Doll Company Pays Tribute To Entreprneurial Legend Madam C.J. Walker

It was the perseverance and success of a woman, whose life was full of poverty, racial discrimination and illiteracy, just to name a few challenges, that led the African-American owned doll company, Big Beautiful Dolls, a company that introduced the first ever line of full-figured, plus sized fashion dolls, to pay tribute to Madam C.J. Walker in vinyl and celebrate her Entrepreneurial Spirit.

Madam C.J. Walker, daughter of slaves, orphaned at 7,married at 14, widowed at 20 and washwoman for most of her adult life, fought the racial, social and gender discrimination of her time and created a million dollar hair care empire. Not only did she promote herself, but she reached out to help other women promote themselves and gave them an opportunity that was not afforded to them during those times.

“I am a woman that came from the cotton fields of the South; I was promoted from there to the washtub; then I was promoted to the cook kitchen, and from there I promoted myself into the business of manufacturing hair goods and preparations. I am not ashamed of my past; I am not ashamed of my humble beginnings. I know how to grow hair as well as I know how to grow cotton. And, I have built my own factory on my own ground.” “Quoted from a speech given by Madam C.J. Walker in1912, at Thirteenth Annual Convention of the Negro Business League.

Those inspiring words helped Big Beautiful Dolls create their vinyl version of their Tribute Doll to Madam C.J. Walker, portrayed by their Dasia Doll. She is 11 ½ inches tall, full-figured, proud and just amazing. When you look at the Tribute Doll in those clothes, and that face, you cannot help but see a Madam C.J. Walker, standing proud, successful and unwavering in her desire to help not only herself but others as well.

It is also a dream come true for the company of Big Beautiful Dolls, who have admired Madam C. J. Walkers courage, success and determination for many years and “to create a doll in her honor, is our honor”, states Georgette Taylor, owner & co-founder of Big Beautiful Dolls.

That inspiring quote from Madam C.J. Walker, has made this company stronger…and it is with deep respect and honor to Madam C.J. Walker and all other women entrepreneurs who have come after her that we debut Dasia as she pays tribute to Madam C.J. Walker.

The limited edition of 50 the “Tribute Doll: Madam C.J. Walker” is currently available for pre-ordering at www.bbdolls.com. The doll comes hand numbered with a collectible box, that was made possible my Madam C.J. Walker’s great great-granddaughter, A’Lelia Bundles, who gave permission to Big Beautiful Dolls to use photos of Madam C.J. Walker.

Via PRWEB

Starbucks Commits $2.5 million Donation To The NAACP

Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ:SBUX) announced today a five-year, $2.5 million commitment, through cash and in-kind donation, for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

This strategic alliance will enable Starbucks and the NAACP to support programs and activities reflecting both organizations’ on-going commitment to social and economic equality. In furtherance of this commitment, the NAACP and Starbucks will work together on an annual basis to designate those programs that will receive funding through Starbucks donations.

“The NAACP is proud to add Starbucks to its list of supporters,” said Bruce Gordon, president and chief executive officer, NAACP. “We applaud Starbucks leadership role in supporting programs to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights and there is no racial hatred or racial discrimination.”

“At Starbucks, we embrace diversity as an essential component in the way we do business,” said Jim Donald, Starbucks president and chief executive officer. “We strive to promote an environment of respect and dignity for all, and positively contribute to communities in which we serve. At Starbucks we actively look for ways to support diverse organizations through volunteering, product donations and sponsorships. We believe our best opportunity to engage in the community is through these efforts and we are pleased to become an active partner of the NAACP.”

Via BUSINESS WIRE

Remy Martin 1738 Recognizes Black Music Month

Remy Martin(R) is turning up the volume for Black Music Month. Today, the cognac-maker announced its plans to help raise awareness and recognition of black music this June. Activities will include a national online consumer poll to name the top hip-hop soul artists and songs of all time, a partnership with cutting-edge music magazine XXL for a hip hop soul special issue (on newsstands now) and custom advertising. Their efforts will come to life during an exclusive New York City VIP kick-off party next week, featuring a performance from XXL cover artist Keyshia Cole. Remy Martin will also present the first Remy Martin 1738 Award for Contributions to Black Music to the Hip-Hop Association.

