Arthur Ashe Stamp Dedicated at US Open

Humanitarian and world-class tennis player Arthur Ashe was immortalized on a postage stamp when the U.S. Postal Service conducted a first-day-of-issue stamp dedication ceremony under the shadows of the stadium bearing his name. The ceremony took place as part of Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day activities kicking off the 2005 US Open. The stamp will be available nationwide at Post Offices and Philatelic Centers, Aug. 28.

Born July 10, 1943, in segregated Richmond, VA, Ashe learned to play tennis on blacks-only Brook Field playground under the tutelage of local black tennis great Ron Charity.

Ashe went on to be the first African-American man to win Grand Slam tennis tournaments — Wimbledon, the United States and Australian Opens — Ashe followed his on-court accomplishments with a lifetime of activity devoted to humanitarian endeavors.

Lebron James Teams With POWERADE

NASCAR star Bobby Labonte holds nothing back as he challenges basketball icon LeBron James for position in racing simulators at the Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday. The two sports icons joined forces at Saturday’s Sharpie 500 in Bristol to unleash a custom No. 18 LeBron James/POWER ade FLAVA23 Chevrolet that Labonte drove in the race. FLAVA23 is the new line in the popular sports drink which James helped create.

The new version of the POWERADE FLAVA23 line is the second installment of the limited edition sports drink that James helped develop. His input is evident in every detail of the new beverage — from the SourMelon flavor profile to the color and stylized packaging.

Bringing James and FLAVA23 to the track is just one of the many ways POWERADE is driving awareness of the new SourMelon flavor. In addition to the special race car, POWERADE has again teamed up with DC Comics to create a new installment of the comic series about LeBron entitled “King James,” which will be available in both print and online versions.

Via PR Newswire Photo Service

HBCU Battle of the Bands Tunes Up for Exciting 4th Year

The music of yesterday and today, performed in scintillating fashion by the musicians of tomorrow. That’s what America’s Historically Black Colleges and University Marching Bands (HBCUs) promise to deliver as they bring their soulful musicianship and high-stepping dance moves to the 2006 Honda Battle of the Bands.

The Honda Battle of the Bands (HBOB) offers a grand stage to showcase the dynamic music programs of 41 of America’s premiere Black institutions, as they “battle” throughout the HBOB Celebration Tour for a coveted spot at the program finale, called the Invitational Showcase. As sponsor, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. will once again award a total of $141,000 in grants to participating marching bands.

“The Honda Battle of the Bands provides the premiere stage to showcase just one of the many enduring contributions that Historically Black Colleges and Universities have made to our country,” said Barbara Ponce, manager of Emerging Markets National Advertising for American Honda. “Honda is proud to shine a national spotlight on the musical talent, energy and heritage of these magnificent Historically Black College and University bands.”

The Honda Battle of the Bands is comprised of dual components: the Celebration Tour and the Invitational Showcase. As part of the Celebration Tour, which runs August through November, fans have the opportunity to get interactive by logging on to the Honda Battle of the Bands Web site to participate in the online opinion survey, nominating their favorite HBCU marching band. In addition, during the Celebration Tour, Honda awards $1,000 grants to participating marching bands for their halftime performances. Opinion polls officially opened on Saturday, August 27.

At the conclusion of the Celebration Tour, the 10 bands that demonstrate the best showmanship, musicianship and fan interaction will be invited to “represent” at the 2006 Invitational Showcase in January, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The 10 schools selected will each receive an additional $10,000 toward their respective scholarship funds. The invitees will include the two top bands from each of the four HBCU athletic conferences (CIAA, SWAC, MEAC, SIAC) and two independent universities.

The selection process for the Invitational Showcase is based upon a three-tiered evaluation:

* One-third of the points will be from online fan nominations received at http://www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com.
* One-third will be from the commissioners of the four conferences, and school presidents.
* One-third will be tallied from the HBCU band directors.

Commissioners, presidents and band directors are not permitted to vote for their own school(s). All online surveys must be completed and submitted by November 4. On November 14, American Honda will announce the bands that will perform at the Invitational Showcase.

Honda’s long-term commitment to HBCUs was first made more than 16 years ago when it established the Honda Campus All Star Challenge, a program designed to showcase the academic gifts and prowess of HBCU students. For more information on the Honda Battle of the Bands, or to enter your nominee for the Invitational Showcase, visit http://www.HondaBattleoftheBands.com.

Via PRNewswire

Real Estate Executive Honored For Work With Minorities

Stewart Title mid-America vice president of emergent market development, Larry Bullock received the James E. Haynes Sr. award on Aug. 16 at the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB(R)) convention, recognizing his exemplary contribution in support of NAREB’s national theme, “Democracy in Housing.” Left to right: NAREB President-elect Clifford Turner, Stewart Planning/Development SVP Matthew Morris, Stewart National Emerging Domestic Markets Director José Menéndez, NAREB Chairman Fred Blair, Bullock and NAREB President Ronald L. Branch.

