celebrity report....3-23-09

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 23rd, 2009

Tyler has got two new leading ladies. Filming has started on Tyler Perry’s new Madea movie, I Can Do Bad All By Myself. Taraji P. Henson stars along with Singer Mary J. Blige. Blige will play a waitress. The movie opens in theatres this September.

“The Don” stays out of jail. Don Cornelius, the 72-year old founder of Soul Train, pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor spousal battery charge. During an incident last fall, Cornelius was charged with attacking his young, brunette wife, Viktoria. Cornelius got three years probation, and he will have to attend a year-long domestic violence course.

When is Michael Jackson coming home? Will he do any concerts in the United States? After he’s finished up with a new round of plastic surgery, The King Of Pop is set to start a 50 night concert stand in London. If all goes well overseas, Jackson is expected to do a series of shows in New York and Los Angeles. Jackson is working to repay his debts, plus he misses the spotlight. There is even word he may pop up on American Idol this season. It depends on how much plastic surgery he gets because his face has to heal. Now speaking of plastic surgery, have you noticed a change with Rapper Lil’ Kim since she joined Dancing With The Stars. She looks a lot better. Well, that’s because she had more work done, and she’s looking a Lil’ cute. I love her on the show: her attitude, her dance moves. Bruno the judge looks like he wants to snatch her up when she dances. I think she’s going to go far in the competition.

Spike Lee is doing a telepic for ESPN about Kobe Bryant. This look at a day in the life of the Lakers star is called Kobe Doin’ Work.

Actress Alfre Woodard is coming back to TV. She will be one of the stars of the FOX show Maggie Hill. Woodard will play a doctor.

And they said it wouldn’t last. I was one of them. The first anniversary of The Cannons is coming up. Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey are getting ready to celebrate their first anniversary. The two are rumored to be buying a mansion in California. Despite pregnancy rumors and the fact that she has Cannon on a leash, he has made out great. Not content to rest of his laurels, Cannon recently signed a deal to develop shows for Nickelodeon where he got his start. Plus, this summer he’s hosting NBC’s America’s Got Talent.

Jennifer Hudson is returning to American Idol. In a segment that will air later this year, Hudson will return to the stage that booted her off four years ago. She didn’t win American Idol, but she is the most successful contestant. In addition to the Oscar, Grammy, movies and new album, she also made headlines with the unfortunate murders of her family. Ruben Studdard is also returning for a special show later this year. Hudson will sing something from her Grammy award-winning album. She is getting ready for her national tour with Robin Thicke.

Jennifer’s sister Julia is also making headlines. Julia Hudson has started her modeling career. With the help of Fashion Maven Harvey Star Washington, Julia Hudson wants to make her mark on the modeling world. Reppin' the big girls, Julia says after her family tragedy five months ago, she is ready to move on with her life. Her former husband has pleaded not guilty to the murder of her family members.

Oprah Winfrey is sharing again. First, she teamed up with First Lady Michelle Obama. Now she’s sharing a cover of O magazine with fellow Talk Show Hostess Ellen DeGeneres for the May issue.

Jada Pinkett Smith’s new TV drama about nurses, Hawthorne, debuts in June on the TNT network.

Congrats to Actor Taye Diggs and his wife, Broadway Star Idina Menzel. They are expecting their first child.

Michael Strahan and Nicole Murphy back together! HUH?! It was just a few weeks ago that the former NFL star caught Nicole Murphy cheating on him. Strahan, who just retired from the New York Giants, had a tracking device installed in Nicole’s car. That’s when he found out she was seeing another man, a young record executive. The record executive broke things off with Murphy, and now it appears Murphy and Strahan are getting close again. Murphy’s children really like Strahan, and he recently accompanied Murphy and her children to the premiere of Monsters Versus Aliens. It was a fun, family night, but a lot of people were shocked to see them together. Why would Strahan take her back if he’s spying on her? It’s obvious he can’t trust her. Well, Nicole Murphy has long money, long, long Eddie Murphy money. Since divorcing the entertainer, she is one of the richest divorcees in town. Strahan is trying to jump start a TV career, but he lost his money divorcing his last wife, Jean. I guess he figures if he can track her, he might as well stay and enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Whatever happened to Chico DeBarge? Since his release from prison, the popular singer has been named the managing director of People Reclaiming Ourselves. He is planning to travel across the country helping other people make the transition from prison life to regular society.

The Norman Lear Collection, a boxed DVD set, is coming out on June 9th. Norman Lear is the famed producer behind the TV classics The Jeffersons, Good Times, All In The Family, Maude and Sanford & Son to name a few. The first seasons of those and other Lear classics will be included in the set.

Whoopi Goldberg is tired of people criticizing the way she dresses. Since taking the helm of the daytime talker, The View, ratings have soared, but, so has the criticism regarding her fashion sense. Goldberg is fed up. She says Don’t Judge Me By What I Wear, Judge Me By What I Say. Basically, she is telling the critics to kiss her behind.

Since getting fired from Grey’s Anatomy, times have been tough for Actor Isaiah Washington and his family. Washington, along with his wife and kids, may be losing his home. He is five months behind on his rent. He owes $100,000 to his landlord. Reports say he has been arguing with his financial consultants, and that’s why he doesn’t have the money.

