Thursday, May 31, 2012

JJ Smith

JJ Smith is a nutritionist and certified weight-management specialist, passionate relationship/life coach, and inspirational speaker. She has been featured on The Steve Harvey Morning Show, The Montel Williams Show, The Jamie Foxx Show, and The Michael Baisden Show. JJ has made appearances on the NBC, FOX, CBS, CNBC and CW Network television stations, as well as in the pages of Glamour, Essence, Heart and Soul, and Ladies Home Journal. Since reclaiming her health, losing weight, and discovering a “second youth” in her forties, bestselling author JJ Smith has become the voice of inspiration to women who want to lose weight, be healthy, and get their sexy back! JJ Smith provides lifestyle solutions for losing weight, getting healthy, looking younger and improving your love life!

JJ has dedicated her life to the field of healthy eating and living. JJ’s passion is to educate others and share with them the natural remedies to stay slim, restore health, and look and feel younger. JJ has studied many philosophies of natural healing and learned from some of the great teachers of our time. After studying and applying knowledge about how to heal the body and lose weight, JJ went on to receive several certifications—one as a certified nutritionist and another as a certified weight-management expert. JJ received her certification as Nutritionist from the International Institute of Holistic Healing. JJ received her certification as a Weight-Management Specialist from the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA). She is also a member of the American Nutrition Association (ANA).

JJ's current work, Lose Weight: Without Dieting or Working Out!, is a revolutionary system that teaches proven methods for permanent weight loss that anyone can follow, no matter their size, income level, or educational level. And the end result is a healthy, sexy, slim body. JJ's breakthrough weight-loss solution can help you shed pounds fast by detoxifying the body, balancing your hormones, and speeding up your metabolism. You'll also learn which foods help you stay slim and which foods cause you to get fat. If you have been on a roller-coaster ride of weight loss, you will finally be able to get off that ride, lose weight and stay slim for life!

JJ is also the author of the bestseller, Why I Love Men: The Joys of Dating. It contains compelling and funny stories she cultivated over the past 15 years of relationships that included three marriage proposals. In a sister-to-sister, woman-to-woman approach, the author shares her heartfelt story of her joys, pains and lessons learned from dating. She also provides scores of tips on how women can improve their relationships with men and have more fun while dating. Why I Love Men is ultimately a tribute to men and how they shaped her life and helped her grow and develop as a woman.

JJ holds a B.A. in Mathematics from Hampton University in Virginia. She continued her education by completing The Wharton Business School Executive Management Certificate program. She currently serves as Vice President and Partner in an IT Consulting firm, Intact Technology, Inc. in Greenbelt, Maryland. JJ was also the youngest African-American to receive a Vice President position at a Fortune 500 company. Her hobbies include reading, writing and deejaying.

Source: http://jjsmithonline.com

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Partners of the Heart: Vivien Thomas and His Work with Alfred Blalock: An Autobiography


Visitors to the Blalock Building at the Johns Hopkins University Medical Center are greeted by portraits of two great men. One, of renowned heart surgeon Alfred Blalock, speaks for itself. The other, of highschool graduate Vivien Thomas, is testimony to the incredible genius and determination of the first black man to hold a professional position at one of America's premier medical institutions.

Thomas's dreams of attending medical school were dashed when the Depression hit. After spending some time as a carpenter's apprentice, Thomas took what he expected to be a temporary job as a technician in Blalock's lab. The two men soon became partners and together invented the field of cardiac surgery.

Partners of the Heart is Thomas's extraordinary autobiography. Trained in laboratory techniques by Alfred Blalock and Joseph W. Beard, Thomas remained Blalock's principal technician and laboratory chief for the rest of Blalock's distinguished career. Thomas very rapidly learned to perform surgery, to do chemical determinations, and to carry out physiologic studies. He became a phenomenal technician and was able to carry out complicated experimental cardiac operations totally unassisted and to devise new ones.

In addition to telling Thomas's life story, Partners of the Heart traces the beginnings of modern cardiac surgery, crucial investigations into the nature of shock, and Blalock's methods of training surgeons.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Brittney Exline Becomes Nation’s Youngest African-American Engineer

Being a standout is nothing new for Brittney Exline. The Colorado Springs, Colo., native made history in 2007 at the age of 15 when she became the youngest African-American female accepted into an Ivy League school, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn).

Exline has made history once again as the school’s youngest engineer and the nation’s youngest African-American engineer. The 19-year-old recently graduated cum laude, earning her bachelor’s degree in computer science. Already, she’s landed a job with a software company outside of Boston.

“I’m a little bit nervous,” said Exline. “I’m sure I’ll be fine. Being 19 doesn’t bother me. It’s just being fresh out of college and having a new transition.”

The graduate of Palmer High School’s International Baccalaureate program studied anthropology at Harvard University while still in secondary school and later received a full scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania.

