*A good movie usually remains with you days after you’ve left the theater and although KIN the movie doesn’t hit theaters until August 31, producers of the project are gearing up for the film in a major way. KIN is the story of “an unexpected hero” destined for greatness.

Chased by a vengeful criminal, the feds and a gang of otherworldly soldiers, a recently released ex-con and his adopted teenage brother are forced to go on the run with a weapon of mysterious origin as their only protection.

KIN stars James Franco, Jack Reynor and Miles Truitt. To celebrate the film’s release, the studio invited EUR out for a fun game of laser tag with some of the most influential people on the gram.

We met up at UltraZone in Sherman Oaks where we were prepped on our mission for the day. Some of our favorite online personalities like Khadi, Dyvon, Arriana Jonae and E Breezy along with actress Aadyn Encalarde were in attendance to fight for their group’s championship on the battlefield. When I tell you these personalities are the best to play laser tag with, please, believe me.

For the first round we split up into three groups and dressed in our digitally receptive armor before heading in to the laser pit. For 30 minutes, we screamed, we laughed, we hid, we competed and we tried our best to get to glory. Of course, you may think you’re racking up points but it’s not until the final scoreboard reveals the standings that you know if you’re a pro or someone who needs to step their game up. Khadi and her team took home the bragging rights of being the laser tag champion team.

We were guaranteed that the movie will be just as exciting and fast paced as our laser tag experience and it was also a thrilling euphoria of pleasure and revenge. We may not know much about KIN the movie at this point because we didn’t screen it before our lazer adventure, but I have a strong feeling we will all be talking about it very soon.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/thrilling-and-suspenseful-laser-tag-for-kin-the-movie-pics-trailer-look/

*Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul’s home going service can best be described as a combination of a revival, political rally, motivational talk, musical tributes, roast and of course worship. Presenters from the world of entertainment, sports, politics, business, and just friends came together on one stage to celebrate not only Franklin’s musical talents but her activism and the many lives she touched.

Franklin died Aug. 16 of pancreatic cancer at the age of 76.

The service held at Greater Grace Temple was presided over by Bishop Charles H. Ellis, 111 who is also a long time family friend. Lining the street to the Church on Seven Mile road was a sea of over 100 Pink Cadillacs. Ellis and his wife Crisette Ellis thought up the idea. The cars arrived post arrival of Franklin, but as the funeral procession left for the cemetery they were four deep. Cristine Ellis is national sales for Mary Kay Cosmetic. So she didn’t have to go far to find owners of Pink Cadillacs. The company uses pink colored Cadillacs as a sales incentive for reaching what it calls “Grand Achiever” level of sales.

They came from across the nation suited in their signature outfits. They even had a special section in the Church. But there was some vintage Cadillacs on display. Bringing your car meant you would get entrance into the funeral.

The day kicked-off with the fourth and final viewing of the week which was held between 8:30-9:30AM – Two days of public at The Charles H. Wright Museum on Tuesday and Wednesday followed by another public viewing on Thursday at New Bethel Church. The Queen had clothing change for each of these viewing. For this final viewing she wore a gold lame dress and her gold Christian Louboutine Shoes – the red soles. Ever a signature of a Diva. Everything from the arrangement of the flowers that surround the 24 karat gold plated casket, which was similar to the one of Michael Jackson and James Brown, to the arrangements of the pastel colored roses that surround the casket was flawless.

In the foyer of the church attendees had the chance to see to floral arrangements sent by stars from around the World. The Miracles and The Four Tops arrangement was very dramatic, Mariah Carey’s White Roses formed into a cross was much photographed. Rod Steward, Elton John, Barbara Streisand, and Jimmy Fallon are just a few of the major stars from around the world who sent flowers. Oddly enough the arrangement sent on behalf of Diana Ross was more suitable as a tabletop. Franklin’s casket was surrounded by pastel roses and a Bleeding Heart from her grandchildren.

The program was to scheduled to start at 10AM but the family procession didn’t get going until 11:30AM. I clocked out the recessional at 7:15PM. The expression time flies when you are having fun or in this case inspired, uplifted and entertained.

The family and friends procession officially kicked off the service. Also leading the processional were funeral directors from around the country. This was a special touch organized by the Swanson Funeral Home. The program organized by the Franklin Family will be remembered as historic and talked about as the standard for a celebrity funeral. Gwen Quinn was the publicist for the family and knew how to draw media from around the globe.

Highlights

Bishop T.D. Jakes (Potter’s House) was one of several pastors from across the country who knew Aretha Franklin or her Father C.L. Franklin. He read passages from the Bible. Jakes was one of the few members of the clergy that stuck to his allotted time. His eloquent reading from the Old Testament set the tone for what was ahead. He said, “She was classy enough to sing on the most prominent stages in the world, but she was home girl enough to make potato salad and fry some chicken. In a class all by herself.”

Faith Hill whose rendition of “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” was panned by some, but one singer who also performed said the sound system may have been off.

Local, state and national politicians told stories of how Franklin, a Detroit native, was a national treasure. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said that he will send a bill to city council to rename Chene Park, which he said was one of her favorite places in the world, to be renamed Aretha Franklin Park. It seems Council President Brenda Jones also had the same idea and was introducing a resolution also changing the name permanently. She also announced that a portion of a city street is going to be renamed Aretha Franklin Way.

Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-Mich.) talked about how she received a surprise phone call from Franklin after becoming mayor of Southfield, Mich. This was Franklin’s style. Franklin wanted Lawrence to attend an upcoming event so she picked up the phone and called her. Lawrence was in shock and responded, “No, excuse me, ma’am, you mean Aretha Franklin, like the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin?” She said Franklin was very supportive of women politicians. Lawrence is part of a group of lawmakers, including Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.), who introduced legislation to award Franklin posthumously with a Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors.

Also attending the event was Sheila Jackson Lee and Maxine Waters who got numerous applause.

The cast of Tyler Perry’s “The Haves and The Have Nots got a standing ovation just for walking into the sanctuary. Perry said the show was Franklin’s favorite. The cast attended The People’s Tribute to the Queen the previous night and had fans going selfie crazy. They had front row seats at the funeral. Perry was also one of the speakers.

Ariana Grande had the twitter world working overtimes because of her attire. But one woman said “she was dressed like most young women of her generation.” She had her fiancé Pete Davidson in tow. It was reported that her old flame Big Sean was also in the house. She performed “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” After her musical tribute, Bishop Ellis embraced her and remarked that he thought an Ariana Grande was a new item on the Taco Bell menu. Her fans didn’t see the joke. He also had to issue and apology for this and in an interview with The Associated Press at the cemetery where Franklin was interred late Friday about touching her.

“It would never be my intention to touch any woman’s breast. … I don’t know I guess I put my arm around her,” Ellis said. “Maybe I crossed the border, maybe I was too friendly or familiar but again, I apologize.”

He said he hugged all the performers during Friday’s eight-hour service.

“I hugged all the female artists and the male artists,” Ellis said. “Everybody that was up, I shook their hands and hugged them. That’s what we are all about in the church. We are all about love.”

The Clark Sisters from Detroit brought the program back to its gospel roots. Their rich harmonies on the song “Is My Living In Vain” had the church on their feet.

Vanessa Bell Armstrong and the Williams Brothers, another Detroit group, gave the audience old school gospel.

Aretha Franklin’s grandchildren and nieces, Vaughn, Victorie, Jordan and Cristal Franklin was a reminder to all that she was not just an entertainer, but a mother, sister, grandmother and aunt. While she had a very public musical life, her personal life was off limits. The next generation of the Franklins talked about what it meant to have Franklin as a Grandmother and aunt. In the words of Victorie, “she was just my grandma.”

Former president, George W. Bush who honored Aretha with a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005, sent a letter on behalf of himself and his wife that was read during the acknowledgments and condolences.

Going off the printed program schedule, Smokey Robinson looked GQ handsome and 30 years younger. He didn’t perform, but crooned a few bars from a song he wrote for another production. Robinson said in one of their last conversations, Franklin told him about the movie that’s in development about her life and asked who he thought should play him. He didn’t reveakl what he may have told Aretha, however, Robinson said: “I know you’re up there and you’re celebrating with your family, and all our neighborhood friends who have gone, and you’re going to be one of the featured voices in the choir of angels, because you’d have to be.”

A operatic presentation by Alice Mcallister Tillman singing “Ave Maria” was a reminder that Queen of Soul could sing any kind of music. Over and over through the program speaker mention her versatility and the fact that she was in a league of her own.

