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Tuesday, December 23, 2008

"Gilroy is the Perfect Destination Right in Your Backyard"


By: Kevin L. Nichols

The economy is in the toilet. Disposable cash is a figment of the imagination. How does a hardworking Bay Area family plan a vacation while processing how to pay their rising mortgages, utilities, and gas in their oversized SUV or minivan? Take a mini-destination vacation to Gilroy.

Gilroy is the perfect place to take an overnight mini-vacation, without getting on a plane and/or driving 5 hours or more to get there. In about an hour and a half's time, you can still absorb the sunny and warm temperatures that foster wholesome family fun at a reasonably low cost.

The must see attraction outside the annual Gilroy Garlic Festival in July, is Gilroy Gardens, formerly known as Bonfante Gardens. Gilroy Gardens was founded by Michael and Claudia Bonfante for the purposes of educating guests and galvanizing a spirit of horticulture. It is committed to promoting environmental stewardship amongst K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. Gilroy Gardens has over 40 attractions, rides, educational exhibits, and magnificent gardens.

The rides are designed for all ages, however, the little tikes will be most excited because there are few rides that they cannot get on. Not only does Gilroy Gardens have an estuary for monarch butterflies, but it also has
Michael Bonfante's signature "Circus Trees." In 1985, Bonfante rescued the surviving 29 Circus Trees originally created by Axel Erlandson in the early 1920's, which consisted of mysterious tree trunks engineered to grow in unique ways.

With roller coasters, a train, carousels, a water park, a lake, paddle boats, and other attractions, Gilroy is the best place to go for all ages. It even has the Musical Market Show that educates viewers about the importance of vegetables and agriculture in the surrounding area, as well as spectacular sites such as Bonfante Falls and rare gardens/botanicals. Please visit http://www.gilroygardens.org/ for their park hours, admission prices, more historical background, and information on their Holiday Lights celebration.



Although Gilroy is not too far to travel, it is always nice to find affordable and comfortable accommodations so that you do not have to make the trek back to the Bay Area right away. If you choose to stay in Gilroy, you cannot beat the Hilton Garden Inn http://www.hiltongardeninn.com/. It has a wonderful decorum and splendid ambiance for a romantic getaway and enough space to bring the entire family. Their rooms feature small refrigerators, microwaves, hair dryers, 27" televisions, and coffeemakers. They also have a wonderful staff and management team.


If you do not mind driving about 10-15 minutes away, I highly recommend staying in Morgan Hill. The Courtyard Marriott www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjcmh-courtyard-san-jose-south-morgan-hill is quaint hotel with that has an affordable breakfast buffet, wine, beer, and cocktails served Monday through Saturday. The rooms are spacious along with a decent amount of amenities and is most convenient for couples and those in the area for business with its furniture and free high speed wireless internet access.



The best bang for your buck, however, is the Residence Inn http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sjcmo-residence-inn-san-jose-south-morgan-hill. Not only is it affordable, but a hot breakfast buffet is including in your room rate. The rooms are like a "residence" in the sense that you have a hard tile floor, kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, silverware, pots and pans, a conventional oven, and a stove, coupled with a pull out sofa/bed and two televisions (one for the parents to watch the Sex and the City Marathon's and one for the children to watch the Disney Channel and Nickelodeon). Free high speed wireless internet access and business furniture is also included in the room. The hotel even has an indoor pool. After staying at a Residence Inn, it is the only way to travel with the family.


Although there are lots of eateries to choose from, Gilroy has a signature premier restaurant, known as the West Side Grill http://www.thewestsidegrill.com/. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available, but dinner is by far the reason to partake. They offer a seafood and meat menu to die for. Some of the notable items are pasta with clams, jumbo prawns, or crab; filet mignon, prime rib, New York steak, and much more. The West Side Grill provides a unique ambiance of elegance, however, is friendly enough to have a family dinner with a wholesome children's menu. Ultimately, you need to stop by and try a meal there, and cap it off with one of their signature desserts, such as the decadent chocolate cake.

Gilroy is an awesome place that is often overlooked. After all of the fun that you can have at Gilroy Garden's, resting in a nice hotel, and eating a delectable meal, why not shop at the Gilroy Premium Outlets http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=23. This will be a mini-vacation that you will not forget.


Kevin L. Nichols is an author, President and CEO of KLN Publishing. LLC located in San Francisco, California. For more information, please visit http://klnpublishingllc.blogspot.com.

Kappa's Black & White Ball and Century Club Scholarship Dinner

KLN Publishing, LLC
"Eclectic writing in its simplicity . . ."

For Immediate Release

December 22, 2008

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Nichols, KLN Publishing LLC
Telephone (775) 255-4573
Telefacsimile (775) 258-1471
Electronic Mail: kevin@klnpublishing.com
Website: http://klnpublishingllc.blogspot.com

61st Annual Black & White Scholarship Ball and 7th Annual Century Club Scholarship Dinner presented by Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Berkeley Alumni Chapter

The Distinguished Gentlemen of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Berkeley Alumni Chapter will host its 61st Annual Black & White Ball and Century Club Scholarship Dinner on January 31, 2009 at the Oakland Marriott Convention Center.

The Century Club Dinner will be from 6pm-8:30pm in the Oakland Marriott Convention Center's A. J. Toppers Room. The cost is $100 per person.


The Black & White Ball will be from 8:30pm-1am in the Oakland Marriott Convention Center's West Hall. The cost is $425 per 10-person table or $75 per person.

The deadline to purchase tickets is January 15, 2009.

Over the past 60 years, Berkeley Alumni has diligently awarded over 700 scholarships to exceptional high school graduates to assist them in their pursuits to college and beyond. This scholarship program is a major component of the fraternity's national Guide Right Program.

There will also be a souvenir booklet that is accepting advertisers. All advertisements and donations should be made out to Berkeley Alumni's Community Project, which is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible (Tax ID #94-2952968).

For more information, please contact Derrick Carr at (510) 601-8561 or dlcarr23@aol.com.


Kevin L. Nichols is an author, President and CEO of KLN Publishing. LLC located in San Francisco, California. For more information, please visit
http://klnpublishingllc.blogspot.com.

