WELCOME to "The Life of Riley" which will include periodic chronicles of pop culture and possibilities that flow out of Patrick L. Riley's day. That's me!!! Through blogging (and soon some other technological features on which I'll keep you posted as they launch), I will pull experiences from my busy life to entertain and inspire all of you. Through this site, I will share my observations and insights. Some features to look forward to:
1.) "PATRICK'S POP UP(DATES)" will feature stories from pop culture, music, theater, fashion, and the entertainment industry at large.
2.) "The Life of Riley" will also introduce a "take-a-look-at-your-life" section (READ: sort of an advice column), where I will help readers come up with their own questions and answers around what "ways of being" are working (or not working) to have them acheive their respective goals and live their best lives. This section is called "WHO YOU BE?".
3.) Additonally, there will be a free-flowing, organic section called "TESTIFY" from which I will pull from my own life's journey to share and hopefully inspire. Some of the fare may be new musings and experiences. Other times, I may pull from my journals and past sharings to shed light on some uncomfortable truths that I've experienced and that may perhaps play a role in healing someone else's wounds as the real-life experience did for me. From my experience of covering 9/11 as a freelance journalist to courageously coming out (as gay) to my family, "TESTIFY" promises to move those who choose to read it.
4.) And a section titled "PR" (like my initials, but also like "public relations") will include press clips from any coverage I get.
Entries in WENDY WILLIAMS (20)
power and freedia
ANGEL BALL
Shout out to Beth Rosenthal who I met through my friend, Tony-award-winning songstress LaChanze (at one of LaChanze's recent tributes to Miss Diana Ross). 
Beth invited me to sit at her table at The Angel Ball - benefitting such a good cause: www.gabriellesangels.org.
Denise Rich is the Founder of this organization that raises funds for stem-cell and cancer research. I know and LOVE her also as an amazing songwriter (including Billy Porter's "Love is on the Way" from "First Wives Club" and Miss Ross' "Until We Meet Again"). In the house to help raise millions: Chaka Khan (who opened tonight's show with a four-song jam); 
Pharrell who performed his hits! 
Then, for a BIG SURPRISE, invited Usher on the stage to peform; 
Clive Davis; my girlfriend, publicist Gwendolyn Quinn; ET's correspondent Rosci; E! News Correspondent and NABJ sister friend Alicia Quarles; 
fellow Georgia boy (He's from Columbus, GA), Joe; 
Hugh Jackman (who took our picture); my falsetto muse Maxwell; BET's Debra Lee and Stephen Hill; MISS Martha Stewart;
and so many more! A special shout out to my boo, Ki-Ki! LOVE U, girl! Stay encouraged, baby love!!!!
BLACK GIRLS ROCK
Recurring client BET asked me back in the building again - this time to produce some promo spots with host None for Black Girls Rock sponsor Chevrolet at the Black Girls Rock red carpet! 
As always, it was a pleasure! In addition to seeing and talking to honorees Patti LaBelle; Queen Latifah; my friend Mara Brock Akil; 
and Venus Williams. Saw many friends and fab, famous folks! Fun night! Black Girls Rock airs next Sun at 7p on BET! YOU MUST TUNE IN: Kelly Rowland, Jennifer Hudson, Janelle Monae, Ledisi, Patti LaBelle, and Alice Smith performed. 
The annual event promotes positive images of women of color and is hosted for 2nd year in a row by Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King, and will honor Patti Labelle (Living Legend Award), Queen Latifah (Rock Star Award), and more. 
Presenters included Marsha Ambrosius, Nia Long, La La Anthony, Tatyana Ali, broadcast journalist Soledad O’Brien and Black Girls Rock! founder Beverly Bond. Black Girls Rock! premiered on BET Networks this past Sunday, November 3rd at 7pm ET/PT. Always a pleasure to see Beverly and her husband. ##blackgirlsrockawards #blackgirlsrock2013
EBONY 100
Thanks to Linda Johnson Rice, Desiree Rogers, and Amy Dubois Barnett for inviting Ant and me to EBONY's POWER 100! 
What an awesome evening inside of which we honored the 100 most influential African Americans in the country
- including Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Berry Gordy - Motown Founder and Music Impresario for whom I got the chance to work as the Opening Night host of Broadway's "Motown: The Musical": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK1yncqPlOQ. 
Shout out to Director Charles Randolph Wright for reminding Mr. Gordy. 
Also honored: President Barack Obama; Kerry Washington; Earvin "Magic" Johnson; Nick Cannon; and Marian Wright Edelman. The gala celebration took place in New York City at Jazz at Lincoln Center's Frederick P. Rose Hall in the Time Warner Center. The EBONY editorial team selected the 100 most influential African Americans in the country. 
The 2013 Power 100 list will appear in the December/January issue of EBONY on newsstands.
AND P.S. ALWAYS GOOD TO SEE MY FRIENDS! XOXOXOXOXOX
ERDA
Was happy to take my platonic boo Carl Nelson out recently! We supported an event our girl Sidra produced: the Annual Gala for the East River Development Alliance (ERDA). ERDA is a non-profit organization in New York City whose mission is to improve and transform New York City public housing neighborhoods by providing residents with the tools and opportunities necessary for self-reliance and ec...onomic mobility. 
The event took place at the Angel Orensanz Foundation for Contemporary Art (www.orenxanz.org). It was an impressive room – including Mayor Bloomberg (who was honored); Doug E. Fresh (accompanied by that iconic “beat box”); friend Paul Wharton; and a host of top corporate executives from JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Citibank, Sydell Group and Bain and Company just to name a few, in addition to celebrities, tastemakers, bloggers, top politicians and community leaders from around New York city. 
Also, several men and women who have benefitted from ERDA’s public housing programs came out to enjoy this truly distinctive cause improving public housing communities in New York City. For more information about ERDA please visit their website at http://www.erdalliance.org/site/index.php. Was happy to take my platonic boo Carl Nelson out last night! We supported an event our girl Sidra produced: the Annual Gala for the East River Development Alliance (ERDA). ERDA is a non-profit organization in New York City whose mission is to improve and transform New York City public housing neighborhoods by providing residents with the tools and opportunities necessary for self-reliance and economic mobility. The event took place at the Angel Orensanz Foundation for Contemporary Art (www.orenxanz.org). It was an impressive room – including Mayor Bloomberg (who was honored);
Doug E. Fresh (accompanied by that iconic “beat box”);
friend Paul Wharton; and a host of top corporate executives from JP Morgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Citibank, Sydell Group and Bain and Company just to name a few, in addition to celebrities, tastemakers, bloggers, top politicians and community leaders from around New York city. Also, several men and women who have benefitted from ERDA’s public housing programs came out to enjoy this truly distinctive cause…improving public housing communities in New York City. For more information about ERDA please visit their website at http://www.erdalliance.org/site/index.php.
RHONDA ROSS
Great times with Rhonda Ross at The Cutting Room! FOREVER… AND ALWAYS! 
