Entertainment
50 Cent Visits Famine Victims In Somalia, Kenya
Posted on 15. Feb, 2012 by citizen in Entertainment
50 Cent is donating to World Food Program 10 cents from every sale of a new energy drink called Street King that he is promoting. (Photo: Keith HInkle)
NAIROBI, Kenya – Rapper 50 Cent is teaming up with the World Food Program to see firsthand the effects of hunger in Somalia and Kenya.
The rap star flew to Dolo, Somalia last week. Tens of thousands of women and children have fled there over the last year to flee a devastating famine that killed tens of thousands of people across Somalia.
WFP said the rapper, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, has committed to provide one billion meals for the hungry, and is donating to WFP 10 cents from every sale of a new energy drink called Street King that he is promoting.
The U.N. last week declared an end to Somalia’s six-month famine; though it said tens of thousands of people still need food aid to survive. The British government estimates that between 50,000 and 100,000 people died from the famine’s effects. AP
Whitney Houston: The Queen of Pop Remembered
Posted on 14. Feb, 2012 by citizen in Entertainment, News
The Chicago Citizen Newspaper remembers the life and talent of Whitney Houston. She is pictured here in Beverly Hills, Calif. at a charity event in 2006. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles-File)
While the music world is still reeling from the recent deaths of Don Cornelius and Etta James, the industry received another shocking blow on February 11, 2012.
The news of Whitney Houston’s death spread quickly across the globe; ironically on the eve of the televised Grammy music awards show where Houston was scheduled to make a highly anticipated appearance.
Houston was found dead in the bath tub inside the Beverly Hilton hotel where she was staying during Grammy weekend. The fallen star was planning to attend a pre-Grammy party at the hotel which was being thrown by Sony Music Entertainment executive Clive Davis. Davis reportedly discovered Houston’s talent.
Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born August 9, 1963 in Newark, NJ to Cissy and John Houston. She was the youngest of the couple’s three children and had two older brothers.
The songstress, who for nearly 30 years, provided life soundtracks to three generations, was constantly surrounded by music growing up.
Houston’s mother Cissy is a renowned gospel singer who has also sang background for several legendary artists including Aretha Franklin and Elvis Presley. Franklin is Houston’s godmother and the celebrated singer Dionne Warwick is her cousin.
Houston found her voice while singing in her church choir as a child, notably in 1974, when she began performing as a soloist in the junior gospel choir at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark. Even then, the power and influence of her young voice amazed and floored the church’s congregation.
Houston was remembered by New Hope’s pastor, Joe A. Carter during its Sunday morning worship service, the day after the tragic news of the singer’s death spread.
“Our hearts are broken,” Carter said. “How saddened we are at the death of one of the greatest voices of the modern age.”
Other reports cite that Houston, who was affectionately called “Nippy” by those close to her, is remembered by her family and childhood friends as being destined for greatness.
Toni Gregory, a childhood friend of Houston told a local Newark newspaper that as kids she and Houston dressed up and sang songs to an imaginary audience.
But not soon after Houston’s teenaged years, she soared to superstar status, wowing the world with her break out hits, “You Give Good Love” and “Saving All My Love for You.” The rest was history.
In 1992, Houston married R&B singer Bobby Brown, who was once part of the well-known singing group New Edition. The following year Houston gave birth to the couple’s only child together, Bobbi Kristina.
Bobbi Kristina was hospitalized twice after hearing about and trying to cope with the reality of her mother’s death. According to news reports she was treated for stress and anxiety.
Students at Houston’s childhood school in New Jersey remembered her this past Monday by holding a small procession to her former home, according to NBC New York.
The school is located in East Orange, NJ and has been renamed to Whitney E. Houston Academy of Performing Arts.
The students released a bouquet of white balloons as Houston’s famous song “Greatest Love of All” was played in the background music.
“I beg of every boy and girl to think in terms of what she accomplished,” the school’s principal Henry Hamilton told students and local dignitaries at a ceremony after the procession.
Sony Music Entertainment issued the following statement on Houston’s passing:
“Whitney Houston was an icon and an once-in-a-lifetime talent who inspired a generation of singers and brought joy to millions of fans around the world. She had a voice of unmatched beauty and power that changed music forever, and she leaves behind an indelible legacy of timeless songs that will never be forgotten. She also was an important member of the Sony Music family who spent her storied recording career with Arista Records. She will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences go out to her daughter and her entire family.”
Houston’s body was flown to New Jersey Monday evening via a private jet owned by movie producer Tyler Perry. It is reported that he offered it to the family during their time of need.