Exline, who speaks Spanish, French, Japanese, Russian, Arabic and German, doubled her loads to graduate in four years with minors in math, psychology and classical studies. “I’ve never had less than five classes,” she said. “But I’ve had as many as 6.5 classes. I just made sure I had time to study. I went into the engineering school undeclared. I didn’t want to do chemical engineering. Computer science is a lot more theoretical and closer to math. I liked that part. It’s more abstract. That contributed to my strength.”

Born on Valentine’s Day—two weeks after her due date—Exline is the daughter of Chyrese and Christopher Exline, who works in copier sales. Chyrese always knew her daughter was special. Little Brittney was making pyramid designs with blocks at 6 months old, walking at 8 months old and completing 24- to 100-piece jigsaw puzzles at 15 months old.

“She kind of came out that way with good advocating,” said her mom, a former geriatric administrator and part-time pageant coach. “I’m very involved in the school district. I did the same with my son. We made sure they got everything they needed to succeed. I made sure they remained committed even when they wanted to quit. They learned you can’t quit an activity just because it’s hard. Sometimes you need to stick with something. That’s the only way to learn how to persevere and overcome true obstacles. Eventually, it becomes a part of you. I believe this.”

Exline, a dancer whose held many pageant titles including 2004 Miss Colorado Pre-Teen and 2006 Miss Colorado Jr. National Teenager, was fortunate enough to find internships each summer. At 16, she worked with Sophrosyne Capital Hedge Funds as an investment analyst on the New York Stock Exchange. A year later, she was the youngest IT lead to travel to Cameroon with two other Penn students for One Laptop Per Child, a nonprofit organization offering inexpensive laptops designed for children in developing countries.

Volunteerism is her passion. Exline didn’t waste time finding ways to give back. During her college years, she worked with Community School Student Partnerships in Philadelphia and became a member of the senior staff and a site coordinator for West Philadelphia High School, where she trained and mentored 30 tutors from Penn.

“It was compelling to me. I’m interested in education,” said Exline, who also worked as a kindergarten summer school teacher for Freedom Schools of Philadelphia. “There are a lot of things that need to be done. When I get the chance to go into that, I will make a difference.”
She hopes to return to school to earn a master’s degree but isn’t bubbling over at the thoughts of earning a doctorate. “I don’t have any burning research questions I want to study for six or seven years.”

For right now, Exline is concerned with figuring out a way to do something that she’s avoided for a long time: learning how to drive.

“I didn’t need to learn in Philly; I used public transportation. Also, I didn’t really want to learn that badly,” she said. “I was hoping to get a job in an area where I didn’t have to learn how to drive. I have to learn now, being outside of Boston, because it isn’t as accessible with public transportation.”

Source: http://www.ebony.com/career-finance/brittney-exline-becomes-nations-youngest-african-american-engineer

Monday, May 28, 2012

Girls Who Rule The World


The mission of Girls Who Rule The World is to enhance the development of young girls and provide a forum to expose them to the benefits and the importance of positive self-image, responsible personal conduct, respect for self and others, educational achievement and cultural enrichment.

GOALS OF THE PROGRAM

  • To increase the awareness of the importance of mentoring for our girls and young women.
  • To promote academic excellence among the mentees by involving business and community leaders, and organizations to support their goals.
  • To track the success of young girls as they evolve through The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Program initiatives.
  • To partner each girl to a mentor and/or group mentoring process
  • To expand the program to 2-3 states over the next 5 years.
  • To track the relationship and collaborative efforts between the community partners, business leaders, mentors and the mentees via co-op programs, internships, program referrals and educational, career and personal development.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

A Setback Is a Setup for a Comeback


A setback is nothing but a setup for a comeback! The wisdom in these words can help lift you out of your low points in life and put you on the path to victory!

*Have you ever had a setback?
*Has life ever thrown you a curve ball?
*Have you ever been knocked down by hard times?

Willie Jolley, the author of the motivational bestseller It Only Takes A Minute To Change Your Life!, will inspire you to take action! In A Setback Is A Setup For A Comeback, Willie presents his "VDAD" formula (Vision, Decision, Action, Desire) for overcoming life's constant challenges. He shares his techniques for taking control of your destiny, using anecdotes and stories that will encourage you to focus and take action on your dreams-despite the adversities! You will hear from ordinary people who refused to cower in the face of hardships, and found opportunities in unlikely places. There are humorous insights ("sometimes you're the windshield, sometimes you're the bug") and practical methods (Need to rid yourself of negative thoughts? "Face it, trace it, erase it, replace it!"). Using Willie Jolley's 12 simple strategies (as outlined in the VDAD formula) you will have the tools to turn your trials into triumphs, your problems into possibilities, and your setbacks into comebacks

