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← Older posts Newer posts →ROLAND S. MARTIN CHECKS SNOOP DOGG ON CALLING FOR ROOTS BOYCOTT
June 1, 2016“Why Don’t You Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is and Not on Some Good Weed….” – Roland S. Martin Today on NewsOne Now, host and managing editor Roland S. Martin addressed rapper Snoop Dogg’s recent social media post in which he is calling for a boycott of HISTORY Channel’s new miniseries “Roots.” In his post, Snoop Dogg says that he is tired of the brutal American slave narrative being shown on national television. Martin addressed his comments by saying that Snoop Dogg as well as other African Americans are in full denial of American slavery when in fact they should be proud of their ancestors for being survivors. Martin also suggests that instead of Snoop Dogg doing films that depict the Black community in a negative light, he should be collaborating with successful African American directors to depict more positive images of Black American history. “Slavery happened and slavery is real. Too many Americans want to deny what took place in this country,” said Martin. “The reality is Black folks are survivors since the first slave touched down in Jamestown in 1619. So when you slam Roots and want to boycott the show, what you’re saying is that we shouldn’t learn these things, when the fact is we should be learning about these things. Why don’t you stop smoking weed and call countless African Americans out there trying to make those films and looking for folks like you to put your money where your mouth is and not on some good weed. We need all stories being told. If more Americans can own up to the history of America, 397 years we have been here, and how brutal slavery was we should be able to see that.” To watch Roland address Snoop Dogg’s ‘Roots’ boycott social media rant, please click HERE.
Posted in R&B Pop Culture | Leave a commentLove Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story Premieres Sunday, June 12
May 26, 2016By Kimberly Alsup I was excited to dial into a Tele-Press conference with Miki Howard, Teyonah Parris, Darius McCrary, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Lisa Raye McCoy, Gary Dourdan, Indira Khan, and Christine Swanson from TV One’s LOVE UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT: THE MIKI HOWARD STORY, premiering Sunday, June 12 at 7 pm. During the call I was given the synopsis, insight into this true story from the woman herself, Miki Howard, and the intense subjects that are dealt with in LOVE UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT: THE MIKI HOWARD STORY. CAST: Miki Howard: Teyonah Parris (Survivor’s Remorse) Josephine Howard, Miki’s Mother: Vanessa Bell Calloway (Coming to America, Shameless) Gerald Levert: Darius McCrary (Family Matters) Sylvia Rhone: Lisa Raye McCoy (Single Ladies, Player’s Club) Augie Johnson: Gary Dourdan (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation) Chaka Khan: Indira Khan (Chaka Khan’s daughter) DIRECTOR: Christine Swanson EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: D’Angela Proctor SCREENPLAY BY: Rhonda Baraka ABOUT LOVE UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT: THE MIKI HOWARD STORY: The film, which is produced by Carl Craig and Eric Tomosunas and Rob Robinson of Swirl Films, covers 30+ years of Howard’s life, both professional and personal trials and triumphs, including her relationships with the men, like Gerald LeVert, who played instrumental roles in her life. In an effort to revitalize and rearrange TV One programming, this is the first of Unsung episodes that will be turned into biopics. The highest rated episode was Miki Howard. CHRISTINE SWANSON: “I knew then that what we were embarking upon was going to be epic in terms of storytelling, nuance and passion. Like myself, Miki Howard is a passionate individual who has a love for life. [Her] music was the backdrop to my youth and now I get to translate her story on screen. What a privilege. We hit it off right away and I knew my whole life was in …
Posted in Streaming | Leave a commentROOTS Premieres on The History Channel Memorial Day
May 26, 2016Synopsis: HISTORY® premieres “Roots” on Memorial Day 2016, airing over four consecutive nights at 9 p.m. beginning Monday, May 30th. The four-night, eight-hour event series developed by HISTORY, from A+E Studios, is a historical portrait of American slavery recounting the journey of one family and their will to survive and ultimately carry on their legacy despite hardship. “Roots” will be simulcast on A&E and Lifetime, in addition to HISTORY. Roots’ will allow new audiences to experience this epic family saga with a new vision that is both incredibly inspiring and tremendously entertaining. Background Information on the Re-made Series, ROOTS: Nearly 40 years after the premiere of “Roots” captivated the nation, take a look back at the cultural phenomenon and its lasting legacy: On January 23, 1977, millions of viewers tuned in to watch the first episode of a new miniseries on the ABC network; a multi-generational exploration of author Alex Haley’s family tree that traversed more than a century of the African American experience, from the colonial-era slave trade through Reconstruction. Over the course of eight nights, “Roots” captivated the nation. Movie theaters shut down, while bars and living rooms filled; dozens of civic leaders across the country declared a celebratory “Roots” week in honor of the program; millions of Americans were inspired to trace their own lineages; and America was forced to confront the brutal reality of slavery and the lingering scars it had left on the nation. Nearly 40 years later, with HISTORY set to introduce “Roots” to a new generation this Memorial Day, take a look back at the television landmark and its lasting legacy – http://www.history.com/news/remembering-roots TV Series: ROOTS Network: History Channel (A+E Networks) Starring: Forest Whitaker, Laurence Fishburne, T.I., Anika Noni Rose, Anna Paquin, Mekhi Phifer Air Date: May 30, 2016 (Memorial Day) …
