A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

Great times at my "annual therapy" convention in San Diego! It’s the National Association of Black Journalists (www.nabj.org) … and since 1991 when I was a part of NABJ’s student internship/scholarship program, I’ve not missed one Convention.

These two folders of pix can tell a bit of the story - visually:

1) http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=194579&id=662073736&l=e58d7e3fd2

2) http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=195276&id=662073736&l=232ef1baa3

But I’ll walk you through some of it:

USS MIDWAY

Last Wednesday, I made it to San Diego - safe and sound. Had to hit the ground running with run-throughs and final script tweaks for the next day’s Opening Ceremony/Plenary (with Dr. Oz) which I co-produced with my Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts. Since Ant didn’t come until Friday night, my girlfriend Mara Schiavocampo (NBC Digital Correspondent) was my social partner for the first few nights. Also, my friend Karu Daniels (AOL Black Voices) was in the mix. And we also took a shuttle from the ship back to the hotel. Good music was playing and - of course - I had to get the party started. LOL!

DR. OZ

Thursday morning began with a BREAKING NEWS PLENARY – featuring Shirley Sherrod. Mara and CNN’s Don Lemon led the special session.  Donnie McClurkin canceled in the 11th hour (with apologies, but a health development prevented him from being there). Still, the show went on with Rene Syler as host. Dr. Oz and I have had the chance to work intimately over the years – including a search for dead and decomposing bodies in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Here at NABJ, he dropped science on all things optimum health in the African American community. NABJ’s Emerging Journalist of the Year Mike Feeney agreed to be Dr. Oz’s Truth Tube subject. And Roland Martin –ascot and all – agreed to have his waist measured. Dr. Oz was so gracious and generous with his presentation. And he told me he LOVED working with me again. My girl Elise was the Convention Chair – so it too was good to work with her again as we’ve maintained our relationship since meeting in 1994, but we haven’t worked together since our days at “Good Day Atlanta”.

REALITY SHOWS: THE NEW JOB FRONTIER

From there, Michael K. Watts and I were on a high of positivity and accomplishment. This, despite some feedback I received that disappointed me. Without muddying the waters and giving the dis a spotlight, I will say this: though much of what any of us does in news – especially arts & entertainment  - can promote negativity and messiness, I stand firm that my mantra around “pop culture” and “possibilities” keeps me standing firmly and successfully in this industry. And anything that diverts me from that is not for me – even satirically speaking. I should call those shots instead of losing my integrity at the pass. Lesson learned. So, re-committing to those affirmations that work, I have washed that feedback out of my hair and - in that moment - I segued to moderate the first of the NABJ A&E Task Force's offerings in San Diego: a "Reality TV" panel. Though my buddy Dr. Ian K. Smith canceled on us, the balance of the participants ensured they were on their A game. TV One (www.tvoneonline.com/) sponsored the panel and Senior Vice President of Original Programming, Toni Judkins shared helpful tid-bits about where TV One is going in the direction of Reality TV – including a new show coming up with Jodeci’s K Ci and JoJo. It’s called “Come Clean”. And the clip was really compelling: http://news.tvoneonline.com/tv/k-ci-jojo-talk-tv-one-reality-show-7299.htm. Additionally, my friends came through for me: Evolyn Brooks (Executive Producer/Viasol Productions, Inc.) was the show runner on “Monica: Still Standing” and “Frankie & Neffe”. She hired me to work on those shows as field producer and story producer. Her knowledge – along with my girl Jacque Reid (TV/Radio broadcaster – Kiss 98.7 FM/Cast member, “Let’s Talk About Pep”) – was priceless. So many came up afterwards and throughout the rest of the convention to say: “Now, I know there is another genre for which my skills set is applicable and I don’t feel as wiped out by the industry now.” I like that feedback! And to Ev’s fiancé Gary: “I LOVE YOU!” <Inside joke! LOL!>

I LIKE IT!