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Clayton Singleton

“You sense what people call passion” when you are around Clayton Singleton. This Virginia resident’s blend of verbal and visual art inspires, motivates and educates. He received his B.A. in Art from Virginia Wesleyan College then later graduated from Regent University with his Masters of Arts in Education. He is currently working for Norfolk Public Schools where he has taught K-12 visual art and won teacher of the year at the elementary, middle and high school levels as well assisted in rewriting the visual arts curriculum for Norfolk Public Schools. In addition to being a member of the Hampton Roads National Poetry Slam Team, he has painted public murals, produced several solo shows including his latest gallery show at The Selden Gallery, Walking On Paper. The Virginia Opera commissioned Clayton to design sets for Porgy and Bess and Freedom’s Journey. Clayton is also a member of The d'ART Center Board of Directors and Norfolk Arts Commission. He currently teaches visual art and serves as a teacher mentor and department chairperson at Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk. Currently, he uses his children’s book Dream An Awesome Dream and his book of poetic lecture Escape from Freedom during his interactive presentations when he speaks at educational symposiums. Clayton has served as keynote speaker for new teacher orientations and has presented at national conferences including Improving America’s Schools and The Panasonic Foundation’s Leadership Associates Programs. Clayton recently gave a presentation in Portland, Oregon on Powerful Literacy.

Source: http://www.claytonsingleton.com

Friday, May 25, 2012

Book:The Secret to Success


From homeless high school dropout to one of the most sought after motivational speakers in the country, Eric Thomas has truly found the Secret 2 Success. In this, his debut autobiography, Eric shares that secret withthe rest of the world. By chronicling his days sleeping in abandoned buildings in the unforgiving Detroit winters, to his rise as a successful husband, father, CEO, educator and motivational speaker, Eric inspires the masses toreach greatness.In 2009 one of Eric’s speeches entitled Secrets 2 Success surfaced on YouTube and quickly went viral reaching over 1 million views. It was the response to this video and the subsequent thousands of emails and phone callfrom viewers ranging from high school teachers and students, to professional athletes and CEO’s of fortune 500 companies seeking Eric’s advice on how to reach their maximum potential that ultimately led to the writing of thisbook. In the book, Eric not only details his struggles and successes, he also provides invaluable advice on how anyone can take their life from its current state to places they never dreamed imaginable.

https://twitter.com/Ericthomasbtc

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Prime Time Association


Prime Time Association is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded by Deion and Pilar Sanders. Deion's confidence and ability on the field has always been marveled at by teammates and opponents throughout the NFL and MLB. Behind the scenes, his work ethic (comparable to none) is held in such high esteem by former as well as current players and is viewed by many as their “big brother and coach”. He remains a consistent voice of truth and reason coaches and owners throughout the leagues all year round.

Deion has been held in such high regards and Congressionally Recognized for his hands on approach to posit ively influence the lives of count less youths and adults. He is now acting on a long time dream of reaching, touching and teaching our youth and men through organized sports and training.

Mission

Our mission is to serve communities by reaching and teaching our youth through sports and education. We promote positive self images by providing an environment of coaches, mentors and tutors who believe in our youth. We encourage them to embrace t he highest values and sense of responsibilit ies to their families, peers and communit ies. We invest in the mental, spiritual, physical, financial and overall well­being to build stronger kids by reinforcing education.

Vision

Our vision is to have a sports association that is all inclusive of Football, Basketball (2011), Baseball(2011) and Soccer (2012). PTA will compete in state wide as well as national competit ions in all age groups. Facilitate our students’ transition throughout each level of education from elementary to college and to the professional level. We believe that our children still are the future. We are willing to invest time and attention in our future Doctors, Lawyers, Teachers, Policemen, Politicians and Athletes. PTA will be a venue that caters to our youngsters and cares for our adults by providing healthy after­school snacks at no charge. To alleviate ‘dinner stress’ for our parents, we will also provide a four course dining service for a minimal fee.

Objective

Scholastically we require our youth to maintain A/B averages. We provide full access to our staff of educators for tutoring before and after practices. We motivate both parents and students by sending Daily Inspirational emails and text messages, for example; "You gotta believe, if you don't believe in yourself no one else will!"

Source: http://ptasports.org/

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Everything I'm Not Made Me Everything I Am: Discovering Your Personal Best


Award-winning activist journalist and motivational speaker Jeff Johnson dares the post–Civil Rights generation to stop making excuses, overcome personal challenges, and create lives filled with passion, meaning, and service in Everything I’m Not Made Me Everything I Am. This empowering strategic guide for manifesting and achieving your personal B.E.S.T. highlights Johnson’s unique blend of political consciousness and street-smart inspiration.