First celebrated in 1926, Black Music Month has been proclaimed by the President every year since 1979. 2006 marks the second year that Remy Martin 1738 has developed a program around Black Music Month. In 2005, the brand teamed with renowned hip-hop producer Hype Williams and collaborated with the Rhythm & Blues Association and Jazz Alliance to compile a comprehensive list of the 1,738 most influential songs in black music. This year, Remy Martin is building substantially on that foundation.

“Remy Martin 1738 and Black Music Month are a natural fit. The 1738 brand has quietly found a place as the spirit of choice for a number of high-profile individuals in the music industry — and the inner circles around them,” said Steve Hissam, Remy Martin category director. “This year’s effort reflects our desire to further drive awareness through direct engagement with music fans. The poll, the special issue, the party and the award — they’re all geared toward getting more people involved in the conversation and elevating the visibility of Black Music Month.”

The revamped 1738.com (http://www.1738.com) is a testament to that effort. The Web site includes the list of 1,738 songs compiled last year, which users can listen to, as well as information on the XXL special issue and in-market events. The site’s primary focus, however, is an online poll that asks fans to select their favorite hip-hop soul artists and tracks of all time. Daily updates are made to the leader board and users can check back to view the top “17 and 38.” Hundreds have already cast their votes and thousands more are expected throughout the month of June. Remy Martin will announce the top 17 artists and 38 tracks at the beginning of July.

While 1738.com solicits the “people’s choice,” Remy Martin has also teamed with XXL to provide a professional take on the landscape of hip-hop soul music via sole-sponsorship of Hip-Hop Soul magazine, a special issue from the publishers of XXL. The stand-alone publication hit newsstands in mid-May and pays tribute to Black Music Month, spotlighting the category’s newest ambassadors (Keyshia Cole and Ne-Yo grace the cover) while also paying tribute, in a photo essay, to the legends who pioneered the hip-hop soul category (including Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and Patti LaBelle).

On June 6, Remy Martin and XXL will co-host a kick-off celebration for Black Music Month in New York City, with a performance by Cole, whose music can be heard on the Mission Impossible: 3 soundtrack. At the party, the brand will present the first Remy Martin 1738 Award for Contributions to Black Music to the Hip-Hop Association, whose mission is to facilitate, foster and preserve hip hop culture. Throughout the month of June, the brand will also host promotions around the country.

Via PRNewswire

Beyonce Celebrates Her 25th Birthday With Release Of New Solo Album ‘B’Day In September

Music World Music/Sony Urban Music/Columbia Records will release B’Day, the much-anticipated new solo album from Beyonce, on Tuesday, September 5.

B’Day will be released worldwide on September 4, Beyonce’s 25th birthday.

The pop music superstar’s sophomore studio album premieres all new music co-produced, written and arranged by Beyonce. “Deja Vu,” the album’s first single, features guest artist Jay-Z with co-production by Rodney Jerkins. Beyonce’s co-producers on B’Day include Rich Harrison, The Neptunes, and Swizz Beatz.

Beyonce’s new album is the artist’s first full-length solo work since her #1 multi-platinum 2003 solo debut, “Dangerously In Love,” which earned her five 2004 Grammy Awards including Best Contemporary R&B Album and Best R&B Song (“Crazy In Love”). With her five-in-one-year Grammy win, Beyonce tied the record for the most Grammys to be won in a single year by a female artist. “Dangerously In Love” and “Crazy In Love” made chart history when both album and single simultaneously hit #1 in the U.S. and the UK (which hadn’t happened since 1983). Beyonce toured for the first time as a solo artist in 2003 in support of “Dangerously In Love,” which has sold more than 11 million records worldwide.

