Tickets on Sale Now for the 34th Annual State Farm Bayou Classic(R)

Event organizers for the legendary State Farm Bayou Classic(R) announced that tickets for the 34th annual event are on sale now. Dubbed the “Granddaddy” of African-American collegiate sporting events and the “Superbowl” of black college football, this year’s Bayou Classic will be held on Saturday, November 24 at the Louisiana Superdome.

“We are excited to once again play this historic game in the great city of New Orleans,” said Dr. Horace Judson, President of Grambling State University. The area is still rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina and this event is an important part of the rebuilding process. We hope people will come to support the schools and the city.”

“Southern University is proud to be a part of such a great event,” said Southern University State Farm Bayou Classic Coordinator Cedric Upshaw. “The game is one of the best sporting events in the country and we are happy to once again return to New Orleans. We hope people will make the trip and show their support for the city while they continue to rebuild.” More than just a football game, the State Farm Bayou Classic(R) is a unique weekend-long event with something for everyone. The State Farm Bayou Classic(R) Fan Festival, the Super Job Fair, the State Farm Bayou Classic(R) College Fair and the McDonald’s Battle of the Bands & Greek Step Show presented by Alltel are all fan-friendly events that will take place throughout the weekend.

Stars Come Out in Houston for Historic Campaign by African-American Community to Take Control of Health

Vowing to “give up the pounds, not the fight,” Dr. Ian Smith — physician, author of NY Times #1 best-seller Extreme Fat Smash Diet & VH1 Celebrity Fit Club expert — has created The 50 Million Pound Challenge. Supported by a host of African-American leaders and sponsored by State Farm(R), The Challenge is coming to Houston on June 30 for a free special event of fitness & fun to help people take control of their health and take up the fight against weight-related illnesses. On pace as one of the most far-reaching health initiatives of its kind, The Challenge is an historic campaign & commitment by the African-American community to rally people across the U.S. to give up the pounds, get fit and lead healthier, longer lives. Ten weeks into its 14-city US tour, 138,136 people have joined at http://www.50millionpounds.com, losing 264,701 total pounds.

A star-studded cast will be at Hermann Square on Saturday, June 30, 12-4 p.m. (CST) for a free afternoon of live music, fitness & fun expected to draw thousands. Joining Dr. Ian Smith are Grammy-winning R&B star & Destiny’s Child founder Kelly Rowland, Grammy-nominated gospel/soul singer Kelly Price, Grammy-nominated R&B star Omarion, pioneer rapper/hip hop star Kurtis Blow, Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams, radio personality J. Anthony Brown & DJ Biz Markie. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, get free health screenings, learn more about The Challenge and its free fitness and weight-loss tips & tools, sign up online, and join Dr. Ian on a Challenge walk. They can also get free eshots photos at the event, which they can keep as “before” shots to show their progress “after” reaching their personal weight-loss goals — and motivation to keep the weight off.

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Converse Announces Grammy Award Winning Artist Common as the Face of Converse

Converse announces that Common, Grammy award winning hip-hop artist and actor, will be the face of Converse (PRODUCT) RED. Common will appear in Converse’s first national print campaign to further support Converse’s partnership with (PRODUCT) RED. The Fall 2007 advertising campaign is entitled “Weapon of Change” featuring irreverent messages and bold illustrations encouraging consumers to be optimistic rebels and become agents of change. The Converse (PRODUCT) RED Weapon(R) will be available exclusively through Foot Locker, Inc. and on http://www.converse.com.

“Converse approached me to join the (PRODUCT) RED initiative and affect change. I have always felt my purpose is to do for people. Converse and (PRODUCT) RED are about people — educating and reaching out to people to help humanity. I do this through my music, activism and with people I come into contact with everyday. For me, Converse (PRODUCT) RED allows me to help affect change and have an immediate impact on people. Knowing the contributions from this initiative help people who need it makes it incredible because there’s no such thing as small change,” said Common.

“This campaign embodies the spirit and soul of Converse (PRODUCT) RED. Common is an outstanding partner who has inspired a generation of musicians, poets, aspiring actors and children through his work. We want to inspire Converse people everywhere toward this kind of energy and creativity – to become agents of change,” said Dave Maddocks, Chief Marketing Officer, Converse.

Pelosi: ‘Juneteenth is America’s Reminder of a Past of Inequality and a Future of Justice for All Citizens’

Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement in honor of Juneteenth, the day in 1865 that news spread that the Civil War was over and that all slaves were free:

“In his famous Gettysburg address, President Abraham Lincoln promised a new birth of freedom in our nation. And today we commemorate the day of new birth in which all people in America were made free: June 19, 1865. “Known as Juneteenth, this is the day when Union Major General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas to issue the President’s executive order, known to us as the Emancipation Proclamation. Although the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863, it took almost two and half years for the Proclamation to be enforced throughout all of the United States.

“Juneteenth has evolved into a national day of reflection and celebration for millions of Americans across the country. Juneteenth is America’s reminder of a past of inequality, and a future of justice for all citizens. It is a reference point from which to appreciate the progress made in our society, toward the ideal of equality that is America’s heritage and hope.”

