May 20, 2011
In the News: Sean Bell Community Center Opens in Queens; Maya Moore Signs Jordan Brand Deal; Google Advisor Launches
- Almost 5 Years Later, Sean Bell Community Center Opens in Queens
The legacy of Queens native Sean Bell will forever be remembered in his New York City community. The Sean Elijah Bell Community Center, on Sutphin Blvd. in Queens, opened today after community supporters, which included his parents Valerie and William Bell, marched from the spot where the then-23-year-old was gunned down to the newly-established structure.
The center will offer mentoring, GED and tutoring for children and adolescents, as well as referrals for job-training programs for adults, upon its official opening in June. It’s also scheduled to offer assistance to 5,000 locals annually.
“I wanted to do a center like this to keep [Sean’s] name and his memory in the community he grew up [in],” said Bell’s mother, Valerie, to the New York Daily News.
Bell was shot on Nov. 25, 2006 after leaving a strip club, hours before he was to marry his then-fiancée, Nicole Paultre-Bell. He left behind two daughters.
The three detectives who shot 50 bullets at Bell and his friends were acquitted of manslaughter and reckless endangerment in 2008.
- Maya Moore Signs Deal with Nike’s Jordan Brand
Two-time NCAA Women’s Basketball National Champion Maya Moore is the first female player to be signed to the Jordan Brand, Nike announced on Wednesday. Over 80% of the basketball shoe market is dominated by the Jordan trademark.
“I am thrilled to welcome Maya Moore into the Jordan Brand,†said Michael Jordan in the release on Enhanced Online News. “Not only has Maya proven to be a prolific winner on the court, but her hunger and determination to make an impact off the court makes her a valuable addition to the Jordan family. We look forward to working with Maya as she carries her success to the next level.â€
The former UConn Huskies player describes the new business venture as a dream come true. “Like most kids, I grew up idolizing Michael Jordan and continue to work relentlessly to reach his iconic status on the court,†says Moore. “I’m truly motivated to take my career to the next level as a member of Team Jordan.â€
- Google Advisor to Help with Personal Finance
Google announced the launch of its comparison network, Google Advisor, a personal finance tool that helps users check the rates on a selection of financial matters from mortgages to credit cards.