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'SOUL MEN' DIRECTOR DEVASTATED OVER MAC, HAYES: Malcolm Lee says death of his two stars on the same weekend 'was surreal.'
*Malcolm D. Lee, director of the upcoming film "Soul Men," had an unspeakably horrible weekend dealing with the deaths of Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes, both of whom starred in his upcoming film, "Soul Men."
"It was surreal," Lee told ABC News. "It had to be some sort of bad dream that these two giants would die on the same weekend, and both would be in my movie."
"Soul Men", also starring Samuel L. Jackson, tells the story of two estranged soul singers (Mac and Jackson) who reunite to honor their deceased band leader.
Mac, 50, died Saturday from complications relating to pneumonia; Hayes, 65, died Sunday after collapsing at his home near Memphis. Citing paperwork from the singer's family doctor, the local sheriff's department said Hayes may have died from a stroke.
Though Lee and distributor The Weinstein Co. have announced no changes to the movie or its Nov. 14 release date, the director says he feels the pressure of creating a fitting farewell to both actors.
"This isn't like "Dark Knight," where Heath Ledger died while editing was in its infancy," Lee says. "Most of our editing is done. We'll go back and see if there is anything we can do better. But (Mac) left us with an indelible performance. I think I got him at the top of his game."
Mac plays a wisecracking counterpart to Jackson's dour character, while Hayes plays himself in "Soul Men." Lee says both roles "are emblematic, I think, of the men they were."
Lee, who first met Mac on the set of "The Original Kings of Comedy" (directed by Lee's cousin Spike), says Mac's character in "Soul Men" "is eternally positive, and that's the way he was in real life. (The movie) gave him an opportunity to be extremely raw and showcase his singing and dancing talent."
Hayes, meanwhile, "had to be in the movie," Lee says. "His impact on music is immeasurable. I've listened to his music my whole life; he changed what soul music could be. He's the man. They both were. I want my movie to
be a tribute to both of them."
JAY-Z SELLING HALF OF VEGAS 40/40? Word has it that Sands Corp. is about to buy 50% stake in sports club for $44 mil.
*The New York Post's Page Six is reporting that Jay-Z is in talks with Las Vegas Sands Corp. - owners of the Venetian and the Palazzo - to sell them a 50 percent stake in his sports club, 40/40, for $44 million.
If the rumor is true, the deal would make Vegas' 40/40 the largest sports booking operation in existence, according to an expert unnamed by the Post, because "people can gamble both at the tables and on games."
"The Sands will also have the right to open 40/40 clubs in London and across Europe," the insider added.
KANYE BRINGS FATBURGER TO HOMETOWN: Rapper gives fast food chain its first address in Chicago area.
*Kanye West's company KW Foods LLC is opening a 74-seat Fatburger restaurant next month in Orland Park, Il, a suburb outside of his native Chicago.
The 2,353-square-foot fast-food restaurant at 15110 S. La Grange Road will be the first Fatburger ever to be located in the Chicago area, reports ChicagoBusiness.com.
KW Foods LLC has rights to develop 10 more Fatburgers in the Chicago area. The next one will open in January at 95th and Western Ave. in the Beverly neighborhood, according to a spokeswoman for Santa Monica, Calif.-based burger chain Fatburger Corp.
KW Foods has also chosen a third location, but a lease is not finalized, she said. The Orland Park outlet has yet to set a firm opening date in September.
FIRST 'BABY,' THEN 'LOVE' FOR TYRESE, SINGLETON: Actor and director reteam for 'unofficial sequel' to 2001's 'Baby Boy.'
*Moviehole.com is reporting that director John Singleton is in pre-production on an unofficial sequel to "Baby Boy," the 2001 film starring Tyrese Gibson as a young man transitioning to adult hood amid the pulls of L.A. street life.
"Fight for Love," scheduled to shoot in the fall, will include original cast members Tyrese Gibson and Taraji P. Henson, but in different roles.
In 2001, they played Jody and Yvette, a struggling couple with a baby. According to Moviehole, "Fight for Love" has Gibson and Henson playing Sir and Cookie, anoterh struggling couple – this time dealing with two kids, disapproving parents and a number of external forces working against them.
"Baby Boy" was once described by Singleton as part three of his "Hood Trilogy," following "Boyz N the Hood" and "Poetic Justice."
TYRA HONORS ITALIAN VOGUE ISSUE WITH NY EVENT: Talk show host tapes episode with past and present black models.
*Tyra Banks held a fashion event in the streets of New York Tuesday afternoon to celebrate the recent all-black issue of Italian Vogue.
The former runway diva was joined by past, present and future black models for a special taping of her daytime talk show. The episode recognized the importance of having women of color in the fashion industry.
"Young girls look at magazines and want to see a reflection of themselves and that will tell them that they exist, and that they are beautiful," Banks said, according to the UK's Channel 4. "So we need Asians, we need black, we need Latin, we need every culture represented in fashion to show that young girl that she matters, that she exists, and that she is beautiful."
Banks posed for pictures with the models before releasing a bunch of balloons into the Manhattan sky. The episode is scheduled to air on September 11th.
In other Tyra news, her reality series, "America's Next Top Model," just announced the 14 new contestants who will compete during the show's upcoming Cycle 11, which debuts Wednesday Sept. 3 from 8 to 10 p.m. on the CW.
The contestants are:
Name: ANALEIGH
Age: 19
Hometown: Sacramento, CA (currently Los Angeles, California)
Occupation: Student
Name: BRITTANY
Age: 19
Hometown: Henderson, Nevada
Occupation: Customer Service
Name: CLARK
Age: 19
Hometown: Pawleys Island, South Carolina (currently Columbia, South
Carolina)
Occupation: Student
Name: ELINA
Age: 19
Hometown: Berdichieve, Ukraine (currently Seattle, Washington)
Occupation: Currently unemployed
Name: HANNAH
Age: 19
Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska
Occupation: Student
Name: ISIS
Age: 22
Hometown: Prince George's County, Maryland (currently New York, New York)
Occupation: Program Assistant at a non profit organization.