Summer School A Success

Students at Banneker Elementary School enjoy lunch during the first day of the “Summer Quest” program for the Kansas City, Missouri School District.

The “Summer Quest” program offers challenging courses in language arts, science, math, and social science taught by experienced teachers who are dedicated to student achievement. The summer school program will run from June 18th through July 20th.

Twenty Million Young Americans Representing the New Definition of “Urban Hustler”

Alloy Access, the multicultural and urban marketing division of Alloy Media + Marketing (nasdaq: ALOY), today released findings from a new study revealing data that defines spending power and influence of an emerging and powerful consumer market. Redefining themselves as positive, upwardly mobile ‘hustlers’, the group is identified as the new “Urban Hustler”. Alloy Access sought to provide a clear portrayal of this new brand of consumer, a segment representing a significant slice,19.6 million, of the 12-34 year old demographic that is highly coveted by corporate America, yet a segment that remains ill defined in the marketplace. What emerged from the study are figures suggesting the tremendous weight and purchasing power of this trendsetting and influential group, who impact national consumer trends across many categories, particularly within the retail, technology and entertainment sectors.

The definition of today’s urban consumer has clearly evolved. No longer confined to a demographic living in inner-city zip codes, the Urban Hustler has come to represent a specific mindset born out of the unique energy, creativity and diversity of America’s urban centers – closely connected to hip-hop, ethnically diverse with aspirations to succeed and a shared set of passions. Current figures support this trend with a significant percentage of Urban Hustlers reporting from outside of the nation’s city hubs. Nearly four in ten (39%) Urban Hustlers live in suburban areas and a similar amount (39%) of the group are white. What further distinguishes the consumers in this market is a shared belief in their own influence. The Urban Hustler is a self-proclaimed trendsetter, with almost three-quarters (73%) characterizing themselves as someone their friends seek out for advice on the latest trends. They spend a significant portion of their discretionary income hustling to define and keep up with what’s hot.

“The Urban Hustler is driven by the need to succeed, they’ve got that ‘go-getter’ mentality and they expect to achieve a certain status among their peers. The study suggests that there exists an enormous population of young people shaping current trends and placing a high premium on fashioning themselves in a way that reflects a lifestyle they feel they’ve achieved or aspire to be a part of. There is considerable opportunity for brands to become a part of that world” commented Tru Pettigrew, President of Alloy Access.

Adding, “Although this group’s importance has been evident for some time now, a quantitative picture of their influence has not been available. The study finally defines who these ‘hustlers’ are, where they are, and what’s motivating them. The data will be incredibly valuable to marketers looking to solidify a beneficial relationship with this influential consumer.”

“Urban Hustler” and entrepreneur Damon Dash commented on the news, “We created our new site, BlockSavvy, with a single-minded focus on the urban consumer and lifestyle. The findings from this study substantiate how our core consumers make up an incredibly powerful segment, and that while BlockSavvy is a targeted community, it’s one that will resonate across a wide and diverse group of consumers. The data also confirms the tremendous impact our consumers have on influencing trends. Brands can now be confident investing against these consumers through credible environments like BlockSavvy, simply means their dollars will stretch further.”

Kwame Decuir, co-founder of BlockSavvy, concurred, “The Alloy Access research provides a clear picture of this consumer qualitatively, while quantifying their value to marketers. Our goal is to provide an organic community resource shaped by our consumers, thereby creating a natural environment for brands to interact with the new ‘urban hustler’.”

On the whole, the Urban Hustler segment is wielding their influence across the consumer marketplace with tremendous spending in many key consumer areas and exceeding monthly spending of the non-urban 12-34 market. Heavy users of mobile technology, where brand “names” play a key factor, and placing a high priority on sporting the latest fashion trends, their strong brand influence appears evident.

“THIS IS WHY I’M HOT”

Twenty million strong, the report uncovered that the Urban Hustler consumer segment comprises just over one-fifth (21%) of consumers between the ages of 12-34. Adding to that hefty percentage, these consumers are responsible for a whopping $90 Billion in annual discretionary spend across critical consumer categories including entertainment, technology, and fashion – that’s nearly one-third of all discretionary spending across this age group.

The numbers offer even more significance when broken down monthly. Urban Hustlers are spending, on average, over $100 more than the non-urban population monthly, with overall discretionary spending reaching $383 per month.

NICE KICKS

Trendsetters, always with an eye on fashion, the numbers confirm: Urban Hustlers are spending 45% more on clothing, accessories and shoes than non-urban consumers each month. In fact, one-fifth of $90 billion spent by urban youth is towards clothing, shoes and accessories, with annual numbers totaling $17.4 Billion.

Additionally, this population spends 2.5 times more each month on sneakers than non-urban consumers, with Urban Hustlers spending close to $6 Billion per year on the latest “kicks.”

In fact, two-thirds of Urban Hustlers spend at least some money on fashion items like clothing and accessories monthly and almost 40% of urban consumers vs. only 17% of non-urban consumer spend money on sneakers each month.