Arrangements for the singing legend are being arranged to occur later this week.
Whitney Houston undeniably possessed the most brilliant and powerful musical voice in the history of the world.
We will all miss you terribly, Queen of Pop.
by Thelma Sardin
Maya Angelou Hosts Black History Month Special
Posted on 09. Feb, 2012 by citizen in Entertainment
Maya Angelou smiles during an interview with the Associated Press Tuesday, March 4, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
By STACY A. ANDERSON
WASHINGTON- Author and activist Maya Angelou hopes for a time when Black History Month will no longer be needed to explain the contributions of African-Americans.
“We want to reach a time when there won’t be Black History Month, when black history will be so integrated into American history that we study it along with every other history,” she said in an interview Wednesday. “That’s the hope, and we have to continue to work until that is true, until that becomes a fact.”
In the meantime, she said, she will continue to put the history out there.
Angelou is hosting an hour-long syndicated radio special on the civil rights era that will air throughout this month on about 200 public radio stations across the U.S. Her special features Grammy award-winning singer Mary J. Blige, former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young, economist and Bennett College President Julianne Malveaux and professor Nikky Finney, winner of the 2011 National Book Award for poetry.
Angelou, 83, said she hopes the program sends a message that “the work of making our country more than it is today” is unfinished.
“Our work still remains and we have to do the best we can do,” she said.
The program details Finney’s tribute to late civil rights activist Rosa Parks, Young’s rise from small-town pastor to ambassador and Malveaux’s involvement with the Black Panther protest movement in her youth.
Blige, younger than Angelou’s other guests, speaks of how she was inspired by female civil rights figures Coretta Scott King, Ruby Dee and Angelou herself.
“She’s just as charming as I would wish for a daughter of mine to be and just as dedicated to her field, and to be the best she can be,” Angelou said of the singer. “Young people fascinate me, so I try to stay in current with what they’re doing and what they’re saying.”
Angelou, who has authored more than 30 books and earned three Grammys for the spoken word, recently was presented with the BET Honors Literary Arts Award by first lady Michelle Obama and entertainers Cicely Tyson, Queen Latifah, Jill Scott and Willow Smith. The awards show will air on Black Entertainment Television on Feb. 13.
“My heart almost burst when Mrs. Obama came out and spoke so highly of my work and what it had meant to her and President Obama over the years,” Angelou said.
The famed poet also quelled controversy after she expressed her disappointment in rapper Common using profanity, namely the n-word, and the b-word in reference to women, on his current album released in December, which features Angelou on the intro “The Dreamer.”
Angelou says she doesn’t support use of those words, but she still respects the rapper.
“I said I’m disappointed, but on the other hand, he’s a fine artist and a good man as far as I can see,” she said. AP
Associated Press text, photo and/or graphic material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP Materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing.
Camilla Williams, Black Opera Pioneer, Dies at 92
Posted on 07. Feb, 2012 by citizen in Entertainment
Camilla Williams 1936. Photo: Carl Van Vechten
INDIANAPOLIS – Camilla Williams, believed to be the first African-American woman to appear with a major U.S. opera company, has died. She was 92.
Williams died at her home in Bloomington, Indiana, her attorney, Eric Slotegraaf, said. She died of complications from cancer, said Alain Barker, a spokesman for the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where Williams was a professor emeritus of voice.
Williams’ debut with the New York City Opera on May 15, 1946, was thought to make her the first African-American woman to appear with a major U.S. opera company and came nearly nine years before Marian Anderson became the first African-American singer to appear at New York’s more prestigious Metropolitan Opera.
A memorial service has been scheduled at the First United Methodist Church in Bloomington on Feb. 18. AP
By KEN KUSMER
Associated Press text, photo and/or graphic material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP Materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing.
Fifth Third Bank Celebrates Black History Month
Posted on 07. Feb, 2012 by citizen in Entertainment
Broadcast legend Merri Dee is among several individuals being honored by Fifth Third Bank for Black History Month.
CHICAGO– Fifth Third Bank announced that it will celebrate Black History Month and the significant contributions by African-Americans to Chicago’s civic, social, philanthropic and business development, by honoring three notable Chicagoans and giving away free tickets to the public to the DuSable Museum of African American History.
The DuSable Museum is the oldest museum of its kind in the U.S. dedicated to collecting, preserving and displaying artifacts and objects that promote understanding and inspire appreciation of the achievements, contributions, and experiences of African Americans through history, culture and art. The public is encouraged to stop into any Fifth Third Bank to get up to four free tickets per household. Visit www.53.com for a list of Fifth Third Bank locations.
