friday, february 12, 2016 volume 12, number 3 the...

INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE BUZZ ............... 1 THE WORD ON YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE .................. 3 HAPPENINGS .......... 4 CURRENT EVENTS................... 8 THE ARTS ........ 18-21 Art ............................ 18 Films ......................... 18 Music and Dance ...... 19 Television ................. 20 HEALTH AND FITNESS ................ 22

THE WORD P.O. Box 170847

Boston, MA 02117 (617) 775-4273

[email protected] www.thewordboston.com

THE BUZZ “We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.”

~ Jesse Owens

SORRY ADOLF, I’VE GOT TO RUN: THE JESSE OWENS STORY

by Pat Williams

James Cleveland “Jesse” Owens was born on September 12, 1913 in Oakville, Alabama. As a child, Owens was often stricken with bouts of bronchitis and pneumonia but was still expected to pick cotton to help

pay the family’s bills. When Owens was nine years old, his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio. The one-room segregated schoolhouse he had attended in Alabama was replaced by a large, spacious school with strict teachers. At Cleveland’s East Technical High School, he gained national attention as a world-class sprinter, setting a world record in the 100m and 200m sprint, as well as the long jump. While in junior high school, Owens met Minnie Ruth Solomon and in 1932, Solomon gave birth to their first child, Gloria. They married in 1935 and had two more daughters, Marlene in 1939 and Beverly in 1940.

Owens enrolled in Ohio State University in the fall of 1933. During his years at the school, he was affectionately known as the “Buckeye Bullet.” Owens was perhaps the most talented member of the school’s track and field team, but was forced to live off-campus with other African American athletes, and while he traveled with the team, was restricted to ordering take-out or eating in “blacks-only” restaurants. On May 25, 1935 at the Big Ten meet in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Owens set three world records (long jump, 220-yard sprint and 220-yard hurdles) and tied a fourth (100-yard dash). That year, he competed in 42 events and won them all.

The following year, Owens was selected to represent the U.S. at the 1936 Olympic Summer Games in Berlin, Germany. As the war raged in Europe, the 22-year old son of a sharecropper and grandson of slaves stepped on to the world stage, and essentially crushed Adolf Hitler’s concept of Aryan race superiority. Before the competitions Owens met with Adi Dassler (pictured at right), the founder of the Adidas shoe company. Owens garnered the first sponsorship for an African American male athlete when he was asked by Dassler to wear the company’s shoes during the competitions. Over a seven-day period, Owens won the long jump, the 200m sprint and set the world record in the 100m sprint and 4x100m sprint relay. After Owens won the 100m event, Hitler stormed out of the stadium.

Continued on Page 2

Friday, February 12, 2016 Volume 12, Number 3

-2- THE WORD – February 12, 2016

THE BUZZ (cont’d) SORRY ADOLF, I’VE GOT TO RUN: THE JESSE OWENS STORY (Continued from Page 1) When Owens returned to the United States, he was honored with a ticker tape parade along Broadway’s Canyon of Heroes. However, reality set in for the four-time gold medalist when he was told that he had to ride the freight elevator at the Waldorf Astoria hotel to reach the reception honoring him. Ironically, during the Games, black athletes were allowed to travel and stay in the same hotels in Germany as whites. To add insult to injury, President Franklin D. Roosevelt failed to meet with him or invite him to the White House following his victory at the Olympic games. While speaking at a political rally in Baltimore, Owens said, “Some people say Hitler snubbed me. But I tell you, Hitler did not snub me. I am not knocking the President. Remember, I am not a politician, but remember that the President did not send me a message of congratulations because people said, he was too busy.”

Owens retired from amateur athletics after the Berlin games. The years following his retirement were difficult for Owens and his family, but he eventually came to symbolize greatness and achievement in the black community. In 1955 President Dwight D. Eisenhower named him a Goodwill Ambassador and Owens travelled around the world promoting the American way of life.

A heavy smoker for most of his life, Owens died of lung cancer in Tucson, Arizona on March 31, 1980. The Jesse Owens Award, USA Track and Field’s highest honor, is awarded annually to the country’s best track and field athlete.

On Friday, February 19, 2016, the motion picture Race will make its U.S. premiere. The film tells the true story of Owens and his quest to become one of the world’s greatest athletes.