NAREB(R), founded in 1947, is the oldest minority real estate trade association in the United States. It is dedicated to bringing together the nation’s minority professionals in the real estate industry to promote the meaningful exchange of ideas about its business and how best to serve its clientele.

Photo via PRNewswire

Dallas Cowboy Eric Ogbogu Sneak Peaked In New Chapter Of Ad Campaign

Dallas Cowboy Eric Ogbogu, one of Under Armour’s athlete representatives, looking fierce in his Under Armour(R) gear. This screenshot is from Under Armour’s 2005 installment of its famed PROTECT THIS HOUSE(TM) trilogy television advertising campaign.

The much anticipated third chapter of the “PROTECT THIS HOUSE” trilogy will continue airing throughout the 2005-06 collegiate and NFL football season, and will serve as a teaser for the performance apparel originator’s entrance into the football cleat market, expected to be officially unveiled in 2006.

Photo via PRNewsFoto

Kanye West and Pepsi Take a Trip Around the Globe

Kanye West in his new Pepsi commercial, “Timeline,” which will premiere during the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, August 28. “Timeline,” follows Kanye as he walks by iconic backdrops of various cities via state-of-the-art computer graphics and special effects. The commercial is set to the song “Heard ‘Em Say” (featuring Adam Levine of Maroon 5) from Kanye’s new album “Late Registration.” The 30-second spot was directed by Spike Lee and created by Spike DDB.

The “Timeline” commercial is a part of Kanye’s new partnership with Pepsi. On August 13, the artist headlined an exclusive Pepsi Smash concert in Miami. Performance footage of Kanye from the concert is currently featured on Pepsi’s music microsite on Yahoo! (http://www.smash.yahoo.com), which launched in June and includes original video programming from a variety of musical artists. Las Vegas-based MEGA, INC., Pepsi’s music marketing agency, facilitated the partnership with Kanye.

Photo via PRNewswire

Hip-hop mogul shot in Miami Beach

BET Kicks Off Black College Tour

HBCUs get ready, because college campuses will never be the same again! This fall, BET is hitting the road for the Black College Tour, and with three successful years under its belt, “Senior Fever” is definitely in the air! Alongside some of its key marketing partners, BET will provide a day of entertainment, games, contests, and product samples/information, for current students at 14 historically Black colleges and universities. Starting at Tennessee State University in Nashville on September 8, the events will be on campus and targeted towards college students presently enrolled in the host institutions. Festivities will be hosted by BET’s on-air talent and feature exciting live performances from Universal/Motown recording artists.

Procter and Gamble is once again the Tour’s presenting sponsor. Pontiac, Pepsi, Southwest Airlines, the U.S. Air Force, Verizon Wireless, and Universal/Motown, are all associate sponsors, many for a third or fourth year. McDonald’s(R) joins the Tour this year and will provide students with an “i’m lovin’ it(TM)” experience.

“While we continue to bring campuses all of the exciting elements that have become student favorites, we are constantly working with sponsors each year to develop new and innovative outlets to reach students and provide a day of positive interaction,” said Michelle Garner, BET’s Advertising Sales Vice President of Special Projects and Event Marketing.

“Southwest Airlines is proud to be a part of such an exciting HBCU event as it continues to grow in popularity every year,” said Rob Brown director of multicultural marketing for the Dallas-based airline. “Our sponsorship simply underscores the communities we can reach by partnering with the BET Black College Tour.”

After a highly successful freshman year on the Tour, Rap City Top Ten will once again tape from the schools each Friday with the show’s new host, J- Nicks. As in previous years, the Black College Tour will also include basketball tournaments, freestyle rap, and singing contests, video game competitions, music performances, product sampling and a career center. The endeavor is part of BET’s continual effort to support historically Black colleges and universities.

The overwhelming success of the BET Black College Tour can be attributed to the support and generosity of the Tour sponsors who provide relevant, engaging and informative entertainment and professional networking opportunities for minority students. Previous Black College Tours have included free roundtrip airline tickets courtesy of Southwest Airlines; new product samples from Procter & Gamble; a Verizon Wireless 3-point basketball shoot-out contest; a Pepsi Flow freestyle rap competition; as well as free concerts from Universal/Motown hit artists including Akon (SRC), Granddaddy Souf (SRC), and new up & coming artists.

The following are the dates and schools BET is scheduled to visit during the 2005 BET Black College Tour:

2005 BET Black College Tour Schedule

September 8 Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN
September 16 Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
September 23 Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA
September 30 Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona, FL
October 7 Grambling University, Grambling, LA
October 13 Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
October 14 Alabama State University, Montgomery, AL
October 19 Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL
October 26 Virginia Union University, Richmond, VA
October 28 North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC
November 3 Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX
November 4 Texas Southern University, Houston, TX
November 9 Johnson C. Smith University, Charlotte, NC
November 11 South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, SC

Via PRNewswire

Gospel Artist Kirk Franklin Returns With All New Album HERO

Kirk Franklin, who is undeniably one of Gospel music’s best selling artists and it’s biggest star, is scheduled to release his fifth album, “HERO” on October 4, 2005. “HERO”, the first release on Franklin’s new Fo Yo Soul Entertainment label (in association with Zomba Label Group) and his first since 2002’s platinum-selling The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin, represents the next level in the internationally known artists’ career.

