Friday, December 17, 2010

Toys for Tots 2010 - Saturday, December 18 8:30 a.m.

All year long, members of Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals have dedicated their time, energy and resources toward improving our community. However,
there is one last event on our calendar that needs our attention as much as any other.

On Saturday, Dec. 18, AULYP volunteers are needed to team up with Instant Tax
Service’s toy drive in Marietta and Smyrna to assist in toy distribution, crowd control,facilitating raffles and more. Christmas hats and refreshments will be provided.

The event will be from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at 603 South Marietta Parkway, Suite
103, in Marietta AND at 3791 South Cobb Drive, Suite K, in Smyrna. Michael Oden, owner of both Instant Tax Service locations, has personally
donated many of the 1,000 toys and 1,000 books raised to help deserving children- many of whose families are suffering financially this holiday season.

For some of these families, the toys that volunteers hand out to them
are the only gifts they will have under the tree. In 2009, the lines formed by those in need who showed up for the toy drive stretched out the door at both locations. Let’s close out 2010 with our best effort to improve the lives of our friends and
neighbors.

E-mail Ciji Tatum at cijitatum@gmail.com to submit your availability and volunteer location preference.

-Marcus Howard Read more ...

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Holiday Soiree 2010

Happy Holidays AULYP Family!

This years' Holiday Soiree was held at the beautiful Atlantic near Atlantic Station. The first question that may come to mind upon arrival is - how could this place have possibly gone unnoticed from my sight while making numerous trips to Atlantic Station? The excitement continued for the night. Once guests walked up to the 5th floor and entered the Clubroom, they were met by AULYP members dressed to impress, as well as great music leading the soundtrack for the event. The space was complete with plush couches, LED televisions and even a movie theatre! The venue proved to provide something for every type, as the spacious main room allowed room for guests to stand, mix and mingle. In the second room, guests sat, relaxed and talked; and finally in the movie theatre, many guests chose to sit and watch some NBA action.

I immediately set my things down to start doing some networking and met a large number of members and non-members enjoying themselves. The hors d'oeuvres were delicious! IF you missed this one, you surely did yourself a disservice. I met new people, reconnected with some old buddies and enjoyed the atmosphere chatting and laughing the night away! The entire event was not about pleasure as we collected toys for Toys for Tots to distribute during the big Toys for Tots event Saturday, December 18 hosted by Instant Tax Service in Cobb County.

The Holiday Soiree was definitely a great way to end the year, and an even better way to kick off all of the great events that are in store for 2011.

- Kimberli Thomas Read more ...

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Mingle & Serve 2010!


Making new connections, laughing and sharing wisdom provides happiness that’s indelible. Monday, as in years past, we connected with the residents of Big Bethel Village, a retirement community. The holiday season can sometimes be difficult for seniors and loneliness may cause some to experience a sad emotional state and reminisce of Christmas’ past.

As we sought to empower them, it proved to be just as empowering for us as we talked to the residents and heard their wisdom and empowering stories. Thanks to you and our supporters throughout the year, we provided a Christmas tree and dinner for the residents and had fun playing Bingo, decorating the lobby area and lighting the Christmas tree. Read more ...

Friday, December 3, 2010

Holiday Soiree 2010! December 11




The Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals are closing out an eventful year by throwing a Holiday Soriee - and members, perspective members and guests are all invited!

The fun will take place from 7 – 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010 in the clubhouse of The Atlantic, one of Atlanta’s most luxurious residences located at 270 17th St. in Atlanta near Atlantic Station.

“There will be music, light hor d’oeuvres and a complimentary bar,” said Ciji Tatum, chairwoman of AULYP’s Social & Cultural Committee which planned the celebration. “It’s a great opportunity to mix and mingle. It’ll be a festive and chic environment.”

The Holiday Soriee is an annual event that culminates the year-long activities, events and programs to which AULYP members volunteer their time and energy, Tatum said.

Complimentary hor d’oeuvres, dessert and drinks will be served. Drinks are provided by the Atlanta Beverage Company. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and receive one drink ticket. In addition, a $10 requested donation buys three drink tickets.

