Greetings to you

First off, let me congratulate Nigeria on their victory against Jamaica Saturday gone (18/05/02), and to all our winners of the NIJAM 2002 competition, who received tickets to see it all live (courtesy of Western Union). I didn't personally attend, but I know a man who did - Ju - and I'm sure he'll tell you all about his experience of it in Editors' Chat, although I heard there was a little disturbance on the pitch!

Right then, moving on... what have we got in store for you this week? Well, competitions galore: in the competition zone you can win tickets to see Rome & Jewels a splendid new dance theatre production from the US and on top of that a mobile phone and meal voucher worth £30!. I also have five pairs of tickets to Contact, a brand new evening of networking and entertainment brought to you by Team Promotions (Birmingham). In addition to the three Black By Design hair relaxer kits up for grabs (closing 22/05/02), you can now win one of five pairs of tickets to the Afro Hair & Beauty Show (Sunday 02/06/02 only). If that wasn't enough, you still have a chance to win tickets to the Hotel Experience (closing today, 20/05/02).

There's also plenty to digest on the Review front, where our readers let in on what's been happening and where. We have some new requests and some great events to look out for to put in your diaries.

So, as I always say... see you on the other side - ENJOY!

Caz >>> Full information >>>

Reward for murder information

MYSTERY donors have offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to the
conviction of a murderer.

Glen Hudson, 35, originally from Walthamstow, was shot by accident as he
drank with friends at an MTV Lick Party in Bournemouth last year.

Police say that they hope the reward could prompt someone to give them vital
information to help them in their search for the gunman.

Full story click here >>>

The Northampton Evening Telegraph has reported that there is a "£70,000 hole" in WACA's accounts for 2000/2001 "although no criminal or immoral behaviour is suspected". The article quotes county councillor James Ashton as saying: "There was no documentary evidence other than the cheques themselves and the requisitions for the cheques to prove what the money had been used for". This is a blatant lie and conflicts with the opinion of the firm of chartered accountants who prepared the accounts. They wrote: "The accounts are in agreement with the accounting records kept by the company under section 221 of the Companies Act 1985".

Full story click here >>>

• Editors Chat
• Sanjae Lewis Trust
• Chat 'bout (Feedback - Requests - Speak Out!)
• Reviews (Young Diamonds by Dunstan Crevelle; Cocobutta by Juliet Kirk))
• Special Feature (MICHELLE CODRINGTON - FOR NUS National Black Students Officer 02/03)
  
• Events to look out for
• Blacknet Information Community News
• Competitions
• Kickback
• Where are you now? (Reunite)
• To Advertise in the Blacknet Information Community Newsletter

Thanx Caz,

Yes Yes hope everything is criss, everything is fine and everything is on track remember to remain focus and keep pushing towards your dreams, don't make no-one… absolutely no-one make you think you cannot achieve what you want, if there is anyone stopping you, drop kick dem to the kerb and get on with your venture for complete happiness,!!! Just remember though, happiness, starts from within :-)

I wont keep you, but as Caz mentioned, I was at 'THE GAME' Jamaica v Nigeria for the Unity Cup 2002 and I knew Jamaica was gonna flop it, but at least they turned up and never got the beating I anticipated. Nigeria even won in the under 14's penalty shoot out, which says it all really. The atmosphere was very nice, everyone was making the most of a great day out, man and man was cooking jerk chicken on the side streets, people were selling flags and whistles, the scent in the stadium was not of the usual cigarette aroma if you catch my drift ;-), the drinks was flowing the cameras were out, I even sat next to this elderly lady to who I refer as 'mom' and bwoy was mommy cussing the Jamaican team for the way they were playing, and of course she had her little bottle stashed away of the good old White rum, it was wonderful to see everyone having fun, but nonetheless I think this game showed how Caribbean's and Africans have come along way despite the views of main stream media on racism within black groups.

There was a bottle thrown at the ref which didn't hit him so it was no worst than other games and when I left people were leaving peacefully reflecting on the game, crowd attendance was over 16,000, score 1-0 to Nigeria, substitutions: Nuff!

Before I go, each week it is a pleasure to do this Newsletter, as the support and interaction from the community has been brilliant, not only that, the support for our sponsors/advertisers, contributors and all involved just overrides all the nonsense you read in the press about the Black Community. We have plenty talented, enthusiastic, vibrant and intelligent people working hard for this community, but it is not being highlighted. We know what things people like to focus on when it comes to the Black community and it's not all positive, but it is not a problem, because we are just getting on with it and going where we are going, just like we always have done for hundreds and thousands of years, and time is the master. You may not live to see your efforts develop, but believe that it is shaping the future.

Enjoy the Newsletter and keep up the good work!!! Thank you...

Caz & Ju

Beloved daughter of Sandra and Lloyd
Sister of Nathan, Dean, Sarah, Christine, Dwayne and Omar
Little Princess of the Community

Donations can still be made direct at any Barclays Bank, quoting the details below:

Acc. Name: Sanjae In Need
Sort Code: 20-46-60
Acc. No: 40310913
SWIFT Code: BARCCGB22 (required for international donations only)

Correspondence, cheques/postal orders
(made payable to SANJAE IN NEED only) can be sent to:

The Sanjae Lewis Trust
5 Greenwich High Road
London SE10 8JL

LET'S SUPPORT THE CAUSE - WE KNOW WE HAVE THE POWER TO DO IT!!!
Further information can be obtained from calling 0870 746 5000
email info@sanjaelewistrust.co.uk or
visit her website www.sanjaelewistrust.co.uk
click here to view and sign condolence book