Name: JOSLYN
Age: 23
Hometown: Lucky, Louisiana (currently Shreveport, Louisiana)
Occupation: Student
Name: LAUREN BRIE
Age: 20
Hometown: Charlottesville, Virginia (currently Radford, Virginia)
Occupation: Student
Name: MARJORIE
Age: 19
Hometown: Marseilles, France (currently San Francisco, California)
Occupation: Student
Name: McKEY
Age: 19
Hometown: Lake Forest, Illinois
Occupation: Student
Name: NIKEYSHA
Age: 19
Hometown: Bronx, New York
Occupation: Student
Name: SAMANTHA
Age: 18
Hometown: Woodland Hills, California
Occupation: Student Athlete
Name: SHARAUN
Age: 18
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Occupation: Student
Name: SHEENA
Age: 21
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii (currently Harlem, New York)
Occupation: Hostess/Go-Go Dancer
IT'S MILLER TIME FOR MASTER P: Hip hop mogul officially drops his rap moniker for P. Miller.
*Percy Miller released a statement yesterday saying he will no longer answer to the rap moniker Master P. The hip-hop mogul has officially changed his name to P. Miller in an effort to break from his past.
"I'm changing my name because Master P is who I used to be," Miller said. "I call it my childhood and P. Miller marks my manhood.
"I wouldn't change my past because it's groomed me to be the man I am today. People grow mentally and spiritually through life experiences, but when you come from hip-hop it's almost impossible to move past the stereotypes associated with it.
"I've branched out into so many different arenas that range from being the first African-American to have a clothing line at Wal-Mart, to writing books, and speaking on Capitol Hill, but all that gets overshadowed because I come from the hip-hop industry. There're a lot of people out there, who are afraid to grow up and change, but I'm not and P. Miller is the evolution of me, Percy Miller the entrepreneur, the business man."
J.LO BRINGS 'MAID IN MANHATTAN' TO TV: Actress to exec produce ABC series based on her 2002 romantic comedy.
*Jennifer Lopez is taking another stab at series television as an executive producer on "Maid in Manhattan," a new hour-long comedy-drama for ABC based on her hit 2002 romantic comedy.
The film starred Lopez as a struggling single mom from the Bronx who worked as a maid at a posh Manhattan hotel. She is courted by a politician guest (Ralph Fiennes) who mistakes her for a wealthy socialite.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the TV version will star a young Latina from the Bronx working at a Manhattan hotel who tries to make it in the world. But the series will focus mostly on her relationships with co-workers.
Lopez, a Bronx native, has been very involved, providing "a fountain of ideas," said Chade Hodge, who will write the script for the pilot. "She will be very integral to the pilot and series," he said.
This will mark the second time ABC has attempted to adapt "Maid," following a script developed with a different writer during the 2004-05 development season.
Lopez's last TV project, UPN's "South Beach," was cancelled eight episodes into its first season in 2006.
LENNY KRAVITZ SHOOTS DOWN REVOLVER RUMOR: Internet chatter has rocker band's next lead singer.
*Lenny Kravitz says he is not trying to become the new lead singer of Velvet Revolver, despite rumors that have been running wild on the Internet.
The recent bitter exit of front man Scott Weiland set off a bunch of Web chatter that Kravitz has filled the vacancy, joining guitarists Slash and Dave Kushner, bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Matt Sorum.
There were even reports that Kravitz had joined the group for rehearsals in recent weeks, as they continue work on the follow-up to 2007's "Libertad."
However, Kravitz, who appeared at the V Festival in the UK over the weekend, says the reports are wrong.
"I know and love the Velvet Revolver guys but there is no truth to the story about me joining their band," he told Rolling Stone.
TV ONE'S 'BLACKLIST' RANKS GREATEST 'POWER MOVES': Five-night special to count down biggest African American moments in history.
*Beginning Sunday, Nov. 9, TV One will premiere an original, five-hour special chronicling the unforgettable moments, cultural movements and personal achievement that have advanced the black race in "The Blacklist: 100 Greatest Power Moves."
Arsenio Hall will host the special, which will air over five consecutive nights, covering 20 Power Moves each night, culminating with the top 20 – and the No. 1 moment – on Thursday, Nov. 13.
The special will highlight African-American pioneers and awe-inspiring moments such as: the 1968 Olympic medalists raising their Black Power fists; Thurgood Marshall’s induction into the Supreme Court; the birth of Motown records; the emergence of Bill Cosby for the American television audience; Michael Jackson’s record-breaking “Thriller” album; the emergence of hip hop; Malcolm X’s stance of self-preservation “By Any Means Necessary”; the determination of the Little Rock Nine; and, of course, Barack Obama’s historic bid for the Presidency.
The special will include commentary from scholars Michael Eric Dyson , Dr. Molefi Kete Asante and William Jelani Cobb; cultural critics Chuck D, Michaela Angela Davis and Emil Wilbekin, Hip Hop pioneer Russell Simmons, rising politician Kevin Powell; and a host of celebrities and comedians for a lighter and somewhat irreverent view of the Power Moves.
DEBRA MARTIN CHASE ON HOLLYWOOD GRIND: Producer gets candid about race, gender and the need to stop hating in Hollywood.
*African American producer Debra Martin Chase, a.k.a. the "Queen of Tween," earned her nickname with a string of hit movies geared toward girls aged 8-12, the latest being "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2" (in theaters now) and "The Cheetah Girls: One World" (premiering on the Disney Channel Aug. 22).
The Emmy-nominated Chase sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to discuss a number or topics, including the need for black Cinderellas, female empowerment and paying opportunities forward.