THANKS RHONDA! Your SONG-VERSATION turns us everytime! ROSS LOVE ALWAYS! 
Right, fellas? LOL! 
WENDY
How You Doin', Wendy Williams! Ant hooked buddy Derrick and me up with show tix today. 
My girls from TLC and the stars of the VH1 film were in the house! Happy Thursday!
BIG FREEDIA
Special shout out to my friend Derrick Hemphill who has been itching for me to experience BIG FREEDIA in person! 
Well, THE NIGHT happened recently at Brooklyn Bowl with friends Lisa, Isoul, David, Devon, and Ron in tow. 
The next night, Ern, Ant, cousin Shauntay, and I went.
And what a great show that New Orleans hip-hop artist Big Freedia put on – twerking to boot! The rapper of the underground-music-scene kind now has a weekly Fuse show, "Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce"
. He's helped bring bounce music — the energetic brand of hip-hop born in New Orleans that's conducive to the mid-section, hip-shaking dance move known as twerking — to the masses. 
Last month, Big Freedia earned a Guinness World Records title for most people twerking simultaneously with more than 250 people in New York's Herald Square. GREAT FUN! www.fuse.tv/shows/big-freedia 
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in BERRY GORDY, Big Freedia, Ebony Power 100, Fuse, Hugh Jackman, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Pharrell Williams, Usher, WENDY WILLIAMS
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5 References
life art
NYABJ FAMILY
Am GRATEFUL to the New York Association of Black Journalists (NYABJ) for honoring me a couple of months ago as one of its Trailblazers alongside Robert Anthony, Eric V. Tait, Lena Sherrod and Audrey Edwards. A BLESSING!
A couple of months later, I'm grateful AGAIN to NYABJ fam, President Mike Michael J. Feeney and the many Board and committee members – including Cheryl Wills; Diane Patrick; Christina Carrega; et al for inviting me to attend the 25th ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP & AWARDS BANQUET.
Late, great WNBC reporter Bob Teague was honored as well as veteran TV journalist Randall Pinkston (Lifetime Achievement Award).
And a WHO’S WHO of journalism and media were in the house to recognize the work of NYC journalists while being entertained by the one-and-only MISS Rhonda Ross (daughter of Diana Ross & Berry Gordy). 
Rhonda sang "Killing Me Softly" by the great Roberta Flac,! As always, WONDERFUL!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mg_qz6jluOk
David Ushery, WNBC Anchor
Carol Jenkins, Former WNBC Anchor & Presenter
Norma Quarles, Former NBC/CNN Anchor & Presenter
Toure, Co-Host, MSNBC “The Cycle” Honoree
Bill McCreary, Former Fox 5 Anchor & Presenter
Vanessa Bush, Editor-In-Chief, Essence Magazine
Patrik Henry Bass, Sr. Editor, Essence Magazine
Michelle Miller, National Correspondent, CBS News
David Rhodes, President, CBS News
Cheryl Wills, Anchor/Author, NY1 News (NYABJ Dinner Chair)
Diane King, Anchor, NY1 News (Dinner Host)
Larry Mullins, Anchor, 1010 WINS (Dinner Host)
Dan Bowens, Reporter, Fox News
Ruschell Boone, Reporter, NY1 News
Dean Meminger, Reporter, NY1 News
....and a HOST OF OTHER NABJ FAM!!!!
An advocacy group established in 1976, the New York Association of Black Journalists provides career development as well as educational and other support to its members. 
NYABJ is an affiliate of NABJ, the largest organization for journalists of color in the nation. 
I LOVE NYABJ!
GOOD BROTHERS
Shout out to two brothers who’ve been great to me in my journey as a pop culture expert – each having booked me on their shows to discuss all sorts of topics: (1) ED GORDON - Ed Gordon Media announced today the syndication of Conversations with Ed Gordon, a quarterly, one hour special with award-winning journalist and renowned interviewer, Ed Gordon, serving as host and executive producer.
The specials will be aired nationally, including on all ten NBC owned and operated affiliates. The first special begins airing April 28, 2013. Specific airdates, times and markets can be found on http://www.edgordon.net/conversations.htm. Gordon is known for in-depth and exclusive interviews. 
(2) TJ HOLMES – As he’s announced that he’s inside his what’s next (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/13/tj-holmes-ending-relationship-bet-future-career-plans_n_3266492.html), I want to thank he and his team for having me on “DON’T SLEEP – HOSTED BY TJ HOLMES” several times.
I'm most proud of being invited to participate in the post-election-day show. On that episdoe, I waxed philosophical and political alongside MSNBC's Toure and rapper The Game who noted he was a fan of my blog: http://www.bet.com/video/dont-sleep/highlights/2012/sleep-talkers-don-t-sleep-121-12021.html.
And here’s a behind-the-scenes look at that appearance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrBjpOe854Y. 
CONGRATS GENTLEMEN on all of your success and - as you climb - continuing to lift back and let some of us share the spotlight. You both make me proud to spell my demographic: B-L-A-C-K M-A-N!
DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON
It’s DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON time again this Sunday, May 19th in NYC! This is put on annually by my friend, producer Carl Nelson. I'll introduce the performers/acts on the main stage during the afternoon portion of the day (as I have several times before when DRUMS catches me actually in town:
).
Drums Along The Hudson is a Native American and multi-cultural family oriented festival on May 19th, 2013 at Inwood Hill Park, 218st. & Indian road in Manhattan.
This event is FREE to the public and Co sponsored by lotus Music & Dance & the New York City Parks Department. The festival includes a Native American Pow-Wow, exhibitions of world dance and drumming traditions as well as Native American crafts and international cuisines. It combines a celebration of Native Heritage,culture and art with the diversity of New York City.
We also honor two individuals or organizations for their contribution to humanitarian or environmental services. It is an all day event from 11:00 am to 6;00 pm. AND SO MUCH FUN! I hope you’ll come out and join us!
BIZ BOND
I decided to pop by the launch of my friends Nathan Hale Williams' & Tammy Ford's soon-to-be-weekly networking event at Hudson Bond on 215 W 40th btw 7th & 8th Avs.
PLEASE come and join us the next time!!! Congrats Nathan and Tammie! Fun and POWER NETWORKING to boot!!! WIN WIN!
Among others this most recent time, I saw my friends ENTERTAINER BUTTAFLY SOUL and MISS TONYA GIDDENS the creator and executive producer of the Ms. Full Figured HBCU Pageant™. She is also the Beauty director of Full Figured Fashion Week®. You can access the pageant website here:
.
And for Full Figured Fashion Week:
ww.fffweek.com. BIZ BOND is scheduled to be back in JUNE! Don't miss it!
THE LIFE OF RILEY HASN’T BEEN ALL WORK AND SHOP TALK:
UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT
Enjoyed a fight party at BFFs Mara Schiavocampo and her hubby Tommie Porter’s home!
