100 Black Men of America Chair Headline Bev Smith's Show Town Hall Meeting

Press Conference "The Disappearing Black Community - The Endangered Black Man."  The 100 Black Men of Western Pennsylvania, in collaboration with the Community College of Allegheny County, will announce an expansion of its current Mentoring program to address "Economic Opportunity" for Black males. The expansion is funded through a grant from The Heinz Endowments, as part of the foundation's African American Men and Boys Initiative.  The Endowments supports efforts to make southwestern Pennsylvania a premier place to live and work, a center for learning and educational excellence and a region that embraces diversity and inclusion. with more than 20 million listeners each week.  Through four programming networks and its marketing division, American Urban Radio Networks reaches more African-Americans than any other medium in America and produces more programming than all other broadcasting companies combined.  American Urban Radio Networks broadcasts 200 weekly news, entertainment, sports and information programs to more than 300 radio stations nationwide.  It is the only Black broadcaster with a bureau in the White House.  AURN has offices and bureaus in 's Cultural District, the multidisciplinary August Wilson Center is reflective of all aspects of African American culture. The Center's striking, two-story, green building houses seven exhibition galleries, a 486-seat theater for performances in all disciplines, an education center, a cafe and gift shop, and multipurpose spaces for community programs and events. The Center is among a select few African American cultural institutions presenting visual and performing arts, the humanities and educational programs in a state-of-the-art venue.

Dr. Boyce: From Cooking Crack to Cuisine – Way to go Chef Jeff

Today, I spoke at the Town Hall meeting on the state of the African American male, hosted by Bev Smith .  Bev is the host of an evening talk show with American Urban Radio Networks.  I was on a panel with Al Dotson -Chairman of 100 Black Men of America, Esther Bush -President of the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Urban League, and Jeff Henderson -former host of “ The Chef Jeff Project” on the Food Network.

The event was outstanding, as I knew that it would be.  The crowd showed up in full form, and there was also a powerful testimony by the mother of Jordan Miles, an 18-year old black honor student who was beaten beyond recognition by undercover officers who appeared to be trying to rob him.  The Miles case (which I recommend everyone take a look at), and the poor manner by which the city has handled it, is a glaring example of the irresponsibility and persistence of police brutality in the city of Pittsburgh.

The most intriguing conversation of the day was with the brother who helped me realize that cooking can be more meaningful than just a healthy meal.  Jeff Henderson has turned his interest in cooking into a teaching tool for those who have yet to learn the depth of their potential.  Jeff was once a drug dealer in South Central Los Angeles, earning thousands of dollars per week as a 19-year old who wasn’t quite sure how to apply his God-given genius.  A product of failed school systems, he felt the pressure to provide for his mother and used drugs as the way to get the job done.  Like many kids in his position, Jeff soon found himself facing a long sentence in federal prison.

The prison became Jeff’s university, where he read every book he could get his hands on and even studied alongside men from the Nation of Islam.  Although Jeff never joined the nation, the organization’s immense discipline and commitment to community rubbed off on him.  Now, Jeff goes around the country giving inspiration to thousands of inmates and young people who wish to emulate his success.  Although he makes handfuls of money on the speaking circuit, he always takes time to visit organizations who can’t afford his services.  He and I both discussed the frustration of not being able to reach all the groups that ask you to stop by, and what a tremendous toll this kind of work takes on your personal and family life.  I got the sense that he understood that leadership is not about stroking your ego – it’s about humbly maintaining your willingness to serve your fellow man and woman.

Panel Discussion hosted by Tavis Smiley w Dr. West, Chef Jeff Henderson, Iyanla V. and Tom Burrell

Chef Jeff Henderson with America ... happening now at ! Check it out on your mobile phone:

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