Hollywood Reporter: Do you feel like a rare commodity when it comes to creating these types of young female-driven properties?
Debra Martin Chase: I'm in a small group of people that are doing it. But yeah, I feel like a rare commodity for a couple of reasons. [laughs] The young female movies are something that I love dearly, and I've had some success with them. I just keep trying to push the envelope.
I call my niche "female wish-fulfillment and empowerment." It's talk about dreams and having the power to do whatever you want to do, but also imbue the pieces with some strong values and messages about self-esteem and believing in yourself. When I talk about my take on "girl movies" it's not just "Does he like me?" or "Am I going to the prom?" It's how girls and young women fit into the world today.
THR: Why do you think more films and TV shows aren't made for this young-girl demographic? Or do you feel that it's changed?
Chase: I think we're at a different stage in the cycle. "The Princess Diaries" really was a breakthrough movie in the sense that, when that movie came out the general wisdom was you could make a movie for boys and girls would go, but you couldn't make a movie for girls and have it be successful.
And we proved that to be wrong.
THR: You mentioned "Princess Diaries" as a real breakthrough. Do you think that opened more doors for you and the demographic than "The Cheetah Girls?"
Chase: Both have been monumental in different ways. "Princess Diaries"
opened the door for "girl movies." But as a female producer it was my statement to the community that I'm a filmmaker -- period. I'm looking for good material. It can be white, it can be black, it can be Latino, it can be Asian. I don't want to be labeled in an ethnic sense.
"The Cheetah Girls" was so immensely popular because it was the first time this kind of traditional story of trying to balance family and friends with your dreams was told with a multi-cultural cast. And I fought really hard for that. It took a little while for everybody to get it. "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella," even further back, had colorblind casting, and it was really a turning point for television.
THR: You got your first-look deal at Disney in 2001. Did that seem miraculous at the time?
Chase: It was a really big deal. It made me the first African-American woman to have my own producing deal at a major studio. Which I didn't really realize in the moment. It was only after the fact that I realized I had broken this barrier. It was a real milestone for me in terms of my career.
THR: You always hope something like that breaks open the door, but I look around and it's just you and Shonda Rhimes....
Chase: I know. You know, Shonda started out as my intern. When she was in graduate school at USC I was running Denzel (Washington's) company, Mundy Lane. I gave Shonda her first writing job. I helped her get her first job job. And I hired Shonda to write "The Princess Diaries 2" for me.
THR: To what extent do you run into pressure like: "You're one of the few African American women in Hollywood, so you've got to carry this banner for us..."
Chase: At the end of the day, if I am successful, I help open the door wider. I'm able to bring people behind me, which I have done, just by the very nature of what I do.
And with that empowerment you can reach out and bring other ideas to the fore, hopefully get some things done that might not otherwise be done, and pay it forward.
GEORGE CLOONEY DENIES ADVISING OBAMA: Actor addresses rumors that he's part of the senator's presidential campaign.
*An article out of Britain claiming George Clooney serves as an advisor to Barack Obama's presidential campaign recently caught fire on the Internet and has forced the Oscar winner to issue a statement setting the
record straight.
“I have never texted or emailed Senator Obama,” said Clooney in a statement to Access Hollywood. “And I’ll offer a million dollars to anyone who could prove otherwise.”
The "Ocean's 13" star was referring to an article that appeared in Monday’s Daily Mail newspaper, claiming he gave his “good friend Obama” advice on a host of issues. Sources the paper described as “Democratic Party insiders” claimed the two "are extremely close."
"A number of members of the Hollywood community, including Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, offered to help raise funds for Barack but it was with George that he struck up this amazing affinity,” the source added in the Mail. "George has been giving him advice on things such as presentation, public speaking and body language and he also emails him constantly about policy, especially the Middle East.”
Clooney countered in his statement: “I’ve only talked to the Senator once in the last year and a half… on the phone. I’ve spent more time with Senator McCain (he did my TV show) then I have with Senator Obama,”
Clooney’s statement continued. “I would hope that my friend John McCain would join me in condemning this kind of politics. Although I support Senator Obama I would never be dumb enough to offer policy advice to either candidate. They seem to be doing fine without me.”
Ben LaBolt, a spokesperson for Obama also criticized the article, telling Fox News it was “an inaccurate report.”
BET TO PREMIERE WEEKLY TALK SHOW: Jeff Johnson mans half-hour news/trends/pop culture roundup debuting tomorrow.
*Tomorrow night at 11, BET will unveil its new weekly talk show "The Truth with Jeff Johnson, a half-hour presentation of news, trends, pop culture, current events and politics from a black point of view.
Hosted by political correspondent Jeff Johnson, the series will combine investigative reporting with interviews to review the week's events and examine exactly what the top headlines mean for the black community.
"With the launch of 'The Truth with Jeff Johnson,' along with all of our other in-depth political coverage, we are providing a unique and necessary perspective on the issues important to the black community," said Debra L. Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, BET Networks. "BET News is committed to informing our audience with the news they can't get anywhere else, with a diversity of voices and opinions that our audience demands."
During a special 2008 election report, "The Truth" will broadcast live from the 45th Democratic National Convention Denver. BET J host Keith Boykin and political pundits Jamal Simmons, Keli Goff and Angela McGlowan will act as onsite correspondents for a two-hour special featuring Obama's speech on Thursday, Aug. 28.
LIL WAYNE SETTLES BLING CASE OUT OF COURT: Rapper was sued by jeweler for failing to pay for a ring and necklace.
*Lil Wayne reached an out-of-court settlement with a jeweler who sued him last year for the balance of an outstanding bill.
Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry claimed Weezy failed to pay off a $146,000 invoice. Sutton said he placed orders over the phone for a $138,000 diamond ring and a $32,000 gold and diamond necklace.