Check out Jill Scott on the new issue of Heart And Soul magazine. She’s expecting her first child, a son, any day now, and this Sunday her new TV series The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency debuts on HBO. I loved the kickoff. Anika Noni Rose co-stars as her assistant and is very funny. Jill is amazing. She brings the precious character, “Mma Ramotswe,” to life. The movie was filmed in Botswana, Africa. It was very beautiful. If you like mysteries, this is the show for you. The show debuts this Sunday, March 29th 8pm on HBO.

Legendary Entertainer Ben Vereen has signed on to be the new spokesperson for Diabetes awareness. Vereen was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and he will be starring in the new Take The Stage For Diabetes Awareness campaign.

Comedian George Lopez is coming to late night TV. Lopez has signed a deal with the TNT network for a late night show starting in the fall.

Does Beyonce wear butt pads? According to designer Thierry Mugler, B has a little back there. He says he always adds padding with her corsets so she can have an hourglass figure.

Jimmy Rollins in Playboy magazine? Yes! Rollins, a.k.a. “J-Roll,” of the Philadelphia Phillies is doing a fashion spread with his beautiful girlfriend, Johari Smith. Look for the issue in June.

Get ready for more Stevie Harvey. Harvey says with the success of his bestselling book, Act Like A Lady-Think Like A Man, he will be doing a follow-up. Meanwhile the WDAS-FM morning man is coming to town. On April 1st, Harvey will be signing copies of Act Like A Lady-Think Like A Man at Borders Bookstore, Broad and Chestnut Streets. He’s also hosting his Radio Star talent competition April 2nd at the Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Streets. Tix are on sale now. Chrisette Michele will be performing. Celebrity judges include Singer Ginuwine, Philly International Records’ Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff and WDAS’ own Butterball.

The 2010 Grammy Awards are set for January 31st.

Denzel Washington’s new movie, with John Travolta and James Gandolfini, The Taking Of Pelham 1, 2, 3 hits theatres on June 12th. We have the exclusive trailer on our website at wdasfm.com. Just go to Patty’s Page and check it out. Let me know what you think. I can’t wait to see it. It’s a remake of the 70’s action thriller with Walter Matthau about a trio of bad guys who take a New York subway care hostage.

Fantasia starts her stint in the national touring company of The Color Purple in June. Fantasia reprises her role as “Celie.”

On March 31st, Access Hollywood TV Host Shaun Robinson hits the shelves with a new book celebrating girls’ self esteem with advice from America’s most successful women. The book, Exactly As I Am, features Patti LaBelle, Queen Latifah, Oprah Winfrey, Iman, Nancy Pelosi, Jennifer Hudson and Robinson all sharing their journeys to womanhood while passing along advice today’s youth.

Ruben Studdard’s new album is produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and hits stores May 19th.

Beyonce’s new movie, Obsessed with Idris Elba, comes out on April 24th. Check out Beyonce on the new issue of Vogue magazine as well as the latest edition of Ebony. Beyonce is gearing up for a summer tour and once again she’ll be backed by a female band.

Poet and Author Dr. Maya Angelou has an exciting new project. Letter To My Daughter: Her Path To Living Well And Living A Life With Meaning. In the book, Angelou shares her life lessons.

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 suffered years of abuse but overcomes her odds with the help of others.

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. Their latest project is called RELISH at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki’s. RELISH features live jazz music Thursday through Sunday. For more info go to relishphiladelphia.com or call 215-276-0170.

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

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

The Wendy Williams talk show is set to debut this July. The show is going nationwide, and will be seen locally on FOX 29.

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, Bill Cosby 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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Celebrity Couple is trying to fool the public. They may be on different coasts, but they are still a couple. They are taking a breather from their controversial relationship to salvage their careers.

This woman wormed her way into this celebrity family. She had her children by two brothers, and is still broke. This celebrity family has no money. Maybe she should have hooked up with their sister. She has the money.

America's Skin-Deep Crush on Michelle Obama

Carlos Watson of the Huffington Post

Posted March 16, 2009 | 08:21 PM (EST)

America has fallen for Michelle Obama. Fashionistas love her style. Ivy Leaguers love her class. Moms love her priorities. Even white guys are crushing on her. The First Lady is everywhere: Vogue, O, this week's New York Magazine. Like her husband, Michelle is a canvas onto which people can paint whatever they like, a mirror in which we can all glimpse something of ourselves. What do I see? Not those famous arms.

I see dark skin.

America may be falling for Michelle, but it wasn't love at first sight. When I heard her described as "intimidating" and "angry" or as Obama's "baby mama," I often looked at her rich, brown skin and saw the reason. In this country, you're less likely to get a job if your skin is dark. I can tell you from experience, you're less likely to get a cab. Think of the A-list African-American cover girls whose ranks Michelle has joined: Beyonce, Rihanna, Halle Berry -- none share her complexion. Academic studies show that Americans of all colors associate light skin with attraction and intelligence, and dark skin with poverty and fear.

Those "Americans of all colors" include African-American men, who are often criticized for preferring light-skinned or white partners. The literature on this is explosive and exhaustive, from Morrison to McMillan, Essence to Encarta. No doubt many black women, when they first heard of Barack Obama, assumed he followed the trend: prominent black man, light-skinned or non-black wife. Then they saw Michelle.

