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Summer Soul Bowl Hosted By University of Arizona Black Alumni on July 25 in Phoenix

It's July and that means the University of Arizona Black Alumni's Summer Soul Bowl is returning to Phoenix!

Summer Soul Bowl is a family friendly fundraising event designed for networking, reminiscing, laughter and of course knocking down those pins!!

Join the University of Arizona Black Alumni Maricopa County (UABAMC) on Saturday, July 25 at 3 PM at Sunset Bowl, 8925 N. 12th St., Phoenix, for a social hour dedicated to registration, team selection, networking, and cocktails if desired.

Bowling will begin promtly at 4 PM.

This is a great opportunity to support the UABAMC's scholarship fundraising efforts which help to send deserving students to the University of Arizona.
   
2009 Summer Soul Bowl Fee

Adults - $15 includes shoes and three (3) games
Youth, 16 years and younger - $12 includes shoes and three (3) games

Cash payments will be taken during registration the day of the event and are non tax-deductible.

For more information, please e-mail felicia@azalumni.com.

Mr. PhxSoul.com is a PROUD Wildcat and I encourage the community to support the UABAMC!

Inaugural Alumni Classic Basketball Game Brings ASU & UA to US Airways Center in Phoenix on August 30

Presented by Neutral Zones of America, Charity Game Benefits Valley Youth and Former Student-Athletes

On August 30 at 12 PM, the biggest rivals in our state, Arizona State University and the University of Arizona, will have the ultimate rematch in the 1st Annual Alumni Classic Basketball Game at US Airways Center in downtown Phoenix.

Bringing alumni and former athletes from both universities together, the teams will square off in what is sure to be the biggest game of the year.

Fans are encouraged to wear their school colors and cheer on the Sun Devils and Wildcats, as they fight for new bragging rights. The first 1,500 fans will also receive a gift bag along with a free ticket to an upcoming Phoenix Mercury game.

Various players will also be available for a post-game autograph signing. The teams will be comprised of some of the most memorable athletes to ever play at both universities, including the following, with many more to be announced soon.

ASU
Renaldi Becenti / W. Basketball '90-'93
Lester Neal / M. Basketball '91-'93
Bobby Lazor / M. Basketball '97-'99

UA
Kenny Lofton / M. Basketball '84-'88
Joseph Blair / M. Basketball ’92-‘96
Trung Canidate / Football '95-'99

“As the biggest rivalry in the state it was only natural to create an alumni game with star players from various years, some of which have gone on to play in the NFL, NBA, MLB and European Leagues,” said Apryl Garnett-Neal, Co-Founder of Neutral Zones of America. “By bringing together multiple generations from these universities we hope to have a packed house with an electrifying atmosphere, as well as raise funds for some great causes.”

A portion of the proceeds from the event will go towards Neutral Zones of America (NZA) to help establish an after-school program in south Phoenix. Founded by former ASU basketball player Lester Neal and former University of Arizona basketball player Apryl Garnett-Neal, NZA’s services and programs are geared towards increasing education, youth development, reducing gang activity, teen pregnancy and substance abuse.

Funds will also support an endowment for former student-athletes from both universities to return to school and complete their degree.

For more information or to purchase tickets ($15 for general admission), visit www.alumniclassic.com.

Desert Duel Summer Boys Basketball Tournament on July 27-28 in Gilbert

The Desert Duel Summer Prep Memorial, an elite boys basketball invitational that brings together the most distinguished high school basketball players in the country, will tip off on July 27-28 at Mesquite High School, 500 S. McQueen Road, Gilbert. 

Participating teams are handpicked by the respected tournament organizing committee and are guaranteed four games against the nation’s top talent. 

The Desert Duel promises to attract the country’s top college coaches, recruiters, and talent scouts to watch the elite prep players in the world showcase their talent. 

This exciting, invitation-only tournament will highlight the superstars of tomorrow while raising money for children ...

Tournament play begins around 9 AM on July 27. Admission is $10.

Please visit desertduelmemorial.com for more information.

Phoenix Parks and Recreation Summer Program Registration Begins on April 25

Registration opens on Saturday, April 25 for the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department’s complete summer schedule of full-day drop-in recreation programs, classes, and sports leagues and instruction. When the registration period begins at 10:30 AM, participants can sign up for programs online with any major credit card in the Classes and Programs link of the department Web site at phoenix.gov/parks.

