AUGUST 28 | NEO-SOUL LOUNGE & POETRY READING

New night. New place. Same experience. Join us every Thursday for an open mic session at Club Illusion. Sign-up starts at 8:00 p.m. This event is hosted by B. Fran and nationally known poets and artists. The Neo-Soul Lounge stimulates your mind, body and soul. Must be 21 and older, dress code enforced. $6 cover charge.

FMI: web | email | tel: 844.5491

[submitted by h. mason]

AUGUST 28 | RADIO SILENCE: A WORD OPERA

Radio Silence: a word opera is a fast paced rhythmic ride. This hip-hop theater performance piece fuses the physicality of modern dance with high-energy spoken word and the sensibilities of street politics. This new word opera is a choreopoem that challenges and redefines taboos including race, sex, religion and politics, with the back-drop of a fading media: the radio.

Radio Silence: a word opera is the voice breaking through the static. Featuring performances by Wanda Holland, Zell Miller, III and introducing Ebony Stewart. Choreography by Ananda Mayi Moss.

FMI: web | email | tel: 478.5282

[submitted by a. moss]

AUGUST 28 | ANNUAL LABOR DAY SALE AT MITCHIE'S

40% off all framed artwork. 40% off all loose artworks. 40% off all figurine collectibles. 40% off all books. Sorry, no layaway available on sale items. Sale ends at on Monday, Sep 1.

FMI: web | email | tel: 323.6901

[submitted by j. hunt]

AUGUST 29 | AUSTIN, TEXAS: EAST SIDE BLUES

DiverseArts is pleased to announce a screening of Austin, Texas: East Side Blues, a 30 minute documentary piece produced by Harold McMillan and Sandra Carter that chronicles the careers and music of some of East Austin's pioneering Post-War blues and jazz musicians. A discussion panel will follow the screening of the documentary. This event will be held at the Victory Grill located at 1104 E. 11th Street. Doors open at 7:00 pm. A sliding-scale donation from $5 to $10 is suggested.

FMI: web | email

[submitted by h. mcmillan]

SEPTEMBER 3 | BROADWAY'S "A BRONX TALE" AT THE LONG CENTER

Academy Award-nominated actor Chazz Palminteri returns to the stage in an unforgettable performance fresh from a successful run on Broadway, where it was praised by the critics and adored by the public. In A Bronx Tale, the celebrated play on which he based the legendary movie, Palminteri vividly depicts a young boy's rough childhood in the 1960s-era Bronx and the unforgettable people he encountered. A classic coming-of-age story about reaching your true potential and trusting your heart, A Bronx Tale is directed by four-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Zaks.

Show times: September 3-5 at 8pm, September 6th (Sat) at 2pm and 8pm. Tickets are $25-$80. For tickets, visitj our website or call.

FMI: web | email | tel: 474.5664

[submitted by l. center]

SEPTEMBER 5 | 2008 ASIA FOOD FEST

The 2008 Asia Food Fest will be held September 5th - September 7th.

*Sept. 5th: Pacific Sake Dinner at Ventana, 11400 Burnet Road, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Cost is $75 per person.

*Sept. 6th: Asian Cooking Class and Asian Food Symposium, Texas Culinary Academy, 11400 Burnet Rd., 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Cost is $15 per person per class or $50 all day. There will be a series of cooking classes for kids 6-12 years old scheduled while the adults are learning how to make new dishes!

*Sept. 7th: Iron Chef Competition and Asian Food Extravaganza, Texas Culinary Academy, 11400 Burnet Rd., 11:00 am to 2:30 pm, Cost is $35 per person

FMI: web | email | tel: 366.8059

[submitted by k. dirkson]

AUGUST 28 | WATCH HISTORY AS OBAMA ACCEPTS THE NOMINATION

This campaign all along has been about change. About hope. But most importantly - about us - the people of America uniting together to exert our collective will on the future direction of this great country.

This is my America. Your America. Our America. And this is our campaign. Now is the time for us to stand together as Obama and Biden officially accept the baton and enter the final leg of the most important race of our generation.

When your children, and your children’s children, ask you about the presidency of Barack Obama, what will you be able to tell them about the role you played?

You are invited to join the Austin community this Thursday night to watch history as it literally unfolds before our very eyes.

Click on the weblink to RSVP.

FMI: web | email

[submitted by m. dawson]

SEPTEMBER 1 | WORK IT OUT MONDAYS FOR THE LADIES!