More than 1 in 5 of the votes that put Obama in office were cast by African-Americans, almost two-thirds of them women. African-Americans made the difference in critical states: Virginia, North Carolina, and Indiana, among others. Would the black community have supported Obama that enthusiastically if his wife had been lighter? I don't think so. And if she had been white? Forget it. Obama's ship would have sunk before it left the shores of Lake Michigan, his presidential run impossible without the early and deep backing of so many black women who believe that successful black Americans should work and love together in order to advance the community as a whole.

To be clear, I'm not saying that all black women feel this way, or that all white Americans initially hesitated to embrace Michelle because her skin is darker than Beyonce's. But Michelle's complexion has helped shape the way the world sees the Obamas, moving the national and international conversation on race forward in the process.

And I admire her for that.

celebrity report....3-16-09

Patty Jackson's 411 Report -105.3 WDAS-FM Philly

So how is Michael Jackson getting ready for his 50 night concert stand? He’s getting more plastic surgery. The King Of Pop is about to go under the knife again because he wants to look his best when he hits the stage. Jackson has had a ton of plastic surgery, but in his head he has only had a nose job, and he did that so could breathe better. The Gloved One returns to performing on July 9th. There is still no word on whether he will bring his shows to the U.S.

Tameka Foster-Raymond wants her surgery too. Mrs. Usher almost died a few weeks ago when she snuck off to Brazil to get plastic surgery. Tameka suffered a heart attack during the procedure. Usher had to rush by her side, and he couldn’t believe her betrayal. How could she leave behind their babies to get surgery? Why would she lie to him? Tameka feels that after having five children, she needs to have plastic surgery. She is planning to get the lipo and a tummy tuck performed on her later this year in the states that she couldn’t complete in Brazil. So how does Usher feel about this? Last week, he was photographed with go-go dancers in Paris having a good time…… without his wife.

Are Chris and Rihanna taking a break? Rihanna has been spending time on the east coast while Chris Brown is staying behind on the west coast. The young couple is busy working on salvaging their careers after their recent blow up. Brown allegedly beat up Rihanna after an argument in early February. Rihanna was left battered and bloodied after the attack. Brown, 19, and Rihanna, 21, looked like the ultimate couple, but behind the scenes it was chaos. Was Brown having an affair with Tina Davis, his older manager? Did Rihanna suspect this? Did the manager’s booty call text message lead to their fight? Sources say Brown’s mother tried to end the affair between her son and his female manager. She was horrified that this older woman had taken advantage of her son. Even though the two are now apart, will the public still support them or their records?

Tyra Banks says she is going to give the short girls another chance. Last weekend, Tyra Banks and the producers of America’s Next Top Model had a casting call for short, petite women 5’7 and under to try out for the show. Well hundreds upon hundred of women showed up. The Manhattan Park Central Hotel couldn’t handle the crowd. There was pushing and shoving, and then the fights started. A melee broke out, and there was blood and mascara everywhere. Three people were arrested, and six people were injured. Hundreds of girls were shut out, and now Banks says she will have another casting call to give them a chance. The mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, is furious. He feels the producers of the show underestimated the first casting call. Bloomberg doesn’t feel confident they can handle a part two. Banks promises things will be handled differently this time with all women getting a chance to audition safely.

Brandy is looking to re-start her career, and she is turning to Rap Mogul Jay-Z. Jay-Z is a platinum-selling rapper, an NBA owner, a real estate mogul, a business manager and Beyonce’s husband. He’s now turning his talents to Brandy. Brandy started out as a child star in her teens. She had a hit show with Moesha and a hot recording career. Then it all ended. For years, Brandy had been managed by her mother. But, during the past few years, Brandy has had a lot of career mishaps that were not handled well. When Brandy got pregnant, she lied about being married to protect her image. Her baby daddy subsequently put her on blast for all of her lies. This was a PR disaster because Brandy lied to a lot of notable news figures about this charade. Then there was the car accident that she was involved in where a woman was tragically killed. It wasn’t Brandy’s fault, but because she was the celebrity, she took the brunt of the blame. She subsequently lost her job as a judge on America’s Got Talent. Her love life has been on and off. She was engaged to Basketball Star Quentin Richards. She even had his image tattooed on her back, but he broke things off. She has a new album out, but it has not taken off the way she had hoped. Can Jay-Z help Brandy get her mojo back and put her career in gear?

Now, Morgan has to stand alone. Oscar-winning Actor Morgan Freeman is still feeling the effects of his car crash last August. Freeman, 71, almost lost his life that night. He was in the car with a woman who was not his wife. The woman in the car is suing him for negligence. Demaris Meyer says Freeman was drinking that night when she left a bar with him. They were on their way to a rendezvous when he crashed the car. While in the hospital, Freeman’s wife shows up. They decide to divorce days later, and Myrna Freeman is looking to gain half of his fortune. Freeman’s wife had enough with his cheating. So after 24 years, she decided to take the money and get out. In addition to the woman in the car, Freeman was fooling around with a friend of his wife. The woman in question was Freeman’s mistress, and now she has dumped him. She can’t believe he was about to cheat on her with a woman he just picked up in a bar. After years of being the other woman, she realized he never loved her. Wow!!! Easy Reader was getting his Mack on! First there were three, and now there are none.. Freeman is currently filming a new movie about Nelson Mandela with his friend and fellow Oscar Winner Clint Eastwood.