Posted in Sports & Inspiration | Leave a commentINDEPENDENCE DAY in Theaters June 24
May 26, 2016SYNOPSIS We always knew they were coming back. After INDEPENDENCE DAY redefined the event movie genre, the next epic chapter delivers global spectacle on an unimaginable scale. Using recovered alien technology, the nations of Earth have collaborated on an immense defense program to protect the planet. But nothing can prepare us for the aliens’ advanced and unprecedented force. Only the ingenuity of a few brave men and women can bring our world back from the brink of extinction. INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE Action-Adventure Release: June 24, 2016 Director: Roland Emmerich Producers: Dean Devlin, Roland Emmerich, Harald Kloser Cast: Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch, Vivica A. Fox, Brent Spiner, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jessie Usher, Maika Monroe, Sela Ward INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE Official Channels Facebook: Facebook.com/IndependenceDayMovie Twitter:Twitter.com/IndependenceDay YouTube:Youtube.com/FoxMovies Instagram: Instagram.com/IndependencedayMovie Hashtag: #IndependenceDay
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentNEIGHBORS 2: SORORITY RISING in theaters May 20th
May 15, 2016About NEIGHBORS 2: SORORITY RISING Returning stars Seth Rogen, Zac Efron and Rose Byrne are joined by Chloë Grace Moretz for Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, the follow-up to 2014’s most popular original comedy. Nicholas Stoller again directs in a film that follows what happens when the will of parenthood goes against the bonds of sisterhood. Now that Mac (Rogen) and Kelly Radner (Byrne) have a second baby on the way, they are ready to make the final move into adulthood: the suburbs. But just as they thought they’d reclaimed the neighborhood and were safe to sell, they learn that the new occupants next door are a sorority even more out of control than Teddy (Efron) and his brothers ever dreamed of being.Tired of their school’s sexist, restrictive system, the unorthodox ladies of Kappa Nu have decided to start a house where they can do whatever the hell they want. When Shelby (Moretz) and her sisters, Beth (Kiersey Clemons) and Nora (Beanie Feldstein), find the perfect place just off campus, they won’t let the fact that it’s located on a quiet street stand in their way of parties as epic as the guys throw. Forced to turn to the one ex-neighbor with the skills to bring down the new Greeks next door, the Radners—alongside best friends Jimmy (Ike Barinholtz) and Paula (Carla Gallo)—bring in charismatic Teddy as their secret weapon. If he can infiltrate the sorority and charm his way through it, the thirtysomethings will shutter the Kappas’ home. But if they think that their neighbors are going down without a fight, they have severely underestimated the power of youthful ingenuity and straight-up crazy. The movie was filmed in ATL and stars Zac Efron, Seth Rogen, Chloe Grace Moretz, Rose Byrne and Selena Gomez. Check out the film’s trailer at the …
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentStephen Curry Is The First Unanimous MVP In NBA History
May 13, 2016The 28-year-old has cemented his place as the greatest shooter in the game. Juliet Spies-Gans The Huffington Post After an astonishing regular season that included 402 threes made at a 45 percent clip, Stephen Curry has been named the NBA’s 2015-2016 most valuable player, becoming the first player ever to notch the honor in unanimous fashion. The official announcement came on Tuesday, but the results have been all but locked for months. Curry’s shooting arm permanently etched this Warriors team into the annals of NBA history, as Curry led Golden State to the league’s best-ever regular season record (73-9) along with a host of other firsts and bests. But it is the work that Curry has done behind the royal blue three-point line at Oracle Arena and all those other arcs around the country that truly earned him this award. The stats are stunning. With a left-wing, step-back, defender-in-his-face three pointer in a March 7 game against the Orlando Magic, Curry nailed his 300th three of the season. That mark alone was considered unbelievable, as no other player had ever hit more than 269 in a year before 2015-2016. And the one other player who had reached that tally was Ray Allen — the man who many considered the best shooter to ever play the game until Curry rolled up. Curry skipped past the 300-mark with five weeks remaining in the regular season. But after reaching 300, he kept shooting. And he kept hitting. He kept aiming and firing and amassing the made threes until, on the last night of the year, he hit his 400th triple of the season. Right corner. Catch and shoot. Swoosh. Cue the roar of the crowd, the rewriting of the record books and the last bit of proof anyone needed that this guy would be our 2015-2016 MVP. …
Posted in TV News, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentA Magnificent Day in Chicago: Magnificent Mile
