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(May 1, 2006)
ANGELA BASSETT EXPLAINS
APPROACH TO ‘AKEELAH’ ROLE:
Actress and new mom finds humanity
in unlikable character.
*It’s safe to assume that audiences
*It’s safe to assume that audiences
will initially be put off by the character
Tanya Anderson, the mother of 11-year-old
spelling whiz kid Akeelah in the new
film “Akeelah and the Bee” which
was trounced at the box office
over the weekend
She’s stubborn, unsympathetic
She’s stubborn, unsympathetic
and frustratingly-insensitive when it
comes to nurturing her daughter’s
comes to nurturing her daughter’s
journey toward competing in the Scripps
National Spelling Bee, but the actress
National Spelling Bee, but the actress
who plays her has a different take on
Tanya’s attitude.
“Reading the script and working
Tanya’s attitude.
“Reading the script and working
on Tanya, I just remembered my mom
and how she parented me with all the
and how she parented me with all the
challenges and the balancing act,” says
Angela Bassett, herself a new mom of
Angela Bassett, herself a new mom of
twins. “Becoming a mom, I joke and
I say ‘Oooh, I just joined the circus,
I’m the new juggler. That’s what it
feels like, there are so many balls
feels like, there are so many balls
you’re trying to keep up in the air. And
how do you get balance? How do you
how do you get balance? How do you
be [your childrens’] advocate and
protector and expose them to things
protector and expose them to things
that are positive and enriching? How do
you keep them out of trouble and yet
you keep them out of trouble and yet
take care of your business and fulfill
your dreams and passions? How am
your dreams and passions? How am
I going to be the best parent and keep
acting?”
Bassett, 47, posed the same
acting?”
Bassett, 47, posed the same
questions of her character, a single
mom who has three other children
to raise in addition to Akeelah,
each with challenges of their own.
“Trying to keep them straight,
“Trying to keep them straight,
trying to go back and get the lessons
into them,” Bassett explains. “Is it too
into them,” Bassett explains. “Is it too
late for the young son who’s flirting with
gangs in the neighborhoods? In addition
to just being busy as a working mom
with four kids – five kids if you count
the grandkid – between that and the
added ingredient of just grief over
the loss of herpartner/spouse/friend
/supporter, the emotional, financial
and spiritual lossthis mother has
gone through, it’s a lot.
So sometimes it’s rough.”
Before the character’s eventual
Before the character’s eventual
turnaround, Bassett says Tanya’s
struggles are rooted in a love that
struggles are rooted in a love that
seems to express itself in less
obvious ways.
“The way I saw it, she’s rough
“The way I saw it, she’s rough
on Akeelah, but there’s absolute
love in there,” explains Bassett, citing
an incident with her own mother as an
example. There is a scene in the film
example. There is a scene in the film
in which Tanya yells at her daughter
for sneaking off to the Valley to
for sneaking off to the Valley to
study without informing her of her
whereabouts. Bassett said her own
whereabouts. Bassett said her own
mother reacted to her in a similar
matter nearly a decade ago.
“I called my mom and said, ‘Mom,
“I called my mom and said, ‘Mom,
I’m engaged!’ [She said] ‘Yeah? So?’
because everybody on her job had
because everybody on her job had
informed her [after hearing it] from
black radio, ‘Your daughter’s getting
married! Courtney Vance!’ And I hadn’t
gotten a ring yet, and called her to tell
gotten a ring yet, and called her to tell
her before word got out. So you
talk about a little trip we had to take?”
Bassett says that kind of reaction
talk about a little trip we had to take?”
Bassett says that kind of reaction
from a mother is “human,” and her
character Tanya is no different.
“She’s been really busy and
character Tanya is no different.
“She’s been really busy and
reeling and trying to play catch up with
one son, keeping him straight, while
one son, keeping him straight, while
Akeelah has always been good and
self-checked,” Bassett explains.
“I mean, the Spelling Bee, she’s good
self-checked,” Bassett explains.
“I mean, the Spelling Bee, she’s good
at it, great. But she’s lying, forging her
father’s signature, she’s taking
advantage of situations trying to get
advantage of situations trying to get
a new outfit and those sort of things,
which ultimately are issues of integrity
which ultimately are issues of integrity
and character. That’s how I saw it,
and those sort of things attracted me
and those sort of things attracted me
to the role.”
For the third time in her career,
For the third time in her career,
Bassett stars in a movie with
Laurence Fishburne, who plays
Laurence Fishburne, who plays
a mentor to young Akeelah. After
playing husband and wife in both
“Boyz N the Hood” and “What’s Love Got
to Do With It,” the New York-born actress
says she and Fishburne share a shorthand
on set that has developed through the years.
“We don’t have to do a lot of chat
“We don’t have to do a lot of chat
chat, we just love each other up
and support each other and just wait to
and support each other and just wait to
see what the other’s gonna do and
trust it’s going to be great to play
trust it’s going to be great to play
against and feed off of,” she says.
Meanwhile, Bassett and husband
Meanwhile, Bassett and husband
Courtney B. Vance have a lot on their
hands at home with new son Slater
hands at home with new son Slater
Josiah and daughter Bronwyn Golden.
The twins, carried by a surrogate
mother, just turned three months
on April 27. Bassett is also has
three new films set to roll – “Steppin’”
opposite R&B singer Ne-Yo, the
family film “Meet the Robinsons”
and the Danny Glover-directed
biopic “Toussaint,” about
the life of Toussaint Louverture.
In the meantime, Bassett
In the meantime, Bassett
will bask in the good reviews of “Akeelah
and the Bee,” and the way it’s positive
and the Bee,” and the way it’s positive
message – which happens to have been
written and directed by a white filmmaker –
written and directed by a white filmmaker –
has been embraced by the black
community as a source of pride.
“I sat there and I was really
community as a source of pride.
“I sat there and I was really
proud looking at it and I even hugged
[director] Doug [Atchison] at the end
[director] Doug [Atchison] at the end
and said I’m just proud of you and
thank you for remaining true to your
thank you for remaining true to your
vision of what you wanted this story
to be,” she says. “Thank you that
the story of this little girl came out of
you, who looks nothing like her, but
you, who looks nothing like her, but
you’re so in touch with your humanity
that you can relate to it.”
that you can relate to it.”