NASCAR and BET threw some awesome receptions. It was good to see so many of my friends – too many to name. But I couldn’t mix and mingle too long because there was dinner awaiting. The spot? The Palm with Mr. El Debarge and a host of other fab A&E journalists. He is promoting his upcoming comeback CD: "Second Chance". I'm close to his twin cousins Shelly and Sherry who helped make this moment happen – in part. But the driver of the effort is my Spelman sister Tosha Whitten Griggs (www.frontpagepr.com).  We drank, posed for pix, sang, ate, and CELEBRATED the return of one of my ALL-TIME FAVORITES! And at 49, he is back and fit as ever. We all shared our Debarge memories – mine including Savannah, Georgia. October 1984. My mom was dropping me off to the Coastal Empire Fair to join my friends. As we drove down the dark road – aligned with Spanish moss, I can remember hearing the first note of “In A Special Way” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyQm3rYyNrQ). I was transfixed. Of course, I was already a huge fan of Debarge from “I Like It” and “All This Love” and a few other modest tracks that Savannah played in heavy rotation. But I knew Debarge was claiming its throne as a FAVORITE when I heard that song. Too, I recall when Debarge came to Savannah (opening for Luther Vandross. Also, The Deele – with Babyface & L.A. Reid - was on that set). And as excited as we were to see El and the boyz, Bunny was on maternity leave. We were devastated! LOL! El laughed at that one, since - after all - he was there. And I didn’t share this one, but in July 1994 (just a couple of weeks before my mom’s passing), I worked on “Good Day Atlanta” and booked El to be on the show – promoting a solo project). Additionally, he agreed to come and visit my kids at “Options: Image of the Future” – a summer camp at Georgia Tech that I co-founded with my childhood buddy Reggie. At the time, my nephew was in Atlanta and accompanied me to this special day and as I had each student introduce themselves to El, my nephew also – at five years old – did an introduction, which impressed El. Fast forward through some challenging times around an admitted drug addiction, he says he has been clean for almost two years. And El is excited to be back in the studio preparing for his “Second Chance” release on September 28 (Interscope). That means a tour in the Fall/Winter? Well, “Time Will Reveal” – one of the tunes he shared with us a cappella while we enjoyed this intimate, eventful moment with him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyQm3rYyNrQ.

SPORTS TASK FORCE PARTY

We always work hard and play hard at NABJ. So, after Black List 3 screened via HBO and TARGET, and its creator Elvis Mitchell, El worked the room to say HI to NABJ. Then, after we said goodbye, I segued to the NABJ Sports Task Force party with Mara at Stingaree. It was a BLAST! We were also joined by our girlfriend Shani (and our new girlfriend Sasha). Sasha is best buddies with Shani and Andrea, who – you recall – supported us on shooting this pilot project on which I’m hosting. (By the way, we’re still editing and getting ready to pitch it). This was quite the reunion of NABJ friends. And GREAT DANCING – ALL NIGHT LONG!

FELA!

Most of what you see me dressed in is compliments of my friend R. Scott French at Richard Harris USA (www.richardharrisusa.com) and American Chang (www.americanchang.com). They provided me pulls from their Fall 2010 line-up. But also, my Nigerian designer friend Moshood (whose pieces I’ve worn all around – including The White House) dressed me in a number of awesome pieces – including these FELA-inspired sandals. So, it was perfect that I wore it to the FELA! news conference where I met the Tony-award-winning show’s producer Stephen Hendel. This moment was made possible by my NABJ friend Neil Foote and my dearest friend Marcia Pendelton (www.walktallgirlproductions.com).

THE YOUNG, THE RESTLESS, & THE LEGACY

So, our NABJ A&E Task Force reception - powered by Y&R – was a huge success. Kristoff St. John; Darius McCrary; and Julia Pace Mitchell came (Though Jeanne Cooper - "Mrs. Chancellor" – canceled due to an 11^th hour illness). We honored Y&R for all it has continued to do in the way of celebrating its African American cast. Also, we saluted Y&R for keeping their corresponding storylines up front and center. And it's worth noting that Julia's mother is legendary 70s actress Judy Pace. It turns out Judy is the widow of the late baseball great Curt Flood, Julia's stepfather. He was honored at the Sam Lacy Pioneer Awards. Our NABJ A&E Task Force honored JET's Clarence Waldron with our NABJ A&E Legacy Award which included a stellar presentation by our NABJ A&E Task Force co-chair Greg Dunmore. Greg also produced a tribute video that included remarks from Aretha Franklin, Nancy Wilson, Dionne Warwick, Brandy, India.Arie, Jesse Jackson, Tavis Smiley, and many, many more. It was wonderful! And Clarence was so full and inspiring with his acceptance speech.  