(Portions taken from Wikipedia and Biography.com)


THE WORD ON YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE MERGING FINANCES WHEN YOU BEGIN A LIFE TOGETHER

When a couple makes the decision to bring their lives together, it’s inevitable that their financial lives will become intertwined. Even though the sentiment that “love conquers all,” tends to overshadow financial concerns early in the relationship, the reality is that how each partner handles money could have a significant impact on your collective financial future.

This is a more significant issue today than it might have been in the past. It’s more common for couples to choose to marry or live together at a later age than was typical for previous generations. Or, couples may be coming together after one or both partners went through a divorce. In situations like these, both individuals are often bringing more financial assets and their own financial priorities into the relationship.

Here are key topics that every couple should discuss before merging their finances:

Income and expenses

One of the biggest decisions you should agree on is how much of your income will be directed to individual accounts or to a joint account. Individuals who are used to managing their money may want to maintain their account, or have a separate account for discretionary spending. If this is your preference, have a plan for who is responsible for each expense. Opening a joint account that both parties contribute to is a common way to pay for shared expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, utilities, food. If you decide only to have a joint account, discuss how you’ll handle discretionary spending. Many couples agree to discuss any purchase made above an agreed-upon amount, so both partners feel involved in the decision.

Existing debts

If one or both of you is bringing debt to the relationship, such as student loans or credit card debt, it is important to agree how those will be paid off. Will both of you contribute to loan payments, or will the person who brought those debts to the relationship take sole responsibility? Reducing and eventually eliminating these debts should be a priority for the long-term financial stability of the household.

Emergency fund

An important consideration for any couple is having a sufficient cash reserve in place to meet emergency needs or to provide funding if special opportunities arise. A general rule of thumb is to have six-to-nine months of income set aside in a cash account that is easily accessible when the money is needed. If both individuals earn income, both should contribute to this joint household account. Clearly communicate what type of expenses warrant dipping into this fund in order to avoid a potentially stressful situation.

Financial priorities

Before you merge your finances, talk about your financial goals and dreams. Consider putting together a plan that prioritizes each goal and factors in the ideal timeframe for achieving each goal. As part of this discussion, talk about your spending habits, your approach to saving and how you will resolve disagreements about money. Be upfront about any issues you might have had with money in the past and how that might affect your lives going forward. Putting it all on the table at the outset can help avoid problems related to money matters in the future.

# # #

Darryl Ruffen, CFP®, MBA is a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Danvers, MA. He specializes in fee–based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 13 years. To contact him you may call (978) 777–8382, Joanne Reilly and Associates, 175 Andover St., Suite 304, Danvers, MA 01923. http://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/darryl.r.ruffen/.

Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser.


HAPPENINGS 2016 MELVIA WRIGHT PATTEN SCHOLARSHIP FUND INFORMATION The Melvia Wright Patten Scholarship Fund gives students a chance at a dream of attending college in honor of a phenomenal woman. Established in 1996, each year the Scholarship Fund awards five students who are attending an institution of higher learning $1,000 to assist with their education. The 2016 Melvia Wright Patten Scholarship Application information is now available. For more information, visit www.melviapattenscholarshipfund.org.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: RESOURCES AT THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Black History Month is an annual celebration that highlights the achievements of African Americans and their contributions in the history of the United States. We will discover and access the BPL’s online resources to help enrich learning about African American history, life and culture. Resources are available at the Central Library in Copley Square (Tech Classroom, McKim Building), 700 Boylston St., Boston, MA. For more information, call (617) 536-5400.

COOKING MATTERS AT THE STORE WORKSHOP Cooking Matters at the Store Workshop will be held Friday, February 12, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Uphams Corner Health Center, 415 Columbia Rd., Dorchester, MA. Learn to find healthy options, get the best value when purchasing fruits and vegetables, compare unit prices to find bargains, understand food labels, find whole grains and stick to your budget. After the workshop, attendees will receive a $10 supermarket gift card, a book full of healthy recipes and shopping tips and a reusable grocery bag. To RSVP, call (617) 287-8000 x8142. This is a FREE event.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S SUCCESS SERIES The Young People’s Success Series (YPSS) will be held Saturday, February 13, 2016 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at the Lena Park Center, 150 American Legion Hwy., Dorchester, MA. The workshop, A Conversation About Race and Academic Success, is about how race and the legacy of racism impacts the education of children of color and their life chances. For more information, call (617) 833-7347 or email [email protected]. This is a FREE event.

