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Good Black News

Stevie Wonder, Alvin Ailey to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom

Stevie Wonder
Each year, the White House grants the Presidential Medal of Freedom to individuals who have made major social, political, and cultural contributions to the country. It’s recognized as the highest civilian honor. Later this month, President Obama will bestow the medal on nineteen distinguished recipients including musician Stevie Wonder, murdered civil rights activists James ChaneyAndrew Goodman, and Michael Schwerner, and notable choreographer Alvin Ailey.
“I look forward to presenting these nineteen bold, inspiring Americans with our nation’s highest civilian honor,” said the President in a statement. “From activists who fought for change to artists who explored the furthest reaches of our imagination; from scientists who kept America on the cutting edge to public servants who help write new chapters in our American story, these citizens have made extraordinary contributions to our country and the world.”
Last year’s Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients included Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey.
article via newsone.com

#AOLSportsSearch: Try Out for Chance to Become AOL Sportscaster

AOLsportssearch
Ever dream of becoming a sportscaster? Well, AOL wants to give you that chance. On Monday, November 17, AOL Sports is holding try outs for its new show.
WHAT AOL NEEDS …
A video of you that shows your personality, knowledge and passion for sports. Cover any sports topic you’d like to –- just make sure it’s entertaining!
HERE’S HOW …
In person: On Monday, November 17, go to AOL Studios in New York or Los Angeles at 9 a.m. ET/ 6 a.m. PT. We will close the doors to auditions at 12 p.m. ET/ 9 a.m. PT.
OR if you can’t make it: go on Twitter, Instagram or Vine and submit your video by using hashtag #AOLSportsSearch.
Those chosen that are based in Los Angeles will enjoy a free flight that night to New York for a Tuesday appearance in studio. We will fly in top contenders with winning social-media submissions if not based in New York for Tuesday’s in-studio session.
AOL’s new sportscaster will be announced on Wednesday, November 19 on aol.com/sports.
For additional information, email AOLSPORTSSEARCH@teamaol.com or tweet to @AOLSports.
#AOLSportsSearch Live Auditions
Live Casting Call: Monday, November 17th
New York City
9 a.m. EST- 12 p.m. EST
AOL New York Studios
770 Broadway
New York City
*Doors close at 12pm, First come, first serve
Los Angeles
6 a.m. PST- 9 a.m. PST
AOL Los Angeles Studios
331 North Maple Drive
Beverly Hills
*Doors close at 9am, First come, first serve
Terms and Conditions | Contest rules
article by Lori Lakin Hutcherson

President Obama and the First Lady Encourage Americans to Apply for 2015-2016 White House Fellows Program

the-obamas-racist-tweet-puerto-ricoPresident Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are encouraging Americans to apply to the White House Fellows Program. The 2015-2016 application was launched on Nov. 1 and became accessible online. The program has become the nation’s leading fellowship for public service and leadership, gearing in exposing individuals to first-hand experience and a better understanding of operations performed in the Federal government. The White House Fellows Program consists of one working full-time in the offices of the Cabinet Secretaries, Senior White House staff, and other high-power Administration officials in Washington D.C.  This opportunity will provide a very exciting and rewarding year to the chosen candidates, showcasing a behind-the-scenes insight into the inner workings of how our government functions.

President Obama and his wife are quoted saying, “In the 50 years since its founding, the White House Fellows Program has helped prove that those who love their country, can change it. Our Nation needs your drive and talent, and we hope you consider applying to the program.”
To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen, you cannot be a current Federal government employee (with the exception of career military personnel), and you must have received a Bachelor’s degree and be currently working in your chosen profession. The selection process will be based on professional achievement, evidence of leadership and management skills, commitment to public service, and skills to succeed and have potential for growth. The application is available here from Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, 2015.
article by Cristie Leondis via blackenterprise.com

Pharrell Williams’ New Adidas Campaign Is All About Equality 

(Getty Images)

Pharrell Williams is spreading positivity everywhere he goes: from his infectious summer anthem “Happy” to encouraging young artists on NBC’s “The Voice”, to helping get recyclables out of the sea with Raw for the Oceans, Pharrell is continuing his upbeat trend with his current collaboration with Adidas.