A committed youth advocate, Johnson offers a lifeline to those who feel lost in a sea of choices, distractions, and self-imposed limits. Everything I’m Not Made Me Everything I Am offers practical guidance for learning how to unplug from the programmed expectations of family and society in order to discover and fulfill your unique life’s mission.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Cymphonique Miller’s New Show Helps Boost Nickelodeon’s Ratings


Master P’s daughter Cymphonique Miller is currently enjoying the success of her new Nickelodeon TV series “how to rock.”

According to reps Cymphonique, who is the daughter of hip-hop mogul Master P., “How to Rock” is one of the top new series for Tweens on the network.

The show is placing high amongst viewers aged 6 to 11, helping to boost Nickelodeon’s overall ratings.

One of the episode of the hit series titled “How to Rock a Messy Bed,”recently hit #1 for kids TV shows on iTunes.

It’s the second time the Miller family has found success with Nickelodeon.

Master P’s son and Cymphonique’s brother Romeo hosted his own hit series titled “Romeo” with Nickelodeon for three years.

“How to Rock,” is produced in association with Alloy Entertainment who also created “Vampire Diaries,” and “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.”

Source: http://allhiphop.com/2012/03/12/cymphonique-millers-new-show-helps-boost-nickelodeons-ratings/

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Black Entrepreneur Pencils Herself Into Silicon Valley

I’m Tiffani Ashley Bell and I founded Pencil You In as a way to allow hairstylists and makeup artists to accept appointments online and by extension, grow their clientele.

I’ve been programming since I was a kid, but at some point, I realized it was more important to use my technical ability to solve real problems. This all came to a head back in 2008 during my senior year as a computer science major at Howard University.

As graduation loomed closer, I occasionally eschewed track pants and a headscarf thanks to job interviews, presentations, etc. My hairstylist and I played these lovely games of phone tag as I forgot to call him or I’d call him and his appointment book wasn’t at hand. When we finally were in sync, I sometimes ended up with appointments at awkward times (7am, once), if one at all. One could say that I needed to just make my appointments at the end of visits, but this asked too much of the schedule of someone weeks away from graduation. Pencil You In was then conceived as my solution to my hair appointment scheduling woes.

Pencil You In was one project out of several I was working on at one time, but it became evident that it should get 100% of my attention. With that realization, however, came a flood of questions: should I raise money? How does the customer in Tampa’s feedback fit into the vision? Whose advice should I take with a grain of salt and for whose should I go back for seconds?

Eager for answers, I quit my job at the beginning of June to come to the Bay area two weeks later thanks to the NewME Accelerator. After being here for just a month, many of my questions have gotten awesome answers. For others, the answers are revealing themselves as the countdown to Demo Day winds down. I couldn’t have expected more out of being here.

The NewME Accelerator is shifting my entire thought process on running a company (and by extension, living). I’ve met one brilliant person after another (the likes of Navarrow Wright, Jay Jamison, etc.), talked to investors I may have never had the chance to speak to otherwise (Mitch Kapor, for example), and built out my company in an environment where it’s clear everybody appreciates ambition and wants to see success.

Check out Pencil You In to book your look online 24/7/365.

Source: http://newsone.com/nation/technology-nation/tiffanibell/tiffani-bell-pencil-you-in/

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Work It, Girl! The Black Woman's Guide To Professional Success


For Black women, achieving professional success can seem like an impossible mountain to climb. But, it doesn't have to be, IF you have the right attitude AND the right climbing tools. In Work It, Girl! The Black Woman's Guide to Professional Success, you'll get just that. As a Black woman, you will realize that you DO have the strength to succeed. This guide will keep it real by acknowledging the hundreds of 'justifications' we use to stay stuck where we are, but it will also debunk the myths of career choice (or lack thereof). It will recognize that we all have limitations, yet it will present 'doable' work options for Sisters who think there are none. Finally, it will not preach to the choir, but instead describe practical steps you can take to get where you want to be---even if you are not yet sure where that is! When frustration about your professional standing makes you want to sing the words of a classic gospel song: "You don't have to move the mountain, but give me the strength to climb," you'll love reading about the experiences of incredible Sisters who not only found their strength to climb, but who also enjoyed the ascent. We know we can't move the mountains, but we want to prepare you for a wonderful climb. So, let's work it, girl!! "Featuring advice and insight from Women Who Work It! including Maria Dowd (Founder of African American Women on Tour); Valorie Burton (Life Coach, Author & Entrepreneur); Crystal McCrary Anthony (Television Host, Author & Attorney); Monica Kaufman Pearson (Television Anchor); Kimberla Lawson Roby (Bestselling Author); Lisa Price (CEO & Founder of Carol's Daughter Inc.); Michele Jones (Command Sergeant Major U.S. Army Reserve); and Janie Victoria Ward (Professor & Author)."