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

El Cerrito’s first Black mayor transitions off City Council

By Kevin L. Nichols

The city on “the little hill” has become a metropolis over the last decade. One major contributor to El Cerrito’s success has been Letitia Moore, its first African American City Council member and mayor. Moore was elected to the City Council for her first term in 2001. Typically, most City Council members in El Cerrito have an opportunity to serve one year as mayor; at the start of her second term in 2004, Moore became mayor. Last Tuesday, Dec. 2, marked the end of her second term, and she is not seeking another term or office at this time.



Moore was born in British Honduras, Belize, which is now known as Belize City. She lived in New York when she first moved to the United States and then moved to and grew up in Los Angeles. She attended Yale University and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1986. Moore then went to UC Berkeley’s Boalt Hall to study law and graduated in 1989. She is now the assistant regional counsel for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region IX.

Along with the visible achievements of new retail storefronts, thriving businesses and restaurants and new school buildings, Moore prides her tenure on more quiescent accomplishments. For example, one of the most difficult tasks the council faced was coming up with a budgetary solution to the city’s road maintenance problem. Financing for the upkeep and creation of new streets, some of which have not been repaired in over 30 years, was regularly diminished due to other line items that took priority. Moore championed a 5-cent sales tax, which was recently approved by voters, to permanently address the road maintenance issue.

Some of her other accomplishments while on the council included overseeing the formation of the Cerrito Speakeasy Theater on San Pablo Avenue and the new City Hall building, also on San Pablo Avenue. Now that her political career is temporarily at halt, Moore plans to dedicate more of her time to the EPA and the American Bar Association’s Environmental Bar — specifically its Diversity Fellowship Program, which provides a $5,000 stipend for law students of color to work with a leading environmental organization during the summer.

According to Moore, since “there is always too much work to do and not enough people to do it,” I am certain that we will be hearing more from her in the months and years to come.

Kevin L. Nichols is an author and the president/CEO of KLN Publishing, located in San Francisco. For more information, visit http://klnpublishingllc.blogspot.com.


Copyright © 2008 The Globe Newspaper Group, LLC - All Rights Reserved.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Photos from Shakir Stewart's Memorial at St. Mary's



Special thanks go to the family, St. Mary's College High School, Mr. Puck, Shawn Granberry, Bryan Brown, Ph.D., and Jerome Spence for assisting with the planning of this wonderful event.
KLN

Volunteer Opportunity: Feed the Children

Please Join…

Feed the Children
The Willie Brown Institute
The National Basketball Players Association
(Houston Rockets’ and Oakland Warriors’ Players)
Port of San Francisco San Francisco Fire Department
And Local Community Partners

To Volunteer For…

“MIRACLE AT PIER 48”
FEEDING 5000 FAMILIES

Thursday, December 11, 2008
9:00AM-5:00PM
Pier 48
Sheds A, C, and Valley
San Francisco, California

Up to 300 local volunteers from business and community based organizations will join forces with other volunteers from Major National and Local organizations, including the NBA, (Players from the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets) and Political and Media groups, to present the “Miracle at Pier 48” to distribute food and personal care products to 5,000 San Francisco families in need.

About the Volunteer Opportunity:

q Volunteers will distribute boxes of non-perishable food and milk to families in need. Be prepared to transport boxes with a total weight of up to 80 pounds.

q Food will be distributed in two shifts:
(8:30AM-1:00PM) and (1:00PM-5:00PM)

It is estimated that Feed the Children will bring in 12-16 semi-tractor trailers full of food to Pier 48. Families and representatives from community-based organizations and churches will arrive at Pier 48 with pre-assigned, timed tickets to pick up the food and personal care boxes.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact me hkhijazi@yahoo.com or at 415-307-4607.

Monday, October 27, 2008

BABJA Presents - PR & Journalist Come Together - November 12, 2008





A candid panel discussion featuring tools and techniques for finding common ground. See



Moderated by Barbara Rodgers, Retired CBS-TV Anchor and panelists include Hill & Company Communications, KGO, San Francisco 49ers and Reporter.



RSVP by Nov. 10th to: babjaevents@yahoo.com. Visit BABJA for more information at http://www.babja.org/



See you there!




Y'Anad BurrellGlass House CommunicationsPublicity/Media Relations & Event Design SpecialistTel.: 510.691.8687Fax: 510.217.2437Email: yanad_burrell@glasshousepr.comWebsite: http://www.glasshousepr.com/

Monday, October 20, 2008

Youngblood Timepieces, Inc. & Macy's Union Square Launch Party



Please come out and support my friend, Patrick Martin's company.


Very truly yours,


KLN


Macy's Welcomes Hill Harper


Deemed one of the sexiest men alive by People Magazine and nominated best supporting actor by the NAACP Image Awards, Hill Harper is currently starring in CSI: NY as Dr. Sheldon Hawkes.


With a try-on of a Youngblood Watch at the event, you can meet and receive an autograph from the CSI mega-star, Hill Harper.* Plus, the first 200 customers to purchase a watch from the Youngblood collection between October 10 – October 25 at Macy's Union Square will receive a fabulous gift and a VIP Pass to the official Youngblood celebrity launch party October 25th.**
Macy's Union Square Saturday, October 25, 2pm Watches, Level 1


*One signature per person. Event date and time subject to change.


**Offer only valid for the first 200 people to make a Youngblood watch purchase. Offer good while time permits.





Friday, October 17, 2008

Facing History and Ourselves brings Marian Wright Edelman to Bay Area

By Kevin L. Nichols

On Oct. 26, 2008, Facing History and Ourselves (FHAO) and The Allstate Foundation will host a community event with Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children’s Defense Fund and best-selling author.

Through discussion of her newest book, The Sea Is So Wide and My Boat Is So Small, Edelman will examine how to create a safer world for children. The event will be held at the Cowell Theater located at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco from 5 to 7 p.m.
The event is free, and attendees will receive a complimentary copy of The Sea Is So Wide and My Boat Is So Small.

“Our work with The Allstate Foundation allows us to bring community members together to truly engage with one another about issues impacting them and the world they live in,” said Jack Weinstein, director of FHAO, San Francisco, Bay Area. “We are fortunate to bring Mrs. Edelman to San Francisco to speak with students, teachers and community members about how to create a safer world for our children.”

The event is the eighth in Facing History’s Community Conversations series that brings prominent authors, filmmakers and policy leaders into communities to discuss topics on civic participation, individual and collective responsibility and diversity.