CIVIL SERVICE FIREFIGHTER EXAM OPEN HOUSE Civil Service will administer the statewide written exam for firefighters on Saturday, April 16, 2016. The Boston Fire Department will host a series of open houses to provide more information on the exam. Open houses will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. The Boston Fire Dept. will also host a test preparation session on March 29 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Florian Hall, 55 Hallet St., Dorchester, MA. The exam deadline is Tuesday, March 1 and no applications will be accepted after Monday, March 21. For cancellations due to inclement weather, visit www.facebook.com/bostonfiredepartment. To apply online and for a list of qualifications necessary to apply, visit www.cityofboston.gov/fire. This is a FREE event.

• Saturday, February 13 at 746 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA • Saturday, February 20 at 174 Dudley St., Roxbury, MA • Saturday, February 27 at 60 Fairmont Ave., Hyde Park, MA • Saturday, March 5 at 975 Blue Hill Ave., Dorchester, MA

TRINITY PLAN QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FORUM A Trinity Plan Questions and Answers Forum sponsored by 2017 Mayoral Candidate Mary Franklin will be held Saturday, February 13, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, 18 St. James St., Roxbury, MA. The forum will address public safety, schools and jobs. For more information, call (857) 203-9656 or visit www.maryfranklinboston.com. This is a FREE event.


HAPPENINGS (cont’d) ARTSEMERSON PLAY READING BOOK CLUB ArtsEmerson presents a Play Reading Book Club on Saturday, February 13 and 20, 2016 (An Octoroon performed by Company One Theatre); and Saturday, April 16, 23, 30 and May 7 and 14 (Daughter of a Cuban Revolutionary by Marissa Chibas). The Play Reading Book Club will be held from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Dudley Branch Library, 65 Warren St., Roxbury, MA. To register, visit http://bitly.com/DUDLEYPRBC. For more information about each play, visit www.artsemerson.org or call Charles Jabour at (617) 824-3071 or email [email protected]. This is a FREE event.

BREAD AND PUPPET THEATRE PERFORMANCES AT MASSART Bread & Puppet Theatre will be Artists-in-Residence at Massachusetts College of Art and Design in February. On Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14, 2016 at 3:00 p.m., the company will perform The Overtakelessness Circus and Wednesday, February 17 through Saturday, February 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 21 at 3:00 p.m., The Seditious Conspiracy Theater Presents: A Monument to the Political Prisoner Oscar Lopez Rivera. All of the performances will be held in the Tower Auditorium, 621 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA. RSVP and donations are appreciated. For more information, call Elena at (617) 879-7527. To RSVP for the Overtakelessness Circus, visit http://www.BP-MassArt-Circus.eventbrite.com; for the Monument to the Political Prisoner event, visit http://www.BP-MassArt-OscarShow.eventbrite.com. This is a FREE event.

ELLISON/BARAKA: A DEBATE WITH WRITERS GREG TATE AND GREG THOMAS Ellison/Baraka: A Debate with Writers Greg Tate and Greg Thomas will be held Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. at the Hip Hop Archive & Research Institute, 104 Mt. Auburn St., Floor 3R, Cambridge, MA. For more information, visit http://hutchinscenter.fas.harvard.edu. This is a FREE event.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.: SOURCES OF INSPIRATION Martin Luther King, Jr.: Sources of Inspiration will be held Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. at Bunker Hill Community College (Library and Learning Commons, E300), 250 Rutherford Ave., Boston, MA. Learn about the literature that inspired Dr. King and view original documents on loan from the King Archive at Boston University. For more information, visit www.bhcc.mass.edu. This is a FREE event.

LEARNING ABOUT AFRICAN AMERICAN INVENTORS AND INNOVATORS Learning About African American Inventors and Innovators will be held every Friday through February 24, 2016 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Adams Street Branch Library, 690 Adams St., Dorchester, MA. Learn about an important African American inventor or innovator. Refreshments will be served after the event. This is a FREE event.

• February 17 ─ Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, one of first doctors to perform open-heart surgery; and • February 24 ─ Alfred L. Cralle, inventor of the ice cream scoop.

