Wal-Mart Honors African-American History

During the month of February, Wal-Mart once again presents a nationwide program in celebration of Black History Month. For the fifth consecutive year, Wal-Mart shoppers will have the chance to take home free copies of unique, inspiring and educational publications for entire families to enjoy and treasure.

“At Wal-Mart, we celebrate diversity 365 days a year,” said Esther Silver-Parker, vice president diversity relations. “We are proud to offer these special publications in honor of Black History Month, to provide a combination of information and inspiration as well as useful and practical resources to empower families to chart their history and preserve their heritage.”

For 2005, these publications include the all-new “Profiles in Pride” booklet featuring prominent African Americans who have made significant contributions to society. Now in its fifth year of publication, “Profiles in Pride” presents stories of traditions, dreams and success. Each African American featured in the booklet shares his or her story of achievement, as well as a favorite family recipe.

More than 8 million copies of these publications have been distributed throughout the country and have featured such prominent individuals as Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, Andrew Young, Coretta Scott King and Dr. Ben Carson. This year’s booklet includes Judge Nathaniel R. Jones, Patti LaBelle and Gunion ‘Guy’ Bluford among others. Made possible by contributions from Kraft Foods, the booklet is distributed free (while quantities last) from Kraft Black History Month displays in more than 3000 Wal-Mart stores throughout the country in February 2005. The booklet can also be seen on walmartstores.com during February.

Also new this year is the exciting “Milestones in History” Timeline. This keepsake piece is likely to become one of the most requested publications in the program’s history. The over-sized timeline will unfold to nearly five feet in length and will surely be displayed in homes and classrooms alike to show a proud history. One side of the “Milestones in History” Timeline highlights African-American political and social history as well as scientific and cultural milestones. The reverse side features a family heritage timeline that members of all generations can fill in to honor their own history with meaningful milestones and memories. Sponsored by Colgate Palmolive, the timeline is available free in selected Wal-Mart stores.

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM’S CLUB locations in the United States. Internationally, the company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The company’s securities are listed on the New York and Pacific stock exchanges under the symbol WMT. More information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting www.walmartfacts.com. Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com.

Simmons Lathan Media Group Brings the Vision and Determination of the Most Inspiring Contemporary African Americans to DVD February 2005

Simmons Lathan Media Group (SLMG), a leading producer and distributor of urban themed media content, today announced it will bring the vision and determination of the most inspiring contemporary African Americans to DVD in February 2005 by releasing the Russell Simmons Higher Self DVD Series: The HistoryMakers on Faith, The HistoryMakers on Courage, The HistoryMakers on Success. This compelling new DVD documentary series was developed in collaboration with The HistoryMakers, the largest national non-profit organization dedicated to recording and preserving the personal histories of well-known African Americans. Written, directed, and co-produced by new Def Filmmaker Nancy Oey, The HistoryMakers DVD Series is the most comprehensive collection of first hand accounts and archival footage of contemporary African American high achievers ever produced, and offers a groundbreaking look at triumph over prejudice, illness, self-doubt, and poverty.

“The Russell Simmons Higher Self Series is dedicated to featuring the best in independent filmmaking and The HistoryMakers stories represents the kind of strength and perseverance that audiences will find inspiring,” said Will Griffin, president of SLMG.

In the new DVD series, HistoryMaker multi-Grammy winning Isaac Hayes discusses what inspired him to pursue a music career; best-selling author Terry McMillan speaks candidly about the obstacles she overcame to get her best-selling books on store shelves; and compelling interviews with contemporary African Americans like Gordon Parks, Sonia Sanchez, Maxine Waters, Harry Belafonte, BB King, and Vernon Jordon among others offer powerful insights into courage, faith, and success.

Release And Distribution Details
The Russell Simmons Higher Self DVD Series — The HistoryMakers on Faith, The HistoryMakers on Courage, The HistoryMakers on Success — is being distributed by Image Entertainment, and will be released February 15, 2005. Each title in the three part DVD series will retail separately for $14.99.

Castrol Adds ‘Flex Appeal’ Through Partnership With Hip Hop Car Culture Icon

He’s a radio DJ who delivers Hip Hop hits people want to hear. He’s a TV show host with a magnetic personality. He’s a car club founder, racing series organizer, business entrepreneur, and trendsetter. He’s Funkmaster Flex and, with an exclusive partnership with BP Lubricants USA, Inc. announced today, he’s now an advocate for Castrol(R) SYNTEC(R), the full synthetic motor oil that outperforms all leading oils.