Eric Holder, former U.S. Attorney General talked about how he first met Aretha – like many – she just called him on the phone. This was her style to call public figures to complement them on their accomplishment. Many becoming lifelong friends. To cap his presentation he choose Aretha Franklin’s “Until You Come Back To Me (That What I’m Gonna do).”

Franklin’s son Edward Franklin who sometime performed with her was another family member who made a presentation. His vocal choice was Marvin Gaye’s “Mercy Mercy Me.”

Pastor Shirley Caesar in a silver lame evening gown dazzled the audience and had them dancing on the stage, in the pews and aisle. It was old school revival. She performed with Tasha Cobbs-Leonard. She even had Minister Louis Farrakhan who was seated on the podium swaying to praises. He stayed for the entire program on stage but did not make presentation.

Celebrity Judge – who is a real retired Judge – Greg Mathis told the audience of how his relationship with the Queen of Soul started with his political activism working with Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Reverend Al Sharpton read a letter on behalf of the former President Barrack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama. He also talked about Franklin’s generosity to his organization. He said she once sent him a check to help his organization. He called to thank her and told Franklin that he had framed the check. Franklin replied: “don’t you have a photo copy machine because you need to cash that check.” Sharpton mentioned how he misspelled “respect” while discussing Franklin on his TV show. Fans called him out about this error. He said that he needed to “correct President Trump and teach him what it means. “Trump said, ‘She used to work for me,’” Sharpton explained. “No, she used to perform for you. She worked for us.”

Chaka Khan who flew in Oprah Winfrey’s former hair and makeup artist Reggie Wells brought the house down with the gospel song “How I Got over.” In a slinky black sheath with a large taffeta duster she looked stunning with a fan for special effects. She gave the audience all the drama of a seasoned Diva. She came back for an encore. The only performer on the program to do so.

Ron Isley remarked he should have brought his brothers and the band His musical tribute was his “Eye Is On The Sparrow.” He grew up with Franklin and you could hear the sorrow in his voice.

Rev Jesse Jackson, founder/president of Rainbow Push Coalition was one of many from the clergy who used their tribute as a call to action to get people to vote. He said that we stand in line for a viewing but can’t stand in line to vote. Former President Bill Clinton along with his wife Hillary Clinton had the audience in stitches with his rememberance of the Queen of Soul.

“I was so happy when I got here and the casket was still open, I got to think: ‘I wonder what my friend has on today’.”

He added “You could say that Hillary and I went to college and law school with Aretha,” Clinton said at the time, “because there was scarcely a day when we didn’t listen to one of her songs.”

Clinton ended his remarks by holding his cellphone, playing Franklin’s “Think” up to the microphone.

The two “American Idol” alumni were both looking slim and trim held their own in the musical tributes. Fantasia Barrino-Taylor looked stunning in a black Sheath with a bolero jacket topped off with a fascinator hat. She sang “You’ve Got A Friend.” Jennifer Hudson also looking slim and wore a peplum jacket over a pencil slim skirt. She also sported a fascinator. Her musical tribute was “Amazing Grace.” Both performed in the latter part of the day but brought it on strong.

Cicely Tyson’s hat was a speech in itself. The 91-year-old actress read a version of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s “When Malindy Sings,” subbing Aretha for Malindy. She still got it.

Clive Davis, Chief Creative Officer, Sony Music talked about his 30 year musical relationship with Franklin. He also shined a light on her activism quoting her as saying “I have the money. I get it from black people and I want to use it in ways that will always help our people.’ He is planning a tribute this fall to Franklin.

Bishop Paul Morton and Yolanda Adams took the traditioaln spiritual “Mary Don’t You Weep” to a whole new level for me and had the stage stomping like a drill team in high gear. Adams says she is working on a new album.

Former NBA player and NBA broadcaster Isiah Thomas (Detroit Pistons) says he became friends with Franklin when he played in Detroit. He also reflected on how he was introduced to Franklin’s music by his mother. He said that depending on what song his mother was playing told him what was going on with his mother and father’s relationship.

Tyler Perry shared the same scenario about how Franklin music was the music of his youth.

Michael Eric Dyson, professor of sociology, Georgetown University came to the podium fired up and said The Queen Of Soul is the Queen of Our Soul, He summed up the event as the most spiritual expression of Blackness.

Gladys Knight another singer who has slimmed down sung “You’ll never Walk Alone.” She was one of the few who didn’t use the Aretha Franklin Choir or Orchestra to back-up her singing.

The Rev. Jasper Williams Jr., a pastor from Atlanta’s Salem Baptist Church delivered the eulogy and talked about Aretha Franklin’s activism being an issue with her father. Franklin paid to get Angela Davis out of Jail. He said Aretha told her Father that Davis was a woman and didn’t need to be in jail.

But Williams who is known as a pastor’s pastor devoted a lot of time talking about black parenting and “black on black” crime.

Stevie Wonder stood playing a harmonica solo. While his address was about praising Franklin’s music uplifting people, he also commented on Williams’ statement regarding Black Lives Matter. He said that Black lives do matter and he is committed to making this world a better place.

“We can talk about all the things that are wrong, and there are many,” Wonder said. “But the only thing that can deliver us is love.”

His musical tribute was “As” from his 1976 album “Songs in the Key of Life.” They many not have been gospel music but the church rocked. His back ups … Jenifer Lewis, Dottie Peoples and Angie Stone learned that afternoon they would accompany Stevie.

Jennifer Holliday in a bright purple suite with rhinestones’ with the Aretha Franklin Celebration Choir closed out the ceremony with a performance of “Climbing Higher Mountains.”

This service will be talked about years later and the event of the century.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/09/arethas-funeral-minute-by-minute-performance-by-performance-breakdown/

*Los Angeles –  the 2^nd Annual BAY IN LA kicked off WOKE UP, a celebrity backed voter registration drive.

This awesome, relevant, timely event was superbly produced by Andre Farr, International (AFI) and sponsored by Carnival Corporation PLC, the worlds largest travel company.

The event took place at Macy’s Bridge inside the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, Saturday, September 1^st, from 1:00pm-4:00pm. Capri Investment Group, the developer and manager of BHCP, opened its doors for this significant effort.

Popular DJ EQUE held it down on the ones and twos, spinning energetic, classic R&B and soul tunes, in conjunction with the energy of the venue.

Andre Farr got the program underway with welcome remarks and extended an invite for the VIP’s to come forward to register to vote. A powerful group of celebrities were in attendance to register voters. Anthony Hemingway, (Film Director- Red Tails, Underground, American Crime Story), LisaRaye, (Actress-Ballers), Adriane Hopper Williams, (Emmy Award Winning Television Producer), Terry Crews, (Actor, Brooklyn Nine-Nine), Olga Aguilar, (Actress), Edwins Hodge, (Actor), Aldis Hodge, (Actor, Hidden Figures), and Mitch Richmond, (NBA Hall of Fame).

The movement is picking up momentum, proof of the large turnout on this the first day of September. Rosario Cruz was the youngest person to step forward to register to vote. Guest and voters were engaged with a popular Photo booth with various props.

BlackSports Agents Association CEO & Chairman Andre Farr initiated the WOKE UP campaign to increase civic engagement and voter registration for all Americans, regardless of affiliation, gender, race or socioeconomic status.

“With WOKE UP, we hope to reach out to American’s who feel powerless. It helps them to truly understand that voting is power. Civic action is far more influential than simply complaining. A diverse democracy will provide a better indication of the true wants and needs of all Americans to our leaders,” Farr explains.

“Voting is at the core of citizenship. At Capri, we seek to uplift and improve every community we invest in, and think there is no better way to accomplish this than by getting community residents involved in the electoral process. We believe this is the first and most fundamental building block towards revitalizing areas that have been disenfranchised and compromised through under investment,” Capri CEO & Chairman Quintin Primo said in a written statement.

The celebrities who attended BAY IN LA, an annual event centured on purpose-related civic engagement for Los Angeles and Bay-area influencers, and IntraLink Global, a digital and branding agency focused on purpose-driven brands, also partnered with AFI on WOKE UP.

The 2^nd Annual BAY IN LA Day Party timing couldn’t have been better, as we as a Nation get ready for this pivotal time for the upcoming Midterm elections.

