February 2009

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It's Oscar Night for the 81st time. We've got a bonafide takeover by people of color; they just happen to be from India. Slumdog Millionaire. Shout out to Loveleen Tandan, the Indian female co-director who could not be nominated due to Oscar rules that mandate one nominee for director (which, after tonight, may need to change). 'Nuff said. This year, women of color dominate the Best Supporting Actress category. For the third time in history, we have two African American women up for Best Supporting Actress: Viola Davis for 8 minutes of sheer awe-inspiring power with Meryl Streep in that scene where they take a walk...

22 February, 2009 /

After giving it some thought before I hit the keyboard, I blogged about this incident a few days ago with a call for discernment and compassion. Chris Brown has released a statement about the events that occurred on Grammy Night. “Words cannot begin to express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones and I am committed, with God’s help, to emerging a better person. Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong. While I would like to...

16 February, 2009 /

Creatives need each other. For inspiration, for affirmation, for that unique connection and understanding only fellow creatives can provide. It explains in part why we collaborate, why we make moves together as communicators. [caption id="attachment_162" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="Mshaka and Jal: Learning from each other as we teach with our words."][/caption] I am drawing fresh, potent inspiration from a man of deep conviction and endless generosity: War Child author, emcee philanthropist and filmmaker Emmanuel Jal. I had the pleasure of being introduced to him by Nefertiti Strong and Richard Pelzer of MEGA Dream, who both told me he wanted to learn more about...

15 February, 2009 /

A few qualifiers to start: I do not condone domestic violence, no matter who starts it. I love and have had the privilege of working with Chris Brown. I love and am a friend of Tina Davis, who manages Chris Brown. [caption id="attachment_134" align="aligncenter" width="120" caption="Tina Davis, Founder - TDC"][/caption]     I love Rihanna. My heart aches for what she must be feeling. The incident is still under investigation, so only a few people really know what happened on Grammy night in Hancock Park. I am not addressing any rumors here; this is not a tabloid blog.   Okay. The trouble with celebrity is that we as consumers and...

12 February, 2009 /

Read as the Put Your Dreams First author speaks on the icon's work ethic and relationship to the media in Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond's examination of the megastar and her alter-ego, Sasha Fierce: http://www.villagevoice.com/2008-12-17/music/on-the-method-behind-beyonc-eacute-s-multiple-personality-madness/. Put Your Dreams First: Handle Your [entertainment] Business features three key the architects of Beyonce's brand: Columbia Records Media SVP Yvette Noel-Schure; VP of Marketing Quincy Jackson; and Beyonce's hair stylist, Kimberly Kimble. Year of Loving Dangerously: The Grammy Nomination ad Mshaka crafted for Dangerously In Love in 2004. In no other book do these equally fierce executives share their experiences in the business. Want to know how Beyonce' achieved and...

03 February, 2009 /