Oprah Winfrey Gives $1 Million to At-Risk Children

On Tuesday, May 24, Oprah Winfrey made dreams come true when she surprised Wintley Phipps, president and CEO of the U.S. Dream Academy, Inc., with a $1 million check after speaking at the organization’s 4th annual “Power of A Dream” fundraising gala in Washington, DC. By the end of the evening, more than $1.8 million had been raised to support academic, enrichment and mentoring programs for at risk children.

More than 500 gala attendees including Sen. Orrin Hatch (event chair), Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (honorary event chair), Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, Washington Wizards star Juan Dixon, Miss America 2005 Diedre Downs and Gospel Recording Artist Donnie McClurkin, applauded throughout the speech as Winfrey spoke about the importance of helping others through sharing of our time, talents and resources. She told the crowd that everyone cannot be famous however we all can be great when serving and investing in others.

“Oprah understands the power of dreams and how having them can positively alter a person’s journey,” said Phipps. “We were thrilled and honored to have her spend the evening with us and words can’t describe the impact that her generosity had on those of us at the gala and the children who will benefit from her kindness.”

Dr. Dorothy Height, chairman emerita, National Council of Negro Women; George E. Johnson, founder and retired chairman, Johnson Products Company, Inc., and Harris Rosen, president, Rosen Hotels and Resorts received the President’s Award for their leadership and service to communities around the world while Marilyn McCoo and Bill Davis, Jr., husband and wife team and Grammy Award winning performers, and NBA star Juan Dixon received the Legacy Award for overcoming great obstacles to achieve success.

Via PRNewswire

Xzibit Signs Deal With Dada

International rap superstar Xzibit has signed an endorsement deal with athletic footwear manufacturers Dada to produce his own shoe. The line, aptly named “Pimp Your Kicks” alluding to Xzibit’s other role as host of popular MTV show “Pimp My Ride,” will hit stores worldwide in August 2005.

Xzibit was at the forefront of the underground hip-hop scene until hosting “Pimp My Ride” turned him into a household name. After a taste of the big screen in “XXX State of the Union,” the Detroit born star has now turned his hand to designing. Xzibit has added his trademark silver “X” insignia to the collection, which features a variety of styles, colors and quality synthetic leather fabrics.

Commenting on the deal, Xzibit said: “Dada has always been competitive and respected and I’m excited to design and promote a shoe that represents both of us so well.”

Lavetta Willis, CEO, Dada added: “Xzibit embraces all things that are Dada.” His personality, style, innovation and success in music, film and television displays his uniqueness, mass appeal and ability to cross cultures. We at Dada feel he is an amazing representative of the brand.”

A press conference and launch campaign are in the works so stay tuned.

About Dada
Dada has established itself as one of the hottest footwear and apparel companies in the United States by providing its consumer with innovative yet fashionable product. Dada Supreme maintains record sell-through numbers in nationwide stores such as Footlocker and Footaction and has been spotted on A-list entertainers, from Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel Jackson and Christina Aguilera, Ashley Simpson to rappers, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre and NBA players Chris Webber and Latrell Sprewell.

Via PRNewswire

Heineken USA Supports Urban Music Conference

Heineken USA is setting the stage for the 3rd Annual Southeast Urban Music Conference (SUMC), slated for June 1 – 4 in Atlanta. Taking place at the Wyndham Hotel and Resort, in Atlanta’s thriving downtown business district, the SUMC is a networking and informational extravaganza for emerging artists and entrepreneurs from all over the country to discuss and learn about crucial issues in urban entertainment. This year’s Conference, honoring Black Music Month, is entitled “Showcasing the Power of Urban Entertainment.” This year, Heineken is the SUMC’s title sponsor, increasing its involvement from its 2004 subsidiary sponsorship.

SUMC 2004, also held in Atlanta, hosted over 650 participants. SUMC 2005 will build on that success with an even stronger program format and the inclusion of outstanding urban music industry leaders. Artists scheduled to perform include Rasheeda, Aaron Hall and DJ Toomp. Others urban music industry leaders in attendance will include Public Enemy’s Chuck D; Virgin Records’ Jermaine Dupri; Rhonda Baraka, president of Soulstice Media and a contributing writer for Billboard Magazine; and Terry Bello, host of syndicated radio show Groove Nation.

