The Flavor Of Love Reunion: After The Lovin Premieres April 2

Just when you thought it was over, VH1′s caps off their smash hit “Flavor Of Love” with “FLAVOR OF LOVE REUNION: AFTER THE LOVIN,” airing April 2 at 8 PM.* Flavor Flav brings back all the girls to one stage to reunite for the first time since they were eliminated from the show. There’s a lot of unfinished business between the ladies -arch enemies “Pumkin” and “New York” come face-to-face for the first time since the “spitting incident” — and sparks do fly in typical “Flavor of Love” fashion! Following the “Flavor of Love Reunion” special that night, Celebreality continues with new episodes of “The Surreal Life” at 9 PM*, “Hogan Knows Best” at 9:30 PM*, and the premiere of “SO noTORIous” starring Tori Spelling at 10 PM!*

*all times ET/PT

Via PRNewswire

Destiny’s Child’s ‘Live In Atlanta’ DVD In Stores Now

Fans of Destiny’s Child, the world’s top-selling female vocal group, can relive one of the group’s spectacular concert performances on the newly-available “Live In Atlanta” DVD, in stores now from Columbia Music Video/Sony Urban Music/Music World Entertainment.

Filmed last year at one of the hottest concerts on the group’s farewell tour last year, “Live In Atlanta,” captures Destiny’s Child — Beyonce Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams — performing at the peak of absolute perfection, singing, dancing and gettin’ down with their “Hotlanta” audience to deliver a career spanning selection of definitive versions of classic hits including “Say My Name,” “Independent Women Part I,” “Bug A-Boo,” “Bills, Bills, Bills,” “Bootylicious,” “Jumpin’, Jumpin’,” “Soldier” (featuring T.I. and Lil’ Wayne), “Survivor,” “Lose My Breath” and much more.

The “Live In Atlanta” DVD includes the added bonus features: a video scrapbook, “Destiny’s Child – A Family Affair”; fan testimonials including favorite song and favorite costumes; a preview teaser of Kelly Rowland’s upcoming sophomore album; and the “Dreamgirls” movie and soundtrack trailer.

In addition, “Live In Atlanta” includes the bonus audio selections: “Flashback” featuring Kelly Rowland; “Check On It (Remix)” featuring Beyonce (Bun B and Slim Thug); and “Let’s Stay Together” featuring Michelle Williams.

Destiny’s Child was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Tuesday, March 28.

Destiny’s Child
“Live In Atlanta”

1-Intro/Overture
2-Say My Name
3-Independent Women
4-No, No, No (Part 2)
5-Bug-A-Boo
6-Bills, Bills, Bills
7-Bootylicious
8-Jumpin’, Jumpin’
9-Soldier Dance Interlude
10-Soldier Featuring T.I. & Lil’ Wayne
11-Dancer Break
12-Dilemma Featuring Kelly Rowland
13-Do You Know Featuring Michelle Williams
14-Beyonce Intro
15-Baby Boy Featuring Beyonce
16-Naughty Girl Featuring Beyonce
17-Band Introduction
18-Cater 2 U
19-Cater 2 U Dance Sequence
20-Girl
21-Free
22-If
23-Through With Love Featuring The Choir
24-Bad Habit Featuring Kelly Rowland
25-Dancer Ballet Break
26-Dangerously In Love Featuring Beyonce
27-Crazy In Love Featuring Beyonce
28-Salsa Dance Break
29-Survivor
30-Lose My Breath

Bonus Features
Destiny’s Child – A Family Affair
Fan Testimonials
Kelly Rowland Sophomore CD Teaser
“Dreamgirls” Movie & Soundtrack Trailer

Bonus Audio
“Flashback” Featuring Kelly Rowland
“Check On It (Remix)” Featuring Beyonce (Bun B and Slim Thug)

“Let’s Stay Together” Featuring Michelle Williams

mydestinyschild.com
beyonceonline.com
kellyrowlandonline.com
michellewilliamsonline.com

Via PRNewswire

Cingular Announces Exclusive Concert With Rihanna And Nick Cannon In Indianapolis

Adding yet another musical element to its repertoire, Cingular today announced that Cingular Sounds Live, a unique concert series designed to generate exclusive content specifically for the mobile environment, will come to Indianapolis. On March 31st, the company will host an invitation-only Cingular Sounds Live concert at the Vogue featuring performances by Def Jam Records recording artist Rihanna, whose singles “SOS” and “Pon De Replay” have become major pop hits, and Nick Cannon, whose current hit is “Can I Live?”.