Ricky Richardson is a Southern California based writer, music reviewer and photographer. Contact him via: liltampared@netzero.net

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/09/celebrity-backed-voter-registration-with-lisaraye-terry-crews-adriane-hopper-williams-and-anthony-hemingway/

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/06/enjoy-this-weekend-with-a-jackie-wilson-tribute-brazilian-music-in-beverly-hills/

*This Sunday, June 24, Broadway star Chester Gregory (“Hairspray,” “Tarzan,” and “Dreamgirls”) will bring the legendary singer Jackie Wilson to life on the stage at the popular nightclub The Sorting Room. The event is part of the Summer Sessions at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills.

In the 1950s, ’60s and early 70s, Wilson topped the music charts with the hits “To Be Loved,” “Lonely Teardrops” “Night,” “Baby Workout,” and “Higher and Higher.” “Mr. Excitement’s” brand of heartfelt lyrics sung with untold emotion earned him audiences from around the world.

Gregory has performed and produced the traveling “The Eve of Jackie: A Tribute to Jackie Wilson” since 2013 and knows the audience will appreciate what he is throwing down.

“It’s an intimate look at the final days of Jackie Wilson’s career,” Gregory told the EUR in a recent phone interview. “The show actually takes place in September of 1975 at the tail end of his comeback tour. It’s based off real events even though the night (of my show) is fictional.”

What is true is that Wilson collapsed onstage (conflicting reports cite a heart attack or stroke) on September 29, 1975 while performing at a nightclub in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. He went into a coma and never recovered. Eight years later, on January 21, 1984, Wilson died at the age of 49. With his show, Gregory wanted to reimagine what could have happened before the night Wilson collapsed onstage.

“What sort of gave me the idea a while back when performing was a woman came up to me and said, ‘Don’t go to Cherry Hill,” Gregory recounted. “That was kind of eerie and stayed with me for years. If someone had warned him not to do that final concert, maybe things would have gone differently. So, that gave me the idea to say let’s go back to the night before he died and see how he is in that point in his career.”

Gregory added that, “Jackie Wilson deserves just as much recognition as Elvis Presley. Elvis stole a lot of elements from Jackie. A lot of people don’t know how his legacy still doesn’t get the recognition it deserves.”

The Gary, Indiana native kicked off playing Jackie Wilson shortly after graduating from college. He nabbed the lead role in the Chicago’s Black Ensemble Theatre production about the legendary singer. After a great reception, he was on his way to sold out shows and rave reviews. One of his most exciting performances was in 2003 when he rocked Wilson at a hometown event for another Gary native – Michael Jackson. Gregory knew right away, what he would not perform.

“I didn’t want to perform a Michael Jackson song for Michael Jackson,” said Gregory. “So, I just sang ‘Lonely Teardrops.’ I said, ‘Just like how Jackie inspired you, you inspired me.’ He loved it and gave me a standing ovation.”

Also playing at The Sorting Room this weekend, (Friday, June 22nd), is singer/songwriter Kandace Lindsey, known for haunting vocals coupled with the soul of Latin rhythms. Here is what audiences can expect from her.

“They can expect an exciting show of eclectic music,“ said Lindsey also in an EUR phone interview. “I call it world Brazilian soul because most of my band is Brazilian. Also, I sing in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. They can expect to dance. It’s feel good music.”

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Lindsey listened to the likes of Aretha Franklin and Al Green at home. With the absence of black artists on the radio, she gravitated toward Mexican and Cuban music. Her appreciation for different types of music led her to tour with Marc Anthony (1999-2008) and his then wife Jennifer Lopez (2004-2008). Working on both shows offered up two very different experiences for Lindsey.

“For Marc’s show, it’s based solely on the music,” Lindsey said. “There are more musicians. Huge percussion and horn sections. I was singing and dancing with him. It was more focused on the band. With Jennifer, the focus is on her and she has separate dancers and a separate band. She had videos and pyrotechnics. They were two very different shows.”

Touring all over the world with two powerhouse artists for Lindsey, “Was a huge commitment. You work with amazing artists, musicians from all over – Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. I got do what I loved to do.”

Recording over a decade, Lindsey has three albums along with a compilation release under her belt. In 2016, her single, “When I Open My Eyes” found its way on the finale of the popular television series “Pretty Little Liars.” Lindsey, who is working on a new album, continues to write music for television and will be featured on the upcoming Netflix cartoon “Motown Magic.”

To recap, Kandace Lindsey will play at The Sorting Room on Friday, June 22. Chester Gregory as Jackie Wilson will play there on Sunday, June 24. Additionally, Kosine will be in the house on Wednesday, July 18th. The multi-platinum producer/songwriter, who is half of the LA-based production duo Da Internz, will introduce emerging songwriters at the ASCAP Urban Department presentation of “A Songwriters Showcase.”

For more information on The Sorting Room at the Wallis, go here. Click on the names to access more information on Kandace Lindsey, Chester Gregory, and Kosine.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/06/vh1s-love-hip-hop-star-safaree-samuels-set-to-co-host-and-perform-live-at-the-bet-experience-2018/

*VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop” star Safaree Samuels is set to make several special appearances at the BET Experience 2018. Safaree will co-host the BET Experience at L.A. Live on June 21 along with Amara La Negra. He will return to  BETX to host and perform live on June 22 at Microsoft Square Live.

Safaree will participate in the launch of the first annual BET Celebrity Dodgeball Game taking place on June 22, 2018. The game will kick off at 8:30 pm PST.  Play by play announcers will include Christian Crosby, Gia Peppers and DJ Brittany Sky. Safaree will be playing with Nick Cannon along with other cast members from “Love & Hip Hop” New York, Atlanta, Hollywood and Miami including Keyshia Cole, Ray J., Stevie J., Yung Joc, K. Michelle, Erica Mena, Nikki Mudarris, Amara La Negra, Lil Fizz, Rasheeda, Momma Dee, and Karlie Redd to name a few.

In addition, Safaree will participate in the BET Celebrity Basketball Game taking place on June 23, 2018. On Sunday, June 24, Safaree will appear live as Celebrity Host of the 2018 BET Awards Twitter Red Carpet.

OTHER NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED: NO HE DIDN’T! PRIEST SLAPS INFANT BABY – INTERNET OUTRAGE ENSUES (WATCH)

Safaree Samuels is an American rapper, songwriter and television star. As a hit songwriter, he co-wrote “Did It On ‘Em” for Nicki Minaj’ hit studio release, “Pink Friday.” As a television star, he is best known for his roles on VH1’s “Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood,” “Love & Hip Hop:New York,” “Scared Famous,” “Wild N’ Out,”  along with “K Michelle: My Life.”

A New York native of Jamaican descent, Safaree was recently honored with a Blue and Bougie Impact Award earlier in 2018. By popular demand, Safaree will appear at the BET Experience 2018 and BET Awards 2018 red carpet.

For more information on Safaree’s upcoming BET 2018 appearances, please click HERE.

source:
Belinda Foster
AWJ Platinum PR
info@awjplatinum.com

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/06/abcs-channing-dungy-feted-at-women-in-film-2018-crystal-lucy-awards/

*This month, Women In Film, Los Angeles (WIF) celebrated outstanding females in the entertainment industry with the 2018 Crystal + Lucy Awards at The Beverly Hilton.

The evening, themed “Ignited,” raised funds and awareness for the organizations numerous educational and philanthropic programs, and its advocacy for gender parity for women throughout the industry.

ABC Entertainment President, Channing Dungey, was presented with The Lucy Award for Excellence in Television.

“We can’t be afraid to standup, to speak up, to rise up,” Dungey shared during her acceptance speech. “When we see things around us that counter our values and beliefs, our actions must match our words. It’s not always easy to do.”

Event Highlights:
• Sister duo Chloe x Halle presented the WIF Artistic Excellence Award to music producers NOVA Wav (Denisia “Blu June” Andrews And Brittany “Chi” Coney) and performed “Warrior” from the soundtrack for “A Wrinkle in Time.” Jason Derulo, DJ Khaled and Ryan Press sent a congratulatory video messages for NOVA Wav
• “Black Panther” actor Isaach de Bankolé presented the Lexus Beacon Award to Victoria Alonso, Marvel Studios EVP of Physical Production, who accepted the award on behalf of the “Women of Black Panther” in front of and behind the camera.
• Each of the honorees and presenters took home a gift bag with an assortment of Lancôme skincare products and cosmetics

Women In Film advocates for and advances the careers of women working in the screen industries — to achieve parity and transform culture. Founded in 1973, Women In Film supports all women working in film, TV, and digital media from emerging to advanced career. Our distinguished programs include: mentoring, speaker & screening series, production training program, writing labs, film finishing funds, legal aid and an annual financing intensive. We advocate for gender parity through research, media campaigns and ReFrame, a collaboration with Sundance Institute.