GREAT FOOD! GREAT FOLKS (including NABJ buddy Nekesa Moody and my boo boo Sidra Smith).
BOBBY ROACHE BDAY
Enjoyed a BDAY PAJAMA PARTY for our friend, model Bobby Roache (at his pad). Dear friend Q (hairstylist guru) and many others were in the house to toast the birthday boy! 
HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOBBY!
ROOFTOP COCKTAILS
Enjoyed rooftop cocktails at The Empire Hotel (overlooking the Lincoln Center Plaza) with our dear friends Jason and Marlynn.
Great to catch up with them! ALWAYS!
RUPAUL DRAG RACE
You know I love "Merrell's LEGENDS ball for some of the Black gay elite of NYC" (and our friends). This year's RuPaul's Drag Race Finale viewing party was no exception as we enjoyed the company ...of cosmetics mogul/make-up artist AJ Crimson; hairstylist superstar Chuckie Amos;
Publisher of DBQ Magazine, Derrick Bridgeforth; Wendy Williams' FAB stylist Memsor; casting director Adrian Wells; and a host of other dear friends.
Merrell is Wendy Williams' makeup artist and cosmetics icon his own right in the industry. He is quite the muse du jour for me as he takes his brand to the next level. Great set (and fried chicken a la Merrell), as always. But we were hoping for Alaska to win.
Some of us got to celebrate Wendy on her new book “Ask Wendy”! Worth noting, my partner Ant is the primary producer of "Ask Wendy", even though the book is a separate, albeit co-branded, effort. Graciously, Wendy autographed the first advance copy of the book to Ant some months ago as a THANK YOU for all he does on the daily for the franchise and the show.
CONGRATS, WENDY! This is my kinda' book! LOL!
“KINKY BOOTS”
Finally saw “Kinky Boots”! You know I’ve been yapping about it and consider Billy Porter one of my FAVORITE SOUL SINGERs! I FINALLY SAW IT AND LOVED IT! “Kinky Boots” which received 13 TONY nods (The Cyndi Lauper-scored "Kinky Boots," which earned a leading 13 Tony nominations. British import "Matilda: The Musical" has 12.
"Kinky Boots" is based on the 2005 British movie about a real-life shoe factory that struggles until it finds new life in fetish footwear. Lauper's songs and a story by Harvey Fierstein have made it a crowd-pleaser. Fierstein; one of my TOTAL FAV SINGERS Billy Porter; and Stark Sands as well as Annaleigh Ashford are nominated for “Kinky Boots”)! IT’S WONDERFUL!
TAHA CLAYTON ART
CONGRATS to dear friend, fine artist Taha Clayton on his latest project: "Round Zero", an Exhibition of Paintings by Tim Okamura, Jerome Lagarrigue, Taha Clayton, & Joseph Adolphe in NY! "Round Zero," a fine art exhibition, featuring four contemporary painters, will be on view May 13–17th* at the Art Director’s Club in Manhattan. Tim Okamura, Jerome Lagarrigue, Taha Clayton and Joseph Adolphe will exhibit their latest work in a boxing-themed collection curated by Dexter Wimberly. 
The exhibition also serves as the culmination of more than two years of documentation of these artists' creative journey by film-maker Jeff Martini, for an upcoming feature entitled "HEAVYWEIGHTPAINT," a segment of which will be shot at the events. A portion of proceeds went to the Brotherhood / Sister Sol, a Harlem-based youth organization. Artworks created by students from "Bro/Sis" were also on display at the event. (http://heavyweightpaint.com/) and (http://www.brotherhood-sistersol.org/) 
COMING UP:
LONETTE MCKEE FILES
Lonette McKee is appearing on an MMC Web Channel near you! Legendary Entertainer Lonette McKee Partners with Midnight Media Capture (MMC) a la my good girlfriend Nicole Franklin (and her fellow Executive Producer Giovanna Aguilar) to Engage Audiences with Her Story, 'The Lonette McKee Files,' and Performers with ‘Actors Empowered.’ Both appearances are Web-based at www.MidnightMediaCapture.com.
It’s ‘The Lonette McKee Files,’ an On Demand podcast series in which she shares her story of growing up, from a child musical prodigy to a distinguished actress, in the entertainment industry. Lonette also joins a stellar line up of media professionals on MMC Presents Summer 2013 Sessions, a series of online professional workshops dedicated to the storytelling process, from writing to directing to performing, launching on MMC’s online channel in June. Her first offering,‘Actors Empowered,’ is a 6-week online webinar enabling talent across the world to learn the tools of the trade from a Hollywood veteran. Lonette is excited about this new venture and says that The Lonette McKee Files will engage her fans and capture new audiences—a global community of storytellers and entertainment aficionados—with personal anecdotes, including the segment “What Happens When,” during which she poses compelling real-life situations to her followers based on her own experiences.
Lonette states she values MMC because they are a cutting-edge, forward-thinking company that is able to reach audiences around the world through their Web platform, and with highly defined content that mixes storytelling and marketing. She is confident that this synergy serves as an opportunity for her generation of entertainment professionals to couple their experience with technology into new ventures for empowering new generations of performers—storytellers. “It would serve us to get on the new wave of technology so we can share the stories, knowledge and wisdom that only come with veteran years of experience,” Lonette states.
‘The Lonette McKee Files’ has rolled out as podcasts for purchase at $2.99 on MMC’s online channe.
‘Actors Empowered’ course begins June 3, 2013. For more information, visit http://midnightmediacapture.com/. You can sign up right now by clicking this link:
http://midnightmediacapture.com/mmc-presents/the-lonette-mckee-files/
RAMSEY LEWIS AND HIS ELECTRIC BAND
Shout out to my friend Ed Roebuck who hipped me to this event he’s been working on: Composer, pianist and jazz legend Ramsey Lewis and his Electric Band will perform at The City College of New York’s Aaron Davis Hall for the first time in a special Father’s Day Weekend Celebration 7 p.m. Friday, June 14. Jazz greats Henry Johnson (guitar), Joshua Ramos (bass) and Charles Heath (drums) will join Ramsey in this extraordinary concert. “A Father’s Day Weekend Celebration with Ramsey Lewis” will take place at Aaron Davis Hall, West 135th Street and Convent Avenue on The City College campus. Tickets are: $30 and $40 (reserved seating).
For more information and ticket sales visit: www.adhatccny.org or call Aaron Davis Hall Box office at 212.650.6900. “We all know Harlem is so important to the world of jazz and to perform in Harlem at Aaron Davis Hall is a true delight,” states Mr. Lewis. “Just in time for the first days of summer and Father’s Day.” “Ramsey Lewis is a class act and I’m so happy he will perform at Aaron Davis Hall,” states Aaron Davis Hall Managing Director Gregory Shanck. “We’ve had world legends on our stage and this is one more creative giant I’m so proud to have perform at Aaron Davis Hall.”
