Thursday, February 26, 2009

The Ladies in Red

By | 2/26/09 4:29 AM EST

If a woman in red demands to be noticed, a thousand women in red are impossible to ignore.

At least that’s what the members of Delta Sigma Theta are counting on when they head to the Hill next week, clad in crimson and cream, to lobby their senators and representatives on the African-American sorority’s national agenda.

Don’t let the word “sorority” fool you: The Deltas won’t be pushing to lower the drinking age or fighting for their right to party. Most of the women who will attend the 20th annual four-day legislative seminar known as Delta Days at the Nation’s Capital are long out of school, and they’re coming to learn how to be effective advocates on issues like poverty, affordable housing and education.

“It’s an awesome sight to see so many black women here on the Hill,” says Nicole Williams, communications director for Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.). “There’s a powerful message, I think, that black women have a place at the political table.”

Deltas such as Williams have helped make sure of that.

From Hill staffers like Williams to elected officials like Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio), members of the sorority formed in 1913 by African-American women at Howard University have followed trailblazing sorors — as Delta sisters call one another — including former Reps. Shirley Chisholm (D-N.Y.) and Barbara Jordan (D-Texas) and former Sen. Carol Moseley Braun (D-Ill.) to become a quiet force in the nation’s capital.

Delta and the other “Divine Nine” African-American fraternities and sororities serve as built-in career networks, support systems and social clubs for many of their members in the capital, but Delta has a particular history of political action that its sorors are committed to paying forward. Its founders broke away from Alpha Kappa Alpha, the nation’s first black sorority, at Howard in part because they wanted to be more civically engaged. Their first public action was to take part in the Women’s Suffrage March in Washington — although, because they were black, they had to march at the end of the line.

For African-American women on the Hill, the Deltas’ brand of political sisterhood is a powerful resource. “I can definitely say that, living in Washington just in general, in the political circles, it’s very exclusive,” says Velvet Johnson, counsel for the Senate Federal Financial Management Subcommittee. Being a Delta, she says, “helps in connecting to people — and not just people, but the right people in the right places.”

Shrita Sterlin, director of communications for Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.), has been on the Hill less than a year. For her, the Delta network has been like a map to a maze.

“For me, when I first got on the Hill — you know, the Hill can be an interesting place,” she says. “The ceilings are tall, the hallways are wide, there are thousands of people in the building at one time, and you just are navigating through the labyrinthine processes here.”

Early on, she recalls, she wore a dress with a little elephant on it — an unofficial Delta symbol — and she was approached by another staffer, who invited her to a Delta luncheon.

Since then, fellow Deltas have helped her with everything from where to go to find information on a particular bill to where to go for food. It has been especially important, Sterlin says, to know that there are others around who understand her struggles — and also to “see someone on the other side that has been successful.”

Not that long ago, says Sterlin, when the barriers African-American women faced were even higher, the Delta connection was even more crucial — and less overt. “Back in the day, it was almost like an Underground Railroad network of sorts, an opportunity to be brought through and brought up,” Sterlin says.

Today’s Deltas on the Hill are freer to be loud and proud: Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-Ohio), who died last year, was an outspoken Delta who made red her signature color and was buried wearing her DST pin.

They are, however, no less committed to bringing their members through.

“It’s an organization of leaders, and we expect to continue to bring leaders along,” says Fudge, herself a past national president of the sorority. “We think that’s our responsibility and our obligation.”

Fudge, who served as Tubbs Jones’ chief of staff, recalls that when she and Tubbs Jones first arrived in Washington, former secretary of labor and soror Alexis Herman held their first fundraiser. Fudge and Tubbs Jones shared an apartment but didn’t have any furniture. The Deltas brought them some. When Fudge ran for mayor back in Ohio, it was the Deltas who raised the money for her campaign. And after the loss of her friend and mentor, Fudge says, it was the Deltas who persuaded her to run for Tubbs Jones’ seat.

“We really focus on political awareness and involvement,” she says. “We talk about why it’s important to have our own members in positions of authority. And we start out by saying, ‘Anybody can run for school board or city council. Be the head of your PTA, be involved in some policymaking arena that will allow us to get our agenda out.’ So we really do try to start people at the most basic level, and then hopefully continue to move them forward.”

Those who come to Delta Days hear from experts in various issue areas — then-Sen. Hillary Clinton was among those who spoke last year — and they learn skills such as how to prepare legislation so they can help move agenda items through their city council or county government. Then they hammer out the sorority’s agenda and head to the Hill to ask their representatives how their priorities will be addressed.

When they return home, says Fudge, they are charged with sharing what they’ve learned with the rest of their chapter — and with making themselves known and their voices heard in their communities.

And when they’re in Washington, Fudge says, as long as a Delta is in her seat, “they know if they can’t be heard anyplace else, they’re going to be heard here.”

celebrity report....2-23-09

The dress stays on! Tyler Perry wants to let go of his on-screen alter ego. But after raking in over $43 million at the box office, the dress and wig will stay on. Filming starts next month on a new “Madea” movie, I Can Do Bad All By Myself. It’s based on his 1999 hit play. Tyler has a lot of projects coming up: a role in the new Star Trek movie; a 1940’s period piece, Jazz Man’s Blues; and a movie project designed for Jennifer Hudson. Despite all of this, there is too much money in "Madea" to stop dressing in drag.

Chris Brown is gearing up for his March 5th court date. He has started taking anger management classes. It was almost three weeks ago that Brown was arrested for assaulting Pop Singer Rihanna. During the past week, photos were leaked showing a bruised and battered Rihanna. Rihanna recently turned 21, and friends say she received flowers, a diamond bracelet, necklace and an IPod Touch from Brown. The big question being asked this week is: is the pop princess pregnant? So far, Rihanna has been refusing to answer any questions about Brown and their relationship, but she thanks her fans for their love and support.