The lawsuit stated the New Orleans native agreed to make monthly payments, but after sending in a check for $24,000 in October and a second check in January, all payments stopped.
According to WENN, both parties have now reached a deal in the case. The rapper's lawyer, Ron Sweeney, says: "We reached a settlement. Everybody's happy."
The terms of the negotiations have yet to be released.
TINA TURNER BACK IN THE LAB: Singer recorded two new songs for her upcoming compilation CD.
*Tina Turner has reportedly completed work on two new tracks that will appear on her upcoming CD "Tina!," a greatest hits collection due Sept. 30 via Capitol.
"It Would Be a Crime" and "I'm Ready" will join 16 hits spanning Turner's career, including "Nutbush City Limits" and "What's Love Got To Do With It," reports Billboard.
The digital edition of "Tina!" will include different versions of "River Deep Mountain High" and "The Acid Queen" than the CD.
Turner, 68, burst out of retirement in February with a performance at the Grammys alongside Beyonce. She will spend her 69th birthday on Nov. 26 playing a show in Newark, New Jersey.
FULL FORCE STILL GETTIN' BUSY: Group drops greatest hits collection and readies release of studio album in coming weeks.
*A collection of greatest hits from Brooklyn-based producers and performers Full Force is included on the CD "Legendary," currently available via Sony.
Among such classics as "Ain’t My Type of Hype" and "All Cried Out" are several brand new tracks, including "Water from Stone and You" (featuring the debut of Bowlegged Lou’s rap artist son LOU$TAR), "Everyday is Mother’s Day" and "We’re Feelin U Oprah" feat. Big Shawn, a track dedicated to Oprah Winfrey and inspired by the group's mother, to whom Oprah is a hero. The video can be seen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvJhWPL-8kE.
In addition to "Legendary," a new online album titled "Full Force of Course" will be available on iTunes in the upcoming weeks. This online version will feature the tracks listed above, as well as other new songs:
"Makin Love on the Dance Floor" (with Najee), "We Love the Girls" and a "Full Force Greatest Hits Medley" performed live at the Apollo Theater.
ITTY BITTY BITS: Judge Mathis 'Under Fire'; Jason Kidd dumps squeeze; new coach for Globetrotters; Gnarls EP on iTunes; Labelle sets a date.
*Judge Greg Mathis examines the current state of urban America through the prism of two American cities with large working-class African American populations -- Newark, NJ and Oakland, CA -- in "Mean Streets:
Cities Under Fire," airing on TV One Sunday, Aug. 24 from 9-10 p.m. Mathis, explores what unique challenges each city faces and ways to carry out revitalization. During the show, Mathis is accompanied by Newark native Bill Bellamy and Oakland native Mark Curry back to each of their old neighborhoods to talk about community life from their youth and how the old neighborhood has changed.
*Dallas Mavericks star Jason Kidd, currently in Beijing leading the Men's Basketball Squad in pursuit of a gold medal, has reportedly dumped his girlfriend, model May Anderson, because of her wild lifestyle. "Jason couldn't take her hard partying," a source tells the New York Post's Page Six. "While he was training for the Olympics, she told him she was staying in, but then he would read in Page Six that she was out with celebrities like Lindsay Lohan. It was too distracting, and he decided it better to focus on training and bringing home the gold for the US."
*Harlem Globetrotters legend Sweet Lou Dunbar has been named a head coach for the upcoming 2009 World Tour. Entering his 29th year with the organization, Dunbar spent the last year in player development, working with the team’s new generation of players, as well as making special media appearances for the team. Dunbar is one of only 27 people to be honored with the Globetrotters’ prestigious "Legends" ring, presented to those who have made a major contribution to the success and the development of the Globetrotter organization.
*Gnarls Barkley has finally released its "iTunes Soho Sessions," a five-song EP recorded live at New York's Soho Apple Store with a stripped-down sound. "Gnarls wanted to celebrate the essence of the songs,"
said a spokesperson for the band, "by playing simplified versions and letting the emotions do the lifting." The iTunes Soho Sessions are available now exclusively from iTunes. Songs featured on the EP are "Run (I'm a Natural Disaster)," "Who's Gonna Save My Soul," "Surprise," "Crazy" and "A Little Better."
*Labelle, the formidable trio of Sarah Dash, Nona Hendryx and Patti LaBelle, has named their first full-length studio album in over 30 years "Back to Now." The set will be released by Verve Records on Oct. 21 and features production by Gamble & Huff, Wyclef Jean, and Lenny Kravitz. Hendryx says of the project: "It's as if we never stopped. The thread just continues." LaBelle adds: "We have a sound like no one else has." Dash says:
"This new album definitely represents Labelle today."
OLYMPICS ROUNDUP: Redeem Team beats Angola; Venus and Serena advance.
*The USA Men's Basketball Team got the best of Angola 97-76 Tuesday, with a leading 19 points clocked in by Dwyane Wade. The Angolan coach, hoping to avoid the 68, 36 and 33 point final deficits in previous Olympic matchups with the Americans, saw Tuesday's 18-point loss as a small victory.
"We achieved our goal. We tried to minimize the gap," Angola coach Alberto Carvalho said. "Playing the US was inspirational for us. They are the best."
*Both Williams sisters advanced to the third round of women's singles tennis Wednesday. Serena Williams took just 44 minutes to beat Samantha Stosur of Australia, 6-2, 6-0, while Venus beat Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic 6-1, 6-4. "I love the atmosphere," said Venus of the Olympics. "I think the most important [thing] is it's only every four years, so now is the time to really play well." Serena will meet No. 15 seed Alize Cornet of France in the Round of 16; Venus will face Victoria Azarenka of Belarus.
EVENT CALENDAR: Vocational Empowerment Fair in Chicago; Janelle Monae in Hollywood; Delroy Lindo at the Getty Villa.