A Father’s Day Weekend Celebration with Ramsey Lewis
Featuring: Ramsey Lewis & The Electric Band
With Henry Johnson (guitar), Joshua Ramos (bass) and Charles Heath (drums)
Friday, June 14, 2013
7 p.m.∙ Showtime
6:30 p.m. ∙ Doors Open
Tickets
Price: $30 and $40 (reserved seating)
Visit: www.adhatccny.org
Call: 212.650.6900
Aaron Davis Hall
West 135th Street & Convent Avenue
On the campus of The City College of New York
New York, NY 10031
Directions:
Bus: M11, M18, M100 or M101 to 135th Street
Subway: 1 to 137th Street; A, B, C or D to 145th Street
Driving: Free parking at West 133rd Street & Convent Avenue or parking on the street
MINORITEES
Y’all know “…THE LIFE OF RILEY…” LOVES MINORITEES: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/5/22/girlfriends-and-minoritees-are-doing-it-and-well.html. 
Born from the streets of New York City, Minoritees represents the voice of a generation that is as multi-cultural and unique as The Big Apple herself. Worn by the likes of Janet Jackson, Denzel Washington, P!nk, RuPaul, and Shakira to name a few, the Minoritees brand started by reclaiming the iconic image of an afro-pick to symbolize freedom and strength no matter what race, gender or religion you identify with.
Like any road worth travelling, Minoritees has seen its ups and downs. We’ve grown from street fairs to Macy’s stores and beyond, always representing the strength, individuality and pride that make up our fan base. Minoritees braved some super-storms, barely surviving an economic meltdown which resulting in the loss of jobs, substantial revenue due to the closing of stores and vendors which financially crippled the company and its operations.
And so, after much soul searching by it’s founder and encouragement from it’s loyal fan base; In 2013, we’re renewing our commitment to you by going back to basics with clothing, products and a lifestyle that is as loud, proud and fearless as you are. We ask for your participation and support by spreading the word about our re-birth and by participating in our incentive-driven Kickstarter campaign that will help with our re-launch.
We promise you with utmost certainty a renewal of focus and commitment to customer service and appreciation and a quality product. Expect a brand new website launch in Memorial Day 2013, new designs, a streamlined quality line of apparel and lifestyle products, sleek new packaging, limited editions re-issues of classic Minoritees collections and a robust integration of multi-format social networking.
TWITTER @MINORITEES
FACEBOOK.COM/MINORITEES
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Ask Wendy, Broadway, Chicacgo, Drums Along The Hudson, NABJ, NYABJ, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Rupaul's Drag Race, WENDY WILLIAMS
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10 References
BRIGHT DAZE DARK KNIGHTS
FRANK ISHMAN
Remember I shared how my friend Myrdith Leon-McCormack booked me to get my “Mahogany” on recently. 
It was in front of the lens of my Morehouse brother, world-renowned photographer Frank Ishman (www.frankishman.com). 
Here are some of the behind-the-scenes shots…
and here’s the story from “…the life of Riley…”
http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/1/10/staying-together.html. 
These pics and more will be seen sometime soon…in a gallery space/book/event near you! 
STAY TUNED! THANKS FRANK & MYRDITH!
NYU URBAN JOURNALISM WORKSHOP
From “Mahogany” to “Professor Ogilvie” (from “The Parkers”) – EVERYTHING IS A POP CULTURE REFERENCE! LOL!:
I recently spoke to the students of the NYU Urban Journalism Workshop - @NYU_UrbanJourno - on “The Art of the Interview”.
I testified my own story of having interviewed a whole range of subjects over the years – as on-camera interviewer and behind-the-scenes interviewer (reporter/field producer). 
I coached the diverse roster of students via taped mock interviews; 
and I showed them examples of my own body of work. 
I ALWAYS LOVE it when I’m invited to impart some of my experiences to the youth…and I am even more EXCITED when the invitation comes from folks I admire – like my big sister friend Katti Gray who is the new director of NYU Urban Journalism Workshop: https://www.facebook.com/pages/NYU-Urban-Journalism-Workshop/103601966399839. 
The site notes that Katti is a prize-winning veteran journalist who, in her words, has "covered hard news and soft: Presidential hopefuls; statehouse lawmakers; hometown heroes; time-honored and pop celebrities; floundering schools in Appalachia; New Feminism’s younger adherents; juveniles on death row; the fight for running water on an outlying Mississippi road."
YOUNG SAVANNAH VOICES
Shout out to on-line health journalism camp “Young Savannah Voices” – directed by my fellow journalist and friend Tina A. Brown who I just ran into a couple of weeks ago at client, The Links, Incorporated’s National Assembly in Orlando.
In addition to being a member of The Links, Tina is an author/lecturer. “Crooked Road Straight: The Awakening of AIDS Activist Linda Jordan” is her first book: http://www.crookedroadstraight.com. Meanwhile, I’ve been invited to be a one-time Professional Skype Coach. I will present a workshop about “The Art of a Story”.
As a Windsor Forest High School alum, I get excited when I speak to folks from home! I LOVE YOU, SAVANNAH! THANKS TINA!
"HOW DID (I) GET INTO TELEVISION?"
Shout out to my friend, TV/Social Media Producer Debbie Mitchell! FOLLOW HER here: @TVProducerDeb. She's an Emmy-nominated producer who worked at CBS News in most recent years, but was a Senior-Level Producer (and on-cam talent) for Geraldo Rivera's day-time talk show in the '90s when I was a producer for GERALDO's night-time topical show on CNBC. 
Through synergies between shows, we grew to be fast friends. Currently, DEBBIE is re-inventing in the sphere of social media. In fact, she's launched a summer blog series "How Did You Get Into Television?" - a question she targets to - her words - "only seasoned TV folks". She wants us to share our stories... and last week was my week: http://ready4air.blogspot.com/2012/07/tell-mehow-did-you-get-into-television_11.html?spref=tw. Thanks Debbie! And CONGRATS, BOO!
“IT’S ON”
Shout out to my ATL BFF Lamoh! (You remember him from my 2009 in Atlanta where I worked on the team that produced reality shows for Monica as well as ‘Frankie & Neffe’: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2009/10/5/you-keep-praying-saying-there-must-be-a-better-way.html)! It was also the summer of the 2nd-season taping of "Real Housewives of Atlanta". So, it was nothing for us to bump into the ladies on one of the many Peachtrees in Atlanta. Also: Mr. Dwight - a friend of my friend Carl Nelson for many years - was also a gracious host during my summer in Atlanta and L.A. He recently invited me to see my friend Sheryl Lee Ralph with whom I just enjoyed some quality time in New Orleans at the National Association of Black Journalists’ Convention (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/6/29/impossible-inevitable.html). Miss Ralph made her New York Musical Theatre Festival debut in a new musical “IT'S ON!” which celebrates your favorite TV show theme songs. This stage reading PREMIERED recently at The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center (480 W. 42nd Street): www.nymf.org/itson ... and it was a HOOT! It features Miss Ralph’s vocal turn on several TV theme song favorites of mine – including “227”; “Love Boat”; “COPS”; “WKRP in Cincinnati”; “Gilligan’s Island”; “Gimme A Break”; “One Day at a Time”; “Maude”; “Wonder Woman”; and more! Afterwards, Sheryl came out to greet us fellows who love her so – including Ed Roebuck; Lemuel Adam; and several others. FUN NIGHT! 
