The Joy of Jesus is an on-line church that offers its members the Word of god and prayers for the world. So many people spend their waking time on-line. Why not worship on-line?

February 6, 2010, PR Log — The Joy of Jesus on-line church is a new concept that allows its readers worship on-line. People may ask, “how can you worhship on-line? This is an interesting question. The answers is rather challenging at best.

The Joy of Jesus is Pastored by The Rev. Dr. James A. Lee. ” Our goal at The Joy of Jesus is to provide scripture and prayer for the world.” We offer a sermon and ministry for jobs, education and now a war on poverty. We pray for people around the world.The Joy of Jesus http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/.

Saint Paul wrote letters to his followers that is nearly fifty percent of The New Testament. We do the same thing with the computer. The writings of Paul live with us today. We really want to help people in need with our partnership with the Red Cross.

Rev. Dr. James A. Lee a minister of The Lord Jesus Christ for over 40 years. Pastor of The Joy of Jesus http://thejoyofjesuschurchonline.blogspot.com/.

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ — Son of the Legendary Bob Marley, Ky-Mani pens his personal, controversial memoir, Dear Dad: “Where’s The Family In Our Family, Today?” The Story the Marley Family Apparently Doesn’t Want You to Know. Available now on Amazon and in book stores to coincide with Bob Marley’s 65th birthday February 6, 2010.

According to Fortune magazine, the Bob Marley estate generates as much as $600 million, and by 2012, it is expected to generate in excess of $1 Billion–making Bob Marley the richest deceased celebrity. With all the wealth, the acclaim and the legacy, why would the Marley family try to censor a true life story written by of one of Bob Marley’s sons–who many say is the son who best resembles his father’s extraordinary talent? In fact, the Marley family is so outraged over the publishing of this memoir they lodged a campaign of intimidation over Ky-Mani Marley as the author of this book, unless the thus far forsaken and ostracized son of Bob Marley rewrites the truth and omits the sometimes harsh realities of his being excluded from the Marley family’s affairs and events, and of intentionally being denied the love and attention enjoyed by the other children. They also demand that he confirm and showcase such distortions during his interviews and the highly awaited book tour.

Ky-Mani’s publisher, Dr. Farrah Gray, defends the memoir and the author’s right to disclose and describe the story of his life, even if it exposes situations and episodes the Marley estate prefers not to reveal. Gray’s position is based on his personal commitment to the truth and is also grounded in law. Legal authorities confirm the publisher’s right to pursue a claim of ‘tortious interference’ –a civil action that could possibly deem the Marley estate liable for damages caused by its threats to Marley’s son. Injunctive relief is also being considered.

“Family politics can be a straight bitch. It can flow deep. And it can cut deep. You have to understand what I’m calling family politics. It was family politics that gave me all of the growing-up experiences I have detailed in this book,” said Ky-Mani Marley.

The truth–and this book–will not be stopped. Published to coincide with Bob Marley’s birthday, Dear Dad: “Where’s The Family in Our Family, Today?” The Story the Marley Family Apparently Doesn’t Want You to Know (Farrah Gray Publishing; February 6, 2010; ISBN-13: 978-0-9727-0999-6; $14.95; Original Trade Paperback), by world-renowned and Grammy®-nominated recording and performing artist, Ky-Mani Marley–Bob Marley’s tenth child–is a compelling biographical account of a son who was locked out of his iconic father’s shelter after his death, and forced to survive poverty and run-ins with the street-predators of Miami’s violent ghetto. Ky-Mani grew up estranged from his siblings, and also cut out of any financial gain by Marley’s widow and manager of the Marley Estate. This compelling narrative chronicles young Ky-Mani’s gritty ascent from a bullet-riddled life to the world stages he now commands as a musical artist–a platform he has made on his own

Ky-Mani performs songs of redemption around the world like his famous father did, but has also lived to tell his personal redemptive story.

source: Farrah Gray Publishing

New York, NY, February 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ — Leading global African-themed style and cultural magazine ARISE selected top African designers Black Coffee (www.blackcoffee.co.za), Loin Cloth and Ashes (www.loinclothandashes.com) along with Deola Sagoe (www.deolasagoedesign.com) to showcase Fall/Winter 2010 designs during the publication’s AFRICAN COLLECTIVE PART III Mercedes Benz Fashion Week runway presentation.