Friday, May 18, 2012

Your First Home: The Smart Way to Get it and Keep it



About the Author Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, The Money Coach, is a personal finance expert, television and radio personality, and the author of numerous books, including the New York Times bestseller Zero Debt: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Freedom. Lynnette has appeared on such national TV programs as The Oprah Winfrey Show, Dr. Phil, The Tyra Banks Show and Good Morning America. She has also been featured in top newspapers including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and USA Today, as well as magazines ranging from Essence and Redbook to Black Enterprise and Smart Money. For more information about Lynnette, or to sign up for her free personal finance newsletter, visit her website at: TheMoneyCoach.net.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

The Lolo Jones Story


Iowa's Olympic hopeful Lolo Jones. Lolo grew up in Des Moines and is the 2008 World Indoor Champion and USA Indoor Champion. She is a participant in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Follow the link below to watch full program online. This special Iowa Journal focuses on Iowa's Olympic hopefuls. Athlete profiles include Shawn Johnson, Lolo Jones, and wrestler Doug Schwab. Former Olympians Natasha Kaiser-Brown and Dan Gable provide commentary.

http://www.iptv.org/iowajournal/story.cfm/341

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Majora Carter: Green the Ghetto


Majora Carter is a visionary voice in city planning who views urban renewal through an environmental lens. The South Bronx native draws a direct connection between ecological, economic and social degradation. Hence her motto: "Green the ghetto!"

With her inspired ideas and fierce persistence, Carter managed to bring the South Bronx its first open-waterfront park in 60 years, Hunts Point Riverside Park. Then she scored $1.25 million in federal funds for a greenway along the South Bronx waterfront, bringing the neighborhood open space, pedestrian and bike paths, and space for mixed-use economic development.

Her success is no surprise to anyone who's seen her speak; Carter's confidence, energy and intensely emotional delivery make her talks themselves a force of nature. (The release of her TEDTalk in 2006 prompted Guy Kawasaki to wonder on his blog whether she wasn't "every bit as good as [Apple CEO] Steve Jobs," a legendary presenter.)

Carter, who was awarded a 2005 MacArthur "genius" grant, served as executive director of Sustainable South Bronx for 7 years, where she pushed both for eco-friendly practices (such as green and cool roofs) and, equally important, job training and green-related economic development for her vibrant neighborhood on the rise. Since leaving SSBx in 2008, Carter has formed the economic consulting and planning firm the Majora Carter Group, to bring her pioneering approach to communities far outside the South Bronx. Carter is working within the cities of New Orleans, Detroit and the small coastal towns of Northeastern North Carolina. The Majora Carter Group is putting the green economy and green economic tools to use, unlocking the potential of every place -- from urban cities and rural communities, to universities, government projects, businesses and corporations -- and everywhere else in between.

"We could not fail to be inspired by Majora Carter's efforts to bring green space for exercise to the South Bronx. We need more ideas like these to bring solutions to minority communities."



Monday, May 14, 2012

Jewels: 50 Phenomenal Black Women Over 50


Photographer Michael Cunningham (coauthor of Crowns) and author Connie Briscoe, a New York Times bestselling novelist, profile 50 women over the age of 50 who have been remarkably successful--whether in reaching the top of the corporate ladder, finding fame in politics or the arts, or raising a son to be proud of a single mother--and reveal the ways that they have prevailed despite daunting obstacles. Their stories are paired with Cunningham's intimate portraits of the women.

JEWELS includes well-known and little-known women alike, from teachers and executives to artists, authors, and entertainers. Among the celebrities profiled in the book are Ruby Dee, Eleanor Holmes Norton, S. Epatha Merkerson, and Marion Wright Edelman. Coauthor Connie Briscoe also appears here as one of the featured Jewels, telling her inspiring personal story. World-renowned poet, writer, commentator, activist, and educator Nikki Giovanni contributes an original poem to the book.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Felecia Hatcher, Founder of Feverish Ice Cream Trucks

At 19, serial entrepreneur Felecia Hatcher launched her first business, coaching high-schoolers on how to get into college. But it was a corporate job that laid the groundwork for her latest venture. For several years she organized large, mobile marketing events for companies such as Walgreens and Wells Fargo. Hatcher didn't love being an employee however, so in 2008, at the age of 25, she came up with the creative idea of giving the traditional neighborhood ice cream truck a hip, new twist. Today, her fleet of eco-friendly ice cream trucks can be found at many special events, catering to adult customers with unique, offbeat flavors such as mango-chili, Georgia sweet tea, and margarita.

How Did Hatcher Come Up with This Business Idea?
"[I was] leaving a pool party and there was an old ice cream truck rolling by outside. I took off running [after it], forgetting I was in heels, and fell flat on my face. As I descended to the ground, I thought, 'Man, I am way too old to chase after an ice cream truck' and 'Why hasn't anyone come up with a cooler ice cream truck for adults?'"