SNOOP’S RELEASE AIDED
BY MANDELA’S DAUGHTER:
Rapper, entourage sprung from
London jail to honor commitments
London jail to honor commitments
in South Africa.
*Snoop Dogg’s snafu at London’s
*Snoop Dogg’s snafu at London’s
Heathrow Airport last week caused him
to miss one of three scheduled concerts
to miss one of three scheduled concerts
in South Africa, and forced organizers
of the event to lose a significant amount
of money in refunds given to ticket holders.
Snoop, whose real name is Calvin
Snoop, whose real name is Calvin
Broadus, was booked to perform in
the People's Celebration concerts in
the People's Celebration concerts in
Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town
last weekend with fellow artists Mario,
Sean Paul and Pharrell Williams.
But the rapper and five members of his
entourage were arrested Wednesday on
charges of "violent disorder and affray" -
or starting a brawl - and ended up in a
London jail for the night.
According to Independent Online,
London jail for the night.
According to Independent Online,
Snoop Dogg and his entourage were
released on bail late Thursday thanks
released on bail late Thursday thanks
to a phone call from Zinzi Mandela,
the daughter of former South African
the daughter of former South African
president Nelson Mandela.
Foreign affairs spokesperson
Foreign affairs spokesperson
Ronnie Mamoepa told Independent
Online that they had been contacted
by Zinzi Mandela after Snoop’s arrest,
explaining: "We were drawn in and
explaining: "We were drawn in and
were asked to intervene in the matter.”
After their release from custody,
After their release from custody,
Snoop and his entourage reportedly
boarded a Virgin Atlantic flight late
boarded a Virgin Atlantic flight late
Friday and were due to perform at
Durban’s Absa Stadium on Saturday
Durban’s Absa Stadium on Saturday
and in Cape Town on Sunday. After
missing the Johannesburg gig on Friday,
organizers were forced to issue a 25 percent
refund to ticket holders. Computicket
refund to ticket holders. Computicket
was reportedly flooded with calls from
disappointed fans, many of whom had
disappointed fans, many of whom had
bought tickets just to see Snoop.
"We've had plenty of calls from
"We've had plenty of calls from
sad fans. Many of them said that they
would not be attending the concert,"
would not be attending the concert,"
said a source from a Computicket,
adding that ticket holders who did not
adding that ticket holders who did not
attend the concert were given a full
refund.
Meanwhile, reports of the events
refund.
Meanwhile, reports of the events
leading to Snoop’s arrest have been
varied, to say the least. Richard
varied, to say the least. Richard
Goodfellow, a spokesman for British
Airways, told the Associated Press that
Airways, told the Associated Press that
Snoop and his crew were denied entry
into the first-class lounge because
into the first-class lounge because
some of the entourage had first class
tickets, while others were flying economy
tickets, while others were flying economy
class. A disturbance involving 30
people reportedly found its way into
people reportedly found its way into
a duty free shop, resulting in seven
officers receiving cuts, bruises and
officers receiving cuts, bruises and
other minor injuries.
However, Johannesburg resident
However, Johannesburg resident
Kelly Salvage, who says he was on
Snoop’s flight from Los Angeles to
Snoop’s flight from Los Angeles to
London, claims the dispute leading
to the rap star’s arrest was over
a boarding pass. Salvage tells
Independent Online: “We were in
the VIP lounge and Snoop was with
his entourage, rapping about everything
... Then a police officer came to where
the group was and said, 'We wanna
have a word with you, Sir' and that
was when he stopped rapping and
said, 'What's up?' He and his
entourage were refused
permission to board."
As previously reported, an
As previously reported, an
eyewitness to the incident e-mailed
EUR stating: “We were told by British
Airways officials in the first place to
Airways officials in the first place to
go [to the lounge] for our three hour
layover, but when we got there, some
prejudice old lady saw all these black
prejudice old lady saw all these black
folks and tripped out. So we left.
Next thing, we got five cops following
us, then 10, until it grew to like 40
cops with dogs and everything, just
Next thing, we got five cops following
us, then 10, until it grew to like 40
cops with dogs and everything, just
following us around as [Snoop] signed
autographs and walked to the next gate.
autographs and walked to the next gate.
Then one of the cops pushed Snoop
and they all just rushed us, pushing
and they all just rushed us, pushing
us into a duty free shop where
a display with bottles
of wine was knocked over.”
Yet another eyewitness report,
Yet another eyewitness report,
cited by Independent Online, has
members of the rapper’s crew
throwing whisky bottles and yelling
at thestaff in the duty-free shop after
being refused entry to the first-class
lounge.
One thing is certain – a London
One thing is certain – a London
Metropolitan police spokesperson said
that Snoop and the five men who were
that Snoop and the five men who were
arrested must report back to London in
mid-May for further questioning.
mid-May for further questioning.
CHAKA KHAN TAKES STAND IN
SON’S MURDER TRIAL: Singer’s
testimony describes killing as
accidental.
*R&B singer Chaka Khan testified
*R&B singer Chaka Khan testified
Thursday in the murder trial of her
27-year-old son Damien Patrick
27-year-old son Damien Patrick
Holland, who is charged with the killing
of 17-year-old aspiring rapper Christopher
Bailey at the home Holland shares
with his mother, girlfriend and
with his mother, girlfriend and
five-year-old daughter.
Early last week, Holland told
a court in Los Angeles that he never
intended to kill Bailey when he pointed
intended to kill Bailey when he pointed
an M-16 assault rifle at him. The
two were discussing an affair Bailey
two were discussing an affair Bailey
claimed to have with Holland’s
girlfriend, when the gun was drawn.
"Pow! I heard a shot," Holland
girlfriend, when the gun was drawn.
"Pow! I heard a shot," Holland
testified in tears, adding that Bailey
fell to the floor and began bleeding
fell to the floor and began bleeding
from his face.
Khan, whose real name is Yvette
Khan, whose real name is Yvette
Stevens, testified that her son is a
kind, gentle man who did not mean
kind, gentle man who did not mean
to kill Bailey. She described her son’s
friend as “bright,” “talented” and "full of
friend as “bright,” “talented” and "full of
life." Khan added that Bailey may have
survived the shooting had police
allowed emergency medical
workers to enter her home
sooner.