Ladies, get ready to work off those unwanted pounds, learn fitness information from a certified fitness trainer, and get your body looking great for 2008!

Join us for a ladies-only weekly low-impact work-outs and materials to make fitness a fun lifestyle! $8 per session. Sisters working things out together at Mitchie’s Gallery from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Please use contact information provided for more information or to RSVP.

FMI: web | email | tel: 343.0475

[submitted by s. ross]

SEPTEMBER 20 | FREE SIGN LANGUAGE CLASS

Join Mitchie's Gallery for HAND TALK - a Sign Language class taught by Sadrah Maxine Black. Classes are taught every Saturday. Kids class is from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm and adults class is scheduled from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm on the 3rd Saturday of each month. This class is recommended for deaf and hearing kids and adults. HAND TALK classes are FREE and open to the public. Refreshments provided.

FMI: web | email | tel: 923.9523

[submitted by s. maxine]

SEPTEMBER 20 | 1ST ANNUAL AUSTIN BLACK EXPO & MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

The Capital City African Chamber of Commerce (CCAACC) would like for you to come and join us for the 1st Annual Black Expo and Membership Drive! This event will establish connections between the CCAACC and small businesses while entertaining and serving the community of Austin. Please join us at the Monarch Center from 3:00 pm to 12:00 am. Events are as follow:

*3:00 pm - 9:30 pm: Vendor Expo (free)
*5:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Soulful Taste of Austin Cook Off
*6:30 pm - 7:30 pm: Step Show ($12)
*8:00 pm - 12:00 am: Ole School Jam - Adults Only ($17).
*All Access Pass $22.

FMI: web | email | tel: 459.1181 x202

[submitted by a. brooks]

AUGUST 28 | THE STUDIO THURSDAY NIGHT

Doors open at 5pm. Step-N-Motion presents free Dallas Swing Step and Line Dance classes from 7pm - 10pm!

Followed by the hottest midweek party with DJ SG. No cover all night! $2.00 Apple Martinis and Cosmopolitans and
great food.

FMI: web | email | tel: 467.7900

[submitted by j. prestege]

AUGUST 28 | GRAND RE-OPENING OF DA MAIL BOX (FORMERLY CLUB ONYX)

Come out at 8:00 pm to 'check ya mail' at the all-new and upgraded 'da MAIL BOX Bar & Lounge' (formerly Club Onyx) located at 615 Red River.

We are having a GRAND RE-OPENING, so of course, there will be drink specials, party people in the place, and hot music bumpin' all night! 21 gets you in, and dress code is enforced! We're open every night of the week, so if you can't make it this Thursday, you have six other days to come "go postal"!

FMI: email | tel: 619.7075

[submitted by l. mckinley]

AUGUST 29 | THE STUDIO PRESENTS ALL U NEED FRIDAYS

Each and every Friday it's All U Need at The Studio. All U Need is Austin's #1 Smooth Jazz and R&B Band. All U Need performs live music from 9pm to midnight.

The doors open at 5pm and The Studio is showing you much love with great food and great atmosphere. From 6-8m, take advantage of drink specials, no cover and a free lavish buffet! Also register to win weekly door prizes. Come early - no cover before 9pm!

The Studio is a place for the grown and sexy, please dress accordingly. The Studio is located at 5804 N IH-35.

FMI: web | email | tel: 467.7900

[submitted by j. prestege]

AUGUST 30 | JUST RELEASED LIVE AT THE ELEPHANT ROOM

Austin's premiere Neo-Smooth Jazz group, Just Released, will be performing at the Elephant Room located at 315 Congress Avenue from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. The cover charge is only $5 and you'll want to get there early as seating is limited.

FMI: web | email | tel: 689.2778

[submitted by m. malone]

AUGUST 30 | AFRICAN NETWORKING AND SOCIAL EVENT

A Networking and Social Event for all Africans in Austin and the surrounding area will be held at the Onyx Bar and Lounge located on Red River between 6th and 7th Street.

This is a free event. Dinner will be provided and free nonalcoholic drinks up to the first $100. Age is 21+. If you have a business, please bring cards to share. Please RSVP.

FMI: email | tel: 817.313.5192

[submitted by l. ogujiofor]

AUGUST 30 | GRAND OPENING FOR THE ARCHIVE LOUNGE

It's a Red Affair. Celebrate with new and soulful R&B sensation, Khalil at The Archive Lounge's Grand Opening. Also enjoy one of Austin's funniest comedians, JD Styles and the sensual sounds of Jazz Singer Denise Stewart.

