Article: NY Watch

As a native of Trinidad, West Indies, Curtis Ross grew up along palm-lined beaches and rolling hills with a year-round bounty of fruits, vegetables, and spices, which served as a rich environment and laid a foundation for his pursuits as a chef, culinary consultant and lifestyle specialist.

A major unit of the Boeing Company has awarded $29 million in subcontracts to African American owned suppliers, representing a 50% increase over the past five years, company officials said.

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals has selected Wesley Brown & Bartle (WB&B), the nation’s leading diversity search firm, for its “Project Access� initiative, company executives report.

Ida Mae Kitchen-N-Lounge, the new ultra chic restaurant located near Times Square, is just as much about great food as it is about its owner.

When most people think of Spike Lee, a flashback to his many films immediately comes to mind. From the poignant "X," based upon the best-selling autobiography of Malcolm X, to the thought-provoking "Do The Right Thing," Lee’s work positions him as the most revered African-American filmmaker of our time.

Citigroup has launched a drive to boost financial literacy in urban communities.

Earlier this year Dell received the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2004 Exemplary Voluntary Efforts (EVE) award for its recruitment, mentoring, career development and community outreach initiatives.

You’ve seen his work. From Los Angeles to Atlanta, Harlem to Chicago, Japan to the U.K., Shawn Prez, President & CEO of Power Moves, Inc. (PMI), a full service marketing, promotion and event planning agency, has combined his innate understanding of the urban market with his passion for arts and entertainment to create one of the most recognizable ‘urban youth’ marketing agencies.

The summit will be held October 15 at The Pierre Hotel. Designed by Essence’s editors, Women Who Are Shaping the World offers a day of transformation and a unique opportunity for attendees to interact with African-American business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators and trailblazers. “Black women are seeking solutions to their unique career challenges and looking for strategies that create peace and balance in their lives,� said Susan L. Taylor, editorial director of Essence. “The goal of our summit is to help women own their power and direct it in ways that create optimum success.�

The Nigerian subsidiary of the Anglo/Dutch oil giant, Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), on July 20 announced the appointment of Basil Omiyi as its new managing director with effect from September 1, 2004.