Toyota Announces New Minority Business Spending Target

Toyota today announced a new minority business spending target at its 17th annual Opportunity Exchange conference and trade fair. Toyota’s U.S. operations will target ten percent of the company’s overall U.S. purchases of parts, goods and services with minority businesses.

“Toyota believes it is imperative to do business with minority enterprises,” said Jim Press, president of Toyota Motor North America, Inc. “Not only does it help our bottom line, but it more closely reflects the diversity of our customers and employees across the United States.”

Opportunity Exchange is designed to provide minority business enterprises (MBEs) across the nation with the chance to network and develop relationships with more than 275 of Toyota’s direct suppliers. Since the first Opportunity Exchange in 1990, the event has grown from 100 participants and $350,000 in resulting MBE contracts to more than 1,800 participants and more than $100 million in new contracts through last year.

“Currently, more than seven percent of Toyota’s US purchasing is done with Minority Enterprises,” said Osamu “Simon” Nagata, vice president of Purchasing at Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. “Ten percent represents an aggressive target that will challenge Toyota and offer us a great opportunity.”

Toyota (NYSE: TM) established operations in North America in 1957. By 2008, Toyota will have the annual capacity to build about 2 million cars and trucks in 15 plants across North America. There are more than 1,700 Toyota, Lexus and Scion dealerships in North America, which sell more than 2.5 million vehicles a year. Toyota directly employs nearly 40,000 people in North America. Toyota’s investment in North America is valued at more than $17.6 billion.

For more information about Toyota’s Supplier Diversity Program or for more information on how to because a supplier to Toyota, visit http://www.ToyotaSupplier.com.

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Ten HBCU Marching Bands Slated to Raise the Roof at the 2007 Honda Battle of the Bands

They’re back — in high-stepping fashion, and soon to be in vibrant, high-definition digital color! The stage is set once again as ten of America’s top Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching bands are prepping to throw down the gauntlet, and take their places in history in the “Super Bowl” for marching bands: The fifth annual Honda Battle of the Bands.

From the dignified, ever in command band directors, to the acrobatic drum majors, the scintillating dance teams and the scene-stealing drumlines, it’s on and crackin’ as Honda’s milestone fifth anniversary showcase prepares to bring down the house at the Georgia Dome on January 27, 2007. This year, some 2,000-plus HBCU student-musicians will emerge not just as stars of this unique and entertaining show, but also will debut as headliners in their own right as the first-ever Honda Battle of the Bands DVD will be produced. Proceeds from the DVD will benefit the participating college’s music programs.

The Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase continues to distinguish itself as one-of-a-kind, featuring ten black college marching bands in one place, at one time. Now in its fifth year, the show remains fresh each year by staging a wide variety of music, marching and playing styles from a variety of the nation’s Historically Black College and University marching bands and incorporating themes that are relevant to the African American community. The 2007 event will not disappoint, with crowd-pleasing surprises in store for fans of all ages. The 10 bands, nominated from a field of 41 participating HBCUs during the fall Celebration Tour, are preparing to march on the Dome with all new routines, riveting choreography and contemporary R&B, funk, Hip-Hop, classical and jazz song stylings.

The lineup of colleges now set to march on the Dome in the largest and only national scholarship program showcasing the pageantry, heritage and showmanship of black college bands for 2007 is:

* Virginia State University and North Carolina Central University, representing the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA);

* Bethune-Cookman College and Norfolk State University, representing the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC);

* Clark-Atlanta University and Albany State University, representing the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC); and

* Prairie View A&M University and Alabama State University, representing the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC);

* Langston University and Central State University, both independents.

“Participating in the Honda Battle of the Bands for four consecutive years has been a privilege for our students, and has certainly enhanced our music program,” said Donovan Wells, director of bands for the Daytona Beach, Florida-based Bethune-Cookman College Marching Wildcats. “The fifth anniversary of this program should be celebrated not just by American Honda and HBCU’s, but also by us at B-CC. We are humbled to be included in the first DVD, and we’ll be pulling out all of the stops to bring another dynamic new show to Atlanta in January.”