*The 100 Black Men of Chicago will host its 1st Annual "Vocational Empowerment Fair" in Chicago on Monday, Aug. 18, at the UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt Rd, IL) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The goal is to provide information on union and non union vocational trade careers and guidance on job seeking. Participants will be union and non union groups, trade employees, trade schools, career counselors and service vendors. Some of the trades included in the inaugural fair include electrical, carpentry, drivers, roofers, mechanics, plumbing, automotive, assemblers, clerical, computer technicians, ironworks, aviation, and culinary.
*Janelle Monáe will perform at Hollywood’s legendary Viper Room on Tuesday, Aug. 19, in support of her debut album, "Metropolis: The Chase Suite (Special Edition)." Doors open at 8:30 p.m. The Viper Room is located at 8852 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. To purchase tickets and for more information on shows, check out www.viperroom.com or call the club at (310) 358-1881. The club is open 7 nights a week.
*Delroy Lindo and Tyne Daly star in an open-air California production of Agamemnon, at the Getty Villa in Malibu (17985 Pacific Coast Highway). Press notes state: "Lindo plays King Agamemnon of Mycenae, a leader so determined to lay siege to Troy that he tricks his family and sacrifices his own daughter to the gods — all in order to secure favorable winds for his fleet. Daly plays Clytemnestra, the betrayed wife of Agamemnon, whose rage toward her husband ferments for a decade as he fights in the Trojan War." The classic Aeschylus tragedy will play Thursdays-Saturdays Sept. 4-27.
Tickets are $38 ($32 students/seniors). To purchase tickets and for additional information, call (310) 440-7300 or visit www.getty.edu.
EUR FILM REVIEW: Passing Poston
Japanese-Americans Reminisce about Internment in WWII Documentary
Film Review by Kam Williams
*Soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the U.S. War Department ordered the removal of all Japanese citizens and aliens to internment camps.
The Relocation Authority uprooted the 120,000 affected individuals and shipped them with little more than the clothes on their backs to ten different uninhabited locations in remote regions of Utah, California, Arizona, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado and Arkansas.
This picture focuses fairly narrowly on what transpired at Camp Poston, Arizona, a dusty desert area surrounded by barbed wired. About 17,000 Japanese from California had to make do living in barracks and eating in a mess hall for the duration of World War II.
And to add insult to injury, they were forced to perform slave labor, building homes, schools, roads and the rest of an infrastructure for a town they would never be allowed to enjoy themselves.
Furthermore, upon return to the West Coast in 1945, many families found homes they owned either trashed or occupied by strangers. Understandably, children who witnessed such mistreatment at the hands of their own country during their formative years might never fully recover from the trauma.
That is the message convincingly conveyed by Passing Poston, a poignant documentary about a shameful chapter in American history. The film relies primarily on the reminiscences of four senior citizens still haunted by the experience 60 years later after the fact: Ruth Okimoto, Leon Uyeda,
Kiyo Sato and Mary Higashi.
Ms. Okimoto speaks wistfully about the sadness, shame, anger and rage which have plagued her all her life since being sent to Poston at the age of six. Meanwhile, Mr Uyeda admits that despite being freed after the war, he has never again felt fully American, sensing that his rights might again be arbitrarily taken away in an instant.
Who would think that full-fledged citizens, born in the States, could have lost their homes and businesses, never to recover financially or even own another house? Finally, in 1988, the U.S. made a belated gesture acknowledging its exploitation by paying $20,000 apiece in reparations to the 62,000 camp victims still surviving. "For the first time in 46 years," one beneficiary says wistfully, "I was proud of America." Still, no amount of money could ever compensate her for the humiliation and the neverending nightmares.
Excellent (4 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 60 minutes
Studi Fly on the Wall Productions
EUR DVD REVIEW: The Cool School
DVD Revisits California Beat Era Artists
DVD Review by Kam Williams
*Back in the Fifties, in the days before TV had hopelessly homogenized America into a place where you could find the same merchandise in the same chain stores in every mall all across the country, the East and West Coast had distinctly different cultures, even different counter-cultures.
For instance, while New York was the home of beatniks and a frenetic style of jazz known as hard bop, Los Angeles gave birth to a much mellower alternative called Cool.
And though the leading Manhattan galleries on 57th Street were then showing the work of such emerging icons as Jasper Johns, Frank Stella, Andy Warhol and Roy Liechtenstein, the West Coast scene was celebrating their own local artists like Ed Ruscha, Robert Irwin, Wallace Berman and Craig Kauffman.
What many may not know is that the Ferus Gallery, started in 1956 by med school dropout Walter Hopps and self-taught, aspiring artist Ed Kienholz, played a pivotal role in launching the careers of "The Cool School" of abstract expressionists among collectors in the L.A. area.
The intriguing story of the rise of the Ferus Gallery is recounted in this documentary comprised of interviews conducted with still surviving principals along with reams of riveting archival footage. Designed more for the devotee of the arts than your average moviegoer, the film is still apt to enthrall even the uninitiated who wouldn't know a Jackson Pollock from a Willem de Kooning.
For it focuses as much on quirky personalities and the hedonistic lifestyle, as it does on the paintings and sculptures themselves. Thus, we learn that Walter Hopps became hooked on speed and ended up in a mental hospital, while his wife Shirley left him for Irving Blum, the smooth operator who took over control of the business.
Despite all their success, seems like a lot of this salacious set went mad. We hear one embittered, elderly artist admit that he and his colleagues had "started out idealistic but ended up whores. And Irving was the pimp." There's videotape of another's funeral during which he is buried behind the wheel of his favorite vintage automobile.
Such decadent indulgences aside, The Cool School can be readily appreciated for its valuable lesson that one need not be dependent on the New York Establishment or any Ivory Tower critics for validation.
