BlackTV247.com to Offer More Black-inspired Programming than Any Other Outlet
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire/ – BTV247, Inc., the leading digital media company focused exclusively on Black culture, today announced the launch of www.blacktv247.com, the single largest internet destination exclusively focused on Black-inspired programming.
Visitors to the site will find an extensive directory of conveniently catalogued well-known TV favorites from the past and the present, including: the Dave Chappelle Show, Sanford & Son, Tavis Smiley, Boondocks, Tyra Banks and The Jeffersons, as well as a slate of original programming options ranging from BTV Production’s own, The Best of Black TV247, hosted by current Miss Arizona USA, Brittany Bell, to The Trial Of Huey Newton, a documentary featuring exclusive, never before broadcast footage from the Black Panther Party archives.
“BlackTV247.com will facilitate a level of uncensored cultural expression that was inconceivable when the Black Panther Party was founded in 1966. The prospects for the network are very promising and we are particularly excited about making the Black Panther archives available to a larger audience,” says founding Black Panther Party Chief of Staff and current Executive Director of the Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation, David Hilliard.
BlackTV247.com‘s programming is sourced from a broad spectrum of content providers, enabling viewers to access a variety of mainstream and independently produced programs, all of which are free. Programming from both domestic and international sources is indexed in a channel directory, with channels ranging in genre from comedy and sports, to politics and faith, to business and music, providing viewers with a centralized destination to experience the breadth and depth of Black-inspired programming.
“Since 2008, our team has reviewed more than 100,000 hours of available programming and with 16 distinct channels; BlackTV247.com will offer audiences 16 times more programming options than any single television or cable channel,” says Justin Beckett, founder and CEO of BTV247, Inc.
“As the premier curator of black programming content, BlackTV247.com is poised to meet the new demands of the marketplace and committed to an exceptional viewer-driven experience,” adds Cecil Cox, co-founder and President of BTV247, Inc.
“Black consumer expenditures are expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2012 and BlackTV247.com’s unique combination of original and acquired programming, targets a consumer market which is becoming more diverse relative to its programming appetite,” says Beckett. “Successful media outlets must be able to tailor products to meet this demand. Our associations with mainstream media brands like HBO and our collaborations with iconic Black institutions, like The Huey P. Newton Foundation, reflect our philosophy of developing projects with partners who are leaders in their field.
Beckett, a Telly award-winning writer and producer with more than 20 years of diverse entrepreneurial and media-related management experience, founded BTV247, Inc. in 2008. Since 2000, he has created and successfully launched three online entertainment entities, including Fluid Music, one of the world’s largest distributors and aggregators of independent music which he founded in 2004.
Beckett continues to serve on the board of the $100 million company which he guided to its June 2008 IPO on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Under Beckett’s management, Fluid built a song catalogue of over 5 million tracks and through an exclusive partnership with the producers of American Idol, launched the online music discovery website, American Idol Underground.
According to recent statistics from the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, a Washington, DC-based independent, non-partisan public opinion research center that studies attitudes towards politics, the press, and public policy issues, 71% of Americans and 68% African Americans – 90% of which represents black teenagers – are actively using the Internet, an indication that the nation’s online population is steadily on the increase.
“BlackTV247.com is positioned to be the go to online destination for fans of Black-inspired programming and its vast potential which remains untapped,” adds Cox, an Emmy-nominated producer and former senior executive of Mundy Lane Entertainment, Denzel Washington’s production company. “Internet viewing is an increasingly more popular entertainment option, and today’s audience’s demand innovative, customized programming and interactivity.
“BTV247 Inc. represents a foundation of over three decades of diverse media expertise, our team is committed and we are uniquely qualified to satisfy consumer demand,” says Beckett.
BTV247, Inc. is a Los Angeles, CA based digital media company created in direct response to the increasing popularity of online video consumption and the desire to serve the large audience for Black-inspired programming.
Make sure you view the trailer for this documentary. I have and it’s extremely powerful. I love documentaries and am pleased to see that the Oprah Winfrey Network will add quality documentaries to its lineup. This is definitely going on my Netflix list. ~Affrodite
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ — OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK has acquired the rights to FAMILY AFFAIR, an independent feature length documentary film written and produced by Chico David Colvard. FAMILY AFFAIR, an intensely personal documentary that examines Mr. Colvard’s compelling family history, garnered great attention at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival where it had its world premiere.
FAMILY AFFAIR is the first film to join OWN’s recently announced Documentary Film Club. The Doc Club was created to spotlight cinematic documentaries that can inspire and entertain, and encourage emerging creative voices to bring their stories to a mainstream television audience on OWN.
“OWN is about real life stories of self-discovery, inspiration and transformation,” said Chief Executive Officer Christina Norman. “FAMILY AFFAIR is exactly that – a multi-layered, raw and provocative family story. I applaud Chico Colvard for his bravery in creating a deeply personal film that shares with us his pain, his anger and ultimately his transformation.”
