1. Outstanding Achievement for Informational Programs — Single Magazine Program, Program Series, or Segment: NextTV Series: Cheryle R. Jackson, Executive Producer; Tracey Scruggs Yearwood, Supervising Producer; Michelle McKissack, Producer/Reporter; Beverly Price, Producer; Richelle Rogers, Producer; Donna Wilson, Producer; Milana Walter, Producer; Ayana Bush, Producer
2. Outstanding Achievement for Individual Excellence Off Camera: Editing-Non News: Ryan Mayers

“NextTV winning two Emmy Awards for its debut season is a remarkable achievement,” said Herman Brewer, acting president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League. “This fast-paced, dynamic program is needed at a time when so many people are searching for inspiration to overcome the obstacles in their lives. NextTV showcases everyday people beating the odds and succeeding in their lives and careers and making their entrepreneurial dreams a reality.”

NextTV debuted on FOX Chicago (WFLD) and My50 Chicago (WPWR) in February 2009. NextTV quickly built a loyal audience and showcased successful African American entrepreneurs, job seekers and homeowners. In its first season, nextTV featured: business owners enrolled in the Urban League’s rigorous nextONE program; individuals seeking new job opportunities; families looking for help with purchasing a home or saving their home from foreclosure; and some of the best African American owned places for entertainment and dining.

“I am thrilled that nextTV has been recognized with two Emmy Awards,” said Cheryle Robinson Jackson, president and CEO of the Chicago Urban League, who is currently on a leave of absence. “When we set out to do a television show, all we had was an idea and a strong desire to showcase positive cultural images that give people hope. Thanks to our generous sponsors and our partnership with FOX Chicago, we have created an outstanding television program that, based on the Emmy wins, was much needed in the Chicago market.”

“Winning two Emmy awards is proof positive that there is value in using the power of media to portray positive images of African Americans,” said Tracey Scruggs Yearwood, supervising producer of nextTV and vice president of multimedia at the Urban League. “I am grateful for Cheryle Robinson Jackson’s vision for nextTV, our sponsors, the production crew and on-air talent, and the dynamic Chicagoans who allowed us into their lives so their stories can empower others to succeed.”

The second season of nextTV is currently in production. Encore episodes of season one can be viewed on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. CT on My50 Chicago (WPWR). Archived episodes of the first season of nextTV and an interactive blog can be accessed at www.changeyoucansee.com. Season one sponsors of nextTV included BP, ComEd, Allstate, The Black McDonald’s Operators Association and The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation. Production support for nextTV is provided by Media Process Group.

The Live Up apparel product line includes The Dreadsock, an original company product that protects dreadlocks and natural hairstyles by gathering and completely encasing the hair, while allowing it to fall freely during sleep and active periods; the Shortie protects both long and short hairstyles by keeping the hair up and covered during daytime activities, sleep, or for reasons of safety and convenience; the Dreadsock Headband for activities where it is desirable to keep the hair off the face, collected, or simply to hold it fashionably toward the back of the head; the Dreadsock Bandana for securing long hair back without feeling constrained.

The entire Dreadsock Live Up(TM) apparel line is manufactured from a high-tech polyester blend that is stretchable, breathable and smooth to the touch. The fabric is colorfast and treated to incorporate anti-static, moisture wicking and anti-bacterial properties. Live Up(TM) apparel is available in a wide range of colors and sizes.

Dreadsock Inc. is a hair apparel company that designs, manufactures and retails products that protect dreadlocked and long hairstyles. The company was founded by Julian Burke and incorporated on April 23, 2004. Its focus is producing high quality apparel products for the natural hair community. Currently, products are sold exclusively through the company’s website www.dreadsock.com

And Precious is especially good at transforming dark to light, hate to love and the relentlessly callous landscape of her environment into something bearable.

There is no airbrushing or sugarcoating in Lee Daniels’ second film, “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire.” Grit, fried food and palpable street shots of Harlem during the 1980s pervade the screen. “Precious” is a heavy film, filled with glints of light.