DISNEY

Ant came into town quickly enough to see me host the Disney event. Disney has asked me to host their special presentations over the last few years. American Idol’s Kimberly Locke performed. And Cupid - of Cupid Shuffle fame – performed as well. We all did the Cupid Shuffle at the end of the night. Then, we all gathered for the President's Reception before doing a round of social hanging amidst the varied hospitality suites in our host hotel. It was also great to see Steve Perry who is the founder and principal of the Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Connecticut. I had a chance to interview Steve for an ESSENCE Magazine piece from November 2009. It was a look at the shifting image of manhood in the era of Obama. Steve is also the author of "Man Up!: Nobody is Coming to Save Us," which offers solutions to problems in the black community. He continues to be a support as I explore how to get a book published.

"HE IS CONCERNED ABOUT YOU"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqYaovs8WLs For a week that was filled with work and timely deliverables… at a time when my own morale has and can be tested by difficult economic times and challenges with keeping revenue-generating work… in a week where I am moving so fast – on automatic pilot, CE CE WINANS was anointed to move not just me, but the masses inside NABJ’s Gospel Brunch. Tears fell… my heavy heart lightened… and I am so GRATEFUL for all of the aforementioned and the chance to share – with Ant and my NABJ family – a fellowship of spiritual renewal and revival. THANK YOU, CE CE! YOU ARE AWESOME!

“WRITING FOR SCRIPTED TV”

Another NABJ A&E Task Force offering included our "Writing for Scripted TV" which I also moderated.  It included a stellar panel: Lauren Anderson (Director of Comedy Development and Production/NBC Universal - Universal Media Studios); Cheo Coker (Southland/Notorious); Brett Mahoney (Producer/CSI: Miami); Eunetta Boone (Executive Producer/Writer for many things, including Cuts/Hip Hop 101). NBC Universal was the sponsor of this well-attended event as well as the sneak peek of “Undercovers” with Boris Kodjoe (as moderated by Shaun Robinson, our NABJ A&E Task Force member and weekend host/correspondent for “Access Hollywood”): www.nbc.com/undercovers/. You must check it out. It’s high-energy “eye candy” that you won’t want to miss when it debuts this Fall on Wednesday nights at 8pm. THANKS NBC UNIVERSAL!

“IF GOD IS WILLING AND DA CREEK DON’T RISE”

Spike Lee came to NABJ several times. Most recently, his 'joint' “Miracle at St. Anna” came to Chicago a couple of years ago. I interviewed the author of the book from which the film was adapted: James McBride. For his four-hour, two part documentary “If God is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise”,  he explores New Orleans – five years after Hurricane Katrina. The documentary debuts AUG. 23 and 24, exclusively on HBO ((www.hbo.com/documentaries/index.html). He brought 90-minutes of it to us and he explores how the ambitious plans to reinvent the Crescent City are playing out. According to the release, it’s a “patchwork of hope and heartache in a story that is book-ended by a pair of momentous events — the historic 2010 Super Bowl victory and the disastrous British Petroleum oil spill”.

SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE

 On the last night of NABJ, Ant and I attended the Salute to Excellence Awards. Congrats to my friends and NABJ fam: Paula Madison; Mike Feeney; Soledad O'Brien; et al. who received much-deserved honors. And everyone surely cleaned up brilliantly. Just a room full of beautiful people. Always fun to dress up a bit.  PHILLY - where NABJ will be next year - put on a party with DJ Monie Love on the 1-2s. Then, Ant and I got to hang with friends Scott, Tony, Sasha, and all of our NABJ fam!