“I’m honored to have my film be a part of the unique programming OWN will be offering,” said Mr. Colvard. “I believe that my story will resonate with both men and women who are struggling with their past, and give them a new insight to move forward with their future.”
“We are eager to bring this profound and important film to a larger audience,” said Annie Roney, founder and managing director ro*co films international, and curators of the OWN Documentary Film Club. “This documentary will allow viewers to create a community, giving them a platform for discussion and allowing personal growth and change.”
“I am deeply honored that FAMILY AFFAIR is the first acquisition by the OWN Documentary Club,” said Liz Garbus, producer. “Beyond our own personal excitement, OWN’s commitment to best of American documentary filmmaking is a thrilling development for the whole industry.”
A multi-platform experience, the Doc Club on OWN will be an opportunity for viewers to see monthly documentary films on the channel and, in some cases, at nationwide theatrical screening events. On Oprah.com, the OWN community will be able to come together to share reflections, ideas and continue the conversation.
Here’s the trailer for “Family Affair”
About FAMILY AFFAIR
At 10 years old, Chico Colvard shot his older sister in the leg. This seemingly random act detonated a chain reaction that exposed unspeakable realities and shattered his family. Thirty years later, Colvard ruptures veils of secrecy and silence again. As he bravely visits his relatives, what unfolds is a personal film that’s as uncompromising, raw, and cathartic as any in the history of the medium.
Driving the story forward is Colvard’s sensitive probing of a complex dynamic: the way his three sisters survived severe childhood abuse by their father, and as adults, manage to muster loyalty to him. These unforgettable, invincible women paint a picture of their harrowing girlhoods as they resiliently struggle with present-day fallout. The distance time gives them from their trauma yields piercing insights about the legacy of abuse, the nature of forgiveness, and eternal longing for family and love. These truths may be too searing to bear, but they reverberate powerfully within each of us.
FAMILY AFFAIR is written and produced by Chico David Colvard. Dan Cogan and Abigail Disney serve as Executive Producers, Rachel J. Clark as editor, Academy-Award® nominated Liz Garbus as producer, and Miriam Cutler as composer.
A joint venture between Oprah Winfrey and Discovery Communications, OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK is a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform, and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN will debut in more than 70 million homes, on what is currently the Discovery Health Channel. The venture also will include the award-winning digital platform, Oprah.com.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CONTEST WINNERS: “Z,” “vegasswines,” Deauna, Dairdre, and “Queen Unique”
In 2009, Payless ShoeSource and the National Urban League forged a partnership to raise funds for the Inspiring Possibilities Scholarship Fund. The scholarship fund provides scholarships in $2500 increments to African American students attending college/universities nationwide. Now, in its second year, through the month of February 2010, Payless customers may visit their 800 stores as well as go online (www.payless.com/store) to purchase an inspirational “I Believe” necklace for the nominal cost of $4. Proceeds from necklace sales will be donated to the Inspiring Possibilities Scholarship Fund. Additionally, this year Payless customers who purchase the “I Believe” necklace will also receive a coupon for $5 off a $25 or more purchase.
We all know that affording a higher education is difficult in even the best of families as tuition rates at colleges and universities continue to rise. By purchasing this necklace, you may be in turn helping your family, friend, or even yourself.
I have partnered with Payless ShoeSource to offer a promotion in the spirit of Black History Month and their ongoing commitment to support higher education for minorities. Below are the guidelines to win a FREE “I Believe” necklace.
Contest Rules
Using “I Believe…” to start your statement, finish crafting a sentence or more describing what you believe.
Entries must relate to African American culture and/or Black History Month and can take on a poetic format for those of you who enjoy writing poetry.
Only positive statements will be considered.
Place your entry as a comment in this post. Make sure to enter a valid email address (it is not shown in the comment, only goes to me) so that I may contact you if you win.
You may enter as many comments as you wish, but they must be unique. Redundant statements from the same entrant will be disqualified.
Deadline to enter is Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 11:59 PM EST.
FIVE winners will be drawn at random. No entrant may win more than once (although you can enter more than once)
Winners will be notified by email and announced on this post.
Good luck! I hope to see plenty of entries. This necklace is a great keepsake for yourself or a give to a loved one.
Thank you Payless ShoeSource for working with me in this promotion. Don’t forget to stop by Payless and purchase the “I Believe” necklace, whether or not you’re a winner, and support the Inspiring Possibilities Scholarship.
It was sad news to read on Tuesday, December 8, 2010 that Tyler Perry’s mother, Maxine Perry, had passed away. Maxine, Tyler’s muse for his character Madea, had been ill for several months leading to her death. I’ve been reading Tyler Perry’s journal entries (he calls them”Email Messages from Tyler”) on his website www.tylerperry.com/_Messages, particularly the ones since Maxine’s passing, and it seems like hitting the stage was just what he needed to get back into life. “Madea’s Big Happy Family” kicked off on January 4, 2010 in El Paso, TX and concludes May 9, 2010 in Detroit, MI.
