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THE GAME TO MARRY DAUGHTER OF CONGRESSMAN: Rapper proposes to actress Valeisha Butterfield; couple will wed March 22.
*"Waist Deep" star The Game has confirmed his engagement to actress Valeisha Butterfield, the daughter of U.S. Congressman G.K. Butterfield (D-NC.).
Valeisha Butterfield, who appeared as a cheerleader in the film "Remember the Titans" and a college student in "Road Trip," tells Sister 2 Sister magazine that the rapper proposed to her with a 19-carat engagement ring. Their wedding is scheduled to take place on March 22nd.
"I was just as surprised as my family and everybody was," Butterfield
told Sister 2 Sister. "I didn't pass out, but I buckled and he caught me. We
never dated, that's the thing; we went from being friends to being engaged."
According to the magazine, the couple held a private engagement
dinner in California that was attended by such stars as Lil' Jon and Hilary
Duff. The publication also reported that Game was given "the third degree"
by Congressman Butterfield upon their initial meeting.
The Compton-born MC, whose real name is Jayceon Taylor, caught a case
in North Carolina last October when he was arrested for causing a
disturbance at the Four Seasons Town Centre mall and refusing to remove a
Halloween mask.
WALK OF FAME ADDS DIDDY, MARIAH AND FOXX: Trio among 2007 recipients announced Friday.
*Another milestone has been added to the explosive careers of mogul
Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Grammy vet Mariah Carey and Academy Award winner Jamie
Foxx. The world famous Hollywood Walk of Fame announced Friday that the
three entertainers are among the 23 chosen to receive stars along Hollywood
Blvd. in 2007.
"It's beyond my wildest dreams to think that one day I'm going to be
walking down the street and walk past all the different great names, Sidney
Poitier to Oprah Winfrey to Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart,"
Diddy told AllHipHop.com of the honor. "Just to see my name down there. It's
really an honor, it's really humbling."
Diddy, Carey and Foxx were among 200 nominees submitted to the Walk
of Fame committee for consideration. The final list, as ratified by the
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce board of directors, also includes Michael
Caine, Matt Damon, Lauren Shuler Donner, John Goodman, Michelle Pfeiffer,
Robert Altman, Erik Estrada, Kiefer Sutherland, Jerry Stiller, Dick Wolf,
The Doors, Crystal Gayle, Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes, Shania Twain, Tim Rice,
Lily Tomlin and Stu Nahan.
"It's a privilege to honor these performers," said Walk of Fame
committee chairman Johnny Grant. "I'm sure their fans and supporters will
enjoy attending the induction ceremonies on Hollywood Boulevard."
BET AWARDS 06 ADDS WADE, FANTASIA TO LINEUP: Missy, India.Arie and Sheila E. also join the party.
*BET has released an update of its guest list for tomorrow night's
2006 BET Awards. Dwyane Wade of the World Champion Miami Heat has been added to the roster, as well as Missy Elliott, Fantasia, Sheila E., India.Arie,
Lloyd Banks, Yolanda Adams, Rah Digga and Papoose.
Previously-confirmed performers include Prince, Beyonce, Chaka Khan,
Jamie Foxx, Busta Rhymes, Mary J. Blige, T.I., Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Keyshia
Cole, Lil Wayne and Mary Mary.
Other celebs scheduled to appear include Ice Cube, Jagged Edge, Danny
Glover, Baby, Vivica A. Fox, Outkast, Vince Young, Rihanna, Shawn and Marlon
Wayans, David Banner, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Mo'Nique, Yung Joc, Steve Harvey
and "Good Times" cast members Ralph Carter, Bernadette Stanis, and Jimmie
Walker.
Host Damon Wayans will also be accompanied by Lifetime Achievement
Award winner Chaka Khan and Humanitarian Award recipient Harry Belafonte. In
addition, BET viewers can cast votes for their favorite performer in the
BET.com Viewers' Choice poll at http://www.bet.com, which takes place in
"real-time" during the course of the telecast.
The live three-hour telecast from LA's Shrine Auditorium begins at 8
p.m. ET.
DALLAS AUSTIN'S CAMP SAYS HE WAS NOT ARRESTED: Plus, update on Naomi Campbell's Blackberry beatdown.