Beyonce finished work on her new studio album three weeks after the wrap of her upcoming film, “Dreamgirls,” slated to open nationwide on December 22, 2006. The film version of the smash Broadway musical — loosely based on the R&B to-pop crossover saga of The Supremes — is directed by Bill Condon (“Gods & Monsters,” “Kinsey”) and stars Beyonce Knowles, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, and Danny Glover. “Dreamgirls” and its soundtrack featuring Beyonce are among this year’s most avidly-awaited holiday events. The “Dreamgirls” soundtrack is Beyonce’s first joint venture with Sony Urban Music/Columbia Records under the Music World Music umbrella.

Beyonce made her acting debut in 2001 in the made-for television production “MTV’s Hip Hopera: Carmen.” In 2002, she co-starred as “Foxxy Cleopatra” opposite Mike Myers in “Austin Powers In Goldmember,” cited in the Guinness Book of World Records for achieving the Highest Box Office Comedy Film Gross ($71.5 million over first three days) in film history. 2003 saw Beyonce appearing with Cuba Gooding Jr. in the gospel-music inspired family film, “The Fighting Temptations.”

The iconic performer took home her 9th Grammy Award (for her duet with Stevie Wonder, “So Amazing”) in 2006. Her then-current single — “Check On It” — topped the Billboard Hot 100 (for the third week in a row) and became the nation’s #1 ringtone, #1 Sales single and #1 Dance single. Both “Austin Powers in Goldmember” and her last film, “The Pink Panther,” co-starring Steve Martin, opened nationwide at #1.

In 2005, Beyonce (whose celebrity endorsements include Pepsi, L’Oreal, and Tommy Hilfiger True Star fragrances) and her mother, Tina Knowles (clothing and fashion stylist for Destiny’s Child) launched a fashion line, House of Dereon, named for Beyonce’s maternal grandmother.

Beyonce rose to international fame as a founding member of Destiny’s Child, the top-selling all-female recording group of all-time, according to the World Music Awards.

On Saturday, June 11, 2005, Destiny’s Child announced the group’s impending retirement from the stage of a sold-out concert in Barcelona, Spain, saying that the individual members would continue to pursue personal goals and careers in music, theater, television and film.

“#’1′s,” a Destiny’s Child “greatest hits” collection was released in October 2005 and entered the Billboard 200 best-selling albums chart at #1.

Beyonce Knowles and Kelly Rowland — along with Mathew Knowles, Tina Knowles and Solange Knowles-Smith — formed the Survivor Foundation, a charitable entity set up for the purpose of providing transitional housing for Hurricane Katrina victims and storm evacuees in the Houston, Texas, area. The Survivor Foundation extends the philanthropic mission of the Knowles-Rowland Center For Youth, a multi-purpose community outreach facility in downtown Houston.

Fan club: http://www.welovebeyonce.com
http://www.beyonceonline.com
http://www.houseofdereon.com
http://www.columbiarecords.com

Via PRNewswire

Tyson Foods And G. Garvin Turn Up The Protein Power

Tyson Foods is teaming up with celebrity chef and restaurateur sensation G. Garvin, also known as “G,” host of TV One’s “Turn Up the Heat with G. Garvin”. This new collaboration is an extension of Tyson’s commitment to provide a wide variety of quality products and information while connecting to consumers. This partnership will be supported by national media and publicity along with local activity in several cities including Atlanta, Memphis, Chicago, Houston and others. Tyson and G. Garvin kickoff this partnership with the Tyson Foods “King of the Grill” promotion, a national recipe contest, beginning May 22, through June 24, 2006. Consumers can enter to win by logging onto http://www.tvoneonline.com and entering their favorite grilling recipe featuring Tyson chicken, beef, or pork.

To promote the contest, Tyson is sponsoring G. Garvin’s “Backyard Bar-B-Que Special” which will air on TV One beginning in late May. This hour-long episode features some of “G’s” favorite BBQ recipes and top grilling tips. The June issue of Essence magazine also features Tyson Foods in a 3-page summer grilling advertorial including Tyson’s call to entry for the contest. At the conclusion of the contest, the man or woman with the winning recipe selected by Garvin will be named grand prize winner and crowned Tyson Foods’ “King of the Grill”. The winner will receive a trip to a taping of “Turn Up the Heat”, a deluxe grill, $500 cash prize, and will be featured in a national print ad. Four runners up each will be awarded a $500 cash prize.