Last week was not a good one for Gospel Sensation BeBe Winans. Winans was arrested and booked on a domestic assault charge after an argument with his ex-wife. The 46-year old Winans allegedly pushed his wife to the ground. Apparently, the Winans are in a custody dispute over their children. Earlier this month, Winans had to get an order of protection against his ex-wife after a judge ruled she was a very disturbed woman. In a statement, Winans said he just wants his rights as a father protected.

Daddy’s getting married, and we don’t like it. Tennis Sensations Venus and Serena Williams are not happy with the fact that their dad/manager, Richard Williams, is getting married to a much younger woman. Williams, 67, is marrying a 30-year old woman in a few weeks. The girls are urging their dad to protect his money by making his young cutie sign a prenup.

Get ready for more Stevie Harvey. Harvey says with the success of his bestselling book, Act Like A Lady-Think Like A Man, he will be doing a follow-up. Steve is on a roll because he is also teaming up with Oprah Winfrey. He is doing a show about his book. Oprah will be turning her show over to Steve.

Not content with just being “Mr. Mariah Carey,” Nick Cannon has a series of jobs lined up. In addition to his summer hosting duties on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, Cannon just signed a two-year deal with Nickelodeon to create, star, produce and direct original programming for the network.

The 2010 Grammy Awards are set for January 31st.

Charles Barkley says getting arrested and going to jail was the best thing that ever happened to him. The former NBA great just got out of jail for his New Year’s Eve drunk driving conviction. Barkley says his arrests and jail sentence was a wakeup call for him to get his life in order. He says drinking and driving will never happen again.

Is there an American Idol scandal brewing? Does the show practice favoritism? Is the winner already in the bag at the beginning of the season? A former American Idol employee is shopping around a tell-all that could be embarrassing for the show. The book talks about the gallon-size Ziploc bags that Paula Abdul carries around with her. Inside are orange prescription bottles. The book alleges that some contestants are preselected plants, and they must sing certain songs. If the book comes out, it could be damaging to the show.

Speaking of reality show problems, is there a Dancing With The Stars curse? Two of this season’s contestants, Rapper Lil Kim and Comedian/Actor David Alan Grier, are having tax problems. Kim owes almost a million dollars in delinquent state and federal taxes. Reps for Kim say she is working on her debt. Grier owes $50,000 in state taxes.. Reps for Grier say he is also working on his debt.

Actor Donald Faison of Scrubs will be joining Cedric The Entertainer on his new ABC show The Low.

Courtney B. Vance has signed on for the Harrison Ford sci-fi thriller project. The movie will air on the CBS network.

The Simon And Shuster Publishing Company is suing M.C. Hammer. Hammer was supposed to write a family-inspirational book. He took the advance money, but he never finished the book. Reps for Simon And Shuster want their advance money back. Hammer is currently gearing up for his new reality show on the A&E network.

Congratulations to The Miracles. The group that Smokey Robinson founded is getting a star on The Hollywood Walk Of Fame. The Motown group is best known for their hits with Smokey, such as Track Of My Tears, Ooo Baby Baby, Shop Around and Tears Of A Clown.

So what does a man do after he catches his woman cheating on him? If you’re Michael Strahan, you head to TV. Last week, Strahan, the former NFL great, made headlines after he caught Nicole Murphy cheating on him. Nicole is the ex-wife of Eddie Murphy. Strahan put a tracking device in her car, and it led him to her jumpoff, a young record executive. Strahan is filming a new show for the FOX network with Darryl “Chill” Mitchell. He will also continue his hosting duties on NFL Sunday.

Denzel Washington’s new movie, with John Travolta and James Gandolfini, The Taking Of Pelham 1, 2, 3 hits theatres on June 12th. We have the exclusive trailer on our website at wdasfm.com. Just go to Patty’s Page and check it out. Let me know what you think. I can’t wait to see it. It’s a remake of the 70’s action thriller with Walter Matthau about a trio of bad guys who take a New York subway care hostage.

Former NBA Great Norm Nixon is out of jail after getting arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Nixon is married to Actress/Dancer/Director Debbie Allen. Back in the 70’s and 80’s, Nixon was a star with the L.A. Lakers.

Fantasia starts her stint in the national touring company of The Color Purple in June. Fantasia reprises her role as “Celie.”

On March 31st, Access Hollywood TV Host Shaun Robinson hits the shelves with a new book celebrating girls’ self esteem with advice from America’s most successful women. The book, Exactly As I Am, features Patti LaBelle, Queen Latifah, Oprah Winfrey, Iman, Nancy Pelosi, Jennifer Hudson and Robinson all sharing their journeys to womanhood while passing along advice today’s youth.

Ruben Studdard’s new album is produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and hits stores May 19th.

Beyonce’s new movie, Obsessed with Idris Elba, comes out on April 24th. Check out Beyonce on the new issue of Vogue magazine as well as the latest edition of Ebony. Beyonce is gearing up for a summer tour and once again she’ll be backed by a female band.