YACHT CLUB

Ant and I enjoyed some couple time at the San Diego Yacht Club for Sunday brunch before heading back east. Re-nourished from NABJ. Now, what's next? Many follow-ups and networking updates towards more work. I have a great, new pool of influence from which to create synergies. I LOVE YOU, NABJ!

P.S.

Just a few hours of sleep since my early morning return from San Diego, I had to high-tail it to my nephew who has moved to town. His parents (my brother & sister-in-law) brought him to town from Georgia last week (while I was in San Diego). From the distance, Ant and I made sure they were entertained – including tix to “Wendy” and “FELA!”. But since I was now back, we squeezed in the George Faison Firehouse 2nd anniversary celebration of James Baldwin (with Dr. Maya Angelou). After we enjoyed Miss Maude's Spoonbread Too Restaurant, we went to 'Remembering Jimmy' where I introduced my nephew Noot to Norma Jean Darden, Miss Maude's owner. The evening provided us so much entertainment. Toni Seawright; Ebony Joanne; and many others performed. My Morehouse brother Khalid worked on the production. George Faison is his cousin. And the many guests made my sister-in-law very happy as she was so excited to see: Lynn Whitfield; Paul Mooney; Phylicia Rashad; Ruby Dee; Roberta Flack; Ashford & Simpson; and my friends Charles; Dwayne; and Raymond. FUN FAMILY TIME! WELCOME TO NYC, NOOT!

P.P.S.

I invited Noot and one of his friends Chanel to join Ant and me at Jimmy Choo’s NYC Flagship Store on 5^th Avenue. It was an evening of refreshing cocktails, delicious appetizers, great dance music, and several of my favorite people. I got to introduce the new New Yorkers – straight out of Morehouse and Spelman – to their AUC sister Jacque Reid. Of course, it became an official event when Bevy Smith walked through the door. Additionally, my favorite New ROs (I call them) were in the house. Michelle Sanchez-Boyce was in the house. So was her husband Nelson. Our artist friend Cynthia always brings it. And our host with the most Erika Munro Kennerly was so gracious and inspiring throughout the set which benefitted the people of Haiti. Thanks for having us, Erika.

 

NOW WHAT NOW? 

“FATHER, HELP YOUR CHILDREN AND DON'T LET THEM FALL BY THE SIDE OF THE ROAD...”

 

I wrote about the song “Jesus is Love” a couple of years ago (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/7/20/roots-the-next-generations-and-the-melody-lingers-on.html) and its presence in my life on the day my mother died. Now, it’s been remade by Heather Headley and Smokie Norful (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6SGBqMmyHM). I like the remake. As it was piping from a car radio recently, I was riding in the backseat of a car – cruising along 125^th Street. When I became aware and awakened to this now-positively post-traumatic moment, I looked up to find that we were getting ready to pass a building that inhabits my family’s denomination The United House of Prayer for All People. Something in that moment made me do something I hadn’t done with that song the times I’ve heard it since July 20, 1994: I smiled. Still, a tear dropped.

 

"... AND TEACH THEM TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER..."

 

I do feel as if I continue to be “helped” by forces bigger than me and far off into the distance yet right next to me:

• Ant and I are preparing to go to Detroit this weekend for Ms. Aretha Franklin’s birthday party. There’s much more to the story that I will have to share later. But TRUST! It’s a BLESSING... and a TOTAL HONOR! Plus, we’ll get the chance to see our Greg Dunmore who just recently did a feature on jazz great Harvey Thompson (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNHUZ5k05WM) via his Jazz Jewels TV, which proves jazz is truly an international language. Harvey salutes one of Japan's hottest jazz clubs, the Sone Jazz Club located in Kobe.
• As certain clients have been able to outsource my services more of late, I’m happy to say I’ve attracted a special project my way that – for 10 weeks – will have me in Atlanta and Los Angeles. Though not optimum to be away from Ant and our home for that window of time, the wages are welcome and much needed for us to catch up with our arrears. And when I can tell you more, I will. But, TRUST that it is a GOOD, CREATIVE FIT that you will all be able to see sometime later this year! STAY TUNED!
• In the words of Rupaul: “BB, life isn’t always fair... I have two words :Extravaganza! Eleganza!” Not sure what that meant. But let me tell you - it made me laugh each and every time I played TIVO back to repeat it: www.logoonline.com/shows/dyn/rupauls_drag_race/videos.jhtml This, before each of the bottom two lipsync'd for their life via Mary Mary's "Shackles". 