Membership is open to all media professionals, more information can be found at womeninfilm.org.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/06/gabrielle-dennis-and-simon-missick-talk-luke-cage-at-ant-man-and-the-wasp-premiere/

*The next chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe touched down in Hollywood at the world premiere of Marvel Studios’ ANT-MAN AND THE WASP. The film stars Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, Laurence Fishburne, and  T.I.

“Ant-Man and The Wasp,” begins a new chapter featuring heroes with the ability to shrink their size. In the aftermath of “Captain America: Civil War,” Scott Lang struggles with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. While he works to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from the past.

EURweb’s Jill Munroe was on the red carpet talking to some of the stars of the Marvel Cinematic Universe including Simone Missick and Gabrielle Dennis about her exciting year working on two huge projects, the Netflix Marvel series, “Luke Cage” and playing Whitney Houston in BET’s upcoming “Bobby” two-night mini series. In ‘Luke Cage,’ Dennis’ character Tilda is a holistic doctor who is estranged from her mother Mariah (Alfre Woodard,) who comes with a lot of darkness and drama that is central to the plot for season 2.

Actor Miles Mussenden who stars as ‘Otis Johnson,’ father of Tyrone on FreeForm’s “Cloak and Dagger.” The Marvel affiliate show is set in New Orleans with racial overtones clouding the relationship about two teens, Tandy Bowen / Dagger and Tyrone Johnson / Cloak – one white and one black – who acquire superpowers and form a romantic relationship.

“Ant-Man and The Wasp” is directed by Peyton Reed and stars Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña, Walton Goggins, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer, Tip “T.I.” Harris, David Dastmalchian, Hannah John-Kamen, Abby Ryder Fortson, Randall Park, with Michelle Pfeiffer, with Laurence Fishburne, and Michael Douglas.

“ANT-MAN AND THE WASP” opens in U.S. theaters on JULY 6.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/06/karen-civils-live-civil-day-june-29th-2018-elizabeth-nj/

ELIZABETH, N.J. — Karen Civil, Adidas, and Beats by Dre will team up for the 2nd Live Civil Day Basketball Tournament at the Mickey Walker Recreation Center (860 Anna St.) in Elizabeth, NJ. On June 29, 2017 at 3 p.m. A host of games for the neighborhood kids, a youth basketball tournament, and pure fun will be provided for the community of Elizabeth, N.J.

Two basketball organizations: S.O.A.R. Program and Rich Tabor’s New Life basketball team will go head-to-head in the highly-anticipated live basketball competition. Both teams will be gifted brand new customized basketball uniforms, sneakers, book bags from the global sportswear brand Adidas, and headphones from Beats by Dre. Civil will again aim to bridge the separation gap amongst the youth of Elizabeth by uniting different organizations that best represent Elizabeth’s melting pot.

Civil is dedicated to addressing and meeting the needs of underserved youth in the city she grew up in and is consistently doing so through her philanthropy.

”In efforts to encourage, uplift, and inspire, Live Civil Day was started to promote the youth to stay fit, active, and motivated. It serves as a tool to deliver the importance of health and wellness while bringing  the  community  together for a positive cause. As an Elizabeth Native, I have the responsibility to give back to my community. I want the students to know that they can create the life they dream of despite the odds that are stacked against them,” stated Karen Civil.

In 2017 during the inaugural Live Civil Day, Civil was joined by Jersey native, Kyle Anderson of the San Antonio Spurs. He shared the importance of staying healthy while giving insight on what it takes to be a NBA athlete. Over 200 youth were gifted Adidas apparel, sneakers, book bags and Beats by Dre, and 10 lucky ticket holders won brand new bikes. Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers participated in Live Civil Day by gifting 1 lucky teen with a signed jersey. Karen was surprisingly presented with the “Key to the City” of Elizabeth, NJ and recognized for the work she does in the community. This bestowed honor made Civil the fourth and youngest recipient in the last 25 years to receive the key.

“Live Civil Day is a day of positive giving back, to the youth and families throughout Elizabeth. I on behalf of the city of Elizabeth truly thank Karen for giving back to our residents. Karen’s belief in empowering communities across the country is welcomed home and she is paying it forward to the Elizabeth community that assisted in her success,” stated Patricia Perkins-Auguste, Council Woman-At-Large.

To learn more about Karen Civil, visit www.KarenCivil.com and connect with her on all social media platforms @KarenCivil. Join the conversation by using #LiveCivilDay

About Karen Civil:

Karen Civil is one of the most recognizable forces in entertainment. As a global marketing content creator, she has developed powerful influence in culture and bridged the gap between brand powerhouses and mainstream artists over the years.

Karen Civil has become a humanitarian for charitable causes that specifically benefit children, Haiti, where she founded the Live Civil School and playground in 2015 and youth of the city of Elizabeth, NJ, where  she was raised. To further build awareness of the Live Civil brand and to provide everyday tools for empowerment and entrepreneurship, Karen self-published her first book, Be You & Live Civil: Tools for Unlocking Your Potential & Living Your Purpose. The motivational guide has sold over 300,000 copies and spawned a 40-city tour across the globe.

The prominent businesswoman has helped shape careers, curate experiences and emphasize the digital impact for Nipsey Hussle, YG, Jeezy, Nicki Minaj, Dave East, Andre Berto, Pusha T and Nick Cannon. Along with her undeniable influence in entertainment, her reach has expanded into the political sphere as she became an integral part of the social media marketing campaign and official rally host for 2016  Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

source:
Keeyah Johnson Hello@AllThingsKeeyah.com
Bella Smith bellaaworks@gmail.com

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/06/inner-city-youth-orchestra-of-los-angeles-prepares-for-its-10th-annual-season-finale-watch/

*(Via ReelUrbanNews) – The Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles/ICYOLA will bring its music to the Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall on July 1 at 3 p.m. Committed to the artistic, personal and professional development of young musicians, the orchestra will perform its 10th Annual Season Finale at the venue located in the heart of Los Angeles.

Charles Dickerson, founder and conductor of the ICYOLA, shared his enthusiasm with Reel Urban News about the young instrumentalists who comprise the celebrated orchestra.

“I have the most wonderful young people in the world that I have the privilege of working with,” said Dickerson. “I am proud of these young people and we are excited about putting on our 10th season finale.”

ICYOLA is a member of the League of American Orchestras and is a national leader in the effort to assure diversity in the arts. “Our orchestra is made up of a lot of first violins, a lot of second violins, a viola section, a cello section and a bass section,” explained Dickerson. “We began this orchestra in 2009. Nine African American young people came to me and asked if could we start this orchestra.

“Since that time, we’ve expanded beyond just serving the African American community. Most members of this orchestra are from communities of color.”

Through its music, the orchestra has addressed several high profile social issues that challenge black life in America including the murder of Trayvon Martin and the death of Michael Brown at the hands of law enforcement. During their 10th Annual Season Finale, ICYOLA will premier Dickerson’s new piece, “This Is Why We Kneel,” a song inspired by the protests of former and current NFL players.

Get the rest of this article at ReelUrbanNews.com.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/06/concert-promoter-alleges-famed-singer-jennifer-holliday-duped-her-out-of-money-eur-exclusive/

*Kimberly Williams is a Chicago-based event promoter turned newbie concert promoter who has legitimate beef with “Dreamgirls” singer Jennifer Holliday.

Williams has alleged that Holliday refused to return a $2,000 deposit to her when Holliday pulled out of a concert she allegedly agreed to perform at in the Windy City in July 2018.

Williams told the EUR in a phone interview that the new venture started out as a labor of love before things turned sour. (Please note: EUR reached out to Jennifer Holliday regarding the accusation, but did not receive a response by press time).

“I decided because I always loved the entertainment business that I would give it a try and do concerts,” Williams told EURweb’s Lee Bailey. “I planned and had a successful concert in December 2017 and said I would move forward and get different artists, especially artists I look up to, admire, and love – with one of them being Jennifer Holliday.”

“So I reached out to her,” Wiliams continued. “I sent her the first contact through Instagram and she wasn’t available for the concert I was going to do in April. So, I let her know that I have another date, July 28, and she was available. She agreed to do the concert and we discussed the deposit.”

