BLACK ENTERPRISE Announces the 40 Best Companies for Diversity
June 30, 2009
BLACK ENTERPRISE has announced its fifth annual listing of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity as featured in the July 2009 issue. The companies identified in this special report demonstrated strength and outperformed their peers in one or more of four key categories: board representation, employee base, senior management, and supplier diversity.
Of the 40 best, both McDonald’s Corp. and WGL Holdings Inc. met the BLACK ENTERPRISE criteria in all four categories. Among the companies that hit the mark in three of the four areas are AFLAC Inc., The Coca-Cola Co., Fannie Mae, MGM Mirage, Pepco Holdings Inc., PG&E Corp., Pitney Bowes, Sodexo Inc., and TIAA-CREF. Making their first appearance on this list are Freddie Mac and Northern Trust Corp.
BET 2009 Award Winners
June 30, 2009
BET Awards held its annual ceremony to honor African Americans in the world of music and sports at the Shrine Auditorium on June 28, 2009 in Los Angeles.
The highlighted winners at the 2009 BET awards are:
Best Female R&B: Beyonce
Best Male R&B artist : NE-YO
Best Group: DAy 26
Mest Male Hip Hop: LiL Wayne
Best Colaboration: Jamie Foxx ft. T-Pain- Blame It
Best Female Hip Hop: M.I.A
Best New Artist: Keri Hilson
Best Gospel Artist: Mary Mary
Video of The Year: Beyonce (Single Ladies ‘Ring on it”)
Video Director of the Year: Benny Boom
Pictured: Singer Beyonce accepts the Video of the Year award onstage during the 2009 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 28, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Janet Jackson Makes Emotional Appearance at BET Awards
June 30, 2009
The entertainment elite of the African-American community gathered for an impromptu wake to celebrate the life of iconic singer Michael Jackson Sunday night at the BET Awards in Los Angeles, but it was Janet Jackson’s first public appearance since her brother’s death that gave the evening a more somber tone.
“To you Michael is an icon, to us Michael is family, and he will forever live in all of our hearts,” said Jackson, who served as the family’s spokeswoman during her surprise appearance near the end of the broadcast.
“On behalf of my family and myself, thank you for all of your love. Thank you for all of your support. We miss him so much. Thank you,” Jackson said as she stood before a large image of her and her brother as children.
Pictured: Singer Janet Jackson, sister of the late singer Michael Jackson speaks at the 2009 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 28, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
VH1 Classic to Celebrate Historic Music Legacy of Michael Jackson Beginning Saturday, June 27
June 26, 2009
His music defined an era while his music videos re-defined a medium. Michael Jackson simply changed the world forever with his artistry, his vision and his music. Starting Saturday, June 27 at 12 noon ET/PT, VH1 Classic will celebrate the legacy of the man that became the “King Of Pop” and the artist behind “Thriller,” the world’s biggest selling album ever.
The channel will air a special music video tribute throughout the weekend, airing the songs, the performances, the choreography, and the styles that still impact pop culture four decades after he first became a star with The Jackson 5. The tribute, hosted by “VH1 Top 20 Countdown” host Jim Shearer, will run throughout the weekend until Midnight on Sunday, June 28.
BET Awards will honor Michael Jackson
June 26, 2009
An executive producer for the Black Entertainment TV Awards says Sunday night’s live broadcast from Los Angeles will honor Michael Jackson.
Stephen Hill said the show will be dedicated to Jackson because of his influence on music and pop culture. Jackson, 50, died Thursday at UCLA Medical Center after being stricken at his Los Angeles home.
“This will be a show heavy on Michael Jackson’s memory. I think what you’re going to find is that acceptance speeches for awards will have nothing to do about the artists themselves, but about the influence that Michael Jackson had on them,” Hill said Thursday in a phone interview from Los Angeles.
Quincy Jones heartfelt words on M.J
June 26, 2009
“For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words,” said Quincy Jones, who produced “Thriller.” “He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.”
Pictured: Quincy Jones arrives at the 17th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Academy Award Viewing Party held at the Pacific Design Center on February 22, 2009 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Old School Candid: Jackson Five
June 26, 2009
American soul pop group the Jackson Five, five brothers from Indiana who are signed to Berry Gordy’s Motown record label.
Taken: 01 Oct 1972
(Photo by Frank Barratt/Getty Images)
Hip Hop, R&B, and Urban Stars Reflect on Michael Jackson In Twitter
June 26, 2009
A number of celebrities expressed their sorrow for the unexpected death of pop legend Michael Jackson in live time via Twitter, an online short messaging system widely used by the celebrity and business community.
Here are a few tweets:
Ludacris: If it were not for Micheal Jackson I would not be where or who I am today. His Music and Legacy will live on Forever. Prayers to the fam R.I.P.
Producer Dallas Austin: Mj is the biggest star in the universe let’s u know real stardom
Solange Knowles: Thank you Michael Jackson for being my FIRST of many! My mother took me to my FIRST concert, I was only two years old. I fell in love
Singer Mya: To man who made a huge impact on my life. Thank you4blessing the world with your talent + heart. May you rest in peace&be w/the angels MJ.
Rev. Run: Rip MJ! Dream as if u’ll live 4ever, Live as if u’ll die 2day. U only live once, but if u do it right dats all u need! U did it Big MJ!!