The SUMC will officially kick off at Club Dyme on June 1. From June 2 through June 4, Heineken will host an exclusive Green Room at the Wyndham Hotel and Resort, offering guests a refined and relaxed atmosphere to enjoy, interact and exchange critical ideas and important information about the industry.

“Heineken is thrilled to be title sponsor of the Southeast Urban Music Conference. There is no better place to hold this event than in Atlanta, the home of some of today’s most exciting emerging urban music industry talents. And there is no better time than June as we celebrate Black Music Month and the incredible contributions black musicians have made to both American and world culture,” said Dan Tearno, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Heineken USA.

For sponsorship and registration information, call 1-866 232-4954, e-mail smiurban@comcast.net or log onto http://www.smiurban.com.

Heineken USA Inc., the nation’s largest beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International (Netherlands), which is the world’s most international brewer. Brands imported into the U.S. include: Heineken Lager, the world’s most international beer brand; Heineken Dark Lager; Amstel Light, the largest-selling imported light beer brand; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Heineken USA is also the exclusive USA importer for the Tecate, Dos Equis, Sol, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from FEMSA Cerveza of Mexico. Please visit http://EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.

Via PRNewswire

Historically African American Sorority Partners WithTyson Foods On Community Service

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE: TSN), the world’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef and pork, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., (AKA) America’s first Black Greek-letter organization, have partnered to provide leadership training for some of America’s best and brightest minority female college students. More than 40 undergraduate members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. traveled from more than 35 different colleges and universities across the country to Russellville, Ark., to participate in Alpha Kappa Alpha’s 2005 Leadership Fellows Program sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc., May 21st – 28th at the Tyson Management Development Center (TMDC).

This program which began in 1979 by AKA provides leadership training and helps undergraduates develop the skills necessary to be prepared to assume job responsibilities in the workplace. In 2001, the sorority partnered with Tyson Foods to enhance the program. Cathy Johnson, Vice President of Employment Compliance for Tyson Foods and a member of AKA was instrumental in facilitating the partnership between the two entities.

“Through our collaboration with Tyson we have provided the necessary skills for undergraduates to succeed in the workplace and have helped to diversify the company’s workforce. This is a win-win situation for everyone involved,” stated Linda M. White, AKA national president.

The program provides training and development, student internships and job placement and mentoring. At the end of the program, participants are required to formally present case studies on various business related scenarios. Several members of AKA’s top leadership team participate in the program and serve as mentors. Also, top executives from Tyson present workshops and assist students by providing them with information for their case study projects.

On Tuesday, May 24th the group met Mr. John Tyson, Chairman and CEO who spoke to the leadership fellows participants and answered in-depth questions. Later in the week, the group traveled to Little Rock, Ark., to tour a Tyson Foods processing facility to see first-hand the process and packaging operation. They also toured the historic Clinton Library and enjoyed a delicious luncheon buffet.

AKA is America’s first Greek-letter organization founded in 1908 by Black college women. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the organization is one of the world’s leading service organizations. In the past two years alone, the sorority has provided more than 3 million service hours and 13 million to support service projects across the country and abroad benefiting more than 3.5 million people. The sorority serves all mankind through a nucleus of more than 170,000 women in the United States, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa. Candidacy for membership into AKA is open to all women of high ethical and academic standards who are pursuing or have completed courses leading to a degree from an accredited college or university.

Tyson Foods, Inc., founded in 1935 with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is the world’s largest processor and marketer of chicken, beef, and pork and the second-largest food company in the Fortune 500. The company produces a wide variety of protein-based and prepared food products, which are marketed under the “Powered by Tyson(TM)” strategy. Tyson is the recognized market leader in the retail and foodservice markets it serves, providing products and service to customers throughout the United States and more than 80 countries. Tyson has approximately 114,000 Team Members employed at more than 300 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world.

Via PRNewswire

New Edition And Lincoln Enter Into Marketing Agreement

Ford Motor Company’s Lincoln Brand and R&B supergroup New Edition today announced a unique marketing collaboration tied to the 30-city “2005 New Edition Concert Tour.” The two iconic brands, with strong, celebrated pasts are reinvigorating their images among urban consumers with Lincoln’s launch of new vehicles — like the all-new 2006 Lincoln Mark LT — and New Edition’s recent album One Love.

