When filmmaker Shola Lynch first heard Angela Davis speak more than 20 years ago on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, she didn’t imagine that, one day, she would bring a key chapter of the iconic revolutionary’s life to the screen. But her acclaimed 2004 debut documentary, Chisholm ’72: Unbought & Unbossed, about the fearless black New York congresswoman who ran for president of the United States, demanded a fierce follow-up, and Davis’ story seemed to be calling her.
 
“Her story kept bubbling up. I’m not into signs necessarily, but I was at Shirley Chisholm’s funeral and there was this huge collage montage board, and tucked in the corner was a picture of Angela Davis,” says Lynch, an alum of acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns’ Florentine Films. “I ultimately decided that the film I wanted to see, no one else can make it. I’m the one who can make it.” She began reaching out to Davis, catching up with her almost a year later. As fate would have it, Davis consented to Free Angela & All Political Prisoners based on the strength of Chisholm ’72.

“If I had been a first-time filmmaker, this never would have happened. Nothing I wrote—no e-mail, no letter, none of the calls or messages—[none] of that mattered. What mattered to her was watching the Chisholm film, and what she said when we met is, ‘I thought I knew her story,’” Lynch says.

That was 2005. While the surprisingly shy Davis maintained Swiss neutrality regarding the project, Lynch’s Harlem, New York, neighbor Sidra Smith made it clear she was willing to assist in any way possible.

“I have been a huge fan of Shola’s since I saw the Shirley Chisholm story, and when Shola told me that she got the rights to do Angela Davis’ story, I knew that she needed as much muscle behind her as possible to make this successful,” Smith, now one of the film’s producers, says about the project, which opens in select AMC Theatres on April 5 via CodeBlack Entertainment and Lionsgate.

When Lynch showed her a rough cut, she was more committed than ever. “Shola did a great job getting that movie to where she got it all on her own,” Smith says. “I don’t know how she did that, but we knew that we needed more people to help make noise. We needed more money and the first person I called was my girl Jada [Pinkett Smith]. I was just like, ‘The one person I know who will support this, if it’s the right time, is her.’”

[Photo: Wilson Morales]

Her instincts were dead on about her friend, whom she’s known since age 19 or 20. “That was actually a pretty busy time in my world, and the documentary had been sitting in my house for a couple of weeks when I finally got some downtime,” says Pinkett Smith, recalling the day last year when she finally watched the film.

Even though she “was blown away,” she also admits, “Sometimes I can be very passionate about very unusual things,” so she turned to her other half for reassurance. “And then Will came home, and it’s very hard to captivate him,” she says of her husband, megastar Will Smith. He felt just as strongly as she did, and they came on board as executive producers, a push that got Free Angela into the influential Toronto International Film Festival this past September. She also signed up their creative partner from the Tony-nominated Broadway show Fela!, rapper Jay-Z. 

“I knew that once he saw this documentary, he was going to agree with the importance of the need to get this story into the world,” Pinkett Smith says. “I just felt like this would be a great addition to his artistic legacy.”

And what an addition it is. “We think we know the Angela Davis story and we do not,” Pinkett Smith stresses. “For her to be such a historical icon, I think it is really important that we do.” To that end, Free Angela challenges many assumptions about Davis, known to most as the 1960s- and 1970s-era rebel with the big Afro who became the third woman to appear on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.

Many are ignorant of the Birmingham, Alabama native’s early communist stirrings and erroneously assume she was a member of the Black Panther Party. They know nothing of the guns registered in Davis’ name that Jonathan Jackson, the brother of a fellow revolutionary, used to take over a California courtroom, forcing her to go on the run.

But Lynch wanted to do more than tell the story; she wanted to show the story. To achieve this, she employed a technique she calls “historical vérité,” Using lots of archival footage, Lynch tried to recreate the era that shaped Davis’ legend. “I wanted to take you back to that period, to that time. I wanted you to follow the questions, the choices, the confusion that is part of living in that moment, rather than tell you what happened,” she says. 

Ultimately, Lynch hopes viewers will learn the answers to the questions that propelled her: “How does a 26-year-old philosophy graduate student become an international political icon? How is she possible?”