Cingular creates, produces and hosts a series of regular music events throughout the country from which taped footage will be used as part of the company’s exclusive video offering. Utilizing the company’s on-demand streaming video service, Cingular Video(TM), customers will be able to use their 3G-compatible wireless phones to watch concert highlights shortly after the live event.

“Showing video content on wireless devices is not necessarily new anymore, but what makes Cingular Sounds Live so unique is that we aren’t chasing music concerts to get this footage. Instead, we are actually creating these mobile music events for the sole purpose of making the content available for our customers to access and enjoy on their wireless phones,” said David Garver, executive director of segment marketing and sponsorships, Cingular Wireless.

Cingular Sounds Live is the latest development in the company’s successful Cingular Sounds program. The creation of Cingular Sounds Live demonstrates Cingular’s leadership in wireless music innovation, as well as the natural synergies between wireless and music.

“With the advancement of wireless networks and handset technologies, the cell phone is becoming a true entertainment device. Innovative programs like Cingular Sounds Live allow us to address the needs of many consumers who want to stay connected to their lives — and their music — while mobile,” added Garver.

Via PRNewswire

Ensemble Cast Of Celebrities Unite To Record Audio Bible

Zondervan and Inspired By Media Group will release Inspired By … The Bible Experience, a dramatized audio recording of the Bible featuring an unprecedented roster of stars from stage and screen. More than 80 stars such as award-winning actors Angela Bassett (Esther), Blair Underwood (Jesus), Denzel Washington (Solomon) and Cuba Gooding Jr. (Judas) lend their voices to this project of biblical proportions to form an all-star ensemble cast.

Releasing this fall, a reenactment based on the entire text of the New Testament, Inspired By … The Bible Experience includes dramatic performances set to sound effects and an original musical underscore. Developed and produced by Inspired By Media Group, a company comprised of new media and entertainment industry veterans committed to producing creative and culturally relevant products for the faith-based and family markets, this first-of-its- kind audio Bible will be published and distributed by Zondervan, the world’s leading Bible publisher.

“With the recent resurgence of faith-based entertainment and its appeal to both urban and mainstream audiences, this project serves as a cultural bridge connecting people of all races and ethnicities,” said Ron Belk, president and CEO of Inspired By Media Group and one of four of the audio Bible’s executive producers. “We are excited to partner with Zondervan to produce this unique and inspiring Bible.”

Veteran television and film producer Kyle Bowser, Grammy winning music producer Louis “Buster” Brown and Emmy winning casting director Robi Reed also serve as executive producers for Inspired By … The Bible Experience and comprise the multimedia company’s senior management team.

In addition to Bassett, Underwood, Washington and Gooding Jr., Inspired By … The Bible Experience audio Bible features a cross-generational roster of talent representing a wide variety of entertainment genres and personalities. With more than 80 African-American celebrities and notable personalities recorded to date, television and film favorites such as James Avery, Tisha Campbell Martin, Loretta Devine, Charles Dutton, Robert Guillaume, Jasmine Guy and Boris Kodjoe are among the ensemble cast. NFL Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown, inspirational speaker Iyanla Vanzant, minister Juanita Bynum and legendary gospel singer Shirley Caesar are also featured. Voices from the music world spanning gospel, hip hop and R&B include Common, Faith Evans, Heavy D, Anthony Hamilton, Kirk Franklin, MC Lyte and Angie Stone.