Tameka Foster Raymond is out of the hospital, back in Atlanta and begging for forgiveness. Tameka almost died three weeks ago during a plastic surgery procedure in Brazil. She snuck off to Brazil, leaving her babies behind and never said a word to her husband Usher. Tameka recently gave birth to their second child two months ago. She went to Brazil to undergo a lipo and tummy tuck procedure. Tameka suffered a heart attack and had to be placed in a medically induced coma. Usher mother, Johnetta Patton, was livid. Why would this woman do this to her son? Why would she leave her babies? Is she that vain? Since retaking the management reigns of her son’s career, Johnetta has tried to stay away from the goings on in the marriage. But this time, Johnetta realized she couldn’t stay quiet any longer. She made it clear to Tameka these antics have to stop: Straighten Up And Be A Wife And Mother To Your Kids. Let Usher do his job. There is no room for you in his career. You are his wife, so act like a wife. Usher is clearly in the middle of this on going saga, but he was livid with his wife. How could she embarrass him like that? He has a new album that he is working on, and he doesn’t need distractions.

Oscar Winner Morgan Freeman is finding out the hard about a woman scorned. At 71-years old, Easy Reader is finding out that jumpoffs talk. Back in August, Freeman almost lost his life in a car crash. He was in a car with a woman who was not his wife. After he was released from the hospital, he decided to divorce his wife and take up with yet another woman. Well, the woman in the car said WTH! Oh No Morgan, I have been quiet too long. In a recent press conference, Demaris Meyer stated that she was seeing Freeman while he was married. Now, Meyer is suing him for damages.

Singer Keith Sweat is being sued by his ex-wife. Sweat used to be married to Lisa Hartwell, a.k.a Lisa Wu of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta. Wu is not only suing her ex-husband, but she wants custody of their two sons, ages 11 and 14. Wu has since remarried, and she has a young child with her husband, former NFL Star Ed Hartwell.

Is Oprah ready to step aside? Well not so fast. The Mighty O has stated she is tired of being on the cover of her O magazine, and she is in talks with First Lady Michelle Obama to appear on the cover. Well, it appears Oprah will now be doing a joint cover with the First Lady, if it happens.

Gary Coleman is in trouble with the law again. Last week, the former child star was arrested for drunk driving. Coleman is best known for the 1980’s classic TV comedy Diff’rent Strokes and his character “Arnold.”

Halle Berry’s new Fragrance “Halle” debuts in stores in March. Check her out on the new issue of Essence magazine.

Tracy Morgan’s Manhattan apartment was left in ruins last week. A fire that started with a broken light bulb in his fish tank destroyed his luxury apartment. The 30 Rock star says he is glad no one was injured during the blaze.

Chris Rock’s brother Tony Rock was arrested last week on suspicion of drunk driving. Rock says it was all a big misunderstanding. Rock says he doesn’t have a problem with holding his liquor.

Get ready for the reunion of Bell Biv DeVoe. A reunion album is in the works for Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins and Ronnie DeVoe of New Edition fame.

Basketball Star Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat wants to clear his name. Wade is going through a nasty divorce with his wife Siovaughn. During the proceedings, Siovaughn released a statement claiming Wade gave her a nasty STD. Siovaughn later retracted her statements when she got her divorce settlement, but the damage was done. Wade has filed a defamation suit against his ex. Wade is claiming he is the victim of a reckless campaign spearheaded by his ex-wife. He says she deliberately wanted to publicly humiliate him and damage his reputation.

Is Singer Lauryn Hill pregnant again? Word has it she is pregnant with baby number six. This would be the sixth child for Lauryn and Rohan Marley. Hill is currently living with her parents.

Stevie Wonder’s wife, Fashion Designer Kai Milla is in talks with the Lifetime Channel to do a reality show. Milla is one of the favorites of First Lady Michelle Obama.

Paula Abdul revealed her true feelings during a recent interview. Abdul was asked how she felt about a fourth judge (a female) being added to the American Idol mix. In the beginning, Abdul said she didn’t have a problem, but now she is stating that a fourth judge just doesn’t work. She says having a fourth judge disrupts the flow of the show. This is the last season of Paula’s contract, which makes you wonder will she be staying on as a judge for American Idol?

In more Idol news, Ruben Studdard is branching out on his own. The former American Idol winner is having money problems. He owes the I.R.S. a lot of money, and he was recently dropped from his record label. Studdard is launching his next project on an independent label. The album, Love Is, is due out May 19th.

Speaking of American Idol alum, Jennifer Hudson is gearing up for her first tour. She is hitting the road on a mini-tour with Singer/Songwriter Robin Thicke. Once Hudson finishes up the tour, she wants to head back into the studio to work on a gospel music CD.

Luther Campbell, a.k.a…Uncle Luke, had to spend a little time in jail. Campbell owed $11,000 in attorney fees in a child support custody case. He had been refusing to pay the attorneys for his baby momma. In the 1980’s, Campbell spearheaded the free speech movement with his raunchy rap act 2 Live Crew.

Former Basketball Great Charles Barkley is going to jail. Barkley recently pleaded guilty to drunk driving and running a red light after getting arrested late last year. Barkley starts his 5 day prison sentence on March 21st. He will also have to attend alcohol rehabilitation classes.