Skateboard P decided to use his platform for a good cause and created a conceptual campaign on equality. When you first see the branding for it–which shows an equal sign above Pharrell’s name and the Adidas logo next to it–you might think that just means Pharrell is Adidas, and you wouldn’t be too far off. Over the past year, P has been a walking billboard for the retailer wearing it everywhere, including his infamous Grammys outfit.

Al Roker Sets World Record for Longest Uninterrupted Weather Forecast, Earns Big for Charity

Al roker
Only Al Roker could make 34 hours of live uninterrupted weather completely entertaining and inspiring.  The Today Show’s meteorologist set out to break the Guinness Book World Record to earn money through his Crowdrise campaign for the United Service Organizations (USO).  Roker started his #Rokerthon on Thursday, November 13 and finished just this morning, earning over $70,000 in donations.
Keeping the momentum going seemed to come pretty easily to Roker as he reported the weather all over the world. Several celebrities including actors Alan Alda, Candice Bergen, fellow weatherman Sam Champion, singer Nick Lachey and writer/producer Aaron Sorkin stopped by to lend their support.
Once it was over, the ever-energetic Roker said, “I don’t feel that tired.”  He even managed to stick around for some of the Today show taping after his segment wrapped – a trouper (for the troops!) through and through.
Check out some of the highlights here:
http://www.today.com/news/al-roker-brings-new-meaning-live-stream-during-rokerthon-bathroom-1D80287234
To learn more about Al’s Campaign:
https://www.crowdrise.com/ROKER

article by Lesa Lakin (r) and Lori Lakin Hutcherson (l)
article by Lesa Lakin (r) and Lori Lakin Hutcherson (l)

Civil Rights Group Color of Change Asks Bravo Network to Stop Promoting Black Violence

Kenya Moore
After a brawl erupted between Kenya Moore (pictured above) and Porsha Williams (pictured) on the season premiere of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” this week, the Color of Change sent a letter to the Bravo Network, asking executives to stop promoting Black violence on television, according to a statement.
In the following statement, Arisha Hatch, managing director of campaigns for Color of Change, called the violence detrimental to the African-American community with its purpose only serving to line the pockets of television executives:
Porsha Williams

“Bravo is not at the mercy of the behavior of the casts of its shows. Reality TV producers routinely utilize staged, hostile environments and specific editing strategies to conjure the story they wish to tell. We demand Bravo and Andy Cohen turn away from these stereotypical narratives, and stop profiting from violence involving Black people.
“Judging by recent reports of yet another massive brawl during taping for the upcoming season of Bravo’s ‘Blood, Sweat, and Heels,’ it seems there’s no end in sight for Bravo’s reliance on dangerous stereotypes. During that fight, between Black castmates Geneva Thomas and Melyssa Ford, a bottle was reportedly smashed over Ford’s head, sending her to the hospital. Thomas has since been arrested. Under no circumstances should Bravo air this or any other fights involving Black people.
“Stereotypical portrayals of Black people— as angry, belligerent, and violent—are dangerous, shaping negative perceptions in the minds of viewers that, when acted upon, can mean real life harm for Black communities; discriminatory hiring practices, less attention from doctors, and harsher treatment by law enforcement, just to name a few. Bravo and Andy Cohen must move beyond these harmful, one-dimensional portrayals.”

article via newsone.com

Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart Team Up in "Central Intelligence" For New Line

Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart Central

Following the success of Sony’s “Jump Street” franchise, New Line plans to investigate its own buddy action-comedy, enlisting two of Hollywood’s hottest stars: Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart. The duo will star in “Central Intelligence,” with “We’re the Millers” filmmaker Rawson Marshall Thurber directing the movie.