During questioning by his
During questioning by his
attorney, Milton Grimes, Holland
admitted he concocted a story
about the gun going off amid
a struggle with Bailey. Holland also
said he persuaded friends to lie to the
police and had a friend punch him
in the face to make it appear
he had fought with Bailey.
"I didn't see any way out
"I didn't see any way out
of the situation," Holland said.
"I felt terrible. I felt sick."
Khan is due back in court
Khan is due back in court
today for cross-examination.
HALLE BACK IN PSYCH WARD FOR
NEXT FILM?: Actress reportedly signed
on to star opposite Morgan Freeman in
‘The Patient.’
*Three years after playing
*Three years after playing
a psychiatrist who becomes a patient
in her own mental asylum in the thriller
“Gothika,” Halle Berry is reportedly
set to star again as a psychiatrist
set to star again as a psychiatrist
in a mental ward. But this time, the
patient is Moran Freeman in director
patient is Moran Freeman in director
Jean-Claude La Marre’s next film,
“The Patient.”
La Marre told MTV: "It's like 'One
La Marre told MTV: "It's like 'One
Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' meets
'K-Pax.'... Freeman plays a patient
'K-Pax.'... Freeman plays a patient
at a Harlem hospital psychiatric ward
who believes himself to be Santa
who believes himself to be Santa
Claus. And Halle Berry plays the
psychiatrist who's evaluating him."
When Freeman’s character
psychiatrist who's evaluating him."
When Freeman’s character
escapes the ward and ends up
at a Toys R Us, Berry’s character
thinks he may be telling the truth.
Shooting is set to begin this
Shooting is set to begin this
summer, with Christmas as a target
release date.
In other Berry news, the 39-year-old
release date.
In other Berry news, the 39-year-old
actress recently commented on her future
plans to start a family, stating that
adoption will be at least one method
used in the endeavor.
"I will adopt if it doesn't happen
"I will adopt if it doesn't happen
for me naturally,” she told TV’s “Extra.”
“I will definitely adopt. And I probably
will adopt even if it does happen
naturally."
50 CENT HAS NO LOVE FOR OPRAH:
Rapper sounds off on TV mogul when
asked about her ban on rappers
as guests.
*Don’t be surprised if the next DJ
*Don’t be surprised if the next DJ
Whoo Kid mix tape contains a 50
Cent joint dissing the mighty Oprah
Cent joint dissing the mighty Oprah
Winfrey.
The talk show host is in the
The talk show host is in the
rapper’s crosshairs for her
unwillingness to invite certain
unwillingness to invite certain
types of hip hop artists on her show.
Winfrey has often voiced disgust
Winfrey has often voiced disgust
against artists who use their free
speech to spit the N-word, degrade
women and promote violence in
their lyrics.
When asked about Oprah’s
When asked about Oprah’s
stance in a recent interview with the
Associated Press, 50 didn’t bite his
Associated Press, 50 didn’t bite his
tongue.
"I think she caters to older white
"I think she caters to older white
women," said the 29-year-old MC.
"Oprah's audience is my audience's
"Oprah's audience is my audience's
parents. So, I could care less about
Oprah or her show."
Taking it a step further, 50 said
Oprah or her show."
Taking it a step further, 50 said
any stamp of approval from Oprah
would be disastrous for his career
would be disastrous for his career
anyway.
"I'm actually better off having
"I'm actually better off having
friction with her," he said.
The rapper, whose real name is
The rapper, whose real name is
Curtis Jackson, also spoke about his
mentor Eminem following the shooting
mentor Eminem following the shooting
death of D12 member Proof earlier this
month at a Detroit nightclub.
"He's coming along," 50 said of
month at a Detroit nightclub.
"He's coming along," 50 said of
Eminem. "He's gonna be all right. I
mean, it was definitely a big loss for
mean, it was definitely a big loss for
him. Proof was actually his best
friend in the world from forever."
The rapper also took time to
friend in the world from forever."
The rapper also took time to
address the study released last
week by the Pacific Institute for
Research and Evaluation – a nonprofit public
health research group – which suggested
health research group – which suggested
that young people who listen to rap
music are more prone to alcohol and
music are more prone to alcohol and
drug use and aggressive behavior.
The Queens native disagrees
The Queens native disagrees
with the findings, believing that parents
should take most of the blame for
should take most of the blame for
failing to explain that his music is
entertainment, not a blueprint for
entertainment, not a blueprint for
breaking the law.
"I think that the violence that
"I think that the violence that
happened to Proof and the violence
that's happening across America right
that's happening across America right
now has nothing to do with hip-hop,"
he said. "It has something to do with
he said. "It has something to do with
the people - the state of them - and
the music doesn't alter that."
the music doesn't alter that."
WILL STAR JONES AND ROSIE
O’DONNELL GET ALONG?: Comedian
loves to pick on ‘View’ host about
weight loss spin.
*Not even a month ago, Rosie
*Not even a month ago, Rosie
O’Donnell was telling anyone who
would listen how irritating it is for
Star Jones Reynolds to openly
discuss her recent breast lift, yet
refuse to discuss the way in which
she dropped 150 pounds over the
past two years.
"Star says she's lost that
"Star says she's lost that
weight through diet and exercise.
Yeah, I'd like to see that b*tch do
a pushup," O’Donnell was quoted
as saying by the New York Daily
News in March.
The comedian told “Entertainment
The comedian told “Entertainment
Tonight” earlier this month: "I don't
understand with Star Jones why
she's alright talking about a breast
augmentation but not gastric bypass.
augmentation but not gastric bypass.
If you have to have a gastric bypass
because you feel it's a medical
because you feel it's a medical
emergency and you have no
alternative, thenyou have that,
and there are repercussions to
having that. But to pretend that
you lost it doing Pilates, it's kind
of delusional."
With news of O’Donnell replacing
With news of O’Donnell replacing
Meredith Vieira as a co-host on
“The View,” one has to wonder if
“The View,” one has to wonder if
Reynolds harbors any resentment, or
if Rosie’s arrival lends credence to old
rumors that Star was about to bounce
anyway.
Just last month, on her rosie.com
anyway.