Dress for the soiree is described as “holiday chic,” meaning athletic gear isn’t appropriate for this event, however jeans jazzed up with a nice shirt or top are suitable.

The event will take place at the club level (level 5). Complimentary parking is available in the parking deck of The Atlantic. RSVP by Dec. 9 to Ciji Tatum at cijitatum@gmail.com


- Marcus E. Howard


Click to play this Smilebox invite
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Monday, November 29, 2010

'Tis the Season for Holiday Shopping


‘Tis the season for holiday shopping! And one of the hottest items around that has shoppers running to shops, restaurants and malls are: coupons.

But these aren’t your mother’s old-fashioned newspaper coupons. Today’s coupons have gone high-tech and are distributed through e-mails, which make it easier for young professionals to take advantage of savings of up to 90 percent in some instances, from a variety of local stores, eateries, theaters, gyms, spas, getaway spots, and more.

LivingSocial.com is among many “deal-of-the-day” websites, including Groupon, BuyWithMe and 8coupons that have attracted millions of faithful users, particularly young people in urban areas who enjoy the thrill of finding a new deal each day.

In return for offering savings, businesses receive more traffic and opportunities to make new customers.

How LivingSocial Works
BUY. Get in on a deal of the day that interests you.
SHARE. Whenever three of your friends buy the same deal using your link, you get your deal for free.
WAIT. Within one business day your deal will be ready.
PRINT. Simply follow your deal’s instructions to redeem it.
SAVE. Enjoy a range of discounts in your area.

In this economy, every bit of savings helps and every dollar saved is another dollar to spend on gifts for those special in your life.

Living Social - www.livingsocial.com
Groupon - www.groupon.com

- Marcus E. Howard Read more ...

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Travel Tips for the Thanksgiving Holiday


Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the things you are most thankful for, which perhaps explains why so many people take to the highways and airways to spend time with loved ones during the holiday.

Young professionals are no different. Many of us in metro Atlanta hail from elsewhere and will be traveling to our hometowns to give thanks, and of course, eat. AAA Auto Club South projects that 1.2 million Georgia residents will take a trip of 50 miles or more this year, 11.2 percent more than last year. It’s the first increase since 2007.
More than 1.1 million travelers are expected to travel by automobile.

If you’re jetting out via plane, here are a few tips that we retrieved from CNN.com, written by Jessica Ravitz.

Book your flights wisely It's easier to travel on weekdays or the actual holiday. Changing tickets is simpler, too, if you booked through the airline. If there are multiple flights to your destination, try to book the earliest one. In case of cancellations or delays, you'll be better positioned to hop on the next.

ID and label everything Have proper photo ID for you and your family members, and current passports if you're leaving the country. Include contact information, most importantly a phone number, inside and outside your checked luggage, just in case you and your bag go separate directions.

Visit the TSA's website You may think you know the drill, but take a minute to double-check at http://www.tsa.gov/. Learn the rules for flying, what to expect while going through security and what you can pack, especially when traveling with gifts or food.

Don't check what you can't live without If you must have certain medicines, certain outfits or a certain floppy-eared pink bunny for a certain someone to go to sleep, plan to carry it on, rather than risking lost bags. You may also be on your own, too, for in-flight blankets and pillows, so plan in advance for your comfort. And don't forget diapers and formula or milk if you have babies.

For the greater good, though, don't carry on everything Flight attendants say delays are a direct result of the number of bags with which customers fumble. If you're slowing everyone down when you board, consider checking a bag.

Bring money If your flight is canceled or delayed for reasons that can't be controlled by the airline, you're on your own for a hotel room and food.

Pay attention to where you're walking Read the signs and remember that if you go through a restricted door unintentionally, you -- yes, you -- will be shutting down the entire terminal.

Check the gate monitors Your boarding pass might not be accurate, especially if you printed it hours earlier. Also, listen for announcements that might alert you to changes once you're at your gate.
Eat or grab food to go before you board Full-service meals on domestic flights are a thing of the past. But go ahead, enjoy those pretzels.

