Open Entrance Announces 'Top Ten Best Black Blogs'

I read with interest the Top Ten Best Black Blogs as researched by Brian over at Open Entrance. He uses a different measurement metric than we use here each month. However, the great thing from my perspective is that he made me aware of at least three Black owned & operated blogs that I simply hadn't heard about before.

His Top Ten list is as follows:

1. MediaTakeOut.com (No BBR ranking)
2. Sohh.com (No BBR ranking)
3. Bossip.com (BBR #1)
4. Concreteloop.com (BBR #3)
5. Young Black & Fabulous (BBR #7)
6. Nah Right (BBR #4)
7. Sandra Rose (BBR #10)
8. Crunk & Disorderly (BBR #97)
9. Mrs. Grapevine (BBR #42)
10. Open Entrance (BBR #113)

Brian noted, "The number of blogs in the black blogosphere has exploded and the number is only increasing." The updated Villager's Black Blog Rankings will be posted on May 1st.

Do you follow any of these blogs?

Grant Recipient: BDPA Richmond ($2,500)

The BDPA Foundation approved $2,500 grant to BDPA Richmond chapter on April 27, 2008. The funding helps to cover some of the expenses for the chapter's 2008 Computer Technology Quiz Bowl that takes place on May 24, 2008.

BDPA Richmond is 3rd largest chapter in the nation. The fundraising team in Richmond actively solicits funds via the United Way, employee giving campaigns and other fundraisers. In fact, the primary source of funds used to cover this $2,500 grant came from payroll deductions made via the United Way. This chapter routinely reaches out to its large membership to request funding support.

Congratulations to Jackie Pryor (President), Julia Harris (VP-Finance) and other members and leaders in BDPA Richmond chapter on this successful grant request!

This Week In BDPA (Apr 28 - May 4)

Our foundation seeks to support BDPA programs and services. As such, it is important that your blog readers know about the plethora of BDPA activity all around the country.

Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the BDPA CollectiveX Calendar and elsewhere:

• May 1: Philadelphia - Meeting, 'National Executive Committee'

• May 2: Philadelphia - National BDPA Board of Directors Retreat
• May 3: Philadelphia - National BDPA Board of Directors Quarterly Meeting
• May 4: Philadelphia - National BDPA Business Area Summits

We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the BDPA CollectiveX Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events! Please let us know of other BDPA events that we may have missed. Most importantly, let us know if you plan to attend any BDPA events this week.

Finally, if you like what you are seeing ... please consider making an online donation to the BDPA Foundation so that we can continue to fund these events in the future.

Darfur and Tibet ask 'Am I Not Human?'

Whether your are a blogger or a blog reader ... our hope is that you will join us on the 27th of each month to participate in our 'Am I Not Human' campaign. We often get caught up in our day-to-day lives or in the latest diversions in the presidential elections. Sometimes, we simply aren't aware of the atrocities being committed against human beings in places like Darfur, Tibet and elsewhere.

Sudan, the historic Nubia, is the largest country in Africa. Darfur is roughly the size of Texas. Sudan scarred having fought a civil war for 21 years that killed millions of people. Unfortunately, Sudan is an oil country with 70% of its oil derived revenue fed to the military while the Darfurian people starve. China is the largest stakeholder in Sudanese oil, purchases 70% of Sudan's exports and is Sudan's largest supplier of arms. China has major clout with Sudan. Yet, we have seen over 400,000 Darfurians senselessly murdered and 2.3 million have been displaced. The people of Darfur ask a simple question, 'Am I Not Human?'


Tibet was administered by Llamas (Tibetan Buddhist high monks) as a free and independent state from 1913 to 1950. In 1949, the People's Liberation Army of China invaded Tibet as a part of their cultural revolution. Millions of Tibetans have been murdered as a direct result of the Chinese invasion and occupation of Tibet. Tibetans are not free to openly practice their their religion. The Dalai Lama is considered by China to be a terrorist instigator. Tibetan buddhists consider him to be the reincarnation of Buddha. However, speaking of him or possessing his photograph is torturously punishable by Chinese law. China recently renewed its crackdown of Tibet as a result of recent protests. The people of Tibet ask a simple question, 'Am I Not Human?'

I hope you take action! Download our E-book to see a number of ways to take action. Stop supporting businesses who support rapists, torturers or murderers. Do your research. Visit links here, here or here to see what you can do to hold inhumane criminals accountable and stopped flat.