Speaking of Idris, he’ll play Jill Scott’s love interest in the series opener of Scott’s new HBO series, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. The show debuts on HBO March 29th.

Poet and Author Dr. Maya Angelou has an exciting new project. Letter To My Daughter: Her Path To Living Well And Living A Life With Meaning. In the book, Angelou shares her life lessons.

Prince recently signed a deal with Target retail stores. Prince is releasing a three-disc set of new music, which will be sold exclusively at Target. The set comes out March 29th. Prince is also doing a series for shows for Jay Leno. Prince will be performing live on The Tonight Show on March 25th, 26th and March 27th. Prince is also helping Jay say goodbye to Tonight. Prince will be performing on May 28th. After 17 years, Leno’s last night on The Tonight Show is May 29th.

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 suffered years of abuse but overcomes her odds with the help of others.

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

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

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, Bill Cosby 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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The buzz is going to off this reality show. The ladies on the show are ignoring the gag order, and are spilling all the show’s secrets. The show is set to air this summer. But by the time summer rolls around, everyone will know what is happening on the show. Ladies, shut up!

Nephew Tommy's Prank Call 2.23.09

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The Daily Show w/ Jon Stewart: March 3, 2009: A Party in Limbaugh

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

A Party in Limbaugh

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

More than the Bible: Blacks say church should have role in social issues, politics

by Dante Mozie
March 12, 2009

Related Links

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life: Social and political views of African-Americans

Lisa Ramsey was at Bible study one Tuesday night and, afterward, saw emergency lights as she went to her car.
“I was in the parking lot thinking, ‘I hope nobody died tonight.’”

But someone did, two blocks from St. Sabina Church in Auburn-Gresham.

“That young man died while we were in Bible study,” Ramsey said. “And I said, ‘You know what? That is unacceptable. What can I do to make a difference?’”

Ramsey, now a member of St. Sabina’s Steering Committee Against Gun Violence, is just one example of how members of predominantly African-American congregations – known collectively as the black church – are not only committed to their faith through praise and community involvement, but also through social and political activism.

According to a study from the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, 61 percent of blacks say houses of worship should express their views on social and political matters, while 36 percent say churches should avoid these topics.

St. Sabina and its pastor, the Rev. Dr. Michael Pfleger, have long been involved in social and political issues in Chicago. Since becoming the church's pastor in 1981, Pfleger has led a relentless campaign against racism, drugs, alcohol and gun violence not only in its neighborhood, but throughout the city of Chicago.

Pfleger said that he believes a person can’t truly be a follower of Christ unless he or she is an activist.

“People say, ‘Well, why do you do what you do?’ My question,” Pfleger said, “is, ‘Why aren’t you doing it?’ I think that you cannot follow Christ without being an activist.”

One example of a church becoming involved in the community was the “Do You Care?” anti-gun violence rally in Garfield Park last Wednesday. St. Sabina, 1210 W. 78th Place, was one of the sponsors of the event that called for stricter gun laws and an end to the killings of Chicago’s youth.

Chicago resident Cleora M. Murff, who lost her daughter, Vanity, to gun violence last year, said the church’s support “shows they’re concerned.”

“It is pertinent that the churches, and next-door neighbors, get involved,” Murff said. “It’s going to take us all collectively to get something done.”

Although most blacks say they support the black church expressing its views on social and political issues, according to the Pew Forum’s study, support among the general population is not as strong. More than half of the general public, 52 percent, believe the church should stay out of politics, while only 45 percent say churches should get involved in those issues.

“Some people say the church is only limited to preaching. I don’t think so,” said Pastor Steve Jones, president of the Baptist Pastors Conference in Chicago. “The Bible doesn’t say that.”

Although some may identify the black church and social activism historically with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement, the beginnings actually go back as far as the slavery period, according to Dr. Dwight Hopkins, theology professor at the University of Chicago.

Hopkins said the black church in that period was referred to as the “invisible institution,” when secret worship services would take place when owners thought enslaved blacks were sleeping or working.

“They were focused primarily on slavery and overthrowing the slave system in the South,” Hopkins said, referring to the slaves.

Politics had a large part in founding a major black denomination: the African Methodist Episcopal church, in 1787. Hopkins said the white churches in Philadelphia would not let blacks pray in their churches unless they went to the segregated section.

“They wanted to have their own prayer, their own preaching and power,” Hopkins said, leading to the church’s founding by Richard Allen.

Today, that power makes the black church very influential. So much so that politicians make trips to black churches to garner support – and votes. Jones said the seat of power in the community is the church, with membership sizes ranging from 50 to 15,000.

“Who talks to more folks in a sitting than a pastor? The politicians understand they need us for the votes,” said Jones, pastor of Praise Tabernacle Deliverance Baptist Fellowship Church, 9511 S. Commercial Ave. in South Deering.
“But after the election, you don’t hear from them anymore. To me, that’s a travesty.”

Along with having politicians come and talk to their members, some ministers use services or other special events to speak out on issues that affect not only the black community, but the general public.

Pfleger, for instance, has been involved in protests dealing with the War in Iraq, from placing a “We Oppose War!” sign on the windows of St. Sabina’s rectory, to taking part in protests and rallies in downtown Chicago.

