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

I Am Legend Trailer starring Will Smith

Check out the trailer for the new Will Smith movie… I am Legend

Synopsis: Robert Neville is the last man alive. He busies himself with preparing for a nightly attack from the rest of the world – all of which have transformed into blood-thirsty vampires.

Other stars include Salli Richardson

Click Here

BLACK ENTERPRISE Announces the Top-Grossing Black-Owned Companies

BLACK ENTERPRISE (BE) announced the nation’s top-grossing black-owned businesses as listed in the publication’s 35th annual BE 100s report. The cornerstone of the publication’s June issue, this comprehensive analysis includes a total of 275 businesses: 100 industrial/service companies, 100 auto dealerships, 60 financial services firms, and 15 advertising agencies.

When BE first compiled its top 100 in 1973, combined sales for the 100 component companies totaled $473 million. Today, the top 100 African American industrial/service companies and 100 leading auto dealers — the core of the BE 100s report — collectively grossed more than $27 billion. As the BE 100s list marks its 35th anniversary, the nation’s most profitable black-owned businesses collectively responded to a more challenging and competitive business environment by aggressively working toward the expansion of revenue base and markets. Companies that found success did this by implementing a new blueprint for growth, including recruiting powerhouse management teams, forming strategic partnerships, strengthening their black business networks, and developing a global focus.

As a result, several companies reached new milestones. World Wide Technology Inc., No. 1 on the BE INDUSTRIAL/SERVICE 100 list, continues its prominence as the nation’s top-grossing black-owned business. This year the Maryland Heights, Missouri-based reseller of IT products and services becomes the first company to surpass the $2 billion sales mark since TLC Beatrice International Holdings Inc. did so in 1996. In addition, two other companies exceeded $1 billion in revenues. CAMAC International Corp., a Houston-based crude oil, gas exploration, and production and trading company reported sales of $1.6 billion. CAMAC ranks No. 2 on the BE INDUSTRIAL SERVICE 100 for the fourth consecutive year. Led by CEO Gregory Jackson, Prestige Automotive reported total sales $1.5 billon, making it No. 1 on the BE AUTO DEALERS 100. Located in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, Prestige continues to thrive despite Detroit’s downturn, posting outstanding sales of Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, GM, Saturn, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

BE 100s companies tied closely to the automotive market had perhaps the most difficult year. Shifts in consumer demands away from sport utility vehicles sent U.S. automakers reeling along with their contractors. Faring somewhat better were companies in the quick-serve restaurant industry. While S&P’s fundamental outlook remained neutral at the end of March, the firm expects consumers to continue dining out as a result of a higher percentage of Americans working, particularly women.

Top-grossing companies on additional BE 100s lists include the following:

BE ADVERTISING AGENCY
GlobalHue, Southfield, MI

$550 million in billings

BE BANK
Carver Federal Savings Bank, New York, NY
$765 million in assets

BE INVESTMENT BANK
The Williams Capital Group L.P., New York, NY
$142 billion in total managed issues

BE ASSET MANAGER
EARNEST Partners, Atlanta, GA
$26 billion in assets under management

BE PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM
Fairview Capital Partners Inc., Farmington, CT
$2.4 billion in capital under management

In developing the rankings for 2007, BE research collected surveys from hundreds of companies as well as information from government agencies, professional organizations, industry associations, business information services, entrepreneurs, and corporations. The information included total revenues for calendar year 2006; a detailed description of business activities; historical ownership data; and confirmation that the entity is at least 51% black-owned, or that blacks own at least 51% of the controlling shares if the company is publicly traded.

The June 2007 issue of BLACK ENTERPRISE — with complete BE 100s rankings, full eligibility criteria, and company overviews — is on newsstands today.

Remy Martin(R) Brings Together 10 Artists for an Interesting Summer of Music

Remy Martin(R) is about to take Black Music Month to a whole new level. The celebrated cognac-maker today announced the launch of its annual Black Music Month program, which will bring together 10 artists from across the country for one interesting summer of music. The 2007 celebration will explore the tremendous influence cities have had shaping hip-hop music — looking back at the all-time greats and forward to the stars of tomorrow.

Kicking off the celebration is a national online poll to identify the top hip-hop songs to emerge from the artists’ cities, which range from New York to Los Angeles to Chicago to Miami. (See the complete list of cities and artists on the following page.) Remy Martin is asking music fans to weigh in on their favorite hip-hop songs from their hometowns at http://www.GetInteresting.com. The poll will be updated daily throughout the summer and the results will be announced on August 29th. Also on the site are interviews with the artists, key moments in contemporary black music history, and the opportunity to win a daily prize (including t-shirts, ear phones and mp3 speakers).

The centerpiece of the summer is a series of appearances by the 10 artists Remy Martin identified as the most interesting up-and-comers in their cities. From June through August, each artist will make 10 stops in his hometown, including a concert performance and a trip to a local charity that is of special meaning to him, where Remy Martin will make a contribution in his honor. The artists can also be found in a special collector’s issue of XXL Hip-Hop Soul. The magazine hosted them earlier this year to learn what they think about the current state of the industry and where black music is headed.

“Black Music Month has become one of the most important programs at Remy Martin and we are excited to kick off our biggest year yet with a celebration that is both national and local,” said Steve Hissam, Remy Martin Category Director. “And we are proud to continue to give consumers a voice with our online poll. Nobody knows the local music scene better than they do — it’s going to be great to hear what they have to say.”

Artists Info
The 10 Remy Martin artists are:

– New York, NY – Saigon
– Appears on HBO hit series “Entourage”

– Los Angeles, CA – Caches
– Debut album on Ermine’s Shady Records

– Oakland / San Francisco, CA – San Quinn
– Holds the Guinness World Record for appearing on more albums than any other rap artist

– Detroit, MI – Slum Village
– Unique sound and ability to integrate live instruments in the tradition of A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul

– Chicago, IL – I.E.
– Album on Sony BMG with production by Kanye West is due out in 2007

– Atlanta, GA – UNK
– No. 1 Hit Single, “Walk It Out”

– Houston, TX – Trae
– Single “Real Talk” featured on soundtrack for Madden NFL 2007 videogame

– Washington, DC – Wale
– Hit Single “Dig Dug” was the most requested song on DC’s WKYS-FM for 3 weeks

– Miami, FL – Duece Poppi
– Collaborated on tracks with Trick Daddy and Nate Dogg

– Cincinnati, OH – Cross
– Produced “Unpredictable” by Jamie Foxx and “Grind wit Me” by Pretty Ricky

Goldman Sachs to Donate $2 million to Morehouse College to Endow Chair In Civil and Human Rights

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS) and Morehouse College today announced that Goldman Sachs has donated $2 million to endow The Goldman Sachs Leadership Chair in Civil and Human Rights at the College. The first academic to hold the Chair will be the new director of the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection, consisting of 10,000 pieces of the late Dr. King’s writings and memorabilia. King is a 1948 alumnus of Morehouse College.

“This generous donation represents yet another significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with Goldman Sachs,” said Dr. Walter E. Massey, President of Morehouse College. “Thanks to this gift, we will be able to fulfill one of the most important aspects of our stewardship of the Morehouse College Martin Luther King, Jr. Collection – making the papers available to scholars and others interested in studying the works of our most prominent alumnus.”

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Indicted Congressman William Jefferson to Step Down from Committee Post

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