Scott Stuber will produce through his Bluegrass Films banner, along with Peter Principato and Paul Young of Principato-Young Entertainment. “The Hangover” star Ed Helms is executive producing.
The story begins with a class reunion approaching, as a former high school sports star turned accountant (Hart) is contacted by a classmate (Johnson) who was bullied and humiliated back in the day. The “loser” that the accountant remembers is now a CIA contract killer who ropes him into helping foil a plot to sell classified military secrets.
The original “Central Intelligence” writers are ‎Ike Barinholtz and Dave Stassen, with Sean Anders and John Morris writing a subsequent draft and Thurber taking another pass on the latest script.
New Line plans to begin shooting in the spring with Sam Brown and Michael Disco overseeing. Beau Bauman is managing for Bluegrass.
New Line, based at Warner Bros., has enjoyed success through previous projects with both Thurber and Johnson, and Johnson has a number of jobs lined up at the studio — he is currently attached to return for two more “Journey to the Center of the Earth” sequels and will play Black Adam in superhero pic “Shazam.” He is also set to star in disaster film “San Andreas,” which bows next summer.
The movie gives New Line the opportunity to team two of the biggest names in their respective genres in one film. Hart has enjoyed a lucrative year with both “Ride Along” and “Think Like a Man Too” striking box office gold. Hart recently finished filming the “Ride Along” sequel and has “The Wedding Ringer” for Screen Gems set to open on Jan. 16, followed by “Get Hard” with Will Ferrell for Warner Bros., which will open March 27.
Johnson has shown his versatility in his ability to move from action-heavy movies to comedies with ease, and “Central Intelligence” looks set to combine both genres. The star’s most recent pic was “Hercules,” which has grossed $242 million at the worldwide box office, and he can next be seen in “Fast and Furious 7,” which bows in April. On the small screen, Johnson will executive produce and star in “Ballers,” a half-hour comedy that HBO recently picked up to series.
article by Justin Kroll via Variety.com

R.I.P. Henry Jackson AKA "Big Bank Hank" from The Sugarhill Gang

The performer, whose real name was Henry Jackson, died from kidney complications due to cancer, according to reports.
Jackson formed the Sugarhill Gang with Master Gee and Wonder Mike, having a big hit in 1979 with “Rapper’s Delight.”  The record sold several million copies worldwide and helped establish rap as a vital genre of music.
The full version of “Rapper’s Delight” ran nearly 16 minutes long and was recorded in a single take.  A shorter single version was also released and became a radio staple in the early 1980s.
http://youtu.be/ljUnyv5XUA8
Jackson’s death was reported by website TMZ and confirmed to Fox News by David Mallie, who manages the two remaining band members.  “So sad to hear of our brother’s passing,” said Wonder Mike and Master Gee in a statement. “Rest in peace Big Bank.”
article via bbc.com

Fifth Grader Samuel Love Holds Toy Drive for Children Going Through Tough Times

Samuel Love (WGNTV)
Samuel Love (WGNTV)

Fifth-grader Samuel Love is holding his third annual Christmas toy drive for children experiencing tough times. The 11-year old began the drive two years ago in response to Hurricane Sandy.
In 2013, Love managed to collect 1,500 toys and gift cards for children in need. He is aiming to far surpass that this year, however, with a goal of collecting 2,500 toys and gift cards.
In a speech announcing the drive, Love says, “As some of you may know, two years ago, I decided that I didn’t want anything for Christmas because I saw on TV the devastation that happened in New York with Hurricane Sandy. I thought about the kids that lived there and how they had just lost everything. So instead of receiving toys, I wanted to give toys to the kids who really needed them.”
Those in the Chicago area can donate toys and gift cards to Love’s toy drive by dropping donations off in the Studio Movie Grill Chatham Theater at 210 West 87th Street.
article via thegrio.com

GBN's #WhoWeBe Giveaway Contest – Congratulations to the Winners!

Screen Shot 2014-11-10 at 6.11.29 AM
Last Tuesday, GBN announced its first-ever giveaway contest – a chance for three lucky readers to email in to win free copies of award-winning author Jeff Chang‘s most recent work, “Who We Be: The Colorization of America.”  As promised, today we are announcing the names of those who entered and prevailed in the random drawing, and here they are: Julia S. Butler, Charles Terrell Franklin and Pam Curry!
Congratulations to you three and many thanks to everyone who wrote in.  It was great to receive such positive response, interest and feedback, and GBN will definitely have more giveaways in the future.  Also, sincere thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing the free copies of “Who We Be” and for publishing such insightful, provocative work.  Winners, check your email for further details!
Lori Lakin Hutcherson, GBN Editor-in-Chief (follow @lakinhutcherson)