FHAO is an international educational and professional development organization whose mission is to engage students of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice and anti- Semitism in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry. FHAO reaches 1.8 million students worldwide each year.

Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation. The Allstate Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations on community initiatives that promote “safe and vital communities,” “tolerance, inclusion and diversity” and “economic empowerment.”

For more information or reservations, call Liz Vogel, associate director of Facing History and Ourselves, at (510) 786-2500, ext. 227; or visit www.facinghistory.org/allstate.

Kevin L. Nichols is an author and the president/CEO of KLN Publishing, located in San Francisco. For more information, visit http://klnpublishingllc.blogspot.com/.

Copyright © 2008 The Globe Newspaper Group, LLC - All Rights Reserved.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Voter Registration Across the Nation!

We really need to reach out to friends and family in the midwest, the central, and southern states to register to vote. Too many people have sacrificed their lives for us to have this right. Please read this article that was originally published in Vibe Magazine and share these dates with people that you know. Thanks.

KLN


SEPTEMBER 12, 2008 @ 8:52 PM

Have You Registered to Vote?

By: JOZEN CUMMINGS

It's the most important thing you need to do, and VIBE will help you Know this: On Election Day, November 4, there is nothing you could do more important than cast a vote for the next President of the United States. The race between Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain has shaped up to be the most historical election in the history of the United States, and because VIBE has never bared witness to an election as important as this one, we are doing our part to help our readers register and vote.   Below is a list of all 50 states and their voter registration deadlines. The states bolded and italicized are key battleground states. Find your state, then go to voteforchange.com, or sign up by clicking on our "Rock the Vote" widget (below) and register if you haven’t already. It takes 3 minutes, that’s shorter than the average hip hop song on the radio. So what are you waiting for? Register to vote (Again:  click on voteforchange.com or below) and don't even think about it. Just do it.­ --------------------------------------------------------- Alabama - 10/24/2008 Alaska - 10/5/2008 Arizona - 10/6/2008 Arkansas - 10/6/2008 California - 10/20/2008 Colorado - 10/6/2008 Connecticut – 10/21/2008 (by mail); 10/28/08 (in-person registration) Delaware - 10/11/2008 Florida - 10/6/2008 Georgia - 10/6/2008 Hawaii - 10/6/2008 Idaho - 10/10/2008 Illinois - 10/7/2008 Indiana - 10/6/2008 Iowa - 10/25/2008 Kansas - 10/20/2008 Kentucky - 10/6/2008 Louisiana - 10/6/2008 Maine - 10/15/2008 (in-person registration continues through Election Day) Maryland - 10/14/2008 Massachusetts - 10/15/2008 Michigan - 10/6/2008 Minnesota - 10/14/2008 (Election Day registration is available) Mississippi - 10/5/2008 Missouri - 10/8/2008 Montana - 10/6/2008 (Late registration is available in-person until polls close on Election Day) Nebraska - 10/17/2008; 10/24/2008 (in-person registration at county election office) Nevada - 10/4/2008 New Hampshire - 10/25/2008 (Election Day registration is available) New Jersey - 10/14/2008 New Mexico - 10/7/2008 New York - 10/10/2008 (must be postmarked by 10/10/2008 and received by 10/15/2008, if mailed) North Carolina - 10/10/2008 North Dakota - 10/20/2008 Ohio - 10/6/2008 Oklahoma - 10/10/2008 Oregon - 10/14/2008 Pennsylvania - 10/6/2008 Rhode Island - 10/4/2008 South Carolina - 10/4/2008 South Dakota - 10/20/2008 Tennessee - 10/6/2008 Texas - 10/6/2008 Utah - 10/6/2008 (by mail); 10/20/2008 (in-person) Virginia - 10/6/2008 Vermont - 10/29/2008 Washington - 10/4/2008 (for mail-in, online voter registration forms, and transfer within county voters); 10/20/2008 (in-person registration for new registrants only) West Virginia - 10/14/2008 Wisconsin - 10/15/2008 (by mail); 11/3/2008 (in-person at Municipal Office); Election Day registration also available  Wyoming - 10/6/2008 Article tags: Barack Obama, Joe Biden, John McCain, Politics, Sarah Palin

Saturday, September 6, 2008

2nd Annual LinkedIn Downtown SF Networking Social

Oakland Natives Give Back Fund hosts Back to School Youth Expo



By Kevin L. Nichols


Last Sunday was “Dee-Day” for Nyeisha DeWitt, Delicia “Dee Dee” Adbur-Rahim and Tameka Raymond, based on their philosophy that “the commitment to the community in which you reside should not supersede your contribution to the community in which you were reared.”

These women have come together representing various organizations to form the Oakland Natives Give Back Fund.

ONGBF sponsored its first annual Back to School Youth Expo last Sunday as part of the Oakland Unified School District’s Attend and Achieve campaign. The expo was sponsored by OUSD, the Office of Mayor Ron Dellums, Effective Teachers for Oakland Task Force, Future Foundation and Usher’s New Look Foundation.

The expo took place at City Hall in Oakland and featured workshops, entertainment and a backpack giveaway. Students arrived early to register for wristbands to obtain a backpack at the end of the day, which ensured their attendance at the workshops. The workshops were divided into three sections: pre-teen, teen and parenting. Raymond held a “Fashion Rocks” youth fashion show after the workshops had concluded.

The event also featured special performances, speakers and celebrity guests. R&B artist Jimmie Reign performed, along with spoken word artist Ise Lyfe and dance trio Total Package. Guest speakers included Oakland Chief of Staff Leslie Littleton, Director of Education Kitty Epstein, OUSD State Administrator Vincent Matthews and OUSD Interim Superintendent Roberta Mayor. Keith Brown served as the master of ceremonies.

The focal point of the day was the distribution of 730 backpacks stuffed with free grade-specific school supplies.

More than 900 people attended the Youth Expo.
For more information, visit http://www.oaklandnatives.com/.

Kevin L. Nichols is an author and the president/CEO of KLN Publishing, located in San Francisco. For information, visit http://klnpublishingllc.blogspot.com/.


Copyright © 2008 The Globe Newspaper Group, LLC - All Rights Reserved.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Alameda County keeps kids soda free

By Kevin L. Nichols

The Alameda County Public Health Department’s Nutrition Services division recently concluded its second annual Soda Free Summer campaign. Soda Free is a 10-week campaign geared toward educating and empowering young people and their families to reduce and/or eliminate various products containing high concentrations of sugar and fructose corn syrup. The first culprit that they attack is soda.