Since Williams wanted to start promoting the performance immediately at an upcoming black expo, according to Williams, Holliday wanted a deposit of $2,000 before any type of publicity began. Williams immediately obliged and thought things were set.

Williams started moving full speed ahead in posting the event on social media and knocking out opening acts. However, things started to turn shortly afterward and in early May, Holliday backed out.

“What is really going is that she decided to cancel the concert for what reason I cannot tell you. I do not know why she will not return my deposit.”

According to communications between Williams and Holliday that Williams provided to the EUR, Holliday never explicitly said why she reneged on the concert. However, the “And I Am Telling You” powerhouse had a variety of issues with Williams. Some of the concerns included Williams being a fresh face in concert promoting, to booking opening acts that Holliday did not approve of, and to publicizing the event on social media before final approval from the singer. Whatever the reason(s), Williams is fed up.

“I sent her a series of emails saying, ‘Hey listen give me my money back. Since you decided to cancel, return the deposit,’” Williams told EUR. “She cancelled on May 5th and we actually booked everything on April 5th. She never replied. My last email was, ‘If you don’t respond to me I am going to do whatever I need to do to try to retrieve my funds and to make sure that you don’t do this to anyone else, if you haven’t already.’ She didn’t reply.”

Continuously ignored by Holliday, according to Williams, the promoter revved up her tactics.

“I looked up and saw upcoming events that she would be performing at and sent emails to the people who were hosting those events,” Williams said. “I only told the truth. I told them I think that you should know that Jennifer Holliday decided to cancel an event and she is refusing to return my deposit. I sent emails to several events that she would be performing at because again I don’t want this to happen to anyone else.”

Williams, added: “I filed a complaint with the better Business Bureau and she (Holliday) responded that I was being unprofessional and that she thinks we have to have this out in front of a lawyer. But I’m not being unprofessional, ‘you’re the one trying to keep my money.’ She even had her attorney email me to stop contacting her because (she hasn’t) returned my money.”

While the Better Business Bureau marked the case “closed” and “unresolved,” Kimberly Williams is not backing down. For more on Williams’, check out her Instagram here. Meanwhile, we’ll will keep you posted on any updates, especially if Jennifer Holliday and/or her representative respond.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/07/honoring-ancestors-at-festival-of-masks-in-leimert-park/

Los Angeles – Hundreds gathered on the People’s Street in Leimert Park on a recent Saturday to partake in the spirit filled celebration of Day of Ancestors: Festival of Masks, presented by LA Commons. This years festival highlighted Brazil and its diasporic artistic connections to Leimert Park. Salvador DE Bahia has the second largest Black population in the world outside of Nigeria.

The spirit of the Ancestors could be felt. The celebration occurred on another picture perfect day, in beautiful Southern California. The diverse crowd demonstrated enthusiasm as the positive energy flowed throughout Leimert Park for the event.

An eclectic mix of World music was played as people gathered on the People’s Street to put the finishing touches on their masks, floats, costumes for the Procession.

Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks is held every year in June, in conjunction with the monthly Leimert Park Art Walk. Leimert Park Art Walk promotes the area’s vibrancy, culture, legacy and economy.

The theme for the 2018 Day of the Ancestors: Festival of Masks was “Asuwada” a Yoruba principle describing an energetic phenomenon that arises when a community unites with a collective positive intention in pursuit of a common goal for the greater good. Asuwada highlights the importance of compassion and solidarity in a time of unprecedented divisiveness.

The program got underway with a traditional African Libation/Blessing with Baba Imodoye Shabazz, speaking in Yoruba, Spanish and English. Marcus Aquilar, Anahuacalmecac Danza Azteca recited a Prayer in Spanish.

The Blessing and Prayer were followed by an hour long Procession around Leimert Park with various categories: Ancestors, Justice, Peace & Love, Health and Unity.

The participants in the Processions consisted of the Queen Mothers, Kehinde, Anahuacalmecac Danza Azteca, Los Angeles Carnival, Kouman Kele West African Dance & Drum Ensemble, Viver Brasil, Magatte Fall & Generation Percu, Twin Puppets and Los Angeles Carnival.

Viver Brasil dancers Rachel Hernandez and Ashley Blanchard accompanied by drummers Kahlil Cummings and Luiz Badera performed Oia/Iansa- Orixa of Winds & Storms and Ancestors.

Drummer Magatte Falls & Generation Percu delighted and thrilled the audience with their master drumming techniques.

Kouman Kele West African Dance & Drum Ensemble led by Nzingha Camara put on a high-octane, powerful show that left the crowd and I in awe and wanting to see more of their splendid artistry.

The Queen Mothers performance were also a real treat along with Kehinde. The festival concluded with a massive, thunderous drum circle led by Kahlil Cummings, members of Viver Brasil, and the community in keeping with this year’s theme “Asuwada.”

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/07/all-that-jazz-more-at-st-andrews-recreation-center-photos/

Los Angeles – the City of Los Angeles Presents Jazz at St. Andrews Recreation Center, hosted by City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Southwest Neighborhood Council and Assemblymember Autumn Burke.

This hot Summer Jazz Festival was held on Sunday, July 1, 2018. The return of Jazz at St. Andrews Recreation Center has also been dubbed Function at the Junction.

Several thousand people gathered at St. Andrews Recreation Center for a relaxing afternoon of jazz, R&B and soul music. A mosaic of colorful blankets, chairs, umbrella’s and canopies dotted across the grass.

Radio Personality James Janisse returned to serve as Master of Ceremony. Board member Brent Page greeted and welcomed the crowd to this family friendly event on this awesome afternoon in Southern California. Dr. Turner Roberts got the festival underway with an Opening Prayer.

The live musical portion of the festival got going with a dynamic set of straight ahead jazz provided by the Michael Session Quintet. The group was led by Michael Session on saxophone, Maia-flute/harp, Zekkereya El-Magharbal-trombone, Tateng Katindig-keyboards, Trevvor Ware-bass and Mekela Session-drums. People were bopping and swaying throughout the grounds of the Recreation Center on the tunes “Double Up” by Lee Morgan, “Road to Cairo,” “Pretty Eyes” by Horace Silver with Maia on vocals. They concluded their tight set with two tunes by the late great Nate Morgan pianist/composer, “Dred Scott,” and “Donde a la Shea?”

The Elliott Caine Quintet continued in a straight-ahead mode with a crowd pleasing set of all originals on the tunes “Le Super Cool,” “La Resentencia,” and a Latin tinged “La Verdad es La Verdad” to name a few. The band consisted of Elliott Caine-trumpet/flugle horn, Scot Gilmon-tenor sax, Rick Olsen-piano, Trevvor Ware double duties on bass, and Kenny Elliott-drums.

The crowd got livelier and were getting their groove on during the captivating performance by Keschia Potter, on alto saxophone. Keschia Potter played material fro her latest CD Rebirth of the Soul- The Awakening. The crowd was able to connect and rekindle their souls throughout her high-octane set on the tunes “Happy People” by Kenny Garrett, “Mo Better Blues,” “Knocks Me Off My Feet” by Stevie Wonder, “Free to Be” by Keschia Potter featuring talented vocalist Maiya Sykes, “Crazy,” and a tight arrangement of “Winelight” by Grover Washington Jr.

Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson presented former NBA great Norm Nixon for the engaging basketball clinic for the youth of the community.

R&B/soul group Switch took the crowd down memory lane with some of their popular hits from their catalog. The crowd was up and dancing and singing along to the following songs “There’ll Never Be,” “Call Your Name,” “I Wanna Be With You,” “Love Over & Over Again” to name a few.

R&B soul Balladeer/Crooner Kenny Lattimore closed out the 3^rd Annual Jazz at St. Andrews Recreation Center with a wonderful set featuring tunes from his latest CD as well as past favorites.

This year’s festival was made possible by the generous donations of the following sponsors Assemblymember Autumn Burke, Brotherhood Crusade, Empowerment Congress Southwest Area, Farmer John, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, City of Los Angeles Parks and Recreation and Los Angeles City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/07/1200-powernetworking-black-entrepreneurs-to-unite/

*The FraserNet, Inc. 2018 PowerNetworking Conference (PNC) will be held July 5-7, at the Gaylord Hotel and Conference Center, on the National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Top global experts during the conference will focus their attention on financial literacy, business development and wealth building through personal “subject matter” excellence, effective networking and collaboration in the Black community.