The company also plans to launch Inspired By … The Bible Experience, Old and New Testaments in 2007, as well as a number of other Inspired By … branded products, including an accompanying soundtrack.

“I am proud to be a part of this landmark project that has afforded me the opportunity to collaborate with so many of my peers to bring this unique and timely version of the Bible to the global marketplace,” said Blair Underwood.

Inspired By … The Bible Experience will be recorded using Zondervan’s Today’s New International Version (TNIV) Bible translation, a version selected by Inspired By Media Group because it represented the best combination of accuracy and readability for the audio Bible product and is targeted specifically for the 18- to 34-year-old demographic.

“Zondervan recognizes that there is a large and powerful audience looking for this type of culturally relevant product,” said Paul Caminiti, Zondervan vice president and publisher of Bibles. “We’re excited about the opportunity to bring Inspired By … The Bible Experience to the urban Christian market and expect it to have strong crossover appeal.”

Visit Inspired By Media Group on the Web at http://www.inspiredby.com. Visit Zondervan on the Web at http://www.zondervan.com.

Via PRNewswire

BLACK ENTERPRISE Presents Its Annual Investment Guide

These are uncertain times for investors. There have been successive interest rate hikes, exorbitant oil prices, pension cuts and eliminations, and the housing market has cooled. And as new Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke settles into his post, the investment environment remains questionable. In order to assist investors, BLACK ENTERPRISE (BE) presents its Annual Investment Guide, offering solid strategies for investing over the next 12 months. “Smart financial planning requires preparation and research,” explains BE Personal Finance Editor Matthew S. Scott. “It’s crucial to closely monitor your portfolio and make adjustments as market conditions fluctuate. Savvy investors who make informed choices can secure and grow their capital if they stay ahead of the game.”

In “Wealth Protection Strategies for the Average Investor,” four of today’s most successful money managers analyze the current market, suggest ways to safeguard existing investments, and make predictions on future growth. BE’s investment roundtable features expert advice from AXA Advisors, Oppenheimer & Co., The Bryant Group, and Wealth Management Network. (Pg. 77)

The average international stock fund gained 17.4% in 2005. Because of stalwart returns, more and more individuals are shifting a larger, overall percentage of their investment dollars to non-U.S. stocks. In “Foreign Powers,” BE examines soaring foreign fund performance and considers the long-term advantages-and potential risks-of increased global investing. (Pg. 92)

No one fund can guarantee results. The best strategy remains holding a diversified portfolio. In “BE’s Top 100 Mutual Fund Performers,” the best fund performers over the past five years in 20 categories are identified. (Pg. 98)

Also in the April issue:
Becoming a manager is a considerable career step. Supervisory skills don’t automatically come with the title and managing well is not achieved without considerable practice and training. “Congratulations, You’re a Manager! Now What?” guides first-time supervisors through the challenges-and potential pitfalls-of their new responsibilities. (Pg. 102)

When buying a house for the first time, working with reputable professionals can ensure that the process goes smoothly. “Home Team Advantage,” the second installment of BE’s five-part series on home buying, provides a roadmap for choosing the right real estate agent, lawyer, and lender, and making the process as easy as 1-2-3. (Pg. 111)

The April issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE is on newsstands now.

Via PRNewswire

Hip-Hop Summit Action Network Empower Detroit Youth To Get Their Money Right

On March 25th, the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), title sponsor Chrysler Financial and presenting sponsor Anheuser-Busch, Inc. kicked off the first date of the national Hip-Hop Summit Financial Empowerment Tour: “Get Your Money Right” in Detroit to a standing room only house at Wayne State University’s Bonstelle Theatre. This is the second year Chrysler Financial is involved with the Summit as the title sponsor as it volunteers its financial expertise to the partnership with HSAN.

HSAN Chairman Russell Simmons, Baby Phat CEO/founder Kimora Lee Simmons, Academy Award winner Three 6 Mafia, reggaeton superstar Don Omar, MC Lyte, HSAN President/CEO and Summit co-moderator Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Summit co-moderator Doug E. Fresh, Shady Records’ Obie Trice, Stat Quo, and Bobby Creekwater, Spudd from Detroit’s Hot 102.7FM and Chrysler Financial’s experts James Whitlow and Gerrod Parchmon came together to teach the 18-35 year old audience about financial literacy.