Eddie Murphy is looking to redeem himself in Hollywood. Realizing his crass behavior cost him an Oscar, Murphy is looking to turn things around. He has agreed to support his baby with Spice Girl Mel B. She is getting $52,000 a month in child support, and he also agreed to visitation rights. Murphy surprised a lot of people when he showed up to present a humanitarian award to Comedy Legend Jerry Lewis at this month’s Academy Awards. Murphy was on his best behavior, backstage he said he was humbled to be able to honor Lewis.

Speaking of Murphy, remember his comedy hit Coming To America? Well, Martin Lawrence is putting a different spin on it. 21 years ago, Coming to America joined the ranks of one of the great comedy classics, and now, Lawrence is putting together Back To America. Martin will produce and star in the movie about a working class guy from Queens who discovers he’s an heir to an African country.

Congratulations to Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. They will be receiving the BMI Icons Award on May 19th at the 57th Annual Pop Awards.

Lionel Richie is going to be a grandpop again. Richie daughter Nicole is pregnant with her second child. Nicole and her rocker boyfriend, Joel Madden, are going to have company for their one-year old daughter Harlow. Nicole is due in the fall.

Congrats also go to Singer Deborah Cox. She and her husband recently welcomed their third child, a baby girl.

Kelly Rowland is proving there is life after Destiny’s Child. Rowland has just signed on for the reality show, The Fashion Show. The show will air on the Bravo Network and will co-star designer Isaac Mizrahi.

Producer Lee Daniels has changed the name of his upcoming release. The long awaited project Push will be renamed Precious. The movie is scheduled to be released later this year and stars Mo’Nique, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey and new comer Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe as “Precious.” Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey have joined forces to help Lee with the promotion of this movie. The film Precious is based on the book Push by Sapphire, and focuses on the plight of a 16-year old who has suffered years of abuse but overcomes her odds with the help of others.

The new season of Dancing With The Stars kicks off March 9th. Rapper Lil’ Kim, David Alan Grier from In Living Color fame and Football Great Lawrence Taylor are part of the cast. Lil Kim will be introducing her new look blue eyes during the season.

Cadillac Records starring Beyonce comes out on DVD March 10th.

Stevie Wonder is coming out with a live DVD. Stevie Wonder: Live From London arrives in stores March 10th.

The T.D. Jakes film Not Easily Broken starring Morris Chestnut and Taraji P. Henson hits DVD shelves April 7th.

Seven Pounds starring Will Smith and Rosario Dawson will be released on DVD March 31st.

Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice returns this Sunday, March 1st. This year’s participants include Singer Brian McKnight, T-Boz from TLC, Model/Actress Claudia Jordan and Former Football Great Herschel Walker.

The TNT network has given the green light to the new Jada Pinkett Smith drama Time Heals. Smith not only stars, but she is also the show’s executive producer. Smith plays a nurse in the new show, which debuts this fall.

The Wendy Williams talk show is set to debut this July.

The 15th Annual Essence Music Festival is set for July 3rd, 4th and 5th in New Orleans. Beyonce, John Legend, Eric Benet, Robin Thicke, Anita Baker and Maxwell are all on the bill. There will also be seminars featuring Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Roland Martin. Plus, there’ll be an all-star tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Does your mother hate you! This is the question being asked about a certain Diva who follows her mother’s advice religiously. It is time to cut the apron strings and stop relying on mommy’s tacky style sense.

Please fire your stylist! This Singer sometime Actress wore a tacky wig to the Oscars. Apparently, she didn’t want to offend her new stylist, so she wore the wig. She looked a mess.

I Pay The Bills Around Here! Despite getting a high profile job, this man can’t catch a break with his superstar wife. He still has to wait on her hand and foot and act like he’s one of dogs.

Saturday, February 21, 2009

celebrity report....2-16-09

What's next for Chris Brown and Rihanna? Will they ever reconcile? Chris Brown released a lame public apology this week. He says he's very sad about what happened, and he is seeking counseling with his pastor. He says with God's help, he hopes to emerge as a better person. Brown never mentioned Rihanna in his press statement. He is doing major damage control now. Brown hired the attorney who helped Mel Gibson during his anti-Semitic rage that was caught on tape. Will this help Brown? Only time will tell. Rihanna has not made a public appearance or statement, but her family is talking. Rihanna's dad says his daughter will speak soon and will be back performing. He says he hopes his daughter will stand up for women around the world regarding violence in relationships. Some close friends of Rihanna claim the Umbrella star still loves Chris, but doubt if she will ever reconcile with him. Even thought they only dated a year, sources say it was a volatile relationship.

What was Tameka thinking, and why did she lie to her husband? Tameka Raymond, the older wife of Singer Usher Raymond, has a lot of explaining to do. Two weeks ago, she almost died during a plastic surgery operation. Tameka went to Brazil to get a liposuction procedure and tummy tuck. She left her babies behind, and never mentioned to her husband that she was leaving the country to get plastic surgery. Friends of Tameka say she wanted to be perfect for her husband. She just had a baby two months ago, and she wanted to be slim and trim. Because she is older than Usher, Tameka always felt insecure about him being in videos with younger models. Once she arrived in Brazil, Tameka proceeded to lie to the doctors telling them she gave birth four months ago when it was actually two months ago. Doctors prefer that women wait at least six to eight months before undergoing plastic surgery. During the procedure, Tameka suffered a heart attack and had to be put in a medically induced coma. Usher is beside himself. He can't believe his wife would lie to him and risk her life because she is so vain. He could have been left a widower with two babies if she had died. What was she thinking? Usher's mom tried to do damage control, but she realizes this is a public relations nightmare that has brought great embarrassment to her son.