The Texas native, who made musical history and forever altered the face of contemporary Gospel with the release of his multi-platinum selling debut album Kirk Franklin and the Family in 1993, still remains the biggest-selling urban contemporary Gospel artist in Soundscan history.

The album is a collection of songs that reflect Franklin’s growth and progression from the cutting edge record breaking artist on his biggest song to date, “Stomp”, to his current roles as husband, father, businessman, and youth pastor. As always, Franklin offers inspiring, encouraging music for ALL people in and out of the church. A host of musical all-stars have joined Franklin on the “HERO” project, including Stevie Wonder, Yolanda Adams, Ty Tribbett, Dorinda Clark-Cole, tobyMac, and P.O.D.’s Sonny Sandoval.

The first single, “Looking For You”, is a blazing party track featuring a sample from the classic Patrice Rushen hit song “Haven’t You Heard.” The summer anthem impacts at urban and gospel radio on August 29th and will also be accompanied by a 12 inch that will be serviced to DJ’s and clubs. This follows recent high profile appearances including Bishop TD Jakes’ Mega-Fest 2005 and a national performance on TBN. Franklin will also be hitting the road this fall on a promotion tour in support of the album. For additional information and a listing of tour dates go to Franklin’s new website—- http://www.kirkfranklin.us.

Via PRNewswire

Floetry Set to Release 3rd CD, Flo’Ology on November 8th

It’s more than the passionate vocals of Marsha Ambrosius (the Songstress) and elegant spoken word of Natalie Stewart (the Floacist) that has fans captivated everywhere since FLOETRY first stepped on stage. The dynamic duo’s incredible success is deeply rooted in their ability to appeal to all ages, races and genres of music lovers. The proof is in their long list of accolades and demand for appearances: six Grammy nods, six Soul Train awards perched on their mantle, a NAACP nomination for Outstanding New Artist, a standing ovation at BET’s Walk of Fame: Tribute to Smokey Robinson, impressionable performances at the Essence Music Festival & Def Poetry Jam (HBO). FLOETRY known to make music that speaks to listeners’ mind, body, and soul are now ready to release a masterpiece to stand the test of time and raise the bar in music with their third CD Flo’Ology on Geffen Records. Plus, they’ve enlisted super producer Scott Storch and Hip Hop’s savior Common on their 1st single, “SupaStar”.

Fresh off the Kool Philosophy Tour with The Roots and the Sugar Water Festival Tour alongside Queen Latifah, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, FLOETRY are quick to point out the differences between Flo’Ology and the topics covered on their 6X Grammy-nominated debut Floetic and its follow-up, Floacism (Live). This time, the duo’s lyrics more specifically span the spectrum of romantic relationships. On up-tempo grooves like “My Apology” and “Let Me In,” Ambrosius and Stewart offer a sophisticated look at the often-confusing aspects of matters of the heart. On “Lay Down” and “Imagination,” they each delve into the sensual side of love. Finally, “Waiting In Vain” — a remake of the classic Bob Marley song — and the heart-wrenching ballad “Feelings” explore the effects of unrequited love. “Flo’Ology is about women taking more responsibility for what goes on in our lives,” explains Stewart. “Now that Marsha and I are more mature, we’ve come to a better understanding of ourselves, and naturally that’s reflected on the album.”

Still working with some of the same producers that were part of the musical force behind the first album, FLOETRY also enlisted the musical talents of beat genius Scott Storch on “My Apology” and the 1st single “SupaStar” featuring Common. Other featured producers include Rafael Saadiq (”Imagination”) and Whiteleaf Productions (”I’ll Die,” “Closer”).

Stewart and Ambrosius’ undeniable chemistry is at the root of their eargasmic blend of rhythm and rhyme. Having met for the first time as rivals on the basketball court in South London, the pair became fast friends, it was during this time that the two women decided to join together to form FLOETRY. Receiving praise in London for their live performances, FLOETRY journeyed to Philly to concur there passion for music and this is where they met their manager Julius Erving III, the son of hoop legend Dr. J., and DJ Jazzy Jeff. Floetic followed in 2002 and the ladies went on to pen songs for Michael Jackson (”Butterflies”), Jill Scott, Glenn Lewis, Bilal and most recently, the chorus for the Styles P hit “I’m Black.” Ambrosius is credited for the background vocals on Justin Timberlake’s hit “Cry Me a River” and is featured on The Game’s “Start from Scratch.”

FLOETRY has performed 160 live shows each year since the release of Floetic, and they are scheduled to hit the road once again for a FLOETRY Flo’Ology lounge tour across the country.

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