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ITTY BITTY BITS: Pam Grier memoir; 50 Cent sues Taco Bell; Simmons lobbies Congress; 'Baisden' talks divorce; Ralph's 'Discovery'; Lillias White gig; BlackInAmerica.com.
*BlackVoices.com's Karu F. Daniels is reporting that Pam Grier will release a tell-all memoir in spring 2010 under a new deal with Grand Central Publishing. The actress is expected to write about the ups and downs of her life, including past boyfriends (Richard Pryor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Freddie Prinze to name a few), her co-stars (Robert DeNiro, Samuel L. Jackson and the late Tamara Dobson), and singing back-up for Bobby Womack and Sly and the Family Stone. She'll also share secrets about her various films and her trying experience as a black actress in Hollywood. The company's Springboard Press imprint will release the as-yet-untitled project.
*50 Cent is suing Taco Bell, claiming the fast-food restaurant chain is using his name without permission in advertising that asks him to call himself 99 Cent, reports The AP. Fifty says in a federal lawsuit filed Wednesday that the Mexican-themed chain features him in a print ad asking him to change his name to 79 Cent, 89 Cent or 99 Cent.
*Russell Simmons is scheduled to hold a conference call today to discuss his stand against the possible banning of seller-funded down payment assistance, the last remaining program available to help low-to-moderate income working American families become homeowners. The legislation is part of the negotiated compromise between the House and Senate as they work to finalize the Housing Bill this week. Simmons says elimination of the practice "would not only be a tragedy for hundreds-of-thousands of would-be homeowners, but the overall mortgage market."
*TV One's “Baisden After Dark” will address the issue of divorce in an episode airing Saturday (July 26) titled “War of the Roses: Why Does Divorce Have to be so Ugly?” Host Michael Baisden will feature the following guests: author and psychologist Dr. Jeff Gardere, former "Divorce Court" judge Mablean Ephriam and music producer Teddy Riley. In addition, this week’s show features a special musical performance by Dwele and a standup set by comedian Jonathan Slocumb.
*Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph is looking for the next Diva Discovery for her 18th Annual Divas Simply Singing! musical AIDS benefit. Upload a one-minute acappella performance video of you singing your favorite song to the YouTube Web site: http://www.youtube.com/group/divadiscovery. Winners will get to perform on stage at the Wilshire Theatre Beverly Hills, Saturday, Oct. 11, as part of the 18th Annual Divas Simply Singing! The talent lineup includes Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole, Jennifer Holliday, Ann Nesby, Ledisi, Melissa Manchester, Tremaine Hawkins and Jennifer Hudson. Contestants must: be 18 years old and female; have a current headshot and resume; have valid contact information; live in the 48 contiguous states, and not use profanity in the submitted clip. For more information visit www.DivasSimplySinging.com.
*Tony Award winner Lillias White will celebrate her upcoming birthday with a July 28 concert at the Triad Theatre in Manhattan, reports Playbill.com. Part of Lee Summers' Just a Piano concert series, the performance will feature White accompanied by pianist Mike Dalto. Show time is 8 p.m. The Triad Theatre is located at 158 West 72nd Street. There is a $35 cover charge and a two-drink minimum. Call (212) 868-4444 for reservations or visit www.smarttix.com.
*CNN has nothing to do with a new social networking site named after its current documentary series "Black in America," however, organizers said in a press release that it does "complement" the two-part program, which ends tonight at 9 p.m. BlackInAmerica.com was created by "a group of motivated supporters" to "give socially-conscious African Americans their very own online community." Users can post their pictures and profiles, read news and blogs, create and join groups, and meet and interact with each other. To sign up for free, visit: http://www.BlackInAmerica.com.
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