A DAY IN "THE LIFE OF RILEY"

MOMENTUM

Momentum Honors honored me this past weekend at SOHO House in NYC with its Pillar of Empowerment Award! Blessed! Beyonce donated 100K to the cause which is MOMENTUM's TEEN program. She didn't attend. Was at the BET Awards 2014. But this gracious gift comes in the wake of her donating 10K each of the last two years. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

To: Robinson Lynn and the MOMENTUM TEAM

To: Tamara and the MOMENTUM TEENS TEAM

To: ALL OF MY FELLOW HONOREES – including Sylvia High (I TRULY AM HONORED TO BE IN YOUR ESTEEMED COMPANY)!

To: ALL MY MOMENTUM FAMILY and your FRIENDS AND FAMILY – many of whom came out!

A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT TO CURTIS DENNIS who has continued to be a role model for BEING THE DIFFERENCE beyond RESIDENTIAL. I love you, Curtis! Thank you!

AND MICHELE BREIER with whom I had the JOY to CO-SENIOR LT 16. THANKS FOR COMING, MICHELE!

I AM AN AUTHENTIC, LOVING, VULNERABLE MAN.

I GRADUATED THE BASIC IN JULY 2004;

THE ADVANCED IN SEPTEMBER 2004;

AND LEADERSHIP (LT 12) JANUARY 2005.

AS I MENTIONED, I WAS SENIOR STAFF FOR LT 16 AND A RECURRING INTRO NIGHT HOST.

I ACCEPT THIS AWARD IN THE MEMORY OF LT 10'S NENE OFUATEY-KODJOE - MY EMO.

ALSO TO THE MEMORY OF MOMENTUM Founder Robin Lynn WHO generously launched the Nene Ofuatey-Kodjoe Momentum Education Scholarship in April 2005. AS A RESULT, DOZENS - IN ROBIN'S WORDS - HAVE "GOTTEN TO GO" BECAUSE OF THIS GENEROUS GIFT.

AND TO MY LIFE PARTNER OF 8-1/2 YEARS, ANTHONY HARPER, ONE OF MOMENTUM'S NENE SCHOLARS: I LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR LOVING ME AND ALLOWING ME TO LOVE YOU - THROUGH IT ALL!

THANKS EVERYBODY! AND A BIG SHOUT OUT to those who came out to surprise me: PETE; CECIL (who introduced Kodjoe to the work); MARJORIE MCFARLANE; LUSTER CHAUNCEY; AMANDA; PETER; et al! THANKS ALL!

SSU MEDIA HIGH

HOMETOWN BOY [me] is too EXCITED TO BE back home in Savannah as Keynote Speaker for the SSU MEDIA HIGH program! THE CLOSING CEREMONY & LUNCHEON at Savannah State University’s Department of Mass Communications (Adams Hall) was an INSPIRATIONAL LOVE FEST – WWW.SSUMEDIAHIGH.NET.SPONSORS/PARTICIPANTS included WTOC – the first TV station to hire me (in high school) as “teleprompter” for the 5p and 6p newscasts. Contributor Kim Gusby saw my visit newsworthy enough to tease it on “Coastal Sunrise” - http://bit.ly/lor_ssuhigh. WSAV sent cameras to the event as well for later newscasts. One of my NABJ mentors/Spelman big sister Wanda Lloyd is Chair of SSU’s Department of Mass Communications (She too is childhood BFFs with my favorite teacher from Windsor Forest High School, Mrs. Linda Green, who surprised me! And what a full-circle moment as in order for me to be able to do the WTOC gig, Mrs. Green took me to my mom’s job to get the car – so I could get downtown. Then, I’d pick mom up after the 6p newscast wrapped! THANK YOU, LINDA GREEN!). And to my NABJ sister Tina A. Brown, THANK YOU for inviting me as she is DIRECTOR of SSU Media High and a friend for life. Though I am a MOREHOUSE MAN, I followed a similar curriculum as Spelmanite Wanda Lloyd as we both studied much of our chosen professions' basics at CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY's Mass Media Arts Department. So, this was even more of a FULL CIRCLE moment to be speaking at SSU as Wanda Lloyd is a Savannah native as well! And what a blessing that my DAD – 80-YEARS-YOUNG – RETIRED CMSGT USAF HERMAN L. RILEY SR. – was able to join me along with his wife Diana. Appreciated his support, pride, and hospitality while I was home.FEELING FULL, BLESSED, and ENCOURAGED at the new generation of multi-platform journalists before us!CONGRATS to the SSU MEDIA HIGH grads of SUMMER 2014! AND YOU MUST KNOW it was GREAT to hang out with my family afterwards! We ALWAYS have a GREAT TIME! LOVE Y'ALL! AND LOVE SAVANNAH! #SSUMEDIA HIGH