I Am Hip Hop – Grandmaster Flash

Legendary hip-hop pioneer, DJ Grandmaster Flash, accepts the ‘I AM HIP HOP ICON Award’ for his tremendous contribution to the music industry at BET’s first ever HIP-HOP AWARDS show taped Sunday, November 12. Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre lit up as an array of A-listers were in the house to celebrate hip-hop music with show-stopping performances and exciting awards presentations. The HIP-HOP AWARDS show will air on Wednesday, November 15 @ 9 p.m. on BET. Photo by Rick Diamond courtesy BET. (PRNewsFoto/BET Networks, Rick Diamond)

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama Hosted Successful Fundraising Gala

Atlanta was host to this past Saturday’s Annual Celebration of Wishes. The black-tie Gala celebrated the many wishes granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation(R) of Georgia and Alabama in 2006. Held at The Intercontinental Hotel, approximately 400 attendees filled the ballroom to experience a magical evening.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. The Foundation grants four types of wishes: “I wish to go … ,” “I wish to be … ,” “I wish to meet…” or “I wish to have … .” Attendees of the Atlanta Gala experienced a live wish in the making. Seven-year old Jordan Holmes (above) from Austell, Georgia wished to be a dancer. Therefore, Make-A-Wish helped fulfill that dream by aligning her with the Price Performing Arts Center for regular dance lessons, and to also prepare her for the big Gala performance. Jordan suffers from sickle-cell anemia, a genetic blood disorder that deprives the organs of oxygen and causes her body a great deal of pain.

“The Celebration of Wishes was a phenomenal success. Not only did we grant a spectacular wish for Jordan, but we raised money for further wish granting in Georgia and Alabama,” said P.J. White, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia and Alabama. “As we celebrate the amazing stories of our wish children, we thank our sponsors and individuals who supported this gala and wish granting with their gifts of money, time and effort.”

Nielsen Media Research Establishes African American Advisory Council

Nielsen Media Research announced the creation of the African American Advisory Council (AAAC), which consists of 12 industry, community, and business leaders. The Council will advise Nielsen on a range of issues involving sampling of African Americans for television audience measurement in the U.S. and will assist Nielsen in reaching out to African American communities and those within the industry. The first AAAC meeting was held in September in New York.

“African Americans represent more than 13 million television households in the U.S., representing approximately 12 percent of all U.S. television households,” said Sara Erichson, general manager of National Services at Nielsen Media Research. “It is imperative that our insight into the viewing habits of this community begins with culturally sensitive recruitment strategies and outreach.”

The members of the African American Advisory Council are:

* Vic Bulluck, Executive Director, NAACP, Hollywood Bureau, Los Angeles

* Reverend Jacques Andre DeGraff, Associate Pastor, Canaan Baptist Church in Harlem

* Ronald Franklin, Executive VP, Director of Research and Planning for GlobalHue, Southfield, Michigan

* Deborah Gray Young, Director of Media, E. Morris Communications, Chicago

* Adonis Hoffman, Senior VP and Council, American Association of Advertising Agencies, Washington

* Warrington Hudlin, President, Black Filmmakers Foundation, New York

* Ivan Juzang, CEO, MEE Productions, Philadelphia

* Michelle Moore, Senior VP Marketing and Communications, National Urban League, New York

* Cynthia Perkins Roberts, Vice President Diversity Marketing & Sales Development, CableTelevision Advertising Bureau, New York

* Ken Smikle, President, Target Market News

* Mitsy Wilson, Senior VP Diversity Development, Fox Entertainment Group and News Corporation, Los Angeles

* Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Jr., Senior Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago

“There is an economic impact to understanding the household characteristics and viewing trends of African Americans,” said Vic Bulluck, executive director of the NAACP Hollywood Branch. “As a Council member, I hope to provide insight that will help Nielsen understand why the data the company provides should be able to meet the unique needs of industry leaders that specifically target the African American community, thus forging an even stronger relationship with these prospective allies.”

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Common and a Star-Studded Cast Rock ‘Peace Love Gap’ in Gap’s New Holiday Marketing Campaign

Gap’s holiday print campaign showcases heartfelt images shot by acclaimed photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. The ads capture the mood of the season while emphasizing the importance of being with the ones you love.

Gap’s holiday print campaign showcases heartfelt images shot by acclaimed photographers Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin. The ads capture the mood of the season while emphasizing the importance of being with the ones you love. For the campaign shoot, a diverse group of talented personalities was photographed with someone near and dear to them.