By Clarissa Hamlin

Roger Ebert, who dazzled audiences with his sharp and refreshing style of reviewing films for the Chicago Sun-Times, passed away yesterday following a lengthy and public battle with thyroid cancer. He was 70.

The witty and esteemed film critic is best known for co-hosting “At the Movies,” a film review television show that he hosted with the late Gene Siskel and Richard Roeper for decades. Ebert will also be remembered as an advocate for Black auteurs like Spike Lee, actors like Denzel Washington, and cinema. In his more than 40 years critiquing films, he bestowed best film titles on The Color Purple in 1985, Eve’s Bayou in 1997, and Monster’s Ball in 2001.

The Pulitzer Prize winner is survived by his wife, Chaz Hammelsmith Ebert, two step-children, and two step-grandchildren.

Courtesy of BlackEnterprise.com

Designer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and mother, Rachel Roy today announced the launch of her new lifestyle oriented experience called The Life.

Exclusively on her website www.rachelroy.com, The Life plans to be a hub of lifestyle content created to inspire women to achieve the life they desire to live.

Keep reading …

The post Rachel Roy Launches Digital Magazine & Video Series For Female Entrepreneurs appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

By Clarissa Hamlin

With the recent public fury incited by what some call pro-rape lyrics, Rick Ross tweeted an apology yesterday ahead of the planned protest by women’s group Ultra Violet against the song.

Just last week, Ross said his lyrics were misinterpreted. But yesterday, he said he doesn’t condone rape and is sorry for the lyrics that were “interpreted as rape,” via Twitter. He also apologized to his several business partners, specifically mentioning Ultra Violet. (However, his tweeted apology seems to have since been deleted.)

Ultra Violet, however, has rejected the 69-character apology and gathered yesterday outside the New York office of Reebok, one of the rapper’s sponsors. The women’s group demanded that the sneaker and apparel giant drop Ross as a spokesperson, and held boxes with the number 72,000 written on them to signify the number of people who’ve signed petitions calling for Reebok to dump Ross.

The backlash comes several months after Ross’ raps about giving a woman the MDMA or “Molly” drug, and having his way with her on the Rocko song, “U.O.E.N.O” that was released in January.

RELATED: Hocus Focus

The post In Hot Water, Rick Ross’ Twitter Apology Not Sufficient appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of Vibe Vixen

Could Janet Jackson be leaving the music industry to convert to Islam?

After secretly marrying her billionaire boo Wissam Al Mana, Michael Jackson’s little sister has decided to leave Hollywood behind. According to Showbiz 411, “She’s gone. She married a billionaire. They’ve got houses in three countries. She’s spending time in the Middle East. She’s become a Muslim.”

Keep reading …

Apparently, between suing her baby’s daddy for custody, him beating up the baby’s daddy, and him attacking a photographer, Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez had time to make their own bundle of joy.

TMZ is reporting that the 46-year-old actress and her 47-year-old fiance are expecting their first child together, and Halle is about three months along. And they’ve already learned the sex of the child. It’s a boy!

RELATED: Nuptials & Nurseries: 2013 Celebrity Weddings & Babies

The family of Trayvon Martin has settled the wrongful death claim filed against the homeowners association of the sub-division where Martin was shot and killed in February 2012.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, portions of the settlement–made available to the public on Friday–do not provide details on the amount of the settlement. However, the figure is believed to be more than 1 million dollars.

George Zimmerman is not part of the agreement. Benjamin Crump, attorney for Martin’s family, has stated they still plan to move forward with filing a civil suit against Zimmerman at a later date.

Seventeen year-old Martin was fatally shot near his father’s Sanford, Florida home on Feb. 26, 2012, by volunteer neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman. The case sparked heated debates as the Sanford Police Department wavered on whether to file charges against Zimmerman. Meanwhile, Zimmerman maintained that he shot Martin because he was attacked.

After extensive public outcry, in April 2011 Zimmerman was charged with second degree murder. He is awaiting trial.

The post Settlement Reached With HOA In Trayvon Martin Wrongful-Death Claim appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of the Huffington Post Black Voices

Throughout the course of his career, Tyler Perry has accumulated a tremendous amount of success, not to mention topping Forbes magazine’s 2011 list as “entertainment’s highest paid man.”

Despite all the accolades, fame and fortune, there’s still one thing that the Hollywood titan strives to become in the future–a father.