“Music in the 1960s was a force that moved and inspired us. Hip-hop is also a platform for change and Chrysler Financial recognizes the power of hip-hop culture,” said Klaus Entenmann, President and CEO — DaimlerChrysler Financial Services Americas.

Attendees actively participated in the Summit by working in the “Get Your Money Right” workbook. Topics discussed included: FICO, basics of banking, repairing and understanding credit scores, asset and wealth management, vehicle financing and home ownership. The workbook was co written by HSAN, Chrysler Financial, as well as other outside support and printed in both Spanish and English for 2006.

Russell Simmons offered this encouragement, “Before you make a decision to invest in yourself, start by giving yourself the opportunity,” he emphasized. “Envision it and then work hard at what you want to get.”

The Three 6 Mafia stars — DJ Paul, Juicy J and Crunchy Black — who have elevated hip-hop with their Academy Award win and performance, had this advice to give, “Pay your taxes, save your money, watch who you hang around with. Trust and believe in yourself.”

Representative John Conyers, Jr. of Detroit, now in his 20th term in the U.S. House of Representatives, attended and spoke in support of the event. Conyers, a strong supporter of financial literacy initiatives, also supports financial literacy through his involvement in MoneySmart Week, April 22-29, in Michigan.

MoneySmart Week is a partnership between the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago – Detroit Branch and the MoneySmart Week Advisory Council. Chrysler Financial has been an active member on the council since its inception in 2004.

In honor of HSAN’s 5th anniversary, the next Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment will be April 22 in New York City, the first Hip-Hop Summit there since the very first Summit in June of 2001. This year’s “Get Your Money Right” tour includes stops that coincide with the college school year schedule on May 20 in Miami, September 16 in Atlanta, September 30 in Los Angeles and October 14 in Dallas.

Additional information and news from DaimlerChrysler is available on the Internet at: http://www.media.daimlerchrysler.com. For additional information on HSAN visit http://www.hsan.org.

Via PRNewswire

Actor Isaiah Washington Help Raise Awareness To Narcolepsy

Pictured Above: Actor Isaiah Washington, star of TV’s award- winning series, “Grey’s Anatomy,” is leading an effort to raise awareness of narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that is often misdiagnosed. Washington, who has a friend who suffers from the condition, is encouraging people to visit www.narcolepsynetwork.org or call 888-SLEEP-67 for more information on narcolepsy.

Isaiah Washington first made his mark in cinema in gritty crime dramas and romantic ensemble comedies. He has been featured in four acclaimed Spike Lee films: Crooklyn, Clockers, Girl 6, and Get on the Bus. Other feature credits include Exit Wounds, Romeo Must Die, True Crime, Bulworth, Out of Sight, Love Jones, Dead Presidents, Stonewall, Strictly Business and the acclaimed Dancing in September – a performance which earned him a nomination for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor.

More recently Washington was seen in Ghost Ship, Welcome to Collinwood and Hollywood Homicide. Upcoming films include Moguls and Dead Birds.

(PRNewsFoto/Narcolepsy Network)

Whirlpool Corporation Named One Of Top 50 Companies To Work For By Black MBA Magazine

Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) announced it recently was named 12th on the list of the Top 50 Companies for African-American MBAs to work for by Black MBA Magazine. Published by P&L Publishing, Black MBA Magazine is the official publication of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), a professional organization based in Chicago.

“Whirlpool is honored to be recognized as one of the Top 50 Companies for African-American MBAs,” said David A. Binkley, senior vice president of Global Human Resources, Whirlpool Corporation. “Diversity with inclusion has long been one of our core values and we are strongly committed to hiring talented college graduates from all backgrounds.”