 FULL ARTICLE HERE

Pictured: Actress Gabourey Sidibe arrives at the AFI FEST 2009 Screening Of Precious: Based On The Novel ‘PUSH’ By Sapphire on November 1, 2009 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

On Sunday, November 15 at 10:00 p.m.* BET News and Star Jones take viewers straight to one of the cities carrying the heaviest burden of this epidemic — Jackson, Mississippi — with a one-hour news special, HEART OF THE CITY: DYING TO EAT IN JACKSON .

“I used to be scared to step out there on the issue of Obesity but I realized that I wasn’t being fair because I have a public platform and I need to use it for good,” said Star Jones, host of HEART OF THE CITY: DYING TO EAT IN JACKSON. “I am not the ‘poster child’ for a specific weight loss method but I am a true advocate for adopting a healthy lifestyle because with all humility, doing so has saved my life.”

Home to the U.S.’s largest population of African-Americans, the magnolia state annually weighs in as America’s fattest state. The state’s capitol has been called the canary in the coalmine for what awaits Black America should the obesity issue continue to go unchecked. The prevalence of obesity among African Americans in Mississippi is even greater than the national average for African-Americans, especially among Black women. And more alarming, increasing numbers of African-American children in the state are being diagnosed with obesity-related illnesses that in the past had been only found in adults.

“Obesity is a critical issue in our community that has not received the attention it deserves,” says Keith Brown, Senior Vice President of BET News and Public Affairs. “It was important for us to focus not only on the problem, but also on the inspiring stories of people taking control of their lives and making positive change in their communities.”

HEART OF THE CITY: DYING TO EAT IN JACKSON reveals a perfect storm of socio-economic, cultural, environmental elements and individual lifestyle choices that have caused so many of Jackson’s citizens to become obese. Almost one of every three Mississippians has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater — the dividing line between being overweight and being obese. However, even in the face of these grim statistics there is hope. The efforts of those who determined to shrug off their city’s dubious distinction are leading Jackson in a new direction to trim the fat.

Through the use of personal accounts, compelling packages, startling statistics and open dialogue between the community at risk and expert guests, HEART OF THE CITY: DYING TO EAT IN JACKSON will lay out all the facts surrounding obesity in Black America. Dr. David Satcher, Satcher Health Leadership Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine; Dr. Aaron Shirley, Jackson Medical Mall Foundation; Dr. Timothy Quinn, Mississippi family physician; Barbara Broadwater and Rita Redd from Mississippi Against Obesity Foundation are among the guest experts who will shed light on the growing problem.

HEART OF THE CITY: DYING TO EAT IN JACKSON is a production of BET News. Traci Curry serves as producer for the special with Jason Samuels as senior series producer and Keith Brown, BET Senior Vice President of News and Public Affairs as executive producer.

Pictured: TV personality Star Jones speaks onstage at the 2007 Angel Ball sponsored by LEVIEV to benefit the G&P Foundation for Cancer Research at the Marriott Marquis hotel in New York on October 29, 2007. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for LEVIEV)

The annual event presented three prestigious awards to individuals selected from across the globe, including:

Alonzo Mourning is a seven-time NBA All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year and also the founder of Alonzo Mourning Charities, a not-for-profit public fundraising foundation, whose vision is to inspire through advocacy, education and enrichment services. Mourning is also the captain of the McDonald’s All American® Games Advisory Council, a prestigious institution of McDonald’s All American alumni who donate their good will and reputations to promote the Games and help the rising stars of tomorrow build a lasting legacy of good sportsmanship and charity. The All American Games have raised millions of dollars for RMHC and its network of local Chapters since its inception in 1978. He is honored with the RMHC Award of Excellence for his commitment to building strong communities by supporting programs and initiatives that promote positive change.

• Dr. Philip A. Pizzo is Dean of the School of Medicine at Stanford University and the Carl and Elizabeth Naumann Stanford University School of Medicine and professor of Pediatrics, Microbiology and Immunology. He was honored with the RMHC Medical Award of Excellence for his contributions in the areas of childhood cancer and HIV/AIDS.
• Jonah and Lynn Kaufman, McDonald’s® owner/operators and dedicated philanthropists were honored with the Gerry Newman McTLC Award of Excellence for their legacy of philanthropy through their support of RMHC and many other organizations including Huntington School District, the Child Care Council of Suffolk, and the Family Service League of Long Island. Through the Family Service League, the Kaufmans founded and continue to support a “Back to School Boutique” which provides school supplies and backpacks to over 800 children from low income families each year.