$10 Cover includes a complimentary, full buffet so bring your appetite and dancing shoes. We have restructured our music selections to provide you with Old and New R&B, Jazz and Blues with an emphasis on the new as we celebrate our Grand Opening!

FMI: web | email | tel: 452.1114

[submitted by j. barbosa]

AUGUST 31 | LINEN ON THE LAKE BOAT CRUISE

Please join us for "2nd Annual Linen on The Lake Boat Cruise" on Lake Austin at 7:00 p.m. Come relax on the lake and enjoy the sweet sounds of sultry R&B, jazz, and "old school" hip hop. The boat will be leaving from 3700 Lake Austin Blvd (next to Hula Hut). Complimentary refreshments and drinks will be served.

Tickets purchased by July 31 are $35, starting August 1st tickets are $40. All ticket sales are final, no refunds.

FMI: web | email | tel: 619.7215

[submitted by a. chambers]

AUGUST 31 | PRE LABOR DAY BLACK & WHITE AFFAIR

Bonafide Productions & Desdem Ent. presents a Labor Day classic at Club Illusion located at 2700 W. Pecan Street. Ladies no cover before 11:00 p.m.. No cover with your ALL4One boat party ticket stud. Doors open at 10:00 p.m. Music by Dj Quan. Free buffet catered by Walter B's catering. Cost is $7 with black & white attire. Must be 21 and up to enter.

FMI: web | email | tel: 801.9840

[submitted by q. adams]

AUGUST 31 | LABOR DAY BASH

Come join us for the Labor Day Bash being held at Whispering Hills, 12100 FM 969. The concert begins at 2:00 p.m. and will feature local Jazz, R&B, Blues, and Hip-Hop artists. After party begins at 9:00 p.m. $25 admission for the day. All you can eat and drink.

FMI: email | tel: 228.2493

[submitted by k. dawson]

AUGUST 31 | SUNDRESSES, SANDELS, AND LINENS AT THE ARCHIVE LOUNGE

DJ Cut Creator and the Archive Lounge present Sundresses, Sandals, and Linens Island Style Part 2 at the Archive Lounge. There will be a live performance by Austin's hottest new band, Soul Kitchen. DJ Cut Creator will be spinning the best in R&B, Old School, Jazz, and Classic Soul. Doors open at 8:00 pm. Drink specials and great food will be available. 25 and up only.

FMI: web | email | tel: 452.1114

[submitted by c. creator]

SEPTEMBER 1 | MONDAY NIGHT BOWL OUT

Join us every Monday Night at 300 Austin to experience bowling 300-Style featuring Music * Videos* and 52 state of the art lanes. Only $16.00 per person (plus tax) and includes shoes.

FMI: web | email | tel: 834.7733

[submitted by t. allen]

SEPTEMBER 1 | BLUE MONDAYS AT THE ARCHIVE LOUNGE

It's new, it's exciting, it's just for you. The Archive Lounge brings you Blue Monday with Blues being played and/or performed live EVERY Monday. Bands will perform from 8pm to close. $5 Cover on Mondays after 8pm when live bands are performing. Check events @ our website for scheduled performances.

FMI: web | email | tel: 452.1114

[submitted by j. barbosa]

SEPTEMBER 5 | FIRST FRIDAY'S AUSTIN PRESENTS: SEPT SOUL

Come party with some of the sexiest people in the city at Karma Lounge located downtown. This event is sponsored by J.C. Cognac so come enjoy some free samples. September Birthdays free until 11 pm.

FMI: web | email | tel: 897.7778

[submitted by a. gaddis]

SEPTEMBER 5 | #1 STUNNAS MOTHER SPORTS CLUB FUNDRAISER FOR SAFEPLACE

Please join us for a fund raising event to benefit Safe Place, a battered women's shelter. We will have a Meet and Greet from 8 pm to 11 pm at Hooters located at 13701 N. Hwy 183. We will have more fun after Hooters from 11:20 pm to 2 am at Main Event located at 13301 N. Hwy 183.

FMI: web | email | tel: 757.218.9599

[submitted by g. simmons]

SEPTEMBER 5 | FUNNY FIRST FRIDAYS IN KILLEEN

Mo's Productions presents our monthly Funny First Fridays at The Plaza Hotel located at 1721 E. Central Tx Expwy. Our host, Hope Flood, brings a hillarious group of friends - J.J. and Piper. Doors open at 8:30 pm. Showtime at 9:00 pm. General Admission $15. VIP $20. Must be 21 and older to enter.