Registration opens May 2 at 10:30 AM for swim classes and aquatics programs at the 21 city pools open this summer. Complete information and online registration is done through the Classes and Programs link on the department homepage at phoenix.gov/parks.

In addition to dozens of sites for the full-day Phoenix Afterschool Center program, many community centers will be hosting full-day structured recreation programs. Parents can choose from a number of options – from four-week programs to full-summer, 10-week programs. Prices vary but generally average about $30 per week.

New for this year, city of Phoenix golf courses will be hosting weeks-long golf clinics to introduce Phoenix youth to the great game of golf. The clinics will be low-cost, intensive clinics that will get kids ready to head out on the course. Parents also can choose from among dozens of community center-based, general-interest classes from dance, to music to visual arts as well as basketball and other sports leagues and instructional clinics.

Adults aren’t left out and can choose from the same number of high-quality, low-cost programs.

Future Stars Seeking Volunteers with Marketing, Fundraising Expertise

Future Stars, Inc. was created to help students reach their full potential in academics and athletics. The organization supports these students with mentoring, financial assistance, and most importantly school-related resources that have often been a stumbling block for school advancement.

Future Stars, Inc. is seeking volunteers for marketing and fundraising.

Please visit futurestarsaz.org to learn more about this organization.

Top 10 Observations about NBA All-Star Weekend 2009 in the Phoenix Area

Whew! The 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend circus has FINALLY ended in the Valley of the Sun!

I have to admit that it was really exciting to see the downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale streets, hotels, restaurants and other businesses jam-packed with black people from all over the country! And thank you to everyone in the Valley who told me that PhxSoul.com was their go-to spot for NBA party information! It made me feel good to know that PhxSoul.com helped you have a good time!

I hope this grand event gave downtown Phoenix the economic shot in the arm that it desperately needed!

For those who know me well, Mr. PhxSoul.com is a people-watcher! I love to watch people do what they do and I certainly saw A LOT of people do A LOT of interesting things! If you don't mind, I'd like to share my Top 10 Observations about the 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend:

• Why did all of the event ticket prices have to be so expensive? We do realize that millions of people are jobless and the nation's economy is in the worst shape that it's been in decades, right?
• The police presence seemed to make a lot of African Americans in Phoenix and Scottsdale VERY uncomfortable! I understand why it was necessary to have more uniformed and undercover officers pounding the pavement. However, I have to wonder if it was necessary to make us feel as if we were Public Enemy #1!
• Speaking of the police, I can't tell you how many times I heard black people complaining about the racist treatment they received in Scottsdale. Many black people felt like they were NOT welcome! I can definitely understand African Americans' perception because my friend and I had our own negative experience with po-po! We got pulled over for a minor traffic infraction, but the cops treated us as if we committed a murder! The officer had a serious fire in his eyes when he screamed at my friend to "get out of the car!" He didn't ask my friend if he had been drinking, he straight up told my friend, "I know you've been drinking! Step out of the car now!" In the end, nothing bad happened to us and the cops became nicer, but somebody really needs to investigate how the Scottsdale task force deals with minorities!
• This weekend was not a good look for the Phoenix Suns organization. All the trade talk about Amar'e Stoudemire and the rumors about coach Terry Porter getting fired was extremely embarrassing.
• How many beautiful black women did we see this weekend? I know I saw some of God's best work ever created! Personally, I loved seeing the women who wore appealing and modest outfits instead of the ones who had all of the body parts hangin' out!
• On the other hand, I need to know what's up with this rooster-style hairstyle that black women were rockin' this weekend?
• When are the brothas gonna stop wearin' their sunglasses at night? Why do we have such a love affair with Swisher Sweets? And is it against the law for brothas to smile in public? The mean-muggin' was off tha charts!!
• Thanks to the party promoters who showed love to PhxSoul.com this All-Star Weekend. Serious shout-outs go to the "Welcome to the City Party" crew and Steve from 944 Magazine!
• Unfortunately, I re-learned one major lesson this weekend ... the doorman is the most powerful person at all nightclubs! I'm REALLY heated because I missed Common's performance at the 944 Magazine party! Why? I was stuck in line when his concert started! I knew the main promoter for the party but I didn't know the DOORMAN!! Oops!
• If you are a party promoter who asked to have your event featured on PhxSoul.com (for FREE) and failed to at least offer me tickets in appreciation ... SHAME ON YOU!! There's no way that I would have had time to hit EVERY event but for you to not even make an offer is just bad business and poor etiquette! But I thank you for promoting your events on PhxSoul.com!