*Reports of Dallas Austin being jailed in Dubai for smuggling illegal
drugs into the country are being denied by the producer's camp.
Last week, the New York Daily News reported that Austin was en route
to supermodel Naomi Campbell's three-day birthday bash in the Arab country,
but was detained and imprisoned by Dubai police when he was allegedly
discovered transporting cocaine.
Austin's rep says the producer was indeed in Dubai for Campbell's
soiree, but was neither arrested nor charged with transporting drugs.
Dallas' close friends and associates tell Atlanta-based
SandraRose.com: "Dallas was not arrested or charged with transporting coke
into Dubai. Rather, he lost his passport in Dubai and is now vacationing in
London while he waits for immigration to issue him a new passport. My
sources tell me they have been in touch with Dallas by phone 'daily' and
they blame rumors of his arrest on 'haters.'"
Meanwhile, there have been developments in the case surrounding
Campbell's assault-by-BlackBerry case.
According to the New York Daily News, prosecutors are working on a
plea-bargain deal that would reduce her assault charges for allegedly
throwing her jewel-encrusted BlackBerry phone at the back of maid Ana
Scolavino's head in a hissy fit over misplaced jeans.
While no agreement has been made yet in the reduction of charges,
sources close to the matter believe the case will be adjourned during a
hearing tomorrow (June 27) to give settlement negotiations more time.
"Expect nothing to happen on Tuesday," a source told the paper. "They
haven't made a deal yet."
As for Scolavino's plans for a civil trial against Campbell, a rep
for the former maid's attorney Michael Block said: "We will be handling any
civil case after we know what is happening with the criminal case."
FOXX LEADS BILLBOARD'S R&B/HIP-HOP FINALISTS: Actor/singer nominated for eight awards; Carey, Blige, Kanye earn seven apiece.
*It's been a good week for the musical and theatrical sides of Jamie
Foxx. As an actor, he has been named among the 23 entertainers who will have
a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame next year. As a singer, he received a
leading eight nominations for this year's Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Awards,
including top R&B/hip-hop album and top R&B/hip-hop artist. (See complete
list of nominees below.)
Foxx will compete against himself in the R&B/hip-hop song category;
as his collaboration with Kanye West on "Gold Digger" is nominated alongside
"Unpredictable," the title track of his current album.
Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige each received seven nods and will vie
against each other in all of the same categories, including top R&B/hip-hop
album and top R&B/hip-hop album artist. The latter category includes West,
who also picked up seven nominations, including R&B/hip-hop album and hot
rap track for his work with Foxx on "Gold Digger."
Young Jeezy earned four mentions, including best rap album for "Let's
Get It: Thug Motivation 101" and top new artist alongside Ne-Yo, Keyshia
Cole and Chris Brown.
R. Kelly was among the top songwriter finalists, sharing the category
with Johnta Austin, Scott Storch and Jermaine Dupri. Dupri and Storch are
also nominated for top producer along with Mr. Collipark and Bryan-Michael
Cox.
The Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Awards honor the most popular albums, songs
and artists as well as the top songwriters, producers and major/independent
labels. The awards are based on sales data from Nielsen SoundScan and radio
airplay information for Nielsen Broadcast Data Systems.