SOURCE Gap Inc.

Bad Boy Records Inks Landmark Deal with VP Records and Dancehall Superstar Elephant Man

Sean “Diddy” Combs of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment announced today a landmark deal with reggae/dancehall music label VP Records to market and distribute dancehall superstar, Elephant Man. “Elephant Man is one the greatest entertainers in his genre of music. When I saw him at Madison Square Garden ripping down the stage, I knew that he was the one. He will be a great addition to our team,” Sean “Diddy” Combs said. The first release from Elephant Man under the new Bad Boy/VP Records venture is slated for spring 2007 with a single and video expected in early 2007.

Known for his high-energy live performances, Elephant Man a/k/a O’Neil Bryan is one of the few dancehall acts to crossover into mainstream music. Collaborations with Diddy, Cassie, Rhianna, Busta Rhymes, Shaggy, Mya, and long time collaborator Lil’ Jon, are expected on his upcoming release. In addition to the new CD in the works, Elephant Man will also hit the road as a supporting act on Diddy’s world tour to begin in February 2007 in support of Diddy’s new album “Press Play,” in stores this October.

A protege of dancehall king, Bounty Killer, Elephant Man signed with VP Records in 2003 and crossed over into the pop mainstream with his hit single “Pon Di River” and collaborations with The Ying Yang Twinz, Lil’ Jon and Twista. Regarding the joint venture with Bad Boy, Elephant Man, known to fans as the Energy God, remarked: “Ya know we are excited to work with P. Diddy, the vibes are there, and with this combo we are gonna take dancehall to another level. I’m looking forward to dropping (the album) and the promotion, cuz Diddy is creative, and with him and the Energy God together … It’s gonna be madness!”

Willie Daniels of VP Records commented: “Elephant Man has collaborated with many international stars, Lil’ Jon, Janet Jackson, Will Smith, and Mariah Carey to name a few, but I have never seen him so motivated to succeed. This collaboration is a natural progression in his career as an artist and entertainer.”

Bad Boy Records GM, Harve Pierre added, “It’s a pleasure working with Elephant and VP Records and I know that it will be a great experience.”

VP Records, established in 1979 as a retail store, is the largest independent label for new Jamaican music in the United States, and holds a predominant position in the influential hip-hop-flavored dancehall niche. The 2002 release Sean Paul’s debut on VP Records catapulted the Jamaica-born reggae artist into a multi-platinum household name.

Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment (BBWEG) is one of the world’s pre-eminent urban entertainment companies. Bad Boy ventures include more than music and encompass a broad range of businesses including recording, music publishing, artist management, and television and film production and the Sean John clothing line. Bad Boy Records is home to hip hop legend the late Notorious B.I.G., as well as current chart toppers Danity Kane, Yung Joc, Cassie, B5, Boyz N Da Hood, Cheri Dennis, Christian Daniel, and 8Ball & MJG.

Sourc: Bad Boy Records

Courvoisier Presents The Official 2006 BET Hip-Hop Awards After Party

The words of the man who will soon return to hip-hop’s throne have never rung more true: “After the show it’s the after party” — the key words in this Jay-Z declaration being “THE after party.” Courvoisier, one of the four leading cognac houses worldwide, will serve as the exclusive sponsor and host of The Official BET Hip-Hop Awards After Party at the House of Courvoisier, following the first-ever BET Hip-Hop Awards. House of Courvoisier will indulge 800 invited guests, including a host of today’s most influential figures in urban entertainment, sports, fashion, as well as BET Hip-Hop Award recipients, celebrities and press. The House of Courvoisier private VIP event will be held Sunday, November 12 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., at the luxurious 755 Club at Turner Field in Atlanta, which offers spectacular panoramic views of both the home of the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta skyline. A special Courvoisier Presents the BET Hip-Hop Awards Post Show will be taped during the party, providing viewers with a trip down the Black Carpet and an exclusive look inside the House of Courvoisier official after party, featuring commentary and interviews with winners and other VIP guests.