“Financial illiteracy is an American problem according to the Wall Street Journal, but it is 10 times greater in Black America,” explains Dr. George Fraser, President and CEO of FraserNET, Inc. “All the studies, surveys and statistics predict if nothing changes within our community we will be financially destitute and enslaved by 2053.”

PowerNetworking

Fraser added, “Thus, we must effectively and aggressively address financial illiteracy and building million-dollar businesses in Black America.” During the conference, Fraser plans to do both and will launch “our national ‘faith-based’ WINGS Financial Education Centers and Curriculum with the goal of 10,000+ centers up and running by 2028.”

Fraser explained the curriculum will focus on a mindset shift of “instant gratification to delayed gratification” and the four pillars for the inter-generational transfer of wealth to include; proper management of accumulated wealth, real estate, business development and proper insurance.

The conference is bringing an impressive array of guest speakers and seminar presenters. One of those invitees is Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson, the founder and CEO of Be Someone Inc., a Stone Mountain, GA-based organization focused on teaching young people the principles of success by using the game of chess.

Hudson will tell the attendees they must invest in our young people If economic success is to be guaranteed. According to Hudson, “We need to be preparing the next generation of African American business leaders and entreprenuers. We are losing too many of our youth to a culture of follow instead of lead, take instead of give. As a result,” continued Hudson, “at-risk youths tend to walk with chumps instead of discovering the champ they have inside.”

Hudson will use the PowerNetworking Conference to urge the participants to take his messages to heart. “We must work together to save our young people. I for one,” he emphasized, “am tired of seeing so many Black youngsters destroy themselves by turning over their decision process to others instead of leading. Instead of looking for excuses, I teach them to look for solutions.” He adds, “Investing in our tomorrow – our children – is truly the wisest investment of all.”

The PowerNetworking Conference, is widely recognized as America’s largest continuous held conference in the world for Black executives, business professionals and entrepreneurs. This year, the PNC is expected to draw more than 1,200+ attendees from around the world. In 2015, the PNC was named one of the “Top 5 Can’t Miss” Conferences in America by Forbes Magazine. Since its inception, the PNC has produced over $750 million in new business startups and deal flow and has held 16 conferences across the United States.

For more details about the conference and/or to register, visit www.powernetworkingconference.com

About Dr. George C. Fraser

Dr. George C. Fraser is Chairman and CEO of FraserNet, Inc., a company he founded some 31 years ago, to lead a global networking movement for people of African descent. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was an orphan and foster child for 15 years. He’s written 6 best-selling books to include: Success Runs in Our Race, Click and recently, Mission Unstoppable: Extraordinary Stories of Failure’s Blessings, a book he co-authored with Les Brown. Upscale magazine named him one of the “Top 50 Power Brokers in Black America,” and Black Enterprise magazine called him “Black America’s #1 Networker.”

source:
Orrin Hudson
orrin@besomeone.org

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/07/cincinnati-music-festival-presents-fantasia-jill-scott-and-more/

*Premier ticket and hotel reseller, QLZ Productions, is providing ticket and hotel packages for the 2018 Cincinnati Music Festival. The iconic event will happen Thursday, July 26 to Saturday, July 28, at the Paul Brown Stadium, on the Cincinnati riverfront. Attendees will have a memorable experience with prime seating and accommodations.

“Here at QLZ Productions, we are dedicated to you and your Cincinnati Music Festival ticket and hotel needs,” says QLZ Productions partner/co-owner, Zachary Berry.

“We’ve won a number of great comments for our work with the festival. But, our most important win is making you a happy, life-long patron.”

The Cincinnati Music Festival is one of the nation’s oldest and most highly anticipated music festivals, attracting local and regional guests from across the Midwest. Each year, the festival showcases a bevy of old-school artists, along with the hottest contemporary R&B performers. Last year’s event drew a crowd of almost 50K music lovers.

This year’s line-up includes the legendary talent of Charlie Wilson, Jill Scott, Xscap3, Fantasia, Keith Sweat, Boyz II Men, Common, The Roots, The O’Jays, After 7, Bootsy Collins, DJ Jazzy Jeff and MC Lyte. Ticket prices start at $65 and are available a la carte or within a bundle. Visit www.qlzproductions.com or send an email to info@qlzproductions.com to purchase packages/tickets and for festival updates.

About QLZ Productions
QLZ Productions is a ticket and hotel reseller with over 40 years of experience. In addition to providing competitive pricing, customers receive a variety of benefits such as the choice to customize their hotel/ticket package, use payment plans, USPS certified shipping and hotel confirmation three weeks prior to the event.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/07/despite-passing-of-papa-joe-janet-heads-to-new-orleans-for-essence-festival-video/

*If you’ve been paying attention, you know it’s been a pretty rough week for the Jackson clan because of the death of patriarch Joe Jackson at 89.

However, despite her father’s passing, for Janet Jackson, the show must go on! Literally. Janet will be headlining this weekend in New Orleans at the Essence Festival.

Naturally, there was concern from her fans and Essence Festival attendees that Janet would cancel her performance after Joe passed away last week. As has been reported, she and other family members were at his private funeral Monday in Glendale, California.

Sources close to Janet tell TMZ that she’s currently en route to New Orleans for the fest where she’s scheduled to perform Sunday. She also has other dates lined up through August on her State of the World tour too, which she’s also planning to fulfill.

Janet thanked her fans for their support on Wednesday in an Instagram video, where her baby son Issa also made a small off camera appearance.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/07/chris-spencer-and-andre-farr-host-sports-music-reunion-presented-by-carnival/

*The Sports & Music Reunion presented by Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest leisure travel company, will take place on Sunday, July 8, 2018 at the award-winning hotel The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills. This exclusive event is invitation only; red carpet arrivals begin at 7 p.m. Pacific Time.

Hosted by Chris Spencer and Sports & Music Weekend creator Andre Farr, the Sports & Music Reunion marks the return of a classic—the Sports & Music Weekend—with a new bi-annual, multi-year series of special events that will bring together VIP athletes, entertainers and business leaders to party with a purpose.

Reuniting past Sports & Music Weekends hosts and celebrity attendees, The Sports & Music Reunion presented by Carnival Corp. will issue the prestigious Best By Farr awards to three prominent American business leaders:

·Arnold Donald, president & CEO of Carnival Corp., who will receive the CEO of the Year Award;

• Quintin Primo III, chairman & CEO of Capri Investment Group, a global real estate investment manager and investor in Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in Los Angeles, who will receive the Entrepreneur of the Year Award;
• Terry Crews, actor, artist, athlete and activist, who will receive the Leadership and Valor Award; and
• Danielle Frost, founder & CEO, A Frostchild Production, who will receive the Sports Event Producer of the Year

Andre Farr International is pleased to partner with IntraLink Global, a strategic marketing firm, and Carnival Corp., consistently recognized for its strong commitment to its customers, diversity and

community. “I am thrilled to produce the Sports & Music Reunion 2018, and honored to have such a tremendous corporate partner as Carnival Corp. Nobody blends all the aspects of these business verticals—sports, entertainment, travel and leisure—into a total lifestyle, or does it better than we do,” said Farr, CEO of Andre Farr International.

The Sports & Music Reunion will launch a multi-year series of exciting special events, including a soon to be announced annual Sports & Music Cruise with one of Carnival Corp.’s iconic cruise line brands. The company’s nine global cruise line brands include Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn. “Together with Carnival Corp. and our other important partners, we look forward to impacting lives, having fun and making this event bigger and better each year for many years to come,” said Farr.

“Carnival Corporation is honored to serve as presenting sponsor for the 2018 Sports & Music Reunion,” said Roger Frizzell, Carnival Corp.’s chief communications officer. “Congratulations to our CEO, Arnold Donald, and all the 2018 Best By Farr award winners on their much-deserved recognition and tremendous record of success. As the world’s leading cruise company, we are committed to providing extraordinary vacation experiences and consistently exceeding the expectations of over 12 million annual guests – all of which is made possible by our 120,000 passionate employees who are dedicated to building upon our legacy as a responsible corporate citizen. We are proud to support Andre Farr and his team on their important work and vision in launching The 2018 Sports & Music Reunion.”

