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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
Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

“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 know! Celebrate our roots. Thank God for the motivation of Alex Haley, the genealogy experts who brought to our attention of just who we are as individuals, and how to pass it on for generations. We did not choose our relatives; we were given to us by the Divine Creator. Celebrate them!  Here are some important reasons, in my opinion: You will know where you came from: (Regardless of the struggles or their past and yours) You can pass your heritage one to your family and their children You can be the matriarch and the family historian (guiro). I you don’t have one-find one who can tell your story and your history. Be proud and thankful, if you think you have “arrived” that you did not endure some of the pain that your fore-parents went through—if you think that you have made it, so to speak! You still have a long way to go. Help somebody! Leave a legacy of your works, faults and failures that others can remember, let you works leave footprints in the sand. So, before you take that next bit of “Barbecue”: Say your grace and be thankful that through God and family, extended family, villagers (it takes a whole village however). Pray! Now, let’s eat!  See the poem, Stay Connected by Dr. Joan Hillsman (Poetry, too, is one of my hobbies).  

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Faith-Based News & Information News Spiritual Music Scene

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 pay homage to the musical contributions of African Americans to culture and society internationally, says Banfield. There is still time for organizations and the community to plan activities for the young and old in sharing the various cultures and diversity that has made world greater through music. Music is one way of coming together, performing, sharing and embracing the talent and contributions of all cultures. Things to Do! Hold inter-generational activities that will encourage and empower individuals to explore and participate through music activities (talent exhibitions, church/community spotlights, essays, education, tours, recognitions, and musicals. Celebrate local, national and international city calendars for events of interest. Other Events: Patronize Local musicals and city-wide performances, New York City Tours & Plays and Neighborhood venues. Whatever we do, we should not let this month past without observing Black Music Month.  In fact, this should be an everyday celebration! For suggestions of “things to do”, feel free to contact JHMN, Inc. (Email: jhillsman@twcny.rr.com)

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Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

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 for a life time, when she is gone there is a great void!  Don’t judge them, remember them. Don’t forget the fact that they held and nurtured you. Yes, there may be those who did not live up to the standards and characteristics of a good mother, but forgive them and move on.  Duplicate and share this tribute or precious memories.  Mothers are a jewel!

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News Spiritual Music Scene

Upcoming Events! Inquire through Joan Hillsman’s Music Network

*Summer Enrichment Classes in Music, Starting Now! Registration and inquiries ate not being taken. Space is limited! Sign up now.  Visit the website; joanhillsmanmusic.com, email Jhillsman@twcny.rr.com.  Workshops, music mentoring, scholarship information, and much more is available.  JHM is located at 4455 E. Genesee Street in Dewitt, NY, and area sites. Call 315-873-0805 as well. Dr. Hillsman has an established JHMN Board, and network and partners with established agencies and organizations throughout Syracuse.  Since relocating to this area she has received numerous awards for community services, lecture performances and other accolades that are too numerous to mention. Inquire! The Harriet Tubman Essay Contest was launched at the Beauchamp Library which will enhance reading, writing, and interdisiciplinary skills during the summer.  Partnerships with summer projects are participating in these activities. Inquire!  Information is powerful!   June is national Music Month – Celebrate the legacy of music and how it has impacted the world from a global perspective. Celebrate and provide activities with youth and adults, research those who labored in the field of performing arts of all cultures.  Plan activities for June and continue.  Stir up the gifts!   September- Looking ahead!  September is National Gospel Music Heritage Month. Celebrate the legacy of Gospel Music. Plan activities!  

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Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

Reflections! Concert at Hendricks Chapel presented by JHMN and SGMWA More than an ordinary Concert! “The Spirit of Spring”

The 7th Annual Concert presented by Dr. Joan Hillsman and the Syracuse Chapter GMWA on April 21st proved to me more than an ordinary concert!  Community participation increased, wherein, all genres of performing arts were included: Dance, Readings, testimonials, Singing, and across the board presentations were included.  One of the highlights was the Awards: “I-Shine Youth Awards”-These awards were presented to students across the city for outstanding progress in music at JHMN, Entrepreneurs, and community services throughout Syracuse and beyond.  Trophies were presented to:     Keith White, Drummer and Community MLK Drum Corp participant, Southern Missionary Baptist Church   “JJ” Justin Wright- Youth Drummer at Gesemane Church .  Raven Ford, Pianist .  Jermaine Trotter, Vocalist   Robert Short, Jr. Min. of Music, Bethany Baptist Church, and Former owner of WRDS -102.1 FM, Syracuse’s First African American Owned Radio Station   Entrepreneur in Syracuse received a Community Pioneer Award Participants Awards and accolades were acknowledge to Bethany Baptist Church, Southern Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist, Mary Hudson and city ushers, Frank’s Creative Public Relations, Janeappiah &  Friends and other individuals who appeared on the program. Greetings and remarks were given from Syracuse Mayor Miner’s Office, and many others.  A special thank you is extended to JHMN Board Members, Shirley Rowser, Rev. Roosevelt Baum, Judge Derrek Thomas, Douglas Russell, Dr. Rochelle Ford, and Quentin Hillsman.

