by Monique Bruner

When the president first took office, he promised federal education budgets that would provide adequate levels of education funding to strengthen America's schools therefore building a stronger future.

Unfortunately, we find ourselves involved in a game of cat and mouse with federal resources that if appropriately allocated would significantly improve the academic and future well being of our nation's youth.

Federal support for high schools is long overdue and greatly needed, but successful reform cannot be attained through the tactics of robbing Peter to pay Paul. The need of America's economically diverse high school student population are greater today than ever before and requires an integrated approach.

There are many failures to the President's 2006 budget: Proposes to cut funding for Department of Education by $530 million; No Child Left Behind has been under funded by $39 billion; GEAR-UP, Talent Search & Upward Bound Programs will be eliminated; student loans will be taxed; 25,000 children may be cut from Head Start programs; funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers will be cut which will eliminate after school programs for over 1.7 million children; eliminates funding for Safe & Drug Free Schools programs which is critical for teacher and student safety while in school; and will cut $1.3 billion to vocational education programs. However, the budget does call for an increase of $75 million for private school vouchers and $500 million increase for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

You can find more detailed information about the FY 2006 Bush Budget: Breaks Promises, Underfunds K-12 Funding, and Forces Students to Pay More for College at http://edworkforce.house.gov/democrats/photos/FY06budgetsummary.pdf.

IN HONOR OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH!!!! by "TEE"

Before I get to my "Thought" Men, I just want show my appreciation to "God" for allowing not only his son Jesus" who died for our sins, but also the ones he has sent us- the " Great Leaders" in our time "to Birth out" a generation that will make a great impact in changing and making a difference in the lives of our people. And that there legacy will always live, until the delivery of "UNITY" among us all, is PRODUCED!!!! And that the division and poverty and the hatred will no longer be!!

I thank you "LORD" for- Harriot Todman, Martin Luther King, Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Rosa Parks, Shirley Chisolm- and the ones I can't remember at this time, who has made that difference as we honor their works and the calling you place over there lives....Thank you.

I want share my "Thought" on what and who we are honoring and "WHY" is that it, that we are really "thinking" we have OVERCOME AND WE ARE FREEEE!!! (Oh y'all better hear this today) "Why" are we PRETENDING THAT WE ARE HONORING THE "MEN" and "WOMAN" that DIEDDDDD!!! and gave there life and freedom for "US"!! HUH!! Because where WE ARE TODAY, DOES NOT SHOW FORTH WHAT OUR "BLACK LEADERS DIEDDDDDD FORRRRRRRR!!!!!!

So what we are doing "MEN" and I am talking to the MENNNNNN!!!!! is that we are coming up SHORT and WE ARE PLAYI NG GAMESSSSSSSS!!!! And that's why "MEN" there is no MORALS and STANDARDS IN THE LIVES OF MEN NOWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!! That's why we are seeing the IMAGES OF A MAN, oh but deep down on inside WE DON'T KNOW WHO ARE WHAT WE AREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Oh y'all need to get with the PROGRAM!!!!! No wonder a man don't really know what he wants to be with a WOMAN OR A MANNNNNN!!!!!! No wonder none of us DON'T WORK AND HAVE A JOBBBBBB!!!!!

To view the rest of this story, please contact me directly at thoughtsofblkman@yahoo.com or http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thethoughtsofablkman.

Be safe and Be Encouraged.........."Tee"

The flu virus, computer virus and now a cell phone virus? Give me a break. You have to have a lot of time on your hands. Well it's true. I guess it was only a matter of time.

After several reports of infection in the Phillapines, the virus has made it's way to the United States. The "Cabir" virus infected a cell phone in Santa Monica.

The cell phone is said to use the "Bluebooth" technology which is used by such companies as Sprint and Motorola. The virus drains your phone's battery, deletes phone number and even dials phone numbers. According to Online sources, the virus spreads between mobile phones using a specially formatted Symbian operating distribution (SIS) file disguised as a security managemente utility. When the file is launched, the word "Caribe" appears on the phone's display.

How do you stop it? Right now the only suggestion is to turn of your phone and even remove your battery if that does not work.

Article The Prudential Young Entrepreneur Program seeks urban start-ups By Paula McCoy-Pinderhughes

Calling all entrepreneurs in the 18-to 30-year-old age range looking to finance their business ventures. The Prudential Young Entrepreneur Program (PYEP) is a three-year pilot entrepreneurial development project funded by the Prudential Foundation, a non-profit, grant-making organization of the Newark, New Jersey-based Prudential Insurance Co. of America. The program is designed for young adults in urban areas who might otherwise not have access to similar avenues of opportunity.

Beyonce will join Lil' Kim & J Lo on the Fashion Runway this Fall By Ruth Ferguson

Russell Simmons frequently reminds us, Hip Hop is not merely a music genre - it is a culture. Sean John and FUBU have long provided fun casual wear, but now the bright lights of the runaway are shining on the ladies providing sistas a little more style. Jennifer Lopez, Lil' Kim and Beynoice Knowles are three well-known music super stars set to tackle the fashion world.