Feedback
"Hi Caroline, "It a pleasure meeting you on Friday and equally a brilliant time watching the match on Saturday. I am proud to be associated with Blacknet and keep the good work up. Hope to see more of you. "Thanks." Taiwo	"I love the new style magazine, and I like the fact that you have comments from all perspectives. It's new and fresh approach brings positive vibes to all that read it. Keep up the good work. "Love and Peace." Juliet
	"Thank you very much - interesting reading. Keep sending more." Princess
Editors' Comments Take advantage of the interact aspect of this Newsletter, for both business and social purposes. Why not drop us a line with your observations to feedback@blacknet.co.uk
Well, do you have an idea for, or opinion on, the Newsletter? If so, please email us at feedback@blacknet.co.uk with your views, comments and observations and we will endeavour to implement changes/additions where possible (within reason of course).
Requests Why struggle to find information when you can share your request with our readers - you'll be surprised what they know and/or can do for you. Simply drop a line to requests@blacknet.co.uk and we will publish the details. If you have the answer to any of this week's requests, please let us know so we can notify the person concerned and publish the results in next week's issue for the benefit of all our readers.
TRACING THE FAMILY ROOTS Last week Lesley King asked our readers for tips on tracing ones family roots, both her parents being from the village of Park Hill in St Vincent. We've had a few responses, although not with regard to giving any tips, but others sharing their experience. Here's what they have to say... but if you have any pointers for Lesley, or indeed any of our other readers, send then to requests@blacknet.co.uk "Hi Lesley "If u get any info on tracing your roots I would be interested in knowing as I am also interested in tracing mine. My parents are also from SVG, I did start searching through the records at the courthouse in town one year whilst I was there on an extended holiday, but the records in town only go back so far and then you have to go to the local parish to continue your search which can be very cumbersome. "Regards." Angus "Hi Lesley "No... you're not the only one tracing there family roots. I've been doing this for a while and believe me it's interesting. I'm amazed at how it actually gets certain family members who NEVER talk talking. (Hoping of cause they're all in the same room). My father is from Jamaica and mom from St.Kitts. My father family has been volumous. As for my mother side I've just written a letter to my 85 year old grandmother asking about the family. She and my aunts have assured me they will look into it. So, finger crossed." Yvonne "Hi, I am in the same situation. I would like to know as well - my parents r from St. Elizebeth." Roy Ebanks
MOTHERS OF TWINS "I would be very interested to get in contact with young black mothers of twins. I myself am a 30yr old mother of twins in the London area and would welcome talking, emailing or possibly meeting other mothers in the same situation - as they will know it can be a joyful experience but also a hard one. "Thank you." >>> To respond, click here Amaa
I WANT TO BE A HAIR MODEL "I would like to be a hair model - how do I go about doing this? Why? because everytime I look in a black hair magazine for new hairstyles, there are just lots of girls with weaves or short hair. Hello! there are some black girls with natural long hair who would also like some hair advice and a few different styles to try out without adding extensions and all that!" >>> To respond, click here Ale-x-. G
BLACK MODELLING AGENCIES IN LONDON To Lisa who enquired about black modelling agencies in London in last week's newsletter, one reader, Kristy, responded as follows: (if you know of any more respond here) "Hi, my names Kristy and I have done some work for Paul Linus (the acfest reunion party ay po na NA last year). It's not exclusively black but a high percentage of the models are. He is based in the Barley Mow Centre in West London 0208946477. If you do speak to him let him know I gave you the number." >>> To respond, click here Kristy
Do you have a request? If so email us with the details and we will endeavour to source the results for you. Alternatively, if you have the answer to any of the above drop us a line too!
Speak Out! Got something to say... been wanting to get that burning issue of your chest... or simply want to air your views on a subject and get some feedback? If so, you're in the right place - send us your 'beef' at speakout@blacknet.co.uk... you know its time for you to Speak Out!
"Hi Caz and Ju "Great newsletter as always. "I previously wrote (29 April) critising a letter by Angela Griffin who complained that Black celebrities didn't do enough in the Sanjae Lewis appeal. Angela replied in the 6 May issue asking why we had not seen/heard any Black celebrities making appeals on TV/radio. Well Angela, that's precisely the point I was trying to make, we shouldn't need to be led by so-called celebrity role-models. A caring 'community' should be able to respond to someone in crisis - we shouldn't have to wait until Ian Wright or Richard Blackwood tells us to. Was Sanjae's situation any less desperate because we heard it about it from Caz and Junior rather than in a 3-min soundbite from Lennox Lewis? I have been involved in mentoring young Black people and have found it very fulfilling, but if I was famous I would strongly object to having to be responsible for leading the whole Black community everytime an important issue arose. "Angela, you asked how we are to progress if celebrities don't support us? That is the key point - we don't progress precisely because we sit around waiting for other people to take the lead. It was great to hear that you and your fellow university students made a contribution to the appeal and that is the answer. In this instance, YOU were the role-model to the people around you because of your caring and belief in the cause, and your decision to do something about it. "As a Londoner studying in Birmingham, I'm glad you can see my point about how divided we are as a community, even just because we live in different parts of the country. However, I'm shocked that this even manifests itself at university. When I was at University in at the end of the '70s, there were so few of us that conscious Black students stuck together - coming from Sheffield, my best 3 best friends were Black guys from Birmingham, Nottingham and London. With a growing Black student population, one of the most important potential long-term factors in how we progress, is the idea of intelligent, ambitious young Black people getting together in universities and creating networks that will sustain and grow and create benefits such as job and business opportunities as they move through life. If we can't even get past petty regional divisions at University, what hope have we got? Angela, you asked the question "How do we make a change?" The answer is simple really - it starts when someone like you says "Let's make a change." "Regards." Michael Barrows Birmingham BUILDING A NEW TOMORROW FOR OUR CHILDREN "Hi Sharon, "'But we really need to get going before we lose our valuable, history, stories, minds, identity and vision'" (BNL, 13/05/02) "I really liked your words and attitude and am interested in a lot of what you've said. Could you please keep me informed of any initiatives you come up with. Unfortunately I really don't have a lot of time on my hands, but I'll try my best not to use that as an excuse, and will endeavour to help in whatever way I can. "Regards." Toyin JASMINE JOHNSON TALKS BACK (BNL, 13/05/02) "People say they love their people (my brothers, my sisters), NO they do not. They love what they think, wish or hope their people should be. "We are what we are, deal with it!! You cannot fix it if you don't. "Just because you share the same colour of skin as some one does not make you their sister. Colour is not Culture. Blackness is not about colour it is about Culture. These people with dark skin do not practice your culture so they are not your brothers and sisters, they simply have the same colour of skin. "And anyway, who made you the mother for the Black Race. The last time I checked that was Isis. "Different strokes different folks, leave it alone." D Tummaz "Why you looking to others for the solution? "You wanna celebrate the family then do so, what you waiting for, Tony Blair to hold a black family day." Danny   Editors' Comments What's on your mind? Is there something you'd like to talk about, or perhaps something making you boil? Do you have a view on the above? Speak Out! email us with your comments for publication.
Don't stifle yourself! Get it off your chest in Speak Out! Send us an email with your gripe, or response, to speakout@blacknet.co.uk
Reviews
YOUNG DIAMONDS (Reviewed by Dunstan Creavalle) Twelve young children made some history of their very own, as they became the first 'diamonds' to complete the first stage of a community mentoring scheme run by the 100 Black Men of London (100BMOL). 'The Me I Can Be' is a mentoring education programme offering structured group mentoring for boys and girls aged 10-15 years. The 12 pupils (referred to as diamonds because of their immense value to our community), participated in Saturday Academies meeting on a fortnightly basis over the past 6-months. In the form of 2-hour workshops, the programme was designed to address and develop important life issues. Topics covered included, self-identity, communication skills, social behaviour, cultural exposure, male/female relationships, personal responsibility, peer pressure, family roles and Black history. Special day CHILDREN: centre:Ellis Sealy & Chantell Mitchell (with their certificates) ADULTS: L-R President Ken Barnes, David Okoro, Victor Olisa (Chief Inspector of the City of London Police) At the graduation ceremony held in Tottenham on 4th May, the diamonds were presented with certificates to mark their completion of the Bronze Diamond stage of the programme (they can return to complete Silver and Platinum stages). Proud parents, friends and mentors, were present to witness this special occasion. Victor Olisa , Chief Inspector of the City of London Police and the Chair of the City of London Black Police Association, was on hand to help give out certificates and share his childhood aspirations with the diamonds. He encouraged them to go for their goals in life! The diamonds were, Ellis Sealy and Nathan Mitchell aged 9. Marcus Taffe aged 10, Ben Howell and Ryan Chuck aged 11,Daniel Charles, Jamie Lleyellwn, Jerome Spencer and Richie Lleyellwn aged 12.Chantelle Mitchell and Dale Williams aged 13, with 14 year old Dominic Walker completing a magnificent 12! For 9-year old Ellis Sealy (one of the youngest) and Chantell Mitchell (the only girl), there were special Brilliant Diamond Awards. They both received a certificate and cheque for £150 to spend on educational products. Background "... they are referred to as diamonds because of their immense value to our community." Formed in February 2001, the 100BMOL are the London chapter of the 100 Black Men of America. They are a non-profit organisation with an holistic approach to community development, mentoring being their core output! 