Fifth Third Bank will honor three well-known African-American leaders from Chicago recognizing their vast contributions to community, philanthropy and the empowerment of youth. Those being honored include Merri Dee, broadcast legend and AARP-IL President, Israel Idonije, Chicago Bears Defensive Tackle, and Melody Spann-Cooper, President, WVON-AM Radio. In addition to receiving crystal awards, each honoree will receive a $5300 scholarship in his/her name that will be awarded to a local high school senior to help with the first year of college. “We are so proud to honor these notable Chicagoans by presenting scholarships in their names that will help someone achieve their academic dreams and follow in the footsteps of our honorees,” said Nicole Johnson-Scales, SVP, Community Development, Fifth Third Bank. PRNewswire
Sensational Sherri!
Posted on 02. Feb, 2012 by citizen in Entertainment
Proud of her Chicago roots, Shepherd told the Chicago Citizen, “I got folks all over Chicago.” (Photo Credit: Steve Fenn/ABC)
Sherri Shepherd, co-host of ABC’s “The View” has come a long way from her humble beginnings on Chicago’s South Side.
The comedian actress and author began her career as a standup comedian in 1991.
“I always liked making people laugh so I just stayed with it and pushed through it,” Shepherd said. “Eventually an agent saw me, started representing me and sending me on TV shows for auditions.”
Today, the successful television and motion picture actress has several sitcoms to her credit including “30 Rock”, “Less Than Perfect”, and “The Jamie Foxx Show.”
Shepherd is also basking in the glory of her work on the silver screen. Her next movie, “One for the Money” starring Katherine Heigl, hits theaters Jan. 27 and is based on the novel by Janet Evanovic.
In addition, Shepherd recently wrapped production on Steve Harvey’s movie, “Think Like a Man,” which is based on his best-selling book, “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man.”
In 2009, the acclaimed actress debuted her own book in the form of an autobiography entitled, “Permission Slips: Every Woman’s Guide to Giving Yourself a Break.”
During her formative years, Shepherd attended Foster Park Elementary located 8530 S. Wood St. and had planned to attend Chicago Vocational High School but her family relocated to northwest suburban Hoffman Estates.
President Barack Obama records an episode of "The View" at ABC Studios in New York, N.Y., July 28, 2010. Pictured, from left, are Whoopi Goldberg, Barbara Walters, Joy Behar, Sherri Shepherd, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Shepherd recently told the Chicago Citizen that President Obama is among her favorite guests that visit the show. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
Proud of her Chicago roots, Shepherd told the Chicago Citizen that she has many fond memories of growing up in the Windy City.
“My girlfriends and I used to sneak to Evergreen Plaza,” Shepherd said. “We would sneak over there and get on that doggone CTA and we would go to Evergreen. We would walk from one end to the other.”
“I got folks all over Chicago,” she added.
Leading a healthy lifestyle is among Shepherd’s top goals for 2012. A Type 2 diabetic, she has made a pledge to stop consuming artificial sweeteners and drinking diet soda.
“I’m on my 45th day of just water, no diet soda,” she told the Chicago Citizen. “I want to eat healthy, be healthy. One of my goals is to make exercise such a part of my life that I want to do it.”
Shepherd is the mother of a six-year- old son, Jeffrey and married Lamar Sally, a television writer in Chicago last year.
As a mother and wife, making health conscious decisions are very important to Shepherd. Her mother died at the early age of 41 which is why it is extremely important to her that she lives to see her son grow up. The actress commented about how she doesn’t want people telling him how funny she was or explaining to him where heaven is.
“That’s not the future that I want,” Shepherd said.
Approaching five years as one of five co-hosts of “The View,” Shepherd revealed to the Chicago Citizen that President Barack Obama is among her favorite guests.
“It inspires me to see a Black president,” she said.
In regards to her “View” co-hosts, Shepherd said she relates to Elisabeth Hasselbeck the most. “We’re both mothers. Our kids are the same age. Even though there’s a 10 year difference between her and I, we pretty much have the same values [and] belief system,” Shepherd said. “We don’t agree politically, but we are both married, so we are always encouraging each other about our marriage[s]. We both go through the ‘guilty mother working syndrome’ and we’re both really silly.”
By Thelma Sardin
Twitter: @thelmasardin
Radio Personality Plans 2012 Take Over
Posted on 13. Jan, 2012 by citizen in Entertainment
Demi Lobo is an entertainer in her own right. The singer and songwriter has performed on BET’s “106 & Park” and has been an opening act for some of music’s biggest stars including R. Kelly, Gucci Mane, and Day 26. (Photo by Billy Montgomery Photography)
Demi Lobo has actively pursued her dreams of stardom since childhood. She is best known for her post at Chicago’s 107.5 WGCI-FM, where she is the youngest radio personality. In addition, to her duties at WGCI, she is a senior at Columbia College Chicago.