COMPELLING CONVERSATIONS SPEAKER SERIES WITH BYRON PITTS The Compelling Conversations Speaker Series presents award-winning journalist and Nightline co-anchor Byron Pitts on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Bunker Hill Community College (A300 Auditorium), 250 Rutherford Ave., Boston, MA. Registration is required. To register, visit www.bhcc.mass.edu/cc. This is a FREE event.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE? What Do You Know About the Harlem Renaissance? will be held Thursday, February 18, 2016 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Uphams Corner Branch Library, 500 Columbia Rd., Dorchester, MA. Desiree Taylor takes you on an investigative journey through story into the Harlem Renaissance. Learn about the period and the people while asking… what would I do? Taylor creates fun, current and relevant public educational opportunities for diverse ages and audiences. For more information, call (617) 265-0139. This is a FREE event.


HAPPENINGS (cont’d) AUTHOR TALK: DR. PETER GRINSPOON─FREE REFILLS: A DOCTOR CONFRONTS HIS ADDICTION An Author Talk with Dr. Peter Grinspoon will be held Thursday, February 18, 2016 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Central Library in Copley Square, 700 Boylston St., Boston, MA. Grinspoon, a Harvard-educated doctor with a thriving practice and a pillar of his community, appeared to have it all. But lurking beneath this veneer of success was an addiction to prescription medication. When the police finally came calling, Grinspoon’s house of cards tumbled down and his professional ego turned out to be an impediment to getting clean. Grinspoon currently practices as a primary care physician at an inner-city clinic in Boston, is on staff at Massachusetts General Hospital, teaches medicine at Harvard Medical School and today is proudly nine years clean. For more information, call (617) 536-5400. This is a FREE event.

FROM BOSTON, TO FLINT WITH LOVE WATER COLLECTION Join people from around the region to share love, concern and support for the people of Flint, Michigan. From Boston, To Flint With Love Water Collection will be held Saturday, February 20, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Lena Park Center, 150 American Legion Hwy., Dorchester, MA. You can bring water and/or help load the water on to the truck. For those who prefer to make a financial donation, a GoFundMe account has been set up. To contribute, visit https://www.gofundme.com/wst9u7pg. For more information, call (617) 522-3349 or email [email protected]. This is a FREE event.

TYRONE MAURICE ADDERLEY LECTURE FEATURING WHITFIELD LOVELL The Tyrone Maurice Adderley Lecture will be held Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. at MassArt (Tower Auditorium), 621 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA. The lecture will feature drawings and installations by Whitfield Lovell, that depict portraits of anonymous African Americans from the Emancipation Proclamation through the Civil Rights Movement. Utilizing vintage black-and-white photographs and found objects, Lovell’s work provokes strong psychological and social resonances found in history and memory. For more information, call (617) 879-7924 or email [email protected]. This is a FREE event.

CITY OF BOSTON BLACK HISTORY MONTH SOCIAL: CELEBRATING ARTWORK As part of Black History Month, the City of Boston will host a Black History Month Social: Celebrating Artwork on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at Grand Circle Travel, 347 Congress St., Boston, MA. This is a FREE event.

FINANCIAL LITERACY SERIES A Financial Literacy Series will be held Saturday, February 27 and March 26, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Northeastern Crossing, 1175 Tremont St., Roxbury, MA. During the two-part series, Nicholas Josey will share 20 years of financial planning and advising experience that will provide participants with the knowledge for creating a solid foundation for their personal finances. Topics include cash management, estate planning, insurance, investing and retirement. Seating is limited and registration closes on Saturday, February 20. To register or for more information, email [email protected] or visit www.northeastern.edu/crossing. This is a FREE event.

MASSART FAMILY DAY MassArt Family Day will be held Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at MassArt (Bakalar & Paine Galleries, South Hall), 621 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA. Drop in for a fun-filled day of interactive activities in the current exhibit, Selections. Activities are best suited for ages 6 and up and a special playroom will feature activities for children under 6. Materials, inspiration and refreshments by Chartwells Catering will be provided. For more information, call (617) 879-7924 or email [email protected]. This is a FREE event.


HAPPENINGS (cont’d) BOTTLE CAP SCULPTURE GRAND OPENING A Bottle Cap Sculpture Grand Opening will be held Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. at the Grove Hall Branch Library, 41 Geneva Ave., Dorchester, MA. The Grove Hall Branch Library and the Foundation for a Green Future, Inc. is proud to give a new home to the Bottle Cap sculpture by artist George Sabra. Originally brought to Boston for the occasion of Boston GreenFest in 2013, it is the tallest sculpture in the United States made from discarded bottle caps. Sabra opens people's hearts to the beauty of our world and the importance of conserving our resources. There will be remarks by artists Laurence M. Pierce, Stacey Cushner and Shea Justice. For more information, call (617) 427-3337. This is a FREE event.

