Call to Conscience : 2007 Celebration of Black History

Pantages Theatre in Tacoma, WA | February 17th 2007

Reception
(refreshments and appetizers) from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Ceremony
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Special Events : Honoring of 11 State Black Elders

Education : Statewide Essay Challenge for middle school, high school, and college, giving away at least $2,000 in scholarships.

Silent Auction

Master of Ceremonies : Tony Benton
Director of Community Affairs and Host of StreetBeat &
Get In The Game; Clear Channel Radio Seattle

Tony B. is heard over the airwaves on several different radio stations in the Seattle-Tacoma region. Whether he is hosting community affairs shows, like KUBE 93’s “StreetBeat,” or covering sports topics on SportsRadio KJR AM’s “Get in the Game,” Tony’s shows are known for being open, honest and thought-provoking.

After graduating from Seattle ’s Franklin High School , Tony attended the University of Washington , with a major in communications. He has received several awards for his contributions to music, youth and community organizations in addition to serving on boards of organizations such as Thrive by Five, Seattle Public High Schools Radio/TV Advisory Committee and the Northwest chapter of NARAS, the National Academy of recording Arts and Sciences.

As the founder and CEO of MUSICA Entertainment, LLC, Tony produces an annual music festival showcasing the Northwest’s emerging hip hop scene. He is also creator of the Call to Conscience Black History Month Essay Writing Challenge and producer of the 2006 and 2007 Call to Conscience Black History Month Celebrations in
Tacoma , WA.

Tony B. is dedicated to being a positive role model, as well as an active member of, the Puget Sound community. He believes in promoting positive changes in the community through an understanding of music and culture.

Host : Isiah Anderson, Jr.

Anderson serves as Teen Development Leader for Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center’s after-school Hearts and Minds program. He has also directed the LHPAC’s summer musicals at the Paramount Theater for the last ten years and has created original urban theatrical hits such as Grease, Soul of Beauty and the Beast, The Wiz, Peter Pan and most recently, Uncle Willy’s Chocolate Factory at the Seattle Repertory Theatre.

Co Chairs:

Maxine Mimms -

In 1972, Dr. Maxine Mimms, an Evergreen State College faculty member, focused on developing an educational program that would serve place-bound working adult students there. A clear focus on serving the educational needs of urban, African-American adult learners combined with an interest in teaching inner-city adults, led to the founding principles of the Tacoma Campus program.  Evergreen-Tacoma was formally established in 1982 under the leadership of Dr. Mimms.   Her mission to increase the number of African American women in Washington with Doctorate degrees has improved the education of families across the region. Her most recent post retirement institution is the Maxine Mimms Academies for suspended, expelled and undereducated students.

Michael Jackson -

Former University of Washington Husky Football Star & Former Seattle Seahawk.
With a passion for giving our youth every opportunity to succeed in life, Michael Anthony Jackson has become a popular public speaker.  A Washington State native, Michael’s high school and college careers were spent making his mark on the football field.  Attending the University of Washington from 1975-1978, Michael set many school records. A Seattle Seahawks third round NFL draft pick in 1979, Michael went on to play professional football for eight years.  After retirement, Michael went back to school and graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in drama.  As a professional actor he has appeared in 15 film and television roles.