This issue of The Crystal News is dedicated to afrocentrist, psychiatrist, author, researcher, speaker, and mental liberationist, Dr. Francis Cress Welsing (March 18, 1935 – January 2, 2016). I first read her seminal literary masterpiece, "The Isis Papers: The Keys to the Colors," twenty-some years ago, while creating my solo show, "Some of My Best Friends." She is one of the people to whom the work is dedicated. If you have not yet read "The Isis Papers: The Keys to the Colors," I suggest that you do so. (http://www.afriware.net)
This issue of The Crystal News is also dedicated to the memory of every person who made their transition last year and to every person who will make their transition this year... to every Black man, woman and child who walks daily in fear (or in peace), in a society that knows how much our lives matter and is therefore continuing the systematic practices of our genocide... and finally, to the hope that one day, the fear that perpetuates these practices will be overwritten by the realization that to harm someone is to harm oneself. There will be a reckoning. Let us all hope, and pray, and meditate and work for a peaceful one... |
January takes me happily to DC to celebrate the promotion of my big brother, William J. Walker to Brigadier General! His distinguished and decorated United States Army career includes a recent command of the District of Columbia National Guard Land Component Command and active duty with the International Security Assistance Force, Afghanistan. His military awards include the Bronze Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendaton Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Achievement Medal, and many more. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Young Marines. Gen.Walker retired in 2014 from an impressive civilian career with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as a career special agent where he served in diverse positions of increasing responsibility nationally, abroad in diplomatic posts and in joint duty assignment. Promoted to Senior Executive Service rank in 2003 and appointed a Senior National Intelligence Service Officer in 2009, his last position was Deputy Assistant Administrator, DEA Intelligence Division, Office of Strategic Warning. We are all very proud of him. (Top Photo: - 2016, Brigadier General William J. Walker. Bottom Photo: Associate Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New York Field Division William J. Walker announcing the takedown of a two-year investigation that resulted in the arrest of 26 narcotics traffickers and the dismantling of four major heroin and cocaine trafficking groups.
|
Young Literati Eighth Annual Toast - An evening of literary readings, music, and comedy celebrating and supporting the Los Angeles Public Library, Saturday, Feb 20, 2016 | 8:00pm AVALON Hollywood
This year’s Toast will feature performances by Kenna, Andy Richter and Sarah Thyre, Randall Park, Kristen Schaal, Jenny Slate, Catherine Reitman, Jason Reitman, Charlyne Yi, and more. Live DJ sets by Shepard Fairey and DJ Francesca Harding, and music from Buyepongo, with a VIP After-Party DJ set by BadKnews. Hosted by Busy Philipps. Honorary Hosts: Donick Cary and Kim Huffman Cary, Mayor Eric Garcetti, Gillian Jacobs, Josh Kun and Ceci Bastida, T’Keyah Crystal Keymáh, Courtney Lilly, Zoe Lister-Jones and Daryl Wein, Attica Locke, Moby, Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne, Susan Orlean and John Gillespie, Andy Richter and Sarah Thyre, Paul Scheer and June Diane Raphael, Joel Stein, John F. Szabo and Nicholas Kuefler. The Young Literati raises funds for the Los Angeles Public Library, and has the second largest adult literacy program in the United States. http://lfla.org/event/eighth-annual-toast/ |
The Walker Group, LLC (TWG) is a Certified Public Account & Consulting firm concentrated primarily in performing audits for not-for-profit organizations, local governments and municipalities, and entities regulated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Our professionals take a risk-based approach to each engagement, insuring performance and operating efficiency. We go beyond traditional fundamentals to add tangible value and elevate the audit to an even more strategic and productive role in today’s corporate governance environment.
|