Your Politics: Cartoon No Laughing Matter

From: The New York Post/AP

Al Sharpton described it as, “troubling at best given the historic racist attacks of African-Americans as being synonymous with monkeys.”

State Senator Eric Adams called it a throwback to the days when black men were lynched.

Col Allan, editor-in-chief of the Post, responded, “The cartoon is a clear parody of a current news event, to wit the shooting of a violent chimpanzee in Connecticut. It broadly mocks Washington’s efforts to revive the economy. Again, Al Sharpton reveals himself as nothing more than a publicity opportunist.”

Now that America has a Black president, he will be criticized and parodied just as those before him. With a Black man holding the highest office in the nation, some may think we have entered a post-racial era. How do we respond to criticisms of the president that may also smell of racism?

John Legend called for a boycott of the New York Post as a response to the cartoon.

The public has called, written, protested and rallied against the newspaper.

The White House has said it’s not even newsworthy.

So, what do you think about the cartoon? Where is the line, and what are our options if we feel that the media has crossed that line? Urban Talk would love to hear what the YPs think!
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Your Physique: Love Your Heart!

We Heart You!

There are so many things to celebrate this February: Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day (Go Lincoln and Washington!), and Fat Tuesday! But, Urban Talk wants you to mark something else on your calendar this month...February is American Heart Month. Sure, right now we are young, successful, and outrageously attractive, but we have to face the facts:

• Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for African-American males and females age 20 and older.

• African-American women face a greater threat of death from heart disease than women of other races.

• In 2005, African American men were 30% more likely to die from heart disease, as compared to non-Hispanic white men.

Definitely scary, but knowledge is power! Here are some simple things you can do to lower your risk of heart disease:

• Work out at least 30 minutes most days of the week to keep your heart pumping.

• If you smoke, STOP! In Europe, a pack of cigarettes says, “SMOKERS DIE EARLY!” That’s the truth, so kick the habit this month.

• Eat a healthier diet. Sure fried chicken and mac and cheese are great, but save ‘em for the holidays. Enjoy grilled meat and lots of veggies in your everyday diet.

• Get a physical: know your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and BMI, and if any of them are out of whack, talk to your doctor about getting back on track.

Start a healthy lifestyle today! Let that be your Valentine’s Day gift to your loved ones, because they want you around for many more years to come!

For more information visit www.americanheart.org and check out a Toolkit for African Americans here. Read more ...

Your Palette: The Glenwood

Last night in a failed attempt to grab a bite to eat at one of East Atlanta’s trendy restaurants, we stumbled upon The Glenwood. The Glenwood looks average enough, a tavern plain and simple. So I walked in expecting bar food; a hearty burger, maybe some fries. But the menu brought a pleasant surprise, including selections to please ANY palate.

Before I go on, I must admit that I am currently no abstaining from meat. As such, I initially chose tempura vegetables with Cucumber Wasabi Aioli, Sweet Chili, Ginger Soy as an appetizer. Then, I glanced down the menu and found Fried Pickles!! Who can resist fried pickles? Salt and grease, together? Clearly, this is a must have. The best part is they did NOT disappoint. The greasy goodness was made even better when dipped in the dressing, which was reminiscent of ranch: a condiment that makes everything taste even better.

Just as I finished licking my lips and downing my glass of H2O (yeah I’m abstaining from adult beverages too) the entrées arrived. I ordered bowtie pasta in marinara sauce served on a bed of spinach and mushrooms. (The menu has an option of white wine alfredo sauce, but I’m getting healthy remember. You can also add shrimp or chicken). Upon first bite, I was in love. The marinara embodied the full flavor of fresh tomatoes and herbs married beautifully with deliciously sautéed spinach and mushroom. I died and met vegetarian heaven. Or so I thought.

Then I looked across the table and locked eyes with the most beautiful piece of lasagna I’ve ever seen in my life. Smothered in a blanket of cheese, stuffed with vegetables and even more cheese on the inside, I made a beeline to taste it. This hearty lasagna solidified The Glenwood’s place as my favorite new restaurant.

So, you must go. Yeah, I know, Atlanta has tons of swanky, trendy, celebrity restaurants. But, I promise you will not be disappointed if you head to The Glenwood. It satisfied my vegetarian soul, and the menu also had meat galore. From the shrimp or oyster po’ boy to the rack of lamb to the rabbit loin, you meat lovers will be in heaven as well. Wine lovers can savor the wine list; cheese lovers can sample the cheese spread. The Glenwood is the perfect place for a date, dinner with friends, or a business meeting. It’s a must know spot for Atlanta’s Young Professional.