FMI: web | email | tel: 254.371.4696

[submitted by m. productions]

SEPTEMBER 6 | FREE DENTAL SCREENINGS FOR KIDS

Local dentist Dr. Karla Frazier will conduct free visual, dental screenings for children ages 3-17 at Mitchie’s Gallery located at 6406 North IH 35 Ste. 2800 from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

FMI: web | email | tel: 323.6901

[submitted by j. adejumo]

SEPTEMBER 6 | #1 STUNNAS MOTHER SPORTS CLUB FUNDRAISER FOR SAFEPLACE

Please join us for a fund raising event to benefit Safe Place, a battered women's shelter. We will have "DA Ride" from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. Meet at Extended Stay Hotel located at 8221 IH 35. "The Stunna BBQ" will be held from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm at Old Settlers Park on Highway 79 next to the Dell Diamond. Good food, good music & lots of activities for everyone of all ages. $5 plate donation. "The Blackout Trophy Party" will begin at 9:00 pm at Whispering Hills located at 12100 FM 969. Admission is $10.

FMI: web | email | tel: 757.218.9599

[submitted by g. simmons]

SEPTEMBER 13 | MONTHLY URBAN POETRY READING

Join us for our FREE monthly poetry reading with featured poets and always open mic from 4:40 pm to 6:30 pm at Mitchie's Gallery located at 6406 North IH 35 Ste. 2800. Refreshments will be served.

FMI: web | email | tel: 844.5491

[submitted by j. adejumo]

SEPTEMBER 14 | MEN OF POWER BOOK CLUB - MONTHLY BOOK DISCUSSION

Join host Robert Baugh of the Men of Power Book Club for our monthly discussion on books that unify the community from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Mitchie's Gallery. September's book reading TBA. This event is free and open to the public. Warning you will get infused by power and knowledge.

FMI: web | email | tel: 680.9751

[submitted by r. baugh]

SEPTEMBER 16 | TEMPS DEFENSIVE DRIVING SCHOOL

Temps Defensive Driving School offers Defensive Driving Classes on the third Saturday of each month at Mitchie's Gallery from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. The cost of the class is $25. (Cash Only) Save 10% on your car insurance and ticket dismissal. Please bring traffic ticket with you.

FMI: web | email | tel: 459.9762

[submitted by b. temple]

SEPTEMBER 19 | D. L. HUGHLEY RETURNS TO AUSTIN

We know what you’re thinking: “D. L. Hughley, D.L. Hughley--yeah, I know the name, but I must have the wrong guy; The D.l. Hughley I’m thinking of wouldn’t be playing a comedy club. I’m probably confused, but the guy I’m thinking of is one of the best and most successful comedians of this generation.

D.L. Hughley? Yeah, wasn’t he one of the “Kings Of Comedy” --along with Bernie Mac, Cedric The Entertainer and Steve Harvey-- a juggernaut that played huge arenas and wound up (apart from them blue collar fellers), the highest grossing comedy tour ever, captured on film by director Spike Lee for the acclaimed, wildly-successful concert film, “The Original Kings Of Comedy.”

Wait, wait, wait. D.L. Hughley? Didn’t he have his own network sitcom for a few years--heck, wasn’t it called “The Hughleys”? And speaking of his own TV shows using his own name, didn’t he host a late-night talk show on Comedy Central, “Weekends At The D.L.” And when Comedy Central assembled a list of the “100 Greatest Stand-Ups Of All Time” (and aired it as a special), D.L. placed 54th…on the list of 100 Greatest Stand-Ups Of All Time. Not too shabby.

And if it’s the D.L. Hughley I’m thinking of, this guy’s no slouch as an actor, either, even if his name’s not in the title. For example, he was one of the best things about Aaron Sorkin’s post-“West Wing” TV series “Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip.” And he’s been in an array of films, including “Scary Movie 3” and “Soul Plane.”

Yes, yes, yes--it’s that D.L. Hughley (do you know another one?), and we’re thrilled that he's coming back to Austin again!

FMI: web | email | tel: 467.2333

[submitted by c. popp]

SEPTEMBER 24 | FALL CAREER EXPO AND SPRING INTERNSHIP FAIR AT HT

Get your résumé and professional attire ready and plan to meet your future employer at the annual HT career fair. Please visit website for more details.

FMI: web | email | tel: 505.3041

[submitted by r. jones]

SEPTEMBER 1 | MONDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP: REAL MEN TALKING REAL TALK

The Soul Movement - Church 2.0 - is proud to present MNF - Monday Night Fellowship!