Castrol SYNTEC is teaming up with Funkmaster Flex to put the esteemed motor oil brand in front of his devoted fan base and millions of young men and women who are passionate about making vehicles more stylish, more powerful, and better performing. As part of a two-year sponsorship, Castrol SYNTEC becomes the exclusive motor oil for all properties operated by Funkmaster Flex’s business entity, Team Baurtwell. Through the partnership, Castrol SYNTEC receives TV, radio, print, Internet and photographic rights for a variety of advertising and promotional initiatives, as well as a significant presence on Flex’s Web sites.

Initial marketing plans include Castrol SYNTEC product and logo placements on “Ride With Funkmaster Flex” and the “Funkmaster Flex Super Series,” both auto-performance-inspiring shows that air on Spike TV. Castrol SYNTEC plans to run 30-second advertising spots on “Ride With Funkmaster Flex” during each new episode of the season. A custom Castrol SYNTEC car will be designed and featured on Flex’s TV show, and shown throughout his “Celebrity Car Show Tour,” a traveling car/music show that stops at more than 10 cities throughout America and attracts thousands of participants. Flex will also make personal appearances to support the Castrol SYNTEC brand, as well as help inspire the next generation of automotive technicians through the Castrol SYNTEC Outperformers scholarship program.

“Funkmaster Flex is committed to spreading enthusiasm and passion for automotive power, performance and style by introducing aspects of car culture to new audiences of young people across the country,” said Mike DeBiasi, Castrol SYNTEC brand manager. “Flex’s automotive expertise, passion, and excitement for finely tuned and customized vehicles is inspiring and we’re thrilled to forge this partnership with him, putting our premium, highest performing motor oil brand — Castrol SYNTEC — alongside his highly acclaimed shows, events and fans.” The wide-ranging deal was negotiated by DeBiasi and Ken Brooks, of branded entertainment firm, CAE Group Inc. Financial terms were not disclosed.

(via PRNewsWire)

Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri to Co-host Willie Gary Celebrity Scholarship Party during Super Bowl XXXIX

Actress/Entertainer Janet Jackson and super producer Jermaine Dupri team up with famed attorney and Chairman of the Black Family Channel, Willie E. Gary, to host the Willie Gary Celebrity Scholarship Party during the Super Bowl XXXIX festivities in Jacksonville, Florida. This star studded affair will be held Saturday, February 5, 2005 beginning at 9:00 p.m. at the Aetna Building located at 841 Prudential Drive in Jacksonville.

Special invited guests include: Magic Johnson, Bow Wow, Sam Madison, Evander Holyfield, Tommy Ford, Oscar De La Hoya and others who support the mission and fundraising efforts of the Willie E. Gary Classic Foundation. The Black Family Channel is the marquee sponsor for this event. Tickets may be purchased at http://www.ticketannex.com or by telephone at 866-4MY TIXS. For general event information please call 904-353-3008.

Many celebrity guests will also be joining Willie E. Gary at the “Dream Big Dreams” Role Model Day at Raines High School, February 4, 2005, in Jacksonville, Florida. Gary hopes to motivate students to strive for academic excellence as they prepare for the FCAT.

“I am extremely proud of the ways in which we are able to positively impact the lives of youth in our communities,” stated Gary. “After all, our children are our most valuable resource and it is our duty to invest in their future,” Gary continued.

The Willie E. Gary Football Classic is more than a game; it is about the game of life. The organization is dedicated to helping close the education gap, and empowering students with the necessary tools and resources to attain a higher education. Annual programs include: the Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest and luncheon, back to school campaign, Pre-SAT Workshop, and a higher education recruiting fair.

via PRNewsWire

Don Cheadle Calls For Help In The Sudan

Actor Don Cheadle, right, star of the film “Hotel Rwanda”, speaks at a news conference with members of Congress (l to r) Rep. Barbara Lee, (D-Calif.), Rep. Betty McCollum, (D-Minn.), and Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-Ohio) who took a trip with Cheadle to the Darfur region of Sudan, on January 27, 2005 in Washington, DC. The delegation is calling for bipartisan action to stop genocide in the region.