About The Sports & Music Weekend

The Sport & Music Weekend (S&MW) is a proprietary event specifically designed to enhance, advance and educate our audience through programming that is entertaining yet also enlightening. Attended by athletes, entertainers and executive leaders, the weekend is exclusively sponsored by select corporations that embrace a high level of social responsibility and excellence in the marketplace. Content focuses on the principles of responsibility, accountability and execution, and inspires sports and entertainment industry influencers to maximize their platform and fully utilize their rights as citizens.

About Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation & plc is the world’s largest leisure travel company and among the most profitable and financially strong in the cruise and vacation industries, with a portfolio of 10 dynamic brands that include nine of the world’s leading cruise lines. With operations in North America, Australia, Europe and Asia, its portfolio

features Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises (Australia), Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard, as well as Fathom, the corporation’s immersion and enrichment experience brand.

Together, the corporation’s cruise lines operate 103 ships with 234,000 lower berths visiting over 700 ports around the world, with 18 new ships scheduled to be delivered between 2018 and 2023. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour company in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

In 2017, Fast Company recognized Carnival Corporation as being among the “Top 10 Most Innovative Companies” in both the design and travel categories. Fast Company specifically recognized Carnival Corporation for its work in developing OceanMedallion™, a high-tech wearable device that enables the world’s first interactive guest experience platform capable of transforming vacation travel into a highly personalized and elevated level of customized service.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/07/wework-hosts-chat-with-cannabis-expert-dr-metzler-exclusive-story-photos/

*Modern-day political voice, cultural and legal expert, Dr. Christopher Metzler looks to inform and educate people on the actual effects and uses for the cannabis plant in a talk hosted at WeWorks’ shared workspaces located inside the MOCA Pacific Design Center.  

The cannabis plant has moved from useful tool to life-destroying menace, to health aid and now has become a cash crop as many around the nation look to cash in on the legalization of medical and recreational cannabis.  Dr. Metzler has positioned himself and his practice as an expert on the subject.

Dr. Metzler obtained a Ph.D. in International Legal Philosophy from The University of Aberdeen.  A deep thinker, Dr. Metzler is the self-proclaimed ‘Catalyst in Chief’  who promotes to “Make America Nice Again” as a slogan.

This slogan adequately combines the two major philosophies behind Dr. Metzler’s movement: national politics and cannabis.  

For those not understanding cannabis culture in the United States, “Nice Cream” was the weed dealing ice cream truck from early Cheech and Chong Movies, and ‘Make America Great Again is President Trump’s campaign slogan.  The blending of the two really helps illustrate how cannabis has risen to become a national issue.

The event was hosted by Black Hollywood LIVE Executive Producer and Reelz Channel Television Host Derrial Christon who peppered Dr. Metzler with questions pertaining to the laws surrounding running a cannabis business including labeling, regulations and the limitations of the existing laws.  Following the interview, Dr. Metzler too questions from the audience.

Whose decision was it to make the cannabis plant illegal?  Who are the brave souls that fought to bring it to everyone?  Do you know if you live in one of the 30 states that have legalized some form of cannabis use?  Are you in one of the 8 states that have legalized its recreational use?

If you live in a state bordering California, just drive on down to the store with the green plus sign.  Inside you will find the answers you seek in the form of cookies, oils, and a multitude of leafy green plants, all with funny names. But what is next? How do you tell one product from another and how do you know what effects these products will have on you?

With products ranging from what looks like handmade brownies, candy packages that resemble common store-bought candies and going into prescription bottles topped with eye dropper applicators, and even air filtering systems, the cannabis dispensary is often confusing for the first time users.  So many new to the cannabis scene return with horror stories from over-consuming some cannabis products. In most claims, the vague language used in the labeling was a factor in their experience.

An example would be a consumer who buys a cookie to go to the zoo with her family on vacation.  The label says 1/25th of the cookie is a serving, but we all know how to eat a big delicious cookie with chocolate frosting on it!  Soon, her family is asking what is wrong with her, and she doesn’t seem to know.

One such person has taken up the cause of righting the problems with the legalization of cannabis.  Dr. Metzler has dedicated himself to bringing cannabis to the consumer just like lettuce or an apple inside your local grocery store.  Riding the hills of Cannabis legalization in over 30 states including California, Nevada, and Oregon, Dr. Metzler’s efforts are met with skepticism in the urban markets as these areas have seen many would be cannabis entrepreneurs barred from being granted a license while simultaneously the companies that have sprouted up in every neighborhood have gone virtually unchecked warranting new restrictions that further limit the amount of cannabis plant given free as well as the content, intensity and long-term effects of the THC infused food products known as edibles.  

What’s worse, the people who went to jail for selling weed to make money to feed their families, now are barred from selling it, now that it is legal.  Should they be granted leniency? Does not the legalization of an activity means that the former laws against it were wrong? Although this topic was not addressed in the talk, an upcoming bill was.

“The bill essentially will treat cannabis as an agricultural product,” claims Dr. Metzler.  “So cannabis will be the same as lettuce from the standpoint of federal law. Therefore, the Justice Department will have no jurisdiction to come in with any kind of regulation.”  

The talk also revolved around the laws governing how to grow cannabis.

“What is the part that people are missing?” asks Dr. Metzler. “The science says don’t treat it with pesticides.  When you start doing that, then that completely reverts back to where we are. So that is a critical component that folks have got to understand and look at that from now, rather than later.”  

“Your finding that many companies are buying up, through cryptocurrency, a number of dispensaries,” said Dr. Metzler.  “As much as Big Pharma is buying up all of this Cannabis stuff, what they are not telling you, is in fact through shell companies Big Pharma is actually in the same game.  They understand that it’s going to happen.”

“There’s an oversaturation of dispensaries and what you are going to see is regulation.  The regulation is going to be around quality control. And that’s the issue, quality control.  Allot of people who are doing it, are not doing it as they should.”

Regulation is inevitable, according to Dr. Metzer.  It basically boils down to this. A product bought at Company A should be equivalent to a product bought at Company B.  The label should say, in clear language, what the consumer is getting and what the expected effects will be. Currently, there is a lot of guesswork involved in comparing two or more products.  

The problem with edibles and regulation is that the labeling system is meaningless to the average consumer and just plainly ignored like white noise by the first time user.  I mean, what’s the difference between 10 grams and 250 grams inside an edible cookie? After all, everyone knows how to eat a cookie! And that translation of “How will this affect me?” into “I can’t do over “this” much,” is what inherently makes cannabis edibles and other food-imitating products dangerous.  Currently, companies are required to list the amount of THC in their product.  This information is meaningless if you don’t know your own personal tolerance levels. More research is necessary to get to the bottom of this issue.

Theoretically, improving the labeling system, and the number of overdoses will lower.  Now try organizing the many businessmen scampering to open up a cannabis business of some type, and organize a rating system that works.

Before a truly effective law can be placed on the ballot, an understanding of the effects of THC and TCB, a few of the active ingredients in cannabis, need to be obtained.  Could a simple swab of cheek cells and saliva be the next step to gaining this understanding?

The MelixGX Company is a DNA testing facility that claims that inside your DNA is the description of your high, and all they need are four samples to tell.  That inside your DNA are the signs that will tell their genetic engineers what types and amounts of cannabis would be effective on you to solve many problems including stress, anxiety, pain management and sleep disorders.

Some gathered questioned the true intentions of the company as DNA stands as the next frontier of science.  After all, your DNA can tell so much about a person and should be protected like your identity or your fingerprints.  The extrapolated thought is that if they can tell what kind of chemicals can affect me, why can’t they find out other things about me?  Could this information be used for nefarious purposes? Are they being compiled and sold later like our phone numbers are sold to creditors, scam artist and worse?

Stu Campbell, a representative of MelixGX, insists that only 35 of the millions of DNA markers are examined during their analysis, and the four separate Q-tips used are just in case one or more of the samples gets contaminated.  The rest of the information, including reject, unused or contaminated samples are destroyed.

For more information on Dr. Christopher Metzler go to http://drchristophermetzler.com/

Learn How Your Body Responds To Cannabis With The Help Of MelixMJ, go to https://www.melixgx.com/.

For more information about others who have cannabis-related companies go to https://www.eurweb.com/?s=cannabis.

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/07/sheryl-lee-ralph-to-be-honored-at-15th-mcdonalds-365black-awards/

*(OAK BROOK, IL) —  In celebration of the 15th annual McDonald’s® 365Black® Awards, the company will honor celebrities and everyday heroes who make positive contributions to the community. To date, this year’s roster of remarkable honorees includes, renown actress/activist Sheryl Lee Ralph, popular Political Commentator Symone Sanders, Black Girls CODE CEO Kimberly Bryant and next generation McDonald’s Owner/Operator Monique Vann-Brown.