If you’re in the New York City area, “Madea’s Big Happy Family” starring Tyler Perry as Madea is currently playing at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden (January 27-31, 2010). For more information, visit Madison Square Garden’s site http://www.thegarden.com/events/madeas-big-happy-family.html for more information and ticket purchase.
I can now tell you Cassi Davis (who plays Aunt Ella on House of Payne), William Palmer Jr. (who plays Floyd on House of Payne), singer Cheryl Pepsi Riley, D’atra Hicks, Chandra Currelley, Tamar Davis, Stephanie Ferrett and Donnie Sykes (he also starred in Tyler’s stage play The Marriage Counselor) all star alongside Tyler, who of course plays Madea…
…Here’s the play’s synopsis (may include spoilers so read at your own discretion):
The family matriarch, Shirley, has experienced a recurrence of her unnamed cancer and the muscular, hunky doc gives her four- to six-weeks to live. She tries to convene the family – including her three warring daughters, two struggling sons and a crack-addled brother – to break the news. But they are so busy bickering and worrying about their own agendas – one’s a real estate agent in overdrive, another a frumpy “old maid” at 32, another resorts to selling drugs to please his brand-name addicted girlfriend – that mom can’t get a word in edgewise. When the family finally finds out her fate, it’s too late to clean up their acts.
After Shirley’s death, depicted in a lengthy scene that features one of the show’s most inspirational songs (performed by actress Chandra Currelley as Shirley) and a hokey video showing her ascension into a cloud-filled heaven, it’s up to Madea to set things straight, which she does with typically no-nonsense clarity and a lot of nostalgia for ’70s R&B music.
For those of us outside of the NYC metro area, here are the remaining tour dates. I have a DVD collection of Tyler Perry plays but have yet to see him live on stage. I see that he’ll be touring through Columbus, OH. I can’t wait to get tickets to this one!
Jan 27th – 31st, 2010
New York, NY
WaMu at Madison Square Garden
Feb 2nd, 2010
Florence, SC
Civic Center
Feb 3rd – 5th, 2010
Raleigh, NC
RBC Center
Feb 6th, 2010
Fayetteville, NC
Crown Center Coliseum
Feb 7th, 2010
Charlotte, NC
Bojangles’ Coliseum
Feb 9th, 2010
Macon, GA
Macon Centreplex
Feb 10th – 11th, 2010
Charleston, SC
North Charleston Coliseum
Feb 12th – 13th, 2010
Columbia, SC
Colonial Life Arena
Feb 14th, 2010
Columbus, GA
Columbus Civic Center
Feb 16th – 17th, 2010
Jacksonville, FL
Veterans Memorial Arena
Feb 18th, 2010
Chattanooga, TN
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium
Feb 19th – 20th, 2010
Winston Salem, NC
Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Feb 21st, 2010
Richmond, VA
Richmond Coliseum
Feb 23rd, 2010
Albany, GA
Albany Civic Center
Feb 24th – 25th, 2010
Nashville, TN
Municipal Auditorium
Feb 27th – 28th, 2010
Memphis, TN
Orpheum Theatre
Mar 2nd – 6th, 2010
Chicago, IL
Arie Crown Theatre
Mar 9th, 2010
Minneapolis, MN
Target Center
Mar 10th, 2010
Omaha, NE
Qwest Center
Mar 11th, 2010
Wichita, KS
Wichita Convention Hall
Mar 12th – 14th, 2010
Dallas, TX
Nokia Theatre
Mar 16th, 2010
Milwaukee, WI
US Cellular Arena
Mar 18th, 2010
Bridgeport, CT
Arena At Harbor Yard
Mar 19th – 21st, 2010
Hartford, CT
The Bushnell Theatre
Mar 24th, 2010
Augusta, GA
James Brown Arena
Mar 25th – 26th, 2010
Greenville, SC
Bi-Lo Center
Mar 27th, 2010
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham Civic Center
Mar 28th, 2010
Mobile, AL
Mobile Civic Ctr Arena
Apr 6th, 2010
Dayton, OH
Nutter Center
Apr 7th, 2010
Cincinnati, OH
Cintas Center
Apr 8th, 2010
Louisville, KY
Freedom Hall
Apr 13th – 14th, 2010
Savannah, GA
Savannah Civic Center
Apr 15th – 18th, 2010
Atlanta, GA
Fox Theatre
Apr 20th – 21st, 2010
Norfolk, VA
Norfolk Constant Center
Apr 23rd – 24th, 2010
St. Louis, Mo
Chaifetz Arena
Apr 25th, 2010
Kansas City, MO
Sprint Center
Apr 27th, 2010
Buffalo, NY
HSBC Arena
Apr 29th – May 2nd, 2010
Philadelphia, PA
Liacouras Center
May 4th, 2010
Columbus, OH
Nationwide Arena
May 5th, 2010
Toledo, OH
Lucas County Arena
May 6th – 9th, 2010
Detroit, Michigan
Fox Theatre Detroit
Glaucoma is something that I’ve witnessed within my own family, and is my personal reminder to get regular eye exams. It’s also the leading cause of blindness among African Americans and also common amongst Latinos. One of the most frightening aspects is that often there are no warning signs making it imperative that everyone get regular eye exam to prevent blindness.