“I am very excited about joining with Tyson Foods to promote fun, easy and healthy eating,” said “G”. “Tyson has been supportive of the African-American community and together I hope we can inspire consumers around the country to power their lives with nutritious, well-balanced meals using Tyson’s variety of convenient, quality meats.”

“This partnership allows us to reach our consumer by providing a fun and interactive way to learn more about convenient, great tasting, healthy food options and the importance of protein in our diets,” said Bob Corscadden, Chief Marketing Officer at Tyson Foods. “We are thrilled about working with “G”; we believe in this partnership and the positive impact it will have on everyone.”

This partnership will also include G. Garvin signature recipes featuring Tyson products, and opportunities for consumers to win prizes for their communities. For more information about Tyson Food’s “King of the Grill” contest log on to http://www.tvoneonline.com , or visit http://www.tyson.com for more great recipes and information about Tyson’s chicken, beef and pork products.

Via PRNewswire

Target And Def Jam Team Up For Black Music Month

Whether borne from the East Coast, West Coast, or the “Dirty South,” the permeation of hip-hop into mainstream culture has never been more evident than today. In celebration of Black Music Month this June, Target continues the celebration of this 30-year-old art form by creating an exclusive collection of hip-hop hits featuring Island Def Jam Music Group artists.

Available at Target stores nationwide and at Target.com for $5.99 beginning May 28, the “Target Black Music Month Sampler” includes unreleased tracks from such Def Jam rap, R&B, and pop recording artists as Ne-Yo, The Isley Brothers featuring Ronald Isley, Rihanna, and Young Jeezy.

“As more Americans recognize the impact hip-hop has had on their lives, neighborhoods, and culture, we are pleased to spotlight this lyrically intense form of music with an exclusive collection of songs from today’s hottest artists,” said Darrell Tucker, vice president, merchandising, Target. “Our support of Black Music Month is an extension of Target’s desire to encourage everyone to ‘Dream in Color.’”

“History has shown the impact that African-American music of all genres has had and continues to have in the lives of many,” said Jim Roppo, vice president, sales, Island Def Jam Music Group. “We’ve partnered with Target to not only highlight Black Music Month but to also help elevate hip-hop music as a groundbreaking art form and voice of many.”

In 2001, the Bush Administration first declared June as Black Music Month. The designation is intended to help encourage the public to learn about the contributions of black artists to America’s musical heritage and to celebrate their remarkable role in shaping history and culture.

Earlier this year, Target released a gospel compilation CD, which raised funds for the United Negro College Fund. Also, in a special partnership with Mary J. Blige, Target released the exclusive “Love Songs” CD. Both CDs and a dedicated Web site, Target.com/blackhistory, were developed in honor of Black History Month.

For more information about Black Music Month at Target, please visit Target.com

Via BUSINESS WIRE

Burrell Communications Wins Prestigious Award For Supplier Excellence

Burrell Communications was recently awarded Verizon’s 2006 Supplier Excellence Award. Burrell is the only advertising agency to have received this honor, which was based on several performance measures, including the total number of projects undertaken, the number of projects completed both on time and on budget, billing accuracy and timeliness, teamwork and overall quality of work.

“The Supplier Excellence Award is a tremendous honor for us. It speaks to the value of collaboration and is a textbook example of how great partnerships work,” said McGhee Williams Osse, co-CEO of Burrell Communications. “Verizon is a company that empowers, articulates expectations, gives clear direction, and always exhibits confidence and respect for our thinking and end-product. We’re constantly inspired to make its business our business.”

Burrell was one of 14 companies to receive the Supplier Diversity honor, out of 4,500 suppliers. Burrell won the top prize in the Minority, Women, Disabled Veterans-Owned Business Enterprises (MWDVE) category. Other categories were: Tier One, Service Company, Small Business and Environmental Excellence.