“We are pleased to recognize these remarkable individuals for their on-going contributions to children,” said Marty Coyne, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities. “Like RMHC, these award recipients are committed to being part of the solution in providing access to care for children so they can live fulfilling and productive lives.”

Pictured: NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning received the Ronald McDonald House Charities(R) (RMHC(R)) Award of Excellence during the Charities’ 25th Annual Awards of Excellence celebration on Saturday, November 7, 2009 in Rosemont, Ill. The gala honored four individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improve the lives of children. (From left to right: Linda Dunham, chair of the Global Board of Trustees for RMHC; Award of Excellence honoree and NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning and president and CEO of RMHC Marty Coyne). (PRNewsFoto/Ronald McDonald House Charities)

Dr. Foreman, an MIT graduate and former professor at Florida A&M and Florida State Universities, was terminated from his job on September 25th of this year after contacting Kate Hanni regarding excessive surface delays. Foreman maintains that any information he sent Hanni was public data he collected from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Hanni, who founded the Flyers’ Rights Organization after being stuck on the tarmac for nine hours in December of 2006, had been exchanging information regarding airport strandings with Dr. Foreman in order to find solutions, both for the flying public as well as Metron Aviation. Dr. Foreman asserts that he was unaware he was in violation of any laws or rules of the company.

Dr. Foreman claims that he not only was unlawfully terminated, but he and his family’s private e-mails were illegally hacked. Foreman and his wife are presently considering legal action against Metron Aviation, Inc. and Delta Airlines. Meanwhile, an incensed Foreman is now dedicating his time and resources to solving increased safety and delay problems associated with flying by volunteering as Research Director for the Flyers’ Rights Organization, the largest airline, passenger rights group in existence.

Dr. Foreman, the world’s leading expert on surface delays and airspace redesign, is the owner and CEO of Mathematical Modeling Inc. (MMI), a company dedicated to providing information technology and data security. The former NASA Graduate Fellow and first African-American to be awarded a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Florida A&M University, is a distinguished scientist and engineer who has received over 23 awards, 50-plus patents for his inventions, and numerous distinctions over his 34-year career.

After opening remarks by Wyclef Jean, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, school Principal Saliyah Cruz and representatives from Timberland and VILLA, more than 125 volunteers – including VILLA employees and members of the 76ers team – went to work. With a goal of creating a more inspirational and productive environment for students, hands-on projects included:

• Installation of outdoor classroom, including picnic tables, planter benches, garden of fruit trees and indigenous plants
• Fresh paint and murals, bookshelves, computer station and seating in seniors lounge
• New equipment and fresh paint and murals in weight room
• Fresh paint and murals in counselor’s office and discipline office, as well as themed hallway stripes and murals for each school academy

In addition, Wyclef Jean held three sessions with students: the “History of Hip-Hop” class heard first-hand from one of the music world’s greatest; ninth graders heard about the importance of respect in high school; and the “Student Leaders” group and seniors learned Wyclef’s thoughts on community leadership and staying true to your roots. On the sports side, 76ers players and coaches spoke with athletes about balancing sports and school, understanding the role sports play in improving communities around the world, and making the transition to college sports.

The day’s projects were organized and led by a team of City Year Philadelphia corps members.

“Our mission is to educate and inspire youth in inner cities, especially Philadelphia, to become community leaders,” said Jason Lutz, CEO of VILLA. “As we celebrate 20 years serving urban neighborhoods and inspiring change with our “Big Serve” platform, we’re proud to be able to partner with Timberland, the 76ers and NBA Cares to help create positive and lasting change for this school. This has truly been a great day.”