January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, and while the month is nearly over, this information is beneficial year round. Symptoms may include:
blurry vision
severe eye pain
headaches
rainbow colored halos around lights
nausea and vomitting
Watch the video below about EyeCare America’s FREE eye exam program:
Glaucoma affects three million people in the U.S. and is one of the leading causes of blindness. In honor of January’s Glaucoma Awareness Month, EyeCare America encourages those without insurance to really take advantage of its national Glaucoma EyeCare Program! The program offers FREE glaucoma eye exams for those at increased risk of glaucoma. Family history, race and age play a big part in evaluating your risk. African-Americans, Hispanics and people with diabetes are also at higher risk of getting the disease.
But, there is good news: If detected early, there is hope! Glaucoma can be treated with eye drops that lower eye pressure, laser therapy that allows for better drainage of fluids inside the eye, or eye surgery to create a new drainage canal. Glaucoma doesn’t have to interfere with leading a happy, sighted and fulfilling life. So if you or a loved one is not getting regular eye exams, just remember that a simple, quick and painless office test can save your eye sight!
It’s so important to not only have your own eyes checked regularly if you are at risk, but also encourage your parents, friends and loved ones to do the same. To see if you, a loved one or a friend, is eligible to receive a referral for a FREE eye exam and care, or to request free eye care information, call 1-800-391-EYES (3937), 24 hours a day, every day, year round. All eligible callers receive a referral to one of EyeCare America’s 7,000 volunteer ophthalmologists.
Don’t lose the gift of sight, schedule an eye exam with your health care provider or, if uninsured and qualified, through EyeCare America today.
Allstate joined President Barack Obamas call for a national day of service on Jan. 19, designating the 2009 Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday as Allstate Beyond February Give Back Day…Thousands of volunteers across the country answered Allstate’s call to service.
Here are a few photos and highlights from Allstate Give Back Day 2010…
Heroes and Tom Wilson
Above (Left to Right): Allstate Give Back Day Hero, Deanna Woods; Allstate Give Back Day Hero, Xavier Jefferies; President and Chief Executive Officer of Allstate, Tom Wilson; Allstate Give Back Day Hero, Marquis Smith; Allstate Give Back Day Hero, Lucy Hall-Gainer
Allstate’s Give Back Day Rally In Atlanta Georgia On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Above (Left to Right): Isaac Newton Farris, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer of The King Center, and Elder Bernice A. King
Allstate’s Give Back Rally Day at the King Center in Atlanta, Georgia
Above (Left to Right): Isaac Newton Farris, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer of The King Center; Allstate Give Back Day Hero, Lucy Hall-Gainer; Elder Bernice A. King; Allstate Assistant Field Vice President, John O’Donnell at Allstate’s Give Back Day Rally in Atlanta Georgia on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Do you want to advance your skills in the rapidly evolving haircare industry?
Are you a stylist wanting to retain your clientele?
Want to learn trendy and creative techniques?
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Seminar is offered monthly to any individual licensed or unlicensed ages 12 and up. You must pre-register by sending RSVP to Aziza@aiiznaturals.com, please include your name, address, age and phone#.
Registration begins @ 9:00am, cost per person $95.
Visit aiiznaturals.com for more seminar information. Toll Free 1.877.335.0585.
Celebrate Black History Month in style with the I Believe necklace available at Payless!
January, 20, 2010 — This February, in celebration of Black History Month, Payless ShoeSource will help support African American and other minority youth with the second annual Payless Inspiring Possibilities Scholarship program.
For this program, Payless will be selling a limited-edition I Believe necklaces for only $4 that are available in more than 800 stores nationwide and Payless.com® while supplies last. Payless donates 100 percent of the net profits of the necklace to the Inspiring Possibilities Scholarship program, which was established with the National Urban League (NUL), last year.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Jan. 21, 2010) – The Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF), America’s largest and most prestigious Black film and arts festival, has announced CCH Pounder as its 2010 Celebrity Host.
