organizational, and cultural processes with their strategic mission. For more information, send an email to: pfitzgerald@jhoward.com.

---The August Employment Report: Job growth falls short of economic forecast---Here is an excerpt from a statement made by U.S. Representative Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus: "For almost four years, America's workers have struggled to stay afloat in an economy that continues to give them a sense of false hope. According to the U.S. Labor Department, during the month of August, the U.S. economy created a marginal 144,000 new jobs. While this number is an increase from the anemic 32,000 jobs created in June, it is not nearly enough to provide for the 8 million Americans who are currently unemployed. Additionally, in August, as in previous months, the number of jobs created is drastically below the 900,000 jobs our economy must create each month if the employment picture is to recover to the point where it was when President Bush took office four years ago."

---Rick Newberger named President and CEO of Black Family Channel---
MBC Network, which in October officially changes its name to the Black Family Channel, announced that it has named industry veteran Rick Newberger to the posts of President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Board Chairman Willie E. Gary, who has been serving as CEO, made the announcement. "We have been on the air for nearly five years now and have made remarkable progress in building distribution, reaching an underserved audience and carving out a unique programming niche," said Gary. "Now we have one of the cable/satellite industry's most experienced advisors stepping into the top management job to help us swiftly get to the next level." Newberger said, "I am very excited to take on this new assignment. Black Family Channel is on the cusp of a major breakthrough. We are reaching 24 of the top 25 black markets through agreements with all of the major cable MSOs. This Fall, we will debut several new prime time shows plus a kids block from famed Hollywood producer Robert Townsend, who joined the network as President and CEO of Production earlier this year. Our Urban News and Black College Sports programs are being retooled and will come back bigger and better than ever." Major Broadcasting Cable Network, (MBC) is America's only minority-owned and operated, 24-hour cable network committed to providing wholesome entertainment for the entire family.

---E/WATCH: National Congress of Black Women sets election year agenda ---
NCBW's 20th Anniversary Annual Awards Brunch and Roundtable during the 34th Annual Black Caucus Legislative Weekend focused on the impact of the rising poverty rate on African-American women and families as well as other issues as part of the organization's election year agenda. Three women who have worked to address equal rights issues for African Americans, particularly women, were honored including: Xernona Clayton, Vice President for Urban Affairs, Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc., Elaine Jones, Esq., Retired President and General Counsel for NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund; and Marian B. Tasco, President of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials and Majority Whip of Philadelphia City Council. This year, the National Congress of Black Women (NCBW) focused its attention on the rising rate of poverty in America as a major issue in the 2004 Presidential election. The recently released Census Report states that the ranks of the poor and those without health insurance grew in 2003 for the third straight year. The increase of children in poverty rose 17.6 % for those under 18, which represents 800,000 children. Additionally, the wage gap between men and women widened for the first time in four years. NCBW is non-partisan and is the first organization that has its primary mission the political empowerment of African American women.

---Apollo Theater features the award-winning musical "The Gospel at Colonus"---It is said the second time around is always better but when it comes to the 20th time-like the 20th anniversary of the internationally award-winning musical, THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS-the exhilarating magic and excitement of this production's reprise after two decades of touring is sure to surpass its own extraordinary theatrical acclaim. New York's legendary Apollo Theater will serve as the celebratory backdrop this Fall for the return of this timeless ancient Greek drama transposed into a contemporary, foot-stomping gospel masterpiece starring noted theater, film and television actor CHARLES S. DUTTON, the Grammy-famed BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA featuring Clarence Fountain, THE LEGENDARY SOUL STIRRERS and several New York choirs. The production is slated to run at the Apollo Theater October 25th to November 7th, 2004. THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS is an exuberant retelling of Sophocles' classic Greek tragedy (Oedipus at Colonus) set in the context of a Pentecostal gospel service. The musical focuses on the story of the blind king Oedipus, banished from Thebes and searching for salvation until he arrives at the city of Colonus to make peace with his past and his children before he transitions to his final resting place. For more info on this play, send an email to: penpower@eniinternet.com.

---Tour for Success: Business Exchange Conference -Washington, D.C. , Sept.7---The Global Diversity Group's National Business Conference, "Tour for Success" will be held in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, September 7, 2004 at the Renaissance Washington, D.C. hotel. The conference, which attracts a range of African American and diverse businesses and offers various activities from free workshops to business networking events including "The Art of Networking" session with author and networking guru George Fraser, a "Success Stories" Session with Allan Houston, professional basketball player and entrepreneur and an Economic Empowerment Networking Reception. For more information or to register, go to MPBNETwork.com.