The three leading causes of death in Alameda County are heart disease, cancer and stroke, which are all inextricably tied to lack of physical activity and poor nutrition. Staggeringly, Americans are estimated to consume approximately 175 pounds of sugar and 20 gallons of soda a year.


Soda Free’s slogan, “Rethink Your Drink,” raises awareness of the excessive consumption of sugar-concentrated products, especially soda. Decreasing sugar calories and increasing mobility strengthens the heart and other vital organs, reduces weight gain and reduces the risks of developing diabetes and other illnesses.


According to Diane Woloshin, the Alameda County Health Department's Nutritional Services director, families are encouraged to use the Soda Free Summer tracking log, which suggests alternatives to soda and provides space to track the number of days they are soda free. Soda Free Summer participants can also become eligible to win a host of incentive prizes including a grocery shopping spree.


Soda Free is part of the Bay Area Nutrition and Physical Activity Collaborative, which is made possible by a $50,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente, as well as other contributions by The Health Trust, Alameda County Public Health Department, Shape Up San Francisco, First 5 San Francisco, First 5 Santa Clara and the Network for a Healthy California through the USDA.
For more information about Soda Free and the Bay Area Nutrition and Physical Activity Collaborative, visit http://www.sodafreesummer.org/.


Kevin L. Nichols is an author and the president/CEO of KLN Publishing, located in San Francisco. For more information, visit http://klnpublishingllc.blogspot.com/.


Copyright © 2008 The Globe Newspaper Group, LLC - All Rights Reserved.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

TeamPlay makes mentoring easy

By Kevin L. Nichols


Although Baron Davis’ job is moving to Los Angeles, his philanthropy is staying right here in the Bay Area.


Last Wednesday, TeamPlay Foundation, co-founded by Davis, hosted its annual fundraiser at the W Hotel in San Francisco.


“More than 175 people came out to learn about us, and the feedback was tremendous,” said TeamPlay co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Gunnar Counselman. “We raised $55,000 and, more importantly, got dozens of people offering their services both in a professional capacity and as mentors.”


TeamPlay’s mission is to support inner-city students in developing “real dreams” and taking advantage of their educational opportunities to build the knowledge, skills, attitude and network necessary to reach those goals.

Since youth and potential mentors are increasingly utilizing social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook to keep in contact and network, TeamPlay has developed a “goal-oriented social networking site” that provides a team of mentors for each student.


The mentors offer their talents, work experience and professional networking assistance in order to become valuable members of a team of mentors, as opposed to the typical “one on one” mentoring relationship.

This reduces many of the barriers mentors face of not wanting the pressure of making a full-time commitment to one student. Similarly, students have the power to choose who they want on their “team” to help lead them toward their chosen career path.


With a unique operating team that includes Davis, Counselman and former Dallas Cowboy Anthony Jones, and a rich advisory board including Joe Marshall of the Omega Boys Club, as well as professors, lawyers and other professionals, TeamPlay has a powerful foundation in place. The organization is currently looking for assistance with identifying mentors, sponsorship, fundraising and more.


For more information on how you can get involved, contact Gunnar Counselman at (415) 567-0769 or gunnar@teamplayfoundation .org, or visit www.teamplayfoundation.org.


Kevin L. Nichols is an author and the president/CEO of KLN Publishing, located in San Francisco. For more information, visit http://klnpublishingllc.blogspot.com.

<



Attention coaches!

The Globe needs your schedules.

Please submit schedules for adult leagues, Pop Warner,

Little League and high school teams.

Email: felicia@theglobenewspapers.com

FAX: ((925) 513-0890

Mail: 1776 Fairway Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577



Copyright © 2008 The Globe Newspaper Group

Friday, July 25, 2008

First Friday's Annual White Linen Party



THE WHITE PARTY 2008
@ PRESERVATION PARK in OAKLAND
AUGUST 1ST - DOORS OPEN @ 5:30PM
$20.00 Discounted Tixs will be on sale thru Friday or until they run out
After Friday, the price will be $30.00.
Secure your entry and buy your tickets today
1,000 tickets have already been sold!


You can always find out more information regarding First Fridays at www.1stfriday.com or 510 297-4903.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

2nd Annual LinkedIn Downtown SF Outdoor Networking Event


Please visit http://linkedindowntownsf.eventbrite.com/ to view the actual "Save the Date". Nevertheless, please mark your calendars. Thanks.



Very truly yours,



Kevin L. Nichols

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Happy 4th of July!


Please click this link below:
Happy Independence Day from GoDaddy.com

This is to all of the dedicated men and women who risk their lives each day so that we have the ability to breathe the air that we breathe.

Happy 4th of July!

Very truly yours,

KLN


Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Metropolitan Junior Baseball League


By Kevin L. Nichols

The Kappa Alpha Psi Youth Baseball Program and the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League (MJBL) will soon conduct their first Black Baseball World Series at Benedict College in South Carolina.

Metropolitan Junior Baseball League participants



The MJBL was founded in 1966 because African American youth were not allowed to participate in Little League baseball. Today, the goal of the World Series is to bridge youth sports with historically black colleges and universities by providing education opportunities that may possibly lead to athletic scholarships.
At the series’ completion, the participants will take a four day black college tour. The coordinator and the MJBL’s West Coast commissioner, Steve McClendon, Coach Brent Thibeaux and Coach Bert Strane will lead the players during the series. Detroit Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis will supply the uniforms.

The MJBL is seeking financial support for these endeavors. Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to: Kappa Alpha Psi Community Project, 1026 10th St., Oakland, CA 94607.
For more information, call Steve McClendon at (510) 532- 7906.


Attention coaches!
The Globe needs your schedules.
Please submit schedules for adult leagues, Pop Warner,
Little League and high school teams.
Email: felicia@theglobenewspapers.com
FAX: (925) 513-0890
Mail: 1776 Fairway Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577





Copyright © 2008 The Globe Newspaper Group, LLC - All Rights Reserved.

Fourth of July Family Activities in the East Bay

Here are some activities that you and your family may enjoy.

Very truly yours,

KLN

Bay Area Parent - East Bay weekly e-newsletter



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Have a Happy and Safe Fourth of
July!