Are you up to supporting this human rights campaign on the 27th of each month? What say u?

NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing

Nominations for the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Award for Aspirations in Computing are due April 30.

Sponsored by Bank of America, the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing recognizes young women at the high-school level for their computing-related achievements and interests. By generating visibility for these young women in their local communities, the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing encourages their continued interest in computing, attracts the attention and support of educational and corporate institutions, and emphasizes at a personal level the importance of women's participation.

This is truly an excellent opportunity for BDPA members and supporters in the greater metropolitan areas of Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas and New York City to support high-school girls that might benefit from this award.. Preference will be given to students who are high school juniors and seniors during the 2007-2008 academic year. Please see the complete Award Information Sheet for further details.

Do you know anyone that might qualify for this award?

Mr. Hicks Goes to Washington

BDPA Washington DC is currently the 5th largest chapter in the nation. However, I learned last night that the chapter is working hard to move up to the 2nd spot before the end of the month. This is one of the lofty objectives laid out by the DC chapter president, Perry Carter. Perry and I sat down this morning for a couple of hours to discuss BDPA's legacy and its future. I have known Perry for some 15 years. Once upon a time I supported Perry's efforts to publish I-Plus, a BDPA glossy magazine. I was very happy to see Perry take on the challenge of becoming the chapter president in Washington DC. He is a brother with both a visionary mind and the military training to implement his visions in the field. It is no wonder that his chapter was able to successfully host the BDPA Technology Conference in 2007 and is growing its membership to such high levels in 2008.

Anyhow, last night I spoke to Perry's chapter about ways that members can use BDPA to advance their careers. The dialogue that we engaged in with the audience ranged far and wide on issues such as networking, BDPA IT Institute, finding mentors, finding career opportunities, getting your boss to support your BDPA passions, high-performance computing and so much more.

One of the unexpected benefits of the meeting was the opportunity to see some BDPA legends in person. Gerald Peppers (past DC chapter president), Rudy Duke (past DC chapter president) and Dr. Jesse Bemley (HSCC founder) were in attendance. BDPA corporate sponsor representatives from AMARAM Technology (Vinson Palathingal, Breeze Johny), CCPace (Ron Peterson) and EDS (Morris Biggers) were in attendance.

Also, the attendees for this group donated a little over $500 to the BDPA Education & Technology Foundation to support scholarships and DC chapter programs. Suffice to say that it was an energizing evening. Heck, we had enough juice in the room that night to share some with the Washington Wizards ... as they won their NBA playoff game last night as well!

I look forward to visiting with other chapters over the coming weeks and months. We have a powerful organization and we need to work together to get the word out all over the nation. Let me know if you have any questions or wish to discuss ways that BDPA can advance your career by leaving a COMMENT below.

2007 National BDPA HSCC Champions (So. Minnesota)

These are the defending national BDPA High School Computer Competition (HSCC) champions! Can anyone name the six people in the photo?

Join Blog Campaign: Am I Not Human?

I am hopeful that all bloggers and blog readers will take a moment to remember humanity. Sometimes we get so tied up on our day-to-day existance that we forget to look up or think globally about humanity. We have a chance to think globally with upcoming major competitive events such as the Beijing Olympics. Many agree that China is a country guilty of numerous human rights violations and outright oppression.

You are invited to take a moment to remember humanity on Sunday, April 27. On that day we are asking bloggers and blog readers all over the world to ask a simple question for Darfurians, Tibetans and others that have been affected by China’s lack of concern for human rights ---> ‘Am I not human?’

The Olympics should be global representation of friendship and humanity. However, the Beijing Olympics are tainted by the oppressive reality of China's human rights stance in Darfur, Tibet and elsewhere. China shows a willingness to ignore the lofty principles of the Olympic movement.

Our blog campaign, ‘Am I not human?’ involves bloggers from a myriad of cultures recognizing the symbolic importance the Olympics claim to represent and the direct violation towards humanity China is guilty of in its act as a supplier to oppressive forces in the Sudan, and it’s unspeakable acts towards Tibetan Monks.

The campaign’s strategy is to educate, motivate and activate. A small ebook will be available for download detailing the background of the struggle in Darfur and Tibet, highlighting real actions that can and should be taken. The ebook will present the opportunity to continue action offline within our communities by anyone claiming to be interested in making a positive change.