Here is the complete list of nominees:
R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS
"The Breakthrough," Mary J. Blige (Matriarch/Geffen/Interscope)
"The Emancipation of Mimi," Mariah Carey (Island/IDJMG)
"Unpredictable," Jamie Foxx (J/RMG)
"Late Registration," Kanye West (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam/IDJMG)
R&B/HIP-HOP SONGS
"Be Without You," Mary J. Blige (Geffen/Interscope)
"We Belong Together," Mariah Carey (Island/IDJMG)
"Unpredictable," Jamie Foxx Feat. Ludacris (J/RMG)
"Gold Digger," Kanye West Feat. Jamie Foxx (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam/IDJMG)
R&B/HIP-HOP ARTISTS
Mary J. Blige (Matriarch/Geffen/Interscope)
Mariah Carey (Island/IDJMG)
Jamie Foxx (J/RMG)
Kanye West (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam/IDJMG)
R&B/HIP-HOP ARTISTS -- MALE
Jamie Foxx (J/RMG)
T.I. (Grand Hustle/Atlantic/AG)
Kanye West (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam/IDJMG)
Young Jeezy (Corporate Thugz/Def Jam/IDJMG)
R&B/HIP-HOP ARTISTS -- FEMALE
Mary J. Blige (Matriarch/Geffen/Interscope)
Mariah Carey (Island/IDJMG)
Keyshia Cole (A&M/Interscope)
Alicia Keys (J/RMG)
R&B/HIP-HOP ARTISTS -- DUO OR GROUP
The Black Eyed Peas (A&M/Interscope)
Dem Franchize Boyz (So So Def/Virgin)
Destiny's Child (Columbia/Sony Music)
Ying Yang Twins (ColliPark/TVT)
R&B/HIP-HOP ARTISTS -- NEW
Chris Brown (Jive/Zomba)
Keyshia Cole (A&M/Interscope)
Ne-Yo (Def Jam/IDJMG)
Young Jeezy (Corporate Thugz/Def Jam/IDJMG)
R&B/HIP-HOP SONGS ARTIST
Mary J. Blige (Matriarch/Geffen/Interscope)
Chris Brown (Jive/Zomba)
Mariah Carey (Island/IDJMG)
Keyshia Cole (A&M/Interscope)
R&B/HIP-HOP ALBUMS ARTIST
Mary J. Blige (Matriarch/Geffen/Interscope)
Mariah Carey (Island/IDJMG)
Jamie Foxx (J/RMG)
Kanye West (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam/IDJMG)
RAP ALBUMS
"Monkey Business," The Black Eyed Peas (A&M/Interscope)
"King," T.I. (Grand Hustle/Atlantic/AG)
"Late Registration," Kanye West (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam/IDJMG)
"Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101," Young Jeezy (Corporate Thugz/Def
Jam/IDJMG)
R&B/ HIP-HOP SONGS -- SALES
"Run It!" Chris Brown (Jive/Zomba)
"In The Kitchen," R. Kelly (Jive/Zomba)
"Back Together Again," Meli'sa Morgan & Freddie Jackson (LuAnn/Orpheus)
"Don't Cha," Pussycat Dolls Feat. Busta Rhymes (A&M/Interscope)
R&B/ HIP-HOP SONGS -- AIRPLAY
"Be Without You," Mary J. Blige (Geffen/Interscope)
"We Belong Together," Mariah Carey (Island/IDJMG)
"Unpredictable," Jamie Foxx Feat. Ludacris (J/RMG)
"Must Be Nice," Lyfe Jennings (Columbia/SUM)
HOT RAP TRACKS
"Like You," Bow Wow Feat. Ciara (Columbia/SUM)
"Grillz," Nelly Feat. Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp (Derrty/Fo'Reel/Universal
Motown)
"Gold Digger," Kanye West Feat. Jamie Foxx (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam/IDJMG)
"Soul Survivor," Young Jeezy Feat. Akon (Corporate Thugz/Def Jam/IDJMG)
TOP SONGWRITERS
Johnta Austin
Jermaine Dupri
Robert Kelly
Scott Storch
TOP PRODUCERS
Mr. Collipark
Bryan-Michael Cox
Jermaine Dupri
Scott Storch
TOP MAJOR LABEL
Atlantic Group
Interscope
Island Def Jam Music Group
Sony Music
TOP INDEPENDENT LABEL
Koch
Invisible
Ruthless
TVT
WE REMEMBER KOOL & THE GANG'S CHARLES SMITH: Co-founder and lead guitarist of group dies at age 57.
*Charles Smith, a co-founder and lead guitarist of the group Kool &
the Gang, died Tuesday in Maplewood, N.J. after a long illness, his
publicist David Brokaw confirmed. He was 57.
"We've lost a member of our family, as well as an infinitely
creative and gifted artist who was with the band from the very beginning,"
band manager Tia Sinclair said in a statement.
Smith co-wrote such Kool & the Gang hits as "Joanna" and "Take My
Heart," and co-wrote the group's classic singles "Celebration," "Hollywood
Swinging" and "Jungle Boogie."
A Jersey City native, Smith was introduced to jazz guitar by his
father in the early 1960s. Later in that decade he was in a group of New
Jersey jazz musicians, including Ronald Bell (later Khalis Bayyan), Robert
"Kool" Bell, George Brown, Dennis Thomas and Robert "Spike" Mickens, who
became Kool & the Gang. Other members would include lead singer James JT
Taylor.