"... HEAVEN  MIGHT FIND A PLACE IN THEIR HEART..."

 

Meanwhile, BLESSINGS ABOUND all around for many! Let me catch you up!

 

Firstly:

• A shout out to our South African girlfriend Melony who invited “my Amazing Grace” Nichole, Ant, and me to her NYC home for a lovely meal. Got to see Johnna and several others from her circles. Always a good time!
• Though we didn’t get to see our Jason, we got some great hang time with Marqice in he and Jason’s Queens’ home.
• We got quality time with Charlie T; Danielle; Karu; and Kevin-Anthony at THE GOOD NEGRO at the Public Theater (www.publictheater.org). Kevin-Anthony will be celebrating his birthday with a performance on Monday, April 6th, 2009 @ The Triad in NYC (www.triadnyc.com). He will be recording a live CD that evening. So bring your energy and love in the house that evening as this is Kevin-Anthony’s 1st CD. For tickets:http://www.smarttix.com/show.aspx?showCode=KEV5 or call 212.868.4444 and check out his new blog site:http://b2productions.wordpress.com/2009/02/22/kevin-anthony-birthday-show/

"...WE'VE GOT TO WALK ON, WALK ON THROUGH TEMPTATION..."

 

Kevin-Anthony was also featured on “HARLEM HEIGHTS” this week on BET (www.bet.com/OnTV/BETShows/harlemheights). His recent BLACK 2: Broadway event last November was featured on the show. Without blinking, you can see Ant, Ern, Kimberly Jajuan, and me in the background at the VIP reception that preceded the awesome showcase on the Schomberg stage. Keep tuning into “Harlem Heights” as you’re bound to see us again (We’ve been hanging with this crew a bit – socially). But also, my good girlfriend/acting coach Tracey Moore-Marable will be sharing her “The Spirited Actor” philosophy on the show (www.thespiritedactor.com/).

 

"... HIS LOVE AND WISDOM WILL BE OUR HELPING HAND..."

 

It’s still not too late to join Ant and me at “Inked Baby”. It’s Sunday, March 29^th and IF YOU'RE STILL GAME, DON'T FORGET TO SEND YOUR CHECKS TO THE ADDRESS BELOW ASAP - TO ENSURE THE GROUP RATE OF $30 **** (SEE DETAILS BELOW. That's a $20 discount... and LACHANZE says she will join us for an after-show cocktail!!! By the way, check out the link to her new CD, an EP of awesome songs from her repertoire. Entitled "Love LaChanze," the CD can be purchased by visiting iTunes (www.iTunes.com) or Amazon (www.Amazon.com).

Here’s how it works:

1. Commit to attend the Sunday, March 29th /7:30 pm “INKED BABY” starring Tony-award-winning LACHANZE at Playwrights Horizons (416 West 42nd Street close to 9th Avenue)

 

2. By Tuesday, March 24th: Send a $30 check (per person) payable to:

WALK TALL GIRL PRODUCTIONS

1375 BROADWAY

3RD FLOOR

NEW YORK, NY 10018

Phone: 646-467-7393 or 917-334-6492

MEMO: 3/29 INKED BABY w/PAT & ANT

*** THAT'S A $20 DISCOUNT VIA THIS GROUP RATE!!!!! ***

 

3. After you do that, PLEASE let me know that you will be joining us via patarack_riley@yahoo.com

 

4. On Sunday, March 29th, let’s meet at 6:30 pm – so I can personally ensure your tickets get to you. Showtime is 7:30 pm. It’s about 90 minutes – so will wrap about 9:00 pm.