100BMOL (as their name suggests) especially try to empower Black men to take a lead and meaningful action in the community. However, this does not mean they do not value the contribution of women in their organisation. Although not allowed to be 'full' members with voting rights, or participate in one-to-one mentoring, women can, through the New Stars Volunteer Programme participate in group mentoring and any other functions of the organisation. Radiah Andre Binns Explained: "The 100BMOL and the New Stars Volunteers work in partnership in order to bring out the best from the diamonds. The skills and abilities we all bring complements each other and we also learn things from the diamonds as well as learning things about ourselves. I have actually seen that when you mentor a child...miracles can really happen. The graduation ceremony we recently had is testimony to that! It is a chance for them (diamonds) to be economic and educationally informed stakeholders in the community." Action Mentors & mentees President, Ken Barnes, praised all the students for their participation and said: "I am proud to be a member of a group of committed people who have decided not only to talk about change but also to act for change! These people care and are concerned enough about what is happening in our community, to devote their time and physical presence and money, to the empowerment of our community." Proud parent Kim Sealy whose 2 boys were on the programme, said: "I have found the programme to be educational and informative for both the children and myself. It was the only mentoring group that I was able to find that did not target children who have experienced a life of crime. By introducing successful members of the community and providing positive role models for the children to look up and aspire to, it has provided a great incentive for my boys. It has given my children the tools they need to progress in life. On a more personal note, my teenager who was on the way to being expelled and placed in a 'special' school, has now had his talents recognised and is working with members of staff towards improvement. Whilst my younger son is maturing beyond his years in an extremely positive manner and is making great achievements." The next programme commences on 1st June with an overview. Parents who wish to enrol their children they should call the office on 0870 121 4100. In addition to that, on 15th June 100BMOL hold their 2nd annual Father's Day trip. This outing to Thorpe Park is a day when men only, are invited to bring their children out for the day. For full details telephone Tony Brown: 0771 326 1106. © Words & photos by Dunstan Creavalle COCOBUTTA (Thu. 16/05/02 @ The Rocket Complex, N7) (Reviewed by Juliet Kirk - Competition Winner) It's really funny; I had been planning for weeks to go to Cocobutta at The Rocket, Holloway Road. I only entered the competition to keep me occupied, I didn't expect to win. Anyway, I turned up at 9:30pm and went straight in. There were about 100 people there already, but the place was not full. My crew and me got drinks and tried to look for seats, but they were all taken. Thank God I wore good shoes, I don't think I would have got through the night on one of my wedge sandals. As usual, the show started on BMT (Black Man's Time), which unfortunately is the norm, not the exception. I am sure it said 9:30pm on the flyer. The anticipation of the crowd grows louder and louder as they await the start of the showcase. Finally the show starts up at 10:25pm, giving us their interpretation of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry", then into Ja Rule's "Givin' It Up", then finally into the break from Tupac's, or was it Michael Jackson's Liberian Girl. Who knows, but it was a nice intro anyway. "As usual, the show started on BMT (Black Man's Time), which unfortunately is the norm, not the exception." The hosts for the evening were Victor Daniels and Natalie Green. Victor has a good mix of urban black jokes and Natalie interacted with her cool stunning vibes. There was good chemistry between them and the running joke of the evening was the fact that Victor had gone on a date with Natalie, but the lady had paid for everything. By now, the crowd was getting restless and were eager to hear what the showcase had to offer. The first Act was a singer called Tope, who came on with a nice purple dress on, who sung a song that she wrote herself, "Do you think of me". With a fresh, clear voice, it was a powerful way to start off the evening. Despite the fact she was nervous, she carried the performance well. You go girl!! The next act was a comedian called Mr. C. He was heavy. Funny, with a good mix of urban life observations, positive advice and conscious sayings, his act got the props it deserved. "I overheard someone in the crowd saying, 'If they have come down, from Manchester, maybe they should stayed there.'" The next act to come onstage was Shamdee and Coyote, two girls from Manchester, doing a comedy sketch of two yardie men, telling their exploits of meeting girls. They were very large afros, gold medallions, string vests and long shorts. It took me a while to understand that the girls were playing men. When I arrived at the showcase, I told myself that I was going to be nice and give all the acts at least one chance, but with this act, I did and it was still wasted. They tried to get audience participation, but by then the crowd were already bored. The crowd started clapping as if the act had ended, and Natalie had to rescue them. I overheard someone in the crowd saying, "If they have come down, from Manchester, maybe they should stayed there." I am sorry girls, but the material for the act was a bit dated, but once they get it right, they may make it, because they had a good vibe between them. Phen's One was the next act to appear on stage, and he was wicked. He gave us four poetry pieces and there was a good blend of spiritual, positive vibes flowing, for those of the crowd that were listening. His perseverance when the crowd got noisy was a credit to him. His best piece was a salute to all the sistas out there with weaves. It was Weave-tastic. If I had a weave on that night, I would have felt so proud (not that there's anything wrong with weaves!!!!!!). Throughout the night, the host Victor and Natalie keep it flowing. Jerome, the next artist to grace the stage, gave us his version of R. Kelly's "I believe I can fly". I wanted to believe that he could fly, but not with this song. Jerome has a good voice, but he should have chosen a different song that would best compliment his voice and really show off his talent. The crowd, especially the girls, seemed to like him. "A fellow audience member described Kenzal's rendition of Erykah Badu's "Tyrone" as 'quite painful'. " Before the next act come on, Femi, a musician who had been accompanying many of the acts, started to play a little interlude, but he gave up saying "…. he could not play with the crowd talking while he was trying to do his thing." Sorry, Femi, but if you start your act by saying that the crowd should show you respect by keeping quiet, they will do the complete opposite. You should use your talent to keep the crowd silent. Anyway 2nd Chance, a group of 3 girls came on, to sing an accapella version of Oasis' Wonder wall, which was quite good. They were then joined onstage by 2 guys - I couldn't even hear their voices - and went on to sing another song, which I can't remember, but they didn't perform as well. The crowd thought so as well and they got louder the more restless they became. Trauma, a dance group, made up of 4 girls, had brilliant stage presence and made everyone sit up and take notice. Good movers, good music and good energy, what more can I say. Exceptionally talented, who coordinated well with each other and the audience. The interval was at 12:05pm and the show resumed at 12:25pm with the Highrollers band vibing with the song "Sweet Mamma", which took me back to the days where at family parties, your mum always embarrassed you by pulling and making you dance with her. A fellow audience member described Kenzal's rendition of Erykah Badu's "Tyrone" as 'quite painful'. The Highrollers were good, but I think that Kenzal was singing the American double remix version and the act just went on too long. The next act, Liz, was also a singer who writes her own songs and had been since the age of 17. She was okay. She stated that she was looking for a record deal. Hope she finds it. What can I say about the next act? He was heavy. I know that back in the day, everyone could beat box, but Ken was out of this world. He did a remix of old skool, nu skool, garage and soul tunes that everyone knew and loved. He could even sing the melody at the same time, and buss a little move now and again, which showed he was really enjoying his performance. He got the biggest applause of the night, which he richly deserved. Ken also did the beat box for the next act, Christa, whose powerful harmonies were the best group voices of the night. Beautiful, black acapella. "The interaction with the artist and the audience was good, and at the end of the act, the crowd shouted for more." The comedian, Lateef, told more urban jokes, with a Nigerian twist. Lateef reminded us of times back in the day, and even if you're were not Nigerian, you could relate as you knew of someone who went through the same experiences. The interaction with the artist and the audience was good, and at the end of the act, the crowd shouted for more. Forum gave us an excellent interpretation through dance and good grooves. Their blend of good music and electric body popping. The group was made up of 7 guys and 2 girls, who had come together about 7 months ago. Their stage performance was good and they gave a performance, which was well thought out. The garage group, Turn It Up Crew gave the audience their track, "Everybody". The 3 guys, who worked well together, gave a good, confident performance, and they had great stage presence. That was the end of the showcase, and Victor and Natalie signed off the show. The hosts vibed well, and kept the show flowing. The after party was good. My crew and I enjoyed the beats. We danced in the Soul/ R'n'B room until our feet hurt. We didn't fancy dancing to the garage room, which also had a good vibe, but as I had to get up early the next morning, for meetings and appointments, I did not stay until the rave done. On the whole, a good time was had by all, and I would consider going again. © Juliet Kirk
Why not send us a review - it can be about anything... a film, book, play, event you attended, CD you've just bought - anything! You don't have to be a journalist, all you need is a point of view. So, if you've been or seen, watched or listened, eaten or read, let us know. Why not share it with our readers so we can enjoy the pleasures too... or not, as the case may be! Send us your review and we'll publish it.