Don Cheadle was nominated as Best Actor in a Leading Role for his role in “Hotel Rwanda”. The 77th Annual Academy Awards are set to air in February 2005.

(Photo by Matthew T. Cavanaugh/Getty Images)

Diana Ross Launches New MAC Products

Singer Diana Ross and John Demsey, Global President of MAC Cosmetics, speak to the media during the launch of her new “MAC Beauty Icon Series 2 Collection” at the MAC Cosmetics store January 20, 2005 in Beverly Hills, California.

This is not Diana Ross’ first foray into the fashion and cosmetics industry. In 1983 she introduced a line of pantyhose called “Diana Ross Ultra Sheers”. Diana Ross was honoured by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1993 as the most successful female singer of all time.

(Photo by Matthew Simmons/Getty Images)

The Year of The Foxx; Jamie Foxx Gets 2 Oscar Nods

Comedian turned serious actor Jamie Foxx received two nods in today Oscar nominee announcements. Jamie is up for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of the legendary Ray Charles in the movie “Ray”. He is up against Don Cheadle, Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Clint Eastwood. He was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Collateral”.

Another notable nominee announcement in the Best Documentary Feature category was the film “Tupac: Resurrection”. The film gives a snapshot into the life and times of the late Tupac Shakur.

Pictured: US actor and musician Jamie Foxx celebrates his Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for his performance in “Ray” at the 62nd annual Golden Globe Awards show 16 January 2005 in Beverly Hills.
(Photo credit HECTOR MATA/AFP/Getty Images)

Actor Lamont Bentley Dies In Car Crash

Popular sit-com actor Lamont Bentley was killed in a car crash according to his manager as cited in various sources. Bentley died Tuesday night when his vehicle reportedly plunged off of a San Diego Freeway. He was the only person in the vehicle.

Bentley’s name may not have been exceedingly popular but his face was; starring as ‘Hakeem’ in the long running UPN sitcom Moesha, Bentley was in many ways the funny man and comic relief of the show. He also played roles in movies such as “Tales From The Hood”, “South Central”, “The Wash”, and even played the late Tupac Shakur in a made for television movie about the life and times of MC Hammer.

Bentley was born October, 25th 1973 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His career in acting started when his mother, an aspiring singer, moved to the Los Angeles area.

(Photo By Getty Images)

Aflac Incorporated Pledges $1 Million in Support of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation

Aflac Incorporated announced a gift of $1 million toward the construction of a national memorial commemorating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Aflac Chairman and CEO, Dan Amos made the announcement during his presentation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Award at the 19th annual MLK Unity Breakfast held at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center.

“We must always remember the magnitude of Dr. King’s contribution to this country,” Amos said. “Aflac is proud to support the building of the King Memorial as a tribute to Dr. King’s untiring work for social change. This project is a wonderful way to honor his legacy and the sacrifices he made.”

Following more than 10 years of lobbying before Congress, Public Law 104-333 was passed in 1996 authorizing the collection of funds to construct a national monument in Washington, DC honoring the revered civil rights leader. Chartered in 1998, the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation has raised more than $33 million toward construction of the memorial. In support of its crusade, the organization will launch a new media campaign in February, featuring Tavis Smiley, Morgan Freeman, and other celebrities in radio and television PSAs.

“The Washington, D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation is honored to accept this significant gift from Aflac. This organization has shown its commitment to sustaining the legacy of Dr. King, as well as his vision for America, by honoring him with this substantial contribution toward the Memorial Project,” said Foundation President, Harry E. Johnson.

The landscaped memorial covering a four-acre triangle will be built on the National Mall and located on the shore of Washington’s Tidal Basin. The monument will be constructed between the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials and next to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. The memorial is envisioned as a quiet and receptive space, yet powerful and emotionally evocative, reflecting the spirit of the message Dr. King delivered and the role he played in society.

The groundbreaking is scheduled for December 2006 with a goal of dedicating the Memorial in December 2008.