Don't assume you'll finish your work on the plane In-flight wireless connections are free on Delta, AirTran and Virgin America flights this holiday season, but the service is not available on every plane and doesn't always work.

Accept what you cannot change Customer service agents do not make the security rules, nor can they make a late plane arrive faster. Once airline workers have closed the gate, you're not getting on that flight. Tantrums won't do anything but earn you stares.
Read more ...

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Holiday Ideas for the Busy Professional




As the holidays fast approach, it’s easy to understand how a young professional can become occupied with visiting friends, parties, family and other obligations, in addition to working daily.

However, there are at least two companies in Atlanta, owned by a pair of sisters, that cater to the busy professional who doesn’t have a lot of time to search for just the right gifts.

Mari’s Sweets and To The Nines are owned by Mari and Candace Sawyer. Mari’s Sweets is a bakery that delivers the most delicious cupcakes, cookies and delectable goods. It's great for offices and sending to others. To The Nines designs invitations and cards that can be quickly formatted to send electronically.

The sisters know first-hand what it means to be busy. After baking nights while also working other jobs, they established Mari’s Sweets in 2006. The bakery and dessert catering company sells cupcakes, layer cakes, gourmet cookies and other goodies. It delivers within 24 hours throughout metro Atlanta. All ingredients used, including butter, sugar, flour, etc., are real.

“We can accommodate most special requests and since we bake from scratch we can create just the right dessert for our customers,” said Candace, the younger sister.

“Mari has always been gifted in the kitchen. Holiday cakes for friends became holiday cakes for co-workers then we got a large scale order from our older sister's company for 22 cakes and we've never looked back.”

The Sawyers entertain a lot and became fed up with online invitation services that failed to deliver their invitations or required creating an account to view. To The Nines was then born. It’s an invitation studio specializing in electronic invitations that don’t require a subscription or importing contacts, and also offers high quality, traditional printed work.

At this time of the year, the company creates many holiday greetings for business and personal use. Creating invitations take just a few hours if initiated from a template. Custom work can take a few days.

Prices start at $35 for electronic invitations. Printed items begin at around $50.

“There aren't a bunch of steps to complete so once you send details, we get started,” Candace mentioned. You can send your customized invitation or greeting to as many people as you like, as frequently as you need to and without hassle.”

For more on Mari’s Sweets, visit www.MarisSweets.com, e-mail info@marissweets.com, call (770) 649-9283 or find them on Facebook under: Mari's Sweets Atlanta.

To contact To The Nines, e-mail: 29invitations@gmail.com, call (404) 635-6162 or find them on Facebook under: To The Nines Invitations.


- Marcus E. Howard
Read more ...

Monday, November 15, 2010

President's Pick of the Month - Le Petit Marché


Quaint. Cozy. Modern. Fresh. Those are just some of the words I use to describe Le Petit Marché. I have to be honest, when I first started working in East Atlanta off Memorial Drive I was starved for fresh food. I didn’t want to eat the regular Tin Lizzy’s and Six Feet Under every day for lunch. So imagine my surprise when one day I came across an adorable little French bistro right around the corner in Kirkwood.

The first time I entered Le Petit Marché, or “the little market,” I was intoxicated by the smell of fresh soups and cupcakes straight from the oven. As I walked around I noticed that there was a feeling of family and home with the eclectic mix of dining room tables and benches that give a sense that you are on the patio of a good friend. At the counter, you can order a fresh sandwich, breakfast, or one of mom’s homemade soups. Did I mention that owner Marchet Spark’s mom makes those soups fresh every single day? While you wait you can take time to talk to the courteous and knowledgeable staff, learn a little more about the menu from Marchet or enjoy a conversation with Marchet’s dad, who delivers the soups and works behind the counter.