 

And my friend LACHANZE has agreed to join us across the street for a quick cocktail at:

 

THE WEST BANK CAFÉ

407 W. 42nd Street

New York, NY 10036

Phone: 212-695-6909

 

"... LIFT UP OUR HEARTS TO BE THANKFUL AND GLAD..."

 

Since I wrote about Ms. Melinda Doolittle last month (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/2/2/we-will-find-a-way.html), her fans have become readers of my blog. One fan, Louise, asks me to hip you folks to one of Melinda’s fansites: www.melindasbackups.com

 

"...I WANNA FOLLOW YOUR STAR WHEREVER IT LEADS..."

 

My friend Shaun Robinson may want to reach out to Melinda as an example of a great role model. This could be for the follow up to her debut tome for young girls, “Exactly As I Am” (www.randomhouse.com). Celebrated women share candid advice with today's girls on what it takes to believe in yourself. I’ve worked alongside Shaun via our National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention programming (www.nabj.org) and I couldn’t be more proud of her. She’s heading to NYC soon and I’ll get to buy the book and congratulate her in person.

 

 

My dear industry friends Kirsten Poe Hill & Renée E. Warren (pictured on right) are now published authors. We all have CNBC in our roots. They left just before I started there in the mid-90s to start their business. When I left CNBC a few years later, their media consulting firm became a safe place for me as a freelancer (who wrote, pitched, and promoted on their company Noelle-Elaine’s behalf – www.noelle-elaine.com) but I also had the chance to hire them for their services via volunteer work I did with one of their major clients The New York Association of Black Journalists (www.nyabj.org). Fast forward 15 years and you’ve got “You Buy the Peanut Butter, I’ll Get the Bread: The Absolutely True Adventures of Best Friends in Business”. It hits book shelves on March 31^st.

To purchase the book, visit one of the book stores below:

http://www.borders.com/online/store/TitleDetail?sku=0452290147

http://www.amazon.com/You-Buy-Peanut-Butter-Bread/dp/0452290147/

http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?isbn=9780452290143

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?ean=9780452290143

http://www.booksamillion.com/product/9780452290143?id=4205521630491

http://www.www.indiebound.org http://www.www.indiebound.org/

Catch them at one of the following book signings:

Baltimore, MD March 31, 2009

Chevy Chase, MD April 1, 2009

Washington, DC April 3, 2009

Harlem, NY April 15, 2009

New York City, NY April 16, 2009

More locations to come ...

For more information, visit: www.peanutbutterbreadbook.com

 

"...I WANNA WALK WITH YOU AND TALK WITH YOU AND DO ALL THE THINGS YOU WANT ME TO DO..."

 

CONGRATS to Sheila E who took home the “Gone Country” prize this season (www.cmt.com/shows/dyn/gone-country/series.jhtml) with grace, a competitive edge, loads of talent, and spirituality.  And already the rollercoaster of “American Idol” (www.americanidol.com/) is throwing viewers – like me – for a loop with its new judge, new rules, new surprises. After seeing the Top 13’s take on a “Jackson 5” medley, Ant reminded me that A.I. was showing up where “Kids Incorporated” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3i00ieI3UI) meets “Star Search” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZyjSuOrRBw). And like “Gone Country” (under the category of WHO KNEW I’D BE TUNING INTO CMT?), I hear there’s another show that I haven’t seen that I should be watching: “Kitchen Nightmares” with Gordon Ramsay (www.fox.com/kitchennightmares/). Anybody seen it? Worth my time or squeezing the already-exhausted memory of my antiquated TIVO?

 

"... WHO CAN BRING YOU LOVE?..."

 

My good girlfriend Juanita Stephens (who you recall had a lovely dinner recently where she brought journalists together with another of her clients Kindred) is working with her sister publicist Karen Lee on Charlie Wilson’s new project ‘Uncle Charlie’ (Jive Records) which debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Hot 200 a few weeks back. It’s been a long time since ‘The Gap Band’ but Charlie is still kicking. He was also recently diagnosed with PROSTATE CANCER last July... and is living not only to see himself back at the top of the charts but to also testify about his journey from that grim diagnosis through a journey of medical options to where he stands now as a healthy advocate to shed light and awareness on this disease which impacts 1 in 3 African American men. He is now

informing as well as performing" by becoming a spokesperson for the Prostate Cancer Foundation (www.prostatecancerfoundation.org) to help raise awareness and funds for future research. On June 12th, Charlie will be a part of a panel, where he will share his knowledge and information about this disease, at the National Conference for 100 Black Men in New York City.