The Bay Area was downright eerie last week, with
all the smoke from area wildfires choking the air. With the Big
Holiday looming this weekend, I can only hope that people will
practice safe fireworks to keep the threat of wildfires at a minimum.
Luckily, there should be plenty of large (and safe) fireworks displays
here in the Bay Area to enjoy, from Discovery Kingdom to the SF
Marina. I will be celebrating with my family up in Tahoe, catching the
fireworks over the lake up there.

If you are staying close to
home this weekend, here are some ideas for a Fabulous Fourth. Or,
visit our July calendar online at BayAreaParent.com
for more ideas. Have a safe and happy 4th of July!
- Peggy Spear, BAP
Editor

Celebrate the 4th at the
Berkeley Marina

The south shore of the Berkeley Marina
at the bottom of University Ave. is filled with great stuff to do all
day on July 4. Sign up for an old-fashioned sack race or get your face
painted. No need to cook – lots of international food booths.
Live entertainment from noon-9pm. Arts and craft booths, massages,
free sailboat rides from 1-4pm, dragon boat rides from 2-6pm and much
more including fireworks off the end of the Berkeley Pier at 9:30pm.
FREE admission. 510-548-5335. ci.berkeley.ca.us.

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July Jubilee in Alameda
The city of
Alameda's old-time July 4 festivities begin with a parade at
10am that starts on Park St. and winds through town. After the parade,
there's a community event with arts and crafts, music, games
and more. Noon-4pm. $5 for crafts wristband, $5 for games and jump
house wristband, $10 for all-inclusive wristband. Food for sale.
Rittler Park, Otis Dr. and Grand St., Alameda. ci.alameda.ca.us.

Party in Pleasant Hill
The city's
Fourth of July events begin with a 5K run/walk and kids dash at
8am. The city's annual parade starts at 9:30am and winds
through downtown Pleasant Hill. After the parade, families are invited
to Pleasant Hill Park, 147 Gregory Lane, to enjoy food booths,
entertainment, a petting zoo and more from 10:30am-2:30pm. Admission
is FREE. The city's fireworks display begins at 9:30pm.

phjuly4.com.

It's Not Too Late for Summer Fun
Photos

Send in photos of you and your family enjoying
your 4th of July barbecue, beach vacation, or poolside party. Some
will be published in our August issue! Email a jpg photo (with names
and city of residence) to editor Peggy Spear at mailto:peggy.spear@parenthood.com?subject=Summer+Fun%0APhotos.

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Monday, June 30, 2008

Celebrate Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay


This was sent to me by a friend. This is one of the nicest hotels that I have ever been to. Please consider attending. Thanks.


KLN







News



Contact: Jennifer Chiesa
Public Relations Manager
Direct Dial: 650-712-7696
Jennifer.Chiesa@ritzcarlton.com


Celebrate Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains at
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay


Half Moon Bay, Calif. – June 2008 – The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is partnering with wineries from the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering guests a near-by, premium wine region to taste and explore. Every few weeks a new winery will be featured throughout the Resort, including wine-pairings with the Chef’s tasting menu in the Resort’s restaurant, Navio. Guests will enjoy wines from the region at check-in, in The Conservatory and are also welcome to bring in a bottle of their favorite Santa Cruz wine when they dine in Navio during the week, Monday through Wednesday, and we will waive corkage service.

Encompassing the area from Half Moon Bay in the north to Mount Madonna in the south, the Santa Cruz Mountains have been a wine producing region since the late 1800s. The Appellation’s vineyards are among the precious few in California situated close to the ocean. Varied microclimates, marine influence, mountain terrain and distinctive soils combine to produce some of the finest conditions for wine production.


FEATURED WINERIES AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, HALF MOON BAY:

Alfaro Family Vineyards – June 6 to 26, 2008
Thomas Fogarty Winery & Vineyards– June 27 to July 17, 2008
Bonny Doon Vineyard – July 18 to August 7, 2008
Burrell School Vineyards – August 8 to 28, 2008
Testarossa Vineyards – August 29 to September 18, 2008
Storrs Winery – September 19 to October 9, 2008
Ridge Vineyards – October 10 to 30, 2008

Whether enjoying the Chef’s Tasting Menu and wine pairing in Navio, or having a glass of wine during the week, guests of The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay can savor a selection of wines from one of the most distinctive wine regions in California.


“ENO-VERSITY” WINE CLASSES

The Resort will also hold wine education classes* - “Eno-Versity” - taught by Santa Cruz Mountain wineries, which will be offered on Saturday afternoons from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the ENO wine bar. An intimate tasting room, designed to encourage interaction and communication, ENO is the perfect setting for learning about, discovering and discussing wine with the experts.






ENO-Versity Class schedule:

· Alfaro Family Vineyards – Sat. June 28
· Thomas Fogarty Winery & Vineyards – Sat. July 5
· Thomas Fogarty Winery & Vineyards – Sat. July 12
· Bonny Doon Vineyard - Sat. July 19
· Thomas Fogarty Winery & Vineyards – Sat. July 26
· Bonny Doon Vineyard - Sat. Aug 2
· Alfaro Family Vineyards - Sat. August 9
· Burrell School Vineyards - Sat. Aug 16
· Burrell School Vineyards – Sat. Aug. 23
· Testarossa Vineyards - Sat. Aug 30
· Testarossa Vineyards – Sat. Sept 6
· Testarossa Vineyards – Sat. Sept 13
· Storrs Winery – Sat. Sept 20
· Storrs Winery – Sat. Sept 27
· Ridge Vineyards – Sat. Oct 11
· Sat. Oct. 18 – No Class: Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival
· Ridge Vineyards – Sat. Oct 25

*Saturday classes held from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. in ENO are $35 per person. Space is limited to 12 people and participants must be at least 21 years of age. Parking for non-hotel guests is $5. To register please call Resort Reservations at (650) 712-7040. Additional information can be found at http://www.ritzcarlton.com/. Please note: Schedule is subject to change without notice.

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay is a 261-room destination spa and golf resort, 30 miles south of San Francisco. Set atop a rugged bluff overlooking 50 miles of pristine California coastline, the timeless oceanfront estate provides guests with a relaxed yet refined experience, whether for a romantic getaway, meeting or special event. For reservations, please contact your travel professional or toll-free at (800) 241-3333. For additional information, please call the resort directly at (650) 712-7000, or visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/.

