11/8 Black Cotton Awards E. Huggins/K. Cole

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Ericka Huggins & Keyshia Cole: Superwomen in Their Own Right.

We all face some type of trial and tribulation at some point in our lives. There are some people who are faced with so many obstacles and experience such harsh tragedies where you would not be surprised if these people break down or go under--and some do. But there are some people who show their strength and true character by not only overcoming their obstacles, but they also become a strong positive influence in our community. Their examples inspire people, and their giving back to the community speaks volumes.

These people need to know that what they are doing is greatly needed in our community and very much appreciated.

The Black Cotton Foundation, last year, created an award to acknowledge these types of people. It is important to do so because, honestly, there are not a lot of people in our community who have done what these people have, or are, doing. We also wanted to motivate the people who may be experiencing similar life situations to overcome these obstacles and continue to pursue their dreams and pass on their life lessons to others.

This award is dedicated to a person who, we feel, epitomizes this type of person. The award, named the Dr. Betty Bahiyah Shabazz Award, is given to a person or family whose life and actions became a positive light to our community, despite suffering a tragic loss or facing overwhelming obstacles on their own. Dr. Shabazz overcame many obstacles in her to become an iconic figure in our history; this award is dedicated to her in hopes that, by passing on her legacy, people in our community will be influenced and inspired, and will realize that despite the obstacles and tragedies that we may face in our lives, you should, in the words of the late Mamie Till, "never accept ordinary and always go for extraordinary!"

In 2008, we will be presenting this special award to two exceptional women; former Black Panther Party leader Ericka Huggins and R&B sensation Keyshia Cole. Ericka Huggins is one of the best-kept secrets of "The Revolutionary Movement;" a true gem. She became a leader of the Los Angeles chapter of The Black Panther Party at the tender age of 18. The FBI's Counter Intelligence Program against the Party left Ericka widowed, a single mother, and a political prisoner by age 19. Despite her tremendous hardships, Ericka's strength and determination allowed her to go on and accomplish great things, including running a successful Community School in Oakland, CA, and becoming the first woman and first African-American to be appointed to the Alameda County Board of Education. Ericka's dedication to her community through activism and education despite the hardships she endured is an inspiration to people everywhere.

R&B Superstar Keyshia Cole endured a tumultuous childhood in the arduous streets of Oakland, CA. Her mother's serious drug addiction resulted in Keyshia becoming a foster child, and being adopted by Yvonne Cole at age 2. At age 16, Keyshia left home to live on her own, primarily on the streets and at friends' homes. Despite the obstacles before her, Keyshia never lost sight of her dreams of becoming a singer. Even with all of her success, Keyshia is very passionate about giving back and being a role model to young people, particularly young girls. Her life's example of "goals can be realized despite the circumstances" is a model for future generations to follow.

The Black Cotton Foundation will host a special ceremony to present the Dr. Betty Bahiyah Shabazz Award to Ericka Huggins and Keyshia Cole to express our appreciation to these women for being a true friend to our community and inspiring along the way. The event will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 7:00pm (preceded by a VIP Reception at 5:30pm) at The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial, Educational, and Cultural Center--Audubon Ballroom--3940 Broadway, New York, NY 10032. VIP spaces are very limited; for more information or to RSVP, please email us at The BahiyahAward@gmail.com

Great job, Ericka & Keyshia!!! Thank you for being you.

Sincerely,

The Black Cotton Foundation
--
In Unity and Solidarity-

The Black Cotton Foundation
1028A Franklin Ave.
Newark, NJ 07107
(718) 415-0523
BlackCottonEntertainment@gmail.com
MySpace.com - The Black Cotton Foundation - 40 - Male - Tri-State NYC Area, US - www.myspace.com/blackcotton_entertainment

Black Cotton: "The Symbol of Unrewarded Struggle"