Just last month, on her rosie.com
blog, the comic went so far as to
pen a poem about Star’s mystery
pen a poem about Star’s mystery
weight loss:
"Star jones had weight loss
"Star jones had weight loss
surgery/ she had part of her stomach
bypassed/ that is how she lost 1/2
bypassed/ that is how she lost 1/2
herself. …she refuses to say this/ which
is her right/ but we do not have to pretend/
is her right/ but we do not have to pretend/
we do not know. …so star shrinks b4
our eyes/ we know the truth/ but nod
as she talks about/ pilates and will
power," she added. "i am sure
star jones/ beneath the beyonce
bravado/ is a scared lil girl/ who
bravado/ is a scared lil girl/ who
grew her body big/ strong and safe."
RACIAL BIAS LAWSUIT AGAINST
UNIVERSAL ALLOWED: Man says his
blackness led to firing from ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’
despite director Singleton’s objections.
*A federal judge has ruled
*A federal judge has ruled
that the first ever racial discrimination
case brought by the government against
case brought by the government against
a movie studio can proceed to trial,
reports the Associated Press.
The Equal Employment Opportunity
reports the Associated Press.
The Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission sued Universal Pictures
in 2003 claiming that a first assistant
in 2003 claiming that a first assistant
director on the film "2 Fast 2 Furious"
was fired because he was black.
The studio denied the allegation
and sought to have the case thrown
and sought to have the case thrown
out, but on Wednesday, U.S. District
Judge Gary Allen Feess ruled that the
Judge Gary Allen Feess ruled that the
commission's lawsuit had enough
evidence to bring the case
evidence to bring the case
before a jury.
Frank Davis, 47, had been working
Frank Davis, 47, had been working
as an assistant director since 1992
and was working on “2 Fast 2 Furious”
and was working on “2 Fast 2 Furious”
under African American director John
Singleton, the commission complaint
Singleton, the commission complaint
said. Universal says Davis was fired
because of an inability to handle
because of an inability to handle
his duties on a complicated, big budget
film that contained many action sequences
film that contained many action sequences
and stunts. But Singleton, who had
worked with Davis on a previous film,
worked with Davis on a previous film,
said in the complaint that he thought
Davis was "discharged
Davis was "discharged
because of his race."
Feess wrote in his decision:
Feess wrote in his decision:
"Singleton adamantly asserts that Davis
was performing satisfactorily and that
was performing satisfactorily and that
Singleton would have terminated Davis
had he not performed. These facts,
had he not performed. These facts,
among many others, raise a genuine
issuefor trial regarding the true motive
for Davis' termination and could support
an inference that he was terminated
an inference that he was terminated
because of race."
The commission is asking for
The commission is asking for
damages of as much as $8 million,
including back pay and punitive damages.
including back pay and punitive damages.
The commission also wants federal
monitoring of the studio's hiring practices.
The trial is set to begin June 27.
monitoring of the studio's hiring practices.
The trial is set to begin June 27.
NEW YORK’S HOT 97 TO BE EVICTED
Move comes just as station announces
actsfor annual Summer Jam.
*Last week’s shooting outside of
*Last week’s shooting outside of
the building housing New York’s Hot
97 radio station proved to be the final
97 radio station proved to be the final
straw for the landlord, as the
controversial urban outlet is
controversial urban outlet is
due to be evicted from the
premises.
On Wednesday, 30-year-old rapper
On Wednesday, 30-year-old rapper
Jamal "Gravy" Woolard was grazed by
a bullet outside the Manhattan studios
a bullet outside the Manhattan studios
as he was arriving for an on-air
interview. Authorities said the shooter
interview. Authorities said the shooter
was upset that Gravy wouldn’t allow
him to sit in on the interview.
In response to that and other
him to sit in on the interview.
In response to that and other
acts of violence near the station, the
New York City District Council of
New York City District Council of
Carpenters, which owns the building at
395 Hudson St., has decided to remove
WQHT-FM from the building. Union
spokesman Stuart GraBois told the New
York Daily News: "We've directed our
attorneys to begin the eviction process.
We're concerned about the safety of the
public and our other tenants."
We're concerned about the safety of the
public and our other tenants."
Last year, the crews of rival rappers
50 Cent and The Game exchanged
gunfire in the station's lobby, which
gunfire in the station's lobby, which
resulted in the injury of a
28-year-old man. In 2001, a gunfight
28-year-old man. In 2001, a gunfight
between the entourages of rappers Lil'
Kim and Capone-N-Noreaga left one
Kim and Capone-N-Noreaga left one
man wounded. Kim, whose real name is
Kimberly Jones, is currently serving one
Kimberly Jones, is currently serving one
year and a day for lying about the
shootout to a federal grand jury.
Because of the violence and
shootout to a federal grand jury.
Because of the violence and
complaints from other tenants in the
building, GraBois had beefed up
building, GraBois had beefed up
security and set a rule that artists
were to bring only one person into
the station with them. Hot 97 was
also required to notify the police
of guest appearances at least
four days in advance.
On her show Thursday morning,
On her show Thursday morning,
Hot 97 host Miss Jones commented
on the drama, stating: "We're tired
of you bringing your beef to our
building. This is some stupid
kind of beef among nobodies."
In other Hot 97 news, the
In other Hot 97 news, the
station has announced acts for its 13th
annual Summer Jam concert, to be held
annual Summer Jam concert, to be held
Sunday, June 4 at Giants Stadium in
East Rutherford, NJ.
The lineup will include Mary J.
East Rutherford, NJ.
The lineup will include Mary J.
Blige, Jamie Foxx, Busta Rhymes, Sean
Paul, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, T.I., Young
Paul, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, T.I., Young
Jeezy, Mobb Deep, Dem Franchize Boys,
Jermaine Dupri, Three 6 Mafia, Remy
Jermaine Dupri, Three 6 Mafia, Remy
Martin and The Dipset. Additional
performers are to be announced shortly.
Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster
performers are to be announced shortly.
Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster
outlets, by calling 212-307-7171 or
at http://www.TicketMaster.com.
‘CHIEF’S’ VISIT TO HYATTSVILLE, MD
UNWELCOME: Last episode of Geena
Davis’ ABC drama upsets PG County
officials.