“It’s an honor to once again join forces with BET as the sponsor of The Official BET Hip-Hop Awards After Party at the House of Courvoisier,” said Allen Spence, brand manager, Courvoisier. “We have watched hip-hop grow from an ambitious art form that was initially met with resistance, evolve into a powerful culture, and progress into what, today, dictates pop culture.” Spence noted that many of these artists are among some of the most dominant figures in the entertainment industry, and have remained loyal to their commitment to give back to their communities. “We are proud to salute their achievements. Courvoisier strives to always offer our consumers a luxury experience, providing the finest blend of Cognac that dates back to Napoleon’s Imperial Court. This partnership provides the perfect opportunity to do just that, as well as connect with the hip-hop community.”

As the exclusive presenting sponsor, premium selection signature Courvoisier cocktails will be served to this elite gathering of influential people in urban entertainment, with discriminating tastes in cognac. House of Courvoisier, maximizing its international reputation of producing the finest cognacs for centuries, savors this opportunity to connect this “everyday attainable luxury” and provide a premium experience for its consumer. Signature cocktails will include:

Courvoisier Cosmopolitan
1/2 part Courvoisier VSOP
1/2 part DeKuyper Triple Sec
Cranberry Juice
Lime Juice
Shake over ice and pour into a martini glass.

Garnish with a lime.

Courvoisier Ginger
1 part Courvoisier VSOP
2 parts ginger beer or ginger ale

Mix Courvoisier and ginger beer or ginger ale in a highball glass over ice. Garnish with lime.

While the who’s who of the urban entertainment world sip that perfectly smooth blend of premium Courvoisier cognac cocktails that will be sampled throughout the night, they will get down to the sounds of The Spin Master, the legendary Biz Markie, as he lays down the hottest tracks, guaranteed to keep any dance floor packed. Hosted by comedian Katt Williams, the inaugural BET Hip-Hop Awards premieres Wednesday, November 15 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT). The nominees are led by the ATL’s own T.I., who received an unprecedented eight nominations, followed by up-and-coming artists Yung Joc with five, and Lupe Fiasco with four. Other nominees include perennial hip-hop heavy hitters Jay-Z, who will drop his highly-anticipated new album Kingdom Come on November 21, Diddy, whose new album Press Play was released October 17th, as well as Kanye West, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes and Oscar winners Three 6 Mafia. Not to be underrepresented in that choice list, is the new wave of hit-makers, whose stock is rising like a good day on Wall Street, such as Young Jeezy, Chamillionaire, Rick Ross and Paul Wall.

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Taye Diggs Is One To Watch In Daybreak

Taye Diggs (Kevin Hill) stars in Daybreak, an action-packed thriller that takes a bad day and multiplies it by infinity. Detective Brett Hopper (Diggs) is having a hellacious day; the kind of day where nothing goes his way and he just can’t wait to put it behind him… only he can’t, because he’s living the same day over and over again.

On this particular day, Hopper is accused of killing Assistant District Attorney Alberto Garza. He offers a solid alibi which no one believes. He realizes he’s been framed. And he runs, discovering en route that not only he, but also his loved ones are in danger. He then wakes up and relives the same day over and over again. In order to break the cycle and move on, he has to figure out who framed him and solve the complex mystery surrounding Garza’s death. He is also forced to heal the fractured relationships with those he loves. Either Hopper can break this day, or this day will break Hopper.

Caught in the vicious cycle of his horrific day is girlfriend Rita Shelten (Moon Bloodgood, Eight Below), who is the first to be sacrificed by the mysterious individuals out to frame Hopper; Rita’s ex-husband and Hopper’s ex-partner, Chad Shelten (Adam Baldwin, Independence Day, Serenity, Full Metal Jacket) – now with Internal Affairs – is jealous of the relationship and knows much more about what’s going on than he’s willing to admit; Hopper’s sister, Jennifer Mathis (Meta Golding), not only has to deal with the abuses of her husband but is in danger as she and her children are used as pawns to get to her brother; Hopper’s partner, Andrea Battle (Victoria Pratt, Mutant X, Cleopatra 2525), is under scrutiny by the department and Internal Affairs – can she be trusted?; and reputed gang leader Damien Ortiz (Ramon Rodriguez) discovers that his police-protected cover has been inexplicably blown and that he is somehow connected to Hopper’s dilemma and now a target in the conspiracy.

Only when Hopper figures out why his life is broken and how to fix it will he awaken to a brand new day. He will not only try to save himself but those close to him who are now in danger. But he must carefully weigh each decision he makes, as all will have consequences — advantageous or disastrous.

