Whenever we look at TV or movies, you always see people coming up with inventions or interesting concoctions.  If my memory serves me correctly, none of these people were black except Steve Urkel, played by Jaleel White, on Family Matters.  If you do recall seeing black people creating things, were they practical, and not silly or simple?  If you can recall seeing these images, let me know.  I know I missed it.

Believe it or not, black people invented many things we use and take for granted today.  Traffic signals, lawn mowers, elevators, pencil sharpeners, mops, and dustpans are just a few of the creations resulting from the genius of black people.  Unless you research these things on your own or watch PBS or the History Channel, this information would not be known.

What’s my point? Black inventors are still expressing their creative genius today.  And, they are still NOT Seen on TV.

I had a chance to experience black inventors firsthand at the Chicago’s First Black Inventors Entrepreneurs Organization (CFBIEO). Who knew such an organization existed?  I was impressed by the number of current and inspiring inventors there are, and the diversity was encouraging, too.  I met a board game creator; product marketer; and intellectual property attorneys.

Calvin Flowers is the Founder, Chairman and Executive Director of CFBIEO.  He has served in this role since 2004.  Prior to starting the organization, he invented, patented and sold his invention, Tel-Lock to stores such as Walgreens and Supervalu.  A legal battle ensued and he won, but the situation set him on a mission to help others to avoid such mishaps, if possible.

I just wanted to let you know that contrary to what is seen on TV, black inventors do exist.  You can meet them at Chicago First Black Inventors and Entrepreneurs Organization.  Visit their website for more details about the organization, their meeting schedule, and the prices and benefits of membership and the cost to join.

Let’s work on getting this organization and its faithful inventors the proper recognition they deserve so they can be seen on TV.

You’re probably thinking, “You can’t compare the brutal beating of Fenger H.S. student Derrion Albert  to the death of Phoebe Prince, a freshman at South Hadley High School in Massachusetts.” No, I can’t compare the ways these two young people died unnecessarily.  Both were tragic. I can, however, highlight how the bullying at South Hadley is not receiving the attention that it should.

The video of Derrion Albert should had been, and was given, the media attention it deserved.   But I do wonder, had the beating not been recorded, would it had received any media attention?

Today was the first day I had heard about Phoebe.  Apparently,  she killed herself in January after being bullied to death, literally.  Nine teens have been indicted for bullying her via text messages, on Face Book, and in person since September 2010.  According to  a Chicago Tribune report, “School officials won’t be charged, even though authorities say they knew about the bullying and that Phoebe’s mother brought her concerns to at least two of them.”  Talking about adding insult to injury.

According a story on the Boston Globe blog, “One girl was interviewed on camera, and she said what was common knowledge: that bullies were stalking the corridors of South Hadley High.

“The Mean Girls are pretty, and popular, and play sports.” – Boston Globe

or

“South Hadley is a nice, comfortable middle-class suburb that hugs the Connecticut River nearby and a certain attitude.”

Hey, I’m just asking.

In January, I wrote a story African American Women with HIV/AIDS Are Not Seen on TV because I felt that Black women are virtually ignored by mainstream media in general.  Just look at TV shows on ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox; blockbuster films; and TV commercials. They are NOT there.

Anyway, I received a press release from Carol Ash, 5 a.m. Producer on NBC 5 – Chicago, about the “Color of AIDS” Campaign that is taking place between February 7 – February 12, 2010.  Two of the journalists quoted confirmed what I shared in my story:

According to Chris Pena, Assistant News Director:
“We are excited about this opportunity to shed light on an issue that is often overlooked, but affects such a large number of people in our community.”

Zoraida Sambolin, NBC-5 news anchor observed:
“This is something many people don’t talk about.  HIV/AIDS does not get the attention it used to and it certainly isn’t covered in communities of color….”

Even though the two news people were referring to people of color in general, the fact that African American women account for over 50% of the newly reported HIV/AIDS cases needs to be publicized more.  Their health should be as important as the next person’s.

Maybe this is an assignment: to make sure African Americans with HIV/AIDS are seen on TV.

While listening to a couple radio personalities discuss the disappearance of Jahmeshia Conner in Chicago in November 2009, there was discussion that white female teens are reported as missing or abducted while black  female teens are generally reported as runaways by news media.

I did find one CBS news story that stated Jahmeshia was reported as a runaway.

Is this discrepancy faulty reporting by the police,  media stations, or both?

What do you think?

Photo credit: www.thaindian.com/

If you’ve ever wished you could turn back the hands of time and be a kid again, you’ll be happy to discover you can—by making a pit stop to Sweet Momma’s Candy Shop a few blocks off of the corner of 95th and Ashland.

To quote a common expression, “you’ll be like a kid in a candy store!”