Michael Misick is resigning as prime minister of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Citing it is in the best interest of the party, Misick will step down on March 31st. Misick's reign as prime minister was marred by sex scandals, misappropriated funds, secret babies and a high profile marriage. Misick's fairytale wedding to Actress LisaRaye turned into a nightmare marriage that made headlines around the world. LisaRaye testified in court about his infidelities and babies he made with other women during their courtship and marriage. She also talked about the hundred of thousand of dollars he spent on her and their lavish lifestyle. She also talked about the sex scandal that finally destroyed their marriage.

Is it another Norwood publicity stunt, or is Ray J the daddy? Ray J is laughing off reports that he got one of the contestants on his reality show For The Love Of Ray J pregnant. One of the contestants, Danger, is claiming she slept with Ray J every night during the taping of the show. Danger, whose real name is Monica Leon, says the condom broke and her pill failed. Now she is three months pregnant with Ray J's child. Ray-J's mom, Sonya Norwood, guides his career and she is known to run with fake stories to keep her children's name in the spotlight (remember Brandy's fake marriage). So is Ray J gonna be a father, or is this just a ploy to make people tune into his show on VH1?

Years ago, he was one of the most celebrated athletes on the planet. He was good looking, funny and a natural in front of the cameras. Yep, years ago Jayson Williams was the man. But trouble began when he accidentally shot his limo driver to death. Was it really an accident? He went on trial for murder, but he was acquitted. During this time, Williams got married and had two children by a woman he barely knew. A lot of people were surprised by this quickie marriage. Many wondered if this was love. Well, now the truth is coming out and Tonya Williams wants out. Tonya is divorcing Williams citing cruel and inhumane treatment. She stated in court papers how her husband sexually assaulted and threatened to kill her. She says despite their two kids, they barely had sex, but he had cocaine and condoms stashed everywhere. She says during their marriage he faked illnesses (stomach cancer) and suicide. Tonya says it was unsafe to stay in the marriage, and she wants a divorce immediately.

Phoenix Suns Center Shaquille O'Neal had a nice present for President Obama. He recently gave The Commander In Chief a pair of his size 23 sneakers.

Our First Lady, Michelle Obama, is about to make magazine history again. Look for Mrs. Obama to grace an upcoming issue of Oprah Winfrey's O magazine. Oprah usually graces the cover herself, but she says it was time for a change. The Mighty O feels our First Lady is the one to do it. So, for the first time in the history of O magazine, Oprah is going to step aside and let Michelle Obama grace the cover. Oprah and Gayle recently visited the White House for the historic photo shoot and interview.

Gary Coleman is in trouble again. The pint size former child star was recently arrested for drunken driving. In interviews, he has stated how unhappy he is with his life, and it is showing in his recent run-ins with the law.

Nicollette Sheridan is leaving Desperate Housewives. Sheridan played the popular "Edie" character, and sources say that character is going to die. Look for her exit in April, and look for some girl on girl love with two of the main characters.

Marlon Jackson of The Jackson Five has stirred up controversy with his latest venture. Jackson has teamed up with investors to build a slavery theme park in Africa. The proposed park will be built in Nigeria along the site of a famous slave port. Jackson is proposing building a Jackson Five museum along with casinos, shops, condos and a golf course. Needless to say locals are outraged at his plans. Jackson has been trying to rebuild his career for years. During his last job, he was stocking shelves at a supermarket.

Some of today's biggest comedians are joining forces to star in a new comedy film. Chris Rock, Kevin James, Adam Sandler and David Spade will be teaming up for a movie featuring four friends from high school going to their 30th year reunion.

Despite a D.U.I. controversy hanging over his head, Charles Barkley is moving on with his life. Late last year, the former basketball star was arrested for a second time involving drinking and driving. He was suspended from his job as an analyst on the TNT network and lost of couple of endorsement deals, but he is not letting his troubles stop his career. Barkley loves the game of golf, and he will be starring in a new reality show on the Golf Channel. Barkley says he needs to work on his swing.

Bishop T.D. Jakes has gathered his family together to save his son Jermaine. Jakes has been on a roll with his TV ministry, books, movies and upcoming talk show, but the recent arrest of his son has stopped the Bishop in his tracks. Earlier this year, Jakes' 29-year old son Jermaine was arrested and charged with indecent exposure. According to police reports, Jermaine was in a park known for picking up men and he exposed himself to two undercover cops. The shock waves were heard around the country with the news of the preacher's son. Jakes regularly speaks out against homosexuality, and now he finds his faith tested as he deals with this controversy regarding his son. The Jakes family has pledged to stand by their son during this time of crisis.

Two of Hollywood's biggest stars, Denzel Washington and Tom Cruise, could be joining forces. Word has it they are scheduled to do a spy thriller as two enemies bought together.

Stevie Wonder was recently award the Gershwin Prize For Popular Song. This award was created by the Library Of Congress, and Wonder was honored by President Obama and First Lady Michelle during a special White House ceremony.

The plastic surgery paid off. Vivica A. Fox is no stranger to plastic surgery, and her recent good looks can be attributed to Botox, a face lift, an eyelift and nose adjustment. Fox's new reality show, The Cougars, debuts on the TV Land network in mid April. The show is about older women looking for love with younger men.

Russell Simmons recently unveiled his new men's clothing line at Wal-Mart. The line, called American Classics, is priced to sell.

Congrats to Nicole Ari Parker and Boris Kodjoe. They are expecting their third child, and congrats to Rhonda Ross. She's the daughter of Berry Gordy and Diana Ross. Rhonda is expecting as well. Speaking of The Boss, Tyler Perry wants her to star in his next movie. But, Ross won't return his calls or respond to the gifts he has sent her.