StarJonesEsq: Good Morning everone…in honor of MJ, I plan to celebrate life in EVERY way possible. Join me by exercising your mind, body and spirit!…Talent is a flame, but genius is a fire. That was Michael Jackson
Diana Ross and Tina Turner on Michael Jackson’s Death
June 26, 2009
Diana Ross and Tina Turner are mourning the loss of their fellow music legend Michael Jackson.
“I can’t stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking,” Ross says in a statement. “I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family.”
‘I am shocked and saddened by Michael’s passing,” Turner says. “I, along with his millions of fans, looked forward to seeing him tour one more time. Now, may he rest in peace.”
Pictured: Diana Ross performs at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2008 at the Oslo Spektrum on December 11, 2008 in Oslo, Norway. The Norwegian Nobel Committee yesterday awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2008 to Martti Ahtisaari for his imporant efforts to resolve international conflicts. Actors Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson hosted the gala event, which featured performances by Ross, operatic quartet Il Divo and Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Smokie Robinson and Others React to Michael’s Passing
June 26, 2009
Smokie Robinson: “It is always hard to lose a friend,” Robinson tells ET. “I will miss Michael and all that he brought to the world through his music and his creative genius. I know his legend will live on and the world will miss him dearly.”
Akon: “I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden death of Michael Jackson,” Akon says. “He is a musical icon. I have always said to myself that the top would be working with Michael and last year when I got the chance to work with him, I was completely humbled. The world has lost one of the greatest entertainers who shaped many generations and will continue to for years to come.”
Pictured: Singer Smokey Robinson speaks during the 2009 AFTRA Media and Entertainment Excellence Awards at the Biltmore Hotel on March 9, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images)
Will.I.AM: “I am so grateful to have worked with the King,” says will.i.am. “He was a gift to the world, he is a bright light and I wouldn’t be surprised if the world stopped spinning tomorrow.”
Whitney Houston: “I am full of grief.”
Gladys Knight: “Blessed” To Know Michael
June 26, 2009
Singer Gladys Knight remembered her longtime friend Michael Jackson on The Early Show Friday.
Knight told Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith she’s been “hanging in there” since she learned of Jackson’s death.
Knight said knew Jackson as a boy. She said she heard him for the first time as they rehearsed for a talent show at the Regal Theater in Chicago, Ill. “I heard them before I saw them, and I jumped up and I said, ‘Who is that?”‘ she remembered.
Knight said she got to know Jackson over the years; two even shared the same manager, Ron Weisner, at one point.
“Michael was shy,” she said, “And I don’t know if we really recognized that in him all of his life. As he would accept awards, it wasn’t about him being coy, it was about him being shy.”
Pictured: Singer Gladys Knight arrives at the Legendary Clive Davis Pre-Grammy Party held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 9, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
Berry Gordy on Michael Jackson: ‘He Was Like My Son’
June 26, 2009
Motown founder Berry Gordy opens up to ET about the loss of Michael Jackson, and shares his fond memories about the legendary King of Pop.
“I had no concern about his ability to go to the top,” Gordy says. “He was like my son. He had warmth, sensitivity and two personalities.”
“Michael was and will remain one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived,” Gordy tells ET. “When he was not on stage, he was loving, respectful and shy. When he WAS on stage, he was so in charge you would not believe he was the same person. I extend my sympathies to Joe, Katherine and the entire Jackson family. My prayers are with them.”
Pictured: Founder of the Motown records/producer Berry Gordy arrives at the 50th annual Grammy awards held at the Staples Center on February 10, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Diddys words on Michael Jackson
June 26, 2009
Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life!! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!
Pictured: A message understood to be from P Diddy is displayed on Twitter in response to the news that Michael Jackson has passed away on June 26, 2009 in London, England. The iconic pop star, 50, was rushed to the hospital today after going into cardiac arrest. (Photo illustration by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Usher’s Respect and Admiration for Michael Jackson
June 26, 2009
Usher, who shared a stage with Jackson once, is also “deeply saddened” by the loss.
“May God cover you Michael. We all lift your name up in prayer. I pray for the entire JACKSON family particularly Michael’s mother, children and all his fans that loved him so much,” Usher wrote in a statement released by his rep.
“I would not be the artist, performer, and philanthropist I am today without the influence of Michael. I have great admiration and respect for Him and I’m so thankful I had the opportunity to meet and perform with such a great entertainer, who in so many ways, transcended the culture. He broke barriers, he changed radio formats! With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled. Michael Jackson will never be forgotten.”
Pictured: Recording artist Usher attends the 16th Annual Do Something Awards at The Apollo Theater on June 4, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
Beyonces say Michael Jackson is “Magic”
June 26, 2009
Beyoncé called Jackson’s death a “tragic loss” on a “terrible day.”
“The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music,” the 27-year-old singer said. “He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. He will always be the King of Pop!
“Life is not about how many breaths you take, but about how many moments in life that take your breath away. For anyone who has ever seen, felt, or heard his art, we are all honored to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson. I love you Michael.”
Pictured: Singer/actress Beyonce Knowles attends the premiere of ‘Cadillac Records’ at the AMC Loews 19th Street theatre on December 1, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