The multi-fold co-branded partnership involves integration of the Lincoln Brand in the 30 cities of the concert tour. Lincoln will have a featured role in the opening act of the concert with a 2 minute theatrical video — that features Lincoln vehicles — serving as lead-in for New Edition’s on-stage performance. The video portrays the five members of New Edition admiring the Lincoln vehicles. They are so fascinated by the vehicles that they decide to experience the Lincoln ride by taking one each for themselves.

“The Lincoln and New Edition partnership represents a merging of two renowned and timeless brands,” says Al Giombetti, president of Lincoln Mercury. He adds, “The collaboration is part of a larger targeted marketing effort that re-positions the Lincoln brand within the urban consumer market space.”

Adds New Edition’s Michael Bivins, “We are excited about the alliance with Lincoln. Both New Edition and Lincoln represent similar things — style, class and sophistication. We both are embarking on a new and exciting phase in an already successful history, yet we continue to remain true to our core values.”

Lincoln integration will also include brand presence on the official tour buses and Lincoln vehicles will transport New Edition members within the local markets along tour stops.

The “2005 New Edition Tour” kicked-off last weekend in Raleigh, North Carolina and will visit 30-major cities across the country including Los Angeles (May 27), Washington D.C. (June 3, 4), Detroit (June 5), New York (June 10) and Chicago (June 26). For tour dates, visit www.itgirlpublicrelations.com.

In Atlanta recently (April 20), New Edition was the featured entertainment at “Step into Unexpected Luxury,” signature Lincoln luxury events designed to introduce the 2006 Lincoln Mark LT to select markets. New Edition will again be featured at these events on June 1 in Washington DC and June 15 in Miami.

Via PRNewswire

Original Copy Of Emancipation Proclamation Unveiled

African American Civil War Museum founder and Executive Director Dr. Frank Smith, Jr., (L) and Kevin Douglass-Green, great-great-grandson of Fredrick Douglass, position an original copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln during its unveiling ceremony at the African American Civil War Memorial Museum May 20, 2005 in Washington, DC. The document, one of 48 copies signed by Lincoln on January 1, 1863, is privately owned and was unveiled for the public as part of the museum’s Founders Day Celebration.

The proclamation declared “that all persons held as slaves” within the once rebellious states “are, and henceforward shall be free.”

(Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Dodge Unleashes 2006 Charger During Black Bike Week

Dodge will charge into the National Association of Black Bikers (NABB) 2K5 2-Wheel Urban Expo and introduce the all new 2006 Dodge Charger that features a 340 horsepower V8 HEMI(R) engine.

More than 350,000 bikers and spectators are expected to attend the event, which will be held May 26 – 29 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, South Carolina.

Prior to driving the all-new 2006 Dodge Charger at the Urban Expo, event-goers can build their own Dodge Charger at http://www.Dodge.com/Charger and catch a glimpse of the vehicle on display at hot night spots in their own cities. Consumers who spot the new Dodge Charger unleashed in their hometowns can win tickets to the 2K5 2 Wheel Urban Expo, where they can take the car for a test drive.

In addition to on-site festivities at Black Bike Week, a national radio sweepstakes will give one lucky individual a chance to win a new Dodge Charger. Nationally syndicated Radio One personality Russ Parr, whose highly rated morning show runs in more than 50 markets, kicked off the promotion earlier this month. For more information about the national sweepstakes, visit http://www.Dodge.com/Charger .

“We’re excited to share one of the first drive experiences with Russ Parr listeners and members of the National Association of Black Bikers,” said Cecil Ward, Senior Manager Minority Dealers, Chrysler Group. “We know there is great ‘buzz’ about the Dodge Charger in the African-American community and we wanted to create a venue where individuals could drive the vehicle.”

“Our bikers come from all walks of life,” said Keith Hyman, CEO- NABB. “Dodge realizes the diversity of this community, and this is where they need to be to reach a cross-section of the African-American community.”

This is also the 25th anniversary of the Atlantic Beach Bikefest, the organization responsible for the creation of NABB. Established in 2003, the NABB has become the premier organization for African-American bikers. NABB promotes unity and serves as an authoritative voice and forum on all matters of the sport as they relate to its members.

via PR Newswire

Marriott Increases Minority Franchisee Ownership

Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) has increased the number of its minority owners with Integrated Capital’s purchase of the newly refurbished Residence Inn Columbia in Maryland. Integrated Capital is an African-American privately owned real estate equity group, specializing in hospitality, whose principals have been involved in more than $1 billion in hospitality acquisitions.