Very Good (3 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 85 minutes
Studi Arthouse Films
Distributor: Arts Alliance America
DVD Extras: Three featurettes: "The World of Ed Kienholz," "Ferus Artist Reunion" and "Walter Hopps on Walter Hopps."
JOSEPH C. PHILLIPS: Slaying Cynicism and Offering Hope
*Few things are as satisfying as proving a common sentiment false. Whether in the media or in barbershop discussions, we are often led to believe that the priorities of our young people are askew and that Black men do not take an interest in their communities. It is little wonder the beast cynicism so often rears its ugly head.
Last Monday, while speaking at the African American Youth Leadership Programs annual summer conference, I was inspired by several men of character and spent some time with some truly dynamic young people. It was a pleasure seeing often spouted misconceptions along with my doubts about the future blown to smithereens.
The African American Youth Leadership Program (AAYLP) is sponsored by the Research and Policy Institute of California, a non partisan think tank dedicated to issues affecting the African American community in California.
The current president of the institute and one of its founding members is Tommy Ross, vice president of public affairs at Southern California Edison. Ross has spent his career attempting to build relationships between those that make policy and those that are affected by that policy. That relationship is dependant upon clear lines of communication, which are fostered best through research, and dynamic leadership.
The AAYLP begins that leadership training by providing high school students with the tools they will need to find success in education, business and government. During the week long conference, student participants get hands-on experience, such as developing academic and career plans, running political campaigns and participating in the legislative process.
The program, however, is really about self discovery and empowerment; about realizing that one’s life has meaning and purpose beyond the present moment.
The week begins with discussions of African American history linking the past with the present by comparing African traditions from the past with those of present day America. Students are then asked to begin thinking about their own lives, about their dreams for the future and more importantly what they need to do in order to achieve them. They discuss what leadership really means, how to be examples for others in their communities – how to be a strong link in the chain.
In addition to Ross, students are given the opportunity to meet other links like former Oakland Raider Rick Jennings, executive director of Center for Fathers and Families and Lt. Colonel (ret) Brett Duge a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, current liaison for academy recruitment and a pilot for American Airlines. All of these men have achieved professional success but most importantly they give the lie to the belief that black men do not reach back with helping hands for those that are following. These men are husbands and fathers that spend a great deal of time offering wisdom to young people about the importance of education, planning and tenacity in achieving both professional and personal success.
There is something intoxicating about the enthusiasm of young people. One can’t help but be caught up in the hope and eagerness with which they approach the future. On more than one occasion, I had to swallow back the lump in my throat as one student after another stood and shared their dreams for the future: attending one of the service academies, journalism, or medical school. “I can’t” was not part of their vocabulary. To a person, they echoed the conviction “teach me and I will.”
There are times I fall victim to pessimism. I digest the images in the media that tend to focus on the negative behavior of young people and black men in our communities and I wonder about the future. Thankfully, I have plenty of opportunity to witness the optimism of youth and the love and dedication some men have for young people. During times like last Monday evening, I sleep well knowing that our future is secure.
Visit http://www.calresearch.org/ to learn more about the program.
Joseph C. Phillips is the author of “He Talk Like A White Boy” available wherever books are sold.
REGGAE UPDATES FROM JAMAICA: Kronik earns American Black Music Awards nom; New Tanya Stephens album; Mr. Easy completes US tour; Dancehall's Bugle making noise.
By Kevin Jackson
Las Vegas based Jamaican artiste Kronik earns nomination in American Black Music Awards
*Las Vegas based reggae artiste Kronik has picked up his second consecutive nomination for an American Black Music Award. He is nominated in the category for Best Reggae Performer. The awards will be handed out on August 16 at the Cashman theatre in Las Vegas.
Kronik’s nomination comes on the heels of the release of his most recent album Breaking Loose. Kronik says he is humbled by the nomination and he thanks all the persons who have contributed to making the nomination possible. ‘I feel great about the nomination. This is the second year that I have been nominated and I feel really good about it’, Kronik said in a telephone interview earlier this week.
Kronik whose songwriting reflects upon the struggles and the rewards that can be gained spiritually, says his aim is to bring the message across in his music, in a meaningful way. This cultural artiste who is originally from Clarendon, released his debut single Gold is my Treasure in 1998. The song which reached the top 20 on the RJR Top 40 chart led to the recording of several other songs by various producers.
He lists Buju Banton, the late Garnet Silk and Lucky Dube and Maxi Priest among his musical influences.
To date he has performed in countries including the British Virgin Islands, and several states in the US. He has also performed in Jamaica.
Equipped with a professional management team, Kronik who is the president of Love Bird Productions Inc (a publishing and recording company), is hoping to make a big impact on the international scene.
Reggae singer Tanya Stephens to release new album
Tanya Stephens is prepping the release of a new album as well as a book later this year. The artiste who was previously signed to New York's VP Records, recently unveiled a new track called Nasty from the forthcoming disc at the Sex in the City live performance series held in New Kingston.
"The album is a continuation of the thought process and the frame of mind that I have been in. There won't be any skits on the album, just some songs to make you think about real life situations," Stephens told this column.
Titled Infallible, the 21-track album will be Stephens' 7th opus, following closely on the heels of her final VP Records disc Rebelution, which was released two years ago. Tanya's other albums were Too Hype, Ruff Rider, Big Tings a Gwaan, Gangsta Blues, and Sintoxicated which was for Warner Music Sweden.
Born Vivienne Stephenson, Tanya debuted in the early 1990s with the song Big Tings a Gwaan Fi You. Her subsequent hits include Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet, Handle Di Ride, Big Ninja Bike, Freaky Type, Little White Lie, What A Day, It's a Pity and the 10-week number one sprinter These Streets.
Mr. Easy completes mini US tour; recording with various producers
Singer Mr. Easy recently completed a mini tour of the US. The trek made stops in cities including Baltimore, and Queens in New York.