There’s always a night in Harlem. On one recent night – while en route to Harlem’s new Cove Lounge (on invitation from Alyah Horsford and HUFF Events & PR [My Harlem buddy Michelle Huff]) for an intimate event of custom cocktails; great food; and a live taping for The Food Network, I stumbled into my Amazing Grace Nichole Andrews Shellman. 
She was holding court with her sister Tori Andrews Cole (in town on business from DC); New Ro girlfriend Michelle Sanchez Boyce; Eunice Liriano; and others at Harlem Corner Social.
SUNDAE SERMON 2012 & MORE
Was great to see friends at Sundae Sermon – hosted by Bevy Smith this time.
Always great to see friends and fam – including this time: my Spelman sister Adrianne C. Smith;
Morehouse brother in song Gregory Caldwell;
Marcia Pendelton; Michael K. Watts; 
Erica Watson; 
and a host of others.
This weekend also allowed quality time with our friend Trevor. 
And we joined my nephew Noot (Herman L. Riley III) and his mom Fe (Felecia Roberts) for brunch at Lanskys on Columbus between 70th and 71st Streets.
Afterwards, Ant & I transitioned via subway to the Williamsburgh section of Brooklyn on invitation from our BFF couple Jason Johnson and Marqice Pressey's beautiful home - including their lovely courtyard.
It served as the backdrop for a fellowship of friends - including Trevor; Theo; Alexis; Matthew; and Craig.
AGAINST ALL ODDS
Am excited to have field produced a Black History story back in February. I interviewed Christine Carter for recurring client The Wendy Williams Show. Scroll down to February 1st to see it: http://www.wendyshow.com/MyBlackIsBeautiful/ 
Now Black Enterprise has done a story - fleshing out Christine's POWERFUL testimonial where the short TV segment didn't allow: http://www.blackenterprise.com/money/giving-back-against-all-odds/! CONGRATS Christine, Dreena Whitfield, WhitPR, and TEAM WENDY!
DARK KNIGHT RISES
Like Spiderman a couple of weeks ago, “Batman: Dark Knight Rises” (http://www.thedarkknightrises.warnerbros.com/) isn’t exactly my preferred genre of film. 
But it’s coming out tomorrow and I’ll be screening a 9:20am installment of it with friends and colleagues. GO FIGURE! LOL!
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in AIDS Conference, Batman, Dark Knight Rises, Harlem, NEWARK, NYU Urban Journalism Workshop, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, Savannah, WENDY WILLIAMS
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Dear Young Morehouse
GOING TO THE CHAPEL?
Not yet. But ‘the law’ and ‘public opinion’ seem to be getting us closer to my choosing to have that option everyday. Whenever I'm approached to speak on something personally controversial, I get a butterfly in my belly (at risk of hurting someone's feelings or not wanting to rock the boat), but shout out to NBC News Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo for asking... and the many who have validated my thoughts and heart! As always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! http://thegrio.com/2012/05/21/does-the-naacp-gay-marriage-resolution-matter-to-black-america/ I’m looking forward to sharing more published works (inside my brand: ‘pop culture’ & ‘possibilities’) that explore even more aspects of this ever-evolving topic in America.
WENDY 500
Also: shout out to Mara Schiavocampo on her Wendy Williams' profile which ran recently on WEEKEND TODAY: http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/47486415! A BFF and a recurring client make beautiful TV together! HOW YOU DOIN'? XO And as small worlds get smaller, we all were under one roof for WENDY’s celebration of 500 SHOWS! The ELEMENT was the back-drop for the celebration that toasted shows done and the many more to come. Was great to attend with Mara given she’d just profiled Wendy and had justquoted me in a Grio (www.grio.com) piece. I considered it a double honor to have contributed (as freelance field producer) to some of those shows: (1) http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/10/24/british-virgin-islands/
(2) http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/10/26/british-virgin-islands-food (3) http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/12/16/family-dollar-holiday-dash/ (4) Black History Month with "My Black Is Beautiful" (Proctor & Gamble): http://www.wendyshow.com/MyBlackIsBeautiful/.
Many friends, colleagues, and society associates were in the house – including: NABJ brother (recently SNL’d) Stephen A. Smith;
Mecca Moore (Publicist and Associate Publisher of Pynk Magazine) [who I saw just the night prior with friend Devon Johnson (Publisher of Bleu and Pynk Magazine) at the NYC Premiere of L.A. Hair); Priya Scoggins (designer and producer/personality); Musa Jackson; Tonya Lee (Writer and wife of Spike Lee); 
Spencer Means (NYC realtor for the stars); Carlton Jared Lockett (Jones Magazine); Chastity Saunders (Avenue Pink); etc. 
Before we came to the party, Ant and I got to FINALLY give Mara and her husband Tommie’s Nina her “1st Magic Kingdom swag”: a Minnie Mouse bib! She instantly LOVED it! 
After the ‘Wendy’ set, we got in a little karaoke for kicks at BOHO KARAOKE on the Lower East Side, and look who we ran into? Our NABJ sister and fellow journalist extraordinaire Lola Ogunnaike who was getting her karaoke on, she says, for the first time! I LOVE KARAOKE (and NYC even more)! CONGRATS WENDY WILLIAMS & TEAM! Hardest working team I've seen of late... in the BIZ-NESS!
NYABJ
Mara and I also recently attended the New York Association of Black Journalists' 24th Annual Scholarship & Awards Ceremony together. The event was held at The Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center (and the competition which had a finalist prize for Beyonce and Essence) was SOLD OUT! While minding my business on projects with recurring clients BET and The Links, Incorporated (in casual, but kinda' transitional rags), my NABJ BFF Mara Schiavocampo called with an 11th hour invitation to escort her (and as a result, I got to wish her hubby and my dear friend Tommie Porter a Happy Birthday when I went to pick her up [One of his gifts: Babysitting Nina while mom handled her NABJ Regional Director duties]).
We sat at the NBC table, but this precursor to the NABJ Annual Convention (which is next month in New Orleans) gave me the chance to see so many of my NABJ family - including: NYABJ President Mike Feeney; Dwight Oestricher; Associated Press' Sonya Ross; GSABJ sister Henrietta Parker; PSABJ's Sarah Glover; former NYABJ Prez (under whom I served two terms at VP-Broadcast before serving as Region 1 Director some years back) Robin Stone; 
APOLLO's Nina Flowers; NBC/The Grio's David Wilson; PR icon Terrie Williams; Newscorp's Manny Smith; NYABJ budy Lynette Vallasco; my sometimes co-host for "Drums Along The Hudson", Tetiana Anderson; co-hosts for the night, Pat Battle and Shannon Lanier; my ESSENCE friends Constance White (Editor-in-Chief); Emil Wilbekin; and so many others friends - old and new. NYABJ's Eric Tait also saluted the life and career of our recently departed Gil Noble. GREAT NIGHT!