Taking place February 10-17 in Los Angeles at the Culver Plaza Theatre (9919 Washington Blvd.), PAFF presents and showcases a broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help to destroy negative stereotypes of Africans and African-Americans. In addition to the film festival, the PAFF will present its world renowned Art Show February 12-15 at the Westfield Culver Plaza (6000 Sepulveda Blvd. Culver City), featuring over 100 fine artists and craftspeople from around the world showcasing the best in Black fine art, sculpture, photography, unique handmade crafts, home furnishings, designer jewelry, designer fashions and accessories that highlight the artistry and beauty of the African aesthetic. For more information, please visit www.paff.org or call (310) 337-4737.
About CCH Pounder
Strong, spirited and committed are just a few of the characteristics that exemplify acclaimed actress, CCH Pounder, which is evident in the diversity of her roles and her worldwide fight against apartheid.
Currently in the critically acclaimed FX series, THE SHIELD, CCH was nominated for two NAACP Image Award for “Best Actress in a Drama Series” and recently received her second Satellite Award for “Performance by an Actress in a Series, Drama.” Other accolades for CCH include an Emmy nomination for “Best Supporting Actress” for her role as Dr. Angela Hicks on the NBC series ER, and an Emmy nomination for “Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series” for her role in FOX’s THE X-FILES. In addition, she received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Spoken Word Album for GROW OLD ALONG WITH ME, THE BEST IS YET TO COME and won an AUDI, the Audio Publishers Association’s top honor, for WOMEN IN THE MATERIAL WORLD. Also, CCH released her first solo album, SMOKE, which combined poetry and music.
About the Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF)
Taking place February 10-17, 2010 in Los Angeles, it is PAFF’s goal to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images and help to destroy negative stereotypes. The PAFF believes film and art can lead to better understanding and foster communication between peoples of diverse cultures, races, and lifestyles, while at the same time, serve as a vehicle to initiate dialogue on the important issues of our times. For more information, please log onto www.paff.org.
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed MLK Day into law making it recognized as a Federal holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.‘s birthday. It was Michigan Congressman John Conyers who championed this holiday for 10 years before it was finally signed into law. Since then, MLK Day has evolved into a day of service as opposed to a day off work or school. Many corporations have also begun to provide volunteer opportunities as well as recognize those who have dedicated themselves year round to community service. One of those corporations is Allstate. Two years ago, the insurance company Allstate developed their own program called Allstate Give Back Day on MLK Day in an effort to do their part to realize Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision and demonstrate their own commitment to serving the communities in which they live. Additionally, Allstate Give Back Day annually selects Give Back Day Heroes who generously serve and positively impact their communities through year round volunteerism.
This year’s honorees were: Lucy Hall-Gainer (Atlanta, GA), Xavier Jefferies (Charlotte, NC), Marquis Smith(Washington D.C.), and Deanna Woods (Chicago, IL).
Here is a video clip introducing you to this year’s Allstate Give Back Day Heroes…
You can also read more about each honoree below...
Lucy Hall-Gainer
Lucy Hall-Gainer (Atlanta, GA) – For more than a decade, Lucy Hall-Gainer has assisted troubled women in Atlanta by providing them with a safe haven – the Mary Hall Freedom House (MHFH), named in memory of Hall-Gainer’s mother. As the organization’s CEO, she has helped more than 2,500 women beat addiction and become self-sufficient individuals. Hall-Gainer established MHFH with just $5,000, two apartments and two employees in 1996. Today, MHFH has over 50 apartments and 70 employees to accommodate distressed women and their children. At age six, Hall-Gainer watched her mother die of alcoholism, inspiring her life-long commitment to helping others. An addict herself for 10 years, Hall-Gainer sought help and guidance to eventually end her reliance on drugs and alcohol. With several years of experience working with nonprofits, Hall-Gainer is now living her dream of empowering women and their children to break the cycle of addiction, poverty and homelessness, offering that same helping hand with MHFH.
Xavier Jefferies
Xavier Jefferies (Charlotte, NC) – At only 16 years of age, high school student Xavier Jefferies has done more for his community than most people do in a lifetime. Jefferies’ extensive volunteer efforts include donating his time to the local YMCA’s after-school daycare, where he tutors children in an effort to help them advance in both academics and athletics. He is the founder and president of the Kick Back Crew, a philanthropic youth group dedicated to beautifying Rockwell Park through a variety of community service initiatives. Jefferies spends his summers at the YMCA Blue Ridge Leaders’ School training teens to become leaders in physical education and annually attends the Young Black Men’s conference with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life in his community. Recognized in 2009 by The Charlotte Observer for his outstanding commitment to his Rockwell Park neighborhood, Jefferies was also honored with the 2009 Charlotte Neighborhood Youth Award. It was the second consecutive year he received the award.
