• 5 for CNY - Learn How
  • Crouse Weight Loss 530 x 75
  • Land Bank - Restoring Properties
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Celebrating Urban Life Since 1989

  • 5 for CNY - Learn How
  • Crouse Weight Loss 530 x 75
  • Land Bank - Restoring Properties
  • Mannion for NY_Vote on Nov 5th_Horizantal General Election
  • NYSF Urban CNY Banner 530 x 75
  • Second City 530x75
  • Malmgren Concert Duke Ellington

To All The Mothers Out There

A Special Tribute to All Mothers, Young and Old, Motherly Figures, Mothers-to-Be Mothers-In-Law, Mothers Wanna Be, people that randomly call you mother, Role Models! This tribute is to take the time out, especially on Mother’s Day to say a kind word, do a kind deed to the mother figures in your life.  Mothers should be remembered on a daily basis, but if you have not done so..do it now! You may not have them for

A New Year’s Focus “It’s not too late to pick up your dreams”

The year 2018 is moving very swiftly.  It seems as though it was only a few weeks ago that we were celebrating Christmas and other holiday festivals.  January, another year to reflect on old un-kept resolutions, February (Black History Month, Valentines Day, and now March is approaching. Stop! Pick up your dreams and walk.  Don’t let the year pass by without moving forward.  No New Year’s resolutions, didn’t keep the old ones? – well start

A Poetic Tribute:Live Life

(This poem won The Peoples Poet Award in 2007 and is still requested today) A Poetic Tribute: Live Life Live Life to the fullest You only get one chance- To love, enjoy and play. Just do your best you can today. Take time to laugh and love- Seek inspiration from above Life is like a merry-go-round What goes up must come down. Take pride in every second Help someone along the way Don’t put off

Gospel Music Giant, Edwin Hawkins, Dies at Age 74

The world has lost another great music giant, the renowned Edwin Hawkins on Monday, January 15, 2018, at his home in California.  Edwin Hawkins comes from a family of singers who have made great contributions to the world, through their music, artistic contributions, seminars and workshops.  Their legacy has blessed music lovers of all genres on the local, national and international arena. The Hawkins Singers reached the top of the pop charts with “Oh, Happy

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration “A Day on-Not a Day Off” 37 Years of celebrating Dr. King’s Life and Legacy

This year marks the thirty-seventh (37) Historical year that this event has taken place at the New Southern Rock Baptist Church in Washington, D. C.  Many accolades and applause were expressed as the program engaged community participants to come together, Celebrate the Dream and to “work on the dream”.  The committee for this year consisted of the church family at-large, Pastor Rudolph White, officials, Trustee Walter Young, Ermyn Roberts, Hazel Wood, Ann Young, and other

“Difficult Days”….A Poetic Tribute

Martin, you said that there would be difficult days ahead And now those days are here just like you said. Wars and rumors of war, nations against nations No peace near or far But, Martin, you warned us, but we did not take heed, And now we have to account for all of our wrong deeds Racism still around, violence on every hand Still can be found Martin, you told us to love, but men

It’s a Day “On” – Not a Day “Off” Celebrate The Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr.

There will be many from across the world who will take time out to reflect and celebrate the contributions of this great Civil Rights leader.  It is important that we recognize those who have fought for the freedom of mankind.  Dr. King’s weapon was “love”. He was an advocate of non-violence, and paid the ultimate price – his life.  We can still hear his voice resounding, “I have a dream”. This famous speech was delivered

“It’s Family Reunion Time!..More than a “Barbecue” A Family Reunion Tribute!

To me this is an appropriate time for me to remind you of the importance of family.  Whether it is an annual “get-together”, a dinner, picnic or a phone call on special days, it is important. As we celebrate, especially during this season, although to many of us, everyday is a day of thanksgiving for focusing on who we are, what roots we came from, who are our relatives.. known or unknown. We need to

Celebrate June, Black Music Month

It’s not too late to plan activities and celebrations of the month of June and throughout the year. Black Music Month Celebrations are taking place across the nation. As shared by The Griot in an article written June 7, 2013 by Wanjira Banfield, which reads that Some may have forgotten that June was officially declared Black Music Month by our 39th president, Jimmy Carter in 1979. The month is dedicated to encouraging people world-wide to

To all the Mothers Out There

A Special Tribute to All Mothers, Young and Old, Motherly Figures, Mothers-to-Be Mothers-In-Law, Mother Wanna Be, people that randomly call you mother, Role Models! This tribute is to take the time out, especially on Mother’s Day to say a kind word, do a kind deed to the mother figures in you r life.  Mothers should be remembered on a daily basis, but if you have not done so..do it now! You may not have them

Picture of Dr. Joan Hillsman

Dr. Joan Hillsman

Dr. Hillsman has over 45 years of experience as a music educator holding a Bachelor and Master of Music Education and a Ph.D. in Musicology!

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