Today’s service event, VILLA’s largest ever, falls in line with the retailer’s mission to partner with schools, companies, and community leaders to create opportunities for community investment and education initiatives. After reviewing proposals from several local community and civic groups, VILLA selected West Philadelphia High School for this project based on the school’s transformative impact on students and the community as a whole. “We see this school as a true beacon of hope for urban schools,” said Lutz.

“On behalf of the students and staff at West Philadelphia High School, I want to thank VILLA, The Timberland Company, NBA Cares, Philadelphia Sixers, City Year, The School District of Philadelphia, Wyclef Jean and volunteers from throughout the Philadelphia area for pitching in and helping to beautify our school,” said West Philadelphia High School Principal Saliyah Cruz. “West Philadelphia High School continues to strive to be one of the best high schools in the country and today’s investment in our school will create a more inspirational and productive environment for students.”

The School District of Philadelphia is the eighth largest school district in the nation with more than 161,500 students — nearly 940 of them attending West Philadelphia High School. West Philadelphia High School has been at its current location since 1912. The School District of Philadelphia recently held a groundbreaking to start construction of a new state-of-the-art West Philadelphia High School, slated to open in September 2011. Much of today’s work will be transported to the new school when it opens.

“It’s an honor to be a part of a community initiative that engages and motivates youth, and shares our own purpose and passion,” said Theresa Palermo, senior director of marketing for Timberland North America. “We thank Wyclef Jean and the 76ers for sharing such valuable life lessons with these students today, and we commend VILLA for the meaningful work they continue to do in the city of Philadelphia.”

Today’s event marks the first of two service events that Timberland will be hosting in partnership with NBA Cares. The second will take place in connection with the NBA All-Star Game in February 2010.

“NBA Cares is excited to work with Timberland to give back to children and families here in Philadelphia, and when we get to Dallas for 2010 NBA All-Star,” said NBA Vice President of Community Relations, Todd Jacobson. “This new partnership aligns perfectly with the NBA’s ongoing commitment to hands-on community service and dedication to generating fan awareness around the importance of volunteerism.”

It also coincides with a new partnership between Wyclef Jean and The Timberland Company that launched this month. Wyclef is one of six Earthkeeper Heroes within the company’s 2009 Earthkeepers program, which aims to catalyze a movement of environmental and social activists. A first for both Wyclef Jean and Timberland, this innovative partnership fuses music, product, digital and social media, service events and concerts to motivate and inspire consumers to take action in protecting the environment.

Highlighting the partnership is a collection of boots that debuted this week under the popular Timberland Earthkeepers(TM) line. For every pair of Earthkeepers(TM) Yele Haiti boots sold, $2 will be donated to Wyclef’s Yele Haiti organization to support reforestation in Haiti. The collection of eco-conscious footwear, made from recycled and organic materials, will be available globally for men, women and kids. VILLA is the first location in the Philadelphia area to be carrying the Yele Haiti collection.

Pictured: Multiple Grammy Award-winning musician and humanitarian Wyclef Jean inspires students at West Philadelphia High School to be respectful community leaders during an initiative hosted by VILLA and Timberland on Thursday, November 5, 2009. Wyclef recently partnered with Timberland to launch the Earthkeepers Yele Haiti footwear collection and motivate consumers to help protect the environment. For every pair sold, $2 will be donated to his Yele Haiti organization to support reforestation in Haiti. (PRNewsFoto/Timberland, Scott Gries/PictureGroup)

The audience at Berlin’s O2 World was treated to a mesmerizing performance of “Sweet Dreams,” by Beyonce and television viewers across Europe tuned in to the live telecast. MTV US channels, mtvU and MTV2, will air a one-hour version of the Awards on Sunday, November 15; 12:00 AM on MTV2 and 8:00 PM on mtvU. MTV Tr3s will also air a one-hour version on Saturday, November 21 at 2:00 PM and the full show will air on Palladia on Saturday, November 28 at 9:00 PM with a repeat at Midnight. All times are Eastern Standard.

Since its release on November 18, 2008, Beyonce’s latest album, “I AM…SASHA FIERCE,” has topped the album charts around the world and spawned five #1 singles, including EMA winners “Halo” and “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It).”