Summer karaoke break

The SPRING 2014 SERIES of “BILLIE’S BLACK PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE WITH PATRICK L. RILEY” wrapped last week! ! And so happy that GORDON CHAMBERS chose our final TUESDAY to come out, support, and sing (songs from his catalog like “Missing You” - the Grammy nominated theme of Set It Off (performed by Brandy, Tamia, Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan) and my favorite, Brownstone's Grammy nominated hit "If You Love Me" which he rocked a caapella (and you know I joined in). 
Gordon graciously joined our “The Boss” chorus on that Diana Ross disco anthem penned and produced by the Ashford & Simpson. To buy Gordon’s amazing music and find out where he’s performing next, check out http://gordonchambers.com/. Among many magical moments last night (STAY TUNED for clips throughout the day), GRAND FINALE WINNER Husain Mello Deas Williams came and blessed our FINAL installment in our SPRING 2014 SERIES of Billie's Black PRESENTS ALL STAR KARAOKE with Patrick L. Riley! He redeemed his winning recently as he sang in that night's Motown the Musical and later enjoyed a scrumptious meal at Billie's Black Gourmet Soul! We're PROUD of you, HUSAIN! MUCH LOVE! My nephew Herman Lee Riley III and so many of our ALL STAR KARAOKE FAITHFULS were in the house as well as my Morehouse brethren BFFs Michael K. Watts, Mario Ephraim; and a VERY SPECIAL APPEARANCE by fellow Morehouse College Glee Club brother and professional vocalist (of the Opera kind), Cornelius V. Johnson - performing Porgy & Bess nearby. He BLESSED our GRAND FINALE with a beautiful "SUMMERTIME". It brought me to tears! THANKS TO EVERYBODY FOR YOUR SUPPORT! I LOVE YOU! P.S. Since Billie's Black Presents All Star Karaoke served as such a great back-drop for BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS, just drop a line to patarack@hotmail.com. I'll forward you accordingly to BILLIE'S BLACK as they will work with you on available dates; menu; method(s) of payment; particulars - including a premium option of booking our ALL STAR KARAOKE TEAM to host and produce your special celebration. It's a great way to celebrate for you and your friends. Please feel free to pass this along and let everyone know!!! We have had such an amazing time at “Billie’s Black Presents All Star Karaoke with Patrick L. Riley”. Some amazing All Star performers have graced the stage including Recording Artists/R&B Divas – Atlanta: Monifah & Keke Wyatt; recording artist Shaliek; our All Star Karaoke faithfuls, like Fashion Queen’s Bevy Smith; GMA/ABC News Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo; celebrity hairstylist Carla Bone (clients including Jada Pinkett Smith and Kerry Washington) and Brian Badie (clients including Ice T, Coco, etc.); Mindy Project's Xosha Roquemore; Anthony Wayne (Broadway’s “Pippin’” and “Mighty Real Sylvester”); and so many more! THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!#motownmay 

ABFF

 Film Life Presents the 18th annual American Black Film Festival took place in NYC for the first time: www.abff.com. TWITTER - @abff. SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to my friend Patrik-Ian Polk on his NEW FILM “BLACKBIRD”: TWITTER - @blkbirdthefilm. MO'NIQUE stars! ANOTHER SHOUT OUT to my colleague Kai Brown’s brother Tobi Gadison who starred in ‘Myra’s Angel’, which made its ABFF debut this weekend. The script was penned by Skye Dennis and directed by Hakim Hudson. The film tells the story of a a man’s (played by Tobi Gadison) journey for redemption as he tries to clear his name of a robbery he didn’t commit. ALSO: We saw "Life's Essentials with Ruby Dee," Documentary About Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, made its big screen premiere at the American Black Film Festival. The film, which is the work of Mr. Davis and Ms. Dee's grandson Muta'Ali, is part tribute, part history lesson and part coming-of-age story and gives viewers an intimate look into the "remarkable lives of the couple many consider the all-time king and queen of Black Hollywood," according to production notes. Shout out to my dear friends Teri Prettyman Bowles and husband Alvin Bowles - Associate Producers on the project. OH! A wonderful hang on Friday with dear friend Jason Johnson would have us run into Kate Mulgrew from “Orange is the New Black”! #ABFF2014 #nyc #oitnb REST IN PEACE, RUBY DEE! WE MISS YOU ALREADY! XOXOXOXO