ROME & JEWELS (28 May - 22 June '02 @ Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, WC2)

Forget everything you know about Shakespeare. The hip hop b-boy dance sensation of the year returns!

Rennie Harris presents Pure Movement Dance Company performing 'Rome & Jewels.'

Puremovement return to London after sell-out Dance Umbrella performances and a UK tour. Their previous production Cool Heat Urban Beat - a hip-hop/tap collaboration - was the Peacock's hit show of 1998.

The smash hit show Rome and Jewels is a daring relocation of Romeo and Juliet into the feuding world of rival B-boys and hip-hop street gangs. Street dance and video, three djs and the spoken word of the MC/rapper make a magical mix in this radical reworking.

The Caps and the MonsterQs go head to head in the B-Boy/Hip Hop dance sensation of the year. A new Romeo and Juliet as much West Side Story and Baz Luhrmann as Verona, Rennie Harris' Puremovement make a long-anticipated return to the Peacock Theatre.

Urban street dance, Scratch DJ's, Spoken word. A truly amazing show from the USA. West side story and Romeo and Juliet retold through the eyes of a Hip-hop poet.

Portugal St (off Kingsway London WC2).

Ticket office 020 7863 8222 ~ £10 - £28 tickets available www.sadlerswells.com

Please note these performances contain strong adult content and language, which may not be suitable for under-14s.

'loaded with kinetic talent... a knockout!' (Times)

'brilliantly entertaining... one of the most off-beat triumphs in dance-theatre for years' (Telegraph)

Well as promised I have 4 pairs tickets up for grabs to see this not-to-be-missed- production, which I will be giving away over the next four weeks. The show dates are for the following Fridays: 31 May, 7 June, 14 June and 21 June.
To win a pair of tickets, check out the competition zone

Click here to play Rome and Jewels online: Score the highest mark and you could win a mobile phone. Then email a friend and you could win a meal voucher at the Bierodrome worth £30!

	A Creative Origins and UK Arts International production in asscoiation with Contact Theatre Manchester - West Yorkshire Playhouse and Theatre Royal Stratford East
	Raggamuffin Rude Bwoy or Yardie this is question? but what if the judge was a Raggamuffin residing over a typical case against one of the above, brought to court by a rude bwoy prosecution and defended by a yardie defence, could there be some kind of understanding about why or how the accused came to commit the offence if at all it was an offence. Raggamufin a vibrant contemporary play and musical - deals with these issues (black on black violence) from a different perspective, comes to your town or a city near you. A play not to be missed, we encourage all black men and women to make sure that they go and see this play as we are sure it will make you think about things in relation to the ragamuffin rude bwoy syndrome (or so called yardies) in a different way. First showing Manchester 24 May - Sat 1 June 2002 @ the Contact Theatre - Oxford Road- Manchester book your tickets only £5 - Tickets 0161 274 0600 Other dates are: 6 - 22 June West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds (0113 213 7700). 27 - 29 June Liverpool Everyman (0151 709 4776). 2 - 27 July Theatre Royal Stratford East (020 8534 0310).

GLAMOUR BALL (Sat 1 June '02 @ Birmingham Hippodrome - Hurst Street - China Town - City Centre)

Miss Brown Suga in association with Executive Promotions presents the 1st Annual Glamour Ball. These guys have been on the promotional circuit in Birmingham for a little while now and have work with some of the more larger promoters in the West Midlands and North of England. Now they have work hard to secure the £30 Million Newly refurbished Birmingham Hippodrome - Hurst Street - China Town - City Centre, which is looking stunning for the 1st Glamour Ball on the Sat 1st June 2002. The organisers have told me that they are providing the same sort of standard, vibe, quality and variety which you would experience in London, New York, Miami & Las Vegas.

The dress code is Tuxedo's (Black Tie) for the guys and ladies well it's all about looking glamorous. The added request is that guys wear baller hats (trilby's) and ladies wear your Mary J or J Kay style hats. Just look on the flyer above and you'll see what they mean, if you don't understand.

Coaches have been laid on for this event and will be leaving from Coventry 07929 774 346 - Nottingham 07714 122 313- Sheffield 07956 539 968.

This event kicks off at 9.00pm and finishes at 3.00am which is pretty good for a Birmingham Event of this level. The selection of DJ's is a party style set with Mr DJ' Country Man, Levi Washington, Dave Barret and Robin Holland all of whom are experienced entertainers on the circuit. Delivering Reggae, Soul, Classic, Slow Jams you know the rest.

NEWS FLASH!!! £15 VIP Tickets are selling fast, get yours before the 25th May 2002. Tickets will be £20.00 after this date.

On the night there will be IMAN giveaways if your into the make up ting and ting.

To book your tickets call the Executive promoters on 07956 411 411 / 07714 542 060 / 07984 956 464

This is certainly one event to keep your eye on so pencil it in have a chat with your friends and see what they think. If you do go as per usual we at Blacknet request that you let us know of your experience so can forward it on to the promoters and let other people know what they did or did not miss out on ;-)

Competition now closed for this event! are you a winner? click here to find out

You are invited to nominate a young person (5 - 15 years) who suffers from Sickle Cell Disease to attend with their parents and siblings.

The Bravery Awards Day will be to recognise and reward the children for the
courage they have shown, by celebrating in poetry, music and drama. The children are also presented with a special gift, which highlights their uniqueness. We are currently working with a Barnardos CANDL project, and several other community groups who have offered us their services. We would like to invite you to be part of this day and we request your help in making it a memorable one for both the children and their carers.