Former Sixer, now Detroit Piston, Allen Iverson debuted his new look over the weekend at the NBA All-Star Game. For years, Iverson sported cornrows and braided styles, but he said he wanted a new look. Now he is sporting a low top fade.

Isaac Hayes passed away last August, and his estate is in turmoil. His home in Memphis has fallen into foreclosure and is headed for the auction block.

MC Hammer is back. Hammer has just signed a deal for a new reality show on the A&E network. Hammertime will feature Hammer, Stephanie, his wife of 23 years, and their five kids. In the 90's, Hammer was a celebrated rapper with a huge fortune. In 1991 alone, he made $33 million. Five years later, he was broke.

Will Smith has signed on for the movie Monster Hunter. Smith will play a psychiatrist in the family comedy.

Halle Berry has signed on for the true story of international jewel thief Doris Payne in the movie Who Is Doris Payne.

Lil' Kim is coming to Dancing With The Stars. The new season kicks off March 9th. David Allen Grier from In Living Color fame and Football Great Lawrence Taylor are also part of the cast.

The Bynum Brothers are back with a new venture. They own Warmdaddy's on Columbus Boulevard and had the old Zanzibar Blue in Center City. Starting March 1st, their latest project called RELISH will open its doors at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki's. RELISH will feature live jazz music Thursday through Sunday.

Cadillac Records starring Beyonce comes out on DVD March 10th.

Queen Latifah will be performing on the Oscars this Sunday. She'll be doing the memorial segment remembering those industry legends who have died in the past year. Hugh Jackman is hosting this year's ceremony, and he is scheduled to do a musical performance with Beyonce and Zac Efron of High School Musical fame.

Stevie Wonder is coming out with a live DVD. Stevie Wonder: Live From London arrives in stores March 10th.

The T.D. Jakes film Not Easily Broken starring Morris Chestnut and Taraji P. Henson hits DVD shelves April 7th.

Seven Pounds starring Will Smith and Rosario Dawson will be released on DVD March 31st.

At the movies this week, it's Tyler Perry's Madea Goes To Jail. The movie also stars Derek Luke, Keisha Knight Pulliam and Oscar Nominee Viola Davis.

Donald Trump's Celebrity Apprentice returns on March 1st. This year's participants include Singer Brian McKnight, T-Boz from TLC, Model/Actress Claudia Jordan and Former Football Great Herschel Walker.

The TNT network has given the green light to the new Jada Pinkett Smith drama Time Heals. Smith not only stars, but she is also the show's executive producer. Smith plays a nurse in the new show, which debuts this fall.

The 15th Annual Essence Music Festival is set for July 3rd, 4th and 5th in New Orleans. Beyonce, John Legend, Eric Benet, Robin Thicke, Anita Baker and Maxwell are all on the bill. There will also be seminars featuring Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Roland Martin. Plus, there'll be an all-star tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes.

WHAT'S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I told you not to marry her! These words are coming back to haunt a Singer who was warned he was marrying a crazy woman. Her recent lies almost killed her.

This Manager/Mom is trying to pull a fast one on the public. She will do anything to keep her client/son in the spotlight, including paying off hoochies to make up stories and keep him in the press.

Is she or isn't she? This beautiful Actress is keeping her name in the press by staying close to another celebrated Actress. Are the two having an affair?!! Probably not…. but they have a lot of people interested in them and saying hmmmmmmmmmm!

celebrity report....2-9-09

What is going with Chris Brown, and can his career survive this scandal? Brown is in a lot of trouble. With his recent arrest regarding the assault on girlfriend Rihanna, where does he go from here? Once you get the reputation for hitting women, it never goes away. Brown and Rihanna have been an item for over a year. I personally thought it was a publicity stunt. Rihanna had been rumored to have been secretly seeing Jay-Z, and Brown was rumored to be secretly dating his much older, female manager. To get the heat off what was really going on, publicists came up with plans to throw people off. The two singers were brought together and presented as a couple, but a strange thing happened along the way: someone caught feelings. Published reports say Rihanna was punched, choked and threatened by Brown after she found other girls' numbers in his cell. She threw his phone and car keys out the window of his rented Lamborghini, and that's what set off the altercation. Brown has been dropped by numerous advertising companies, but he remains free on $50,000 bail. Rihanna is back in Barbados with her family, and she has canceled numerous appearances, including her 21st birthday party. Sources say she may possibly need plastic surgery to cover her bruising.

What happened in Brazil, and will Usher's wife survive? Usher's wife, Tameka, flew to Brazil to undergo plastic surgery. She was getting lipo and a tummy tuck, but something went wrong. She suffered a heart attack and had to be put into a medically induced coma. At press time, Tameka is in stable condition. Usher had to leave the country immediately to be by his wife's side. Tameka just gave birth in December to their second son. Friends say she wanted to get her body back because she is older (early 40's) than Usher and feels the pressure to compete with younger women. There was also the issue of her being forced to stay in the background so that her husband's career would flourish again. The Grammy festivities were supposed to have been a big comeback for Usher. He now has to worry about the condition of his wife and the mother of his sons. Usher's mom, Jonetta Patton, has never gotten along with Tameka. Patton recently returned to her position as Usher's manager. Needless to say Patton isn't happy as she wonders what kind of woman would leave the country for risky plastic surgery less than two months after giving birth. Usher's career will now have to wait as he must now tend to his wife.