THE GAME

Connectivity and entertainment are key elements in young Urban Hustler lives and their spending reflects these passion and lifestyle links. These consumers are fit with all the trappings to keep themselves perpetually connected and entertained.

More than half (54%) own a laptop, higher than the overall market. In addition, Urban Hustlers are more likely than non-urban consumer to use their cell phones frequently.

When it comes to leisure pursuits, there appears to be no limit. These consumers go all out when it comes to attending movies, concerts and hitting the clubs. Overall, they’re splurging close to $9 Billion yearly, or one-tenth of their total annual spending on recreational activities.

BILL’S GOT SKILLS

Though personalities like Jennifer Lopez, Oprah Winfrey and Jay Z top their lists as those they’d most likely want to be like, surprisingly, it’s a very non-urban figure they aspire to most – Bill Gates (22%) easily beat out P Diddy (6%) and ranks as their top choice. Over one-fifth of Urban Hustlers named this entrepreneur, philanthropist and the world’s richest man as a role model.

Urban Hustler’s job aspirations seem to fit their passions and lifestyles and the personalities permeating their media and entertainment choices appear to influence their career goals. To this group, a successful enterprise is the prize and life as a mogul earns the greatest respect. Urban consumers have set their goals on being entertainers (24%) or moguls (16%) first. Interestingly, these choices seem to garner far greater respect than traditionally revered position like doctors and lawyers.

Ali Muhammad, Founder of 21st Century Hustle and former Vibe Magazine executive, said, “Our brand was founded on the principals of Urban Hustle. What’s really exciting about the study is the quantification of this consumer’s clout in the marketplace and their motivations behind reinforcing their ’self-brand.’ It will be increasingly necessary for marketers to position themselves across their spaces and seek ways to be invited to their exclusive world.”

“Urban Hustlers’ tremendous impact on national consumer trends has been reinforced by these findings. By forging an alliance with this consumer brands can reap the rewards, but first you have to capture their attention. Social, driven and always on the move, becoming a relevant player in their world requires that you understand their dreams, desires and what inspires them and that your message reflects their mindset,” says Pettigrew.

“By infusing your brand into their spaces in a way that further enhances their lifestyle, Urban Hustler’s wide influence can have staggering effect on a marketer’s bottom line.”

Methodology

This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Alloy Access between February 22nd and March 5th, 2007 among 1,386 children and adults (ages 12 to 34), of whom 478 were between the ages of 12 and 17 and 908 were between the ages of 18 and 34. Respondents were given an Urban Hustler score based on their responses to select attributes.

Sony Music Label Group and MTV Networks’ Nickelodeon to Make TV and Music Together

Sony Music Label Group Artist Wyclef Jean performs at a Nickelodeon staff meeting in New York City on June 14, to help celebrate the new Nickelodeon and Sony partnership.

The deal calls for the development and production of projects ranging from television series and original movies to air on Nickelodeon, to multiple records released over the next four years. The deal also has the potential to unlock additional opportunities across multiple lines of business, in areas like apparel and electronics.

Female Obesity Encouraged in Black Society?

Titans’ Jones drops appeal of suspension

More About Terrence Howard’s Iron Man Character

Looks like Terrence Howard’s role in Iron Man is going to be pretty significant.

He takes on the role of James Rhodes…Iron Man’s right hand man and a dude who actually dons the Iron Man suit (whether or not the movie will go into this remains to be seen)

Synopsis on his character from Marvel Universe:
James Rhodes grew up in South Philadelphia. Bullied as a child, he was determined to get out and make something of himself, eventually becoming a U.S. Marine. Rhodes served several tours in Southeast Asia, studying while in the service to become an aviation engineer. As a soldier, Rhodes was willing to kill if a mission required it, but every life he took would haunt him. During one mission, Rhodes’ helicopter was shot down and he crashed into the jungle. He was found by Iron Man, who had only recently escaped from Wong-Chu and needed transportation out of the combat area. Iron Man helped repair Rhodes’ helicopter and the two men made it to safety together. Afterwards, Rhodes was approached by Tony Stark, Iron Man’s "employer" (in fact, Tony Stark was Iron Man). Stark offered Rhodes a job as his pilot, and Rhodes agreed to take him up on his offer when his service was over.

Rhodes was true to his word, serving for some time at Stark International as Stark’s personal pilot and becoming Tony’s close friend. Rhodes was forced to watch as Stark gave in to alcoholism, and finally, during a battle with the villain Magma, Stark went into battle as Iron Man while intoxicated. After a humiliating defeat, Iron Man went to Rhodes to help recharge his armor, and inadvertently revealed his double identity to Rhodes. Too inebriated to continue his fight with Magma, Stark passed out, and Rhodes donned the armor in order to save Stark International from Magma’s rampage. Rhodes succeeded in his first mission, and Stark asked him to stay on as Iron Man so that he could continue to pursue his life of alcoholism.

FULL BIO HERE

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