The “I AM…” world tour continues its successful run with stops in Egypt (11/6), Greece (11/8) and three shows at London’s 02 Arena starting on November 14. Beyonce will mark the one-year anniversary of the release of “I AM…SASHA FIERCE” onstage at MEN Arena in Manchester, England. On November 2, “I AM…SASHA FIERCE Platinum Edition,” was released in Europe. The CD/DVD collection features exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, four new songs and all eight videos, including “Sweet Dreams.”

Music World Music/Columbia Records will release “I AM…YOURS An Intimate Performance At Wynn Las Vegas”– a concert performance DVD and Live CD that captures a never-before-seen performance from Beyonce on Monday, November 23. It will be available on DVD (amaray) and Deluxe Edition 2 CD/DVD (digipack) and Blu-ray on December 15.

Filmed at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on August 2, 2009, this extraordinary concert features performances of over 30 songs from Beyonce’s three multi-platinum solo releases, Destiny’s Child catalog and a few surprises. On Thanksgiving night, November 26, the ABC Network will air the one-hour television special, “Beyonce-I AM…YOURS.” It is the first network special from the superstar. The airing is scheduled for 9:00 PM/EST.

Also available on Monday, November 23 is the “I AM…SASHA FIERCE” Deluxe Edition which will feature five #1 hits and two bonus tracks which include “Video Phone (Extended Remix),” featuring Billboard magazine’s Rising Star for 2009, Lady Gaga.

The video premiere of “Video Phone,” originally scheduled to air on MTV channels across the globe, including the US, following the airing of the EMAs from Berlin, will air at a later date in November.

According to Billboard magazine, the “Video Phone” debut on the Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop chart makes “I AM…SASHA FIERCE” the first album in a decade to yield six entries which include “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” “If I Were A Boy,” “Diva,” “Halo,” “Ego” and “Video Phone.” Beyonce also extended her current lead to 13, for most top 10’s on the Hot 100 Billboard chart by a female artist this decade when “Sweet Dreams” entered the chart at number eight.

Pictured: US singer Beyonce Knowles poses after receiving one of three awards she got during the MTV Europe Music Awards 2009 for the ‘Best Group’ at the O2 Arena in Berlin on November 5, 2009. It was the second time that the MTV awards were held in Berlin — part of efforts by the music industry to jump on the back of the Wall anniversary to boost flagging sales. AFP PHOTO DDP / POOL/ RAINER JENSEN GERMANY OUT (Photo credit should read RAINER JENSEN/AFP/Getty Images)

With more than 18 years across a broad range of industries, Ms. Lowe has Federal Government customer expertise in the U.S. Army, Department of Justice (DOJ), National Geospatial Agency (NGA), and other Department of Defense (DoD), civil and intelligence organizations. She has successfully directed multibillion-dollar programs and engagements, including $100 million+ initiatives in the areas of information technology, program management and business development. Ms. Lowe has a proven track record for leading and managing multi-functional teams, programs, and contracts that deliver results.

“Belinda is a strong leader with excellent relationship building skills with clients, internal teams, external partners, and employees at all levels of an organization,” said Steven J. Letts, chief executive officer of Koniag Services, Inc. “Her expertise and leadership will allow us to maximize new business opportunities for the company and deliver value to our government partners.”

Before joining Koniag Services’ executive leadership team, Ms. Lowe served as Vice President and Senior Account Executive of Subsystem Technologies, Inc., where she was responsible for developing and implementing corporate growth strategic plans and the new business outlook for U.S. Army and Department of Defense (DoD) programs.

Ms. Lowe has a wealth of expertise working within the federal government market, including Clients and Industry Partners. During her tenure with NCI Information Systems, Inc. she managed, captured, and ran the business and technical aspects of a $20 billion account (with revenues of $400 million), ranking third out of 16 prime contractors and resulting in a significant increase to NCI shareholders. Ms. Lowe led a team that captured and realized new business and revenue of $126 million in less than nine months, expanding NCI’s geographical footprint nationally and internationally. She spearheaded, developed and implemented the 2008 Information Technology Enterprise Solutions-2 Services (ITES-2S) program partner strategy that resulted in a Team Bid ratio of approximately 300%, and a win ratio of 31%. Ms. Lowe led a team of approximately 80 companies, including small businesses, to facilitate new business and growth opportunities that strategically positioned NCI in the Army client market.