P&L Publishing commissioned a team of research professionals to determine criteria for selecting the Top 50 Companies for African-American MBAs to Work. The survey was inspired by the continued growth in the U.S. population and its diverse MBA workforce. Black MBA Magazine was interested in whether companies were adapting to this new trend and staffing their workforce accordingly. More specifically, it wanted to identify those companies that not only value diversity, but also have a strong recruitment process in hiring talented and highly educated African-Americans and other minorities.

The Top 50 Companies for African-Americans to Work For survey appears in the current issue of Black MBA Magazine.

Please visit http://www.blackmbamagazine.net for more information about Black MBA Magazine.

Via PRNewswire-FirstCall

Gospel Great Byron Cage Helps Raise Awareness About Chronic Kidney Disease

Gospel culture and its powerful musical component have the ability to inspire people to take a proactive role in nurturing their mind, body and spirit. Now, gospel artist Byron Cage is using the power of music to lead a new public awareness program — Strength in Harmony(SM) — to encourage those at risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) to recognize warning signs and obtain early medical intervention. The program launches today with a kick-off concert at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta. Strength in Harmony is being offered by Ortho Biotech Products, L.P., in partnership with The COSHAR Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization with a focus on health education through faith-based initiatives.

“I am excited to be working with Ortho Biotech and COSHAR on the Strength in Harmony initiative,” said Minister Cage. “I hope to help bring the African-American community together to take action against chronic kidney disease. Just knowing the risk factors and what symptoms to look out for can lead to earlier treatment and better health.”

Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition in which the kidneys are unable to function effectively. Currently, 20 million Americans have kidney disease and another estimated 20 million are at risk for developing the condition. African Americans are affected disproportionately, as they represent 33 percent of patients treated for kidney failure in the United States, but only 13 percent of the overall population. In 2002, the incidence of people experiencing kidney failure per million was 982 in African Americans, but only 256 in Caucasians. People at elevated risk include those with diabetes or high blood pressure, and those who have a family history of kidney disease.

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Tracey Edmonds Discusses Her Entertainment Empire on Black Business Radio Series ‘Doin’ It’

She’s one of the most powerful women in Hollywood — black or white. But contrary to popular belief, life hasn’t always been easy for Tracey Edmonds, entertainment executive, super mom, and estranged wife of music legend, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds.

In an exclusive interview with the new black radio and web business series, “Doin’ It,” Tracey talks about the tough teenage years, her Stanford education, building a fledgling real estate business with her mother, and her rapid ascent in the entertainment business. The program airs on the website http://www.doinitonline.com, and on XM Channel 169 — The Power on Saturdays at 1:00 P.M., and on Sundays at 2:00 P.M.

“When we launched our program we promised to bring access to the best black business minds in consulting, corporate, academia, entrepreneurship, and entertainment to America,” says Moses Foster, President of the “Doin’ It” Network, and host of the “Doin’ It” program. “Our latest in-depth interview with Tracey Edmonds proves that we’re delivering on that promise. She’s about as good as it gets in Hollywood.”

Since launching on satellite radio and the web, The “Doin’ It” Network has managed to secure an astounding collection of guests that reads like a Who’s Who in black business. The program has featured VP of Choice Hotels (and one of Black Enterprise’s Most Powerful Players under 40), Brian Parker, the Chairman of America’s largest black-owned business, David Steward, and publisher of Target Market News, Ken Smikle.

“It’s a new world, and people are consuming information in new ways. That’s why we’re communicating in rapidly emerging channels. XM Satellite Radio allows us to broadcast crucial black business news to the entire country, and our website, http://www.doinitonline.com allows us to offer the brightest black business minds to the world!”

And The “Doin’ It” Network isn’t slowing down. In the next few weeks they’ll talk with the managing director of the Johnny Cochran law firm, Harley Davidson Motor Company, and Steven Rogers, Distinguished Professor of Finance at Kellogg, America’s #1 Business School.

“We’re making progress, but we won’t stop until we are the undisputed #1 name in black business,” says Foster.