BABY DIAPER BANK A Baby Diaper Bank will be held Saturday, March 5, 2016 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Grove Hall Branch Library, 41 Geneva Ave., Dorchester, MA. If you are a parent of a baby and cannot afford diapers, the Baby Diaper Bank may be for you. The Baby Diaper Bank seeks to meet the needs of income-challenged parents to make sure that they have clean diapers for their babies. For more information, call (617) 427-3337 or visit www.lanniesneighborhood.org. This is a FREE event.

SENIOR RESOURCE DAY Senior Resource Day will be held Wednesday, March 9, 2016 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Hibernian Hall, 184 Dudley St., Roxbury, MA. There will be information on financial planning, health and wellness, leisure activities, Social Security changes, transportation and much more. Also, play bingo, participate in health screenings, meet new people and enjoy a delicious hot breakfast. For more information, call Paul Francois at (617) 989-1299. This is a FREE event.

MAHA HOMEBUYER CLASSES MAHA HomeBuyer Classes are held monthly at a variety of locations. Graduates from the MAHA classes will receive a certificate which will allow the participant access to a number of programs that assist first–time homebuyers. The certificate is also a requirement for acquiring lottery property and certain mortgage products in Boston and other cities and towns. Graduates are eligible for free one–on–one credit and homebuying counseling. The classes are 12 hours by either attending four evenings or two Saturdays and the cost is $50 per person and $75 per couple. For more information, email Hilda Fernandez at [email protected] or visit www.mahahome.org. The class schedule is as follows:

• Tuesday and Thursday, March 22, 24, 29 and 31 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at MAHA, 1803 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA

• Tuesday, April 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the SBLI Office, 1 Linscott Rd., Woburn, MA • Tuesday and Thursday, May 3, 5, 10 and 12 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Dedham Community House, 671 High

St., Dedham, MA


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 (cont’d)

7:30 p.m. The Lauren Henderson Quartet appears at the Regattabar Jazz Club in the Charles

Hotel, One Bennett St., Cambridge, MA. For tickets, call (617) 395-7757 or visit www.regattabarjazz.com.


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 (cont’d) To purchase tickets, visit www.huntingtontheatre.org.


FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12 (cont’d)

8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. New York Voices Sing the Songs of Paul Simon at Scullers Jazz Club in the

DoubleTree Guest Suites Hotel, 400 Soldiers Field Rd., Boston, MA. For more information, call (617) 562-4111 or visit www.scullersjazz.com. New York Voices also appear on Saturday, February 13 at the time listed.


SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. The Grethcen Parlato & Alan Hampton Duo at the Regattabar Jazz Club in the Charles

Hotel, One Bennett St., Cambridge, MA. For tickets, call (617) 395-7757 or visit www.regattabarjazz.com.


SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Cyrille Aimee appears at Scullers Jazz Club in the DoubleTree Guest Suites Hotel,

400 Soldiers Field Rd., Boston, MA. For more information, call (617) 562-4111 or visit www.scullersjazz.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Mike Stern featuring Dennis Chambers at the Regattabar Jazz Club in the Charles Hotel,

One Bennett St., Cambridge, MA. For tickets, call (617) 395-7757 or visit www.regattabarjazz.com. Mike Stern also appears on Saturday, February 20 at the times listed.

8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Linda Eder appears at Scullers Jazz Club in the DoubleTree Guest Suites Hotel, 400 Soldiers Field Rd., Boston, MA. For more information, call (617) 562-4111 or visit www.scullersjazz.com. Linda Eder also appears on Saturday, February 20 at the times listed.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21

Mad River Theater Works and Hibernian Hall present

WALK ON: THE STORY OF ROSA PARKS One Show Only

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2016 │ 3:00 p.m.

Walk On: The Story of Rosa Parks weaves together music and drama to tell the life of Rosa Parks, from her childhood in rural Alabama to her famous decision to "sit down and be counted." The play dispels misconceptions about Parks and her protest as it paints a portrait of a complex woman who

had to find reconciliation within herself in order to become an effective Civil Rights leader.

General Admission $20 / Seniors/Students $10 Save $5 off per ticket with promo code WORD

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.hibernianhall.org.


SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 (cont’d)


SATURDAY, MARCH 12


SATURDAY, MARCH 19


SUNDAY, MARCH 20

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7


THE ARTS ART

ART OF JAZZ: FORM/PERFORMANCE/NOTES: A THREE-PART EXHIBITION

Art of Jazz: Form/Performance/Notes, a stunning new three-part exhibition, explores the interaction between jazz music and the visual arts. With more than 70 pieces ranging from early jazz age objects and mid-century jazz ephemera to contemporary works by established African American artists, the exhibition explores the beginnings of jazz and traces how it was embraced internationally as an art form, a social movement and musical iconography for Black expression. Art of Jazz consists of three exhibits at two venues. “Form,” a collection of work curated by Harvard University scholars, is presented in the Teaching Galleries at the Harvard Art Museums.

“Performance” is a collection of books, album covers, photos and other ephemera in the Cooper Gallery’s lobby and front galleries. The third exhibit “Notes” responds to the other two installations with works that focus on how late 20th-century and 21st-century contemporary artists view and intersect with jazz. Among the contributors are award-winning jazz pianist Jason Moran, conceptual painter Lina Viktor, installation artist Whitfield Lovell, contemporary artist Cullen Washington, photographer Ming Smith and a joint installation by artist Chris Meyers and the Propeller Group.

The exhibition runs through Sunday, May 8, 2016 at the Ethelbert Cooper Gallery, 102 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge, MA (Open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and at the Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St. (Room 3610), Cambridge, MA (Open Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

VIVIAN BEER’S REFINING LANDSCAPES EXHIBIT

Gallery 344 invites you to Refining Landscapes, an exhibition that offers a look into the art practice and unique furniture of Vivian Beer. The exhibition will be on view through Monday, February 29, 2016.

The exhibition takes the visitor into the artist’s inspirations, methods and diverse materials. Along with finished furniture pieces the exhibition presents drawings, photographs, process videos, jigs and models. Refining Landscapes reveals an artistic practice that synthesizes the expansiveness of nature, the force of industrial materials and a mastery of sophisticated design into the making of an intimate and functional domestic object. Gallery 344 is located at City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd Fl., Cambridge, MA. Gallery hours are Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 Noon.

FILMS (In Theaters)

RACE Race is based on the incredible true story of Jesse Owens, the legendary athletic superstar whose quest to become the greatest track and field athlete in history thrusts him onto the world stage of the 1936 Olympics, where he faces off against Adolf Hitler’s vision of Aryan supremacy. Race is an enthralling film about courage, determination, tolerance and friendship and an inspiring drama about one man’s fight to become an Olympic legend. Race opens in theaters on Friday, February 19, 2016.


THE ARTS (cont’d) FILMS (In Theaters) (cont’d)

RIDE ALONG 2 Ben Barber (Kevin Hart) graduates from the police academy and is now a full-fledged Atlanta P.D. cop, and wants to make it as a detective. James, Ben's soon to be brother-in-law (Ice Cube), is still annoyed by his tactics. Before Ben is able to marry James's sister, Angela (Tika Sumpter), their boss Lt. Brooks (Bruce McGill) assigns them to a case in Miami, where they will be working with the Miami Police Department in order to bring down a powerful drug lord named Antonio Pope (Benjamin Bratt). Ride Along 2 also stars Olivia Munn and Ken Jeong.

FILMS (Screenings)

SCREENING OF SWEET GEORGIA BROWN The Friends of the Dudley Branch Library and the League of Women for Community Service invite you to a screening of Sweet Georgia Brown on Saturday, February 13, 2016 from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Dudley Branch Library, 65 Warren St., Roxbury, MA. The documentary illustrates the lives of African American women during World War II. Following the film, a panel of woman veterans will share their stories. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (617) 442-6186. This is a FREE event.

SCREENING OF HIDDEN COLORS I, II AND III

The Friends of the Mattapan Branch Library presents a screening of Hidden Colors I, II and III on Saturday, February 20, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Mattapan Branch Library, 1350 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan, MA. Released in April, 2011, Hidden Colors I discusses the role of African and aboriginal people in history and argues some achievements have not been properly recorded or credited to them. Hidden Colors II, released in December, 2012, explores issues surrounding people of African and aboriginal descent such as the global African presence and the treatment of Black economic communities in America. Hidden Colors III focuses on the topic of race, racism and history within the United States and was released in June of 2014. For more information, call Miss Cannon at (617) 298-9218 x1505. This is a FREE event.