Smith grew ill and was forced to stop touring with the group in
January. His cause of death was unknown as of press time. He is survived by
his six children and nine grandchildren.
RAPPER KHIA FEATUED ON JANET JACKSON LP: But Florida artist was ready to boycott singer after hearing she was cut from the album.
*Khia, the Florida rapper who caught folks off guard in 2002 with
her explicit song "My Neck, My Back," was mistakenly riled up over word that
her vocals were deleted from a song on Janet Jackson's upcoming album "20
Years Old."
Janet's boyfriend and producer, Jermaine Dupri, apparently recruited
Khia to appear on the track "So Excited." According to SOHH.com, Khia heard
that her contribution was left on the cutting room floor and lashed out by
generating a petition in the Atlanta area for urban radio stations to
boycott Jackson's new album.
Khia told SOHH.com: "Her man approached me to get on that sh*t. That
album won't be sh*t without Miss Khia. She played me. I worked all damn
night on my verse, and if you're gonna drop someone, let them know. I
couldn't even receive a phone call. I worked on that song with her for
weeks."
After Khia's rant, Virgin Urban exec Dupri released a statement to SOHH stating Khai is mistaken and is still a part of the song.
"Contrary to what has been reported, Khia WILL be featured on the new
Janet Jackson album," the statement read. "I can verify that the song, 'So
Excited,' which features Khia, is in the process of being mixed and will
appear on Janet's highly anticipated release, '20 Years Old,' when it hits
stores on September 26th."
MOREHOUSE BUYS MLK PAPERS; AUCTION CANCELED: King's alma mater purchases archives estimated at $30 million.
*Sotheby's had to cancel its scheduled auction of sermons, books,
notes and speeches from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. thanks to his alma mater
Morehouse College in Atlanta, which purchased the entire lot outright.
"This is a wonderful outcome for this collection," Dexter King, son
of the slain civil rights leader, said in a statement. "I know my mother
would have been happy to see the collection housed permanently in Atlanta,
which always meant so much to her and to our family."
Dexter King and his brothers and sisters had tried to sell their
father's papers to the U.S. Library of Congress in 1999, but the deal fell
through. The Sotheby's auction, which was scheduled for Friday, raised
concerns that the historic archive - containing more than 10,000 of King's
manuscripts and books - would end up scattered among the collections of
numerous buyers.
The archive, valued at $30 million by Sotheby's, includes a draft of
King's 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech, books that King annotated while reading
and memorabilia such as plane tickets and suitcases. It also includes his
"Letter from Birmingham Jail" and a telegram inviting King to President
Lyndon Johnson's signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
"It is great that Atlanta is embracing its own history," Mayor
Shirley Franklin of Atlanta said in a statement issued by Sotheby's. The
company's Vice Chairman David Redden said he was glad the archive would be
returned to Atlanta.
"This historic archive is of extraordinary significance and the King
Estate and Sotheby's had hoped -- and worked hard to ensure -- that its
disposition would permit access to the public and to scholars. This has now
been achieved," Redden said.
The collection will remain on public display at Sotheby's in New York
until Thursday.
MUSIC BITS: Brandy & Quentin; Pharrell & Louis; Madonna & Mariah; Locke's
'Supawoman'; Lyfe's 'Phoenix'; 'Dolemite' soundtrack; Face/Reid honored.
*Brandy is back on TV and reportedly back with ex-fiance Quentin
Richardson. In Touch magazine reports the R&B singer and judge on NBC's
"America's Got Talent" is seeing the New York Knicks star again after
helping him grieve the death of his brother in December. Brandy had called
off their wedding last year, but returned to his side after hearing about
the shooting death of his brother Lee in Chicago. "So much happened to bring
them together again," a source tells In Touch. "Quentin's brother was killed
and he turned to Brandy. She then dated Nick Cannon briefly, but realized
she is still in love with Quentin. They're together again."
*Pharrell Williams is expanding his relationship with Louis Vuitton.
Beyond designing a line of sunglasses for the French fashion house, the
artist/producer will now front its fall/winter menswear ad campaign, the
company announced Friday. As previously reported, Williams teamed with
designer Marc Jacobs to create the line of shades, priced between $300 and
$500.