During a recent episode of “The Steve Harvey Show,” Perry shared his thoughts on fatherhood, which he hopes becomes a reality within the next two years.

Continue reading and view the clip here.

The post Tyler Perry Talks Fatherhood on The Steve Harvey Show appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of Huffington Post Black Voices

Before Mary Williams, a girl growing up surrounded by poverty, drugs and teen pregnancy, was adopted by Oscar-winning actress Jane Fonda, Williams attended Fonda’s performing arts camp with the dream of being an actress herself someday. In this clip from the April 7 episode of “Oprah’s Next Chapter” — Fonda and Williams’ first interview together — Williams tells Oprah about an acting audition she had been excited to attend when she was 14… but that turned into something horrifying.

Instead of getting to audition for an acting role, Williams experienced something traumatic. “It turned out not to be an audition,” she remembers. “I was assaulted. Sexually assaulted.”

Continue reading and watch the video here.

The post Jane Fonda’s Daughter, Mary Williams, Opens Up About Rape appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Ask estranged husband Kordell Stewart and Porsha Williams likes to party until the sun comes up “then call the police to get her into the house she shares with [Stewart],” according to court documents obtained by TMZ.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta star launched the recent attack exchange by filing a motion stating that Kordell repeatedly locked her out of the house. She also claims he has brought another woman into their shared home.

But if you’ve ever watched the RHOA Atlanta franchise, then you know, Stewart isn’t one to take a fight lying down. Quick on the defense, he says, he only locks the house at night for security reasons. And in reality, the problem is Porsha often leaves home for long periods of time only to return several days later between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM smelling of alcohol.

TMZ reports:

“The ex-NFL star also claims Porsha called the police twice to let her into the house … even though she has a key to enter the property. As for Porsha’s claim of ‘another woman’ in the house — Kordell says it’s the nanny he was forced to hire because Porsha is ‘neglecting her responsibilities to her stepson.’”

Kordell filed for divorce last month. He also wants the court to turn down Porsha’s request for temporary support because, as he says, she is a reality-TV celebrity generating her own income.

The post Kordell Stewart Claims Porsha Williams Parties All Night And Neglects Stepson appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

By Charles D. Ellison

Last week ended with a raggedy-ass jobs report, sequestration spreading like a virus and the president giving up 5 percent of his nearly half-a-million salary. Bobbing and weaving angrily in the backdrop was DJ Kim Jong-un, perhaps set off by something Dennis Rodman said or tattooed during his visit. But, nothing compared to the chatter triggered by the president’s seemingly noble gesture as he laid his cape on a muddy puddle of budget cuts to let the fair maiden federal worker pass on through.

It seemed simple enough. President cuts an annual check back to Treasury that amounts to a little under $18,000. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel took first place on that, though, the former Vietnam grunt willing and ready to feel the pain of his troops. Not to be outdone by his own cabinet (and a former Republican Senator at that), Obama was suddenly inspired into action. He checked in with Michelle and the kids – since even Black folks with money flow can’t risk aggravating the ledgers – and took the final step, subtly pressuring other cabinet members to do the same.

White House press secretary Jay Carney denies any hint of management nudging. But, we all know how powerful workplace symbols and hints can be. If your boss, who happens to be the most powerful man on the planet (with access to nuclear weapon codes and a secret army of Black Ops soldiers), is telling you about his decision to forgo some of his pay, best believe you feel beads of sweat rolling down your sideburns. Of course you do the same. Secretary of State Kerry, Attorney General Eric Holder and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano soon follow. Why Kerry, who is married to the Heinz ketchup fortune, should even want or need a salary is an interesting footnote here. Holder, former Covington and Burling power partner who can easily return to the practice at the drop, is all good. Napolitano has to look good for the reporters, activists, and donors who are whispering her name as a presidential contender in 2016.

The big question is: why did the president take his time on this? Sequestration happened a good month ago – so long ago, in fact, that it had enough time to take a bite out of March job growth. It’s missed amid the punditry and player-hating of commentators who attempt to second-guess the president on his latest move. It’s all in the calculation. He’s watching the poll like the scoreboard lit up on opening night, and he’s thinking it’s time to reshape the conversation. The public is hot and weary. Government workers, furloughed and tapped, are restless and battered. Give them something else to talk about.