AfroSpear blogger Eddie Griffin states, “We will no longer idly stand by and watch such blatant hypocrisy as human beings are inhumanely preyed upon.”

The Blog Campaign participants will post in unity on the 27th of each month until real measurable, progressive change can be seen in Darfur and Tibet. Our first postings will begin on Sunday, April 27.

You can learn more from our 'Am I Not Human' Virtual Campaign headquarters or you can email the Campaign Organizers for additional information. The Campaign Organizers are: Daz Wilson, Danielle Vyas, Wayne Hicks and Eddie Griffin.

The next step is yours! What say u?

State of the Chapter (St. Louis)

BDPA St. Louis is the 24th largest chapter in the nation. The chapter is meeting this week to discuss the 'State of the Chapter'. Attendance is important and will be worth your while. Lovis Daniels, BDPA St. Louis chapter president wrote, "We have some exciting things going on, so come on out." The chapter will provide membership packages to all members in attendance.

The logistics for the meeting are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM CST

Location: Edward Jones * Dorsett Campus
141 Progress Parkway

This event is free to all attendees. Refreshments will be served and a special door prize will be raffled off at this meeting. Please RSVP for this meeting by email or phone (314.313-1337).

Personal Career Advancement (Columbus)

BDPA Columbus is the 17th largest chapter in the nation. The chapter works hard to advance the careers of African Americans in the information technology industry from 'the classroom to the boardroom'. One way to live out that mission is to conduct relevant monthly program meetings.

The chapter's April 2008 program meeting will feature David Montgomery, Vice President at Cardinal Health. Mr. Montgomery will talk on the topic, 'Personal Career Advancement'. In fact, he plans to have a number of Cardinal Health IT senior managers and human resource professionals in attendance. The only thing missing is BDPA members and supporters from the central Ohio area showing up in the audience on Thursday night!

Here are the logistics for the meeting:

Date: Thursday, April 24, 2008
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Where: Cardinal Health World Headquarters
Dublin, OH

The event is free. Refreshments will be served. Please contact Cecil Jones by email or phone (614.736-1100) to reserve your seat at this program meeting.

This Week in BDPA (Apr 21-27)

Our foundation seeks to support BDPA programs and services. As such, it is important that your blog readers know about the plethora of BDPA activity all around the country. Here is a weekly preview of upcoming events gathered from the BDPA CollectiveX Calendar and elsewhere:

• Apr 23: St. Louis - Program Meeting, 'State of the Chapter'
• Apr 24: Washington DC - Program Meeting, 'Use BDPA to Advance Your Career'
• Apr 24: Columbus - Program Meeting, 'Personal Career Advancement'
• Apr 24: Memphis - Career Fair
• Apr 26: Cincinnati - Workshops, Project Management Exam Preparation'

We encourage all BDPA leaders to take advantage of the BDPA CollectiveX Groupsite Calendar to post your upcoming events! Please let us know of other BDPA events that we may have missed. Most importantly, let us know if you plan to attend any BDPA events this week. Finally, if you like what you are seeing ... please consider making an online donation to the BDPA Foundation so that we can continue to fund these events in the future.

Use BDPA to Advance Your Career (Washington DC)

African Americans in the technology industry have been hit hard by corporate mergers, offshore outsouring, H1-B visa immigrants and the failing economy. Are you a BDPA member that is worried about your future within the IT industry because of these major trends? Have you considered how your BDPA membership can benefit your future within the IT industry? If you answered YES to either one of those questions, then BDPA Washington DC chapter has the program meeting for you!

The special guest speaker is Mr. Wayne Hicks, BETF Executive Director and former National BDPA President. Wayne has been a BDPA leader for over 20 years. He believes that BDPA exists to advance the careers of African Americans in the information technology industry from 'the classroom to the boardroom'. If this mission statement resonates with you ... then you need to make plans to attend this program meeting.