*Madonna's people are denying that she "laughed hysterically" at
news of slow ticket sales for rival Mariah Carey's upcoming tour. The New
York Daily News quoted a source stating Madonna took pleasure in the
cancellation of three Carey shows and "has been asking her tour promoters to
email her Mariah's sales." Madonna's rep denied the story, stating the
singer "has no negative feelings toward Mariah." Carey's spokesperson,
meanwhile, says: "Her tour is selling well. She's cancelled a few dates so
she can add shows in larger cities."
*"American Idol" vet Kimberley Locke has chosen "Supawoman" as the
first single from her sophomore album, "Based On A True Story," due in the
fall from Curb Records. "I think it was time for a new anthem for the
ladies," Locke says. "'Supa' is about telling your man that it's okay to be
with a strong woman." Locke co-wrote nine songs for the album, a follow-up
to her "One Love" debut, which included the hit "8th World Wonder."
*Lyfe Jennings reworks Tupac's anthem "Keep Ya Head Up" on his
sophomore album, "The Phoenix," due Aug. 15 from Columbia. The disc's first
single, "S.E.X.," has just been shipped to U.S. radio outlets. As previously
reported, the song is about confusion experienced by girls who are
"developing physically but not mentally." Other tracks set to appear on "The
Phoenix" include "Still Here," which features Three 6 Mafia and Project Pat,
"Slow Down," which features G-Unit's Young Buck, the string-enhanced ballad
"Stingy" and "Biggie N*gga," a tribute to late rapper Notorious B.I.G.
*The soundtrack to "Dolemite," the 1975 cult classic starring Rudy
Ray Moore in the title role of a vengeful mack, will be released for the
first time tomorrow (June 27) on Philly-based indie label, Relapse Records.
The 21-track disc features material created by Moore and performed by the
Soul Rebellion Orchestra. Bonus tracks include radio commercials for the
movie and songs from its sequel, "The Human Tornado." Dolemite's more
memorable film monologues, "Shine and the Great Titanic" and "The Signifying
Monkey," are not included on the album. Moore, 80, continues to undergo
treatment for various ailments at a Los Angeles hospital, where he has been
confined since June 7.
*Babyface and L.A. Reid will be honored as BMI Icons at the 6th
Annual Urban Awards, to be held Aug. 30 at New York's Roseland Ballroom. The
pair will receive musical tributes by such artists as James Brown, Al Green,
Bo Diddley, Little Richard and Chuck Berry.
CONCERT NEWS: Wyclef, Ying Yang at 'Sting Miami'; Jay-Z's preview gig; Kanye
Nas, Legend rock Cipriani's.
*Wyclef Jean, the Ying Yang Twins, Luke and Trina will perform at
"Sting Miami," described by organizers FSBO Media Holdings and Survival Four
Inc. as a "Woodstock style peace festival" to be held in September at the
Miami Bayfront Park in Miami. "Our plan is to capitalize on the brand name
event like Sting, which has established itself as a true reggae/dancehall
brand internationally," says Survival Four Inc.'s CEO Nerissa Toney, who
notes other Sting events are being organized in New York, Los Angeles,
Atlanta, England, Germany, Australia and Japan.
*On Friday, Jay-Z offered the public a limited number of tickets to
Saturday's "special preview rehearsal performance" of Sunday's sold-out
concert at New York's Radio City Music Hall, where the retired rapper
performed his "Reasonable Doubt" album in its entirety. The preview show was
held at the Nokia Theater in Times Square.
*Kanye West, Nas and John Legend took the stage Thursday night at New
York's Cipriani's for an intimate concert before a crowd that included
Diddy, Maroon 5's Adam Levine and Terrence Howard. The Chicago artist
performed "Jesus Walks" and "Gold Digger" as part of an hour-long set that
featured two backup singers, a disc jockey and several string musicians -
including violinists and a harpist. Kanye brought Nas and Legend on stage to
perform Nas' classic, "If I Ruled the World (Imagine That)."
FILM/THEATER BITS: Diesel dumps 'Water'; Howard adds 'Grace'; Yoba is
'Beautiful'; 'Amajuba' off-Broadway; HHTC gains momentum.