The White House misread the electorate and assumed all fingers would point blame at Republicans for the budget cuts. But, they read wrong. No one gives a shit who started it or who let it happen. They just know Washington lost its mind and all politicians are ratchet, doesn’t matter if you wear a “D” or an “R.” They all wear suits – and a few get creative with their glowing glitter Sunday hat monstrosities like Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) (you gotta see this, fam).

Whether you agree with the gesture or not is beside the point. It’s politics. We’d like to think the President is like samurai in Shogun, falling to his knees and committing ritualistic suicide in show of Bushido-like solidarity with his hardworking federal workforce. Maybe. But, next inning is the Obama White House shaming Members of Congress to do the same – since House Republicans refused to find a way around sequestration, the thinking goes, maybe we can hold their personal bank accounts accountable (despite the fact it really wasn’t their idea to begin with). Democrats can sign up as a show of cause celebre’ in time for the 2014 Congressional midterm cycle. Let the chicken games begin.

Predictably, Republicans blast the president for being disingenuous because … well … he’s rich. And … well … he won’t really feel the pain of federal workers who were already straining to make the ends meet. But, silly kids, most politicians are rich these days. In fact, you can’t run for office unless you have some semblance of financial stability. The argument falls flat so fast that it whistles. More than 48 percent of Members of Congress have an estimated net worth of more than $1 million. Believe it or not, the Democrats are wealthier than the Republicans, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. “Although the median estimated net worth of Democratic members is more than that of Republican members, the total median estimated value of all investments by Democrats is virtually the same as that of Republicans, $2.2 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively,” CRP adds. Incidentally, many Black Members of Congress are barely scraping by, saddled with debt, legal bills from ethics probes and the endless curse of a Black middle class responsible for holding the rest of the family up.

In the meantime, Congressional luxury is enough to make quite a few talk-show callers angry enough to spit on the phone. All that, including free no co-pay healthcare and other benefits, along with their $174,000 annual salary – the House Speaker making $230,000. But, in all fairness, wouldn’t we want our lawmakers comfortable? Shouldn’t they be completely focused on the demands or their job, representing anywhere from 600,000 people in a district to tens of millions in a state at a time? And, why would we want them poor? So, they have an excuse to take part time jobs from billionaire donors and special interests?

Obviously, the generous six figure salaries didn’t seem to work out in the age of hyper-campaigning and endless strips of green meat dumped into candidate coffers. And, curiously, Congress isn’t making any attempt to meet the president’s challenge. When Members are asked about it (even as their own staffs take pay cuts), they trail off into mumbo jumbo about the 27th Amendment and rules. “We’re not allowed to vote on pay cuts until the next election,” says one who rushes off to the next subject, perhaps planning to get this mess sorted out before the next election so they won’t have to.

CHARLES D. ELLISON is a political strategist, politics contributor to UPTOWN Magazine, Washington Correspondent for the Philadelphia Tribune and a frequent voice on SiriusXM Channel 124. He can be reached via Twitter @charlesdellison

By Charles D. Ellison

Yet again another faux flap dominates the airwaves and Twitterverse. By dawn of the next daily news cycle, producers and talk show hosts will be foaming at the mouth to talk more about it, to get some “perspective” and “insight” into the fake controversy that is President Obama’s remark on California Attorney General Kamala Harris’ easy-on-the-eyes looks.

Harris, considered a gradual rising star in Democratic politics, is not all that bad. Of course, she’s more than just “good looks;” how she arrived at AG for the nation’s largest state is not an accident. It took an abundant amount of skill, much of which Harris holds. The President, among others in the male species, is not alone in tastes. And, incidentally, this is what people in politics do – along with iron fist grip handshakes, bear hugs, pats on the back and baby kisses. It is a business based on the invasion of personal space as elected officials and their challengers engage in a perpetual arms race for votes. Some of it is genuine; some of it the tears of clowns looking for constant affirmation; and, the rest is downright transactional. To tell one he or she “looks good” in politics is as familiar as yard signs on Election Day. Everyone is campaigning at all times, and the campaign is more like a high school popularity contest in which candidates make plays on the emotional IQ of their targets. How convincing they are in that process (Vice President Joe Biden comes to mind as master of handshake, shoulder grab and hug) can be the decisive factor in how well they win an election or sell a policy.