Wayne will engage you in dialogue on the following topics:

• BDPA? What's In It For Me?
• Tips on networking within BDPA
• How to get the most out of being a member
• How to market yourself in the IT industry
• What you can do to strengthen BDPA's relationship with other corporations and yours

Refreshments will be served. Here are the logistics for the program meeting:

When: Thursday, April 24, 2008
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Where: ASAE Conference Center (The West Room)
1575 "I" (Eye) Street, N.W.; Washington, D.C. 20005
[M] McPherson Square Metro Stop

Attire: Business/Casual

Registration is open to BDPA Members and the public. You can learn more about other public events hosted by BDPA Washington DC, through 'BDPA Today'.

Email the BDPA Washington DC chapter if you have questions or wish to discuss further.

Tim Brown (Eli Lilly & Company) * BDPA Epsilon Award for Professional Achievement

Tim Brown won the BDPA Epsilon Award for Professional Achievement last year. He is currently working with the BDPA Education & Technology Foundation to obtain funding necessary for the 2008 SITES program conducted by our BDPA Indianapolis chapter.

Tim created impressive educational and career experiences for himself since receiving his first degree in Electrical Engineering in 1990. After completing his Masters in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology School of Engineering, Tim focused on building his career experiences in Engineering and Project Management. Upon joining Eli Lilly and Company in 1999, Tim supported their Infrastructure group as he built on his own project management, operations management, and vendor management skills and expertise. During this time, Tim also pursued and completed an Executive MBA, thus completing the foundation to ensure his future leadership path.

Tim's community involvement includes supporting and developing youth in Indiana through participation and leadership roles in 100 Black Men of Indianapolis; Marion County Commission on Youth; Mentoring and Coaching of 4th graders in math and science programs; Indianapolis Public School Advisory Board; and also through his recruiting initiatives on behalf of Purdue University to reach into Indiana high schools to foster math and science interest. Tim’s history of community service demonstrates that his passion to advance the youth of today and future leaders of tomorrow is second only to his immeasurable ability to “give” of himself to that cause.

BDPA and Eli Lilly are both fortunate to have an individual who has chosen to give back to our youth and community, while delivering tremendous professional value within our organization as well. Please share your insights if you live in Indianapolis or work with Tim. We would love to learn more here on our humble blog...

Spring Enrollment Open for BDPA IT Institute

The Spring 2008 enrollment period is still open for the BDPA IT Institute. The courses scheduled for the Spring term (May 12 thru August 15) are the IT Associate Certification taught by Will Bundy, Ph.D. and the PMP Exam Prep taught by Matthew Kioko, PMP.

These two course are part of the comprehensive certification programs offered by the BDPA IT Institute. You can become a certified 'IT Associate', 'IT Professional' or 'IT Master', or prepare for taking the PMP Exam.

Key Benefits of BDPA IT Institute Certification?

1. Respect and prestige of being 'certified'
2. Increased technology business acumen and leadership skills
3. Publication opportunities in the information technology industry
4. Leadership, management and project management skill development
5. Career advancement, progression and promotion from sponsoring corporations/employers

Apply now for Spring 2008 courses. Taking control of your destiny is just a step away! Please reach out to the Institute Director by email or phone (800.727-2372).

HSCC Testimonial: Reginald Jamerson (2002)

We need your help raising scholarship funds for this year's high school computer competition. We want to raise $2,500 to fund scholarships for the 6th place team at the national competition in Atlanta. Click here if you want to make a pledge towards this scholarship fund.

Last year, the HSCC team from Charlotte NC finished in sixth place and did not receive any Bemley Scholarships. I thought you might be persuaded to donate to our scholarship fund if you heard directly from a HSCC alumni from Charlotte. Take a moment to read the following testimonial from Reginald Jamerson:

"During my senior year of high school, I was informed by my guidance counselor about a BDPA computer training program for youth. I decided to give it a try to see what type of computer knowledge I could gain from the program. From day one I was impressed with the set goals and leadership provided by my BDPA Charlotte Chapter. The students were all very willing to learn and focused on improving their programming skill set. I learned about teamwork and felt as though I was apart of something bigger than myself.

The 2002 BDPA conference at Walt Disney World was wonderful! I found the Youth Technology Workshops informational and truly felt blessed with the opportunity that was presented to me; additionally I had never been to Disney World. I’ll never forget the lessons learned at the BDPA conference and how it in a way prepared me for my freshman year of college. I currently work as a Networking IT professional for Wachovia and have goals to become an entrepreneur. This was an invaluable experience!"