“The Christ I follow calls me to be a peacemaker,” he said. “I’m a believer in nonviolence. I think we’ve studied war. It’s time we studied peace.”

But one topic that some ministers don’t touch is telling their parishioners or members how to vote. And according to the Pew Forum’s study on the black church, 58 percent of blacks say churches and other houses of worship should not come out in favor of political candidates. For the general population, 66 percent agree.

Pfleger said he has never told anyone who to vote for from the pulpit, adding that would be an “insult to my people.”

He was offended, however, when Cardinal Francis George, archbishop of Chicago, told Pfleger that he couldn’t mention any candidate’s name until after the election.

“As a priest in the pulpit, I do not have a right to say who to vote for, and I respect that and believe in that,” he said. “But I think as a citizen out on the street going to the store, going to a meeting, do I have a right to say who I’m voting for or wear a button of some candidate? Yes, I believe that’s my right as an American citizen.”

One of the most well-known events involving Pfleger happened in May 2008, when he delivered the now infamous sermon at Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ that involved comments critical of then-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

Pfleger said he was invited by Trinity to speak on the topic of race.

“First of all, I did not know that it was to a public audience,” Pfleger said, referring to the video of the sermon. “I was speaking to that church. No one ever told me this was going to be going out public.”

Pfleger said he apologizes for his mannerisms in the now-infamous sermon.

“But I do not apologize for speaking about entitlement,” Pfleger added. “I do believe entitlement is a reality in American society today.”

Pfleger is referring to his comments at Trinity about Clinton, saying he believed that she felt entitled to the presidency.

And while some approve of the black church tackling political issues – as well as gun violence, drugs and other problems – some wonder why some churches are more silent on issues such as homosexuality and abortion.

Praise Tabernacle’s Jones said that every activist, as well as churches and neighborhoods, should tackle issues that are more prevalent in their community. But in the black community, people dealing with medical care issues and poverty are his priority.

“I’m dealing with life and death and immediacy needs,” Jones said, “and so are my pastors.”

Although Pfleger is against abortion in a womb, he said he sees abortion as much more than that.

“If our scriptures teach us that every child of God has a divine destiny and purpose,” Pfleger said, “then I believe that anything that keeps that purpose from being realized is a form of abortion.”

He cites drugs, tobacco, gun violence and racism as all falling in that category.

But there’s also a spiritual connection and purpose for activism. For Jones, it’s all about equality.

“Everyone should be treated the same,” Jones said, “and everyone should have a say.”

celebrity report....3-2-09

This is the weekend, March 6-8th, for daylight savings time. Before you go to bed on Saturday night, set your clocks ahead one hour. We will lose an hour’s sleep, and the days will get longer as the sun sets later.

In a shocking letter from a writer at the Village Voice, Tyler Perry is being scrutinized about his private life. Despite his amazing success, Perry has never discussed his private life in detail. He has never talked about his sexuality, but he says he is looking for the right woman to marry. In the letter, the writer urged Perry to come out of the closet, stop being on the “downlow,” and stop showing up at premieres with leggy models. Perry is at the height of his fame so the scrutiny on his love life is opening up. Perry turns 40 in September, and he says he would like to buy his own island. As more people pry into his business, he may need that private island.

Singer/Actor Tyrese is going to have to pay up. His 10-month marriage is over, and it is costing his big time. Tyrese married his baby momma, Norma Gibson, 10 months ago. They have a two-year old daughter Shayla. A judge recently ordered Tyrese to pay his ex-wife $65,000, her $3,000 rent, her $800 car note and over $6,000 in child support.. Norma Gibson claims Tyrese was an absentee dad, and she was actually seeking more than she got because she contested their prenup. Norma Gibson says she was forced to sign a prenup. She says she didn’t know any better because she was taken from her family in London with the belief that Tyrese would take care of her forever.

Why would she take him back? That’s the question being asked around the country. Pop Singer Rihanna and Teen Sensation Chris Brown are back together. It was just weeks ago that Rihanna suffered a beatdown at the hands of Brown. The photos were shocking, but Rihanna never filed charges. Her family is outraged by her decision to stand by Brown, but her father has stated he will stand behind his daughter and her decision. Rihanna has forgiven Brown, and she is happy to be back with him. What does the future hold for Brown? Will the reconciliation help his image and career? The stigma of being a woman beater will not just go away. Could it happen again? For many women, the abuse continues. Let’s hope this is not the case with Rihanna.

More drama on the set of American Idol: new Idol Judge Kara DioGuardi was stung by the recent comments of fellow Judge Paula Abdul. Abdul says there are too many judges on the hit show, and that American Idol made a mistake in hiring a fourth. DioGuardi says she is happy with what she brings to the show. She says she wishes Abdul would have made her comments to her face and not to a magazine writer. Abdul claims she as misquoted.. This is the last year of Abdul’s contract on the show.

Actor Samuel L. Jackson has just signed a nine picture deal to star as “Nick Fury” in the new Marvel Comics movie series. Jackson will play “Fury” in the following movies: Iron Man II, Captain America, The Avenger and The Shield.