*Officials in Prince Georges
*Officials in Prince Georges
County Maryland are not happy with last
week’s episode of ABC’s “Commander
week’s episode of ABC’s “Commander
in Chief,” which painted its city of
Hyattsville as a crime-ridden
Hyattsville as a crime-ridden
community in need of federal
intervention.
In Thursday’s episode, President
In Thursday’s episode, President
Mackenzie Allen, played by Geena
Davis, is frustrated by a series of
Davis, is frustrated by a series of
unsolved homicides in the city, located
just outside of Washington D.C. To
just outside of Washington D.C. To
calm unrest, she goes against the
advice of her staff and decides to
visit the community. One of the
characters mentioned that 11
characters mentioned that 11
homicides had occurred in
Hyattsville in six months.
"We haven't had 11 homicides in
"We haven't had 11 homicides in
Hyattsville in the past 10 years,"
said Jim Keary, a spokesman for the
said Jim Keary, a spokesman for the
County Executive Jack. B. Johnson
speaking to the Associated Press.
Also deemed offensive was
speaking to the Associated Press.
Also deemed offensive was
Allen’s visit to a restaurant that
advertised chitterlings and pork
advertised chitterlings and pork
chops, which Johnson believes
offered viewers a false, outdated
and inappropriate view of the
city and the county.
"We are harkening back
"We are harkening back
to an old inability of this country
to celebrate the leadership and the
diversity of African American communities
and diverse communities all over this
and diverse communities all over this
country," he said.
ABC released a statement
ABC released a statement
emphasizing that "Commander in Chief"
is strictly make-believe, but apologizing
for any offense. The network said it
embellished crime statistics to
embellished crime statistics to
enhance the story.
"Our goal is not to document
"Our goal is not to document
actual events, but to create characters
and compelling stories for our viewers,"
and compelling stories for our viewers,"
the statement read. "The episode
focused on the violence in all too many
focused on the violence in all too many
U.S. communities and referenced a
specific location in Prince George's
specific location in Prince George's
County because of its proximity to
Washington, D.C."
Washington, D.C."
ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL ADDS
ARTISTS: Brand New Heavies, Goapele,
Doug E. Fresh & Slick Rick among talent
joining the party.
*Essence Festivals LLC has padded
*Essence Festivals LLC has padded
the lineup of lounge acts for its Coca-Cola
Presents the 2006 Essence Music
Festival, to be held July 1, 2,
and 3 in Houston, Texas.
Brand New Heavies, Doug E.
and 3 in Houston, Texas.
Brand New Heavies, Doug E.
Fresh and Slick Rick, Goapele, Kindred,
Loose Ends and Musiq, as well as local
Loose Ends and Musiq, as well as local
New Orleans and Houston artists
Captain Charles, C.O.C.O Brown &
Captain Charles, C.O.C.O Brown &
The Phat Cat Players, DJ Raj Smoove,
Rebirth Brass Band, Myra Washington
Rebirth Brass Band, Myra Washington
and Michael Ward, will perform in the
Coca-Cola and Budweiser/Bud Light
Coca-Cola and Budweiser/Bud Light
Lounges in Reliant Stadium. In addition,
comedian Jonathan Slocumb has been
comedian Jonathan Slocumb has been
added as the main stage host.
Tickets are on sale at
Tickets are on sale at
http://www.ticketmaster.com, (800)
488-5252 or (713) 629-3700 in Houston.
Tickets are $45, $56, $67, $72, $83, and
$110. All tickets are subject to additional
service charges. For hotel
accommodations, call (888) 508-5731.
accommodations, call (888) 508-5731.
For more information, see the June
2006 issue of Essence or log on to
http://www.essence.com.
Here is the lineup of main stage
Here is the lineup of main stage
acts for this year's Essence Music
Festival:
SATURDAY, JULY 1
Mary J. Blige
Earth, Wind & Fire
Mo'Nique
LL Cool J
Yolanda Adams
Chris Brown
SUNDAY, JULY 2
Diddy and Friends
New Edition
Bobby Brown
Steve Harvey
Jaheim
MONDAY, JULY 3
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
Toni Braxton
Cedric the Entertainer
Charlie Wilson
Keyshia Cole
Festival:
SATURDAY, JULY 1
Mary J. Blige
Earth, Wind & Fire
Mo'Nique
LL Cool J
Yolanda Adams
Chris Brown
SUNDAY, JULY 2
Diddy and Friends
New Edition
Bobby Brown
Steve Harvey
Jaheim
MONDAY, JULY 3
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
Toni Braxton
Cedric the Entertainer
Charlie Wilson
Keyshia Cole
FILM/TV BITS: Randy re-ups; Cube adds
Dimension; M-Rod’s ‘roid rage’; Mario
steps up; Beals & Matlin; Cannon vs.
steps up; Beals & Matlin; Cannon vs.
Valderrama.
*“American Idol” judge Randy
*“American Idol” judge Randy
Jackson has signed on to remain with
the show for three more seasons. The
the show for three more seasons. The
multimillion-dollar contract extension
means all three of the show’s judges,
means all three of the show’s judges,
as well as host Ryan Seacrest, are
locked in for the next several years.
locked in for the next several years.
Jackson, a bassist and record
producer, spent time in the rock
producer, spent time in the rock
group Journey and eight years as vice
president of A&R at Columbia Records,
president of A&R at Columbia Records,
as well as four years as senior VP of
A&R at MCA Records. He’s worked
A&R at MCA Records. He’s worked
with such artists as Mariah Carey,
Whitney Houston, Madonna, Elton
John and Destiny's Child.
*Ice Cube and his producing
*Ice Cube and his producing
partner Matt Alvarez are bringing
their Cube Vision Productions to
the Weinstein Co. and Dimension
Films under anexclusive two-year,
first-look deal. Cube is already working
with theWeinstein Co. as executive
producer and star of Dimension's film
version of"Welcome Back, Kotter," which
is scheduled to begin shooting in the fall.
Formed in 1998, Cube Vision produced
Formed in 1998, Cube Vision produced
the "Friday" series for New Line Cinema
and the "Barbershop" franchise for MGM.
and the "Barbershop" franchise for MGM.
The company's credits also include
"Are We There Yet?" and FX's "Black.
"Are We There Yet?" and FX's "Black.
White." reality series. Cube Vision
movies have generated more than
movies have generated more than
$450 million at the box office.