Sicklenemia is a voluntary group based in Lewisham. It offers support to all that live in the area and surrounding boroughs. We help to raise awareness of the effects of Sickle Cell Anemia by providing a regular newsletter. We also liase with the medical staff in various hospitals.

For more details, please contact us at:
SICKLENEMIA
PO BOX 24968
LONDON SE23 3GQ
020 8291 4804
020 7729 9701

Afro Hair & Beauty Show 2002

It's that time of the year again. The countdown to the Afro Hair & Beauty Show's 20th year anniversary has begun. With just over two weeks to go, the show which is the biggest ethnic hair, beauty and lifestyle exhibition in Europe, promises another year full of unrivalled edu-tainment.

The operative word here is edu-tainment; as the show aims to educate, entertain, inspire, motivate, and captivate.

Fashion is more than the aesthetic at this year's show. For the first time ever, Afro Hair & Beauty adds a free seminar and workshop programme to the menu. Supported by the London Development Agency and The Voice Newspaper, the seminars and workshops will cover themes across a broad spectrum.

Presenting audiences with the specialist knowledge on the topics of Hair, health & beauty, Business, and Life Enhancement, are prolific speakers, such as Dr Ela Shah, Sharon Miller of Hair Expressions, Simon Woolley of Operation Black Vote, Rohan Lawrence & Peter Todd of Blackshare.com, Ann-Long Murray of Shebytes, and Ezolaagbo Achikeobi.

The famous Battle of the Barbers has been re-structured. Sponsored by WAHL, the competition will prove to be one of the highlights of the show as first rate-barbers compete for prizes and categories as they demonstrate their innovative skills in male grooming.

The signature Avant Garde Xpressions sponsored by Isoplus and FEME returns in style to stretch the boundaries of creativity. Keeping in line with the celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee, top hair stylists will compete to create sensational regal avant garde styles for the top prize.

Then there is the Stopwatch Styling competition, sponsored by Motions, which challenges professional stylists to demonstrate the versatility of Afro Hair through individually branded designs in just 15 minutes. The temperature is set to rise as dexterous stylists manipulate the stage for the coveted title.

The rules have been eliminated for the College Freestyling Competition, sponsored by GentleTreatment. The eagerly anticipated rivalry will dare college hopefuls to put their imagination and creativeness to the test.

As expectations are raised, and tensions are fuelled at this year's show, so will dreams be made as Miss Soft & Beautiful, will use the Afro Hair & Beauty Show as a platform to launch the recruitment drive for the 2003 Miss Soft & Beautiful Campaign.

Be prepared to experience unadulterated entertainment, hosted by comedian Kojo, featuring the crème brulee of the entertainment industry. Special guests from home and away abounds. Also, each year, the Afro Hair and Beauty offer opportunities for up and coming acts to gain mainstream exposure. This year, lined up in the new performance front are R&B and hip-hop groups, gospel acts and Nigerian Afro garage artists. The talent showcase will also feature many more talents on display; poets, singers, rappers, dancers, and comedians; all eager to break the boundaries that defines creativeness.

With audience numbers expected to be the best ever, this year there is a line up of guest celebrities from all arenas of the media spotlight to rub shoulders with. Expect to see stars of sports, music, stage and screen.

With ample parking space for over 2000 cars and a FREE Shuttle Bus service from Wood Green station, there is no reason to miss the event. Tickets are available at £10 on the door, £8 in advance.
Opening times are 10am - 7pm each day. For ticket enquiries call (020) 7678 7555

Or better still, why not try your luck to win of five pairs of tickets on offer - go to the competition zone for more info.

In addition to all the things listed above, there will be FREE SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS running on both days >>> click here for full information and registration details

This is the event for the next bank holiday, we are talking 'The Show, The After Party, The Hotel' We recommended this event last time as a hot one to look out for and it lived up to it's name, so we are going to recommend this one again, 'The Hotel Experience' is a collection of three top Midland promoters, This time it is going to be held in Northampton, you can drive down or jump on a coach laid on for people travelling from London - Birmingham - Manchester - Coventry - Stoke on Trent - Northants - Luton but the beauty of this event, is that you can stay over! Simply book your room with your crew, reach there in the day, chill out, use the sauna, dip in the pool, work out in da gym, tone up and look and feel great with a facial in the spa beauty salon leaving you fresh and re-engerized. Hang out with other guests, drink as much as you like and not worry about driving back, believe it's a nice likle vibe going on, and then when you're ready go downstairs to Party where you will be entertained by 2 Rooms of quality:

Room 1: (Buckingham Suite - Party Anthems) Dj's Bionic Steel & Major Popular also DJ Kaos also from London you have The Connoisseurs& The Original Tourist.

Room 2: (Essex Room - Soul RnB & Old Skool DJ's Mark B & TDK, Soul Fusion and Raymond James. Some of you will have heard of these DJ's and some of you may not have but I am telling you everyone of these events they have all come good and smashed it, so so far, There is no reason for you not to put this one in your diary. Then when you done, it's just a matter of walking upstairs to yuh bed, or look for the Rooms parties which go on till the dem birds sing.

How much is all this gonna cost me you maybe thinking... Well If you are staying over it is only gonna cost you £40 inclusive of entrance, it is worth every single penny, and this event is a dead cert in terms of crowd turnout, so get on the blower, check wid ya peeps, then book your tickets for more information call 07968 716 685 - 07967 609 059 or 07956 129 126 - Junior

Tickets up for Grabs - Click here!!! (terms & conditions apply)

CONTACTS - Networking for Professionals (Sun. 9 June '02 @

T.E.A.M. proudly presents an evening of networking for the professionals of today. In a relaxing setting professionals can meet like-minded individuals. Contacts will provide the opportunity for yourself or your organisation to forge links with companies and individuals on a National and International level. Representatives from the world of Entertainment, Music, Media, Press, Sports, TV, Radio, Industrial and Charities will all be present to expand and share their wealth of knowledge.

Entertainment
To enhance your evening we have some of the UK's best-unsigned talent performing live on stage. We will also be giving you the opportunity to hear some of Birmingham's most recognised contemporary Poets whose poetic prose is sure to be food for the soul. A buffet and refreshments will be provided and there will be a free glass of wine for all.

Date: Sunday 9th June 2002
Venue: The old Fantasy Lounge, Broad St, Birmingham (Next to The Cinema)
Start: 8pm ~ Finish: 2pm
Entry: Ticket only ~ Cost: £15

We can guarantee you this is an evening not to be missed…. remember networking is the key in any organisation, it generates custom, knowledge, ideas, profit, larger databases, turnover and most of all it regenerates YOU.

For tickets and further information please contact:
Errol Lawson (Chairman) on 07951 404464
Email- info@teampromotions.net
Website- www.teampromotions.net

P.S. Don't forget your business cards.

I have five pairs of tickets on offer so check out the competition zone - Caz

The Woolwich Simba Project is inviting one and all to a special comedy and music night.

Entitled the "Give Something Back" show, they have most of the biggest names on the comedy scene giving up their time for free to raise money for the following trusts:

• Damilola Taylor Trust
• Stephen Lawrence Trust
• Sanjae Lewis Trust

Their aim is to try and bring the community together to achieve something positive in memory of those who unwittingly had their lives curtailed.