So while you’re at the counter, the question becomes what should I order? I have to be honest; you can’t go wrong in Le Petit Marché. Everything is carefully prepared, delightfully fresh, and always tasty. My personal favorites include the basil chicken and pesto panini, the turkey on whole wheat, and the chipotle shrimp pó boy. As a side item, I always get whatever soup mom made that day or the pasta salad. If you are in the mood for breakfast, you should try one of the breakfast sandwiches or the grits stack that they serve all day.
On your way out you should take a minute to check out the local products and specialty foods. There is everything from étouffée mixes from the heart of New Orleans, Caldrea soaps and lotions, and locally created chocolates by K Chocolat.

Now a staple in my lunch rotation, I love to go to Le Petit Marché because it exemplifies the best of Kirkwood. It’s quaint yet modern, inviting but off the beaten path, and uniquely extraordinary. So stop by for a visit, I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Le Petit Marché
Kirkwood Station
1963 Hosea L. Williams Drive S.E. #106
Atlanta, GA 30317
Read more ...

Monday, November 8, 2010

Mountain Getaway October 2010! A First for AULYP


One of the great benefits of the Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals (AULYP) is its social and cultural enrichment opportunities.
In October, members trekked to the north Georgia mountains for a fun and relaxing getaway at Tanglewood Cabins in Helen, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River.

A top tourist destination, Helen is known for its pristine, natural beauty and members enjoyed hiking Anna Ruby Falls, cooking out, shopping, go-karts, a haunted house, ghost tour and Oktoberfest.

“On a scale from 1 to 10, the fun factor was a 12!” said Ciji Tatum, chairwoman of AULYP’s Social and Cultural committee.

The trip was the first such getaway hosted by the AULYP and was organized by the Social and Cultural committee.

The $150 cost of the three-day trip included lodging, ground transportation, three meals and beverages.

The goal was to provide members an opportunity to trade-in their wingtips and heels for sneakers for a weekend and to fellowship with other AULYP members and potential members in a relaxed setting outside of the traditional networking and professional environment.

Organizers hope to continue an annual getaway in the future.

- Marcus E. Howard
Read more ...

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Balance - November 2010 General Body Meeting

During our General Body Meeting Monday, Rob Hughes of Generator Development Group, provided information on balancing the spritual and professional life. Additionally, we received first hand information from Aaron Wright of Leap Association on time management. Mr. Wright instructed us to allocate time for our personal development, as it is a necessity and provided a checklist for personal values. Held at AGL Resources, the meeting proved beneficial to our young professional audience.

Members also voted for their 2011 Officers/Executive Board following the speaker presentations for the night. The results were announced at the meeting. Here they are below! Congratulations to everyone! You have a great and busy year ahead.

President - Travis Townsend; Vice President - Ciji Tatum; Secretary - Keshawn Ridgel; Treasurer - Cherie Greene; Chapter Liaison - Courtney Gay; Parliamentarian - Arnett Mumford; Community Service Chair - Angie Ross; Membership Chair - Mechelle Brown; Personal & Professional Development Chair - John Miller; Political Awareness Chair - Vacant; Public Relations Chair - Vincent Scatliffe; Social/Cultural Chair - Angela Crocker Read more ...

Friday, October 29, 2010

AULYP - Empowering Our Community


Economic empowerment has been the central mission of the National Urban League since its founding 100 years ago by a group of concerned black and whites, to help black migrants from the South adjust to life in urban cities in the North.
Today, the need for the organization is as great as ever - given current economic conditions.
The U.S. unemployment rate is nearly 10 percent and experts predict unemployment will remain elevated for years to come. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, one in five American children lives in poverty. On top of that, the gap between rich and poor in the country continues to grow. The richest one percent of households own 33.8 percent of America’s private wealth.
Such statistics are troubling and even discouraging.
However, there is always hope. A favorite quote is: “If you aren’t willing to lose, you will never win.” It means that in order to win, one must first be a player in the game.
Through promoting education, job training, wellness, community service, and engagement in public policy, the Urban League’s goal is to help members of our community actively take control of their economic future.
The Atlanta Urban League Young Professionals (AULYP) provides an outlet for young professionals in metro Atlanta to make a difference.
The volunteer organization has a variety of committees to join, whose members work to bring about change through social and community programs. In addition, AULYP provides a number of social and networking opportunities with other young professionals.
Be the change that’s needed. Visit http://www.aulyp.net/ to get involved.
- Marcus E. Howard
Read more ...