Changes are coming to Grey's Anatomy. Actors and best buds Katherine Heigl ("Izzy") and T.R. Knight ("George") are leaving after this season. Both have expressed their dissatisfaction with the recent storylines for their characters. Heigl has a prospering movie career she wants to pursue, and Knight still has bruised feelings over Actor Isaiah Washington's use of gay slurs on the set. Washington was let go from the show and the controversy forced Knight to come out of the closet.

Mr. Carey Goes To Hollywood…and gets a job! Mariah's hubby, Nick Cannon, has just signed a multi-project deal with the NBC network, which includes becoming the new host of America's Got Talent. Cannon will take over for Jerry Springer when the new season begins this summer on NBC. Incidentally, you can call Nick Mr. Carey. He doesn't care. Cannon is a happy man being married to Mariah. He has her name tattooed on his back. Plus, he's been directing her videos, acting as her bodyguard and he has an unlimited bank account. Yes indeed, he doesn't mind you calling him Mr. Carey at all.

Lil' Kim is coming to Dancing With The Stars. The new season kicks off March 9th. David Allen Grier from In Living Color fame and Football Great Lawrence Taylor are also part of the cast.

Basketball Star Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat has settled things with his ex-wife Siovaughn. A few weeks ago, Siovaughn made some shocking claims against Wade, accusing him of giving her a sexually transmitted disease. These charges have been dropped, and Siovaughn just got a nice payday for her and her kids.

Speaking of getting paid, Spice Girl Mel B is getting a nice payment from her baby daddy, Eddie Murphy. In addition to paying out $52,000 a month until the kid turns 18, Murphy will also get visitation rights for his daughter. Murphy's daughter with Mel B, Angel Iris, was born on his birthday two years ago. The scandal and Murphy's denial he was the father was not good for his career. Now that he is doing the right thing, hopefully his public perception will turn around.

Spike Lee is continuing to prepare for Wesley Snipes' post-tax troubles comeback. Lee wants Snipes to play The Godfather Of Soul James Brown, but will use Brown's real voice for all the singing.

Janet must have heard me! She is returning to her Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for a new album that could hit stores this spring. It was her time with Jam and Lewis that gave her the Sound of Minneapolis classics like What Have You Done For Me Lately, Nasty, Control, Rhythm Nation and That's The Way Love Goes. Miss Jackson is also close to signing a deal with Live Nation and resuming her tour.

Singer Anthony Hamilton wants to team up with the legendary Singer/Songwriter Bill Withers for a blues album. Hamilton also wants to put out a gospel CD. He's on a roll because his latest album, The Point Of It All, is topping the charts and features the hit Cool.

First Lady Michelle Obama graces the new issue of Vogue with a respectful cover shot from sometimes controversial Photographer Annie Leibovitz.

Halle Berry graces the new issue of Essence magazine. Berry talks about family, life and finding love. Berry says she tried dating black men, she even married two, but she found love with a white man (Model Gabriel Aubry). She also talked about wanting more babies.

Terrence Howard is on the cover of Ebony magazine. Howard says he wants to get married again. He talks about why he won't be in the Iron Man sequel and how misunderstood he is.

Tyler Perry wants to do a sequel to his 2007 hit Why Did I Get Married. Perry says he plans to reunite the entire cast, including Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, Michael Jai White and Tasha Smith.

Is Actress Nia Long dating Singer Raphael Saadiq? The two were awfully close during the Grammy parties.

Congrats to Actress Tisha Campbell and her husband Duane Martin. They are expecting their second child. They couple have been married for twelve years and have an 8-year old son.

Singer Natalie Cole made an appearance at the Grammys and looked fabulous despite her battle with Hepatitis C. Her treatment left her in need of a kidney transplant. The 58 year-old Cole is currently on dialysis three times a week. Things are looking up as her 31 year-old son, Robert, has been listed as a candidate to give Cole one of his kidneys.

Bobby Brown is excited about the arrival of his fifth child. Brown and his girlfriend/manager, Alicia Etheridge, are expecting their bundle of joy this summer.

Vivica A. Fox may not want to talk about her involvement with the Psychic Friends Network, but she is talking up her new reality show. Fox will be hosting the TV Land reality show The Cougars. The show is about older women seeking love with younger men.

Etta James, the comedienne! I don't think so! James lashed out at Beyonce during a recent concert. She didn't appreciate Beyonce getting all the shine during the inauguration festivities, and she proclaimed she wanted to kick the younger diva's behind. A couple of days later, James tried to laugh off her comments claiming she was only joking. She says she still sings better than Beyonce though. Spokespeople for Beyonce had no comment on the Etta James controversy, but sources say Beyonce was hurt by the legendary singer's comments. When Beyonce did the remake of the song At Last and played Etta James for the film Cadillac Records, she considered it one of the highlights of her career. Now the whole experience has left a bad taste in her month. Cadillac Records comes out on DVD March 10th.

Fantasia wants her high school diploma. Fantasia says it's about time. She's working on a new album, and she's about to join the D.C. road production of The Color Purple. Fantasia is ready to step back into the role of "Celie" during the three month stint.

Singer Regina Belle is sick, and she's going to be sidelined for most of the year. Apparently, she is going to have to undergo a series of surgeries, and the recuperation time is long. Our prayers go out to Belle. She's a wonderful singer and great lady.

Charlie Wilson of The Gap Band is opening up about his battle with prostate cancer. Wilson was diagnosed last fall, and he is currently in remission. He is urging men to get tested, and he's working with the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Wilson's new album, Uncle Charlie, comes out on February 17th.

Queen Latifah will be performing on the Oscars Sunday, February 22nd. She'll be doing the memorial segment remembering those industry legends who have died in the past year.