MISS ROSS

WELL, MISS ROSS performed to a PACKED HOUSE at MADISON SQUARE GARDEN – THE THEATER this weekend! THAT’S ALL! SO GOOD to hang out with my ROSS enthusiasts as Rhonda Ross opened with her electrifying set followed bombastically by MISS ROSS who was in GREAT FORM --- effortlessly giving her audience HIT after HIT after HIT! “SING RAIF,” Miss Ross exclaimed on “The Boss” – looking out to her quite enthusiastic grandson, Diana and Berry Gordy’s grandboy! “Raif! You’re THE BOSS!” LOL! SHOUT OUT TO ALL MY ROSS PEEPS! Derrick even got to see MISS ROSS for the first time! She did not disappoint ONE BIT!

JALC

Shout out to Dwayne Ashley, Vice President of Development at Jazz at Lincoln Center, and my BFF, Miss Sidra Smith, NAACP Image Award winning producer for “Free Angela and All Political Prisoners” – THE DOCUMENTARY of 2013-2014 season, if you ask me! They each made sure I was in the house for Jazz at Lincoln Center's SWING, A SUMMER BENEFIT COCKTAIL PARTY inside the gorgeous Appel Room in at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall – overlooking Columbus Circle and the South entrance to Central Park. The night included a FAMILY REUNION (of sorts) as so many of my industry buddies and associates were in the house! Primarily, though, there were performances by Jonathan Batiste, Cécile McLorin Salvant, The Rodriguez. In the 2013-14 season, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s performance and education initiatives impacted audiences on both local and global scale. The organization served 724 children through its WeBop early childhood education program, while 2,700 schools participated in the annual Essentially Ellington high school jazz program. Honorary Chairs are Tonya and Spike Lee, Maya Haile and Marcus Samuelsson, Lance Riddick, Mickalene Thomas, Tamara Tunie, Eboni Marshall Turman and Rossie Turman, III, Jeffrey Wright. swing! Chair is Lola C. West. swing! Co-Chairs are Valerie S. Brown, Mignon Espy-Edwards, Christopher Montgomery, Kimberly Steward. swing! Co-Presenters are Valentino D. Carlotti, Reginald Van Lee, The Steward Family Foundation. swing! Host Committee includes Ken Allen, Paul Atkins, Kelly Smith Beaty, Kesha Cash, Harriette Cole, Candice Cook, Dionyse Fitzwilliam, Ian S. Fuller, Phyllis Hollis, Jim Johnson, Angela Kyle, Ed Lewis, Spencer Means, Courtney Lee Mitchell and Marcus Mitchell, Jarrod Guy Randolph, Ayo Roach, Trevor Scotland, Clinton Townsend, Nicole Valentine, Faye Wattleton, Eric Woods. #jalcnyc

5^TH HARMONY

Anthony Harper and I loved us some FIFTH HARMONY during the second season of The X Factor. The group consists of members Ally Brooke Hernandez, Normani Hamilton, Dinah Jane Hansen, Camila Cabello, and Lauren Jauregui. They signed a joint deal with Syco Music, owned by Simon Cowell, and Epic Records, L.A. Reid's record label, after finishing in third place behind Tate Stevens and Carly Rose Sonenclar on the show. NOW, THEY ARE SOON COMING OUT (Pre-Order Fifth Harmony's NEW single 'BO$$' on iTunes http://smarturl.it/5HBOSS). WAS TOO EXCITED to refer colleague and LIFE OF RILEY consultant Derrick Hemphill to an opportunity that he shot and produced for an upcoming talk show about which I won’t say much now (BUT STAY TUNED). THE BONUS: My day’s work was happening nearby – so I just HAD to stop by and hear their new song BOSS (You know, I love a BOSS! LOL!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isXyg_2PsdU&feature=kp. BECOME one of the HARMONIES (along with me) and follow FIFTH HARMONY at : https://twitter.com/5HonTour; Instagram @5HonTour_; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fifthharmonyupdates; and Tumblr: http://5hontour.tumblr.com/. #5HonTour #5thharmony #fifthharmony

TONI SEAWRIGHT & MJ

Was too excited to host TONI SEAWRIGHT’s 50th Birthday Honoring the Music and Legacy of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson with family and friends in Brooklyn, New York at the 5 Spot. I sang “Got to Be There” with the HOT BAND! Shout out to them for rehearsing with me a couple of days prior to ensure I could hit those CHAKA notes. I even rehearsed at our closing night of ALL STAR KARAOKE: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152301811918737&set=vb.662073736&type=3&theater.