“Burrell has supported Verizon in our commitment to excellence. Like the 13 other companies that received a 2006 Verizon Supplier Excellence Award, Burrell has joined an elite class of vendors that deliver a blend of superior products, services and value that allow Verizon to focus on better serving our customers,” said George Dowell, vice president – Supply Chain Services, Verizon Services Operations.

2005 was an extremely successful year for Burrell Communications, which also won the Advertising Age 2005 Multi-Cultural Agency of the Year award, in addition to other award and recognitions.

Burrell, in business 35 years, is a full-service marketing communications agency known for leadership, innovation, solid strategic approaches, creative astuteness, and forward-thinking. The agency’s headquarters is in Chicago and it operates a second office in Atlanta. The 140-person shop became strategically aligned with the Paris-based Publicis Groupe in 1999.

Burrell is a leader in understanding and motivating consumer behavior in the African-American and young adult markets. With more than $200 million in annual billings, the agency’s client roster includes McDonald’s, Procter & Gamble, Toyota, General Mills, Verizon, Allstate, Marriott International, Zimmer, Pfizer, Abbott Laboratories, Heineken and Lexus.

Founded in 1971 by Thomas J. Burrell, the agency has evolved from one of premier status in targeting the African American segment to one which also demonstrates a strong expertise in effectively reaching varied audiences — including youth, young adults, and the general market.

Burrell’s success in marketing outside the African American market stems from the agency’s many years of success in marketing to the segment. Burrell understands the influence that African Americans and other minority groups have on the broader society.

Burrell has received numerous awards and honors. Advertising Age named the agency 2005 Multicultural Agency of the Year. Burrell swept the 2005 Association of National Advertisers (ANA) Multicultural Marketing awards, receiving top honors for its McDonald’s and Procter & Gamble work.

Via PRNewswire

Gladys Knight Makes Appearance At Recent Ashley Stewart Event

Legendary Songstress Gladys Knight greeted customers, mingled with fans and stopped traffic at Ashley Stewart’s recent Mother’s Day Celebration at their flagship store in Harlem. Ashley Stewart is the leading fashion retailer for stylish full-figured women. The May 12th event was a smash hit with Ashley Stewart customers and Gladys Knight fans.

“Being able to meet someone as amazing as Gladys Knight is a dream come true for many of our customers,” said Marla Minns, Ashley Stewart’s Vice President and General Merchandise Manager. “She made every person in our store feel special. This is truly a memorable event that our customers will cherish.”

Gladys Knight was all smiles at the celebration. She greeted each person in the autograph line with a hug and kiss. Customers and onlookers also received autograph pictures of the musical icon.

The 6:00-8:00 PM event also included raffle drawings and promotional prizes. One lucky person also received a $500 Ashley Stewart Mother’s Day Shopping Spree and a photo with Gladys Knight.

Gladys Knight was also featured in Ashley Stewart’s 2006 Mother’s Day in-store and web marketing. As part of the marketing campaign, Ashley Stewart conducted a special Mother’s Day cd promotion. Customers who made a $50 purchase between May 1 and May 14 received a free copy of an inspirational cd featuring Gladys Knight.

For more information or a complete store listing, visit AshleyStewart.com.

Via PRNewswire

Dreamworks DREAMGIRLS Cast At The Cannes Film Festival

Pictured Above: (Left to right) Stars Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni Rose, Beyonce Knowles and Jamie Foxx stepped out in style at the Cannes Film Festival, where they attended a special cocktail reception and a presentation of never-before-seen footage from DreamWorks Pictures’ and Paramount Pictures’ upcoming movie DREAMGIRLS.

The original Dreamgirls is an award-winning Broadway musical, which opened on December 20, 1981 at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway and ran for 1522 performances. The musical follows the story of a black all-girl singing trio from Chicago called “The Dreams”, who become music superstars.

The feature-film version of Dreamgirls is set to be released in December 2006.