Since his return to the island, Mr. Easy has been working with various producers to maintain his presence on the local scene. Some of the producers include Stephen McGregor, Demarco and Mario C.
Known for his work with producers including Dave Kelly, Richard ‘Shams’ Browne and Ward 21, Mr. Easy’s catalogue of hits include Hates and Fools (with Beenie Man); Drive Me Crazy, Man a Say a Who, Funny Man and Strangest Thing.
After completing his current recording projects, Mr. Easy will jet off to New Jersey for a performance on August 2. Club Taboo in Boston on August 8 and Caribbean Carnival on August 9 are included on his itinerary.
New dancehall music sensation Bugle working on various projects
Roy Thompson had been knocking on the doors of stardom since the 1990’s. It has been the love for the music that has kept him the game. While he was a youngster he would belt out his musical ambitions much to the liking of his fellow school mates.
Known these days a Bugle, Thompson who is originally from Portland would later link up with dancehall artiste Elephant Man The self styled energy god would take Bugle under his guidance where he performed on his Good to Go tour of the US. Fast forward to 2007, and Bugle would make the breakthrough thanks to the efforts of the Daseca production entity. Songs like What I’m Gonna Do, What Have I Done to You, Journey and a guest spot on Serani’s Doh, have helped to raise Bugle’s profile within the past year. He even picked up the award for Best New Artiste in the Observer Teenage Choice Awards.
‘I’m really grateful for the support and the love that the fans have been showing. Its just hard work and determination that have kept me in this game’, Bugle said in a recent interview.
Bugle is reportedly in discussions with overseas record companies for the release of his debut album. He refused to divulge any information on this development.
Currently working on a string of recordings, Bugle is booked to perform on a number of events overseas. ‘I’m performing on Irie Jamboree in New York at the end of August. On the 16th of August I’m performing on the Mighty Crown anniversary in Japan and then I’m going to England for a few shows. Its just crazy work that I am putting in right now’, said an enthusiastic Bugle.
Bugle is getting ready to shoot the video for two singles, Please, and Love Reign which features Tarrus Riley. He recently did a video for the track Heaven. Bugle’s latest recordings include Hypocrites on the Unfinished Business rhythm; No Yes Man (tear up jeans rhythm); and Russian Relay.
THE PULSE OF ENTERTAINMENT: Chante Moore releases 'Love the Woman,' her first solo CD in eight years on Peak Records
By Eunice Moseley
Grammy nominee Chante Moore returns with new solo CD ‘Love The Woman’
*“My father is a preacher and my mother sings, is a motivational speaker and (runs) a home for unwed mothers to help encourage them,” said Grammy Award nominee Chante Moore about her parental influences in her music career.
Chante’s music career includes an early production contribution from legendary George Duke and he is featured on this album as well. Some of her early hit songs include “Love’s Taken Over,” “It’s Alright,” “Chante’s Got a Man,” and “I’m What You Need. She recorded “Your Home is in my Heart” with Boyz II Men for the “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” soundtrack. She is also featured on a song on the soundtrack of “Waiting to Exhale” titled “Wey U.” Chante has received one Soul Train Award nomination and one win.
This new solo release, “Love The Woman,” on Peak Records is her first solo project in eight years. Her passion and love for good music is evident throughout the album and vocally she is still just as sweet.
Aside from George Duke on the Minni Ripperton cover, “Give Me Time,” you will hear production work from Raphael Saadip on “Special;” Warryn Campbell on “My Eyes;” Jamey Jaz on the title song, and Shales Frazier on the lead single “Ain’t Suppose to Be.”
“I’m excited to be out there by myself,” Moore says about currently being on tour with Norman Brown. “George Duke is the best…I choose all the songs…songs that I could identify with.”
My personal favorites on the “Love The Woman” CD are “Can’t Do It,” because of its Pop/Urban feel; “Special,” a sweet heart-felt plea to women; her cover of Minni Ripperton’s “Give Me Time,” which she delivers in a compelling way, and “Love Action,” a finger snapping number.
Chante’s tour with Norman Brown started in April and ends in September. To find out where the tour stops visit www.chantemooreonline.com or www.peakrecordds.com.
GLENN'S STRATEGIES FOR WELL-BEING: Tests That Can Save Your Life
*Health indicators consistently confirm that African Americans suffer disproportionately from leading diseases, as well as die earlier. In light of this, it is especially important for African Americans to get accustomed to having regular screenings and exams. In doing so, many conditions could be at the least caught earlier, and at best prevented.
Towards this end, it is especially important that African Americans undergo routine medical screening tests.
These tests should be routinely performed; others may be necessary if recommended by your physician or if your medical history dictates:
Complete physical. For starters, we should be clear that a complete physical is the central aspect of all other routine screenings and exams these are recommended every five years before age forty; every two years between ages forty and sixty, and annually thereafter.
Blood pressure measurement. High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called a silent killer because you can have it for years without knowing it. High blood pressure occurs far more frequently in blacks than in any other racial group in the United States. High blood pressure in blacks generally develops at an earlier age than it does in whites. Plus, it's more likely to lead to serious complications such as stroke or heart attack. Blood pressure is taken as part of a routine physical exam. Between physicals, you may want to test your blood pressure yourself. Many pharmacies and grocery stores have machines available for public use; stop in at least twice a year and have your blood pressure checked.
Breast exam (women). African-American have the highest death rate from breast cancer and are more likely to be diagnosed with a later stage of breast cancer than White women. The most effective way to fight breast cancer is to detect it early. Although the most effective tools to detect breast cancer are mammography and clinical breast exam by your health professional, the breast self-exam may also be an effective tool to find cancer early. In fact, women who perform regular breast self-exam find 90% of all breast masses.
