EPNO AWARDS CEREMONY
November 9, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans
Free and Open to the Public
Emerging Philanthropists of New Orleans (EPNO) is an initiative to engage the city's up-and-coming talent in philanthropy. Young leaders participate in a 6-month program, where they pool funds, collaborate on teams and allocate grants impacting issues they care about.  Since launching a small pilot class of 18 participants in 2009, the group has been expanding at a rapid pace.  The 35 participants in this year's class represent a broad mix of Louisiana natives and newcomers to the city. The third class of the EPNO will award $35,000 in grants to eight local nonprofits working in Education, Arts & Culture, Healthcare and Housing during the ceremony. Refreshments will be provided. Kindly R.S.V.P. by Nov. 2 to RSVP@emergingphilanthropists.org.   To see a one-minute video about the program, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxMWUu48maA
 
PLACE MATTERS MEETING
November 10 and 17, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans
Open to Members of the Place Matters Team
This is a regular meeting of the Place Matters team.  Contact Jamilah Peters-Muhammad at (504) 569-9070 for more information.

GOLDEN VOICES COMMUNITY CHOIR CONCERT
November 11, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans
Free and Open to the Public
Golden Voices Community Choir, comprised of strong vocalists from around the city, presents its 43rd Anniversary Musical entitled, "Honoring the Past, Present and Bright Future." Show up and experience some of the best gospel singing you've ever heard. For more information, call Mr. Washington at (504) 915-5715.

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE GOSPEL & ARTS FESTIVAL and AFRO-ECUADORIAN FESTIVAL
November 12, 2011, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1700 Block Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans
Free and Open to the Public
The Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard Merchants & Business Association and the Consulada del Ecuador have collaborated to bring you two festivals in one location. Featured artists include: The undisputed professor of gospel music, James Hall; Rev. Lois Dejean and the Johnson Extension, Shades of Praise Gospel Choir, Heavenly Melodies, The Jones Sisters, Kuumba Institute, O. Perry Walker High School Choir, Silhouette Dance Company, Sistahs Making a Change, and many more. The Consulate of Ecuador will feature Afro-Ecuadorian food and demonstrations, and performances by Bamboula 2000, the Mohawk Hunters Mardi Gras Indians, poets, dancers and artists. Janet Andrews will receive a Blue Cross/Blue Shield Award for her work in the arts. For more information or vending opportunities, call (504) 528-1806 or (504) 569-9070.

POVERTY POLICY FORUM
November 15, 2011 at 9:30 a.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans
More information forthcoming.  Stay tuned to this webpage.

A COMMUNITY SINGS WITH MICHAELA HARRISON
November 15, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard
Free and Open to the Public
Have you heard about the many health benefits of singing? With proper breathing, which gets more oxygen into the blood, the releasing of endorphins can have a similar effect as aerobic exercise. Studies have shown that singing relieves tension and lowers levels of stress, creating a feeling of relaxation. It promotes social interaction, and more. When you concentrate on singing, or on learning a new song, your brain power kicks in, memory is strengthened, and you really don't have time to "worry." So tune up your voice, call a few friends to join you, and come out and sing. No singing experience needed. For more information, call (504) 569-9070.

PROTECTING OUR CHILDREN
November 16, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans
Free and Open to the Public
Join this evening of important conversations about the effects of community and domestic violence on children. Fact: Kids who witness violence in our communities or even our homes, are more likely to face deep struggles in life, even if they are not a direct, physical victim. The evening includes dinner, presentations and discussions. Come meet the local and national experts and talk with your neighbors. Featured speaker is Betsy McAlister Groves, Director of the Child Witness to Violence Project at Boston Medical Center.
 