*Vin Diesel has reportedly dropped out of the $30 million action film
"Black Water Transit," which was due to begin production at the end of July
in Chicago. The story follows various criminals, cops and lawyers as they
collide over a shipment of illegal firearms and a double homicide. Earl
Pike, a criminal that was to be played by Diesel, tries to get his family's
illegal gun collection to a safe haven. According to ReelChicago and
VinDiesel.Hu, five film staffers had arrived in the Windy City from
California when they were told to pack up and go back home because the actor
had pulled out.
*As previously reported, Terrence Howard will play Thurgood Marshall
in "The Crusaders," a New Line drama about the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board
of Education case. Variety reports that Topher Grace ("That 70s Show") has
been cast opposite Howard and director Alex Graves is attached to helm the
picture. "The Crusaders" follows recent law school grad Jack Greenberg
(Grace) and Marshall, as head of the NAACP's Legal Defense Fund, and their
joint effort to end segregation in schools. Marshall eventually became the
first African-American Supreme Court justice.
*Malik Yoba will join Daphne RubinVega in "Everything's Turning Into
Beautiful," a new play scheduled to run at New York's Theatre Row (410-412
West 42nd St.) from July 17 through August 26. Billed as a "musical story,"
the production centers on two song writers facing their 40s, failures and
the possibility of new love. Annabella Sciorra and Bobby Cannavale were
originally announced to appear in the play, but both pulled out due to
scheduling conflicts, reports Broadway.com.
*"Amajuba: Like Doves We Rise," a play made up of personal stories
from South Africa, is scheduled to begin an off-Broadway run at The Culture
Project (45 Bleecker St.) from July 20 through August 27. Created and
directed by Yael Farber, the show paints a portrait of survival in the South
African townships, with narratives based on the real lives of the five
performers who make up the cast: Tshallo Chokwe, Roelf Matlala, Bongeka
Mpongwana, Phillip "Tipo" Tindisa and Jabulile Tshabalala.
*The Hip-Hop Theater Festival (HHTF), a tour of performances
utilizing elements of urban culture, is expanding beyond its roots as an ad
hoc collection of artists and is becoming "the prime example of both hip-hop
theater's growth and its continued struggle for legitimacy," reports
Variety. This year, HHTF appeared not only in New York, but also staged its
third event in San Francisco and its first in Chicago. July will mark the
fourth edition in D.C., and soon after, the organization will produce a
national tour of "Live From the Front," a solo show by spoken-word artist
Jerry Quickley that chronicles his time as a soldier in Iraq.
SPORTS BITS: Duke case crumbling; Laila Ali in Africa; Venus may drop Fed
Cup; Jayson Williams' restaurant; Magic hosts AIDS screening.
*The woman at the center of the Duke University lacrosse scandal has
been accused of changing her initial account of rape, according to a police
report released Friday by a defense attorney. MSNBC journalist Dan Abrams
reported on "Dateline NBC" Saturday that the accuser's story changed at
least four times throughout the course of the investigation. The African
American exotic dancer initially told police she was raped by five white
lacrosse players during a team party on March 13, then at one point denied
she was even raped at all. Previous affidavits show the accuser finally
reported being raped by three men. David Evans, 23, of Bethesda, Md.; Collin
Finnerty, 19, of Garden City, N.Y.; and Reade Seligmann, 20, of Essex Fells,
N.J. were subsequently charged with rape, kidnapping and sexual offense in
the case. Each are free on $400,000 bond. Meanwhile, prosecutor Mike Nifong
says he has no plans to drop the case.
*Muhammad Ali's daughter Laila will defend her women's WBC light
heavyweight title this summer in Cape Town, South Africa as part of the
country's month-long celebration of women's empowerment. The Aug. 5 fight
against Atlanta-based Nigerian Ijeoma Egbunine will be Ali's first trip to
the continent, as the 28-year-old was not born when her father fought in
Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Congo) and knocked out George Foreman in the Rumble
in the Jungle. "Whether my father fought in Africa or not, I would go to
Africa because it's just one of those places you want to go," she said.
"It's an historical event. We may not see that now, but in the future, this
is something I can look back on and be proud of." Some fight proceeds will
benefit the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Also, Ali plans to spend three weeks
in South Africa leading up to the fight, visiting school kids and
impoverished neighborhoods.