In 2002, Aflac donated $1 million to the creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

Aflac Incorporated (NYSE: AFL) is an international holding company. A Fortune 500 company, Aflac insures more than 40 million people worldwide. It is a leading writer of insurance products marketed at the worksite in the United States, offering policies to employees at more than 312,900 payroll accounts. The company insures one out of four Japanese households and is the largest life insurer in Japan in terms of individual insurance policies in force. In January 2004, Aflac was named to Forbes magazine’s “Platinum 400 List of America’s Best Big Companies” for the fifth consecutive year. In March 2004, Fortune magazine included Aflac in its annual listing of “America’s Most Admired Companies.” Aflac’s Internet address is aflac.com.

via PRNewswire

$2 Million in Sallie Mae Fund Scholarships Available for Low Income and Minority Students

The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, announced today that it will award more than $2 million in college-access scholarships for the 2005-2006 academic year. The scholarships target under served populations in an effort to increase access to higher education. Applications are now available online at http://www.salliemaefund.org.

The Sallie Mae Fund’s scholarship programs for minority and under-served students include:

* The Sallie Mae Fund First in My Family(R) Scholarship Program: The Sallie Mae Fund developed the First in My Family program in partnership with the Hispanic College Fund to offer scholarships to Hispanic American students who are first in their family to attend college. Selected students receive scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000. Application deadline: April 15

* The Sallie Mae Fund Unmet Need Scholarship Program: The Unmet Need Scholarship Program is intended to help financial aid officers meet the needs of full-time undergraduate students whose financial aid packages fall short by $1,000 or more. Open to families with a combined income of less than $30,000, Unmet Need scholarships provide a “last dollar” resource when no other funds are available. Application deadline: May 31

* The Sallie Mae Fund American Dream Scholarship Program: Developed in partnership with the United Negro College Fund, the American Dream program offers scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 for African-American students with demonstrated financial need. Application deadline: April 15

* The Sallie Mae 911 Education Fund: Created in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the 911 Education Fund provides scholarship dollars to children of those who were killed or permanently disabled in the attacks. Application deadline: Open

In addition, The Sallie Mae Fund awards scholarships to future college students at each of its nationwide “Paying for College” workshops. In 2004, more than 30,000 people attended some 150 workshops across the United States as part of The Sallie Mae Fund’s Paying for College tour. Approximately $170,000 in scholarships was awarded to future college students who attended the workshops.

To be eligible for The Sallie Mae Fund scholarship programs, students must be accepted and enrolled at a Title IV eligible, accredited postsecondary two- or four year college or university, vocational, or technical school in the United States or Puerto Rico, and meet program-specific eligibility requirements.

To access applications for The Sallie Mae Fund’s scholarship programs, visit http://www.salliemaefund.org.

The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, achieves its mission — to increase access to a postsecondary education for America’s students — by supporting programs and initiatives that help open doors to higher education, prepare families for their investment, and bridge the gap when no one else can.

via PRNEWSWIRE

Home Box Office Pays Tribute to African American Filmmakers With 8th Annual HBO Short Film Award Open Call for Entry

Home Box Office is now accepting entries for its 8th Annual HBO Short Film Award competition, created in 1998 to honor the writing and directing talents of Black filmmakers. The grand prize of $20,000 will be presented by HBO at Film Life’s 9th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF), taking place in South Beach, July 13-17. The HBO Short Film Award has been a staple in the ABFF’s competitive film showcase since its inception. Time Warner is the presenting sponsor of the festival, with HBO as the founding sponsor.

“We have been with the ABFF since its infancy and look back with pride at our partnership and combined efforts in bringing new films and filmmakers to the public’s attention,” said Olivia Smashum, executive vice president, affiliate marketing at HBO. “As we watch the Black filmmaking community continue to grow, we look forward to many more years of showcasing new talent through our competition and in sharing our knowledge of the creative process.” Five finalists will be chosen by a panel of industry professionals and flown to Miami for a special opening night screening and final round of competition hosted by Tamara Tunie, the very talented stage, screen and television actress currently appearing on “Law and Order: SVU” and “As the World Turns.” The grand prize of $20,000 will be awarded to one filmmaker by HBO during the ABFF’s closing ceremonies. A prize of $5,000 will also given to each of the four runners up.

The HBO Short Film Award competition is open to U.S. and international filmmakers of African descent, 18 years of age or older, who have directed and/or written a short film of 30 minutes or less. All films must have been produced after January 1, 2004 in English or contain English subtitles. The deadline for entries is April 8, 2005 and all entries must arrive at the ABFF office postmarked by that date.