There will be one other beneficiary from this event, the Talawa Theatre Company "Theatre Fund", who are seeking to build the UK's first Black owned and managed theatre in London's West End.

Confirmed acts so far include Curtis Walker, Felix Dexter, Roy Diamond, John Simmit, Helen DA Silva, Joycelyn Gee, Slim and Mr Cee. The event will be hosed by KAT and Kwaku.

As ALL the proceeds will be split evenly between the 4 organisations, The Woolwich Simba Project hope that the community will mobilise itself to support this event. The "Giving Something Back" concept is quite new and people will be able to contribute whatever they can afford for a ticket, i.e., there is no set price.

For further enquiries and booking, please call 020 8317 0451

CREATING THE FUTURE 2002 - PLAN YOUR WAY TO A CAREER IN GOVERNMENT (Tue. 16 & Wed. 17 July '02 @ Central Hall Westminster, Broad Sanctuary, London WC1)

"DON'T LET YOUR FUTURE defeat you - create your future!" That's the message for more than one thousand graduates who will be visiting CREATING THE FUTURE 2002, a government careers fair for minority ethnic graduates. Now in it's fourth year this annual event continues to attract minority ethnic graduates by featuring over 20 government departments under one roof with civil servants on hand for individual advice.

OVER 5000 minority ethnic graduates have benefited from this unique careers fair. Popular events return; QUESTION TIME based on the BBC television programme, and a panel discussion with fast-streamers of minority ethnic origin sharing experiences of working in the Civil Service. Departmental seminars and workshops also feature.

Organised by Linbert Spencer Consultancy in collaboration with The Cabinet Office, Creating the Future 2002 aims to provide minority ethnic students with a constructive and realistic view of working in the Civil Service. One of its main aims is to help departments to sell themselves more effectively so that they can increase the proportion of minority ethnic employees in the civil service.

Exhibitors include; The Cabinet Office, GCHQ, the Health and Safety Executive, and the Inland Revenue.

CREATING THE FUTURE 2002 takes place on TUESDAY 16th JULY 5pm-8pm & WEDNESDAY 17th JULY 11am-8pm at CENTRAL HALL WESTMINSTER, Broad Sanctuary, WC1.

ENTRY IS FREE by pre-registration through the CAREERS FAIR HOTLINE: 020 8405 1266.

Online registration goes live on Wednesday 22 May, which can be found at www.blacknet.co.uk/ctf or www.dcmedias.co.uk

RARE COUNTY COUNCIL CUTS OF BLACK COMMUNITY GROUPS RACIST?

The Northampton Evening Telegraph has reported that there is a "£70,000 hole" in WACA's accounts for 2000/2001 "although no criminal or immoral behaviour is suspected". The article quotes county councillor James Ashton as saying: "There was no documentary evidence other than the cheques themselves and the requisitions for the cheques to prove what the money had been used for". This is a blatant lie and conflicts with the opinion of the firm of chartered accountants who prepared the accounts. They wrote: "The accounts are in agreement with the accounting records kept by the company under section 221 of the Companies Act 1985".

The turnover of the association was almost £250,000, so to suggest that nearly a third of the expenditure lacked invoices is a gross distortion of the truth and would call into question the professional competence of the accountants. The council's internal auditor had some difficulty in establishing the audit trail for just a few thousand pounds, but most of the remainder of the quoted £72,000 expenditure was supported by invoices which she saw and it refers mainly to certain amounts which were charged to the wrong accounts.

Some Black people are suggesting that the behaviour of Cllr James Ashton and other councillors is an outrageous attempt by Northamptonshire County Council to bring about the liquidation of Wellingborough Afro-Caribbean Association as part of a strategy to save money, a strategy which they describe as racist. It is being said that the Council hopes to achieve savings by withdrawing funding from all African Caribbean activity in the county or rigidly to control whatever initiatives that remain. As recently reported, County Council funding is also being withdrawn from the Northampton African Caribbean Nursery and later from ACES Elderly Day Centre for the Afro-Caribbean Elderly in Northampton. The annual Roots Festival is also under threat due to a 75% cut in council funding, while county officers have not answered requests by the Wellingborough Black Arts Consortium for payment of an invoice for an event in December as well as confirmation of a small administration grant towards the organisation of Black History Month 2002 in October.

For some time there have been objections from some quarters that WACA has been undertaking too many socially beneficial projects, even though it is universally accepted that considerable success has been achieved. Activities at WACA include running an Elders Day Centre with a meals-on-wheels service to Caribbean elders in the town, a youth club, Saturday Supplementary School, an after-school support group for teenage students, welfare and legal rights advice, support and advice groups as well as mentoring schemes for children excluded from the education system and under-achievers, children and family support, diabetics, the mentally ill, drug dependents, Black women, a dominoes team, an outdoor sports court, a Community Choir and a Carnival group which has regularly picked up first prizes. WACA participates in the management of Azuka House, a block of flats built for mentally ill Caribbean people and last year was responsible for the opening of a Caribbean elders' residential block on land attached to its community centre. WACA has cooperated with the police on crime prevention and rehabilitation and its members serve on a number of welfare committees within the county as well as supporting Black arts and culture, particularly Black History Month.

Following the tactics of a number of English governmental bodies over the last forty years against Black organisations which they could not control, some councillors and county officers have tried to uncover financial impropriety which it is always presumed must exist within any Black group, and now Cllr James Ashton has petulantly informed the press that "WACA has £72,000 missing". Labour chairperson of the Policy Regeneration and Partnership unit at the County Council, Cllr Ashton, has told us that he takes any implication of racism at the County Council personally and that he is not prejudiced against those he calls "coloured people".

It was following discussions with Cllr Ashton that Mike Prescod applied to the County Council in writing for a loan of £25,000 to deal with a cash-flow problem that WACA's professional advisers were forecasting, similar to that experienced by many voluntary groups at the end of the financial year. The response of the Council was to send in an internal auditor to examine the books and operation of WACA's administration. Previously the County Council had never commented on the audited accounts submitted each year by WACA, had never issued any conditions or guidelines as to how financial information should be presented and never laid down any criteria for how accounts should be kept.

It is reported that two days before the presentation of the report to the Council, it appears that a senior officer informed a member of the community organisation, of which contrary to employment rules she remains the Chairperson as the council awards grants to it, that WACA was about to have its council funding removed. This report (ref. COFO35) was considered by the council on Friday 27th February.

Action on the council's decisions was not to be implemented for a week but, whereas, in an act grossly contemptuous of Black people, they were not communicated to Directors of WACA until the following Wednesday, on Monday 25th February county officers informed all other county departments and whatever outside governmental bodies they considered might have an interest. These included the Wellingborough Borough Council, the Lotteries Board and the Home Office Youth Justice Board, hinting at that time that there was £60,000 missing, although no such figure appears in the report nor was there any suggestion of financial impropriety by WACA. Further it was also suggested that WACA was insolvent; which it was not as it had established arrangements so that it was able to meet its debts including wages as they fell due at that time. Councillors such as Cllr Ashton, although he is a qualified solicitor, did not appear to understand the meaning of insolvency.