Here you’ll find dozens upon dozens of gooey delights to suit your sweet tooth.
Indulge in everything from “old school” candy like Mary Janes, Chico Sticks and Bit-O-Honey, to” new school” treats like Now and Later and Laffy Taffy.

And just as sweet as the varied selections, is the disposition of the owner, Darlene Gaston– who treats every customer like a friend.

Open since February 2009, this nurse turned entrepreneur caters to kids and adults of all different races and ages.

Today As Not Seen on T.V. is pleased to give you the scoop on this new addition to the community.

Darlene Gaston - Sweet Momma's Candy Shop

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your background.

I’m a registered nurse, part-time in the evenings. I’ve been in nursing for 29 years. I want to be an asset to the community and to the environment. God has blessed me, so I don’t mind being a blessing to other people.

2. What makes Sweet Momma’s different from other stores that sell candy?

We offer a Christian outlook for the kids. We provide a safe haven for them so they don’t have to get involved with “liquor store clientele.” Also, if a kid comes in and doesn’t have enough money for the purchase, we give them trivia questions so they can earn their candy for the right answers.

3. Where does the name from the shop come from?

Actually the name comes from my mom. She would always carry candy in her purse for the neighborhood kids, who often referred to her as “sweet”.

4. Do you offer any “sugar free” stuff?

No. I had it in the store for the first three months, but then it would expire. I couldn’t even give it away!

5. What’s your favorite candy choice?

Mary Janes!

6. Why a candy store?

I wanted to do something quick and simple that would be an outreach to God’s children.

7. What’s the most popular item you sell?

Of the new school candy it would be Now & Laters; old school would be Turtles and Nut Chews.

8. Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Sweet Momma’s is sponsoring a weekly can drive for my church. We want to feed 500 people for Thanksgiving. If you bring in a canned good, you’ll get free candy or a juice.

Old School vs new school candy - Sweet Momma's Candy Shop

Stop by Sweet Momma’s, located at 1632 West 95th (off Ashland) in Chicago, to check out the sweets. Chips, juices, and water are also sold.

Contributor: Jennifer Brown-Banks

Urban Match Incorporated (UMI) is the first matchmaking service that targets the ethnic community in the Chicagoland area and Northwest Indiana.  UMI is committed to helping busy urban men and women who are serious about finding partners.

Talawn Unger Jackson, Founder, Urban Match Incorporated

Talawn Unger Jackson, Founder, was inspired by a matchmaker from New York that was a guest on the Oprah show.  Impressed with her style; how she handled her business; and her overall business sense, Talawn decided to look into similar services in the Chicagoland area.  After much research, she discovered that there wasn’t one. She then combined her human resources expertise with her matchmaking knowledge to create UMI, which officially launched on July 31, 2009.

Visit www.YourUrbanMatch.com to learn more about the confidential services provided.  Contact info@YourUrbanMatch.com or call 888.51.URBAN to speak to a consultant.

I forgot to mention one of the most of the important facts about the preview last night.  The largest theater in the place was packed and people had to be turned away.  The 10:00 a.m. preview was filled as well.  I wasn’t there, so I can’t speak on that. But I can say that neither sold out crowd was seen on TV.

The Real Ajayla, The Nubian Princess

I had the pleasure of previewing the production of AJAYLA, The Nubian Princess tonight, and it was a nice family film that was written, produced and directed by Ametra Gibson-Self.  The positive emphasis on little brown and black girls was unique.  The participation of all of her family members  in the movie really made it a family film. Some of the actresses were new to acting, but continuous practice will lead to success.  Nothing pertaining to this independent film was published or heard in mainstream media.  It is truly an honor for As NOT seen on TV to be one of the first sources to share information about this movie.  Bravo to Ametra, her entire family, and everyone who came out to Chatham Theater in Chicago to support this film.

Ajayla, The Nubian Princess, Marcie Hill, Ametra Gibson-Self

Tataneisha Carr - Giavanna Mc Call - Three little princesses

Four Little Princesses - Ajayla, Nadia, Niyah, Tamia

Ajayla, The Nubian Princess, Signs Autographs

I attended Black Mary’s Line Dancing Extravaganza this evening and found two more line instructors that have NOT been seen on TV.

Dee Pillows - South Side & South Suburbs in Chicago

Novella Tomlin - Mz. Georgia's PR Specialist

Ms. Novella perform double duty at Mz. Georgia Plaze in Chicago.  She is not only the PR specialist, she is also an instructor.

One last thing. The oldest line dancer that attended the line dance extravaganza tonite was 85 years old.  I didn’t get her name, and she didn’t want her photo taken, but Mama looked good doing her thing in slow motion.  I just wanted to give a mention to mention to my senior dancer doing her thang.

A special screening of Ajayla, The Nubian Princess, will be featured at the Chatham movie theater located at 210 W. 87th Street in Chicago.  Showtimes are at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.  The tickets are $5.00.

Ajayla, The Nubian Princess - July 30th in Chicago