Clay Aiken is getting a dream job. Aiken is going to serve as a guest judge on the 12th season of America's Next Top Model.

Stevie Wonder is coming out with a live DVD. Stevie Wonder: Live From London arrives in stores March 10th.

The T.D. Jakes film Not Easily Broken starring Morris Chestnut and Taraji P. Henson hits DVD shelves April 7th.

Seven Pounds starring Will Smith and Rosario Dawson will be released on DVD March 31st.

Tyler Perry's new movie Madea Goes To Jail arrives in theatres on February 20th. Speaking of Tyler, he and Halle Berry will be the hosting The 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards, which will air tonight, February 12th on FOX. Russell Simmons is getting the night's big honor, the Vanguard Award, and Jennifer Hudson is leading the pack with seven nominations. Hudson is scheduled to perform that evening. Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali is getting the President's Awards.

Donald Trump's celebrity apprentice returns on March 1st. This year's participants include Singer Brian McKnight, T-Boz from TLC, Model/Actress Claudia Jordan and Former Football Great Herschel Walker.

The TNT network has given the green light to the new Jada Pinkett Smith drama Time Heals. Smith not only stars, but she is also the show's executive producer. Smith plays a nurse in the new show, which debuts this fall.

WHAT'S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This prominent mega church Figure is well regarded for his counsel of the community and guidance for others. But, he has his hands full on the homefront with his own children. An indecent exposure arrest for his son won't bode well with church members.

T.D. Jakes’ Son Arrested for Lewd Behavior


By BET.com News Staff - click here for original article

The 29-year-old son of popular TV evangelist T.D. Jakes was arrested after allegedly whipping out his private in front of two undercover vice detectives in a Dallas park last month, CBS 11 News reports.

Jermaine Jakes, son of Dallas pastor T.D. Jakes, was arrested on a charge of indecent exposure in January, 2009. This mug shot is from 2003.

According to a Dallas Police report, Jermaine Jakes was charged with indecent exposure on Jan. 3 after the incident at Keist Park.

The police affidavit says that Jakes walked up to one of the two detectives at the park with his pants unzipped. He then began to masturbate while making eye contact with the detective, according to the document.

Faith Johnson, an attorney for Jermaine Jakes, issued a statement that read: "We are aware of potential allegations involving Jermaine Jakes and are undertaking our own investigation of these allegations at this time. Given an apparent government investigation, we have no further comment at this time."

Jermaine’s father is the renowned pastor of the 30,000-member mega-church Potter’s House in Dallas.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

White House social secretary

Source: CNN
Added On February 9, 2009

CNN's Lola Ogunnaike speaks to Desiree Rogers, the first African-American White House social secretary.

Friday, February 13, 2009

celebrity report.....2-2-09

LIAR, LIAR Pants on fire! What's up with Vivica A. Fox? Is she the new spokesperson for the Psychic Friends Network? Auntie Viv says this is all a big misunderstanding, but new prints ads and infomercials rolled out this week starring Vivica as the new spokesperson for the Psychic Friends Network. Move over Miss Cleo! Move over Dionne Warwick! Auntie Viv is featured in the commercials urging you to call to find out what your future holds. I don't think Fox was expecting the harsh public reaction, and now she is trying to back track. Tapes don't lie. Now there is money to made from endorsing this service, but the damage to your career is harmful. Can someone hook Auntie Viv up with a movie?

Prime Minister Michael Missick doesn't stand a chance in his corruption trial. His soon to be ex-wife Actress Lisa Raye McCoy Missick is telling all, including the jumpoffs and secret babies. Apparently, the prime minister got a Miami woman pregnant while he was courting Lisa Raye. Then he got the same woman pregnant during their marriage. There is also another woman, a resident of the island, who is expecting the prime minister's child. Lisa Raye also spilled the beans about how he spent the taxpayers' money on her, including a $200,000 wardrobe and $100,000 in traveling expenses to fly her back and forth to Los Angeles. During her court testimony, she declared there was no limit to the couple's spending. The Missicks are divorcing, and for him, it can't be soon enough. The prime minister had to find out the hard way: Watch Out For A Woman Scorned.

According to published reports, Fantasia is returning to The Color Purple. The road production for the Washington, D.C. shows will kick off June 30th. A three-month run is scheduled for The Kennedy Center. Last year, Fantasia made headlines with her many missed performances. During her Broadway stint, she missed 50 shows. Fantasia needs a career boost right now, so maybe she will take this seriously and be ready to perform. In other Fantasia news, it appears American Idol Judge Simon Cowell, a.k.a "Mr. Mean," is the mysterious guardian angel who came in and saved her North Carolina home from going into foreclosure. Cowell has always had a soft spot for Fantasia, and he didn't want her to go through anymore public embarrassment about her finances.

It's going to be baby number five for Singer Bobby Brown. He and his girlfriend/manager, Alicia Etheridge, are expecting their first child together. The baby is due this summer.

The full cast of the new season of Dancing With The Stars is going to be announced any day now, but I can you that a football legend is going to be a part of the new season. Football Great Lawrence Taylor (LT) has signed on for the new season which kicks off March 9th. Taylor joins a long list of football stars who have danced on the show, including previous Winner Emmitt Smith, Warren Sapp, Jason Taylor and Jerry Rice. Taylor is considered one of the all-time greats of football, and he played his entire career with the New York Giants.

The publishers of Essence magazine have released a new book, Essence: The Black Woman's Guide To Healthy Living For Women In Their 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's And Beyond. The book features top medical experts plus lifestyle and fitness professionals. The book is in stores now.