Submissions will be accepted on 1/2″ VHS cassettes and must be accompanied by an official HBO/ABFF entry form and $30.00 submission fee. For entry forms or more information on rules and regulations, log on to http://www.abff.com. Short films that have won awards at other festivals or those that have previously been submitted to the HBO Short Film Award competition, under its current or any former title, are not eligible. Films must also not have had previous cable broadcast screenings. There is no limit as to the number of entries that can be submitted by a filmmaker.

The 2004 HBO Short Film Award grand prize of $20,000 was presented to Xelinda Yancy, writer, director and producer of “Time Out,” the story of a young girl whose life changes after a school incident opens up family secrets. The film was executive produced by director John Singleton. The four runners-up, who each received $5,000, were: “Hold Up,” directed and produced by Tanya Boyd; “One Flight Stand,” directed, written and produced by Saladin K. Patterson; “The Memo,” directed and written by Daheli Hall; and “Shooter,” directed by Todd Jeffery and written by Abubakar Paul Bello.

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The 75 Most Powerful African Americans in Corporate America

BLACK ENTERPRISE (BE) today announced its list of the 75 Most Powerful African Americans in Corporate America, as featured in the February 2005 cover story. The list, which includes 18 CEOs (15 men and three women), was culled from the 1,000 largest domestic and international corporations traded publicly on the U.S. equities markets. The top 75 include representatives from a total of 62 companies representing 12 industries.

The full list includes 15 women-the most to appear on similar lists compiled by BE. Young & Rubicam Brands CEO Ann M. Fudge represents one of three female chief executives. “I think African American women have met the challenges of corporate America,” she says, “and absolutely there is no doubt there will be an African American woman running a Fortune 500 company. It’s going to happen.”

In 1988 when BE named the 25 Hottest Corporate Managers, the list was devoid of black chief executives. By 1993, there were 12 presidents and two CEOs among the 40 African Americans included in the top tier: Richard D. Parsons, the then-CEO of Dime Savings Bank of New York, and Clifton R. Wharton Jr., CEO of TIAA-CREF. When BE selected the Top 50 Blacks in Corporate America in 2000, the number of CEOs had grown to six. This year, the number of African American CEOs rose to 18-a 300% increase. Franklin D. Raines, former chairman and CEO of Fannie Mae, re-signed his post shortly after the list was compiled.

Has progress been made? “Well yes and no,” says BE Founder and Publisher Earl G. Graves Sr. “While it is true that the corporate elite identified in our 2005 list represent a 300% increase over our 1988 list, it is also true that African Americans still hold less than 1% of the tens of thousands of senior-level, corporate posts at America’s 1,000 largest public corporations.” The 18 African American executives who have attained the rank of CEO are:

Kenneth I. Chenault, Chairman and CEO, American Express
Erroll B. Davis Jr., Chairman and CEO, Alliant Energy
Reginald E. Davis, CEO, Wachovia
W.H. “Bill” Easter III, Chairman, CEO, and President, Duke Energy Field Services
Ann M. Fudge, Chairman and CEO, Young & Rubicam Brands
Arthur “Art” H. Harper, CEO and President, GE Equipment Services
Carl Horton, CEO and President, The Absolut Spirit Company Inc
Aylwin Lewis, President and CEO, KMart
Renetta McCann, CEO, Starcom Americas
E. Stanley O’Neal, Chairman, CEO, and President, Merrill Lynch & Co.
Clarence Otis Jr., CEO, Darden Restaurants
Dan Packer, CEO and President, Entergy New Orleans
Richard D. Parsons, Chairman and CEO, Time Warner
Franklin D. Raines, former Chairman and CEO of Fannie Mae
Pamela Thomas-Graham, CEO and President, CNBC
John W. Thompson, Chairman and CEO, Symantec Corp.
Lloyd G. Trotter, CEO and President, GE Consumer and Industrial
R.L. “Bob” Wood, Chairman, CEO, and President, Crompton Corp.

Ten companies have multiple executives on the list. General Electric — the parent company of NBC-leads the way with four, followed by Xerox with three. Eight companies have two executives on the list: Duke Energy, Fannie Mae, FedEx Express Corp., Ford Motor Co., General Mills, McDonald’s USA, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., and Wachovia.

In a corporate environment that is often inhospitable to black professionals, these top executives say the number of blacks who reside in corner offices will continue to grow. “I think it’s extremely positive that we have a number of African American CEOs, presidents, and chief operating officers of major corporations as effective role models,” says Ronald A. Williams, president of the $17.9 billion Aetna Inc. “And it helps organizations focus on becoming more of a [meritocracy], where people can be judged on the basis of the value they create and not on the basis of their race or ethnicity.”