# # #

Friday, June 27, 2008

Sen. Barack Obama Sets the Record Straight on Campaign Financing

“The key has always been making sure the special interests aren’t yanking my chain.”


(New York, NY) June 27, 2008—In a candid interview on Our World with Black Enterprise airing this weekend, U.S. presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama discusses his decision to forego public financing. He tells host Ed Gordon, “If you look at my very specific statement, it said that we will try to work to preserve the public finance system. In a letter I wrote to the FEC, I reserved the right to opt out during the primary, but perhaps participate in the general election. But I never said that I was definitely going to be in the public financing system, because we anticipated that there might be problems with people outside of the system spending a lot of money attacking me, and I intend to win this election.”

“The key for me has always been making sure that the special interests—the banks, the oil companies, the insurance companies, the lobbyists—that they’re not yanking my chain. We’ve been able to do that and make sure that I’m independent, and that I can speak my mind. And that’s always been my goal, and that’s what we’re going to accomplish.”

This weekend on a special edition of Our World with Black Enterprise, Ed Gordon sits down with Democratic Presidential Candidate Sen. Barack Obama for the entire program to talk about the economy, universal healthcare, the plight of black families and black men, his wife, the war, and his opting out of public campaign financing.

This episode airs in NYC on WABC-TV, Sunday, June 29th, at 5:30PM, right before the evening news. For people living outside the New York area, check your local listing at http://ourworld.blackenterprise.com. Tune in and spread the word!

To see a sneak peak, click here: www.blackenterprise.com/Obama-Exclusive


Monique S. Myles

Marketing Manager
Black Enterprise
P: 212.886.6762 F: 212.886.9618 E: mylesm@blackenterprise.com

The 2008 B.E. Company of the Year award goes to ... Harpo Incorporated! This month, Oprah Winfrey gives Black Enterprise an exclusive, first-hand look into being the world’s most influential African American entrepreneur. You’ll also find other highly notable companies in our blockbuster June BE100s issue, on newsstands now! Get a sneak peak at this riveting page turner at www.blackenterprise.com/Oprah.

Monday, June 23, 2008

A Hop, Skip and a Jump Down to the Monterey Peninsula

By: Kevin L. Nichols

Bay Area natives often take for granted the secular views, peacefulness, and serenity of our surrounding cities. One city that is definitely underutilized on the "must see" vacation destinations list is our very own Monterey County.

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Monterey Peninsula and had a splendid time. I stayed at the majestic and one of the most well known corner stones in the region, the Monterey Plaza Hotel. This is an elegant hotel literally on the shore of Monterey Bay. I could hear the sea crashing beneath my room as if I could get my feet wet from my patio.

The Monterey Plaza Hotel has the perfect setting and ambiance for a wedding or formal dinner party. The Plaza is currently under renovation and will be even better in the next few months. It is a "must stay," at least for one night while visiting Monterey.

Although Monterey is known for its secular tourist attractions, such as Cannery Row, the pier, and whale watching, it also has wineries and the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. The aquarium is one of the most sophisticated marine facilities in the world with live feedings, tide pools, and rare educational exhibits. This is the perfect excursion for families. My family was delighted by the new Otter Exhibit and the awesome feedings of tuna, mahi mahi, and the Great White Shark that was on display but has now been released.

It is quite difficult to observe the larger fish devouring tinier shrimp, calamari, etc., so we decided to walk to Bubba Gump's Shrimp Restaurant for our own "feeding." Bubba Gump's is the perfect place for a family meal. The atmosphere is fast pace and noisy enough to drown out any children still revved up by the aquarium, but mellow enough to place your order and get your food in a reasonable time period. The menu is child friendly, with options for shrimp, chicken, or macaroni with vegetables and beverage included. It is affordable and an ideal "pit stop" to recharge before going back to the aquarium, going shopping at the mall, or the premium outlets nearby.

The final "must see" location on this trip was the exquisite Chart House Restaurant. This is an upscale, establishment which hovers over the bank of the bay. It has gorgeous views and a romantic aurora about it. The Chart House has an impeccable menu of the finest seafood and steaks in the region as well as delicious "adult beverages" and deserts. You would not be disappointed if you made this your final stop on your way back to the Bay Area.



Before taking for granted the luxuries of the Bay Area, I always encourage our residents to venture out an hour to an 1 1/2 away to get a different perspective of the beauty of California. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars to take your family to another state or country when you can fill up your SUV one time and experience the bliss of Monterey.


Kevin L. Nichols is an author, President and CEO of KLN Publishing. LLC located in San Francisco, California. For more information, please visit http://klnpublishingllc.blogspot.com/.



Copyright © 2008 KLN Publishing, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, June 20, 2008

LinkedIn Bay Area Black Professionals Group



Please consider joining this group on LinkedIn.

This is a group for Bay Area Black Professionals whose overall goals are to uplift themselves as well as their local community physically, educationally, socially, politically, economically, and spiritually through networking.
For more information, please visit
Click here to join linkedin_babp
Click to join linkedin_babp


Monday, June 16, 2008

Happy Father's Day


The greatest gift in life is the "gift of life" itself. I am thankful that God had enough faith in me to raise two boys in this day and age, and I am humbled that I have the opportunity to shape them into fine men. Here is to all dads who have not just fathered children, but are actually raising them.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Oakland native promoted to vice president at Island/Def Jam


By: Kevin L. Nichols

Who would have thought that Oakland native Shakir Stewart, who appeared in the Digital Underground video “Humpty Dance” wearing a polka dot shirt in the early 1990s, would go on to become the executive vice president of Island Def Jam?

Many people would have, based on Stewart’s leadership as senior class president at St. Mary’s College High School and first vice president of the United Black Students of California.
Stewart took his ability to promote local events to new heights when he left the Bay Area to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta. He graduated in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, and established his presence as a concert promoter and businessman by promoting such artists as Nas, Luke, Scarface and Oakland’s own Too Short.

Stewart’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to create a successful promotions company with a few other associates and then establish a music studio called Noontime Music. This endeavor eventually led to a joint venture with Epic Records.