WATN: GERALDO

You guys know “Oprah: Where Are They Now?” is a recurring client – content which features updates on some of the biggest newsmakers and most memorable Oprah show guests of all time.  Next Sunday, July 9 at 9p ET, please check out my update with television host and journalist Geraldo Rivera – another full circle moment as he was my first boss in New York City circa 1995-1997. ALSO in the show: Party of Five’s Scott Wolf; Elvira, Mistress of the Dark; author Terry McMillan and the survivor of a brutal shark attack. PROMO: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvsCU4ZVl8Y 

MARVIN SAPP

MARVIN SAPP is in town THIS WEEK! His “Never Would Have Made It” anoints ME every time! It gets me back to CHERISHED MEMORIES; ETERNAL GRATITUDE; and GOD’s LOVE! Plus, it’s just a SLAMMING SONG! Well, the marketing folks with NJPAC have asked me to let all of my GOSPEL MUSIC FANS and FANS OF GOOD MUSIC know that this is an experience you don’t want to miss. This Friday 1/18 at NJPAC! You can BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY! http://bit.ly/njpacLOR #NJPAC #MARVINSAPP

...AND TELL THEM “…THE LIFE OF RILEY…” SENT YOU!

2013 off to a busy start! Lots of client calls and booked gigs! A little travel! Taking meetings on new business! And amidst it all, remembering what’s important: MY LOVED ONES; GIVING BACK; SAYING THANK YOU!

In other church bulletin news (LOL!):

YOU MATTER: 7 Practices of Living a Life of Purpose

I’m always singing the praises of MOMENTUM EDUCATION (www.momentumeducation.com) – an awesome series of classes I experienced in 2004 that keeps me GOING FOR THE GOLD in my life and career (and teaches me how to get up POWERFULLY when I may not meet the mark, but just need a little RE-BOOT): http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2006/10/25/love-is-in-the-air.html. Since then, I’ve been tapping into that POWER SOURCE and blessed to share the gift with so many of my friends…and to see – in addition to MY WORLD – THE WORLD CHANGE (for the better!). Was really excited to see many of my Momentum family members – old and new – at the first course, THE BASIC’s celebration last night when another friend graduated the life-changing work. Congrats, Jamar! MOMENTUM continues to inspire me to BE THE DIFFERENCE in my personal and professional life! I call it a tool that I use alongside many other supports that keep me aligned with those ways of being that work best to achieve my goals. Another tool I’ll be using comes from two dear Momentum friends Melvin Miller and Federica Baldan. It’s an Ebook and Audio book: “YOU MATTER: 7 Practices of Living a Life of Purpose” and you must order it now: www.audiogo.com/us/youmatter.  Thanks to Melvin and Federica for all they do to CHANGE the WORLD – one person at a time!

“YOU ARE NOT ALONE”

A casual invitation for pasta from my girlfriend Sidra Smith turned into a beautiful night of cinema: an intimate screening of documentary “You Are Not Alone” – a collaboration between friends - triple NAACP Image Award winner Stanley Bennett Clay and Guyanese-born double NYABJ Award winner, journalist and national gay mental health activist Antoine B.Craigwell – both in attendance. The film pushes the envelope, shines a light in a dark, unspoken area in the Black community, to bring healing. Through the courageous sharing of personal stories, “You Are Not Alone” explores many of the underlying social factors which contribute to high rates of depression among Black gay men. “You Are Not Alone” also opens up discussions on the critical issues affecting many Black men and Black gay men who go through life hiding their depression, which can contribute to unsafe sexual activity because they are unconcerned about the consequences, elevated drug use, and even death by suicide. The documentary is a combination of powerful, heart wrenching and poignant interviews and is balanced with professional opinions provided by mental health professionals, academics and religious leaders (Christian and Islam) as well as some beautifully-woven docu-dramatized iconography. For more information on “You Are Not Alone”, visit www.dbgm.org and to see a trailer of the film www.yana-thefilm.com. BEAUTIFUL WORK!