Day Break stars Taye Diggs as Detective Brett Hopper, Moon Bloodgood as Rita Shelten, Meta Golding as Jennifer Mathis, Victoria Pratt as Andrea Battle, Ramon Rodriguez as Damien Ortiz and Adam Baldwin as Chad Shelten. The series, which was created by Paul Zbyszewski (After the Sunset), is executive produced by Matthew Gross, Jeffrey Bell (Alias, Angel, The X-Files) and Rob Bowman (The X-Files, Elektra). Zbyszewski also serves as co-executive producer. Day Break is from Touchstone Television.

via NMS

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Aetna Awards $230,000 to the UM to Help African American Teens Conquer Depression

Aetna through The Aetna Foundation has awarded the University of Michigan a $230,000 grant to fund a school-based initiative aimed at educating African-American teenagers about depression and the importance of early treatment. Specifically, the program aims to defuse the stigma of depression freeing these teenagers to seek help when needed.

Aetna’s grant will enhance the collaboration between researchers at the University of Michigan (“U-M”) and the non-profit community organization MINDS, Inc. (Mental Illness Needs Discussion Sessions) on a school-based education and awareness program to break down the stigma and barriers which prevent African American teenagers from understanding the causes of depression and importance of seeking treatment. The program will be offered to 7th and 8th graders at twelve different middle schools across multiple school districts; contracts with the schools are in the final stages of preparation. To ensure the program reaches the students who need it most, participating schools must serve a predominantly economically-challenged student population that is at least 60 percent African-American.

“Depression is a significant national problem, yet with early diagnosis and treatment, we can do so much to alleviate the suffering of those who confront it,” said Debbie Lantzy-Talpos, Head of the Michigan Market for Aetna, who will present the grant at the November 4th gala to celebrate the grand opening of the Rachel Upjohn Building which houses the University of Michigan’s new Depression Center. “As a mother of teenagers, I know that depression presents a particular danger for young people who may not fully understand what is happening to them. Add to that, the unfounded stigma which deters many from seeking treatment, and you have the potential for a poor outcome despite the great strides that have been made in diagnosis and treatment. Aetna is proud to support the work of the U-M Depression Center and MINDS as they help our young people learn to confront and manage depression. It is our hope that Aetna can disseminate this model as a best practice to other communities seeking to support African American teens as they strive to grow up physically and mentally well.”

“Reducing the stigma that surrounds depression and related illnesses, especially among certain populations including African Americans and young people, is crucial if we are to succeed in helping people get diagnosed and treated promptly and effectively, and improve their chances for long-term remission,” says John Greden, M.D., executive director of the U-M Depression Center and chairman of the U-M Medical School’s Department of Psychiatry. “Aetna’s leadership in recognizing the importance of this goal, and its generosity in funding projects like this one, epitomize the way corporate partners can assist in the struggle against depression.”

The project will be led by Cynthia Ewell Foster, Ph.D., a psychologist and clinical lecturer in the U-M Department of Psychiatry. “Research clearly shows that stigma and a lack of knowledge are barriers to early identification and appropriate help-seeking for depression and other forms of mental illness,” she said. “This program has the potential to intervene with at-risk, underserved youth at an early age, prior to the onset of debilitating clinical depression and other forms of mental illness, in order to de-stigmatize and increase rates of utilization of mental health services. Our work benefits substantially from the expertise of Heather Irish, the Founder and CEO of MINDS Inc., who is working within local schools and communities to implement the MINDS intervention.”

The University of Michigan grant is one of ten grants totaling $2.25 million that Aetna awarded in 2006 to develop programs to serve as national models for the treatment of depression, particularly among racial and ethnic groups that often fall into the gap which persists as our health care system works to overcome disparities in the level of access and quality of health care Americans receive. Depression has been a clinical focus of Aetna since the 2005 launch of Aetna Depression Management, the first national program to integrate medical and behavioral health by increasing reimbursement to primary care physicians who actively screen and talk with their patients in order to diagnose depression. In addition to financial incentives, Aetna provides primary care doctors with depression screening tools, support from Aetna case managers who work with patients to increase adherence to the prescribed treatment, free consultation with a network of on-call psychiatrists, and educational training for the physician’s office staff.

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