“Belinda represents the future growth of the company in so many ways,” said Eric Harris, Vice President and General Manager of KSI. “Her presence is the catalyst needed to continue our winning traditions and succeed in an increasingly competitive environment.”

Ms. Lowe served in progressive leadership positions at Lockheed Martin, with responsibilities for program management, technical operations, capture management, business strategies and customer relations in the U.S. Intelligence, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Justice (DOJ) markets. She was consistently recognized by Senior Executive management and named High Potential Executive by Lockheed Martin Information Technology (LMIT) in 2006 and by Lockheed Martin Technical Operations (LMTO) in 2004.

During Ms. Lowe’s active duty service in the U.S. Army, she served in various commands nationally and internationally, including 3(rd) Infantry Division; U.S. Army Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); U.S. Army Garrison (USAG), Ft. Meade, Md. and at U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM).

Ms. Lowe has a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and Administration from the University of Maryland, University College (UMUC) in College Park, Md.

Active in a number of professional and service organizations, Ms. Lowe has served on the board of the Belvoir chapter of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) and is a member of the association’s Northern Virginia chapter. She has served as chair of the business and economic development committee of the National Black MBA Association, Inc., and is a member of the National Association of Female Executives, National Management Association and the International Management chapter of the alumni association of UMUC. She is also a member of the Phi Kappa Phi & Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Societies, University of Maryland.

Koniag Services, Inc. is an Alaska Native-Owned, 8(a) certified Information Technology (IT) solutions firm headquartered in Chantilly, Va. KSI provides detailed and comprehensive support to federal agencies seeking to increase their operational effectiveness in meeting mission requirements by implementing enterprise-wide IT improvements and upgrades. KSI was named by two Washington-area newspapers as a top ranked technology company in the Washington, D.C., area.

KSI specializes in providing highly effective Information Sharing Solutions, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Systems Services, capital planning investment control, program and project management, and assistive technology solutions to federal government clients who require expert support in designing, developing, integrating, implementing, and operating IT projects across their network enterprises. KSI’s integrated capabilities consistently generate significant, positive, enterprise-level results with operational advantages for our clients. For more information on Koniag Services, visit www.ksikoniag.com.

Pictured: Belinda Lowe, Business Development Executive, Koniag Services, Inc. (KSI). (PRNewsFoto/Koniag Services, Inc., Jenny Ruley)

“As champions of justice, Bono and Wyclef have brought the national spotlight to human rights violations, empowered local activists, and transformed the lives of millions of people living in poverty from Port-Au-Prince to Darfur,” said Kerry Kennedy, founder of the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights. “Their efforts evoke the spirit of my father and we are honored to recognize them.”

The award will honor Bono, lead singer of U2 and co-founder of the advocacy organization ONE and (Product) RED, for his efforts in the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa (www.one.org, www.joinred.com). The organization will recognize Wyclef Jean for his work to strengthen and inspire change in his native country of Haiti through his Yele Haiti organization (www.yele.org).

In addition to the award presentation, there will be special appearances and performances by Wyclef Jean, Governor David Paterson, Governor Jon Corzine, Peter Gallagher, Matthew Modine, Adam Arkin, Joey Pantoliano, and Gloria Reuben. There will also be a special tribute to Senator Edward Kennedy, who served as a member of the RFK Board of Directors from 1968 until his passing this year.

The RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the human rights movement through innovative support to human rights defenders around the world. With an over forty-year track record of attaining concrete results on cutting-edge social justice issues, the RFK Center carries forward Robert F. Kennedy’s vision of a more just and peaceful world.

Pictured: Wyclef Jean performs at the MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA) with Zain at the Moi International Sports Centre on October 10, 2009 in Nairobi, Kenya. (Photo by Michelly Rall/Getty Images)