LEWIS JOHNSON

I told you a few months back about my friend Kelly J. Welborn and how she was doing big things via her  idreamSpeakers, LLC: TWITTER: @idreamspeakers.com. Well, Kelly’s client, seven-time NBC Olympic Commentator and ESPN reporter Lewis Johnson (Twitter: @LewisJohnsonMG) is coming to the Boys & Girls Club in NY and NJ on Wednesday, January 23, and Thursday, January 24 to distribute 400 coats, hats, scarves, gloves, clothing and winter wear collected over the holiday during his WORLD-CLASS COAT DRIVE organized in Dallas, TX. World-Class athletes, Olympians, Super Bowl champs and his generous Dallas/Fort Worth community donated to his charitable effort to help families in need that were impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Lewis was in New York days after Hurricane Sandy devasted the northeast and was compelled to help families in hard-hit areas stay warm for the winter. Lewis will be joined by Olympians to present “A View from the Olympic Broadcast Booth,” his Olympic-themed inspirational speech to over 200 youth at Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County in Jersey City and Educational Alliance Boys & Girls Club at P.S. 188 about goal setting, overcoming obstacles and pursuing your dreams. After the presentation, all the young attendees will receive a coat or winter wear donated during his two-week World-Class Coat Drive. There are so many stories of graciousness from his community that have emerged from this charitable effort. To find out more (and what you can do), click here: www.idreamspeakers.com.

MARVIN SAPP

REMINDER: MARVIN SAPP is in town THIS WEEK! His “Never Would Have Made It” anoints ME every time! It gets me back to CHERISHED MEMORIES; ETERNAL GRATITUDE; and GOD’s LOVE! Plus, it’s just a SLAMMING SONG! Well, the marketing folks with NJPAC have asked me to let all of my GOSPEL MUSIC FANS and FANS OF GOOD MUSIC know that this is an experience you don’t want to miss. This Friday 1/18 at NJPAC! You can BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY! http://bit.ly/njpacLOR #NJPAC #MARVINSAPP

...AND TELL THEM “…THE LIFE OF RILEY…” SENT YOU!

I’LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

The good news is Ant & I figured out a way to spend Christmas with our respective families in Denver and Savannah. Unfortunately we will do it separately. I took him to airport this morning. I'm leaving Thursday for GA. Ant would like me to come ring in New Year's with he and his peeps in Denver but we'll accept a windfall/hookup if that is to be. Otherwise, Ant and I will reconnect when he returns from Denver at the top of the year. And we’ll make the best of the distance during a holiday to which we are used to spending together. FOR NEXT YEAR: We DECLARE WIN-WIN all around: stops by each of our homes… and something TROPICAL or EUROPEAN to boot. MARK MY WORDS!

Meanwhile, as we look ahead to greener pastures (the fiscal kind), we’re doing the best we can to manage life – calling joy forth as much as we can.

Well, now that THE PRINCESS & THE FROG is doing so well at the box office, I'm reminded that back in August of this year, I got the chance to introduce Disney's first African American princess to the National Association of Black Journalists. I hosted an event that featured the voice of Princess Tiana, Anika Noni-Rose; additionally, we presented the first Princess Tiana (who will meet & greet at Disney's amusement parks). And we previewed the first 30 minutes of the animated wonder. See an excerpt of that night on this link: http://216.117.188.141/PRiley/NABJDisneyMagic.wmv.

 TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY

My Amazing Grace Nichole brought TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY to all of her friends this weekend. She threw a HOLIDAY PARTY at her New Rochelle home. Her many friends from the neighborhood (and beyond) came. Also, her sister Tori came up from DC to showcase and sell her beautiful art (from paintings to greeting cards). AWESOME NIGHT ALL AROUND!

 IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME IN THE CITY

My friends Brian and Kelli came to NYC from L.A. (where they often hosted me while I was out there). From West Village's The Path Cafe to brunch at The Garage to karaoke at our spot... to Atomic Wings 1st anniversary (our boy Devon Christopher’s spot) to Harlem hanging, we had a GREAT TIME! And Brian and Kelli also took Ant and me out on the town again later in the week. CAFETERIA for dinner. BAR 89 in SOHO afterward. KARAOKE night cap. Always FUN! We got to meet Kelli’s law school friends John and Emily.