*"Lost" star Michelle Rodriguez
*"Lost" star Michelle Rodriguez
is blaming steroids for causing the
recent behavior that led to her
recent behavior that led to her
incarceration on drunken driving
charges. According to SF Gate’s
Daily Dish, the actress told the
court that she’s taking steroids
twice a month to treat allergies
to "dust and cockroach resin"
developed since arriving in Hawaii
last year, where the ABC series is
filmed, and the injections had made
filmed, and the injections had made
her "manic." During her arrest, she
yelled at officers to “put a gun to my
yelled at officers to “put a gun to my
head and shoot me" and had to be
carried into the station because she
carried into the station because she
refused to stand up. She said in court,
"I wasn't right in my head. None of that
"I wasn't right in my head. None of that
verbal behavior was directed towards
them. It was directed towards
myself." Meanwhile, Rodriguez was
freed from the Oahu Community
freed from the Oahu Community
Correctional Center Friday after serving
four days of her five-day sentence. She
was given a credit for one day served
because of time spent in custody after
because of time spent in custody after
her arrest last year. The actress is
currently serving three years probation
currently serving three years probation
after pleading no contest in 2004 in
Los Angeles to three traffic violations,
Los Angeles to three traffic violations,
including drunken driving.
*R&B singer Mario will jump
*R&B singer Mario will jump
onto the big screen in the upcoming
Touchstone/Disney film “Step Up” and the
Touchstone/Disney film “Step Up” and the
Paramount/MTV Films movie “Freedom
Writers,” starring Oscar winner Hilary
Writers,” starring Oscar winner Hilary
Swank. The singer performed in South
Africa over the weekend as part of the
Africa over the weekend as part of the
Premier Foods Peoples Celebration
Concerts in Johannesburg, Durban
Concerts in Johannesburg, Durban
and Cape Town.
*Jennifer Beals’ character on
*Jennifer Beals’ character on
Showtime’s “The L Word” will have
a new love interest when it begins its
fourth season early next year. The cable
network announced Friday that Oscar
network announced Friday that Oscar
winner Marlee Matlin will join the cast
as “a fiery artist who catches the
as “a fiery artist who catches the
attention of Beals' character, Bette
Porter." Pam Grier stars as Bette’s
Porter." Pam Grier stars as Bette’s
sister Kit on the drama, which centers
on a trendy circle of gay friends and
on a trendy circle of gay friends and
lovers living in Los Angeles.
*Nick Cannon, the creator and host
*Nick Cannon, the creator and host
of MTV’s improv comedy show “Nick
Cannon Presents: Wild ‘N Out,” has
Cannon Presents: Wild ‘N Out,” has
some interesting opinions on Wilmer
Valderrama’s new MTV series “Yo
Valderrama’s new MTV series “Yo
Momma.” During a recent interview on
Sirius Satellite Radio's Shade 45 channel,
Cannon said of the show: " I saw the
previews and it doesn't seem real, like
previews and it doesn't seem real, like
they are biting off of ‘Wild 'N
Out,’ but I guess when you know you
Out,’ but I guess when you know you
are doing something good people try to
follow what you are doing."
follow what you are doing."
MUSIC BITS: Wyclef joins Shakira tour;
Turk sentenced; Ne-Yo’s wishes; MiJac
rereleases; Buju drama; JD & Lil Jon plug
rereleases; Buju drama; JD & Lil Jon plug
Heinekens.
*Wyclef Jean will travel with
*Wyclef Jean will travel with
singer Shakira for all 23 U.S. dates
of her "Oral Fixation" world tour, the
singer announced Friday. The 29-year-old
Colombian pop star said at a press
Colombian pop star said at a press
conference Friday: "I feel honored he's
gonna do this with me. I admire him so
gonna do this with me. I admire him so
much. He's a great artist and will be
a big asset for the show." Wyclef
a big asset for the show." Wyclef
produced and appears on Shakira’s
latest single, “Hips Don’t Lie.” The
U.S. leg of the tour will open Aug. 9
in El Paso, Texas and will include
performances in New York,
performances in New York,
Miami and Los Angeles.
*Hot Boys rapper and former
*Hot Boys rapper and former
Cash Money artist Tab “Turk” Virgil
was sentenced to 12 years in prison by
a Memphis judge Wednesday after he
pleaded guilty to the 2004 shooting of
pleaded guilty to the 2004 shooting of
a sheriff's deputy. Turk, 25, was
accused of firing shots from a bedroom
accused of firing shots from a bedroom
closet during a SWAT Team raid at
a Memphis apartment that struck
a deputy four times. Last year, Turk was
convicted in federal court for being a
a deputy four times. Last year, Turk was
convicted in federal court for being a
felon, drug addict and fugitive in
possession of a firearm and was
possession of a firearm and was
sentenced to ten years. He’ll
serve his state and federal
serve his state and federal
sentences consecutively.
*R&B singer/songwriter Ne-Yo
*R&B singer/songwriter Ne-Yo
says he has three wishes before he
leaves this earth - parachuting out of
leaves this earth - parachuting out of
a plane, performing at the Grammys
and hearing Prince sing one of his
and hearing Prince sing one of his
songs, reports Contact Music. So far, the
crooner has had Beyonce serenade him
crooner has had Beyonce serenade him
with his own hit song “So Sick” at a
party, and he’s hoping that some day his
party, and he’s hoping that some day his
Prince will come and do him the
same honor. He explains, "I want to jump
same honor. He explains, "I want to jump
out of an airplane with a parachute
strapped to my back... These are things
strapped to my back... These are things
that black people don't normally do.
I want to perform at the Grammys with
I want to perform at the Grammys with
a live orchestra …and I want to hear
Prince singing some of my lyrics
Prince singing some of my lyrics
before I die."
*Before Michael Jackson drops
*Before Michael Jackson drops
new material via his Two Seas label,
he is due to re-release 20 of his
he is due to re-release 20 of his
biggest singles to stores in the UK.
According to BBC News, the singer will
According to BBC News, the singer will
drop a single a week beginning on Jan
23 with “Thriller” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til
23 with “Thriller” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til
You Get Enough,” and ending May 29
with “Blood On The Dancefloor.” The
with “Blood On The Dancefloor.” The
re-reissues will be the first Dualdisc
releases, which features audio on one
releases, which features audio on one
side and a video on the other.