Photo via (PRNewsFoto/DreamWorks, Carlo Allegri)

House of Dereon To Expand With The Addition Of Dereon

Beyonce and Tina Knowles today announce that Beyond Productions LLC, parent company to their House of Dereon contemporary women’s collection, has signed a licensing agreement with Check Group LLC to handle the manufacturing and distribution of their new junior collection, to be simply called Dereon. The collection, which will initially consist of denim, knits and fur jackets and vests, will launch for holiday 2006 in select specialty stores nationwide. Targeting fashion conscious young women in their teens and early twenties, the Dereon advertising campaign will feature Beyonce’s sister and Tina’s daughter Solange Knowles Smith. In addition to Dereon, Check Group LLC and its wholly-owned subsidiary B. Fly LLC will also exclusively handle the manufacturing and distribution of the Knowles’ House of Dereon contemporary collection.

“We’re playing off the success of House of Dereon, which has quickly established itself to be a force in the fashion world,” said Victor Azrak, owner of Check Group. “This girl loves the look of Beyonce and we are both honored and thrilled to add the label to our expanding family of brands, which includes Apple Bottoms jeans. We are confident that our strength in brand marketing along with the Knowles’ creative ability and international popularity will propel House of Dereon and now Dereon into the ranks of the most sought-after brands for young contemporary women.”

According to Tina Knowles, “I am often approached by Beyonce’s young fans asking when a junior line would be launched, so I felt now was the time for Dereon, which has always been included in our business plan. Chip Rosen, president and GM of House of Dereon, and I worked very closely to find the company that would not only represent our professional interests but was well respected in the industry as well. We wanted a company that would share our vision of the House of Dereon brands and help us continue the momentum we’ve generated so far. Check Group demonstrated that not only do they understand our creative vision, they have the track record to coordinate the production and distribution of the line very efficiently.”

Via PRNewswire

Colgate Teams Up With Atlanta Braves Brian Jordan

Shown Above: Colgate-Palmolive Company teamed up with Atlanta Braves outfielder Brian Jordan yesterday in Atlanta to host an oral health celebration that presented the “U.S. Surgeon General’s Seven Steps to a Bright Smile” to students at the Cleveland Avenue School. Developed with a grant from Colgate, the oral health tips are designed to empower children to manage their own dental health.

The “U.S. Surgeon General’s Seven Steps to a Bright Smile” are part of a comprehensive campaign launched by Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program to provide free dental screening and oral health education to 100 million children by the year 2010. The tips are designed to assist children in developing and maintaining good oral health habits, and to support the framework for action outlined in the 2003 Surgeon General’s report A National Call to Action to Promote Oral Health. The U.S. Surgeon General’s Seven Steps to a Bright Smile” are:

1) Brush teeth and gums with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day, especially after eating breakfast and before bedtime.
2) Visit the dentist regularly.
3) Floss your teeth daily.
4) Use fluoride rinse for strong and healthy teeth and gums.
5) Limit the number of times you eat snacks each day … and remember to practice healthy eating and get plenty of calcium.
6) Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
7) Ask your dental professional about sealants.

Via (PRNewsFoto/Colgate-Palmolive Company)

Yolanda King And African-American Leaders Across The Country Unite To Fight Stroke

Yolanda King, daughter of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, is rallying fellow African- American leaders in politics, religion, healthcare, the arts, sports and entertainment to launch the national outreach of the American Stroke Association’s Power to End Stroke campaign on Thursday, May 18, 2006 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica Hotel, 530 West Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, Calif.

The burden of stroke is greater among African-Americans than any other ethnic group in America. Blacks have almost twice the risk of first-ever stroke compared to whites, and blacks 34 – 54 years old have four times the relative risk for stroke.