Via PRNewswire

Prince’s First Universal Release 3121 Debuts at #1

Notching the highest debut of his storied career, Prince garnered the Top Spot on The Billboard 200 Album chart with his acclaimed Universal Records debut album, 3121, selling 183,436 units in its first week of release.

The stunning debut is Prince’s first #1 album since 1989′s Batman soundtrack, and his first top-charting studio album since 1985′s Around The World In A Day. Hailed by fans and critics as a return to “vintage” Prince, the disc has drawn unanimous media raves, including praise from Rolling Stone magazine – “Reassert(s) Prince’s funk bona fides…” – and People magazine – “Even better than its double platinum-predecessor” – cementing Prince’s return to the pop stratosphere which he began with 2004′s double-platinum offering, the Grammy nominated Musicology.

Prince has also treated fans to a rare coupling of promotions celebrating the new album, including an intimate surprise midnight show for fans on the eve of the release of 3121 at L.A.’s Tower Records on Sunset Strip. The innovative Prince has also included a limited number of Purple tickets in 3121 CD packages, granting lucky fans access to a private performance at his L.A. home later this spring. Listeners who purchased the new “Black Sweat” single via Apple’s iTunes Music Store were also eligible to win entrance to the upcoming private show.

Prince’s momentum has been buoyed by the sizzling single “Black Sweat,” the top debuting single on the Billboard Hot 100 three weeks ago, boosted by a sultry, minimalist video helmed by groundbreaking Moroccan director Sanaa Hamri (Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, Seal)

Prince’s previous single and video from the new disc, the ballad “Te Amo Corazon,” were also greeted with wide acclaim, simultaneously premiering across all of VH1′s platforms, and directed by award winning actress Selma Hayek. Prince previewed another 3121 gem, the guitar-edged “Fury,” on NBC’s Saturday Night Live on February 4th, the first time the star had appeared on the long running show in 25 years, scoring the highest ratings for SNL in more than two years.

The 12 song disc is also being hailed for its peerless blend of Prince styles, including the catchy funk of “Lolita,” the R&B-tinged “Incense And Candles,” and a steamy duet with Prince protege Tamar on Beautiful, Loved & Blessed,” among others.

Prince’s ascension to the top of the pop world has been both meteoric and enduring, inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, his most recent release, Musicology, debuted at #3 on the Top 200 album charts, capping a three-decade reign in which Prince is generally regarded as one of the most acclaimed and influential musical artists of the 20th century.

The Minnesota native’s career literally exploded in 1984 with the dual phenomenon of Purple Rain (the movie broke box office records, the Grammy nominated album sole more than 11 million copies an spent 24 weeks at #1) making Prince one of the few triple threats in history to simultaneously land the #1 single, album, and movie. A series of genre defying albums – from 1985′s Around The World In A Day, to 1987′s prophetic A Sign of the Times, to 1991′s Diamond And Pearls indelibly sealed his reputation as a groundbreaking songwriter and consummate musical performer.

With more than 100 million records sold, Prince launched his web-centric NPG Music Club in the early ’90s, pioneering direct sales and value-added content that would become the artist-driven online entrepreneurial model artists and internet gurus would be flocking to by the end of the decade. More groundbreaking albums followed, with Prince himself stewarding their marketing and promotion, with major imprints such as EMI, Arista and Columbia forming temporary but fruitful relationships with the visionary artist.

Prince also launched one of the most successful tours in music history in 2004 (Pollstar Magazine crowned him top concert draw for the year), as well as winning a NAACP Image Award, and being honored by Rolling Stone magazine in a special issue which named Prince #5 on the Top Pop Artists of the Past 25 Years.

Via BLACK PR WIRE

Dr. Maya Angelou And Alltel Announce Scholarship Winners

Alltel (NYSE: AT) and world-renowned poet Dr. Maya Angelou announced today the 10 winners of the company’s Words of Wisdom Scholarship Program during a reception at the William J. Clinton Presidential Center. The winners had a special lunch with Dr. Angelou and received $4,000 scholarships to participating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU).