*Venus Williams will likely miss the Fed Cup semi-final against
Belgium next month, which comes on the heels of today's beginning run at
Wimbledon to defend her title. "I don't think I will play," Williams said at
a pre-Wimbledon news conference. "I can't play that much tennis and stay
healthy, that's a proven fact." Her absence will further weaken the U.S.
team with sister Serena and fellow former world number one Lindsay Davenport
already out injured.
*While awaiting retrial for killing his driver four years ago,
former NBA star Jayson Williams is keeping busy with plans to open a
restaurant in Trenton, New Jersey. His wife, Tanya Young Williams, tells The
Times of Trenton that they are looking to open a franchise of TRY J's
Waffles and Chicken in about two months. The couple has already invested in
car washes in Plainfield, as well as businesses in Newark, Somerset and
construction in South Carolina. Jayson Williams, 38, was found guilty in
April 2004 of four charges of trying to cover up the shooting of Costas
"Gus" Christofi. He was acquitted of aggravated manslaughter, aggravated
assault and a weapons charge, prosecutors want a retrial because the jury
did not reach a verdict on the reckless manslaughter charge, voting 8-4 to
acquit.
*Magic Johnson Foundation, Inc. - in partnership with Minority AIDS
Project, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Diva Foundation and 100.3 The Beat -
will observe the 12th annual National HIV Testing Day by hosting a free
screening for HIV/AIDS tomorrow (June 27) at the Magic Johnson Starbucks
parking lot (1800 W. Slauson Ave.) in Los Angeles from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The
event will offer free, anonymous, Rapid HIV testing to the public.
Participants, upon receipt of their results, will earn free tickets to Baron
Davis and Paul Pierce's A Midsummer Night's Dream celebrity basketball game
on Sunday, July 9 at the Staples Center.
JESSE JACKSON SPARKS 'PUSH' FOR BP BOYCOTT: Rev. accuses oil company of discrimination and gas gouging.
*Jesse Jackson is hoping black folks will think twice before gassing
up at the neighborhood BP station.
The civil rights leader is calling on African Americans to boycott
the oil company over its "pattern of discrimination" and the effects its
high gas prices have on the urban community.
"We need to drive down the price of gas. We need to stop the
exploitation and the environmental degradation. And we need to stop the
pattern of racial discrimination," said Rev Jackson, speaking by telephone
to Independent News and Media from a BP in Los Angeles.
As local representatives of Jackson's Rainbow/PUSH Coalition began
picketing BP stations this weekend in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and New
York, another group is encouraging BP to ignore Jackson's boycott plea,
citing the company's "Bronze Sponsorship" donation of $10,000 to RainbowPUSH
during the group's 35th annual conference held last week in Chicago. Jackson
announced he was returning the company's $10,000 donation as part of the
boycott.
"It is pretty obvious what is going on here. BP sponsors Jesse
Jackson's conference at the $10,000 level, but the company is certainly
capable of a lot more," says Peter Flaherty, president of the National Legal
and Policy Center (NLPC). "No doubt, Jackson seeks to upgrade them to the
$150,000 Platinum sponsor level for next year."
Flaherty continues: "Jesse Jackson is bluffing a foreign company. He
has virtually no ability to affect the consumer habits of Americans, or even
African Americans. The reason he is going after BP is the same reason he
threatened a boycott of Toyota in 2001. Executives of foreign companies are
often under the misimpression that Jesse Jackson still commands wide respect
in this country."
Meanwhile, Jackson is also planning to enlist allies in the UK to
organize demonstrations against BP petrol stations in London. He has also
challenged Lord Browne of Madingley, BP's chief executive, to meet him to
discuss ways of improving the diversity of the company's distributor base.
"BP has the largest share of the African American market, yet its
pattern of discrimination amounts to a virtual lock-out of African American
businesses and consumers," said Rev. Jackson. "They want our business but
don't want to do business with us. If they won't invest in us, we won't
invest in them."
In a statement responding to Rev. Jackson's claims, a rep for BP says
the company would use an African American-owned distributor if it could find
one that is qualified. The spokesman added that 1,800 of its 12,000 U.S.
stations are run by smaller, independent franchisees, 25 percent of which
are owned by ethnic minorities.
The spokesman also disputed Rev Jackson's claim that it has no black
senior managers, pointing to two of its non-executive African American board
members - Erroll Davis and Walter Matthey.
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