What Is the Inner Essence of an Entrepreneur?
"Becoming an entrepreneur was not so much about knowing what I wanted to do, but about knowing what I did not want to do -- and that was sharing a cubicle with two other people waiting on a promotion."

“I never started a lemonade stand at 6 years old, but I always loved creating things.”

What Drives Hatcher?
"The freedom to create and being able to share that creative spirit with others."

She Owes Everything to Her Father
"My father started a construction and development firm 11 years ago. Not until I started my first business did I truly understand what he did and how big of an influence he really was. I came across one of my dad's old notebooks where he had a list of 10 things he wanted to accomplish by 2008. He had accomplished everything and then some. It was a testament to setting goals, writing them down, and then taking action."

The Memory She Most Wants to Forget
"When I first started the business I had this old ice cream truck, a 1973 Chevy P30. It stopped working a week before my very first media feature came out. I was told the truck would cost thousands of dollars to fix, and then the phone began to ring off the hook, which was a dream come true and a nightmare at the same time."

Her Parents Should Have Never Said
"You should just drop this and become a teacher -- it's easy."

The Technology She Loves
"My iPhone and my BFF Google."

Can Hatcher Really Change the World?
"Yes, and that's what I hope to do with ice cream. We give part of our proceeds to charity and sponsor or participate in a variety of charity events. We also speak to students about entrepreneurship and getting into college -- and all the students get ice cream!"

When She Isn't Changing the World, Does She Sleep?
"I usually have to force myself to sleep around 5 or 6 a.m. and I'm up by 9 a.m."

Source: http://www.allbusiness.com/company-activities-management/management-personal/14589157-1.html

Saturday, May 12, 2012

25 Black Women Entrepreneurs

Shaunie O'Neal
After six years of marriage to basketball star Shaquille O’Neal, Shaunie O’Neal decided to show the world what it’s like to be married to a pro-athlete by creating the much-loved (and loathed) Basketball Wives reality series, which became an instant hit on VH1. She’s also the founder of Amirah productions and designs shoes.


Tasha Smith
Besides acting, this ESSENCE cover girl is the proud owner of Tasha Smith Actors Workshop in Los Angeles. When she’s not working the small screen on Tyler Perry’s sitcom For Better or For Worse, you can catch Smith mentoring up-and-coming actresses.

Birame Sock
Blazing a path in the tech industry, Birame Sock is the CEO and founder of Third Solutions, the marketing company behind MyReceipts.com, which lets users keep track of their receipts online.

Kita and Mo
Kita Williams and Monique Jackson are much more than reality TV personalities — they are the executive producers of the VH1’s The T.O. Show. After three successful seasons, Kita and Mo are expanding their entrepreneurial talents with a beauty brand and empowerment series called “Define Your Pretty.”

Kimora Lee Simmons
Not content to just be her ex-hubby Russell Simmons’ arm candy, fashion model turned entrepreneur Kimora Lee Simmons was at the helm of influential urban brand Baby Phat for 10 years before walking away to launch the KLS Collection and KLS Design Group in 2011.

Vanessa and Angela Simmons
The Simmons sisters know a thing or two about business. Their uncle Russell is one of the biggest media moguls in the world, and together they run Pastry, a women and kids’ shoe company.

Tina Knowles
Beyonce’s mother Tina Knowles has always had a passion for entrepreneurship and opened her own hair salon, Headliners, in Houston before her daughter rose to fame. Today, she has channeled her love of fashion design into two successful lines, House of Dereon and Miss Tina, which is sold exclusively with Home Shopping Network and Walmart.

Kimberly Dillon
Her quest to change the way we use technology led Kimberly Dillon to launch House of Mikko, a website that helps women choose their makeup and hair products based on their features.

Tracy Reese
Fashion designer Tracy Reese took her dreams of owning her own company and made them a reality. Her first attempt at entrepreneurship did not go well, and Tracy was forced to shut down her company, only to come back stronger and more profitable after a relaunch in 1996. Now her brands include her Tracy Reese and Plenty fashion lines, and she has expanded into footwear, home collections and nail polish.

Angela Benton
At just 30-years-old, Internet entrepreneur Angela Benton is already making her mark in the tech industry as the brains behind three web-based startups: Cued, BlackWeb 2.0 and NewMe Accelarator, an “incubator” for minority-owned tech startups.

Mara Brock Akil
The brains behind hit TV shows like Girlfriends, The Game and Moesha, Mara Brock Akil is also the co-founder of Akil Productions with husband Salim Akil, who directed the highly anticipated remake of Sparkle starring Whitney Houston.

Beverly Johnson
Johnson made a splash when she became the first African-American woman to grace the cover of American Vogue in 1971. She extended her love for all things beautiful when she launched the Beverly Johnson Hair Collection of wigs, skin-care and bath/body products.