“We’re proud to have such an experienced firm become one of our newest hotel owners,” said J.W. Marriott, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Marriott International. “This represents progress for Marriott in many ways. It also shows that our outreach efforts to increase minority ownership are working.”

Marriott recently announced expanded goals for its diversity outreach initiatives, including pledging to double the number of its hotels owned by minority owners and franchisees in five years. Other recent successes include the groundbreaking earlier this year of a Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Harlem, N.Y., with significant minority ownership, and the opening of the Residence Inn by Marriott Capitol in Washington, D.C., which is co-owned by four Native-American tribes.

“Our firm has been in the real estate and hospitality industry for more than 10 years,” said Ken Fearn, managing partner, Integrated Capital. “The process of working with Marriott has been smooth, and we’re excited about the location. The Columbia, Md., area is experiencing housing and business growth, making it an excellent place to open a business.”

Marriott, which has established programs to increase the number of its hotels owned by minority and women franchisees, recently hosted an Education Summit to provide aspiring owners with information about how hotels are financed and operated.

“Marriott is always looking for new ways to attract diverse owners, and this recent purchase by Integrated Capital shows that we’ve been successful,” said Norman K. Jenkins, senior vice president of North American Lodging Development for Marriott and host of the Education Summit.

The Columbia, Md., property is one of the 100 Residence Inn by Marriott hotels to showcase the lodging brand’s new look, with modern work stations, expanded breakfast bars, brighter color schemes and completely updated kitchens and bathrooms. The site, which has three floors, 108 rooms and a meeting room, is 15 miles from Baltimore and Washington, D.C.

Celebrating its 30th year as an industry leader in extended-stay lodging, Residence Inn has more than 460 hotels in 46 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and Mexico. For more information or reservations, contact the Residence Inn Columbia directly at 410-997-7200, the Residence Inn toll-free number at 800-331-3131, or visit the web site at http://www.residenceinn.com.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (NYSE: MAR) is a leading lodging company with more than 2,600 lodging properties in the United States and 65 other countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Bulgari, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn and SpringHill Suites brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club International, Horizons, The Ritz Carlton Club and Marriott Grand Residence Club brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments; provides furnished corporate housing through its Marriott ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has approximately 133,000 employees. It is ranked as the lodging industry’s most admired company and one of the best places to work for by Fortune(R) magazine. In fiscal year 2004, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of $10 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at http://www.marriott.com.

G-Unit and 50 Cent Enters Mobile Gaming

Zingy (http://www.zingy.com), the leading mobile media company in the Americas, announces an exclusive mobile publishing agreement with G-Unit, a leading urban brand founded by award-winning hip hop artist, 50 Cent. Under the agreement, Zingy will release a series of games based on members of the G-Unit crew, including 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck and Tony Yayo.

Zingy is currently the exclusive distributor of 50 Cent voice ringtones, ringback tones, voicemail greetings, wallpapers and video ringtones. This extension of the already successful partnership between the two entities will now include an array of 2D and 3D G-Unit mobile video games.

“By working directly with 50 Cent, Zingy has been able to offer consumers exclusive mobile content from one of today’s biggest stars,” said Andy Volanakis, President and COO of Zingy. “But 50 is more than a successful hip hop artist, as proven by the rapid expansion of the G-Unit brand into areas outside of music. Zingy is proud to be making its entrance into mobile gaming with the leading brand in urban entertainment.”

“Our fans expect nothing less than pure originality and style – that’s what G-Unit represents,” said G-Unit founder, 50 Cent. “Zingy is a proven innovator in the mobile entertainment market and there’s no other company we’d trust to publish G-Unit’s arrival into mobile gaming.”

The first title, G-Unit: Free Yayo, will be available this summer. In Free Yayo, each player can act as 50, Banks or Buck with the goal of rescuing rising hip hop sensation Tony Yayo from a fictitious evil record label. Hidden within the game is exclusive G-Unit mobile content (ringtones and wallpapers) that players can “unlock” as they achieve hidden game objectives. Zingy has teamed with leading developer and publisher Upstart Games to produce the G-Unit: Free Yayo title. Upstart will distribute the title in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific markets.