Cholesterol. Cholesterol levels are measured by taking a small sample of blood from your finger or your arm and are measured as milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood. You may want to ask your doctor if you need to fast before your test. Inflammation (swelling) of the arteries is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke and peripheral arterial disease. To see if your arteries are inflamed as a result of atherosclerosis, doctors can test your blood for C-reactive protein (CRP). The body produces CRP during the general process of inflammation. Therefore, CRP is a "marker" for inflammation, meaning its presence indicates an increased state of inflammation in the body. CRP is measured with a simple blood test, which can be done at the same time your cholesterol is checked. Begin testing at adolescence. Test every five years, or more often if you have a history of atherosclerosis or coronary disease. You should look for your total cholesterol levels as well as your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.
Dental exam and tooth cleaning. We are seeing more and more the connection between your dental health and your overall health. Diabetes and heart disease in particular have a direct connection. Visit your dentist every six months; more often if periodontal disease is present
Eye examination. Glaucoma is the common name of a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, causing blind spots in the victim's visual field. These blind spots usually start in the peripheral vision, but can spread and eventually cause complete blindness in one or both eyes. The American Diabetes Association strongly recommends that all patients with diabetes have annual eye exams. Every one to two years.
Rectal exam/digital. The digital rectal exam is an important screening test for the detection of tumors of the rectum and prostate abnormalities, including benign enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and cancer of the prostate Consider having one annually after age thirty-five.
Sigmoidoscopy. This test is commonly used to screen for colorectal cancer and polyps. You should have one every three to five years after age forty.
Skin exam. Both African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos tend to develop lupus at a younger age and have more symptoms at diagnosis (including kidney problems. Once a month, using a mirror or asking a friend for help, check every square inch of your skin for abnormalities, including moles, rashes, or scaling. Annually, have a primary care physician or dermatologist perform a skin check, starting at age forty, or earlier if you have a lot of sun-related skin damage.
Of course, there are many other periodic exams and screenings; these just happen to be some of the ones most important for African Americans.
Remember, I'm not a doctor. I just sound like one.
Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible!
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended, nor implied, to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Glenn Ellis, author of Which Doctor?, is a health columnist and radio commentator who lectures, and is an active media contributor nationally and internationally on health related topics
For more good health information, visit: www.glennellis.com
AUDREY’S SOCIETY WHIRL: Walter T. Mosley III -- Committed To Improving Life In Brooklyn – Is Poised To Unseat Incumbent.
Young Barack-Inspired Candidate Receives Endorsements From New York State Senator Eric Adams And New York State Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries At First Major Fund Raiser in Brooklyn, New York
By Audrey J. Bernard, Lifestyles/Society Editor
*As Marvin Gaye’s profound song “What’s Going On” engulfed the air setting the tone for a provocative evening on the town for a purpose at Brooklyn’s famous watering whole Two Steps Down in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn, New York, Walter T. Mosley III, surrounded by family members and campaign workers, greeted elected officials, community leaders and supporters who came out on a sweltering Thursday evening, July 17, to attend his very first campaign fund raiser and back his candidacy as Democratic District Leader, 57th A.D. (State Committeeman).
With a deep commitment to improving the quality of life of fellow Brooklynnites and bringing leadership back to the larger than life community, the handsome young candidate has thrown his proverbial hat into the political race which came as no surprise to the borough’s young democrats for change.
The always nattily attired Mosley is a natural born politician. As the son of Brooklyn’s political powerhouse Marilyn Mosley, politics and people are synonymous with the concerned Brooklyn born native who has always put the welfare and well being of people first.
Born and raised in two Brooklyn communities, Crown Heights and Clinton Hill, Brooklyn’s newest rising star has served as advisor to members on political, legislative, and public policy issues related to local, municipal, and statewide initiatives.
Mosley’s efforts impacting local communities allowed him to work for several elected officials including serving as a Legislative Analyst for the New York City Council, and current New York State Governor David Paterson. In addition, the savvy young politician was assigned to work on behalf of Senator John Kerry’s presidential campaign, affording him the opportunity to work within the national arena.
Mosley’s previous work in a presidential race was a prerequisite for his political dream. As a result of his outstanding work on behalf of Presidential nominee Barack Obama’s campaign, Mosley successfully ran as a Delegate in the 10th Congressional District on behalf of Senator Obama, and will participate in the upcoming Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado.
Mosley, whose candidacy covers Clinton Hill, Fort-Greene, Bedford Stuyvesant, Crown Heights and Prospect Heights, is no stranger to his community where he’s been endorsed by a number of elected officials and community activists including New York State Senator Eric Adams and New York State Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries who both attended the aspiring politician’s official campaign fund raiser at Two Steps Down featuring great food and voters who like their politics straight up, no chaser! This was Obamaland and Brooklyn was in the House!
Walter T. Mosley III proudly serves the downtown and central Brooklyn community through his unparalleled accessibility and work toward achieving equality and balance for all Brooklyn residents.
To help this young man reach his goal to go all the way, contact his campaign office at FriendsofWalterTMosley@hotmail.com to obtain additional information on Mosley’s platform and candidacy. Contributions should be made payable t Friends of Walter T. Mosley, c/o Fredrica Fisher, Treasurer, 309 Lafayette Avenue, Apt. 1E, Brooklyn, NY 11238.
Yes, it’s time for change! (Photos: Margot Jordan and Donald Graham Bernard)
Audrey J. Bernard is an established chronicler of Black society and Urban happenings based in the New York City area. She is also the proud Aunt of Walter T. Mosley III.
EUR MOTIVATIONAL NOTE
“Great minds have purposes, others have wishes.” - by Washington Irving
CELEBRITY BIRTHDAYS
Aug. 14: Actor Antonio Fargas ("Starsky and Hutch") is 62. Bassist Larry Graham of Sly and the Family Stone is 62. Actor Carl Lumbly ("Alias") is 57. Actress Jackee Harry ("Sister, Sister," "227") is 52. Actress Halle Berr
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