We have a simple vision to build strong men. Who in turn build strong families and communities.

Under the coaching leadership of Dr. Leonard Moore - we invite all men to join us at our weekly gatherings as we spend time exploring and studying the steps you need to execute to become a man of influence.

Come join us every Monday night at 300 Austin from 7-8p for fellowship - followed by some football on 10 large plasma screens and 3 projection screens in Club 300!

Visit our website for the latest information.

FMI: web | email | tel: 508.2949

[submitted by l. moore]

SEPTEMBER 4 | KINGDOM ECONOMIC SUMMIT

You're invited to join guest speakers Dr. Myles Munroe, Dr. Pat Francis, Dr. Phillip Phinn and many other Christian marketplace leaders as they share about current initiatives, networks and working models, etc., in which to build financial infrastructure and covenantal relationships and networks in the Kingdom of God. Please join us September 4-6 at Promise Land Church located at 1504 E. 51st Street. Register early to receive a discount!

FMI: web | email | tel: 577.1021

[submitted by b. cook]

SEPTEMBER 5 | FREE TO BE ME - REJUVENATION FOR THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN!

Temple Restoration Ministries presents "FREE TO BE ME" Get-A-Ways! You are called Mom, Sister, Wife, Business Partner, Friend and so many other titles but who are you really in the sight of God? Join other Christian women for the this once in a lifetime experience, "It's Time to Discover Me" being held from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. You will not want to miss this encounter. No cost to attend, but registration is required.

FMI: web | email | tel: 331.2026

[submitted by d. ephriam]

SEPTEMBER 6 | SGF MINISTRIES "LADIES NIGHT OUT"

Please join us for food, fun & fellowship! This event is just for the ladies!!!! On this day we will be doing some bonding, discussing life's issues & how to overcome them, in the name of Jesus, making new friends, playing games & lot's of other fun stuff! This event will be at no cost if you would like to join us! Hope to see you there & please bring a friend with you. We will begin promptly at 4:00 pm at the Holiday Inn & Suites located at 2340 IH-35 North in Round Rock.

FMI: web | email | tel: 897.5861

[submitted by l. byrd]

SEPTEMBER 12 | GREATER MT. ZION WOMEN'S RETREAT: A BUTTERFLY EXPERIENCE

We would like to extend a personal invitation for all women 18 years and up to join us for our 2008 women’s retreat. Our keynote speaker will be accomplished author and sought after speaker, Michelle McKinney Hammond, who will explore our theme, “A Butterfly Experience….Metamorphosis”!

The purpose of this conference is to provide an opportunity to encourage, uplift and renew our hearts and minds as we embrace God’s purpose for us in every area of our lives. Like our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, from time to time we should retreat from our homes, children, spouses, school and other responsibilities to spend focused time with the Lord for renewing and refreshment in him, see Luke 4:42.

Our retreat chairs along with their team are planning an event in which we pray God would minister to you mightily through his word so that you will leave encouraged, renewed and inspired.

The conference will be held on September 12th and 13th at the Hilton Palacio del Rio on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas. Early registration is $70 and ends on July 31st. Late registration will be $80 from August 1st through August 31th.

Michelle encourages us to pray unceasingly, choose wisely, love freely, live purposefully, give lavishly and surrender daily to God’s plan for your life. Ladies you will be amazed at all that unfolds during this remarkable experience! We thank you for your support and ask that you pray with us as we get ready to embark upon our Butterfly Experience so we can radiate the greatness that God has created within each of us.

This opportunity would not be possible without the support, encouragement and investment of our Lead Pastor, Gaylon Clark in the lives and events of women. We can not wait to see you in San Antonio!

2 Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in CHrist, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come!

FMI: web | email | tel: 888-586-9358

[submitted by g. bufkin]

SEPTEMBER 13 | BACK TO BASICS IN THE WORD GOD

Heart to Heart Ministries, a ministry of Life Changing Ministries International of Austin, is hosting a women's fellowship entitled "Back to the Basics in the Word of God". If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired. If you need to hear a positive "right now Word", then you need to attend this worship experience at East Communities YMCA located at South Highway 183 & 51st Street.

FMI: email | tel: 630.7049

[submitted by g.dixon]

AUGUST 30 | STORY TIME FOR KIDS AT MITCHIE'S

Join us for a joyful hour of African and African-American folktales every Wednesday and Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Kids receive refreshments, a FREE gift and 30% off their book purchase. All ages welcome. Story time is FREE and open to the public. Volunteer readers are always welcome.

