Among the accomplished artists whose work will be displayed are:

Frank Frazier, Houston, renowned for his colorful, lively, Romare Bearden-like paintings depicting Black life and leaders. The likes of the U.S. Congress have commissioned his work, which is showcased at some of the world’s most prestigious art exhibitions.

Robert Carter, Long Island, a distinguished professor of art at Nassau Community College, creates  life scene drawings and illustrations. His work is privately collected as well as on permanent display at several museums in the U.S.

Andrew Nichols, Brooklyn, the curator of the show, celebrated for his realistic portraits and life scenes in pencil and paints on canvas.

Black History Month

Entrepreneur Wayne Sutton’s inspiring project is bound to ensure that Black contributions continue to be recognized, through 28 Days of Diversity.

Sutton’s goal is to highlight people of color who are impacting the social web. “As someone in the technology/web/social space, I often travel and attend various events in the industry and notice a huge lack of diversity,” he says at SocialWayne.com. “When it comes to getting attention from mainstream media/tech blogs it’s almost impossible.”

Thus far the 28 Days of Diversity has featured the CEO of Black Web Media, a Stanford-bred tech entrepreneur, and a filmmaker/best-selling author.

Diversity on the web is strong in 2010–and February is just getting warmed up! Check out SocialWayne.com for a daily dose of inspiration.

Derryl Reed

In celebration of  African-American vendors and their entrepreneurial spirit, Jewel-Osco acknowledges Black History Month with the 11th Annual “A Taste of Black History”.

The contributions of three African-American entrepreneurs who help provide jobs through their role as vendors with Jewel-Osco will also be saluted during the opening reception:

• Derryl Reed of Smokin’ Joe Products, LLC will receive the Brand Ambassador Award for aggressively working to promote the Smokin’ Joe brand in the market place.
• LaVonne Sanders of Popcorn and More, Inc. will receive the Innovator Award for continually recreating the MixMatch brand.
• Paul Fregia of Grandma Maud’s will receive the Legacy Award for longevity in the Supplier Diversity Program.

“Jewel-Osco has always understood the value of developing minority vendors,” said Jim Seidler, Jewel-Osco ethnic category manager.  ”We believe offering their products shows we understand our customers’ needs.  In turn, we hope customers recognize that, by purchasing African-American vendor products, they are also supporting these outstanding men and women.”

“We are committed to developing and growing locally owned African-American businesses,” said Jewel-Osco President Keith Nielsen.

Read more about the scheduled February events, and Jewel-Osco’s Chicago area in-store celebrations and tastings here.

Nordstrom department stores is celebrating Black History Month and saluting the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) by donating all after-cost proceeds from the sale of an exclusive CD entitled Big Swing: African-American Legends of the Big Band Era, to the AAADT.

“Jazz is quintessentially American music that inspired Alvin Ailey and our eclectic repertory, “ stated Judith Jamison, Ailey Artistic Director. “It is very generous and so fitting for Nordstrom and their customers to support Ailey’s artistry through Big Swing and these music legends.”

Beginning Feb. 1, the CD will be available for purchase for $18.95 in all Nordstrom stores and online. For more information, visit All About Jazz – The World’s Largest Jazz Music Website.