For Immediate Release
Contact: Aziza Public Relations
Ms. Fabian Burrell/Mr. Melvin E. Taylor
(860) 294-9277
New York, NY (June 7, 2010) – Nkiru America is celebrating its 10th year by recognizing the 100th year anniversary of the New York Amsterdam News and honoring its Publisher and Editor in Chief, Elinor R. Tatum.
Steven Richardson, watchmaker of Nkiru America will present Ms. Tatum with a uniquely designed collector’s timepiece reflecting the rich legacy of the New York Amsterdam News at its fundraiser on Wednesday, June 16th, 2010 from 6pm to 9pm at de Castellane Gallery, 525 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn.
The fundraiser will benefit Nkiru America’s initiative and partnership with the Bedford Stuyvesant YMCA, The Art of Horology Project, designed by Richardson to create the next generation of watchmakers. The event, hosted by Why Did I Get Married (1&2) actor Malik Yoba and Emmy Award-Winning Broadcast Journalist Vanessa Tyler will also feature the works of visual artists Willie Mae Brown, Pat Goodman and Dr. Bernard Lewin.
Richardson also plans to unveil the architectural blueprint vision for The Art of Horology School that will be the non-profit arm of Nkiru America. The Art of Horology Project is a 10-week workshop focusing on creativity, fundamental math and science as it relates to the technical craft of watchmaking.
The evening will dazzle with hors d’oeuvres from Linger Café & Lounge, live jazz, open wine bar, Pour Moi’s cognac tasting, and a cigar-rolling demonstration.
Tickets are $500.00, $250.00 and $100.00 and can be purchased at de Castellane Gallery, 525 Atlantic Avenue; (347) 599-2017. www.decastellanegallery.com or at www.nkiruamerica.org
Sponsors for this event are Nkiru America, New York Amsterdam News, Audi of America and the YMCA of Greater NY.
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About New York Amsterdam News – A $10.00 investment 100 years ago turned the Amsterdam News into one of New York’s largest and most influential Black-owned and operated business institutions. Over the years, many important journalists have been editors of the paper and in 1982 the late Wilbert A. Tatum, chairman of the board and editor-in-chief, assumed direction of the paper and broadened its editorial scope to include international affairs. In 1996, he bought out the last remaining investor, making the Tatum family sole owners, and a year later passed on the responsibilities and title to his daughter, Elinor Ruth Tatum who was then 26 years old.
About YMCA of Greater New York – Is a community service organization which promotes positive values through programs that build spirit, mind and body, welcoming all people, with a focus on youth.
About Audi of America “Truth in Engineering” – Celebrating 100 years of unwavering commitment to performance, technological innovation, safety and design. 2009 Annual Report explores the headline theme of “Rethinking Luxury – a changing system of values: inspiration for a new lifestyle,” from a wide variety of perspectives. The authors engagingly describe the different aspects of a new, timely, understanding of luxury: setting aside time for the truly important things in life. Pursuing your dreams. Creating the space to explore your individuality.
About de Castellane Gallery – Owned and operated by Hans de Castellane, artist and gallery manager, the gallery is inviting and unpretentious, lending itself to a division of three adjacent spaces; the front gallery where emerging and established artists are displayed, the middle gallery – a more permanent display of featured artists and views of the lush Atlantic Gardens. The back studio exposes Han’s works-in-progress as he paints under a 15-foot wide skylight.
About Steven Richardson – creator of Nkiru America, (Nkiru is a Nigerian (Ibo) word meaning “looking ahead”), is committed to exposing young people to the art, history and science of horology; the study of timekeeping devices. His creations range from $1,200 to $85,000; from stainless steel to platinum encrusted with conflict-free colored diamonds. The Baltimore native adopted Brooklyn as his home and was sensitized to the despair in the youth around him and responded by sharing his craft in the same way he learned from his father, an auto mechanic. Recognizing the dying art of horology and the dwindling career opportunities available to young people, Richardson teaches the craft of watchmaking, free of charge, at Bedford-Stuyvesant’s YMCA. In addition, Richardson and the YMCA were recently featured as the New Yorker of the Week on NY1 News. Global Renaissance Woman Maya Angelou, actor Keith Robinson and NFL Player Ovie Mughelli (Atlanta Falcons) are among the celebrities that wear his unique timepieces. www.nkiruamerica.org
About Aziza Public Relations – AzizaPR provides creative individuals as well as small and large businesses with public relations services in line with their creative brands. We use new and emerging digital formats to design innovative campaigns. We target traditional markets and help you define, seek and or develop new opportunities.
Please contact Aziza Public Relations – Ms. Fabian Burrell/Mr. Melvin E. Taylor
(860) 294-9277, email here; for media coverage.
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