FMI: web | email | tel: 323.6901

[submitted by j. adejumo]

AUGUST 31 | TX EMPOWERMENT ACADEMY - ENROLLING FOR FALL SEMESTER

"The education of African people is an urgent necessity. It is a matter of life or death. We cannot abide another generation of children whose socialization has been neglected by us, who have been miseducated by others." — Paulo Freire

The Texas Empowerment Academy - a charter school with FREE tuition - is now enrolling students for the Fall Semester. In 2007 - we were recognized by Texas Monthly Magazine as one of the Best Middle Schools in Texas(one of only 3 schools in Austin).

Click on the web link below for more info about the value of a charter school education for your child.

FMI: web | email | tel: 494.1076

[submitted by r. muhammad]

SEPTEMBER 6 | MAKE A DIFFERENCE - DO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE?

FREE dance classes for Boys and Girls who are at least 10 years old to adult with a high level of motivation and interest to learn. Dancers will learn hip hop dancing and dance styles from the 1920's to present. Dedicated members will receive the opportunity to perform in the Dancer's Edge May production; Wrinkle in Time.

Classes take place at the Joyce Willett School of Dance, 5811 Berkman Drive, Suite 117.(Windsor Village Shopping Ctr, to the left of Family Dollar)

Make a Difference (MAD) is sponsored by Dancer's Edge an Austin non-profit organization dedicated to the art of dance.

FMI: web | email | tel: 750.0814

[submitted by k. foster]

SEPTEMBER 11 | PRESIDENT'S OPENING CONVOCATION

Huston-Tillotson University President Larry L. Earvin, Ph.D. opens the fall term with an address to students. Plan to attend and hear the president's vision for HT as well as words of encouragement.

FMI: web | email | tel: 505.3006

[submitted by r. jones]

OCTOBER 4 | 2008 CONNECTDFW BUSINESS EXPO

The 2008 ConnectDFW Business Expo will bring together businesses and various segments of diverse DFW communities & cultures. The Expo will showcase businesses in the areas of health, finance, real estate, retail, nutrition, sports, travel, arts and entertainment. Early-Bird registration for vendors until April 1. Booth registration deadline is June 1. Please visit website for more details.

FMI: web link | email | tel: 972.293.4403

[submitted by g. hawkins]

OCTOBER 11 | AUSTIN 1ST ANNUAL AFRICAN FESTIVAL AND FUNDRAISING EVENT

Austin's 1st Annual African Festival and Fundraising Event will take place at 8 p.m. at 7300 Hart Lane. It will include a complimentary buffet, African music, African dance, African poetry, and cultural workshops. Cost is $10 per person, and dress attire is formal or Traditional African garb. RSVP's are requested.

FMI: web link | email | tel: 947.5028

[submitted by v. johnson]

OCTOBER 11 | PEOPLEFUND'S 6TH ANNUAL EAST AUSTIN ECONOMIC SUMMIT

The East Austin Economic Summit is an annual event focused on Central East Austin’s rapidly evolving economy. It provides a formal presentation on East Austin’s economic outlook, development initiatives and business opportunities. At the same time, the community has the opportunity to voice its concerns, highlight opportunities and devise collaborative action plans that capitalize on economic opportunities and address community concerns. There will be breakout sessions on issues ranging from affordability, small business marketing, arts and education in East Austin.

This year we are excited to invite the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. They have recently completed a research piece on East Austin and we will be collaborating with them on our Economic Outlook Presentation.

We invite small business owners, residents, bankers, developers and community advocates to join us for the 6th Annual East Austin Economic Summit.

FMI: web link | email | tel: 472.8087

[submitted by t. ladha]

JUNE 17 | EMPOWERED 2 PROSPER YOUNG-ADULT CONFERENCE

POSITIVE (a division of Manifest Presence Ministries) was created to educate, encourage, empower, and motivate at-risk young-adults in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Ward areas of Houston.

We will be hosting the “1st Annual Empowered 2 Prosper Conference” June 17 - June 19, 2009 at the University of Houston. The conference will consist of educational workshops, interactive seminars, motivational and spiritual speakers, discussions and development of action plans, and team building activities. In addition, there will be a college, career, and entrepreneurship fair in an effort to provide exposure to available options.

FMI: web link | email | tel: 713.984.4914

[submitted by t. alkhaliq]