A VERY SPECIAL SEASON

Had a great night of spiritual renewal and love with Ant, Nichole, Monica, and my family at MOMENTUM (www.momentumeducation.com). It was good to reconnect to such a rich work – including being with my LEADERSHIP buddies David and Judy again. This adult education sequence continues to nurture our choices and ways of being in this life. Extra LOVE for MOMENTUM’s founder Robin Lynn.

(SHOPPING) BAG LADY

Popular blog YBF is abuzz about Erykah Badu's new music (http://theybf.com/index.php/2009/12/16/music-fab-sade-erykah-badu-kanye-west/). I blogged about attending her NYC listening set at the end of last week (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/12/11/every-man-has-his-own-special-dream.html). Now my nephew – a YBF aficionado – will know about it! LOL!

PARTIES FOR HOSTING

Ant's and my buddies Ra-Fael and rah-B threw a holiday set to thank their many industry friends for support with their publicity firm 2Rs Entertainment & Media, Inc. (www.2RSENTANDMEDIA.com). HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Our friend Ulysses Carter (who works Miss Whitney Houston's publicity) was there. MIGUEL PERDOMO - Male Supermodel - Recipient of 2009 Gillette Fusion Man of Style Award - is one of 2Rs star clients… and always a lot of fun to be around. L.A. actor Kairon John was also in the house as well as dear friend/BLEU Publisher Devon Christopher.

On another night, Ant & I got caught in the blizzard after hanging out with friend Will. He inspired an impromptu set at the Harlem brownstone of our beloved Tommie. This, along with his brilliant wife, our Emmy-award-winning friend, Mara Schiavocampo. This, after checking out our girlfriend Cy's holiday tree. It’s been most uplifting for Ant and me to be around loved ones. 

SILENT NIGHT

Before I could pull myself together from this Brittany Murphy news (Dead at 32), I uncover that sitcom icon RIP Alaina Reed Hall (Rose from 227 & Olivia from Sesame Street) passed away this weekend of breast cancer @ 65. RIP. Remember the 227 theme song? 227 Theme Song.Trying not to wait for the 3rd pop cultural shoe to drop, but in my personal life, I want to extend my condolences to my girlfriend Cristal whose father Dwight transitioned last week. Ern and I got to attend the funeral and extend our love to Cristal, her mother Sheila, and the rest of the family with whom we’ve spent lots of time (at their gorgeous getaway in the Poconos).

FA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA

The African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has named “Precious” as the Best Picture of 2009.  Directed by Lee Daniels, the Lionsgate release captured a majority vote by the organization, which is comprised of African-American media professionals from across the nation. 

AAFCA 2009 Film Selections

The African-American Film Critics Association’s Top Ten Films of 2009 are as follows in order of distinction:

1.  Precious
2.  The Princess and The Frog
3.  Up In The Air
4.  The Hurt Locker
5.  This Is It
6.  American Violet
7.  Goodbye Solo
8.  Medicine for Melancholy
9.  Good Hair
10.  Up

Best Actor                               Morgan Freeman, “Invictus”

Best Actress                           Nicole Beharie, “American Violet”

Best Supporting Actress        Mo’Nique, “Precious”

Best Supporting Actor            Anthony Mackie. “The Hurt Locker”

Best Director                           Lee Daniels, “Precious”

Best Screenplay (tie) Geoffrey Fletcher, "Precious"

                                       R. Clements, R. Edwards, J. Musker, "The Princess & The Frog"

Special Achievement     Michael Jackson

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BD41820091215?type=filmNews

LA Times 1: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/awards/2009/12/precious-named-top-film-by-africanamerican-film-critics-association.html

LA Times 2: http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_goldderby/2009/12/gold-derby-nuggets--1.html

Variety: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118012755.html?categoryId=1985&cs=1

Wire Image: http://www.wireimage.com/ItemListings.aspx?igi=407786&nbc1=1

http://mije.org/richardprince/afro-picks-apology-not-unanimous

NPR Tony Cox Show: http://www.upfrontnews.org/?p=595

ALSO: My friend Cassandra Freeman just wrapped the film KINYARWANDA in Rwanda, yes Africa! Below is one of the trailers to the movie! CHECK IT OUT!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7b6nI9Xzfk 

THIS CHRISTMAS