“Upstart Games is delighted to be working on this title. Zingy has done a fantastic job at lining up the hottest brand to be associated with in 2005,” said Upstart CEO Barry O’Neill.

Pricing and distribution for Free Yayo, along with more G-Unit game titles, will be announced later this summer. Yayo’s debut album, Thoughts of a Predicate Felon, will be on sale June 28, 2005. To view the exclusive Free Yayo trailer, visit http://www.free-yayo.com.

Stevie Wonder Makes Historic Breakthrough For The Vision Impaired

Stevie Wonder unveilled the first ever music video enhanced with video description technique for people who are blind or have low vision, narrated by Busta Rhymes, featured on Stevie’s new video, “So What The Fuss.” The video premiere reportedly took place on May 9, 2005 live in Los Angeles, CA at the Charlie Chaplin Theatre.

Multiple Grammy Award winning singer/composer Stevie Wonder (real name: Steveland Morris Judkins Hardaway), was born on May 13, 1950 in Saginaw, Michigan. Blind from birth, Wonder began recording at the age of 11 and quickly became known as one of the most influential and innovative singer/songwriters of his time.

Pictured Above: Musician Stevie Wonder poses in the press room at the 36th NAACP Image Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on March 19, 2005 in Los Angeles, California.

(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

HHS Announces $95 Million to Improve the Health of Minorities

The Department of Human & Health Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced $95 million in grants to develop a new program that will reduce the number of cancer deaths in minority and poor populations.

“Our commitment to closing the health care gap among racial and ethnic minorities is unwavering,” Secretary Leavitt said. “We will continue to support community-based approaches to help racial and ethnic minority
populations experience the benefits of modern medicine.”

This new initiative, called the Community Networks Program(CNP), was developed by HHS’ National Cancer Institute(NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health. Its aim is to reduce cancer disparities through community participation in education, research and training. Up to 25 grantees will develop programs to increase the use of cancer interventions in underserved communities. Interventions will include proven approaches including smoking cessation, increasing healthy eating and physical activity, and early detection and treatment of breast, cervical and colorectal cancers.

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Snoop Dogg Presents His New Shoe Line ‘Doggy Biscuitz’

Snoop Dogg discussed his new Pony shoe line Doggy Biscuitz with the press at David Z Shoes on May 4, 2005 in New York City. The Doggy Biscuitz line is a creative venture between Snoop Dogg and Pony International. The shoe line was named by Snoop himself as “biscuits” citing a term that he coined for his own personal shoes over the years.

The Doggy Biscuitz line consists of shoes designed for various occasions ranging from everyday wear, athletics, causal, dressy, as well as a lounging slipper. The complete collection is scheduled to be released worldwide later this year.

(Photo by Brad Barket/Getty Images)

Hip-Hop Summit Action Network Launch “Get Your Money Right”

Russell Simmons, Chairman and Dr. Benjamin Chavis, President/CEO of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) held a press conference to launch the Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment in New York City. Under the theme “Get Your Money Right,” HSAN is focusing this year’s Hip-Hop Summits on improving financial literacy and empowerment among millions of youth throughout the United States who are part of the hip-hop generation.

Pictured Above: Hip hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons, author Suze Orman, Vice President of Chrysler Financial William Jones, and Dr. Benjamin Chavis pose for a photo during a press conference to launch the Hip-Hop Summit Action Networks “Get Your Money Right” May 3, 2005 in New York City.

(Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)

Minorities could receive $250M a year in federal tech grants

What’s Next For James Toney?

Boxer James “Lights Out” Toney (69-4-2, 43 KOs) made history on Saturday, April 30, 2005 by becoming only the third middleweight champion in history to move up and win a heavyweight title, joining Bob Fitzsimmons and Roy Jones Jr. in this feat. Toney won a unanimous 12-round decision over John Ruiz to claim the WBA heavyweight title.

James Nathaniel Toney was born on August 24, 1968 in Grand Rapids Michigan. He began his career as a middleweight and won a world title at that weight class, as well as at super middleweight and cruiserweight. Toney is regarded by many boxing analysts as being the smartest professional fighter in the ring today. Toney joins the belt unification race within a division in professional boxing that has no clear cut leaders since the retirement of Lennox Lewis.

Pictured Above: Boxer James Toney attends the 2003 ESPY Awards July 16, 2003 in Hollywood, California.

(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

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