Hence, Obama giving Harris compliments on her good looks is nothing new. Granted, he may also derive some secret fascination with the California AG – as some White Republican dudes I know think Florida AG Pam Bondi (R) is “hot.” Others may reflect on this debate having something to do with exotic beach states. We could extra on this conversation, but out of respect for the sistren, let’s say we won’t. But, certainly, it’s not a bad thing that Harris is “the best looking” Attorney General. Neither is it bad for the president, alpha male Most-Powerful-Dude-in-the-World that he is, for letting us know his opinion on the subject.

Batty conservatives and nanny state Republicans who normally cry foul at any hint of political correctness should stop while they’re ahead on this. Nervous progressives who easily throw each other under the bus should take a breath. Trifling journalists too lazy to find real news should resume sifting through sequestered budget spreadsheets and watching chubby ass Kim Jong-Un play checkers with his generals while the rest of the world wiles out. While we dig the reprieve from the Red Dawn remake remix, this is not what we had in mind. Sure, we’re a bit down in the dumps about the slow job growth numbers, but if this is White House end-of-the-week dog wagging we’ll pass on it. Give us another cheesy trend story on Rutgers University’s athletic program imploding overnight. Something. Not this.

But, let’s keep it real: “sexism” from the president is not what this is really about, now is it? This has very little to do with the man in the White House stepping over bounds with executive privilege and everything to do with the brother in the White House simply being a man. The big deal in this “what’s-the-big-deal” controversy is that the media-industrial complex, colluding with hateful journos and commentators with nothing better to do, can’t get enough out of chewing away at the present portrayal of modern Black American masculinity.

Does this amount to nothing more than digital emasculation or corny schemes by the opposition to diminish a Black man’s manhood? We won’t go as far as an infamous Clarence Thomas line on the subject, but some of us can smell the fresh scent of worn racial stigmas rearing their ugly head. In the era of the Black president, significant blocs of the predominant White populace are still wrapping their heads around the notion of color in the White House – despite a full term of it. In the process, we’ve witnessed outrageous round after round of disrespect and racial dehumanization.

This next round is old fashion Fear of Black Man carefully marinated into a broad attempt at making him completely powerless, even if it means surgical snips at any hint of masculine self. There are tomes of studies on the topic, this obsession with Black male emasculation as a form of racial warfare. Never did we think that it would get this ridiculous. Yet, it’s that pervasive. The gradual mutilation of Black masculinity is rampant, from the nerdy or obese sidekicks in Disney sitcoms who have no powers compared to their athletically endowed and girl-catching White jock friend to the more obvious effeminizing standard found on most popular programming.

So bad is it that the Black male president can no longer golf, run ball, gulp brew or pencil in NCAA brackets without the disapproving glare of a White pundit accusing him of abdicating presidential duties. But, did we hear this sort of talk when his predecessor was playing cowboy on the Texas ranch or engaged in daily fitness runs from mountain bike riding to trail running? Did folks poke at President Bush’s manliness the way they must suck the man out of a Commander-in-Chief who has his own way of tapping into manliness as a way to battle unbelievable stress and gray hairs? Don’t recall a demand for an apology for his infamously awkward shoulder massage of German Chancellor Angela Merkel at a 2006 G-8 summit. Of course not, because we regularly accepted the Cowboy-in-Chief’s rugged Texas masculinity. What’s different now?

CHARLES D. ELLISON is a political strategist, politics contributor for UPTOWN Magazine and Washington Correspondent for the Philadelphia Tribune. He can be reached via Twitter @charlesdellison

In today’s link round-up: Jay-Z and Beyonce get blasted for their trip to Cuba, Porsha Stewart allegedly signs up for another season of Real Housewives of Atlanta and much more!

The Root
Margaret Thatcher Dead at 87
Britain’s first female prime minister has died of a stroke.

Loop 21
World Health Day: Top 5 Concerns For African Americans
Be informed.

Black Enterprise
Jay-Z and Beyonce Slammed for Cuba Visit
The power couple is in hot water following their anniversary excursion.

Hello Beautiful
Porsha Stewart Has Change Of Heart About Next Season Of ‘RHOA’
The reality star will reportedly return for another season.