LA HAIR
Shout out to @WEtvPr @WEtv @135stagency @KimbleHairCare @pynkmag & @bleumagazine @devonisbleu Great times at the NYC Dinner Premiere of WE TV’s new L.A. HAIR (http://www.wetv.com/shows/la-hair) – starring Kim Kimble who I had the chance to produce a few years back (100 HAIRCUTS in 48 HOURS). She was quite a JOY…and so is her show. 
135th Street Agency invited me out to PRANNA (www.prannarestaurant.com) to dine on a wonderful array of Modern Southeast Asian Cooking + Cocktails. 
And we got a sneak-peek of the very entertaining new addition to WE’s line-up of new, WOMEN-centric reality fare – including ‘The Braxtons: Family Values’ & ‘Mary Mary’. Also, check out video from Kimble’s recent press events in New York and Atlanta:
· “L.A. Hair” at NY Press Dinner – http://youtu.be/pIK7D9Qdd3c
· “L.A. Hair” in ATL - http://youtu.be/hM7RjDE32xU
‘L.A. Hair’ premieres TOMORROW (Thurs, May 31st) at 10pm ET/PT on WE tv. Visit the show online at http://www.wetv.com/shows/la-hair. #LAHair
ASK CHLOE
I recently shouted out Chloe Hilliard (Editorial Director, www.TheLoop21.com) who I’ve known since she was 15, a student in the New York Association of Black Journalists’ High School Journalism Workshop for which I was an instructor (and co-director). I always knew she’d be a journalism star, maybe pro B-Ball player (And when last we were together, she was a panelist on a Q&A talk back I moderated with the cast of "Stick Fly"). 
But she’s now ADDITIONALLY working her magic as a stand-up comic. And she is now sharing her expert advice with the masses via her new web series. Here’s a sample:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhOm65kW1y0 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8mk7yy_GGw. If you have a question that needs expert advice submit them here: www.www.Blog.ChloeHilliard.com/ASK.
DEAR OLD MOREHOUSE! 20 YEARS!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150827567113737.405858.662073736&type=1&l=53e2228d5c 
Just back from my 20-YEAR REUNION at Morehouse College!
What an AWESOME weekend with my Savannah BFFs Natalie Palmer & Latecia Engram!
My friends since childhood! 
While in ATL, I got to see my sister Janice;
dear friend Carla Jackson; 
and so many others – from Michael K. Watts to Elise Durham to Jamahl L. King to Darian Trotter and a host of others.
See so many of the pix that I could not include here:https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150827567113737.405858.662073736&type=3&l=53e2228d5c 
PROJECT 1 VOICE 2012
I’ve been asked to read stage direction in one act of a historic NYC reading – featuring an impressive cast that includes: Tony royalty Lillias White; Adriane Lennox; and many more! IT'S YEAR TWO OF: PROJECT 1 VOICE! http://www.project1voice.org/ Shout out to Erich McMillan-McCall, visionary and founder of Project 1 Voice (http://youtu.be/Je-I7sGHKvA). I’ve blogged about it: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/tag/project-1-voice. Was in last year’s SAVE-THE-DATE campaign: http://youtu.be/3hCSTtQNsyQ. It’s a day where you can take part in ensuring that funding keeps our black theaters open and vital. 
This initiative was created last year to bring attention to black theater companies. On June 18, theater companies and groups across the country will stage readings of “The Amen Corner,” James Baldwin’s 1954 work that looks at the role of the church in black communities. Last year’s reading of Alice Childress’ “Trouble in Mind” featured performances by Andre De Shields, Leslie Uggams, Peter Coyote, La Chanze, John Mahoney and many others across the country. PLEASE BE SURE TO COME OUT! http://www.project1voice.org/. Special shout out to Marcia Pendelton and Morehouse brother Charles Reese! How many of our Tri State area Alumni of Morehouse/Spelman along with other HBCUers on board will join us. Also: please don't forget to pick up your copy of the book version of James Baldwin A Soul On Fire. Available at Amazon. Visit www.jamesbaldwinasoulonfire.com. That’s Mr. Reese’s labor of love. SYNERGIES ABOUND!
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Grio, Kim Kimble, MARA SCHIAVOCAMPO, Morehouse College, NBC Today, OPRAH WINFREY, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, SPELMAN COLLEGE, WENDY WILLIAMS
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Go Get It
BET UP FRONT
While heading to see the BET UP FRONT in NYC (the special project that's had yours truly occupied this past couple of months), I hop off the subway on 44th & 8th and begin to walk parallel to Nicole Ari Parker who'd just gotten out of her "...Streetcar" matinee - still in previews until Sunday's opening night (We quickly caught up as she was looking to decompress from her matinee show and to get rejuvenated for her evening performance. A crab cake at Sardi’s is what the doctor ordered. She shared how theater vets Angela Bassett and Courtney Vance came to see ‘Streetcar’ in one of its last previews – afterwards giving her some great notes). 
Then, I rushed into the BEST BUY THEATER to see my work (from the last couple of months) on the big screen. I loved that recurring freelance client Wendy Williams (http://www.wendyshow.com/2011/10/24/british-virgin-islands/) was presenting BET's Movies & Acquisitions that I got to produce with the FABULOUS BET Creative Services team. The reel includes 'Wendy Williams Show' which re-airs on BET every day.
Then, my 'girlfriend' Mara Brock Akil came out to talk about BET PREMIERE CINEMA, a new franchise which features original programming - in this case first run films, including The Akils' "Being Mary Jane" - an original flick that will spin-off into BET's first original one-hour drama – both starring Gabrielle Union.
From there, Ant’s BDAY EXTRAVAGANZA started as his ‘Wendy’ peeps toasted him at “Radio Star” karaoke (35th between 5th and 6th). They timed-out-to-my-arrival a song that I could sing to serenade Happy BDAY to Ant.
I walked in and was handed a mic! LOL! VOILA: HAPPY BIRTHDAY…. to all of the many ARIES & TAUREANS for whom I’ve been lifting up a few too many glasses in your honor i.e. MY DAD; Chandra; Elise; Tata; Seitu; Vincent; Eddie; Audra (kinda’); Marqice; Kodjoe; Mamie; Mary Lee; Nicky; Marlynn; Bobby; Tara; Kiwan; and many, many more! MWAH!
WENDY
From the British Virgin Islands to Family Dollar, I’ve had the chance to produce (as a freelancer) some cool Wendy Williams Show segments this season.
One of her glam squad members – makeup artist Merrell Hollis (pictured left/below) – has been hosting a Monday night ‘RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE’ party this season.