Marquis Smith
Marquis Smith (Washington D.C.) –All his life, Marquis Smith has embraced the need for people to give back to their communities, and he took his mission of service one step further when he joined the Army. Upon his return from a three-year tour of duty, Smith compiled more than 600 hours of volunteerism as an AmeriCorps Jumpstart corps member. Today, he continues his community outreach as a student at Howard University. An education major, Smith is involved with “Library Makeover,” an organization that helps renovate and build libraries in deprived neighborhoods. Smith also interns at the Heart of America Foundation promoting literacy and volunteerism. In his free time, Smith lends a hand to Washington, D.C.’s Sunday Suppers program where he helps prepare and serve more than 200 meals for the homeless on a bi-weekly basis. In 2006, shortly after Hurricane Katrina, Smith organized a clothing drive for the homeless in his former hometown of Baton Rouge, La., and collected over 3,500 items in just one month. Smith later organized a toy drive for low-income families in the city, donating more than 1,300 new toys to Toys 4 Tots, local churches and families.
Deanna Woods
Deanna Woods (Chicago, IL) – In March 2006, Deanna Woods’ niece, Seritha White, 10, was killed by a stray bullet in her West Englewood, Ill., home as her family was celebrating a birthday party. It was this horrific tragedy that launched Woods into a life of giving back to her community. The incident inspired Woods to create the 68th and Marshfield Block Club and become an ambassador for Teamwork Englewood, an organization founded to promote community development. Along with more than 50 other members living near the same city block in Englewood, Woods, who serves as club president, challenges community issues such as drug dealing and gun violence. Woods is part of community policing with a mission to negotiate with gang members that they stay out of certain areas. Known in her neighborhood as the aunt of “Englewood angel” Seritha White, she has become a surrogate mother to the children of West Englewood who are looking for a trusted friend. With a focus on children’s safety and growth, Woods’ community work has been recognized by Local Initiatives Support Corporation /Chicago when it named her one of 25 community heroes in 2006.
Now that MLK Day is behind us…
Now that MLK Day is behind us for 2010, it does not mean that our commitment to our communities should stop here nor at the end of Black History Month in Februaray. Allstate has set up a website BeyondFebruary.com where you can research volunteer opportunities based on your home location.
Congratulations to this year’s Allstate Give Back Day Heroes, and don’t forget to check out BeyondFebruary.com for ways that you can get involved in your own community.
Hour-long primetime special edition of Washington Watch with Roland Martin explores the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as current issues important to African Americans, including jobs and unemployment, education, race in America, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
SILVER SPRING, Md., Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ — TV One offers viewers a very special Martin Luther King, Jr. birthday programming event Monday, January 18th from 8-9 PM ET, repeating at 11 PM ET, when the network presents “Living the Dream: An Interview with President Barack Obama.” Conducted by host of “Washington Watch with Roland Martin” and TV One political editor Roland Martin, this all-new primetime Washington Watch special interview with the 44th President of the United States will focus on a host of issues of concern to African Americans, including education, poverty, the economy, jobs and unemployment, parental responsibility, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, al Qaeda, health care, race in America, and the controversial comments of Sen. Harry Reid as quoted in a new book about the 2008 campaign.
In addition, the special will also explore the influence of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the President and how Dr. King’s lessons are still applicable in the 21st Century, as well as reflect on the historic nature of Barack Obama’s Presidency.
During the hour, Martin also gets an insider’s perspective on the First Family and how the President copes with the stresses of the office as he talks with Valerie Jarrett, longtime friend and adviser to the President and Mrs. Obama. Jarrett is Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement.
Martin, the award-winning journalist and host and Managing Editor for TV One’s “Washington Watch with Roland Martin,” is also a CNN contributor, senior analyst for the “Tom Joyner Morning Show” and a syndicated columnist for the Creators Syndicate. He is releasing his third book, “The First: President Barack Obama’s Road to the White House” on January 20, 2010.
Launched on the Martin Luther King holiday in January 2004, TV One (www.tvoneonline.com) serves more than 49.5 million households, offering a broad range of real-life and entertainment-focused original programming, classic series, movies, and music designed to entertain, inform and inspire a diverse audience of adult African American viewers. TV One’s investors include Radio One (Nasdaq: ROIA and ROIAK; www.radio-one.com), the largest radio company that primarily targets African American and urban listeners; Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA and CMCSK; www.comcast.com), the leading cable television company in the country; The DirecTV Group; Constellation Ventures; Syndicated Communications; and Opportunity Capital Partners.
Philly native Teddy Pendergrass has died at the tender age 59. The specific circumstances leading to Teddy’s death have not yet been reported, but he had been in the hospital for the past several months after undergoing colon cancer surgery. Teddy’s son, Teddy Pendergrass II, reported that the recovery since his father’s surgery had not been going very well. In 1982, Teddy was in a car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. While he maintained a career on some level, his signature voice that we loved in the 70s an 80s was not quite the same.
I’m dumbfounded. We are losing so many great artists over the past year that, in my mind, are irreplaceable. How many of us might’ve been conceived to the smooth tune of “Love TKO” or “Come Go With Me” or “Turn Out the Lights” back in the day? Losing Teddy is up there with Luther Vandross in my books.
