From the Office of the President Top News H1N1 Flu Guide Helping Community and Faith-based Organizations across the Country To help keep communities healthy during the flu season, the Health and Human Services (HHS) Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships (Partnerships Center) led by Alexia Kelley and with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, released an H1N1 Flu guide specifically targeted to help community and faith-based organizations.  Flu season is in full swing, and communities are finding innovative ways to spread awareness through community outreach programs. LINK Initial Results Show Pregnant Women Mount Strong Immune Response to One Dose of 2009 H1N1 Flu Vaccine Healthy pregnant women mount a robust immune response following just one dose of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine, according to initial results from an ongoing clinical trial sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the National Institutes of Health.  LINK H1N1 Flu Resources for Parents/Educators ED has issued new guidance for school officials regarding the disclosure of personally identifiable information when addressing an H1N1 flu outbreak. See this and other guidance, videos, Q&As, and more.  LINK Green Jobs Grants, Seizing the Opportunity of a Clean Energy Economy Today the Department of Labor announced nearly $55 million ...

They say membership has its privileges. I was fortunate to grab a few moments with my pastor, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III to discuss his new radio show that's scheduled to start in March on 94.5 K Soul. In Part 1 of this 2 part interview, Dr. Haynes talks about what "Freddy Haynes Unscripted" will focus on when it debuts next month and how the idea for the radio show (not station as you will hear me ask) came about. Then make sure you log back in tomorrow for Part 2 of the interview when Pastor Haynes shares his views on the pending economic stimulus package and how his show will differ from folks like Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. Many thanks to Dr. Haynes as well as Veta Holt for facilitating the interview. [audio:Pastor Haynes Part 1.mp3]

I'm happy to announce a third contributor to Dallas South, this time a blogger. Ruth from Vibrant Life will post here from time to time. For her first post, Ruth is discussing something near and dear to my heart: The Martin Luther King Memorial. Near and dear because dear old A Phi A initiated the memorial and I've put quite a few dollars into the project over the years. I hope you enjoy Ruth's take as much as I did, and please welcome her to the Dallas South family!   By Ruth of Vibrant Life The Washington Post story and photos have black blog-sphere discussing the current controversy surrounding Dr. MLK Jr's proposed statute design by Chinese master sculptor Lei Yixin. The commission which by law must approve the final design describes it as too confrontational. This term has generated an initial reaction of criticism from blacks suggesting that only a less threatening image of Dr. King will satisfy a white audience. I really do not agree with that theory. First, sorry call me a protectionist, but I do have a problem with the idea that once again we are "outsourcing" something to China. Recognizing ...