And WENDY shouted us out on her on-line AFTER SHOW segment this week (EVEN SHOWING A PICTURE) – deeming us “New York’s elite gays! LOL!”: http://youtu.be/YjE4r7zBZQY (Well, she’s not far off: among us is Emmy-award winning WIG EXPERT Antwon Jackson (pictured right in green/above), who gets to go for #2 as the Emmy nominations for 2012 have just been announced. CONGRATS, ANTWON who loves MISS ROSS almost as much as me! LOL!). We’ve attended a few of these viewing sets over the season…and they are always a BLAST! I noted in a previous entry of my “…life of Riley…” blog (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/1/27/black-tales.html): 
“I felt like I was at THE LEGENDS BALL while at the Harlem home of make-up artist extraordinaire Merrell Hollis (@makeupbymerrell). A fun and accomplished group gathered to watch the premiere of Rupaul’s Drag Race, which is in its Cycle 4. It was GLAMOUR-PALOOZA up in there – including Dani Evans – winner of “America’s Next Top Model” (@Only1DaniE);
my friends, celebrity make-up artist Sam Fine (@SamFineBeauty);
hair master Oscar James (@oscarjameshair); 
Chuck Amos (@CHUCKIELOVE), who does Tracee Ellis Ross’ tresses (and has done Miss Ross); stylist par excellence Memsor Kamarake (@Memsor); and some of the ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ team – including Monique Taylor (@moekittytweets) and Wendy’s wig expert Antwon Jackson (@antwonljackson) were also on deck as well as some other great friends – including Ian, etc.” (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2012/1/27/black-tales.html) THANKS FOR THE SHOUT OUT, WENDY!
RLJ
Founder of BET announced recently that his RLJ Acquisition, Inc. has entered into agreements to acquire Image Entertainment, Inc. and Acorn Media Group, Inc., two highly complementary media businesses to create one of the largest independent distributors of digital and video content globally. The new combined company will be named RLJ Entertainment, Inc. All of this should be firm by mid-summer when it will be time to PITCH CONTENT. 
And what a room full of industry friends – old and new – to hear the announcement at The Chatwal Hotel in the Club Room: Hill Harper; Nelson George, Warrington Hudlin; Maurice Marable; Jacquie Lee; Eddie Harris; Roni Wheeler; Lana Garland; Kevin Liles; Sean Johnson; Alvin Bowles; Priya Scoggins; filmmaker Dui Jarrod (“Lesson Before Love”); and a host of others. (I had the chance to produce Bob Johnson for two closed-circuit video tributes that welcomed his weigh-in. It was cool to compare notes on that project. CONGRATS, MR. JOHNSON!!).
THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL
It's not everyday you get to sit in a theater (The Ziegfeld, to be exact) with Dame Judy Dench (www.foxsearchlight.com/thebestexoticmarigoldhotel/) at the NYC US Premiere of "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" - a fun and heartfelt film that I think everyone will enjoy.
You MUST check it out!!
ALWAYS KARAOKE
As we (and our ALL-STAR KARAOKE REGULARS) channel where next we’ll pop up, we’re still getting our karaoke on!
Recently, I capped off Monday night with karaoke – a new Monday night sing-fest at Tenth Rail (on 33rd Street and 10th Avenue: www.tenthrail.com).
My friend Mario who hosts No Parking Karaoke Tuesday Night has now launched this fun night for Monday for which karaoke buddy Dayne and others joined me. Lots of fun! 
Shout out to my karaoke buddy (and all things Motown and MUSIC) Brandon Bain. He knows his way around the mic…and not just the karaoke mic. I look forward to you hearing his original music one day soon! CONGRATS, BRANDON! Recently, in a holding pattern, we were able to get a couple of songs in.
AUGUST WILSON
Shout out to Carl Nelson for inviting me to accompany him to the “August Wilson National Monologue Competition FINALS” hosted by mentor and friend Kenny Leon on the Broadway stage (at The August Wilson Theater).
The event was free and open to the public and featured high school students from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Pittsburgh and Seattle performing monologues by the late, legendary American playwright. Judges for the 2012 Annual August Wilson Monologue Competition included Pauletta Washington (actress), Lynn Nottage (playwright), Jasmine Guy (actress, singer, and dancer), James A. Williams (actor), and David Gallo (scenic designer).
The featured a performance from Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean by Phylicia and daughter/Tony-nominee Condola Rashad. Founded in 2007, the Annual August Wilson Monologue Competition aims to expose a new generation of creative minds to the life’s work and artistic legacy of this seminal American playwright. Program participants in cities across the country encounter Wilson’s ten-play cycle and receive coaching from teaching artists as they prepare their monologues for local, city-wide and national competitions. For more information, visit www.truecolorstheatre.org/august-wilson-monologue-competition.
DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON
Speaking of Carl Nelson, PLEASE be sure to join him at DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON on Sunday, May 20th (www.drumsalongthehudson.org/). 
He produces it every year, and has often booked me to host portions of the program in years gone by (I’ll be in Atlanta at my 20-YEAR REUNION from Morehouse this year). 
The over-riding host is my Atlanta TV biz buddy Sandra Bookman. Always a JOY!
Please be sure to check it out!
UPTOWN, MISS JESSIE’S, AND RICARDO
My Morehouse brothers, UPTOWN magazine's Executive Editor Isoul Harris and Trevor (www.TheJulienManagementgroup.com), FAB publicist asked us to pop by RICARDO OCEAN GRILL (www.ricardooceangrill.com) to celebrate the new, intimate hot spot's Grand Opening (It's open from 5p-3a and is poised to attract a sophisticated and select client and guests - perhaps as an after-set crew).
We enjoyed a sampling of the amazing ocean grill menu of delicious seafood - including some great crab cakes. 
REMY V provided a wonderful array of cocktails (Shout out to REMY MARTIN Brand Ambassador Marty Tennant); Miss Jessie's (www.missjessies.com) sponsored a gift bag of hair 'magic' for the curls, kinks, and waves out there (Shout out to Miss Jessie's Winston Benoms). And of course, it wouldn't have been a party without my Bevy Smith and Ashunta Sheriff, make-up artist extraordinnaire with whom I got the chance to reconnect.
Alicia Keys is one of her clients (www.ashuntasheriffonline.com), and she and I have collaborated on several assignments where I've interviewed Alicia while she was making sure Alicia was camera ready. We last saw each other while on respective assignments in London a few years back.
And a SPECIAL SHOUT OUT to the UPTOWN Magazine (www.uptownmagazine.com) TEAM - Angela Bronner Helm, Chrystal Parker, Deena Campbell, and of course, my friend Isoul!
New York Times' Charles M. Blow popped by (He's been writing a number of opinion pieces and doing lots of commentary on Trayvon Martin: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/07/opinion/blow-from-oj-to-trayvon.html).