*Dancehall artist Buju Banton
*Dancehall artist Buju Banton
and Gargamel Music have released a
statement denying any involvement in
statement denying any involvement in
the release of the album “Buju Banton
Presents: Toppa Di Top Dirty Rhythms”
Presents: Toppa Di Top Dirty Rhythms”
being released by Big Cat records.
“The so called deal that was executed
“The so called deal that was executed
five years ago is null and void today
and despite the fact that the material
and despite the fact that the material
is just as old, Big Cat records is
trying to promote it as a sanctioned
trying to promote it as a sanctioned
new album and has even gone as far as
listing Buju Banton as one of their
listing Buju Banton as one of their
artists on their Web site,” reads a
statement from Gargamel Music’s Vice
statement from Gargamel Music’s Vice
President and General Manager, Tracii
McGregor. She adds that litigation
McGregor. She adds that litigation
against Big Cat will be their next step.
“We strongly urge all distributors,
“We strongly urge all distributors,
record stores and especially fans of
Buju Banton …not to support this album,
Buju Banton …not to support this album,
as no one but Big Cat records will
benefit from the sales on this
benefit from the sales on this
project,” she said.
*Jermaine Dupri and Lil Jon
*Jermaine Dupri and Lil Jon
star in a new ad for Heineken beer
that will begin airing May 7 during
the NBA playoffs. Titled “Jet Bet,” the
30-second spot features the two betting
30-second spot features the two betting
on who will win the most Grammy
awards, with the winner to score a 12-
awards, with the winner to score a 12-
pack of Heineken personally delivered
by the bet’s loser. After Dupri wins, Lil
by the bet’s loser. After Dupri wins, Lil
Jon flies on a private jet to deliver the
prize, but the 12-pack is missing
one bottle.
EVENT CALENDAR: Raven at NJ’s
Disney Music Festival; Slim Trax Island
Jam Music Festival in Jamaica; Ludacris
in ATL and at White House.
*Actress Raven-Symone, the
*Actress Raven-Symone, the
20-year-old star of the Disney Channel
series "That's So Raven," will appear
series "That's So Raven," will appear
at a mega-concert during the first
annual "School's Out!" Radio Disney
annual "School's Out!" Radio Disney
Music Festival, to be held June 17
at New Jersey's seaside amusement
destination, Morey's Piers. Tickets
purchased in advance are $15 for
Festival only (5 p.m. – 7 p.m.) and
$30 for Festival and Morey's Piers
ride wristband and Waterpark admission,
good from noon to midnight. Go to
for advance ticket sales, specific
concert times and featured artists.
*ABC Radio hosts Michael
*ABC Radio hosts Michael
Baisden, Doug Banks and Al B. Sure will
host The Slim Trax Island Jam Music
host The Slim Trax Island Jam Music
Festival in Runaway Bay, Jamaica during
Black Beach Week June 21-25. Each
Black Beach Week June 21-25. Each
night of the festival, one of the ABC air
personalities will emcee a star-studded
personalities will emcee a star-studded
concert with top musical acts,
including Ginuwine, Keyshia Cole, Leela
including Ginuwine, Keyshia Cole, Leela
James, K-Ci Haley, SWV, The
Whispers, After 7, T-Pain and Teddy
Whispers, After 7, T-Pain and Teddy
Riley with Blackstreet and Guy. Guests
will also enjoy VIP parties, a cruise and
will also enjoy VIP parties, a cruise and
a variety of outdoor games and
contests. For further information about
contests. For further information about
the Slim Trax Island Jam Music
Festival and to book airfare and
Festival and to book airfare and
accommodations, call (877) 238-6843 or
visit www.advantage-intl.com/island_jam.html
*The Ludacris Foundation
visit www.advantage-intl.com/island_jam.html
*The Ludacris Foundation
announces its 3rd Annual Benefit Dinner,
titled "An Evening of Southern Hospitality,"
titled "An Evening of Southern Hospitality,"
to take place Wednesday, May 10
at 8 p.m. at The Freight Room,
at 8 p.m. at The Freight Room,
Georgia Freight Depot in Atlanta.
The foundation will recognize four
outstanding individuals for their strong
commitment to community service,
commitment to community service,
including BET founder Robert Johnson and
Atlanta radio personality Ryan Cameron.
Atlanta radio personality Ryan Cameron.
The “Southern Hospitality” theme
will take shape in two distinct events:
will take shape in two distinct events:
“A gala dinner infused with Southern
elegance and a casino night after-party
elegance and a casino night after-party
that oozes Southern sensuality.” The
Dinner begins at 8 p.m. and the Casino
Dinner begins at 8 p.m. and the Casino
Night will start immediately after the
dinner in a special VIP area at 10 p.m.
All proceeds from "An Evening of
Southern Hospitality" will benefit The
Southern Hospitality" will benefit The
Ludacris Foundation: Luda Cares
Program, The Standup Initiative and
Program, The Standup Initiative and
other programs. For more information,
visit www.theludacrisfoundation.org.
*In other Luda news, the rapper
visit www.theludacrisfoundation.org.
*In other Luda news, the rapper
and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin
were on the guest list of an annual
dinner hosted by the White House
Correspondents' Association (WHCCA)
and attended by President George
Bush. The event, launched by Calvin
Coolidge to honor White House reporters,
was hosted by Comedy Central's Stephen
Colbert and featured famous Bush
impersonator Steve Bridges. The $175-
impersonator Steve Bridges. The $175-
per-person dinner also included
“Dancing with the Stars” winner Drew
“Dancing with the Stars” winner Drew
Lachey, tennis star Anna Kournikova,
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben
Ben Roethlisberger and “Desperate
Housewives” plumber James Denton.
*Frankie Beverly and Maze
Housewives” plumber James Denton.