On Saturday, February 13th at 8 p.m., show producer Jan Malan will transform Bryant Park’s largest venue, The Tent, into a living African landscape with elaborate staging inspired by award-winning poet Ben Okri. Models will walk through a virtual day and night on the great continent flush with excitement as South Africa gears up to host the FIFA World Cup and many states celebrate a half century of independence as well as economies poised for rapid growth.

The AFRICAN COLLECTIVE PART III, along with a series of international ARISE-branded events, will act as a unique and valuable platform for the great scope of talent ARISE Magazine documents monthly. Chairman and CEO Nduka Obaigbena of Leaders & Co., parent company to this London-based publication and Nigeria’s best-selling newspaper THISDAY (www.thisdayonline.com), believes the event will create and promote positive images to its readership residing throughout the world and even encourage investment in African nations.

“Our tomorrow is bright,” said Obaigbena, “Showing for the third consecutive season at Bryant Park and in a larger venue is a testament to the continued success of our initiatives. I look forward to what is sure to be an amazing usage of African visual aesthetics recreated on the catwalk.”

Fresh from Berlin Fashion Week and receiving the Mercedes Benz South Africa Best Fashion Award 2009, Black Coffee designers Jacques van der Watt and Danica Lepen are new to a US audience. “It’s a great experience for us and a little bit of a treat in a business that is a great deal of hard work,” said van der Watt.

Lagos-based Deola Sagoe will be returning to New York Fashion Week after a decade. “To have come this far ordains a measure of success that I could not have imagined for myself. I am thrilled and honoured to be showing in New York.”

For the first time, an emerging designer, Loin Cloth and Ashes, from Tanzania, will also be part of the collective ensuring a triumvirate of African Design is represented. “My one dream was always to show my work in Africa,” said Anisa Mpungwe. “I would have never for one minute thought that I would ever show overseas, let alone in America, I am grateful to ARISE Magazine for this incredible opportunity.”

In addition to the New York show, ARISE Magazine will present during Paris Fashion Week on March 5, 2010, and host a Fashion Rocks! event in Johannesburg on July, 9, 2010. The highly-anticipated event will feature a fashion show and simultaneous performance by an uber, American songstress.

About ARISE Magazine (www.arisemagazine.net)

ARISE is a global style magazine that celebrates African achievement in the realms of fashion, music, culture and polity. It is published by THISDAY Media Group. The high-end monthly glossy is sold in London, New York, Washington DC, Milan, Paris and Nigeria. It is aimed at areadership within the global African diaspora that share an interest in the cultural successes and positive social developments coming out of the continent. Its mix of fashion, music, and polity is tailored to appeal to young, affluent readers and to a 60/40 female/male audience.

About Black Coffee (www.blackcoffee.co.za)

In 1998, while South Africa was searching for a new identity, Black Coffee was formed by Jacques van der Watt, a graduate of Leggatts Design Academy, Johannesburg. He was joined in 2004 by Danica Lepen, who completed her studies at Midrand Graduate Institute, Johannesburg. In the ten years since its inception, Black Coffee has shown at South African Fashion Week, Cape Town Fashion Week and San Francisco Fashion Week. The label has been nominated five times for the SA Fashion Awards and has won twice (in 2001 and 2007). Black Coffee is also the 2009 winner of the Mercedes Benz Award for Fashion. Black Coffee currently retails from the Black Coffee stores in Melville, Johannesburg, as well as selected stores in Pretoria and Cape Town. A new installation store opened in November 2009 at Arts on Main, Johannesburg.

About Deola Sagoe (www.deolasagoedesign.com)

Nigerian Deola Sagoe began designing in 1998 and has gained international notoriety for her lively and colorful designs. Her aesthetic holds a definitive African feel – making use of woven fabrics, and accessories like cowries, crystals, and beads, as well as the extensive use of gold. She was recently appointed to represent Nigeria in “Catwalk the World: Fashion for Food.”  Sagoe frequently exhibits her couture collection at Cape Town Fashion Week and has been an invited guest of New York Fashion Week in the past. Sagoe has won the “Africa Designs” and the MNET/ Anglo Gold African designs 2000 awards for which she was nominated by Andre Leon Tally, US Vogue editor. She also has famous fans such as Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith.

About Loin Cloth and Ashes (www.loinclothandashes.com)

Tanzanian- born Anisa Mpungwe launched her label Loin Cloth and Ashes in August 2008. Named after the Hebrew custom of Sackcloth and Ashes, that expresses humility before the higher spirit by wearing coarse cloth, normally used to make sacks, and dusting oneself with ashes. LCA is known for its hidden detailing, elegant edgy vibe, comfort and fit. Dresses make a statement but still maintain timeless air of luxury and style. Inspired by art, music, passion, shape and mood swings, Loin Cloth & Ashes loves a woman who is powerful and confident about herself and the beauty she proudly holds.