Thursday, June 17, 2010

President's Pick of the Month - The Sound Table

I tried a couple of new places this month looking for something new, fresh, and exciting. Of all the places I tried, the only place that stood out was The Sound Table. From beginning to end it was the best dinner experience I have had in a while, and after you read this blog you will know why.

Formerly Over Da Edge, The Sound Table opened a month ago to rave reviews. Jeff Myers, the owner of Top Flr, partnered with DJ Karl Injex and Darren Carr to create a place that combines the three things they love most: music, quality cocktails and fantastic food. When I visited The Sound Table for the first time I was able to meet Karl Injex and talk about his vision for the restaurant. I was impressed with his passion for what he was doing and his laid-back cool demeanor. The second thing that impressed me was that one of my favorite mixologists, Navarro Carr (formerly of Beleza), was behind the bar. When I saw Navarro I knew that these guys were serious about their cocktails because you don’t find Navarro at your average bar.

The modern wooden furniture is a nice backdrop for the eclectic music that is different each night. The owners choose a variety of DJs during the week to display their love of good sounds. The two-story building includes an upstairs restaurant for the serious foodies and a downstairs bar for eating and drinking. So now let’s get to my favorite part … THE FOOD!

When I first looked at the menu I was intrigued by so many of the selections that it was hard to decide. My two friends and I decided to create a tapas like situation and order a few things and just taste everything. Here’s what we ordered: Peruvian Ceviche, Oaxacan Hangar Steak, Belgian Style Frites and the Chinese Ribs. I have to be honest- I don’t know what I loved most! The made to order ceviche is served deconstructed on the plate and has a fresh, sweet, citrus taste that I’m still dreaming about today. Then there are the ribs … the ribs … the ribs!! Although I am not a huge fan of pork ribs, I tried them after my friends insisted. So glad I did. These ribs melt in your mouth! I’m not going to go on and on and about them, I’m just going to say this. Five minutes after tasting the first rib, my friends and I placed an order for seconds. Need I say more??

The Sound Table represents what every good lounge should have: fabulous drinks, insanely good food, sounds to massage the ear and a cool unpretentious atmosphere. So check it out with friends or make it your first date spot, because this is one place you don’t want to miss!

The Sound Table
483 Edgewood Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30305

Read more ...

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Experience Atlanta Streets Alive, Sunday, May 23

Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall, the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition, the Centers for Disease Control, and other partners present Atlanta Streets Alive, a car-free, family-friendly festival in downtown Atlanta Sunday, May 23 from 1:00-6:00 p.m.

The event will close to vehicular traffic a mile of Edgewood Avenue west of Boulevard to Woodruff Park, while opening that section of Edgewood to recreational use.

“Come experience downtown like you’ve never experienced it before!” said Hall. “No cars. Just people. You, your friends, and family--and strollers, hula hoops, tango lessons, break-dancing, people-watching, bike riding.” Modeled after “Car-Free Sunday” events around the world, this vendor-free festival encourages participants to get active, eat at Edgewood restaurants and cafes along the route, and enjoy the city.

Although participants can join in the fun at any point along the route, there will be a short kick-off ceremony at 1:00 p.m. at Woodruff Park. The park will be home to a variety of family-friendly activities throughout the afternoon. The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition will host a bike station where people can rest their bikes, get their helmet fit checked, watch kids participate in a bike rodeo, or just learn more about bicycle issues and opportunities in Atlanta.

For information about the route, a roster of program activities, and event partners, visit www.atlantastreetsalive.com

For additional information or questions, contact Councilman Hall’s office at (404) 330-6038 / khall@atlantaga.gov Day-of-event media contact: (404) 406-5296 Read more ...