MUSIC AND DANCE

GOSPEL AND BLUES WITH JOHN LINER AND THE FAMILY Gospel and Blues with John Liner and the Family will be held Friday, February 12, 2016 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Villa Victoria Center for the Arts, 85 W. Newton St., Boston, MA. In honor of Black History Month, come listen to the soulful renditions of blues and gospel from a unique and talented band from Berklee College of Music, with an impressive array of instruments and Liner’s amazing vocals. Suggested donation is $7. For more information, call Elsa Mosquera Sterenberg at (617) 927-1737 or email [email protected]. To purchase tickets, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/gospel-and-blues-with-john-liner-and-the-family-tickets-20023837838.


THE ARTS (cont’d) MUSIC AND DANCE (cont’d) BLACK HISTORY MONTH MUSIC CELEBRATION WITH D’ALLEGRO A Black History Month Music Celebration with d’Allegro will be held Thursday, February 25, 2016 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Mattapan Branch Library, 1350 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan, MA. Listen to d’Allegro’s take on classic and inspirational tunes by Black and African American artists. Refreshments will be served following the performance. For more information, call (617) 298-9218. This is a FREE event.

MELODY FOR MURDER: A MURDER MYSTERY JAZZ CONCERT Melody for Murder, a murder mystery jazz concert will be held Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. at the Charlestown Branch Library, 179 Main St., Charlestown, MA. Author and jazz musician Carolyn Wilkins will be accompanied by the Bon Voyage Jazz Quartet and special guest reader John Voight. A reception will follow the performance. For more information, call (617) 242-1248 or visit www.friendsofcharlestownlib.org. This is a FREE event.

THE KEVIN HARRIS PROJECT In celebration of Black History Month, The Friends of the Grove Hall Branch Library proudly present the Kevin Harris Project on Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Grove Hall Branch Library, 41 Geneva Ave., Dorchester, MA. Harris thrives on a courageously playful style of communication in music. A style, in his opinion, that requires a very special and sincere habit of listening and an equally patient endeavor to express oneself joyfully. He hopes that a typical interaction will always inspire the audience to walk away with a sense of joyful contentedness and community. "Participation,” he says, "is what keeps our souls alive." For more information, call (617) 427-3337 or visit www.kevinharrisproject.com. This is a FREE event.

THE HISTORY OF JAZZ The History of Jazz will be held Monday, February 29, 2016 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Bunker Hill Community College/Chelsea Campus (Community Room, Room 121), 175 Hawthorne St., Chelsea, MA. Musical performance and lecture by flautist Galen Abdur-Razzaq who has performed with renowned recording artists Billy Taylor and Sonny Phillips. For more information, visit www.bhcc.mass.edu. This is a FREE event.

TELEVISION PBS BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAMMING LINEUP In honor of Black History Month, PBS has released its programming lineup and online content offerings that will enrich viewers’ understanding of African American history and culture. As part of its commitment to provide diverse programming and resources for all Americans year-round, PBS will offer special new episodes from popular titles, along with encore programming — all of which will stream online after broadcast and can be seen by visiting www.pbs.org/bcc. Consult your local listings for stations in your area, local PBS station schedules may differ from the national schedule. For a complete listing of all Black History Month programs or to find a PBS station in your area, visit www.pbs.org. • Friday, February 12 at 9:00 p.m. ET ─ About B.B. King: The Life of Riley

B.B. King, born Riley B. King, was one of the most influential and celebrated blues musicians of all time. From his roots as a sharecropper’s son, working in the cotton fields of Mississippi, he rose to become a living legend, earning the moniker “King of the Blues.” King’s story of struggle and triumph is chronicled in American Masters: B.B. King: The Life of Riley. Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman narrates and appears in the film.

• Tuesday, February 16 at 9:00 p.m. ET ─ The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution The Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution is the first feature-length documentary to explore the Black Panther Party, its significance to the broader American culture, its cultural and political awakening for black people and the painful lessons wrought when a movement derails. Master documentarian Stanley Nelson goes straight to the source, weaving a treasure trove of rare archival footage with the diverse group of voices of the people who were there ─ police, FBI informants, journalists, white supporters and detractors and Black Panthers who remained loyal to the party and those who left it.


THE ARTS (cont’d) TELEVISION (cont’d)

PBS BLACK HISTORY MONTH PROGRAMMING LINEUP (cont’d) • Friday, February 26 at 10:00 p.m. ET ─ About Fats Domino and The Birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Fats Domino was one of the most popular rockers of the 1950s and early 60s. His achievements and record sales during that time were rivaled only by Elvis Presley. Fats Domino and The Birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll traces how Domino’s brand of New Orleans rhythm and blues morphed into rock and roll, appealing to black and white audiences alike. Clarke Peters narrates.