The Simmons have stopped fighting over money. Now that their divorce is final, Russell and Kimora Lee have finally reached an agreement about child support for their two daughters. Russell will have to pay his ex-wife $40,000 a month until their daughters turn 18. Kimora is currently expecting her third child. She is married to Actor Dijmon Hounsou.

The new ad campaigns for Vitamin Water featuring Alicia Keys is out, and Halle Berry’s new fragrance, “Halle” is in stores now..

Beyonce is on the cover of Ebony magazine talking about marriage and movies. Her new movie, Obsessed with Idris Elba, comes out on April 24th.

Speaking of Idris, he’ll play Jill Scott’s love interest in the series opener of Scott’s new HBO series, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. The show debuts on HBO March 29th.

Fresh from his role as “Puffy” in the movie Notorious, Actor Derek Luke is coming to TV in the new NBC drama, Trauma. Luke is on a roll. He’s currently co-starring in Tyler Perry’s number one box office hit Madea Goes To Jail.

Has Al Reynolds found a new love? The ex-Mr. Star Jones recently bought a ring from a jewelry store. Was it an engagement ring for his new lady, a Miami attorney, or a ring for his mother? Spokespeople for Reynolds say it was a ring for his mom. Al is currently in talks to do a new reality show.

Congratulations to Actor Dondre T. Whitfield and his wife, Actress Salli Richardson. They just welcomed a new baby boy, Dre Terrell Whitfield. Dre joins his big sister, Parker, who is two and a half. Whitfield and Richardson were married in 2002.

Singer Jazmine Sullivan will be featured in the new George Lucas film, Red Tails. Sullivan will play a jazz singer in the movie about the Tuskegee airmen. Singer Ne-Yo is also starring.

A new movie about Comic Legend Richard Pryor is in the works, and Eddie Murphy is being attached to the project. Writer-Director Bill Condon from Dreamgirls fame is behind the project, and he is pulling for Murphy. The two worked together on Dreamgirls. In a recent poll on our WDAS website asking who should play Pryor, readers expressed their hopes of Steve Harvey portraying the late great comedian.

Poet and Author Dr. Maya Angelou has an exciting new project. Letter To My Daughter: Her Path To Living Well And Living A Life With Meaning. In the book, Angelou shares her life lessons.

Jermaine Jackson is fighting for custody of his two kids, Jermajesty and Jaafar by his ex-wife, Alejandra. The kids claim there mother has hit them. Jackson is seeking full legal custody.

Speaking of the Jacksons, Michael may be reviving his career in London. He is in talks to sign a deal where he would do a series of shows in London raking in millions of dollars.

In more Jackson sibling news, Janet has come out of hiding. She’s been hanging with Singer Johnny Gill. Since she started gaining weight again, Janet had been in hiding.

Prince recently signed a deal with Target retail stores. Prince is releasing a three-disc set of new music, which will be sold exclusively at Target. The set comes out March 29th.

Toni Braxton was the recent victim of an imposter. According to police reports, a woman by the name of Trina Johnson was taken into custody along with her husband after setting up concerts around the world claiming she was Toni Braxton. Police were able to nab Johnson. When she showed up to perform on stage, audience members quickly realized she was not the real Toni Braxton. They started throwing things on stage. In a statement, Braxton said she was saddened by the situation, and is glad that her imposter was stopped from bilking others.

The other woman in the car with Morgan Freeman on the night of his accident is speaking out and suing him. According to Demaris Meyer, Freeman was drinking and visibly drunk when they left the bar they were at. The two were on their way to a rendezvous. That’s when the car they were in crashed. Meyer wants it known she was not his mistress, but his friend for the night. Freeman had no comment on the suit. He is currently on location filming a movie about Nelson Mandela. Clint Eastwood is directing.

DeShawn Snow is out, and Big Poppa is in. Filming has started on the second season of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta. DeShawn Snow is the wife of Basketball Player Eric Snow. She was let go from the show because she was nice but boring. Producers preferred the cattiness and outrageousness of the other ladies. Big Poppa was often talked about, but never seen. This season, he will make his debut. Big Poppa was the married boyfriend of Kim Zolciak. In the new season, Big Poppa leaves his wife, and moves in with Kim and her two daughters.

Get ready for the Broadway revival of The Wiz. The smash musical is returning to The Big White Way this summer.

Keyshia Cole’s mom, Frankie, is getting ready to release her autobiography, Two Sides To Every Story. She tells the story of her life from drug addict to TV star. Frankie became an instant hit on her daughter’s BET’s reality show, The Way It Is. Word has it she may get her own spinoff show.

Tyra Banks is looking for the short girls. On the next cycle of America’s Next Top Model, the focus is on models 5’7 and shorter.. Banks says her modeling show is known for breaking barriers, and by searching for shorter models, they continue to do so.

Angela Bassett will be stepping behind the cameras for her next project. Her stint on ER is up later this month, and she’s set to direct the movie, United States. Her husband, Actor Courtney Vance, will be her producing partner.

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 Monday 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. In a recent interview Kim says it was her stint in prison that led to her decision to appear on Dancing With the Stars. Kim says that during her 10 month sentence in a federal prison she became friends with the other inmates. She says Dancing with the stars was their favorite show and they would always say to her Kim you should be on the show. She says once she got it she thought about it and now her dream has come true.