He then launched a venture with Hitco Music Publishing, where Stewart signed on as creative director. His ability to demonstrate and perfect his A&R (artist and repertoire) skills sparked the interest of then president of Arista and Hitco’s owner, Antonio “L.A.” Reid. He offered Stewart an A&R consultant position with LaFace Records. Soon thereafter, Stewart left his post with Hitco and joined Island/Def Jam Music Group as its vice president of A&R. He was recently promoted to his new role as executive VP.

According to Island/Def Jam, Stewart is responsible for signing such talent as R&B sensation Ciara and rap stars Rick Ross and Young Jeezy. He published the successive #1 hits in Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart as Destiny Child’s “Survivor,” Outkast’s “The Way You Move,” Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy,” and assembled and organized Usher’s massive hit “Yeah” on the 12- time platinum album Confessions.

Stewart will now manage the day to day operations of the label, including the acquisition and development of new talent, and the management of producers.

Kevin L. Nichols is an author and president/CEO of KLN Publishing in San Francisco.
For more information, visit http://klnpublishingllc.blogspot.com.
Copyright © 2008 The Globe Newspapers, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Obama Nomination Celebration


On Behalf of Delegate London Breed:



Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to remind you all about the Obama
Nomination Celebration at Ruby Skye tonight at 7pm.
We are expecting a huge crowd, so please plan to
arrive early. San Francisco District Attorney Kamala
Harris will be our special guest speaker.

Although this is a free event, it would be great if
you could donate at least $25 to the campaign. I have
enclosed the invitation and a link for donations.
Every dollar makes a difference!

Don't forgot, this is a celebration with some of the
bay area's hottest deejays, so don't forget your
dancing shoes.

See you tonight!

DONATE NOW!
http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/nominationcelebration


Thursday, June 5, 2008

Bay Area news anchor Barbara Rodgers retires after nearly 29 years with CBS 5




By Kevin L. Nichols

The departure of KTVU news anchor Dennis Richmond left a gaping hole in African American, Bay Area journalism. Barbara Rodgers’ departure extends the divide as wide as the eye can see. A pillar in the community, Rodgers estimates that she conducted close to 10,000 interviews during her 36 years as a journalist.







Rodgers anchored CBS 5 (KPIX-TV) weekend news casts from 1987-2000, and then Eyewitness News at noon. She also appeared on the show she helped create in 1989 called “Bay Sunday,” which is CBS 5’s weekly public affairs program.

Some of the numerous awards and achievements she has received during her stint as an anchor/ reporter include seven Emmy Awards from the Northern California Chapter of the National Association of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), the United Negro College Fund’s Frederick D. Patterson Outstanding Individual Award, five Excellence in Journalism Awards from the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), the National Coalition of 100 Black Women’s Pioneer Award, and NATAS’s Governor’s Award, which is the most prestigious award that a local journalist can attain.

I recently sat on the set during one of Rodger’s last broadcasts of the noon news to get her perspective on life after retirement and on some of her most prominent accomplishments. She said that after leaving her job, she wants to get some rest, since she has been working since she was 13 years old.

Rodgers explained she had planned to “goof off and travel” once she graduated from Knoxville College, but she received an offer that she could not refuse from the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, NY, and has been working ever since. Now, she said she has promised herself that “for the next six months and maybe for the next year, I’m going to do things just for me.”

Rodgers recalled two of the most memorable moments of her career: Meeting Nelson Mandela in South Africa, and using creative tactics to get to hear him speak to the United Nations in New York.

During her career, Rodgers interviewed the likes of Jamie Foxx, Danny Glover, Neil Simon, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Joe Williams, Nancy Wilson and former President George Bush.

Rodgers came to tears when discussing her legacy to the Bay Area. She credited her parents, particularly her mother, for the confidence she developed through their example of hard work and encouragement.

She urged others to follow their dreams: “You have to be determined and have a dream, and don’t let anyone ever tell you that your dream is invalid, because no one would have predicted that I would be sitting in the U.N. listening to Mandela speak or at the White House interviewing a president,” she said.

Kevin L. Nichols is an author and president/CEO of KLN Publishing in San Francisco. For more information, visit http://klnpublishingllc.blogspot.com/.


Wednesday, June 4, 2008

World Premiere of the Buffalo Soldier Mutiny documentary


What: World Premiere of the Buffalo Soldier Mutiny documentary produced by Bauhaus Media Group, Inc. in San Antonio, Texas.

Where: San Francisco Black Film Festival
African American Art & Culture Complex
762 Fulton St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 922-2049

When: Sunday, June 8th
1:00pm

Synopsis: For a half century, most records remained sealed on an event that shook the U.S. Army to its core and influenced the way it would treat black soldiers for the next 30 years.

The event was the Houston Mutiny & Courts Martial of 1917-1918, and it erupted in part because a company of recently transferred Buffalo Soldiers refused to submit to the racist Jim Crow laws being enforced by the city’s political leadership and police force.

The film explores a true 20th century tragedy, one in which no side is without blame, and one which ultimately cost more than 30 people their lives.


Extra Note: The film can be digitally downloaded for a small fee at www.zipidee.com

Media Contact:
Kevin L. Nichols, KLN Publishing, LLC
Tel: (775) 255-4573, Fax: (775) 258-1471, Email: kevin@klnpublishing.com

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Congratulations to my friend J.C. Farr III






Athletic family adds academic achievement to its roster

By Kevin L. Nichols



Those of us who are Bay Area natives and who follow
local sports associate the last name Farr with
athletic achievement. Members of this family
include former pro football great and entrepreneur
Mel Farr, pro football player Demarco Farr, University
of San Francisco basketball coach Chris Farr
and former football player, entrepreneur and
Black Sports Agents Association President Andre
Farr. While this list of famous athletes is extensive
for one family, the Farr’s have also achieved
academically.


Last Saturday, J.C. Farr III received
his master’s degree in education from UC Berkeley. Adversity has plagued
J.C.’s life since his birth, during which he lost his mother, but this
has not stopped him from reaching his goals.

Through the help of his father,
J.C. Farr II, and his aunt’s family, the Felder’s, J.C. III managed
to attend St. Cornelius Elementary School in Richmond, St. Mary’s College
High School in Berkeley and UC Berkeley for his bachelor’s degree in political
science. Upon receiving his teaching credential from Cal State East Bay, he decided
that he wanted to give back to the community that had loved and supported him
over the years.