Corvida Raven
Dubbed the “Oprah of the Web” by her peers, 24-year-old Corvida Raven is a social media entrepreneur and founder of shegeeks.net. She’s also a social media consultant for firms like Chevrolet and Intel and Fast Company .

Sheila Johnson
Johnson made her fortune when she co-founded the BET cable network with her then husband, Bob Johnson. In 2005 she became the first African-American female owner of a WNBA team when she bought into the Washington Mystics basketball team.

Shonda Rhimes
ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood honoree Rhimes is the first African-American woman to create and executive-produce a top 10 primetime television series with ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy; she’s also the woman behind Private Practice and is currently developing Scandal, starring Kerry Washington. The Dartmouth graduate is arguably the most powerful Black woman in Hollywood and one of the most sought-after writers and producers in entertainment.

Queen Latifah
Sure, Queen Latifah is a model, actress, musician and ESSENCE cover girl, but did you know she’s an entrepreneur? She’s part owner of Flavor Unit Entertainment, a production company specializing in television (it’s behind VH1’s Single Ladies), movies and artist management.

Cathy Hughes
From teenage mother to media power player, Hughes is the founder of Radio One, which includes 53 radio stations in the U.S., and TVOne, a cable network. At one point during the early stages of her career, she lost her home and was forced to live with relatives as she rebuilt her company into what is now one of the biggest media companies in the world.

Lisa Price
In 1993, Lisa Price started making hair products in her Brooklyn kitchen with just $100. She sold her concoctions at church flea markets and street fairs. Today, her homemade line Carol’s Daughter is a multimillion-dollar line of must-have beauty treats.

Leanna Archer
This Long Island native started her Leanna Inc. haircare line at just 11-years-old. Yes, 11-years-old. Her all-natural organic hair butters and shampoos have helped her earn over $100,000 in revenue. Her small operation thrives with lots of help from her family.

Tina Wells
CEO Tina Wells founded the Buzz Marketing Group in 1996 to help companies capture the youth market’s tastes and attitudes. Her company utilizes social media and trendspotting and other research tools for clients like Nike, Steve Madden and MAC Cosmetics. Wells is also the author of Chasing Youth Culture and Getting It Right.

Madame C.J. Walker

Madame C.J. Walker is best known as America’s first Black female self-made millionaire. A daughter of former slaves, Walker worked in a barbershop for only $1.50 a day before she created a homemade remedy that helped her hair regrow after suffering a scalp condition.

Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey may be best known for her work as a daytime talk show host, but she’s making waves as the creator of the Oprah Winfrey Network. She’s the second African-American woman to start her own network (after Cathy Hughes). Not to mention, she founded Harpo Productions in the late 80s. Today, Forbes puts her worth at over $2.7 billion.

Janice Bryant Howroyd
Bryant Howroyd founded her employment staffing firm, ACT-1, in 1978 with just $1,500, a small office and a telephone. 34 years later, ACT-1 is the largest American company of its kind owned by a woman of color, with over 70 branches nationwide.

Iman
After 20 years as a revered fashion model, Iman retired from the runway to start her eponymous cosmetics line in 1994 to cater to women of color who struggled to find shades for darker complexions. As of today the line is worth over $25 million and found in more than 10 countries.

Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks isn’t just a pretty face. This former Victoria Secret model has taken her good looks to the small screen with several cycles of America’s Next Top Model. In addition, she owns Bankable Productions, an independent TV and production company. In recent months she also launched TypeF, Demand Media fashion and beauty website. On top of all that, she just graduated from Harvard Business school.













Friday, May 11, 2012

Dr. Melanye Maclin

Dermatologist, Melanye Maclin, M.D., founded Innovative Hair Technology, Inc. in September 1999.

Dr. Maclin created the company based on an initial passion to educate about the science of hair and research natural ingredients that would benefit the hair by nourishing the hair follicles from within. Traditionally, in the beauty industry, there has been an external focus on the care of hair.

Dr. Maclin decided to take an internal approach based on the science of hair and its emergence. Dr. Maclin evaluates natural ingredients that are very unique in their own way. Her initial efforts in 1999 began with the research and evaluation of using marine protein for internal hair improvement for both women and men.
At the early stages of company development, she discovered that skin deserves internal nutritional care as well. In general, Dr. Maclin believes that for the beauty of skin and hair, there are many advantages and benefits to a natural, non-medical approach. By internally nourishing the body with essential nutritional ingredients, it is possible to externally maintain and regain healthier, more beautiful hair and skin naturally

Dr. MaclinBeginning in early 2000, which was the infancy of her company, Dr. Maclin became well-known in the media. Within the first active year, Dr. Maclin was prominent in national and international beauty magazines such as Harpers Bazaar, Madamoiselle, Hype Hair, Try It Yourself Hair, Braids & Beauty, Elle, Redbook and on media outlets such as FOX news, ABC news, and WOL radio, as well as during national and international beauty trade shows.