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BET Announces Host And Nominees For The 2006 BET Award

Shown Above: Nominees for the 2006 BET Awards on June 27th were announced in Hollywood this week including special honorees Chaka Khan for the BET Lifetime Achievement Award and Harry Belafonte for the BET Humanitarian Award. (L-R Front) BET Awards Host, Damon Wayans; Keyshia Cole; Chaka Khan; and NE-YO (L-R Rear) BET EVP of Entertainment & Music Programming, Stephen Hill; Busta Rhymes; BET President of Entertainment, Reginald Hudlin; Three 6 Mafia’s Juicy J and DJ Paul. Photo by Arnold Turner, WireImage/BET.

The following is a complete list of the 2006 BET AWARDS nominees and
categories:

Best Female Hip Hop
Missy Elliott
Lil’ Kim
Remy Ma
Shawnna
Trina

Best Male Hip Hop
50 Cent
Busta Rhymes
Common
T.I.
Kanye West

Best Collaboration
(Song Title)
Beyonce f/ Slim Thug
(Check on It-Pink Panther)
Bow Wow f/Ciara (Like You)
Busta Rhymes
f/ Mary J. Blige, Rah
Digga, Missy Elliott,
Lloyd Banks, Papoose & DMX
(Touch It – Remix)
Jamie Foxx f/ Ludacris
(Unpredicatble)
Kanye West f/Jamie Foxx
(Gold Digger)

Best New Artist
Chris Brown
Chamillionaire
Ne-Yo
Rihanna
Paul Wall

Best Gospel Artist
Yolanda Adams
Kirk Franklin
Mary Mary
Smokie Norful
CeCe Winans

Video of the Year
(Song Title)
Beyonce f/ Slim Thug
(Check on It)
Mary J. Blige (Be Without
You)
Busta Rhymes f/ Mary J.
Blige, Rah Digga, Missy
Elliott, Lloyd Banks,
Papoose & DMX (Touch It -
Remix)
Missy Elliott f/Ciara
(Lose Control)
R. Kelly (Trapped In the
Closet)
Kanye West f/Jamie Foxx
(Gold Digger)

Best Actress
Tichina Arnold
Taraji P. Henson
Thandie Newton
Queen Latifah
Alfre Woodard

Best Actor
Chris Bridges
(Ludacris)
Don Cheadle
Jamie Foxx
Terrence Howard
Denzel Washington

Female Athlete of the Year
(Sport)
Laila Ali (Boxing)
Chamique Holdsclaw
(Basketball)
Lisa Leslie (Basketball)
Sheryl Swoopes
(Basketball)
Venus Williams (Tennis)

Male Athlete of the Year (Sport)
Kobe Bryant (Basketball)
LeBron James (Basketball)
Shaquille O’Neal (Basketball)
Tiger Woods (Golf)
Vince Young (Football)

BET J Cool Like That
Eric Benet
Anthony Hamilton
Heather Headley
Kindred the Family Soul
Corinne Bailey Rae

BET.com Viewers’ Choice (Song Title)
Chris Brown – Yo (Excuse Me Miss)
Busta Rhymes (Touch It)
Mariah Carey (Don’t Forget About Us)
Keyshia Cole (Love)
Ne-Yo (So Sick)
T.I. (What You Know)

Via (PRNewsFoto/BET (Black Entertainment Television, Arnold Turner)

R. Kelly Concludes Successful ‘Light It Up’ Tour

After nine weeks playing to near sell-out audiences in 43 cities, R. Kelly (a.k.a. Mr. Show Biz) rang down the curtain Sunday on his 2006 “Light It Up” Tour, performing in front of what the Sacramento Bee described as a “nearly delirious Mother’s Day crowd” in Sacramento’s Memorial Auditorium.

Preliminary figures indicate that Kelly sold out 37 performances on the tour, which began in Kansas City on March 9 and included stops in St. Louis, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.

Featuring Kelly on stage for nearly two hours with a live band and three back-up singers in what The New York Times called a “hugely entertaining and totally unpredictable stroll through his career,” the tour went off without a hitch.

“I want to thank my fans for supporting me with so much passion,” Kelly said. “They’re the reason I do what I do, and I love them all.”