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Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

Spring Concert at Hendricks Chapel

Mark Your Calendar! Spread the word! Plan to Attend! Click on the following link for additional information poster for “The Spirit of Spring” 2017 Spring Concert flyer_The Spirit of Spring_Dr.Hillsman JHMN, Inc. along with The Syracuse Chapter, Gospel Music Workshop of America (SGMWA) will present its Annual Spring Concert at Hendricks Chapel at Syracuse University, Friday, April 21. 2017, at 7PM. Admission and Parking is free. Local talent will perform. (Contact: or Email: jhillsman@twcny.rr.com A CALL FOR ARTISTS! Please respond by April 1st If you or your group would like to participate in this evening of joyous entertainment, The Syracuse Chapter, Gospel Music Workshop of America would like to hear from you. Please contact Dr. Joan Hillsman, jhillsman@twcny.rr.com or call 315.373-0805

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Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

March: A Celebration of Women’s History Month Event

The month of March has been designated as Nation Women’s History Month.  Women have played an important role across the board in various fields. Many activities and celebrations are being planned during March.  In honor of National Women’s History Month: “A Tribute to African American Women in the Performing Arts”\with Dr. Joan Hillsman’s Music Network, Inc. (JHMN) will be held Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 South Salina Street in Syracuse from 2:30PM – 4:30PM. Come out and celebrate! The program will highlight excerpts from Dr. Hillsman’s latest book, “Gospel Music: An African American Art Form” (Friesen Press), Tributes to Women Across Disciplines and more. Get information on the upcoming “Harriet Tubman” City-wide Essay Contest at this event.  For further information, contact Beauchamp Branch Library, 315-435-3355 or email Dr. Hillsman: jhillsman@twcny.rr.com.

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Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

Interfaith Works World Interfaith Harmony Assembly

Interfaith works, Women Transcending Boundaries, and local faith communities collaborated to help spread the message of harmony and understanding by showcasing and celebrating the many faith traditions in Central New York. The celebration was held at the University United Methodist Church in Syracuse, Monday, February 6, 2017 at 6:30 PM.  Dr. Joan Hillsman and the Syracuse Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America, led the opening by engaging the audience in singing her original song, “The Harmony Song”. The audience jubilantly clapped their hands and swayed to the beat and singing  the words, “We can live in Harmony”.  The theme for this 7ty Annual World Interfaith Harmony Assembly was “Love is the Answer”.  Talented renditions of music, poetry, reading, song and dance was exhibited through presentations from across the city. For more information and schedule of events, visit www.interfaithworkseny.org.  

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Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

Joan Hillsman’s Music Network Resumes “The Talent of Syracuse”

JHMN proudly presents National Women’s History Month Spotlight, featuring student performers, adults, and other participants featuring music, poetry and dance,  Open Mic selections will be presented. Refreshments will be served. This will take place at Beauchamp Branch Library, 211 South Salina Street (Syracuse), Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 3PM-5 PM. Participants are cordially invited to register via Email: jhillsman@twny.rr.com or Beauchamp Library. Excerpts from the book, “Gospel Music: An African American Art form” by J. Hillsman, along with the Syracuse Chapter Gospel Music Workshop will be rendering selections.

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Faith-Based News & Information Spiritual Music Scene

National Council of Negro Women Black History Luncheon

The National Council of Negro Women, Inc, (NCNW) Syracuse Section presented A Black History Luncheon honoring the legacy of prominent African Americans from the past, present and future. The program consisted of individuals portraying prominent history makers through readings and singing. The NCNW was founded by Mary McLeod Bethune in 1935. The Past President Emeritus was the late Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, Ingrid Sanders Jones, National Chairperson, Janice Matis, National Executive Director.  The event was held at Bethany Baptist Church in Syracuse, Rev. Phil Turner, Pastor. The theme was “A Time to Remember-A Time to honor”. Eloise Leflore is the local President and Mary Lockett is the New York State Convener. One of the highlights of the Luncheon was the “Trailblazer Awards” recognizing some of the leaders who have been in the fore- front making outstanding contributions in their specific field. Future Trailblazers of Tomorrow (Youth) were also recognized (T-Kara Reese, Tyrus Handy, Brianna Burton, Malik Robinson, Tameron Shaw, Asia Walker and Jermaine Trotter). Trailblazers who received Plaques and Recognition Awards were presented to Pastor Nebraski Carter, Dr. Bruce Simmons, Dr. Joan Hillsman, and Pastor Phil Turner.  For membership information, contact Essie Dorsey, Membership Chair. Joan Hillsman’s Music Network, Inc.  

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