God and the angels must be enjoying a concert up in heaven to die for (no pun intended).
Here’s a video for “Wake Up Everybody” that was compiled with images of Obama during the primaries in 2008. I miss the hope and enthusiasm we had during that time. How quickly that heightened energy fades.
In any case, Teddy Pendergrass spent some time as the lead singer for Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes. “Wake Up Everybody” was released in 1975 by the group. It’s a song I remember that my mom would sing sometimes coming into my room to wake me up in the morning as a kid, although the song had so much more meaning than that. It’s as applicable today as it was back in 1975.
RIP Teddy Pendergrass (1950-2010)
Wake up everybody no more sleepin in bed
No more backward thinkin time for thinkin ahead
The world has changed so very much
From what it used to be so
there is so much hatred war an’ poverty…
Related Links
Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes official website- www.aaeg.com/bluebio.htm (you gotta visit this site, i loved it!)
NEW YORK—The following is a statement by Wyclef Jean on yesterday’s magnitude 7.0 earthquake outside Port-au-Prince, Haiti:
“Haiti yesterday faced a natural disaster of unprecedented proportion, an earthquake unlike anything the country has ever experienced.
The magnitude 7.0 earthquake – and several very strong aftershocks – struck only 10 miles from Port-au-Prince.
I cannot stress enough what a human disaster this is, and idle hands will only make this tragedy worse. The over 2 million people in Port-au-Prince tonight face catastrophe alone. We must act now.
President Obama has already said that the U.S. stands ‘ready to assist’ the Haitian people. The U.S. Military is the only group trained and prepared to offer that assistance immediately. They must do so as soon as possible. The international community must also rise to the occasion and help the Haitian people in every way possible.”
Many people have already reached out to see what they can do right now. We are asking those interested to please do one of two things: Either you can use your cell phone to text “Yele” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (it will be charged to your cell phone bill), or you can visit www.yele.org and click on DONATE.
Here’s the latest from the Black AIDS Institute on the Trump AIDS campaign. In support of the campaign there is a bid whist tournament. Visit http://www.trumpaids.org/ for a listing of all of the cities that are participating and for more information.
ATLANTA, Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Thirty-four percent of new male HIV infections are in the 40-plus age range and 36 percent of new female HIV infections are in the 40-plus age range. Yet according to the Black AIDS Institute (www.blackaids.org), there have been very few campaigns targeting this population.
“Last year Washington D.C. reported that one in 10 residents between the ages of 40 and 49 had the virus,” says Black AIDS Institute Founder and CEO Phill Wilson. “That is an epidemic that rivals the worst AIDS epidemics in the poorest countries on the planet.”
The Black AIDS Institute has found an innovative way to help Black people ages 40 and up become more aware of HIV/AIDS while raising money to fight the disease in Black communities. The campaign is called Trump AIDS. The campaign uses the traditional Black pastime of bid whist, popular with Black Americans aged 40-plus, as a unique way to target this often overlooked HIV/AIDS demographic. The Martin Luther King Jr. weekend kick-off event in Atlanta, GA includes a Bid Whist Qualifying Tournament and Health Fair in partnership with local Atlanta organizations Sister Love and AID Atlanta.
“We are proud to partner with the Black AIDS Institute on this new and innovative awareness campaign to reach Black Americans,” says Sister Love Founder and President Dazon Dixon. “When two-thirds of the new HIV/AIDS cases among women in the US are Black, now more than ever it’s important to educate and reach every demographic of the Black community.”
The Health Fair includes free onsite HIV testing for all Tournament attendees, players and guests. All are welcome to attend.
“Rates of HIV in persons over 50 years of age are 12 times higher among African Americans than among whites,” according to Achieve Quarterly’s article on HIV Prevention by Timothy G. Heckman, Ph.D. “Older people do not consider themselves at risk. Physicians rarely talk to older patients about sex or other risk behaviors.”
“Trump AIDS is an unprecedented event that will provide Black people who are not actively engaged in the HIV battle with access to important health information,” says Black AIDS Institute COO Aron Myers. “This is a tremendous opportunity for the Atlanta community and good citizenship for all.”
“There’s no way to end the AIDS epidemic in Black communities without targeting this population,” adds Wilson. “The Black AIDS Institute has spent the last decade meeting Black folks where they are. Trump AIDS is a perfect example of identifying an indigenous past time in our community and using it to deliver culturally effective messaging. Everything about this effort, from the date and city where we launch the campaign to celebrity co-chairs—Danny Glover and Jackee Harry—celebrate Black culture.”
“I’m proud to be a Co-Chair of the TrumpAIDS campaign,” says Actor and AIDS Activist Danny Glover. “AIDS does not only affect a select demographic such as youth, women, or gays. It affects all groups of people. That is why Trump AIDS is such an important campaign for Black people to support and participate in. We must unite as a community — for the sake of our community. To do nothing is to be part of the problem.”