The YBF
Ludacris Hosts Mehcad Brooks, Keshia Knight Pulliam & More At Maxim/Blackberry’s Final Four Weekend Private Party
Check out all of the event’s celebrity arrivals!

Vibe Vixen
Chris Rock to Join ‘Real Husbands of Hollywood’
Let the laughter continue…

Life is pretty sweet for Selasi.

Following the releases of two musical projects that include Coming To America and Shades of Grey, the producer/engineer has joined Kandi Burruss’ team of experts in Bravo TV’s newest reality series, The Kandi Factory. With a résumé that boasts notable artists that include the Real Housewives of Atlanta star, Trey Songz, Idris Elba, Keyshia Cole and others, the Ghana native will utilize his industry knowledge to transform 16 entertainment hopefuls into seasoned vets.

But don’t throw Selasi into the heaping pile of “reality television stars.” He’s got a plan of his own— far bigger than anyone can imagine.

One Talented Kid

As a young child, Selasi (a.k.a. The African Kid) spent his days marching to the beat of his own drum. Literally. The self-taught musician grew up in the traditional Catholic church, often known for its humdrum and one-dimensional hymns. But a trip to a non-denominational church opened up a whole new world.

“We went to this church and for the first time, there were drums, keyboards, bass guitars and tambourines. I just got fascinated by it,” he recalls. Selasi says it wasn’t long before he mastered the technique of several instruments, which centered his focus onto the art of creating music.

Workin’ at the Car Wash

Despite having a passion for all things music, Selasi explains that college was a necessity. With blessings and funding from his parents, the budding talent made a strategic plan to move to the city known for its hit-making abilities: Atlanta. Ah yes, the land responsible for stars such as Usher, R&B group Jagged Edge and the aforementioned Burruss, among others. Between spending his days in class and his nights in the studio, Selasi took a job at a local car wash to support his new life in the States.

“The music wasn’t a necessity, it was what I loved. It wasn’t work, it was fun. But after those nights of working on music, you pay for it when you wake up in the morning,” he explains. “[…] Those days were not easy at all. I guess my will and God’s grace just pushed me through.”

Shades of Grey

Things worked out. Selasi released the follow-up to 2010’s Coming To America mixtape with Shades of Grey, a five-track EP that blends the sounds of American, African and Caribbean dancehall rhythms. And this time around, he’s making music on his own terms.

“The objectives have changed. I said I wanted to make music and hopefully the A&Rs liked it, [Coming To America] got me to that position,” he says. “But at the end of the day, they aren’t the ones we’re making music for. We’re making music for the fans, so you do what is true to you musically.”

Keeping It [Somewhat] Real

Selasi isn’t new to the reality television streets. His peppered appearances on Real Housewives of Atlanta (namely the “Tardy for the Party” era) have prepared him for his upcoming spot on The Kandi Factory. Still, the role comes with its reservations. “There are no expectations because I don’t know how it’s going to be edited. […] But at the end of the day, I don’t have anything to hide so I’m not even worried.”

The Kandi Factory premieres April 9 at 10/9c on Bravo. Check out Selasi’s official video for “Call The Police” below and stay connected (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) at Selasimusic.com.

Courtesy of The Associated Press

The role of female talk show hosts in late-night TV broadcast network history, all 50-plus years of it, can be summed up in two words: Joan Rivers. It takes just another two – Arsenio Hall – to do the same for minorities.

There’s no indication that’s going to change in the latest round of musical chairs involving “Tonight” and “Late Night.” All the NBC, ABC and CBS showcase jobs at 11:30 p.m. Eastern and later appear likely to remain securely in white men’s hands.

Jay Leno is handing off to Jimmy Fallon, with speculation tagging Seth Meyers as his likely successor. Meanwhile, David Letterman, Jimmy Kimmel, Craig Ferguson and Carson Daly are sitting pretty, without the faintest drumbeat of a pair of advancing high heels to signal a threat.

There have been alternatives bandied about – Chelsea Handler, black comedian-writer Aisha Tyler – but no hints they or others are getting traction.

“In real life it seems to me that women have definitely shown themselves to be able to carry on a conversation,” said Merrill Markoe, the Emmy Award-winning writer who helped David Letterman create “Late Night” at NBC. “Women have exhibited an interest in talking for centuries. I’m not sure how it is that no one has seemed to notice.”