Paula Madison, president and general manager of Los Angeles-based KNBC and regional manager for two Telemundo stations, sums up her philosophy of the advancement of blacks, particularly women, simply: “The important thing is to continue getting us into the pipeline and have us positioned so that as more executive positions become available, we’re poised and ready to take advantage of the opportunities.”

“The corporate leaders on our inaugural list of top black managers set a standard of excellence that many of the executives on our 2005 list were challenged to match-and exceed. We are confident that today’s black corporate elite will do the same for future generations of African American corporate achievers,” says Graves.

The selection criteria and comprehensive profiles of the 75 Most Powerful African Americans in Corporate America is available in the February issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE, available on newsstands January 18.

Time Is Of The Essence–Literally

UrbanMecca.com ‘Wires Up’ With HBO star Jamie Hector

UrbanMecca.com hooked up (or should we say ‘wired up’) with Jamie Hector, a newcomer to the popular HBO series “The Wire” for a short Q&A session. Jamie portrays a character named “Marlo Stansfield”, a young up and coming street dealer who makes a noticeable dent into the ongoing operations of the incumbent ‘corner’ ruling faction of the Barksdale crew.

We spoke with Jamie shortly before the season finale of the show…..

UrbanMecca: First off Jamie, I’d like to thank you for your time. I was unable to find a lot of information about you out there so I’ll first ask you some basic questions….
Jamie: “OK”

UrbanMecca: Where are you from?
Jamie: “I’m from Brooklyn..that’s where I grew up…mainly the FlatBush and Crown Heights area”

UrbanMecca: How old are you?
Jamie: “I’m 20 plus” (laughs)

UrbanMecca: Let’s talk about “The Wire”…Is this your most notable role? Do you get recognized more now while walking down the street?
Jamie: “This is my first nationally recurring television role. I’ve had smaller appearances on a number of shows like “Law and Order” and “Third Watch” but this is definitely the most extensive exposure that I’ve had….and YES I do get recognized on the street a lot more…mostly by guys, especially in New York, who are big fans of the show”

UrbanMecca: How did you get the role, was the audition process hard?
Jamie: “They (HBO) held an open casting call for the role. They interviewed about 175 actors and couldn’t find anyone. They needed someone with the right look that had sort of a street edge. I interviewed last minute for the part but they liked me. I was working real soon after my audition. It all went down very fast”

UrbanMecca: Let’s talk about your character Marlo. This guy is pretty intense. Some of my friends call him the up to date ‘Nino Brown’ in many ways. (laughs from Jamie) Did you have to study to get into this role?
Jamie: I did a lot of research…..I read up on the way some people on the streets think. I do a lot of research on every role that I take. Also, in the morning, I would wake up really early like 5 to 6am and I would focus to really get into the character…once on the set i just let it go.

UrbanMecca: Were you a Wire fan before you got the role?
Jamie: “I sure was. When i first saw it…I was like wow!! It was really the best show on tv from the beginning. I watched the first two seasons. I enjoy the working with all the actors on the show.”

UrbanMecca: Marlo seems to be in a lot of trouble with a lot of people. Will he live to see another season?
Jamie: “Haa!! — you willl find out on Sunday!!!” (Update: Jamie’s character survived a planned suicide attempt which never took place since it was thwarted by police – we can only hope that Jamie’s character’s storyline continues in the next season of “The Wire”)

UrbanMecca: Tell us about your latest projects? What are you working on?
Jamie: “I’ve been working on two feature films…You can find me in a movie called “MVP” which also stars N’Bushe Wright. I think everyone will enjoy it.

I’m also in a independent film called “Brooklyn Bound”. It was shot in Fort Green projects. It tells the story of the life and struggles of a young kid growing in up in the projects. It’s been shown at the Tribeca Film Festival and a lot of other film fests around the country. I think that a lot of people like it.”

UrbanMecca: Do you have an official website or fansite?
Jamie: Not yet but fans can check me out on HBO.com…that’s the best place for now

UrbanMecca: Tell us a little about Jamie? Are you single?
Jamie: No, I’m not..I’m in a relationship.