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Haiti: Four Months after Catastrophe

Four months following the devastating earthquake that claimed numerous lives, Haiti is still in need. Forgotten by some, many Haitians still living in the Port au Prince area are going through the rebuilding of their city and remain hopeful. Read bits of CNN reporter Moni Basu's online article, "Four months after 'the catastrophe,' Haitians still in emergency mode". View the entire article and video here http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/05/11/haiti.then.now/index.html?iref=allsearch


Four months on, the tragedy of the massive January 12 earthquake is fresh.

Relief operations thwarted widespread hunger here and so far, there have been no reports of killer disease outbreaks. But Port-au-Prince is very much running in emergency mode. Still.

No humanitarian worker will argue with that sad fact.
Despite the efforts and good intentions of a host of foreigners and a government that got a wake-up call, progress has been timidly slow.

The future has a different meaning now for Haitians such as Edline Pierre, who worries not about where to enroll her three daughters in school but how to get them up off the floor fast enough when the rains start falling.

Haitians, who have lived through political turmoil, extreme violence and grinding poverty, will tell you the earthquake was the worst experience of their lives.

Whether a new city can rise from the rubble of Port-au-Prince remains in question, though Haitians are hopeful something good must come out of an event this tragic. They have to be.

They have nothing left but hope. And faith.

That's why if you peek down lanes on a steamy afternoon, you'll see a gathering of people under a tent, their arms stretched skyward, their eyes closed. And you'll hear the Lord's Prayer.


You'll hear it, too, every Sunday morning, before the sun gets hot, at Notre Dame, the main cathedral in Port-au-Prince. The building is shattered, but not the congregation's faith. They still come to the place where, every week, they are re-energized by their belief in Christ.


Several Haitians said they feared the world's goodwill would quickly fade now that the throngs of media have left and the spotlight has turned elsewhere. Edna Dunrod was one of them.


She worried she was forgotten, lying on a smelly mattress under three tattered bed sheets that serve as a roof in the Champs de Mars tent city. Last month, she gave birth to Marvins, asleep in a plastic tub under a foldable umbrella.


Life with a newborn in this congested camp, she said, was unbearable.


"I want to go somewhere else," she said. But where, she worried. And who would help her reclaim her life? Read more ...

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

President's Pick of the Month - Food for Life Supreme

A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine called me raving about this restaurant, Food for Life Supreme and said that I had to try it. So I decided to check it out.

As soon as I entered the restaurant, I noticed the bright décor and welcoming attitude of the staff. The menu at Food for Life Supreme includes breakfast, lunch and dinner items prepared with organic ingredients that are made to be healthy. This restaurant definitely proves that you don’t have to compromise taste for healthy eating. The wings were superb, the vegetables were wonderful and the fried fish was so good I don’t want to talk about it! Other menu items that caught my eye were the salmon bacon, the carrot fries, the homemade wheat bread and the alkaline water. After enjoying my lunch, I wanted to know how I had missed this little gem in the West End community, so I did a little research.

Here’s what I found … Food for Life Supreme is a part of an educational system started by a group of concerned parents and community members in Kansas City. This group wanted a real life component in the learning process for their kids. They created a school that allowed their students to learn how to run a restaurant in an actual restaurant. Students attend the school in Kansas City and are allowed to choose one of the 10 Food for Life Restaurants to work in around the country. Everyone on staff is either a volunteer or a full time student. So this explains why my waiter looked so young. There is also something special about the Atlanta restaurant- all of the décor from the floor to the ceiling was designed and created by students of the university. How cool is that??

Food for Life Supreme has been serving healthy food in the West End for the past five years and I can’t believe I’ve missed it all this time. If you’re looking for a place to “be seen” or “mix and mingle”, this is not where you want to go. But if you’re looking for great tasting, healthy food in a casual atmosphere, you should check it out because it’s definitely on my faves list!

Food for Life Supreme
880 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
http://www.foodforlifesupreme.com/
404-880-9759


Read more ...

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Are you Ready for the 2010 NUL Conference in DC?