As a result of those officers' rumour mongering activities, the Youth Justice Board placed a stop on a cheque for £28,000 they had sent to WACA to pay for expenditure already incurred by WACA as well as the costs of running a scheme on their behalf until the end of March. This unwarranted act caused considerable embarrassment.

The report criticised the revaluation of assets in the WACA accounts to 31 March 2001 which had been done on professional advice to reflect the value of minibuses donated in earlier years but not previously recorded and to show a proper value to other assets such as steel band instruments that were shown in the balance sheet as having a value of £1. So inept was the report that it described the management structure as having a Management Committee including a Vice-Chair, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. In fact WACA, a company limited by guarantee, has none of these which are appropriate to unincorporated organisations, but it does have a Chairperson and a Company Secretary and it is managed by a Board of Directors each with designated responsibilities. None receive any payment for their considerable work.

During the past year with the encouragement of the local authorities, a Centre Manager was appointed towards the costs of whom the Wellingborough Borough Council agreed to a grant of £12,500 on condition that this sum was matched. The Northamptonshire County Council failed to honour the share expected from them, which led immediately to a shortfall in WACA's budgeting of that amount. Towards the end of the year the manager's employment was terminated due to poor performance. The Centre Manager's final failure was to not apply in time to the Borough Council for the grant to cover his own salary, a grant which it had been intimated was available.

Faced with the destruction in just two months of his work over two decades to build an organisation in Wellingborough worthy of Black people with origins in Africa and the Caribbean, Mike Prescod has indicated his willingness to withdraw from the management of WACA if that will help to save the organisation. He will not support, however, efforts by outsiders to take control of our community or to deny it the funding due. David Roussel-Milner will resign as a Director in order to release him to fight racism as he sees fit.

Interview appointments and further information may be obtained from Mike Prescod and David Roussel-Milner by phoning 01933 222095. It would be very much appreciated if copies of any articles published were to be forwarded to WACA.

MYSTERY donors have offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of a murderer.

Glen Hudson, 35, originally from Walthamstow, was shot by accident as he drank with friends at an MTV Lick Party in Bournemouth last year.

Police say that they hope the reward could prompt someone to give them vital information to help them in their search for the gunman.

Det Supt Phil James of Dorset Police said: "I'm sure there are people in the London area who know the identity of Glen's killer or know someone who does.

"I am appealing to people to search their consciences and imagine how they would feel if it was their brother, son, father or husband who been killed in such tragic circumstances.

"There were up to 60 people in the vicinity of the shooting and so far only a minority have come forward.

"We are working hard to trace the rest and it is vital that we do so because they may have seen or heard the shooting or have information on what happened before or after the gun went off."

Police say that they now have a good idea of what happened at the MTV party in Elements nightclub on December 14, 2001, the night of Mr Hudson's death.

They believe there was a dispute between two men and, as a result, a friend of one of the men was shot through the nose.

That young man, who came from Richmond in Surrey, miraculously survived but the bullet carried on for several yards and hit Mr Hudson in the back of the head.

The family of Mr Hudson, who live in Walthamstow, do not wish to speak to the media but issued this statement: "The whole family is absolutely devastated at Glen's death.

"For the sake of the family, please come forward if you have any information at all no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.

"We cannot put our loss behind us until Glen's killer is found. We will never forget Glen."

Mr Hudson, a soldier, served with the First Regiment of the Royal Horse Artillery in Tidworth, Wiltshire.

Two donors, who have asked to remain anonymous, have offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of his killer.

Anyone with information should call 01202 317 493 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

AFRICAN-CARIBBEAN FACT SHEET

1. African-Caribbeans are twice as likely to suffer a stroke as Caucasians (after adjustment for age and gender). They also tend to have their first stroke at a younger age.

2. The reason is still unknown, but African-Caribbean people are prone to high blood pressure - the main controllable cause of stroke.

3. Rates of high blood pressure are higher among some ethnic groups than in the general population.² One in every three African-Caribbean men in the UK and two out of every five women have high blood pressure.

4. Most people with high blood pressure do not feel any symptoms. Almost one in five people with high blood pressure don't know they have it.

5. Treatment of high blood pressure saves lives - for every 10 people, who suffer a stroke, four could have been saved if they had had regular blood pressure checks and followed medical advice.

6. African-Caribbean people also have a 50% increased risk of diabetes - a major risk factor for stroke. 5 More than one in ten middle-aged African-Caribbean men and one in five middle-aged women has diabetes.

7. Sickle cell disease affects African-Caribbeans as well as other ethnic groups. Stroke is one of the many complications the disease can cause. A study in the US found that four out of every 100 people with sickle cell disease suffered a stroke.

8. Higher financial status is associated with a longer and healthier life. Britain's south Asians and African-Caribbeans are, on average, more socially disadvantaged than the general population.

9. As with everybody, lifestyle factors play a part in the risk of stroke - smoking, excessive drinking, lack of exercise and an unhealthy, high fat diet can all increase the risk of stroke.

The unfortunate couple had just returned home when the gang struck at about 1.30am.

As they prepared to go inside three black men, two of them armed with knives, approached them on their drive. They were threatened before the trio removed the woman's jewellery and escaped in a waiting car, possibly a dark coloured Vauxhall Astra, police said.

The couple were not physically injured.

Anyone with information should ring Detective Sergeant Simon Werritt at Loughton CID on 020 8502 3881.

Members of the Nation of Islam will hold a rally in south London today, demanding a long-standing ban on their leader visiting Britain be overturned.

Lewis Farrakhan has been refused entry into the UK due to fears his previous remarks about Jews, whites and gay people could mean he will threaten public order.

Mr Farrakhan has attracted huge support in the USA with his often radical vision of race relations.

About two hundred supporters will campaign in Brixton.

Poverty, poor housing, high crime levels and lack of local facilities have created a generation of youngsters with nothing to do and nowhere to go in the evenings, weekends and school holidays. Boredom, frustration, and lack of constructive guidance can lead to a life of vandalism, petty crime, drugs and violence. The Government - central and local - and local community leaders must find urgent solutions to give young people a sense of belonging and worth in our society.

Mr Singh said:

"I want us to focus on our young people, on our children. I want a future society which genuinely provides opportunity for all, where difference is valued, with a common sense of belonging.

"We went out on the streets and asked some primary school children what they want to be when they grow up. Anna wants to be a doctor, Edison an actor, Mercy a psychologist, Reece wants to play Rugby for England, and Rizwan is determined to become a pilot.

"None of those children wanted to be a drug dealer, burglar, or a racist. Their aspirations are to become productive, fully engaged members of society - lawyers, doctors, pilots, astronauts.

"Our task is to turn their aspirations into reality. We must give them the confidence, support, education and guidance they need in order to succeed.

"These children are the future of Britain. They are unaware and unwary of the barriers of discrimination and prejudice that may face them. They have no notion of inequality, little self doubt. We must create a society where they can realise their dreams.

"Otherwise we will lose the talent, enthusiasm, and intelligence of the very generations that will be the future of Britain in years to come."

"We must also recognise the effects of globalisation, and Britain's place within a world economy that requires a free flow of labour. To develop our economy we need to attract foreign workers. Already, we are recruiting nurses, doctors, IT technicians and veterinary surgeons from around the world. Our need for foreign workers is likely to grow in years to come, not diminish.