UrbanMecca: All of this stardom and you have a girlfriend?!?
Jamie: “I’m very glad to be with the one I’m with. They’re real….You never know whose real once you blow up…God has a plan for me you know what i mean? I’m more about loyalty than anything else.”

UrbanMecca: What do you do for fun?
Jamie: “I read a lot of books and study literature. I also study martial arts, i see a lot of films, and i like to kick it with my friends. I watched the Knicks last night. I’m basically just living life you know…I’m enjoying this journey.”

UrbanMecca: What’s in your cd player right now?
Jamie: “Romeo…I’m feeling him. I like Juelz Santana, Nas, and Jay Z. I pop that Kanye West into my CD every now and then. Oh, and I’ve really been feeling Talib Kweli also…I’ve been meaning to pick up his CD. I’ve got to rep Brooklyn. I also like light jazz to relax.”

UrbanMecca: What advice do you have for other young aspiring actors?
Jamie: STUDY!!…..there are a lot of people that don’t study for their roles….you have to be more about business. I was kicking it with a director friend of mine and he told me the same thing about actors. People respect you more when they know you’ve done your homework. You have to know what you are doing when you step in that room to audition. Also, people should know that acting requires a lot of travel…you need to have your head on straight and be about the business more than anything else.

UrbanMecca: Who do you look up to in the acting world if anyone?
Jamie: “There is so much talent out there…I can’t knock it down to just one..

I would have to say my favorites are Don Cheadle, Denzel Washington, and Daniel Day-Lewis.”

UrbanMecca: Jamie, we really appreciate you taking the time out to speak with us and I hope that we can speak to you again in the near future as your career progresses. We wish you all the best.
Jamie: Definitely, that’s not a problem. Thank You and God Bless.

R&B Singer KEM Donates $20,000 to Detroit Area Community Organizations

Four local community organizations each received $5,000, a portion of the proceeds from R&B Singer KEM’s SOLD OUT concert at the Detroit Opera House on December 29, 2004. The organizations included Detroit Rescue Mission, Highland Park Development Corporation, The Aneurysm Genetic Study Group at Wayne State University, and African Americans and Allies Against Domestic Violence. A check presentation made by KEM and his Manager Toya Hankins took place at a VIP Reception just prior to the concert which also served as the location for his first video shoot, I Can’t Stop Loving You, the first single released from his new album, KEM Album II.

“It’s a blessing and mind-blowing at the same time to be in a position to give $20,000 away,” said KEM. “But it’s important for me to give back to the Detroit area community which has been a big support to me in my musical endeavors as well as on a personal level during some tough times in my life.” The concert, An Intimate Evening of New Music with KEM was co-produced by Project Producers, LLC and Kemistry Records. The owners Toya Hankins and KEM, respectively, both loyal Detroiters who have been teamed up for more than 10 years, use their accomplishments to purposely create opportunities that impact the city of Detroit and its surrounding communities.

“It is our desire to contribute to the comeback of Detroit by creating job opportunities; utilizing its venues; and giving back to community organizations,” said Ms. Hankins. “So, we each chose and made presentations to two organizations close to our hearts for very personal reasons — one being that they are based in the Detroit area.”

KEM selected the Detroit Rescue Mission, a non-profit, private organization dedicated to meeting the basic living needs of individuals by providing food, shelter, and clothing, where he once sought assistance for himself as well as Highland Park Development Corporation, a non profit agency dedicated to creating and implementing community development and economic growth within the city of Highland Park. Hankins chose to donate funds to The Aneurysm Genetic Study Group at Wayne State University, a group of researchers searching for the genes on the human chromosomes associated with aneurysms — a subject of vital importance to her as her mother continues to successfully recover from a brain aneurysm. She also chose African Americans and Allies Against Domestic Violence, a collaboration of numerous programs and individuals in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne Counties, including the domestic violence service agencies that have been promoting a campaign that raises awareness of culturally appropriate community-based prevention and intervention strategies to address domestic violence in African American families.

KEM’s sophomore project, KEM Album II is scheduled for release in March 2005 by Universal/Motown. Second only in name, it offers fans more romance with saucy lyrics and sexy arrangements laced with funky guitar licks and surprising flute and percussion accents. This live instrumentation orchestrated with depth, groove and feeling continues to set KEM’s work aside from the average. The video for the first cut, I Can’t Stop Loving You was shot on location at the Detroit Opera House and will debut shortly after the single hits radio air waves this month.