A true musical icon and winner of numerous Grammy, Billboard, Soul Train, and American Music awards, R. Kelly has sold well over 37 million albums worldwide since his first release some 15 years ago. He has co-directed all of his music videos since the classic “Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)” and was nominated for a 2005 Grammy for “Trapped in the Closet (Chapters 1-5).”

Via PRNewswire

Magic Johnson Enterprises Launches Minority Focused Travel Agency

Magic Johnson Enterprises, in partnership with CruiseShipCenters, GOGO Worldwide Vacations and Royal Caribbean International, announces the launch of Magic Johnson Travel Group (MagicJohnsonTG) today aboard the brand new Royal Caribbean International cruising vessel Freedom of the Seas — the largest and most innovative ship to ever sail. The first multicultural home-based travel agent initiative and franchise network specifically targeting African-American, Hispanic and Asian-American franchisees and customers, MagicJohnsonTG aims to cultivate organic growth in the minority travel segment and incite entrepreneurs from Urban America.

“This is an amazing business opportunity for developing entrepreneurs,” says Michael Drever, President and CEO of CruiseShipCenters International Inc. “The strength of the Magic Johnson brand powered by CruiseShipCenters’ Marketing and Technology systems provides an unprecedented formula for success. When you add the knowledge base and resources of Royal Caribbean and GOGO, you get a sense of how this venture will have a major impact on the travel industry and Urban American economy.”

Headquartered in Miami, MagicJohnsonTG features home-based franchises throughout North America consisting of a comprehensive “business in a box” — a cutting-edge, integrated agent desktop comprised of a customizable agent-level website, contact management database and e-marketing suite with permission-based marketing being the key component of the software. The franchise also includes a complete training program, including 40 hours of correspondence coursework, one week of on-site introductory training and one week of advanced training onboard a Royal Caribbean ship.

“Magic Johnson Travel Group was created with the goal of building a network of culturally diverse home-based travel agents, who sell to their communities, neighbors and friends,” says Earvin “Magic” Johnson, CEO, Magic Johnson Enterprises. “I have been privileged to partner with three well respected companies in the travel industry. My company’s role is to provide a trusted voice for Urban America and to pass along entrepreneurial economic empowerment to those communities.”

A modular approach is available to new sellers of travel. The cruise category is the first product on which the sellers will be trained and certified. Future training will be offered in modules for other products, including all-inclusive and vacation packages. Additionally, existing agents purchasing a franchise receive the ability to sell every product, including air, car, hotel, all inclusive and charters in the coming months.

MagicJohnsonTG equips agents with a suite of marketing tools and resources to help agents build business and also provides an experienced headquarter support organization that serves as a “lifeline” to agents working from home.

Michelle Kassner, President of GOGO, stated, “GOGO Worldwide Vacations has a longstanding vision of making travel experiences available and affordable to everyone. This joint venture opportunity supports our vision and aligns GOGO with outstanding industry partners.”

Minority travel has grown at a quicker rate than overall U.S. travel volume, with a four percent increase among African-Americans, a 10 percent increase among Asian Americans and a 20 percent increase among U.S. Hispanic (i). Though the MagicJohnsonTG joint effort is laser focused on this quickly growing multicultural market, all ethnicities, cultures and races are welcome to be a part of the revolutionary business concept.

President of Royal Caribbean International Adam Goldstein states, “Royal Caribbean International believes this venture will cultivate new sellers and buyers of travel in Urban America and fill a large void in the agency community. We share Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson’s vision and enjoy a strong partnership with the multicultural communities we serve.”

Magic Johnson Enterprises is the No. 1 brand in Urban America with a star-studded, successful portfolio of nationwide franchises, including Starbucks, Burger King, 24 Hour Fitness, Washington Mutual Home Loan Centers, AMC/Magic Johnson Movie Theatres and T.G.I. Friday’s. Through targeted investments in key markets, Magic Johnson Enterprises franchise networks serve more than 32 million consumers annually in 163 locations in 19 states across the United States.

For additional information, please call 1.888.GoMagic (466.2442) or visit http://www.magicjohnsontravel.com.

Via PRNewswire

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