COMMUNITY FALL FILM SERIES: SCREENING OF "WE STILL LIVE HERE: ÂS NUTAYUNEÂN"
November 18, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans
Free and Open to the Public
Ashé Cultural Arts Center presents the film We Still Live Here - Âs Nutayuneân, which tells the incredible story of the recent cultural and linguistic revival of the Wampanoag tribe of Southeastern Massachusetts. Their ancestors ensured the survival of the Pilgrims - and lived to regret it. Now they are bringing their language home again. The film is produced and directed by Anne Makepeace. After the film, there will be a talk-back session where the audience can share ideas and opinions.  Panelists to date include Gray Hawk, traditional cultural expert, Native American storyteller, and cultural historian; and Ivan Watkins, BFA, MA, Ph.D. (abd), an internationally recognized artist, filmmaker, and ethnic-historian.  For more information, contact Drena Clay at (504) 569-9070.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF ARTISTS
November 19, 2011 at 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans


WORKPLACE WELLNESS LUNCHEON - TOPIC: "HOLIDAY EATING"
November 21, 2011; Noon - 1:30 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans
Free and Open to the Public
In January of every New Year, we scurry for the scale to fix what was done at the end of the previous year. Corrective diets and good eating habits are put on hold during the holidays, because in New Orleans, it's all about the food. Let Rachel Reeves, registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild, now working with Common Ground Health Clinic, guide you through the season as they address the topic, "Holiday Eating." Call (504) 569-9070 to RSVP. Reserve your space today.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Ashé Cultural Arts Center will be closed
Thursday and Friday, November 24 and 25, 2011,
in observance of the Thanksgiving holidays.  

SCREENING OF "FOCUS ON SUCCESS"
November 29, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans
Free and Open to the Public
"Focus on Success" is a study in educational success. Four New Orleans schools were observed to learn how they were having success with children from primarily high poverty situations. Funded by the Orleans Public Education Network (OPEN), its role is to help educators learn from these examples and help parents to better judge whether or not a school is good enough for their children. This film runs 56 minutes. Call (504) 569-9070 for more information.

SISTAHS MAKING A CHANGE
Mondays and Thursdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center
1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd.
Free and Open to the Public
Come get fit with the "sistahs" as you exercise and dance your way to wellness. 

Regular dance classes are  taught at 6:00 p.m. each Monday and Thursday by Giselle Nakhid.
Featured guest dance instructor for November is Oswald "Oz" Cooper, founder of the Who Dat Steppers of New Orleans.  Come out and learn how to “step.”   Chicago Style Steppin' Classes are Thursdays, 7-8 p.m.  Men are encouraged to attend.

Sistahs Making a Change is directed by Jamilah Peters Muhammad, a registered nurse and professional dancer, who handles all aspects of programming: dance, educational films, nutrition, and health and wellness.  A nutritious meal is served after each class.  Admission is free and open to the public, but donations are accepted.  No dance experience required. For more information, call (504) 569-9070, or just show up ready to move.

The last two decades have produced study after study that have quantified the increasing morbidity and mortality rates in the African American community from chronic, treatable and avoidable illnesses, such as the unholy trinity of diabetes, hypertension and the attendant heart disease.  Treatable cancers (breast, prostate, colon, lung) are flourishing, as early diagnosis opportunities are lost due to poor or absent preventative health habits.
    It is abundantly clear that the knowledge and the means have been insufficient in efforts to improve the commitment and intention of African Americans to be healthy.
    Ashé Cultural Arts Center has built its work on a philosophy that suggests that all things work better when they are grounded in culture and when creative or art-focused strategies are employed to fuel change and transformation.
    We have a history of making headway in consciousness surrounding illiteracy, dialogue and awareness around race and racism; and improved wellness for elders, women and youth in our various programs.
    Health Nutz is a more focused effort to create cheerleaders for good health who are learning how, why and what must be done to improve the quality of their own lives and health, as well as that of their loved ones.  This ensemble of young actors are everyday Joes and Janes who are learning more about health, struggling to accept the implications of new information, while working to break bad habits and create new ones.  This tension is the heart of the stories that Health Nutz shares with its audiences.
    The ensemble is being created to accommodate various types of venues and audience opportunities.  There is the 45-minute show, the vignette for health fairs, shared billing situations, solo performances and the possibility for commercials.  In all instances, this “art for life” is an engagement tool with the audience, and we use our Nurse “Mama Jamilah” to answer questions, make referrals and hammer home the importance of working to change now. 

  Available for workshops, health and wellness retreats, conferences and health fairs.

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