Lobo is also an entertainer in her own right. The singer and songwriter has performed on BET’s “106 & Park” and has been an opening act for some of music’s biggest stars including R. Kelly, Gucci Mane, and Day 26.
Born in California, she has lived in Chicago since she was two years old. A native of the far South Side Beverly community, Lobo has fond memories of her childhood.
“We used to enjoy the parks, playing basketball, having outdoor events and we had plenty of parades, there was always something going on,” said Lobo.
Lobo began singing at age 5. As she got older, she sang at funerals, churches, schools and community events.
“I recorded my first song when I was about 15, but went professional about three years ago,” she recently told the Chicago Citizen.
Lobo became interested in pursuing a career in radio because she “was always a talker,” she said.
She is steadfast about becoming an entertainment powerhouse. Among Lobo’s goals for 2012 is to graduate from college and elevate her career.
“I grind 22 out of 24 hours; I’m determined to make it all happen, my education, radio career and music. You can make anything you want to happen determination and tenacity,” she said.
Last year, Lobo was honored with the “Young & Powerful Rising Star Award” from the Young and Powerful for Obama political group. The award recognizes leadership and action in the community. She was also honored by former Mayor Richard M. Daley during a Chicago City Council meeting for being an outstanding young citizen. The honor recognized Lobo’s philanthropic efforts. Jennifer Hudson is the only other artist to receive the award in the past 15 years.
Lobo also won the “Best Female Vocalist” Award at the 2011 Chicago Music Awards and was nominated for three other awards.
Despite, her accomplishments Lobo says she is just a regular girl who gives back to the community.
“I go to the movies at least once or twice a week, and I have a charity to help out people that are less fortunate,” she said.
This past Christmas, she worked with 85 homeless people. Lobo also provides talent programs for kids through her Demi Lobo 4Dreams Foundation. She advises youth who are interested in a radio career to be serious about education, pursue internships, and stay focused.
By Thelma Sardin
Jordan Engaged To Model Yvette Prieto
Posted on 06. Jan, 2012 by citizen in Entertainment
Michael Jordan is set to walk down the aisle again. (Photo Credit: Joshua Massel)
CHARLOTTE, N.C.- Michael Jordan is engaged to longtime girlfriend Yvette Prieto, a Cuban-American model he’s been dating for three years.
Publicist Estee Portnoy confirmed the news, first reported by WCNC in Charlotte, on Thursday.
The Bobcats owner got engaged over the Christmas weekend. No wedding date has been set.
This will be Jordan’s second marriage. He married Juanita Vanoy in September 1989, and they divorced in 2006. They have two sons, Jeffrey Michael and Marcus James, and a daughter, Jasmine. AP
Bears’ Hurd Facing Drug Charges
Posted on 20. Dec, 2011 by citizen in Briefs, Entertainment
The complaint alleges that Hurd told the agent that he and a co-conspirator already distribute about four kilos of cocaine a week in the Chicago area, but his supplier couldn't keep up with his demands. Photo Jeffrey Beall
By KAREN HAWKINS
CHICAGO – Bears wide receiver Sam Hurd was jailed after authorities accused him of trying to set up a drug distribution network in the Chicago area and arrested him after he allegedly agreed to buy a kilogram of cocaine from an undercover agent.
According to the federal complaint, Hurd was arrested last Wednesday night after meeting with the agent at a Chicago restaurant. The complaint contends Hurd told the agent that he was interested in buying five to 10 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of marijuana per week to distribute. AP
Resurgent Soul Singer Howard Tate Dies At 72
Posted on 15. Dec, 2011 by citizen in Briefs
Howard Tate Oraison France – 2008. Photo: Olivier Ménart
TRENTON, New Jersey – Soul singer Howard Tate, has died at age 72.
Tate died of natural causes at his apartment in Burlington City, county medical examiner’s spokesman Ralph Shrom said.
Tate was born in Macon, Georgia, and grew up in Philadelphia, where as a teenager he sang with the doo-wop group The Gainors. He was a rising star in the music world who later suffered through decades of such extreme darkness that his long-time producer figured he was dead before having career resurgence and receiving a Grammy nomination in 2004.
By GEOFF MULVIHILL
Associated Press text, photo and/or graphic material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Neither these AP Materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and non-commercial use. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing.