 

"... WHO CAN BRING YOU JOY? ... "

 

These are the kind of updates we rely on JET and EBONY to give us. Many are buzzing about the layoffs at many media shops but the ones at JET and EBONY could impact those fellow journalists I know who’ve been working for Johnson Publishing a long time, but I am also wondering where we’ll get “our” info without these magazines running at full capacity. For a walk down memory lane (to know what we could lose): http://books.google.com/books?id=Db4DAAAAMBAJ&hl=En&source=gbs_all_issue

 

"...WHO CAN TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND? ..."

 

Some friends and friends of friends who are doing great things – proof in the links or websites below:

* My Morehouse brother Chris McDonald’s cousin owns this little boutique that WILL:

www.GEORGIANY.COM

* My alma mater Morehouse College’s Glee Club of which I was a member during my four years there (much chronicled here) just performed at Abyssinian Baptist Chuch this past weekend. I couldn’t make it but wanted to shout them out as they continue their Spring Tour (www.mcgclub.com/).

* One of my college mates and true leader to many of us in the glee club and the arts overall Maurice Mcrae just launched his new website. He's an actor, director, and overall creative spirit who I've admired mostly for his kindness. Check him out: www.mauricemcrae.com

* My “Original Amazing Grace” Natalie’s brother-in-law Tavares just launched his new website. He is a poet/actor/teacher/motivational speaker... and all-around Renaissance Man: www.tavaresstephens.com

* Ant’s friend and supervisor on “The Wendy Williams Show” Lorraine Haughton has been working on other projects as they wait to go back in for the re-launch this summer. She has been working on "Bought & Sold" which airs on HGTV. It's a reality show about real estate agents in New Jersey (www.hgtv.com/bought-sold/show/index.html).

* My girl, CHEMENE PELZER, is a producer at “NBC Today”. Check out her recently posted blog and video related to a recent trip she took to West Africa:

http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2009/03/10/1829119.aspx

* My dear friend Camille introduced me to a lovely lady out of ATL named Ivy Simmons. She is on the steering committee for Earth Hour 09 (www.earthhour.org/). Earth Hour began in Sydney in 07 with 2.2 million participants and thousands of buildings all turning their lights out for one hour to show they care about global warming. Last year such iconic buildings went dark for the hour as the Coliseum in Rome, Golden Gate Bridge, Coca Cola's Times Square billboard, the Bank of America Building in Atlanta and more. This year, they are looking for the Vegas strip to go dark. Earth Hour takes place March 28 from 8:30-9:30pm this year.

* Chef Love Jones who recently catered a fashion week event I attended last month has finally launched his website. It will keep you updated with his day-to-day happenings. www.iambilljones.com

* My friend Reginald Barnes is an actor/publicist/promoter/talent extraordinaire and never ceases to amaze (www.myspace.com/reggieonthemove). His next round of projects will include a turn in popular ‘Down Low’ author JL King’s new off-Broadway play titled “RAW”. It opens May 1^st and features six men (and... full frontal nudity). It’s a controversial adult show running at 10pm on weekends in May. Stay tuned for more as I get it. Congrats Reginald!

 

"... WHO CAN HELP YOU HOLD OUT A LITTLE WHILE LONGER?..."

 

Y’all remember a Black version of “Cinderella” from the ‘70s before Brandy went there? IMDB tells me I’m not crazy for this childhood memory. This version of the Cinderella tale with an all-black cast has Cinderella, who wants to marry a dashing army officer, finding out out that her father, who she thought had an important job at a big hotel, is actually the men's room attendant. Her wicked stepmother finds out, too, and complications ensue. Charlayne Woodard starred as “Cindy” and Cleavant Derricks, Clifton Davis, and Nell Carter also starred.