Share some BDPA-Love with Reginald in the COMMENTS section below. You can help all of our students by donating to the Bemley Scholarship fund today. You can make your pledge below in the COMMENTS section and I'll get back with you directly. What say u?

Second Annual Ghana ICT Awards

The second annual National Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Awards takes place on May 17, 2008 as the world celebrates World Telecommunications Day and Information Society Day.

The awards reinforce the commitment of the government of Ghana to place emphasis on the country's ICT potential. Ghana wants to provide a foundation for building an information and knowledge society within the overall framework of its ICT policy. Ghana seeks as many corporate and individual nominees as possible.

There are two category types - Competitive (10 awards) and Non-Competitive (two awards).

• COMPETITIVE CATAGORY


1. Top ICT Personality of the year
2. Top ISP of the year
3. Top Mobile service of the year
4. Top Software Company of the year
5. Top Hardware Company of the year
6. Top ICT4D Project of the year
7. Top Government ICT Project of the year
8. Top Education/Training ICT Institution of the year
9. Top Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) of the year
10. Top Internet Café of the year


• NON-COMPETITIVE CATEGORY


1. Best Foreign entity Supporting ICT Development in Ghana
2. Best ICT incubate/young personality

Winners of these awards will automatically be entered into the African Achievers Award held later this year in South Africa. Is it time for BDPA to 'go global' by supporting awards such as these?

United Way of Greater Cleveland

BDPA Education & Technology Foundation paperwork submitted to the United Way of Greater Cleveland (UWGC) requesting approval as an 'eligible volunteer agency'. Our understanding is that the UWGC Agency Eligibility Committee meets on April 29, 2008. UWGC will notify us about our eligibility status by May 15.


We want to work this same type of arrangement with the other United Way offices co-located with the other 49 BDPA chapters. Let me know if your chapter is interested in working with us on this fundraising initiative.

Grant Proposal: Turner Broadcasting System

Turner Broadcasting System is committed to giving back to the communities where their employees live and work. To make the most significant impact, the company concentrates its efforts on education for at-risk middle school students, the environment and arts and culture organizations.

BDPA Foundation joined with BDPA Atlanta chapter to submit a $15,000 grant proposal to Turner Broadcasting System today. The president-elect of our BDPA Atlanta chapter is a Turner Broadcasting System associate. Hopefully, that inside contact will give us a greater chance of success with this grant proposal.

Inside Secrets of IT Recruitment (Cincinnati)

BDPA Cincinnati chapter is the 4th largest chapter in the nation. They are focused on providing programs that advance the careers of African Americans in the IT industry from the 'classroom to the boardroom'. One way they deliver on this mission is to provide monthly program meetings with excellent insights and information. BDPA Cincinnati chapter invites you to their April 2008 program meeting so you can hear first hand what IT Recruiters are looking for when hiring new employees.

Any attendee who is unemployed or under-employed will have a chance to apply for an IT position immediately and on-the-spot. Feel free to bring all questions you ever wanted to ask about IT recruiting as there will be open question and answer session. The presenters for the evening will be Andy Erickson (LÛCRUM recruiter) and Chuck Clevenger (Seapine Software recruiter).

The logistics for this event are as follows:


Date: Thursday, April 17, 2008
Time: 6:00 pm (Networking); 6:30 pm (Presentation)

Where: Fifth Third Bank – Madisonville Operations Building;
5050 Kingsley Drive, Training Room 1C
(Off I-71 North Red Bank Exit)

Cost: This event is free

Attire: Business Casual
You are encouraged to RSVP online. If you have questions or want more information, then you should reach out to Tashawa Perrin (Professional Development Director) by email or phone (513.956-0636).

Clutch Magazine Offers Summer Blog Academy

I'm pleased to see more and more Black bloggers taking their craft seriously. Dede Sutton, the sister who runs Clutch Magazine (BBR #17), plans to partner with with Black Web 2.0 (BBR #237 and others to create a summer series that helps her readers learn how to succeed online. The seminar will go over just about every element someone should know when entering the online game. Also, it will hip them to the most up to date trends in social media.
Some of the topics to be discussed in the Summer Blog Academy include:

• How to make money from your blog or website.
• Tactics to increase traffic.
• Learn about social media/marketing in general.
• Learn how to set up, design and maintain your site.

It should be an interesting experience. I plan to participate as a prelude to attending the Blogging While Brown Conference in Atlanta on July 18-20.