May 13, 2016By Sonya Jenkins The Mag Mile When I traveled to Chicago recently I had no idea that I’d take in a plethora of botanical gardens, great pizza, the best popcorn I’ve ever tasted, magnificent shopping and cultural enlightenment – all on one street! But that’s just what I got on Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue) as I walked five miles – taking in Chi-Town’s upscale charm! Check out some of my photos from my Magnificent Mile excursion. Stay tuned for video! Sonya Jenkins on a Spring Day in Chicago
Posted in Travel | Leave a commentROOTS Premiering On History Channel (A+E Networks) Memorial Day – Atlanta Screening Photos
May 11, 2016In celebration of HISTORY’s new miniseries, ROOTS, Cast Member Tip “T.I.” Harris and Executive Producer Will Packer hosted an advance screening of the first episode of the show in Atlanta on Monday, May 9, 2016 at 7:00 PM at the Center for Civil and Human Rights, with a panel discussion following the screening moderated by BET and The Rickey Smiley Morning Show personality Jeff Johnson including: T.I.; Will Packer; Ed Lover, Hip Hop legend & host of the nationally syndicated “The Ed Lover Show”; V-103 morning show personality Ryan Cameron of The Ryan Cameron Morning Show; Dr. Samuel Livingston of Morehouse College and President of the Atlanta chapter of the National Action Network (NAN), Tamarre Torchon. Civil Rights Leader and Former Mayor of Atlanta, Ambassador Andrew Young, was also in attendance and made a couple of remarks at the close of the Q&A. The screening was attended by Atlanta’s top influencers including: Tip “T.I.” Harris, Cast Member of ROOTS – “Cyrus” Will Packer, Executive Producer of ROOTS Phaedra Parks, Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta Ambassador Andrew Young, Civil Rights Leader and Former Mayor of Atlanta Egypt Sherrod, Television Personality, HGTV’s Property Virgins and Flipping Virgins Yamma Brown and Deanna Brown, Daughters of the Late James Brown Jeff Johnson, Television Personality, BET and “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show” Ed Lover, Host of “The Ed Lover Morning Show” on Boom 102.9 Ryan Cameron, Host of “The Ryan Cameron Morning Show” on V-103 Gary with Da Tea, On-Air Personality on “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show” and Dish Na tion (Fox) Derreck Kayongo, CEO of the Center for Civil and Human Rights John Silvanus Wilson, President of Morehouse College Check out the photos from the Atlanta screening below: Photo Credit: Paras Griffin for Getty for HISTORY More Photos via Sonya Jenkins TV …
Posted in MOTIVATION, Photos, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentSEASON 2 PREMIERE OF TV ONE’S HIT DOCU-SERIES RICKEY SMILEY FOR REAL PREMIERES TUESDAY, MAY 10 AT 8PM ET/7PM CT ON TV ONE
May 10, 2016TUNE IN FOR THE SEASON 2 PREMIERE OF TV ONE’S HIT DOCU-SERIES RICKEY SMILEY FOR REAL TUESDAY, MAY 10 AT 8PM ET/7PM CT ON TV ONE Check out Video Footage below from a Press Roundtable where Sonya’s Spotlight Publisher, Sonya Jenkins, got a chance to interview Comedian Rickey Smiley of Rickey Smiley For Real and Director Roger Bobb with special-invited journalists and bloggers at the Twelve Atlantic Station Hotel in Atlanta, May 4. Rickey is candid about his life lessons. He shares what he looks for in a mate, what motivates him, his cooking skills, his frustrations and more. Following its first season as the No. 2 Program on Cable in its timeslot among Black P25-54 and reaching 8.2 million Unique P2+ Viewers, the hit docu-series Rickey Smiley For Real returns for Season 2 tomorrow, Tuesday, May 10 at 8pm ET on TV One. The second season finds nationally syndicated radio personality, host and stand-up comedian Rickey Smiley concentrating more on the three F’s – Fun, Family, and Focus. The hour-long series takes a humorous look at his life as he manages his career, personal life, and single fatherhood. “Rickey’s unmatched sense of humor, business savvy and passion for his family resonated well with our audience,” said TV One President Brad Siegel. “We are thrilled to team up with Rickey and both his real family and radio show family for another season of real life turmoil and love.” A voyeuristic view into what makes Smiley a successful media mogul in radio, comedy and television, TV One’s Rickey Smiley For Real, captures the syndicated host as he juggles two families – one at home and the other at work. In the second season, Smiley commits to enjoying the fruits of his labor. After many years struggling to bala nce the responsibilities of his large and unique family, along with growing and challenging himself …
Posted in MOTIVATION, Sports & Inspiration | Leave a commentSonya Jenkins Covers the Kentucky Oaks & Kentucky Derby 142 – Photos & Video
May 8, 2016Nyquist wins the 2016 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! before a crowd of 167,227, the second-largest in Derby history! It was the second victory in the Derby for owner Paul Reddam, trainer Doug O’Neill and jockey Mario Gutierrez; the trio that got the roses in 2012 with I’ll Have Another. Being in the mix of Derby action at Churchill Downs and covering both the Kentucky Oaks and the 2016 Kentucky Derby was everything I thought it would be and more. Check out some of my Blog Video and photos below . Kentucky Derby 142 – May 7, 2016 Sonya Jenkins Covers The Derby PHOTOS MORE DERBY PHOTOS The Oaks 2016 – Louisville, Kentucky – Churchill Downs May 6, 2016 It’s a Hat Affair Beautiful, Bold Chapeaux – Derby Weekend 2016
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