• Monday, February 29 at 10:00 p.m. ET ─ Wilhemina’s War Wilhemina’s War is the story of Wilhemina Dixon, an uneducated daughter of sharecroppers who becomes a force in her family’s fight for survival from HIV and AIDS. Shot over the course of five years, the film bears witness to the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of tremendous adversity. Wilhemina, or "Mina," as everyone calls her, knows little about public policy, but a great deal about caring for the sick. Five of her family members are living with HIV, and she is the caregiver for her daughter, Toni, a drug addict, and her teenage granddaughter, Dayshal, born with HIV and now the victim of online bullying. While Wilhemina struggles to save her family, South Carolina politics only increase her burden as Governor Nikki Haley rejects billions of federal dollars available through the Affordable Care Act, a decision with devastating implications for those in need. Undaunted, Wilhemina soldiers on, taking a cue from her state’s motto: While I Breathe, I Hope.


HEALTH AND FITNESS THE FLU SEASON IS HERE – GET VACCINATED The Boston Public Health Commission has information on free flu clinics throughout the Boston area. For more information, call (617) 534-5050 or visit www.bphc.org/flu.

ADULT YOGA AT THE MATTAPAN BRANCH LIBRARY Join the Mattapan Branch Library for Adult Yoga every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 1350 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan, MA. Instructor Tara Jackson will teach proper breathing, basic poses and help participants explore this ancient physical fitness tradition. This class is for older teens, adults and seniors. Comfortable clothes, sneakers, water, a towel and a yoga mat are recommended. For more information, call (617) 298-9218. This is a FREE event.

MATTAPAN FOOD AND FITNESS COALITION PRESENTS POWER YOGA The Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition will present Power Yoga every Friday from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. through February 26, 2016 at the ABCD Mattapan Family Service Center, 535 River St., Mattapan, MA. Please bring a towel and water, a yoga mat will be provided. To register, email Eva at [email protected]. This is a FREE event.

EARTHSEED YOGA’S ADULT YOGA CLASSES Earthseed Yoga presents Adult Yoga Classes every Saturday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Parker Hill Branch Library, 1497 Tremont St., Roxbury, MA. This class is for adults ages 55 and older. Wear clothes that you can move in comfortably. Yoga mats and props will be provided. All experience levels are welcome. To RSVP, call (857) 312-9941 or (617) 427-3820. This is a FREE event.

FREE NARCAN TRAINING Narcan Training will be held Thursday, February 25, 2016 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the D-4 Police Station, 650 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA. Narcan has been credited with reversing nearly 400 overdoses in Boston in recent years. Statewide, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health estimates that 2,000 lives have been saved due to Narcan. At this training, which is conducted by the Boston Public Health Commission, participants will learn about the importance of calling 911 in the event of an overdose, how to perform rescue breathing and administer nasal Narcan and treatment options to opioid users. This is a FREE event.

BOSTON REACH COALITION MEETING The mission of Boston REACH Coalition is to promote health equity and eliminate racial and ethnic health disparities in Boston. The Boston REACH Coalition is led by the Boston Public Health Commission in partnership with community residents. The Coalition partners with community groups, health care providers, health experts, businesses and faith-based leaders to improve the conditions in neighborhoods that shape the health and well–being of community residents. The Coalition meets on the first Monday of the month. In the case of a holiday, the meeting is held the following Monday. Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. The Coalition membership is open to all and children and youth are welcome. The next meeting will be held March 7, 2016 at the Grove Hall Community Center, 51 Geneva Ave., Dorchester, MA. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (617) 534–2291 or visit www.bphc.org. This is a FREE event.

PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP MEETING Dana Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center offers a Prostate Cancer Support Group Meeting every second Wednesday of the month. The next meeting will be held March 9, 2016 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute (Smith Building, Room 308–309), 44 Binney St., Boston, MA. This support group focuses on the needs of Black men. Meet with prostate cancer survivors, talk with leading medical specialists and understand your treatment options. Everyone is invited, food will be served and parking is free. For more information, call Mark Kennedy at (617) 632–6694 or visit www.prostatehealthed.org. This is a FREE event.

friday, february 12, 2016 volume 12, number 3 the...

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