Jennifer Lopez's Sweetface Designs debuted earlier this month at the end of Fashion Week in New York to mixed reviews. This follows on the heels of her J. Lo by Jennifer Lopez fashion line. Not one to rest on her laurels, Lopez provided samples of her upcoming fragrance Miami Glow in VIP gift bags at the recent runway show. Check out the show for yourself, "Jennifer Lopez: Beyond the Runway" airs on MTV on February 24 at 10 p.m. ET./9:00 p.m. CT.

Lil' Kim and World Recognition International are partnering to bring a clothing collection, "HollyHood" to specialty and department stores in 2005. Nipple patch likely not included. She is targeting 16-36 year old women with t-shirts, denim, active and fashion wear. Lil' Kim certainly has a style of her own, and always stands out on the red carpet.

"I've always expressed my love for fashion through my music," Kim said in a statement. "HollyHood is a label for those who believe in my philosophy that there are no rules when it comes to fashion - it's about having fun and choosing to dress in a way that makes you feel good."

Now move over girlfriends - Beyonce this fall will debut her new clothing line "House of Dereon", named after her grandmother. Look for her ready-to-wear designs in the stores this Holiday season. Beyonce will include denim and sportswear in her line, along with sweaters and sexy tops. Beynoice is working closely with her mother Tina Knowles, who created many of the Destiny's Child fly outfits over the years. Together they created Beyond Productions, which is partnering with the Tarrant Apparel Group to produce House of Dereon.

Beyonce says, "It is such a rewarding feeling to be part of something that both my mother and I really believe in. I hope that everybody loves the clothing as much as we do; we have really put our hearts into developing these fashions."

The 9th annual Human Rights Through Art Exhibition will travel to various public venues in the GTA beginning in February - Black History Month. The free exhibition showcases the art of emerging Canadian artists, and includes more than 30 original works.

This year's theme of Human Rights will commemorate the U.N. Proclamation of the International day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination from a uniquely Canadian perspective. The annual exhibition celebrates Black History Month by inviting people of all backgrounds to come together and engage in a discussion of important Human Rights and equality issues during this month of reflection and hope.

"Living in a city as culturally diverse as Toronto can give people a sense that racism is just a problem of our past," says Mervin Witter, chairperson of the Black History Through Art Exhibition Committee and Director for the Ontario Region of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. "And while the fight against racism has certainly come a long way, it's not over.

This year's Black History Through Art Exhibition explores issues of racism that are still prevalent in our society today. Our exhibition is a great way for people from all backgrounds to connect with an issue that is often very difficult to describe, or understand - especially if you have not experienced it firsthand."

Call for Submissions from African American Poets to Apply for Summer Poetry Workshop Retreat Led by Nationally Recognized Poets

NEW YORK - Cave Canem annual summer workshop retreat for African American poets, is accepting submissions for this year's retreat, held from Sunday, June 12 to Sunday, June 19, 2005 on the Greensburg Campus of the University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg, PA.

The intensive workshop schedule packs a rich mix of work and play into seven short days. The core of the experience is the afternoon workshops where groups of eight to ten poets meet with a faculty member for writing exercises and critique of poems.

Participants are expected to write a poem each day for presentation in the workshop. Poetry readings on five evenings feature faculty, fellows and guest poets.

There is also time to read and relax on the scenic Greensburg Campus. The workshop's 2005 faculty includes nationallyesteemed poets: Cyrus Cassell, author of four books, including The Mud Actor ; Kwame Dawes, the author of eight collections of poetry, the latest being New and Selected Poems 1994 - 2002; Toi Derricotte, the author of five books, including a memoir, The Black Notebooks; Cornelius Eady, the author of six books of poetry, including Brutal Imagination which was a National Book Award finalist; Eric Hunt, the author of three books of poetry, including Arcade; Marilyn Nelson, the author of six books of poetry, including Carver: a Life in Poems which won the 2001 Boston Post/Hornbook Award; and C.S. Giscombe, the author of two poetry books and Into and Out of Dislocation, a prose book.

Applications There is no application form or fee. Submissions must be postmarked by March 15, 2005.

Send two copies of your manuscript of six to eight poems with your name on each page and a cover letter that states your goal in applying and includes your address, phone number and email address to: Cave Canem Workshop/Retreat, 584 Broadway, Suite #508, New York , NY 10012. Submissions must be postmarked by March 15, 2005. To keep the cost to participants low, there is no tuition. Room and board fees are $495 for the week-long session. Once accepted, participants can apply for smallscholarships to help meet the room and board fee. Manuscripts will not be returned. Acceptance notification by April 30th.

About Cave Canem- Cave Canem, founded by poets Toi Derricotte and Cornelius Eady in 1996, is an organization committed to the discovery and cultivation of new voices in African American poetry. Cave Canem offers regional workshops in New York City, New Jersey and Minnesota as well as readings and an annual weeklong summer workshop/retreat for African American poets. Visit www.cavecanempoets.org for more information.