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Your PPD: Recession Rescue 02.02.09

The economy is in the dumps. The stimulus package is kicking around Congress. Even Bush and Blagojevich are out of work. At a time like this, even the Young Professional is left asking, "Where shall I go? What shall I do?"

Well, AULYP has the answer! Join us for our February Personal and Professional Development Meeting on Monday February 2, 2008 for Recession Rescue! Check out the meeting at 7PM (6:30PM reception) @ AGL Resources (10 Peachtree Place NE, Atlanta, GA 30309) for this month's PPD installment, Advanced Job Search: Leveraging Contacts and Presenting the Best You!

Pattie Atkinson of Key Executive Recruiters and Ronnie Battle of The Weather Channel will be there to offer free job search, resume writing, and interviewing tips.

WAIT! Don't head home yet! After we handle the business; join us for the casual (ha! get it? business casual). We're heading over to Cafe Circa (464 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312) after the meeting for $5 cosmos and $5 appetizers. Come over, loosen your tie and chat with fellow YPs. See you there!
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Your President: At Last...

Beyonce sang it best...




We witnessed CHANGE on January 20, when Barack Hussein Obama was inaugurated as the 44th president of these United States! While local YPs gathered at Artistry for an Inauguration Luncheon, put together by our Social and Cultural Committee, some of us trekked to the National Mall to see it in living color!

The moment was historic from either locale. On the National Mall,we huddled together near Jumbotrons, forgetting that our noses were cold and our toes were numb. We waited patiently to witness history. We screamed, "YES WE CAN," and waved our flags (courtesy of the Boy Scouts of America) as Michelle Obama held the Lincoln Bible for her husband to take the oath.

In Atlanta, YPs enjoyed Artistry's sophisticated ambiance as they watched the coverage over lunch. YPs and visitors networked upstairs awaiting the moment that will be remembered in history. Everyone gathered around plasma TVs and stood as Obama took the Oath of Office and officially became president of the United States of America.

YPs represented so strongly that both groups made it into the news. You can check out coverage of the Inauguration Luncheon at www.onlyinthea.com And check out the YPs on the National Mall in the picture below.


I know you see us!! We're by the Jumbotron! We have on hats and we're waving our flags! Right in front of the Washington Monument! Yup that's us!

Now you can share your reflections on Inauguration Day right here. Where were you? What did you do? What does this historic event mean to you? Read more ...

Your Props: Kick Off Meeting and Reception

Travis Townsend and the Personal and Professional Development Committee, Urban Talk would like to give you Your Props on such an outstanding Kick Off!!

This year’s kickoff was the embodiment of our motto: Real Service. Real Connections. Real People. Verve buzzed with energy as members and visitors networked, ready and eager to meet the new officers and learn more about our organization. The event was the best of both worlds. We got to kick it with some cool folks and meet some fresh faces, while getting down to business and joining our new favorite committees. Thanks for a great event and congratulations on the fabulous turn out!

Even if you missed the Kick-Off, you didn’t miss all the fun. You can still join AULYP online at http://www.aulyp.com/membership.htm or email the Membership Committee Chair, Jason Raines, at membership@aulyp.com. Make sure you check us out at our next PPD workshop on February 2nd!

If you aren’t sold that the night was hot… Seeing is believing:

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Your Pioneers: Happy Birthday Dr. King!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YA!!!

On January 15, 1929, Martin Luther King, Jr. was born. He was a man of unmatched service, leadership and faith. Today, at such an exciting time in our nation, we must remember his legacy and live the dream. So, set your inauguration plans aside for a sec and make some plans for Monday, January 19th- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service! Make it a Day On! Not a Day Off!!

It's not too late to take part in one of the many service opportunities nationwide on Monday. Check out the National MLK Day of Service website at www.mlkday.gov to find events around the country. For a more local focus, hit up Hands On Atlanta for details about the MLK Summit this weekend.

And for those of you who wait to hear who else will be there before you decide... Don't worry, you will be in good company. The Obamas will be serving on Monday AND the President-Elect is calling YOU to join him!

So let us know, how will the YPs be of service on Monday?
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Your Press: AULYP in Urban Influence

AULYP in Urban Influence Magazine




One of the great perks of being a YP is the free subscription to Urban Influence, the official magazine of the National Urban League. Filled with articles on everything from up and coming young professionals to how to be financially savvy, Urban Influence is an asset for every YP.

The November/December issue is especially exciting, with a feature article by one of our very own. “House Call” by AULYP’s Glennis Curry, covers our July PPD with former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher, who provided valuable health tips on work/life balance! Make sure you check it out!

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So you wanna get published, too?? Contact our PR Chairperson, Tilia Parks, at news@aulyp.com for information on writing opportunities covering AULYP or our events!!

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