Trump AIDS launches in Atlanta, GA in partnership with the 7NO! Players.
“The 7NO! Players are excited to host the kick-off event in Atlanta, GA Martin Luther King Jr. weekend,’ says Montez Collins, President, 7NO! Players. “We look forward to welcoming all of our regular bid whist players and any new comers who are interested in learning more about the game.”
Participants are encouraged to get involved with ending the AIDS epidemic in the Black community while having fun and potentially winning prizes. For a complete list of cities hosting events and to register visit www.TrumpAIDS.org.
About the Black AIDS Institute
Founded in May of 1999, the Black AIDS Institute is the only national HIV/AIDS think tank focused exclusively on Black people. The Institute’s Mission is to stop the AIDS pandemic in Black communities by engaging and mobilizing Black institutions and individuals in efforts to confront HIV. The Institute interprets public and private sector HIV policies, conducts trainings, offers technical assistance, disseminates information and provides advocacy mobilization from a uniquely and unapologetically Black point of view.
Triple threat releases Lifetime movie “Sins of the Mother” February 7, 2010; reveals new album “The Life of the Sun” Spring/Summer 2010; supports Lilith Fair tour with Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, and others.
NEW YORK, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire/ — Grammy Award winning singer/actress Jill Scott preps two movies, a cartoon series, a new bra for her Ashley Stewart intimate apparel line, new album “The Light Of The Sun” as well as main stage inclusion in the upcoming Lilith Fair tour. Scott was recently seen as lead role in HBO’s critically acclaimed “The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” directed by the late Oscar winning director Anthony Minghella. Jill and the show have garnered rave reviews and nominations from the Golden Globes, IPA Satellite Awards to the American Film Institute (AFI). Scott most recently nominated for NAACP Image Awards Outstanding Actress alongside 2 others the series earned including Outstanding Drama Series and Supporting Actress in Drama Series. This gears the triple threat artist for a huge 2010 year.
Scott’s next film project, Lifetime’s “Sins Of The Mother” which bows February 7th, revolves around a grad student who returns home to face her abusive, alcoholic mother – played by Scott – only to discover that her mom is sober and has a 3-year-old daughter and new life. Directed by Paul Kaufman and Executive produced by Damon Lee, the telepic is based on the novel “Orange, Mint & Honey” and adapted for television by Elizabeth Hunter.
Tyler Perry‘s “Why Did I Get Married Too?” releases April 2nd and returns Scott to the widely successful movie alongside Janet Jackson, Michael Jai White & Tyler Perry. Having their annual one-week reunion, four close couples gather together for a group vacation at the Bahamas to share news about their lives and relationships. Their intimate week in paradise is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Sheila’s (Scott) ex-husband, Mike, who looks forward to breaking up her marriage with Troy. While Sheila deals with her problem, the others realize they too are not immune to the challenges of commitment and fidelity.
Marvel Animation and BET Networks have teamed up to create the epic animated mini-series “Black Panther” out mid 2010. Scott voices X-men Heroine Storm alongside Golden Globe nominated actor Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond), Kerry Washington (Last King of Scotland) & Golden Globe winning actress Alfre Woodard (American Violet).
Ashley Stewart’s Butterfly Bra inspired by Jill Scott was widely successful garnering great coverage in “Women’s Wear Daily,” “Instyle Magazine” and “US Weekly.” The exclusive joint venture between Scott’s firm J Heather Inc. & Ashley Stewart stores saw the bra line expand nationally to over 220 stores. Founded from Scott’s need for support, comfort & style, a new innovative plunge style bra has been developed, and will be released nationally in the 2nd Quarter of 2010.
Following up to 2007′s Grammy nominated Gold certified album “The Real Thing,” Jill is currently in the studio recording her 5th album titled “The Light Of The Sun.” The album embarks Jill on a flurry of emotional poetry as both her career and personal life have skyrocketed with success in Hollywood and birth of first child. The album is expected to be a Spring/Summer 2010 release, just in time for Scott’s return to the stage.
Returning to her first love, live performance, Scott will be a featured performer alongside her colleagues Sarah McLachlan, Mary J.Blige, Sheryl Crow, Erykah Badu, Colbie Caillat at the 2010 Lilith Fair Tour; a celebration of diverse female voices across all genres. Dates are still being confirmed and are updated on www.lilithfair.com.
To find out more updates on Jill Scott, film, music and other upcoming projects please visit www.jillscott.com.
For more info on her non profit organization Blues Babe Foundation please visit www.bluesbabefoundation.org.
50% of your donation (less Pay Pal fees) will go to Emerge Global charity (http://emergeglobal.org/). The other 50% funds the sweat equity I put into my work for your enjoyment. My hope is that one day I will be able to donate 100% to charity.
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