Continue here…

Courtesy of NewsOne

Karen Braithwaite (pictured), the Harlem Mother who began an online petition on Change.org earlier this month, requesting that toy manufacturer Mattel consider creating a Black Barbie party suppliers line has been turned down by the company, reports DNAinfo.com.

Mattel reportedly informed Braithwaite that a line such as the one she has been petitioning for would just not be a profitable move for them due to a lack of interest by major retailers.

Continue here…

The post Mattel Refuses Harlem Mother’s Appeal For Black Barbie Party Supplies appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

by Nikki Chu

Hollywood’s in-demand interior designer and star of Oxygen’s hit reality show Girlfriend Confidential: LA, shares easy, stylish offerings for a standout abode.

Mirrored Skateboard
$159; mydeco.com

“This piece by Suck UK is a statement piece for any foyer or room. The eye-catching mirror has genuine skateboard trucks with wheels attached and can be positioned vertically or horizontally across a feature wall.”

Karree Cuckoo Clock
$505; mycuckooclocks.com

“I have this in my house and everyone who comes over trips out about it.”

Bejeweled Bottle Opener
$425; kellywearstler.com

“Show off when you open your next bottle with this fancy little treasure that’s studded with handpicked gems.”

Peace Chairs
$595; roomservicestore.com

“The peace sign adds a witty remix to a typical dining chair—but these seats will make a statement in any room.”

Royal Master Sealight Floor Lamp
$1,195; restorationhardware.com

“Lights, camera, action! This floor lamp brings a sense of Old Hollywood glamour, and its clean lines and chrome finish let it blend nicely with all styles.”

Vintage Designer Scarf Pillow
$199; nikkichuhome.com

“The Estate 22 Pillow Collection is made out of vintage designer scarves gathered from around the world. They are years of acquired designer collectibles recreated with style.”

Courtesy of EURweb

Uh oh, this could be some serious drama about to jump off concerning Diddy‘s baby mama, Kim Porter.

Nanny Dawn Drago who worked for Porter, from 2011 to 2012, claims in a lawsuit, that Kim chain-smoked pot in the house while Diddy’s young daughters were home.

However, Drago’s suit says marijuana was not Kim’s only drug of choice. She alleges she found cocaine as well, and on one occasion she says she was driving the kids to school and noticed they were covered “in a white powdery substance,” according to report from TMZ.

Drago claims the kids had gotten into “a bag containing the powder, along with clear capsules, filled with another powdery substance in a bag in the back seat.”

Continue at EURweb…

The post Diddy’s Baby Mama Kim Porter In Lawsuit: Kids Covered In ‘White Powder’ appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Jamie Foxx will bring the screams this Halloween with a new horror anthology for Syfy, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

On Wednesday, the network announced its upcoming lineup that will include the five-part series written, directed and executive produced by the Academy Award winner. The series, which falls in line with The Twilight Zone and Tales From the Crypt, is a half-hour spot that will explore themes including envy, jealousy and superficiality.

Related: First Look: Jamie Foxx As President In ‘White House Down’ [TRAILER]

“This is a project that I’ve wanted to do for a long time and I’m so happy to see it come to life,” Foxx said. “Get ready to lose it when some special friends and I bring the scares this October, and who knows … maybe I’ll make a guest appearance or two along the way!”

The untitled project will be released under the actor’s Foxxhole Production banner and is set to premiere during Syfy’s annual “31 Days of Halloween.”

And for all his outstanding work over the years, the MTV Movie Awards will honor Foxx with the Generation Award at this year’s event. The Django actor, also up for Best Male Performance, will follow in the footsteps of past winners that include Sandra Bullock, Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp and others.

The post Jamie Foxx Teams With SyFy For Five-Part Horror Series, Nabs MTV’s Generation Award appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of BlackEnterprise.com

Many families will be celebrating the graduations of loved ones from high school and college in a few weeks. Whether earning diplomas or degrees, this represents a major right of passage into adulthood. There are many things you can purchase as a gift for your newly minted graduate. Allow me to recommend some ideas that will start them off with the right attitude toward their financial education and habits of smart money management.

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