The 10 winners were selected by educators, business leaders and Alltel officials based on their responses to the essay question, “What words of wisdom will you pass on to those who come after you?”

Scholarship winners are: Karah Bailey, Florida A&M; Dionne Gilchrist, Norfolk State University; Tiffany Henry, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; Antoine Marshall, Claflin University; Ashley Jackson, Tougaloo College; Deirdra Beatty, Fayetteville State University; Lawrence Henry, Xavier University of Louisiana; Shondolyn Galloway, North Carolina Central University; Britani Childs, Hampton University; and Candace Moore, Virginia Union University.

“The Words of Wisdom Scholarship Program underscores Alltel’s commitment to the African-American community and our company is delighted to work with Dr. Angelou on a project that rewards college students for putting an emphasis on their education,” said Regina Woziwodzki, director of multicultural marketing for Alltel.

“These young people are sharing what they know will prove useful to future generations,” said Dr. Angelou. “I am proud to be a part of this program and to have come in contact with such an inspired group of young people.”

During their visit to Little Rock, the winners also toured several local landmarks, including the Clinton Library, Arkansas Arts Center’s African Masterpieces from the New Orleans Museum of Art and Little Rock Central High School and Museum. Reception attendees dined on a menu from Dr. Angelou’s book, “Hallelujah! the welcome table” and enjoyed a performance by the Philander Smith Collegiate Choir.

Alltel supports a number of annual multicultural and sporting events in the African-American community, including the HBCU Football Classics and several athletic departments at HBCU institutions; a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration in Cleveland and a MLK parade in Jackson, Miss., the largest in the United States; the Lynch Street Festival in Jackson, and the Jazz Series and Pride Awards in Charlotte, N.C. This marks the second year for Alltel to sponsor an essay contest and scholarship program in celebration of Black History Month.

Dr. Maya Angelou is hailed as one of the greatest voices of contemporary literature. An internationally respected poet, writer, civil rights activist and educator, Dr. Angelou has authored twelve best-selling books, has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and was one of the first black women directors in Hollywood. She has written, produced, directed and starred in productions for stage, film and television.

www.alltel.com

Via BUSINESS WIRE

Cheryl ‘COKO’ Clemons Formerly Of SWV Signs With Artemis Gospel

Artemis Gospel announces the signing of CHERYL “COKO” CLEMONS to their roster of artists. The elegant & powerful female vocalist, COKO, is best known as being one third of the hugely popular 90′s group SWV, will be releasing an all new, all Gospel album in August.

COKO, who has lent her signature sopranos vocals to hit songs such as “Men In Black,” with Will Smith, and her solo hit “Sunshine,” is much more than an R&B singer who just “came from the church.” “I never left the church,” COKO said. “I’ve always been active in my church despite my profession in R&B music. Church was more than a breeding ground for me to sing, it’s where I nurture my soul. It’s a lifestyle for me.”

COKO appeared on The Lord’s Church Cathedral Choir’s project on “Some How, Some Way,” and on the breakout gospel song “Midnight” with Brent Jones & T.P. Mobb. COKO, began her career at 12-years-old as a member of the New York Community Choir. The singer was a member of Hezekiah Walker’s Love Fellowship Crusade Choir, and it was during that tenure that COKO teamed up with childhood friends Leanne “Lelee” Lyons and Tamara “Taj” Johnson to form SWV.

Today COKO has set her sites on the Gospel world and fulfilling something that has always been in her — a desire and passion to present music with a message. Raised in the church, COKO has more than a testimony to deliver — she has a divine sense purpose to offer her gifts to the Lord. Her album is tentatively scheduled to hit stores everywhere this summer on Artemis Gospel records which will include all new music produced by Warryn “Baby Dubb” Campbell, Rodney Jerkins and J. Moss & PAJAM.