Meet The Browns is a Hit! The Tyler Perry sitcom starring David and Tamala Mann did so well in the ratings during their ten-week trial run that 80 more episodes of the show have been ordered. The new episodes start this summer on TBS.

The producers of the Notorious movie are turning their attention to the story of Run DMC. Tougher Than Leather chronicles the rise of Run DMC and the unsolved murder of Jam Master Jay. The proposed movie could be in theatres late next year.

Everybody wants the Queen of Soul's hat, including the Smithsonian Institute. The infamous hat that Aretha Franklin wore during President Obama's inauguration festivities is the talk of the town, and the demand has been high. Now the hat could be on display in a permanent exhibit.

Oscar Winner Jamie Foxx is currently in Philadelphia filming his latest movie, Law Abiding Citizen. Oscar Nominee Viola Davis and Regina Hall (Scary Movie) have been added to the cast, which includes Gerard Butler. The movie is due out next year. Later this spring, Jamie teams up with Robert Downey, Jr. for the movie The Soloist. In addition to his hot movie career, Foxx is topping the charts with his latest album Intuition. The latest single is Blame It, and the video features Cedric The Entertainer, Quincy Jones, Forest Whitaker, Ron Howard and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Samuel L. Jackson is reteaming with Kerry Washington in the movie Mother And Child. Last year, they co-starred in the thriller Lakeview Terrace.

Congrats to Singer Erykah Badu because baby number three, a girl, is here. Badu named her little girl Mars. She joins her other siblings Seven and Puma.

The worldwide recession is affecting the world of entertainment in a major way. Things don't look good for the TV shows The Game and Everybody Hates Chris. One of these shows may not make the lineup for the fall schedule on the CW network. The BET network has already signed a deal to air episodes of The Game once it hits syndication next fall. Some of your favorite magazines are also being affected. Vibe magazine may not publish a March or April issue because of slow advertising. There have been layoffs at both Ebony and Jet magazines. Word has it Jet will go from weekly to bi-weekly.

Whitney Houston is gearing up for her comeback. This Monday she's featured on the BET Honors awards show. Whitney is back, and she's looking great. Her new album is scheduled to be released this spring. I hear the mood for the album is upbeat and happy. No sad songs because she wants to reflect what's going on in her life. The BET Honors show airs on Monday the 9th at 9pm on BET. This year's honorees include Tyler Perry, Mary J. Blige and Dancer/Choreographer Judith Jamison.

We are still waiting to hear about the second season of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta, but one spinoff that is definitely happening is the one featuring the 6th Housewife. Dwight Eubanks, a.k.a. "Mr. Fabulous" and NeNe's gay BFF, is getting his own reality show. In addition to owning The Purple Door Salon in Atlanta, he's opening a new boutique.

Producer/Director Lee Daniels latest movie Push could be in theatres this fall. The movie was a big winner at the Sundance Film Festival. The Philadelphia native's movie was the talk of the town. In a recent deal with Lions Gates Films, it appears Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey will be joining forces to help promote this movie. Push is based on the novel by Sapphire, and it follows the tale of an abused young girl who, with the help of others, turns her life around and finds happiness. The movie stars newcomer Gabourey "Gabby" Sidibe as the abused teen. Comedienne/Actress Mo'Nique won a special award at the Sundance Film Festival for her role as the abusive mom. In the movie, Mo'Nique shows us a side of her we have never before. There is a lot of buzz surrounding Mo'Nique in this movie, and next year she could be the buzz around Oscar time as well. The movie Push also stars Mariah Carey, Paula Patton, Lenny Kravitz and Sherri Shepherd.

Stevie Wonder is coming out with a live DVD. Stevie Wonder: Live From London arrives in stores March 10th.

Model Gabriel Aubry has let it be known he wants more babies with his girlfriend, Halle Berry. Aubry and Berry have a daughter, Nahla, who turns one next month. In a recent interview, Aubry spoke of his love for big families, and he wants his daughter to have a sibling. Berry is loving motherhood, so don't be surprised if you hear baby news soon.

Shonda Rhimes, the creator behind the ABC hits Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice, is developing a new show based on the world of TV news. The show, Inside The Box, could be included in the fall lineup.

Tyler Perry's new movie Madea Goes To Jail arrives in theatres on February 20th. Speaking of Tyler, he and Halle Berry will be the hosting The 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards, which will air February 12th on FOX. Russell Simmons is getting the night's big honor, the Vanguard Award, and Jennifer Hudson is leading the pack with seven nominations. Hudson is scheduled to perform that evening. Boxing Legend Muhammad Ali is getting the President's Awards. And, since we mentioned Jennifer Hudson, following her triumphant performance at the Superbowl, look for her to embark on a mini tour and do a performance at the Grammys with Carrie Underwood.

Donald Trump's celebrity apprentice returns on March 1st. This year's participants include Singer Brian McKnight, T-Boz from TLC, Model/Actress Claudia Jordan and Former Football Great Herschel Walker.

The TNT network has given the green light to the new Jada Pinkett Smith drama Time Heals. Smith not only stars, but she is also the show's executive producer. Smith plays a nurse in the new show, which debuts this fall.

The Wendy Williams talk show is set to debut this July.

The 15th Annual Essence Music Festival is set for July 3rd, 4th and 5th in New Orleans. Beyonce is the first musical guest announced. There will also be seminars featuring Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Roland Martin. Plus, there'll be an all star tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes.

WHAT'S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Male Celebrity loves the spotlight. He will do anything to stay in the headlines, including using his family and friends. He is always in fake relationships. He only cares for himself. His latest target is an older, well established Singer. He is riding the tails of her comeback hoping he can cash in.