On January 28, 1985, a day after the American Music Awards, stars gathered in Jim Henson studios under the direction Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie to record “We Are The World.” The goal was to raise money and awareness about hunger in Africa.  Proceeds were donated to the newly formed charity, at the time, USA for Africa (www.usaforafrica.org).  To date, over $63 million dollars have been raised from this original recording co-written by Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson.

Almost precisely 25 years later, dozens of entirely different stars gathered again in Jim Henson studios under the same direction of Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie to re-record “We Are The World.”  Proceeds from the version of the recording will go into a yet to be named fund to raise money for victims of the earthquake that ravaged Haiti on January 12, 2010.  The song underwent some lyrics tweaking from Will.I.Am who added a little rap to the song as well as Lionel Richie.  Janet Jackson, who was not part of the 1985 recording, has been asked to sing her deceased brother Michael Jackson’s parts that he delivered in the original song although she was not present at yesterday’s (February 2, 2010) recording session.  The song will debut at the 2010 Winter Olympics on February 12, 2010.

Lil Wayne apparently speculated as to why the earthquake in Haiti was the premise for the song’s revival as opposed to Hurricane Katrina that ravaged the Gulf region back in 2005.

Here’s a news report from Good Day LA…

Here is some footage of the recording day from the Associated Press…

Related Links

Yahoo! News- Stars remake ‘We Are The World’ for Haiti victims

BV Black Spin- News Blast: ‘We Are The World’ to debut during Olympics…

USA Today- Stars gather to cover ‘We Are The World’ for Haiti

ThisIs50.com- Stars record ‘We Are The World’ remake in Hollywood (exclusive photos)

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.

To view programs, visit: www.blacktv247.com and for corporate information, visit: www.btv247.com.

Related Links

Black Web 2.0- BlackTV247.com aggregates all Black TV, all the time

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.

Visit www.rocofilms.com for submission information and guidelines.

About OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK

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.

source: Oprah Winfrey Network

Related Links

Affrodite.net- She’s every woman. Oprah Winfrey to end talk show run Feb 9, 2011 (video, press release)

Sundance Film Festival 2010- festival.sundance.org/2010

Sundance Film Festival 2010- 2010 Sundance Film Festival announces films in competition

WGBH Lab- Current filmmakers in residence

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

1. Using “I Believe…” to start your statement, finish crafting a sentence or more describing what you believe.
2. 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.
   
3. Only positive statements will be considered.
4. 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.
5. You may enter as many comments as you wish, but they must be unique.  Redundant statements from the same entrant will be disqualified.
   
6. Deadline to enter is Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 11:59 PM EST.
7. FIVE winners will be drawn at random.  No entrant may win more than once (although you can enter more than once)
   
8. 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.

Related Links

Affrodite.net- Shop Payless ShoeSource and support 2nd year of Inspiring Possibilities Scholarship Program

Affrodite.net- Payless ShoeSource supports the future of African American and other minority youth with launch of Inspiring Possibilities Scholarship Program

Payless ShoeSource- Black History Month: Inspiring Possibilities Scholarship Fund

National Urban League website- www.nul.org

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.

Aha! I found a synopsis and some of the cast on Black Celebrity Men (blackcelebritymen.blogspot.com) entitled ‘Madea’s Big Happy Family’ cast, synopsis, and reviews.  Read a few excerpts from the post below:

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

Related Links

Ifelicious Thoughts- Tyler Perry’s mother, Willie Maxine Perry, dies at age 64

2 Down Front Entertainment- Tyler Perry in Madea’s Big Happy Family WIN TICKETS

Ticket News- Tyler Perry tour showcases new play ‘Madea’s Big Happy Family’ in 2010

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.

information source: www.eyecareamerica.org

Here’s an additional video I found online as well…

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.

Related Links

Affrodite.net- Allstate’s 2010 Give Back Day Heroes and resources on how to volunteer beyond February

Howard University- Senior Marquis Smith receives Allstate Give Back Day Hero Award

StreetInsider.com- Allstate gives back to metro Detroit on MLK Day

NJ.com- Somerset County Allstate agents give back to the community

Today’s Drum- Give back on MLK Day with Allstate

Allstate’s Beyond February Give Back Day