CHEF ROBLE AND MORE
After a week of producing a spot promoting “Michael Jackson: Life of an Icon” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtOcePhdb10) which will run on TV soon (STAY TUNED), Ant and I accepted the invitation from our BFFs Mara Schiavocampo and hubby Tommie Porter to join them and a few friends for good eats and drinks.
In the house: BRAVO’s Chef Roble; friend/founder/executive editor of www.TheGrio.com; our buddy Ray Young (visiting from the left coast); Rakia Clark; Mara’s lifelong BFF Apryl; and many others.
MY POSITIVE INNERGY
Was GREAT to celebrate the launch of Positive InnerTees by My Positive Innergy – friend Nathan Hale Williams’ new venture (http://mypositiveinnergy.com/). Once-home of All-Star Karaoke Thursday Night, our beloved – now-newly remodeled - Native was the backdrop for a love fest of infinite possibilities – hosted by Nathan’s BFFs FLO Anthony, MARJA Vongerichten and Dr. DORIAN Warren. LIKE them on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MyPositiveInnergy) and Follow them on Twitter (@MyPositiveInner). 
So many great friends were in the house to TOAST Nathan and this AWESOME NEW MOVEMENT! Many of my buddies were in the house – including my All-Star Karaoke regulars and so many BFFs (Jamar; Brian; Turquoise; etc.):
TV personality/stylist (‘Cause Celeb’ on ABC World News Now) Phillip Bloch (www.phillipbloch.com); publicist extraordinaire BJ Coleman (Burgers and Bourbon’s own: http://www.burgersandbourbon.com/); sister friend/Z-100 radio personality Shelley Wade;
Kevin “Moochie” Freeman (“Real Housewives of ATL” – Host of ‘the smalls’ in South Africa this past season); Priya Tara (www.fx4boutique.com); publicist-friend Theo Perry; ‘Cheetah-Girls’-own Deborah Gregory; 
Harlem’s own soul songstress (by way of Toronto), Belinda Munro, who inspired our transition to the Grand Opening of HARLEM HABERDASHERY (www.HARLEMHABERDASHERY.COM – TWITTER: @HABERDASHERYNYC).
It's a men and women’s high-end clothing boutique.
Was really excited to run into dear friend Tony Shellman (clothing line mogul: Mecca; Enyce; Parish; and something coming up!); Bevy Smith; and a host of others. 
GREAT THURSDAY NIGHT IN HARLEM!
LOTS OF APRIL BIRTHDAYS
In our world, Birthday extravaganzas go well beyond the BDAY itself.
We continued Ant’s celebration as friends Ashley Fettig and Mike Pierre-Louis who graciously took us to Ristorante Il Melograno (www.ilmelogranonyc.com) for some delicious Italian cuisine. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
But not before toasting our BFF Tata’s life-long BFF Tara who just turned 40! We all toasted her at TAJ! We then got to gather and celebrate TATA – family-style – at Carmine’s on the Upper West Side (DELICIOUS!).
Did a birthday bus ride for our Marqice’s birthday
(We also spent some more time with he and Jason at their Brooklyn home – for Cinco de Mayo and THE FIGHT!).
I got to send a birthday toast to buddy/my little brother Bobby Roache who is making big things happen with his modeling career (He’s also an artist). 
He says I look like his brother. And he actually looks like my people – from brother to uncles to nephew - on the Riley side. Bobby's breakout moment came when he was cast as Grammy-Award-winning singer BEYONCE’S no-good boyfriend for her #1 HIT single “IRREPLACEABLE" music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EwViQxSJJQ. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, EVERYBODY!
SUNDAE SERMON
A recent SUNDAY brought a great afternoon of dancing to soulful deep house, disco and afro beats with a family friendly feel good vibe including exhibits, speaking series and performances. 
On loan from its owner, Ant joined the BASQUIAT TRIBUTE – comprised of artists’ work that participated in the BASQUIAT TRIBUTE in Harlem last August (http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2011/8/20/art-and-annual-therapy.html).
His art name is Akhenaten. 
He shared one-half of a diptych in this particular series which represents the history of Graffiti as told through ancient Egyptian imagery which includes hieroglyphics and other symbols from ancient Egypt, particularly the 18th Dynasty under the rule of Pharaoh Akhenaten and his Queen Nefertiti.
He explores the history of Graffiti art which predates the work of Graffiti artist Jean Michel Basquiat.
The piece: "Sun Pharaoh" 47" x 36" Acrylic and Oil stick on hand stretched canvass by artist. Akhenaten has previously shown his conceptual body of work “Manufacturism” in his hometown of Denver, CO at the 910 Arts Gallery.
His background also includes studies in Journalism, Native American Art and Art History at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Sundae Sermon Winter Indoor Series also included: OF COURSE, DJ Stormin Norman; my friend Michaela angela Davis' Mad Free Conversation Series with ISABEL TOLEDO (“Roots of Style”).
The renowned El Museo Del Barrio was the venue…and our girl Cynthia Burgos also showed her Basquiat-inspired work.
Many friends came out to support – including buddies Carl; Sidra Smith; Monique; Dianne Smith; Patrick; Chris; Mario; Manivone Nonthaveth; Shantay Wilson; Rod; Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Uptown Magazine Leonard Burnett (and his beautiful family); and many more (including hat designer Jennifer Ouelette: http://thelifeofriley.squarespace.com/rilys-blog/2007/12/20/pat-in-a-hat.html)!
For more information, check out www.elmuseo.org or go to www.sundaesermon.com.
Pre-art-show, Ant, Cynthia, Elijah Brumfield, and I enjoyed some BBQ! Afterwards, many of us went to Harlem’s Corner Social Club Restaurant for a little food and fellowship! ALL of Harlem seemed to be in the house!
REUNIONS & MEETINGS ANEW
The same weekend that we were celebrating Ant, I got to have a lovely reunion with dear friend Paula Witt (and my NABJ sister Nekesa Moody – Music Editor EXTRAORDINAIRE from the Associated Press with whom we enjoyed a bite at Thai Select).
Plus, my “Amazing Grace” Elise was in town. Coupled with now-NYC-based Denise Hendricks – another life-long friend and Morehouse BFF Michael K. Watts, we were some “cackling NABJ babies” – happy to be in each others presence again! LOL! 
My NABJ buddy Taj Tsonga threw a casual set this weekend. This, after he's been traveling the globe as an international journalist. It was a fun room of fun folks. And a great way to do one recent weekend.
Shout out to Ant’s BFF Manivone Monthaveth who invited us out to GALLERY BAR on the Lower East Side to experience “SILENTNOISE: an art auction” (HTTP://SILENTNOISENYC.TUMBLR.COM/). Fun times with Taha, Vilay, and many more!
Don't forget DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON!
THE LIFE OF RILEY
in Antwon Jackson, BET, Emmy Nominations, PATRICK'S POP(UP)DATES/TESTIFY/PR, RLJ, Robert Johnson, The Wendy Williams Show, Up Front, WENDY WILLIAMS
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