Otis Threatt (L) and William Bryant (R) with Urban
Influence publisher at the NUL conference in Chicago

This year, National Urban League (NUL) celebrates 100 years and will host its annual Conference in DC, July 28-31. We’re so excited and can’t wait to make the trip to such a powerful district to mingle and learn with some of the most powerful and influential people. Since its inception in 1910, the National Urban League has been steadfast in its commitment to empowering communities and changing lives.

William Bryant, former AULYP president, has been to numerous NUL conferences and agreed to share his experience with us.

As a fund development professional, attending the NUL conference has enhanced my network and allowed me to garnish more than $50K in sponsorship from companies and people I have met at past conferences. The parties are unbelievable, from D-NICE on the 1s and 2s to hanging out with EnVogue, MC Lyte and DJ Kid Capri. Also, meeting people like Jeff Johnson, Hill Harper and Melody Hopson has been very impactful. Getting to hear President Obama last year was the highlight of the conference.

Networking with fellow young professionals (YPs) from across the country is the true meaning of the conference. Knowing that your counterparts are doing the same thing in a different city and are members of the same movement is phenomenal. Once you attend one conference you are hooked for life!

Lastly, as a former President of AULYP in 2005 and 2006, it was very exciting to witness in 2005 our chapter named National YP Chapter of the Year; former PPD Chair Andrew Siwo receive the National Heineken Rising Star Award; founding AULYP member Thomas Morse named Southern Region Member of the Year and National Member of the Year; and founding AULYP member and past AULYP president Ebony Howell elected Southern Region President of NULYP. As president, I was so overwhelmed with all the accolades we received. It all happened in DC. Therefore, we are looking for a repeat in DC this year.

Your registration is an investment in your future.

~William Bryant

View the pre-registration book here. Also, e-mail Kendra Shipmon at president@aulyp.com to receive information on group travel with AULYP. The registration rate for young professionals before July 14 is $385. Read more ...

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

31 Days of Jazz








The anticipated Atlanta Jazz Festival is returning to Atlanta next month as part of the “31 Days of Jazz” series May 29-30. “31 Days of Jazz” kicks off May 1 and spans throughout the month, featuring events at some of Atlanta’s amazing restaurants and venues, including Rare, Sun Dial, Rialto Center, Churchill Grounds and many others.

View the “31 Days of Jazz” calendar through this link http://atlantafestivals.com/?page_id=71. Once there, click on the logos to view events scheduled.
Also, we heard that Corinne Bailey Rae will perform Tuesday, May 11 at Center Stage as part of the series.

Rival Entertainment & The 2010 Atlanta Jazz Festival present Corinne Bailey Rae
Center Stage 5/11/2010 7pm
An intimate evening with Corinne Bailey Rae. $29.50
http://www.ticketmaster.com/













Read more ...

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Ludacris the Philanthropist

One of the many things we love over here at AULYP is philanthropy. We’ve been observing Chris Bridges’ (AKA Ludacris) philanthropic work for quite some time and like what we see. Following the buzz about his work with the 2010 Census and the CDC’s HIV/AIDS awareness campaign targeting the African-American community, we recently learned that he’s giving away a substantial amount of money this week on V-103’s "Frank and Wanda Morning Show" just because.

Luda stays on the move by providing monetary support and donating time in the Atlanta community and beyond. If you haven't heard much about The Ludacris Foundation's work, let us provide an overview. The foundation has donated $500,000 to support grassroots organizations and invested more than 2,500 hours in service to youth across the nation, according to The Ludacris Foundation's facts.

So where is Luda right now? He’s currently in NOLA encouraging residents to complete their 2010 Census form and to mail it back. Next, he's on his way to New York, DC and Atlanta to promote the same message. Great example of community empowerment! Read more ...

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

President's Pick of the Month - Pearl Restaurant & Lounge

Hello! My monthly post is here to give you a peek into an exciting little gem in our great city each month. It could be a hot new restaurant, a fabulous event, or just something different to try. Either way, I hope my “Pick of the Month” will help you have a new experience in the A. So I thought I’d start with an old favorite on Peters Street, Pearl Restaurant & Lounge. Please don’t confuse it with Pearl Bistro in Southwest Atlanta. Great restaurant, but not the focus today.