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. Their latest project is called RELISH at 7152 Ogontz Avenue. It replaces Sadiki’s. RELISH features live jazz music Thursday through Sunday.

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.

The Wendy Williams talk show is set to debut this July. The show is going nationwide, and will be seen locally on FOX 29.

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This former high profile TV Personality is so happy to have a man, she can’t contain herself. When they appear at public events, she is often loud and boisterous. When friends make suggestions to her to tone it down, she just rolls her eyes and gets louder. She wants everyone to see her and her new man.

The high rolling life of this Baller could soon be coming to an end. Years ago, he was the best on the court, but now his career is fading along with the big contract offers. His money is dwindling, and family members are losing their homes. Some family members never thought they would have to work again. Now, they are getting a rude awakening.

First All-Black Female Flight Crew Flies To Nashville

Monday, March 02, 2009

On February 12, 2009, Captain Rachelle Jones and First Officer Stephanie Brown Grant made history for being the first all African-American female crew to operate a commercial jet revenue flight Atlantic Southeast Airlines(ASA).

ATLANTA -- Four African American women made history this month when they took an ASA flight from Atlanta to Nashville. They weren't passengers. They were the nation's first all black all female flight crew.

Meet airline captain Rachelle Jones, first officer Stephanie Grant, and flight attendants Diana Galloway and Robin Rogers. When they worked that ASA flight from Atlanta to Nashville they never expected to make history. In fact, it was a matter of chance.

"The first officer became ill and was replaced with Stephanie," said Galloway.

"When I got to the cockpit and I saw Rachelle -- we just met a few weeks prior," Grant said. "And I was just ecstatic when I saw her in there."

"We did not realize the historic ramifications of it," Rogers said. "We were just like, okay this is gonna be fun."

But Captain Rachelle Jones got it right away. She and Grant in the cockpit, Galloway and Rogers in the cabin -- all black, all female.

"I said this could be a first, so let's be on our P's and Q's," Jones said.

"I think we had a little more pep in our step," said Galloway. "I think we were just so proud."

They took a lot pictures because their history just happened to be during Black History Month.

"I'm still tingling about it," said Rogers. "This is great. It's spectacular."

"It still hasn't hit me now," said Jones. "I was just excited. I called my mom, my family and said guess what happened today."

Jones is one of only ten black female airline captains in the country. She used to be a customer service agent for Delta. Piloting was never on her radar until a friend suggested it.

"And it paid off -- and this was my goal -- to be here where I am today," she said. "And I'm so happy at what I've accomplished."

As little girls, they'd never seen anyone who looked like them piloting a plane. Now for other little girls, they're proof you really can be whatever you want to be.

"Fate may have a little bit to do with it, but for everyone that will look at us as role models or look to aspire to be what we are today, they need to know that it was hard work and dedication to get here," Grant said.

"Young girls need to see that yes they can be flight attendants and yes they can be pilots," said Jones. "The sky is the limit."

Atlantic Southeast Airlines has three black female pilots. Only one has made Captain so far.

People are invited to congratulate the crew at http://www.flyasa.com/contact/crew-contact.php

Source: 11Alive.com Mar 02, 2009

Michelle Obama's Official White House Portrait

Dress by Michael Kors

Managing the Highest-Profile Social Scene

By Lois Romano

Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, February 27, 2009; Page A15

She ran a billion-dollar utility company in Chicago and now is the most influential event planner on the planet, a woman empowered to use 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue to set the cultural tone for the Obama era.

Desiree Rogers, 49, is the White House's glamorous new social secretary, a title that belies the magnitude of the job. She is responsible for arranging all the high-profile ceremonies and dinners for the first couple, and she has the power to summon the world's top cultural icons on short notice.

No detail escapes her eye. She says she is planning for the first time to ask the public to sign up on the Internet for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll instead of forcing 36,000 people to wait in line and she wants to have a regular online lottery to get ordinary Americans to state dinners. While her responsibilities are different from those she had as a prominent African American businesswoman, she candidly says, "Had I not had that experience, I would not be able to do this job. The jobs I've had have given me a certain amount of maturity to be able to handle all of the input."

The following are excerpts from an interview with Rogers on Wednesday as part of The Washington Post's "Voices of Power" online video series. Watch the full interview and read the transcript.

-- Asked if she has found Washington to be a place where a lot of business gets done after hours.

Rogers: Just sitting with the governors, hearing them talk, hearing them relax a bit, seeing them dance, seeing them walk through the house and meet each other. . . . I really feel that we had great success with that group, and I had heard that they were a more, you know, difficult group."

-- Commenting on Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr.'s remarks that the United States is still a segregated society and the opportunity she has been afforded to help change that.

Rogers: I come from the Deep South. I was educated in the Northeast, spent 20 years in the Midwest. I think you have to work at it, and what I would say is my friends . . . are all different races, all different age groups, but I work at that. . . . I mean, I sat between two white males on Sunday night. I think what they would say is, not to pat myself on the back, but, "She was delightful."

-- Asked how she will help Michelle Obama shape and define her role as first lady.

Rogers: Michelle is shaping her role just fine. . . . I think we have someone that is very sure of who she is and is thinking . . . very carefully . . . what role and what impact she wants to have. . . . She's very self-assured and very confident in the role that she's taking.