"So, what we need now, is for our political leaders, business leaders, leaders in the public sector and elsewhere, to start a new dialogue. Let us be clear about the benefits, and correct and shape that public debate in a far more positive light."

Competition Zone

Well done to Taiwo, Jacqueline, Dwayne, Everton, Casandra, Mike, who each received a pair of tickets to the NIJAM 2002 football match (Nigeria v. Jamaica) on Sat. 18 May. - Caz.

One of my winners for the Glamour Ball taking place on the 1 June at the Hippodrome can no longer make it so I have picked another winner from the mail box and it goes to... wait for it.... Wendy Cooper!!! so congratulations Wendy. - Junior

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE remember to provide day/eve contact telephone numbers when submitting competitions entries. Unfortunately, one winner lost out on tickets to NIJAM 2002 because we could only contact her via email; as her email was down she hadn't realised that she'd won and couldn't confirm acceptance of her prize until it was too late - so take heed!!! - Caz

To win a pair of tickets, all you have to do is tell me where 'The Hotel Experience' is being held on the 3 June '02

Send your answers to: junior@blacknet.co.uk

The AFRO Hair and Beauty Show, Europe's largest Black hair, beauty and lifestyle event celebrates its 20th anniversary with a retrospective look at this unique market.

If you would like to win one of 3 Black by Design Sensitive Time-Release Relaxer Systems, all you have to do is email me with your name and contact telephone details - and that's it!

Send your answers to: Caroline@blacknet.co.uk

Five pairs of tickets are also on offer to the Sunday show. Simply answer the following questions to be in with a chance (one winner will be selected every day from 22/05/02):

1. Who will host the 'unadulterated entertainment' for the show?
2. Which company will be using the platform to launch their recruitment drive for 2003?
3. Which company sponsors 'Battle of the Barbers'?

Send your answers to: Caroline@blacknet.co.uk

Four pairs of tickets are on offer over the next four weeks. To win a pair of tickets to see the show on Friday 31 May, simply answer the following question:

Q. Which two rival gangs go head-to-head in this B-Boy/Hip-Hop dance sensation of the year?

Send your entries to: Caroline@blacknet.co.uk

CONTACT (Networking for Professionals)

Taking place on Sunday 9 June, this evening of networking and entertainment will provide the opportunity for yourself or your organisation to forge links with companies and individuals on a National and International level.

Try your luck to win one of five pairs of tickets to this event (priced @ £15 each!).

Simply send me an email, with your name, and day and evening contact telephone numbers.

Send your entries to: Caroline@blacknet.co.uk

Good Luck to all who enter!!! - Caz & Ju

Teaser 1 Eliminate all the days of the week except for one, and to be forthright about it, this day is NOT the day after Sunday or the day before Wednesday, and it can't be that Saturday is tomorrow, nor can it be that Saturday was yesterday, and it most certainly couldn't be two days before yesterday, and while we're at it, let's eliminate Thursday. So, what day is it? Teaser 2 A certain number consists of two digits. The number is equal to five times the sum of its digits. If you add 9 to the number, the order of its digits is reversed. What is the number?	Teaser 3 Here are five tiles, each with symbols on them. You have to rearrange the tiles so that four correct calculations are formed. In order to win the game you must touch the fewest tiles possible. Tile 1 Tile 2 Tile 3 Tile 4 Tile 5 3 / 6 = 18 9 + 7 = 2 4 - 5 = 9 8 x 2 = 4 (Answers in next weeks newsletter)
click here for answers to last weeks brain teasers and puzzles
Laughter Lines
The Pizza An American businessman goes to Japan on a business trip, but he hates Japanese food, so he asks the concierge at his hotel if there's any place around where he can get American food. The concierge tells him he's in luck; there's a pizza place that just opened, and they deliver. The concierge gives the businessman the phone number, and he goes back to his room and orders a pizza. Thirty minutes later, the delivery guy shows up to the door with the pizza. The businessman takes the pizza, and starts sneezing uncontrollably. He asks the delivery man, ''What the heck did you put on this pizza?'' The delivery man bows deeply and says, ''We put on the pizza what you ordered, pepper only.'' Three Kinds of... There are three kinds of rings: the engagement ring, the wedding ring and the suffeRing. Blonde on Blonde Jokes A man asked a blonde what she thought about blonde jokes. She replied, ''I think they are good but they might be offensive to some Mexicans." (sorry peeps, I know...but I just had to do it...lol - Caz)
Got any good (clean-ish) jokes for the Kickback section? Send them to us at kickback@blacknet.co.uk
Think on these things... "There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountain top of our desires." (Nelson Mandela) "True power comes through cooperation and silence." (Ashanti proverb) "There are four rungs on the ladder of success: Plan Purposefully, Prepare Prayerfully, Proceed Positively, Pursue Persistently." (African-American folklore) "We have to move beyond the mind-set of powerlessness." (Audrey Edwards) "Examine the labels you apply to yourself. Every label is a boundary or limit you will not let yourself cross." (Dwayne Dyer)
Answers to last weeks brain teasers and puzzles:
SISTERS OF SOUL WORDSEARCH Aaliyah Alicia Keys Angie Stone Aretha Franklin Ashanti Beverley Knight Brandy Brownstone DA Brat Deborah Morgan Destiny's Child Diana Ross Dina Carroll Erykah Badu Eve Faith Evans Foxy Brown Gabrielle India Arie J Lo Janet Jackson Jill Scott Kandi Kelis Kelly Price Lauren Hill Lil'Kim Macy Gray Mariah Carey Mary J Blige Miss Dynamite Missy Elliot Monica Mya Mysteeq Nina Simone Patti LaBelle Queen Pen Sade Samantha Mumba SWV Tina Moore Tina Turner TLC Toni Braxton Tweet Whitney Houston Xscape
Got any suggestions for the Kickback section? Send them to us at kickback@blacknet.co.uk

Looking For: Petula Clark

Can you help? I am looking for a long lost friend - last spoken to around 1965/67. Her name was Petula Clark and she lived opposite me in Lawrence Street, Northampton with her older brother Micky Clark and her mother. Her father had died a few years previously. My name was Audrey Ingram and I lived with my mother [known as Lynne] and my brothers and sisters. She may well remember that my older brother was, like hers also called Michael. Would love to get in touch again. Many thanks.

Audrey

If you know of Petula Clark's whereabouts click here to email Audrey

Looking For: Carlon Lewis

I'm looking for my cousin Carlon Lewis, 24/25 years old used to live in Peckham. I haven't seen him since 1994.

Yolanda Copes-Stepney

If you know of Carlon Lewis's whereabouts click here to email Yolanda

Blacknet Information Service has been around for many years and its subscriber list continues to grow at a fantastic rate. www.blacknet.co.uk (The Black Network) which comprises of three additional sites (www.blacksearch.co.uk - www.blackchat.co.uk - www.blackprofessional.co.uk) is all about spreading information, encouraging interaction and promoting the Black community. To put it simply... if you want your business (whether it be an event or company, big or small) to gain excellent exposure then talk to us first. For a full information pack call 0870 746 5000, or email advertise@blacknet.co.uk.

Until next week, take good care of yourself.

Caz n' Ju

On behalf of Blacknet UK - Thank you.
Please pass this email on to your friends, colleagues,
family or someone you feel may benefit from it.