Additionally, college junior Tishauna Wilson will be recognized alongside this lineup to receive the McDonald’s HBCU Forward $10,000 Scholarship, for her exceptional efforts to impact the community. Hosted for a second year by actress Essence Atkins, the awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, July 8, 2018, during the 24th annual ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca Cola® in New Orleans.

The annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards honor outstanding individuals who are committed to making positive contributions that strengthen the African-American community. McDonald’s 365Black Awards is known for attracting various top celebrity attendees, many of whom will grace the signature gold carpet prior to the ceremony. The luncheon will feature performances by award-winning R&B swooner Dave Hollister and gospel heavy-hitter Le’Andria Johnson.

“I am proud to be recognized by McDonald’s for my commitment to community. This dedication is something that was instilled in me by my parents. They taught me that If you don’t support your community or give back to your community – then community suffers. I have made it a lifelong commitment to educate, empower and bring awareness to the epidemic of HIV/AIDS, in an effort to inspire others to live a life of better health and well-being,” says Sheryl Lee Ralph.

“I am thrilled that McDonald’s will recognize women leaders who are courageous newsmakers and pillars of inspiration, who consistently empower others to follow their dreams,” said Kenny Mitchell, McDonald’s U.S. Vice President of Brand Marketing & Content. “They embody the essence of exceptional leaders that work every day to make a difference in the communities by moving Black culture forward.”

McDonald’s 365Black Awards launched in 2003 as an extension of the company’s 365Black platform, which celebrates the pride, heritage and achievements of African-Americans year-round. Follow @365Black on Twitter for updates on the award ceremony and join the conversation using #365BlackAwards.

About McDonald’s
McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 25 million customers every day. More than 90 percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women who are independent employers, and set their own employment policies and practices, including pay and benefits for the people working in their restaurants.For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @365Black and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds. To learn more about the 365Black initiative, visit www.365Black.com.

source:
Vaughn Alvarez
Founder/CEO
vaughn@cr8agency.com
TW/IG: @4everVaughn

Kri Peck
Managing Partner
kri@cr8agency.com
TW/IG: @kri.yung

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/07/4th-of-july-fireworks-extravaganza-and-music-in-exposition-park/

*Los Angeles – Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren D. Price and The New 9^th, presented the annual 4^th of July Community Festival and Fireworks Show, Wednesday, July 4, 2018.

This extremely popular Independence Day Celebration was held on the South Lawn of Exposition Park. All attendees were able to enjoy and experience a day of engaging fun with delectable food, games and activities for all ages, followed by an awesome over-the-top fireworks extravaganza around 9:00pm.

Greg Johnson, Marketing and Promotion Director, 102.3FM Radio Free KJLH served as Master of Ceremonies and welcomed early arrivals to the celebration. The live entertainment got underway at 12noon, presented by The City of Los Angeles and KJLH Radio with a stellar line-up of R&B, Soul and Latin music.

This year’s celebration featured an eclectic world music showcase allowing attendees to visually and musically travel to various countries on the 4^th of July.

Our first trip found us in the mist of Carnival, or better yet, World Cup fever in Brazil. Guadalupae D’Lushus & Sambalushus Dancers visually captivating performance was one of many highlights throughout the afternoon. The leader sang and danced to the tunes “Brazilian Funk Ain’t Got No Color,” Mas Que Nada” by Sergio Mendes and concluded with “Conga” by Gloria Estefan.

prilFoolChild is a rising star in the making. The crowd and I were pleased to be vibing with her throughout her set, along with her back dancers Luis and Coco and DJ Marco Dash. Her set featured the songs “Mangos,” “Forever,” “Highs and Lows,” and “Hear Me.”

The show continued with another crowd favorite from Los Angeles. Iman Europe dazzled the crowd with her set of original tunes accompanied by DJ Wavy Baby on the ones and twos. Iman Europe were vibing on the tunes “Let’s Ride,” “Studio,” “Blessing,” and concluded her set with “Westside.”

Tropi Corrilo aspires to preserve Afro-Tropical music and culture by honoring their roots as they write and perform innovative music that will transcend those traditions into today’s times. Throughout their set they fused sounds of Colombia (Cumbia), Puerto Rico (Bomba), and rhythms of Cuba, Trinidad Y Tabagos and Dominican Republic. Their set featured the tunes “Oye Mi Ritmo,” “Ay Morena,” “Descarga de la Selva” which allowed everyone to stretch out. They continued with “Selva de Cemento,” “Negro Yo Soy” and concluded their set with “Capital.” The band is led by Richard Hererra-congas/vocals, Amber Morse-guitar/vocals, Hector Torres-guitar, Fermin Sifontes-keyboards, Fredirico Zuniga-bass and Caityn Moss on drum. Check out their latest CD Tropi Corillo de Los Angeles on Cambio Colores Records, and/or check them out in person performing around town.

Vocalist Maurice Smith rocked the stag beginning with “Let’s Go Crazy,” followed by “Do You Remember the Time,” and “She’s Always in my Head” to name a few.

Lady KeishaCali and Guy Black introduced characters from Teen’s Titans Go! To the Movies onstage to promote the upcoming release of the movie at the end of the month.

Singer, songwriter, guitarist Tyler Conti is another person deserving of greater recognition. He held his own during his time in the spotlight on the following tunes “Like the Way You Work It,” “I Want to Rock With you,” “Time Today” and concluded his set with What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye.

Conganas took the crowd and I on our final global journey musically. They opened their set with “Azucar,” “Scheherezada,” and Vampiro Tropical” to name a few. Conganas which means “with passion” features some of the most talented and experienced players in the Los Angeles music scene today. Band members not only perform with their own bands, they are also touring musicians with some of the greatest bands and musicians in the Latin Jazz, R&B, Pop ans Soul Music genres. The musicians on this gig consisted of Christian Moraga-leader, drums/percussions, from Chile, Fermin Sifontes-keyboards, from Cuba, Juan Carlos Portillo-bass, and Joel Nunes on Eiwi, from Cuba.

The stage was LIT before the first explosive fireworks was set off with a fantastic performance by Jade Novah followed by the headlining set by YOYO.

The 4^th of July Community Festival and Fireworks Show was sponsored by The Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles, 102.3FM Radio Free KJLH, Exposition Park California, University of Southern California, USC Civic Engagement, Arrowhead Water and McDonald’s.

Ricky Richardson is a Southern California based writer, music reviewer and photographer. Contact him via: liltampared@netzero.net

Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/07/the-hate-you-give-showcased-essence-festival-regina-hall-amandla-stenberg-and-more-photos/

*On Friday, July 6, 20^th Century FOX joined this year’s 2018 ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans to gear up for the upcoming release of the film, The Hate U Give, in theaters October 19. Fans filled the Center Stage as Amandla Stenberg, Regina Hall, Russell Hornsby, Director George Tillman, Jr. and Author Angie Thomas gathered onstage for a special footage presentation.

In addition, the cast participated in a panel discussion about the film with Kosine, and Director George Tillman, Jr. participated in an-depth panel discussion alongside Regina King and Barry Jenkins.

Highlights of the day include:

• To kick-off the festival, fans enjoyed a special moment with Amandla Stenberg and Regina Hall at Coca-Cola Stage hosted by Fonzworth Bentley. Amandla and Regina guest judged an interactive game titled “For The Record” where festival goers battled head-to-head to guess artist/song title of mashup songs in musical categories such as: Essence 90s and Essence 2010-Today.

• In an exclusive moment at Essence Center Stage, fans had a chance to watch a special footage presentation followed by a Q&A hosted by Essence Entertainment Director, Cori Murray, with the cast, director and author. The crowd was thrilled to hear Angie talk about the title of the book T.H.U.G. and its connection to the hip hop community through the legendary Tupac Shakur.

• Later in the day Amandla, Regina and Russell headed over to the McDonalds stage for a panel discussion about the film with Kosine, co-host of BET’s man cave. Director George Tillman, Jr. also participated in an in-depth panel discussion, Black Behind the Lens: Shaping Our Stories From Script To Screen Panel alongside Regina King and Barry Jenkins on the Essence Empowerment stage. The discussion themed ‘Black Forward” highlighting the evolution of African-American culture.