WHAT: 2005 Cave Canem Summer Poetry Workshop Retreat WHO: Faculty - Cyrus Cassell, Kwame Dawes, Toi Derriocotte, Cornelius Eady, Erica Hunt, Marilyn Nelson and C.S. Giscombe WHEN: Sunday June 12 to Sunday, June 19, 2005 WHERE: The University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg-35 miles east of Pittsburgh HOW MUCH: No tuition, $495 for room and board. Small scholarships available CONTACT: Carolyn Micklem, Director, Cave Canem 212-941-5720 CMicklem@aol.com

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Federal law has forced the nation's children to meet rigid academic performance standards that create "too many ways to fail," a bipartisan panel of state lawmakers who reviewed the No Child Left Behind Act said Wednesday.

A report released by the National Conference of State Legislatures includes language such as the word "challenges" to describe problems the law created for local school systems, and calls for "cooperation" between state and federal officials to resolve fundamental questions about the law. To Read More, Click Link Below

5th Annual Destiny Awards

Friday, March 04, 2005 11:30 AM

Belo Mansion

Dallas, Texas

214-421-5221 Contact La'Toyia Dean

Julian Bond, keynote speaker, for the 5th annual Destiny Awards on March 4 Executive Chairman of the NAACP and noted civil rights activist to speak in Dallas St. Philip's School and Community Center will host the fifth annual Destiny Awards Luncheon on Friday, March 4, 2005 to recognize North Texans' efforts to bridge relationships between racial communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The luncheon --scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at the Belo Mansion in Dallas--will feature keynote speaker Julian Bond, commentator on the nationally syndicated show, America's Black Forum, Distinguished Professor at American University in Washington, DC, and a Professor in history at the University of Virginia. For the past four years, The Destiny Awards have recognized corporations, nonprofit organizations' and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and effort toward bridging relationships between racial communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Their work exemplifies the importance of embracing a belief in the "oneness of human kind" in which the destiny of the world is linked. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased at the school by calling 214-421-5221 ext. 238.

Opportunities for sponsorship are also available. Funds raised from the event will assist St. Philip's in continuing to provide quality educational services for over 200 children in grades K3-6th and outreach services for over 800 children and families.

For more information, please contact La'Toyia Dean (ldean@stphilips.com), Development Director, or Froswa' Booker-Drew (fdrew@stphilips.com), Director of Communications at 214-421-5221.

Robert Coney Urges Families and Inmates Never Give Up On The Struggle For Freedom

By Darwin Campbell African-AmericanNews&Issues

After spending the last 41 years behind bars, Robert Coney now has freedom and the love of his life, but this 76-year old African American warrior has not forgotten his fight for freedom or the struggle of millions of African-Americans still doing time in prisons across this country.

Coney is using his new found liberty to be a positive beacon of hope not only for youth, but also for many other innocent Black men and women still fighting their cases.

"I want people to know that the system works and you don't have to be combative or spend your life in bitterness," he said. "You must do things right and use every positive tool available to you. The tragedy is that most innocent people give up the fight, but you must see your (current) challenge as an opportunity to turn the negative situations into something positive." If any have reason for bitterness and hatred of the criminal justice system, it is Coney. To Read More Click On The Link Below

Atlanta, GA (BlackNews.com) - The Independent Black Film Festival (IBFF), in partnership with Spelman College's Bonner Scholars Program, PULSE Programming Board and the Department of Drama and Dance, pay tribute to filmmaker and activist Spike Lee, a Morehouse alumnus, with School Daze: The Remix. This interactive screening and community discussion takes place Monday, February 28, 2005, 6:30-9:30PM, in the Cosby Building Auditorium on the campus of Spelman College. Ticketing has been limited to Spelman students and special guests.

School Daze: The Remix is the opening night event for the Independent Black Film Festival and puts a unique spin on the classic film. A live performance element as well as audience interaction has been added alongside the screening of the film to make it truly an interactive and one-of-a-kind experience. In addition to showcasing Mr. Lee's genius and the achievements of students through music, film and dance, this event, like the film, explores the relationships between students on historically black campuses and examines how existing stereotypes can create divisions as well as underscores the significance of student activism. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the post-event discussion hosted by the Bonner Scholars Program. The Bonner Scholars mission is to create opportunities for students to become more actively involved in serving the larger community.

Filmmaker Shandra L. McDonald, who directs School Daze: The Remix, has directed and produced award-winning films that have screened in film festivals across the country and aired on major networks like Showtime, UPN, ABC, NBC and CBS. Dance411, a nationally renowned talent and casting agency and Atlanta's largest network of professional dancers, will choreograph the dance routines.

In its second year, IBFF takes place in Atlanta, March 1-6. For more info, visit www.indieblackfilm.com

PRESS CONTACT: Shandra McDonald, schooldazeremix@aol.com Independent Black Film Festival, 877-236-6975

Do we, as African-Americans, really want the best actor/actress to win or do we want the black actor or actress to win? And simply because they are black, do they represent black America correctly? Your thoughts are valued. Email us: woym@awarenessmagazine.net