*Frankie Beverly and Maze
have been added to the list of artists
receiving an R&B Foundation Pioneer
receiving an R&B Foundation Pioneer
Award during a ceremony to be held June
29 at Philadelphia’s Park Hyatt Philadelphia
29 at Philadelphia’s Park Hyatt Philadelphia
at the Bellevue. According to the group’s
Web site, Beverly will receive
the organization’s Performance
Group Award. He joins previously-
Group Award. He joins previously-
announced honorees Berry Gordy (Lifetime
Achievement Award), Otis Redding (Legacy
Achievement Award), Otis Redding (Legacy
Award), Thom Bell (Songwriter,
Sideman, Entrepreneur Award), Chubby
Sideman, Entrepreneur Award), Chubby
Checker (Individual Award Recipient),
Bettye LaVette (Individual Award),
Bettye LaVette (Individual Award),
Barbara Mason (Individual Award)
and The DelFonics (also Performance
Group Award).
CALIF. BILL SEEKS TO RECOGNIZE
MULTI-RACIAL CITIZENS: Californians
would no longer have to “check only
one” box on govt. forms.
*The California State Senate
*The California State Senate
Judiciary passed a bill last week that
would allow Californians to identify
would allow Californians to identify
themselves as members of more than
one racial or ethnic background on
government forms.
The Ethnic Heritage Respect and
The Ethnic Heritage Respect and
Recognition Act (SB 1615), the first
bill of its kind in the nation, now must
bill of its kind in the nation, now must
earn approval by the entire Senate,
the State Assembly and the governor.
Supporters of the bill say the
the State Assembly and the governor.
Supporters of the bill say the
state’s increasing demographic of
citizens with two or more racial
citizens with two or more racial
backgrounds have long been ignored,
despite challenges that have arisen to
face multiracial people.
“This state is the largest and most
“This state is the largest and most
diverse in the nation, and Californians
strongly value that diversity,”
says the bill’s author, state
Senator Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto,
Senator Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto,
according to Diverseeducation.com. “But
that value is illusory if it’s not made real
that value is illusory if it’s not made real
and if the state continues to
force its citizens to ‘choose just one’ on
force its citizens to ‘choose just one’ on
a daily basis. This is a matter
of accuracy, respect and even life or
of accuracy, respect and even life or
death with respect to certain medical
conditions.”
The measure would help California
conditions.”
The measure would help California
agencies identify and address these
needs by ensuring that information
needs by ensuring that information
about multiracial Californians is
collected and publicly reported. The
collected and publicly reported. The
bill also puts California law in step
with federal guidelines for the collection
with federal guidelines for the collection
and presentation of data on race
and ethnicity that were adopted in 1997.
and ethnicity that were adopted in 1997.
Those guidelines, which are used
within the federal government, were first
within the federal government, were first
developed in response to concerns
that a “check only one” system ignored
that a “check only one” system ignored
the multiracial population and was
producing increasingly inaccurate data
producing increasingly inaccurate data
about the national demographic.
“It’s time for state government to
“It’s time for state government to
catch up with the demographic
reality of today’s California,” says
reality of today’s California,” says
Attorney General Bill Lockyer. “I know
firsthand that our communities are more
firsthand that our communities are more
diverse than ever, as my son is
proud of his Caucasian, Native American
proud of his Caucasian, Native American
and Hispanic roots. SB 1615 will
allow us to properly recognize and
allow us to properly recognize and
celebrate our ethnic and cultural
history.”
history.”
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
What is the habit of procrastination
stealing from you?
- Jewel Diamond Taylor
Conquer the little things, so the
- Jewel Diamond Taylor
Conquer the little things, so the
little things don't become big things. If
you can't handle and manage the small
you can't handle and manage the small
things in life, you're not ready to
master the big things. This is scriptural.
master the big things. This is scriptural.
Read Luke 16:10
What are you avoiding? Let this be
What are you avoiding? Let this be
the day you decide to stop
procrastinating, hesitating, stressing,
procrastinating, hesitating, stressing,
blaming, avoiding or focusing on
non-productive stuff. Procrastination
non-productive stuff. Procrastination
is birthed from fear. Fear is a faith
killer. Fear robs you of your peace of
killer. Fear robs you of your peace of
mind. Fear blocks your blessings.
Fear whispers in your ear...."do it
Fear whispers in your ear...."do it
tomorrow.”
Don't wait until you hurt enough that
Don't wait until you hurt enough that
you are forced to change. Learn enough
so that you want to change your habits.
so that you want to change your habits.
Be motivated enough by what you read
so you begin to change. ~ excerpt from
so you begin to change. ~ excerpt from
the book "100 Ways to Lose the WAIT
Habit of Procrastination."
Only: $12.00 USD
Buy Now | Learn More
--------------------------------------------------
Jewel Diamond Taylor will be speaking:
May 4 - Headstart Parenting Conference, Los
Habit of Procrastination."
Only: $12.00 USD
Buy Now | Learn More
--------------------------------------------------
Jewel Diamond Taylor will be speaking:
May 4 - Headstart Parenting Conference, Los
Angeles May 6 - Women's Joy for
Living Pavilion, Baltimore, MD May 13 - St.
Living Pavilion, Baltimore, MD May 13 - St.
Matthews Baptist Church Prayer
Breakfast, Los Angeles May 14 - Hamilton
Breakfast, Los Angeles May 14 - Hamilton
Methodist Church, Los Angeles May
20 - Women-CEO Network, Arizona May
20 - Women-CEO Network, Arizona May
27 - New Philadelphia AME Church Women's
Conference, Carson, CA May 27 - Parenting
Conference, Carson, CA May 27 - Parenting
Success Conference, Hawthorne, CA
May 28 - True Faith Christian Church,
May 28 - True Faith Christian Church,
San Bernardino, CA
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
May 1: Singer-songwriter Ray Parker
Junior is 52. Actor Darius McCrary
("Family Matters") is 30.
WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
Entrepreneur/Motivator James Thomas
seeks to teach 1,000 men, women
and youth how to start their own business.
and youth how to start their own business.
For more info on the "Get
Motivated" Entrepreneurial Tour call
Motivated" Entrepreneurial Tour call
310-357-5462 or click on the
"Empowerment Radio" tab at
"Empowerment Radio" tab at
www.streamingfaith.com.
Submit your favorite Web site to
Submit your favorite Web site to
us along with a 15-20 word (or less)
description to info@eurweb.com.
description to info@eurweb.com.
BLACK HISTORY
May 1, 1867: Howard University
in Washington, D.C., named for
General Oliver O. Howard, opened.
General Oliver O. Howard, opened.
(Source: www.BlackFacts.com)
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