Thanks to the NBA for bringing some serious excitement and controversy to the Valley of the Sun! We'll see you in another 15 years!

If you'd like to share your observations about the All-Star Weekend, click on the "Comments" link below and fire away!

Let Charles Barkley Be a Lesson For All of Us on New Year's Eve - Get a Designated Driver!

Are you kidding me?  Are you %$@#&+$ kidding me?

Charles Barkley, the former NBA legend and current TNT basketball analyst, was arrested in Scottsdale early Tuesday on suspicion of drinking and driving?

Please click HERE to read the story!

As they say on ESPN ... C'mon man!!

I'm sorry folks, I know we are all human and we are bound to make mistakes but this is inexcusable! Anyone in his/her right mind knows that it's foolish to be ridin' dirty in Scottsdale! The po-pos are out in serious force every weekend! I rarely go to Scottsdale because the cops can't wait to swarm on you! And please don't tell me this is racial - the police in Scottsdale enjoy arresting people of ALL cultures!

Are you telling me that Charles Barkley can't afford a cab? Are you telling me that Charles Barkley didn't have a friend that he could call to take him home?

Yes, yes, yes, I know we are all innocent until proven guilty. Yes, yes, yes, I know Charles Barkley said that athletes are not role models.

However, Charles has A LOT to lose because of this error in judgment. Does he think that he'll be able to run for governor in Alabama with a DUI on his record? Will he be able to keep his job at TNT? Will he lose other endorsement deals?

Worse yet, what if Charles seriously hurt or killed somebody while he was ALLEGEDLY driving drunk?

He doesn't have a squeaky clean past so this most recent blunder will be a BIG DEAL in the news! The media will jump all over this!

I hope Charles learns a HUGE lesson from this incident!

Moreover, I hope ALL of you have a SAFE New Year's Eve! Please DO NOT DRINK and DRIVE!!    

Local Nonprofit to Help Student-Athletes Achieve College Aspirations

PHOENIX (Nov. 3, 2008) – Student-athletes of all genders, ethnicities and skill levels now have a place to fulfill their athletic dreams while becoming better prepared to adhere to the responsibilities of a successful college student.

Student-Athlete Total Success (STATS) offers a core of services within the realms of Athletic Skill Development, Service Learning, and Higher Education Advisement to non-scholarship student-athletes.
 
“With the majority of student-athletes not going to college on athletic scholarships, there’s a disassociation that makes kids feel like a college education is no longer within their reach,” says STATS Founder, Ernest Shand. On the contrary, Student-Athlete Total Success provides the formula to negate this distorted ideology. He continues, “We not only empower student-athletes – but our services and mentorship help them set the foundation to build their own success.”

Detailed information on the provided services, participation, and how to donate to their cause can be found on the company’s Website – www.checkmystats.org. The site also provides information on fundraising events, future service additions and sustainability.

Through the efforts of Student-Athlete Total Success, an athletic scholarship no longer has to define whether or not pursuing higher education is feasible – STATS is attempting to make it an expectation.

Contact Information:
Student-Athlete Total Success
P.O. Box 26509 Tempe, AZ 85285
Ernest.Shand@checkmystats.org
www.checkmystats.org

Head for the Mountains in the Phoenix Area! Go Hiking!

I love to have conversations with black people who are opposed to hiking.

• "Awww man, hiking is for white people!"
• "I don't hike because I don't want to get bitten by a rattlesnake!"
• "Have you seen all those rescues on the mountains because people passed out or got hurt? Naw son, hiking aint for me!"

C'mon now black people!

If you take the proper precautions and stay ON the hiking trails, nothing should go wrong!

The Valley is a mecca for hiking and I encourage African Americans to get in touch with their "inner-outdoorsman!"

Hiking is an excellent way to see nature!

Furthermore, we all know that hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure are major issues that affect the African American community. Exercise is one of the best ways for us to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Hiking is an exciting and effective way to stay in shape!

Let's get off the couch and head for the mountains!

Please be careful and do your research before hiking! It's important to stay hydrated, wear comfortable clothing and proper footwear, bring suntan lotion, etc., etc.

Here are some great hiking spots in the Valley:

• South Mountain
• Camelback Mountain
• North Mountain
• Papago Park
• Piestewa Park/Dreamy Draw
• White Tank Mountain Regional Park
• McDowell Mountain Regional Park 

If you know about other hiking spots, feel free to list them by clicking on the "Comments" link of this blog!

Happy Hiking!!