J.C. joined another of his cousins, former San Francisco Giant
Mike Felder, and his brother Matty Felder in coaching various sports and teaching
courses at Kennedy High School and LaVonya DeJean Middle School in Richmond.


Today J.C. is the vice principal of Bancroft Middle School in San Leandro. He
stays connected to sports, and you can hear his voice announcing high school
football games throughout the Bay Area. However, his biggest impact will come
from educating our youth to be productive citizens in hopes of them going even “Farr-ther” than
he has. Congratulations, J.C.!


Kevin L. Nichols is an author and president/CEO of KLN Publishing in
San Francisco. For more information, visit http://klnpublishingllc.blogspot.com/.


Copyright © 2008 The Globe Newspapers, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Friday, May 16, 2008

Interesting article regarding the achievement gap

This is worth further exploration, however, please review at your leisure.

Very truly yours,

KLN



Published Online: April 14, 2008



Published in Print: April 16, 2008



Black-White Gap Widens Faster for High Achievers



By Debra
Viadero



New research into what is commonly called the black-white “achievement gap”
suggests that the students who lose the most ground academically in U.S. public
schools may be the brightest African-American children.

As black students
move through elementary and middle school, these studies show, the test-score
gaps that separate them from their better-performing white counterparts grow
fastest among the most able students and the most slowly for those who start out
with below-average academic skills.




“We care about achievement gaps because of their implications for
labor-market and socioeconomic-status issues down the line,” said Lindsay C.
Page, a Harvard University researcher, commenting on the studies. “It’s
disconcerting if the gap is growing particularly high among high-achieving black
and white students.”



Disconcerting, but not surprising, said researchers who have studied
achievement gaps. Studies have long shown, for instance, that African-American
students are underrepresented among the top scorers on standardized tests, such
as the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Fewer studies, though, have
traced the growth of those gaps among high and low achievers.



The reasons why achievement gaps are wider at the upper end of the
achievement scale are still unclear. But some experts believe the patterns have
something to do with the fact that African-American children tend to be taught
in predominantly black schools, where test scores are lower on average, teachers
are less experienced, and high-achieving peers are harder to find.



The two new working papers, which were presented at last month’s annual
meeting of the American Educational Research
Association
in New York City, use different test data and research designs
to tackle that question. Yet both arrive at similar conclusions.



Causes Unclear



For his analysis, Sean F. Reardon, an associate professor of sociology and
education at Stanford University, analyzed reading and mathematics scores for
nearly 7,000 elementary students taking part in a federal
study
Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader known as the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Cohort. From kindergarten to 5th grade, he found, the achievement gaps grew twice as fast among the students who started out performing above the mean than they did among lower-performing children.



“The long-term implication of this is that, if these gaps continue to grow
throughout their schooling career, even kids who enter kindergarten with high
levels of readiness are going to end up falling below where they started,” said
Mr. Reardon.



In the second study, economists Steven G. Rivkin and Eric A. Hanushek tracked
800,000 Texas children as they moved from 3rd through 8th grades in successive
waves.

The researchers grouped the students into four quartiles, based on
their 3rd grade scores in reading, and studied each group’s progress on state
math tests taken in 3rd and 5th grades. The higher the initial achievement
score, the researchers found, the more scores diverged over time between black
and white students. (In contrast to Mr. Reardon’s study, however, the gap among
high achievers at 8th grade was still slightly smaller than the gap at the low
end of the achievement scale, even though the rate of growth in the black-white
gap was greater at the upper end.)



One possible reason for the faster rate of growth in the gap among higher
achievers is that African-American students, by and large, attend schools where
a large proportion of the students are black, according to Mr. Rivkin, an
economics professor at Amherst College in Massachusetts, and Mr. Hanushek, who
is a senior fellow at the Hoover
Institution
.

“It appears on average to be worse for a child to be in
a school with a high black enrollment share, but it’s not clear why,” said Mr.
Rivkin. “It could be important given the recent [U.S.] Supreme Court decision on
desegregation,” he added, referring to a ruling in June of last year that
sharply limited schools from using race to assign students to
schools.

Mr. Reardon reasoned that, because schools with predominantly
African-American enrollments tend to have lower average test scores,
high-achieving black children may be further from the mean, academically, than
is the case for top-scoring white children.

“If instruction is aimed more
to the middle of the distribution, then black children are less likely to have
cognitively stimulating opportunities—not because anyone is being racist, but
because the thing to do is aim instruction to the average level of the school,”
he said.



Expectations Eyed



In the Texas study, the researchers also found that black children on average
were taught by less experienced teachers. But that seemed to more adversely
affect the low-achieving African-American students in the sample than the high
performers, according to that analysis.

Some other research also suggests
that high-achieving black children in some schools face more peer pressure to
mask their academic abilities and that black children, on average, tend to have
fewer opportunities for intellectual enrichment outside of school, which might
be particularly important for bright students.

“We need to pay more
attention to micro-level dynamics,” said John B. Diamond, an associate professor
of education at Harvard who is not connected with the two new studies. “There
may be some issues around teacher expectations tied into race that have
something to do with these outcomes. You really have to parse out educational
opportunities and see what differences might be there.”

A third
paper
Requires Adobe Acrobat Readerat the same AERA session found that differences between the schools
that black and white students attend began playing an increasingly important
role in recent decades in the growth of racial achievement gaps at the national
level.

That analysis, which was conducted by Ms. Page, a doctoral
student, and two Harvard professors, also determined that the national gap,
which narrowed in the 1970s and 1980s and then widened again in the 1990s,
tracked closely to changes in the percentages of white and black parents with
more than a high school education.

At least one other recent longitudinal
study examined growth in racial achievement gaps at the student level over time,
according to Mr. Reardon.

Tracking North Carolina students in grades 3-8,
that study found the black-white gap in math widened for students who started
out achieving at the 90th percentile or higher and narrowed among students at
the bottom of the distribution. Those researchers attributed the trend, however,
to new state policies that put pressure on schools to reduce the numbers of
students scoring at minimum levels on state tests.

“It’s not a well-known
finding or one that people talk about, even if people have found it before,”
said Ronald G. Ferguson, the director of Harvard’s Achievement Gap Initiative, said about
the gap’s differential impact on high-scoring students. “But it’s not
surprising.”




Coverage of education research is supported in part by a grant from the
Spencer Foundation.



Vol. 27, Issue 33, Pages
1,13