Via PRNewswire

Debbie Allen Launches Pfizer’s “Be Powerful” Campaign

Pictured Above:(l to r) Mario Christino (Radio One), Debbie Allen (Entertainer), Janice Cruz-Rowe (Pfizer), and Dr. Elijah Saunders (University of Maryland School of Medicine) at the launch of the “Be Powerful” Campaign at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore, MD on March 22, 2006. The Campaign, sponsored by Pfizer, is a new grass roots health education and awareness effort targeting African Americans in Maryland though patient empowerment and educational tools.

Pfizer is committed to providing grassroots community programs to engage and enable African-Americans to proactively manage their own healthcare. Healthy individuals lead to healthy, productive communities, and Pfizer is dedicated to achieving this for the Baltimore City area. Pfizer is looking to have the Be Powerful(TM) campaign continue through 2006 and potentially further down the line.

Photo via (Paul Morigi/U.S. Newswire)

Diddy To Host Diddy And Friends At The ESSENCE Music Festival

Essence Festivals, LLC., announced today that music mogul and pop culture icon Diddy will host Diddy and Friends at the Coca-Cola Presents the 2006 Essence Music Festival. New Edition and Bobby Brown (featuring a rare reunion performance), Jaheim and Chris Brown will also perform at the Festival along with previously announced artists Yolanda Adams, Mary J. Blige, Toni Braxton, Cedric “The Entertainer,” Keyshia Cole, Earth Wind & Fire, Steve Harvey, LL Cool J, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Mo’Nique and Charlie Wilson. This year’s awe-inspiring celebration, set for July 1, 2, and 3 in Houston, Texas, will be a “bigger party with a deeper purpose.”

The theme for the Empowerment Seminars will be “Now or Never! The ESSENCE Call To Action To Secure Our Children,” and will feature Magic Johnson, Jamie Foxx and Shemar Moore.

The night-by-night main stage schedule of performances is as follows:

SATURDAY, JULY 1
Mary J. Blige
Earth, Wind & Fire
Mo’Nique
LL Cool J
Yolanda Adams

SUNDAY, JULY 2
Diddy and Friends
New Edition
Bobby Brown
Steve Harvey
Jaheim
Chris Brown

MONDAY, JULY 3
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
Toni Braxton
Cedric the Entertainer
Charlie Wilson
Keyshia Cole

Lounge artists will be announced in upcoming weeks.

“Now or Never! The ESSENCE Call to Action to Secure Our Children” initiative is designed to help rescue vulnerable youth and restore the lives of Hurricane Katrina survivors, while addressing critical issues facing Black America. From poverty and unemployment to the culture of violence, unequal educational systems and the ongoing affects of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina — all represent a cry for help that can no longer be ignored. Magic Johnson, Jamie Foxx and Shemar Moore are joining forces with ESSENCE to challenge Festivalgoers to come, listen, learn and choose their method of support from reliable national organizations, including the NAACP and the National Urban League. Seminar attendees will also hear from other celebrities, activists, scholars, politicians, business and spiritual leaders who will work with the “Now or Never!” initiative, and make a commitment to take a united stand.

The Essence Marketplace will showcase artists from throughout the country who offer an array of quality arts and crafts that reflect Black culture. The marketplace will also include sponsor activities, celebrity meet-and greets, Festival souvenirs and a book fair with author book signings.

The Festival, set for July 1, 2 and 3, will take place in its new interim home, state-of-the-art Reliant Park in Houston, Texas — a city with a dynamic melting pot of cultures and a venue for world-class shopping, restaurants and nightlife.

The Coca-Cola Presents the Essence Music Festival, known as “the party with a purpose,” is the nation’s largest annual African-American event and the largest gathering of musical talent in the world. The Festival has become a destination of choice for families and friends as they schedule their reunions. This multigenerational Festival offers free inspirational and interactive Empowerment Seminars during the day and exciting performances at night, where Festivalgoers can dance and sing along with the biggest names in entertainment — R&B, classic soul, hip-hop, neo-soul and jazz.

For more information, see the May 2006 issue of ESSENCE or log on to essence.com.

Via PRNewswire

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