If you love seafood, you’re going to thank me for putting you on to this one. It's the sit down restaurant connected to Baltimore Seafood. Lots of people know about Baltimore for their catfish fingers, shrimp, or crab legs, but if you know Baltimore, you know that it’s only a take-out restaurant. The great thing about Pearl is that you can get the same great seafood in a nice atmosphere with great drinks. So the question is what should you eat? I have tons of faves, but let me just give you something to get you started. The catfish fingers are a must try, but if you’re trying to stay away from the fried stuff then I would suggest any of the vegetables. The green beans are fantastic! But I’m a green bean lover from way back. For those nights when you want to be extra healthy, go with a salmon salad. You won’t be disappointed.

There are a couple of other great things about Pearl. First, it stays open late. It’s open ‘til midnight during the week and 2 a.m. on the weekend. Next, they have a great drink menu. Third, and my personal favorite, is the patio. It’s got a great atmosphere with the cushy chairs, fireplace, and bar. All in all a great lounge spot with great food.

So, if you’ve been to Pearl, I say take another visit for old times sake. If you’ve never been, try it, love it, and share it!

Pearl Restaurant & Lounge
253 Peters Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30313

Until next time,
Kendra Read more ...

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Our Visit to CDC's "i know" Launch

Robert Bailey II, Dr. Donna Hubbard McCree, Marvelyn Brown, Lyfe Jennings, Jeff Johnson, Jeremih



Marvelyn Brown, Jeremih, Kevin Reeves, Jeff Johnson, Dr. Donna Hubbard McCree



Earlier this month, AULYP visited the launch of the CDC’s new initiative, i know, that provides HIV awareness and prevention tools to young African-Americans and encourages dialogue about the issue. We went behind the scenes and interviewed Jeff Johnson, award-winning journalist, social activist and political commentator and Dr. Donna Hubbard McCree, team lead and behavioral scientist in CDC’s Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention.

The Kaiser Family Foundation found in a recent survey that the concern about HIV among African-Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 is declining. That's troubling seeing that African-Americans face the most severe rates of HIV and AIDS in the nation. While Blacks make up 12 percent of the U.S. population, they represent nearly half of the 56,000 new HIV infections that occur each year and half of the more than 14,000 AIDS deaths each year.

We spoke directly to Johnson and Dr. McCree to find out why this may be happening and how we as young professionals can help.


According to Dr. McCree, the burdens of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in African-American communities are higher than other communities. Poverty, higher incarceration rates, stigmas and lack of access to care are some of the factors that are contributing to the HIV/AIDS problem in African- Americans. There are economic burdens, stigmas and discrimination issues.


According to Jeff Johnson, “We have to get over whether we have been personally affected by HIV/AIDS, we are all affected by this and a lot of people are blase about it." He also added that people aren’t really shocked by HIV/AIDS anymore because the face of HIV/AIDS is no longer sick. But whether or not the face is still the same, the impact is still the same.

When asked what we as young professionals can do, Dr. McCree said “We know the science. We need your voice.” African-Americans tend to be silent about the issue. Research indicates that the simple act of talking about HIV can help change the course of the epidemic – by reducing stigma, increasing knowledge about HIV prevention, and motivating life-saving behaviors.

Become a part of the solution. Break the silence, begin conversation or take part in existing conversations. For more information on the entire Act Against Aids campaign, visit http://www.actagainstaids.org/ or http://nineandahalfminutes.org/.

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Greetings!

Greetings! AULYP is so excited to relaunch its blog, Urban Talk. With a new logo and interesting topics lined up for the year, we want you to enjoy your experience on each visit. Urban Talk is designed to keep you informed and seeks to provide topics that help you stay balanced. We’re planning to provide insight into social activities, issues of the day and other topics affecting YPs.

Our president, Kendra Shipmon, is debuting her new blog post President’s Pick of the Month.

Do us a favor! Subscribe to our page. Post comments with your opinions. We love interesting conversation.

Thank you for visiting our blog!
~AULYP Read more ...