Additionally, Dr. Maclin is the Medical Director for skin and hair for HYPE Hair, Braids & Beauty, and other hair magazines. She provides ongoing educational editorials to keep readers updated on hair and skin health. She is active in the bridal industry publications by educating about skin and hair and making suggestions as to how brides can be their most beautiful on their wedding day. In addition, she speaks at several beauty and nutrition seminars throughout the area.

Through her exposure in numerous published articles and other media outlets, thousands of clients across the U.S. Have become firm believers in her natural internal nutritional approach for the improvement of hair. Once realizing the results of marine protein, Dr. Maclin began aggressively researching other unique, natural ingredients that would be beneficial for not only hair, but skin as well. She was now on a bath to introduce a new nutritional dimension for more beautiful hair and skin.

Finally, after four years of extensive research and evaluation of special ingredients, Dr. Maclin has created the nutritional supplement, BellaNutri®; “bella" symbolizes beauty and “nutri" is short for nutrition. To date, Dr. Maclin and her professional staff maintain a very personal approach for product education and guidance. She believes in providing customers with accurate and detailed information for long-term benefits. As a result, her company maintains an extremely high consumer satisfaction and reorder rate of the products she promotes. She continues to actively research ingredients for future product development.

Source: http://www.drmaclin.com/

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Famous Montague Collection of Rare Art

Rare art from the famous Montague Collection. This campaign is an attempt to buy the collection completely and provide a fund to maintain the collection.






Don't let this RARE collection of History get broken up!!

Note: Video courtesy of CNN or YouTube and Tiffany Alexander

The Montague Collection of African American art and artifacts are up for auction by United AMS (© UnitedAMS) and we want to make sure the collection gets bought in one piece and has funds to maintain the collection for history. It covers "...black history from the slave years to the height of the Civil Rights Movement, the Collection is a testament to the determination and passion of famed former R&B DJ Nathaniel Montague and his wife and researcher Rose Casalan. It comprises more than fifty years of purchases from garage and estate sales; antique and book shops; and private collectors and auction houses, in both the US and Europe." According to the UnitedAMS Action Summary located at: http://www.unitedams.com/montaguecollection/

SAVE THE Collection * * * SAVE THE Collection * * * SAVE THE Collection ***

"The Collection features a marvelously diverse and balanced array of over 8,000 items. Nathaniel and Rose felt strongly about not excluding anything of relevance, regardless of the sensitivities involved. History cannot be censored and retain its truth. Some items in the Collection may shock and anger the viewer, but they all serve to illuminate the reality of the African American experience."

What We Need & What You Get

We need money. Lots of it. We are anticipating it will sell for around 1.0 million. This will leave us $250k to be able to find a permanent home and to have enough money to market the need for additional funds to maintain the collection or, in the worst case, buy back parts of the collection that has been lost, or bought from others.

WE WILL BE ASKING MR. Nathaniel Montague to be on the below board and HE will have a VETO vote on any subject! This gives the person with the vision the power and semi-control over the collection. This will also help to make sure a STRONG foundation of support from the original collector is maintained.

The Money

Once this campaign ends the total amount obtained will be used to purchase the collection at the time of auction unless officials from the court or the auction house allow us to purchase the collection in its entirety before it's offered to the general public.

If enough funds are not obtained to make a purchase then the amounts obtained will be used to buy as much as possible of the collection and then the collection will be "gifted" to an appropriate museum or other designated organization as determined by a board of 10. A maximum amount of 10% will be used for non-collection funding. Including the cost of this campaign and the cost of processing (paying Indiegogo). Unless, Indiegogo, out of the kindness of their heart and deep respect for history, art, and African Americans, want to "forgo" the fees :)

DON'T LET THIS GET BROKEN UP!!!!

Will post as much info I can over the next 14-days.


Susan L. Taylor

Susan Taylor was born in New York in 1946. In her early twenties, the young entrepreneur started Nequai Cosmetics, one of the first companies to create beauty products for African American women. Although her product line was well received in African American communities and in the Caribbean, Taylor was interested in expanding her career. She heard that Essence, a fledgling publication catering to African American women, was looking for a beauty editor. Taylor approached editor-in-chief Ed Lewis for the position and was hired in 1970.

Although Taylor had never attended college, she was a licensed cosmetologist who understood the specific needs and concerns of black women. Her monthly articles were popular with African American females who were historically undervalued and underrepresented by media companies. Taylor soon became responsible for fashion as well as beauty, and in 1981 she was promoted to editor-in-chief, a post she held until July 2000.

Under Susan's expert guidance, Essence experienced phenomenal growth. Its monthly readership soared to more than 5 million, reaching black women all over the world. Capturing the hearts of Essence readers was Susan's monthly column, "In the Spirit," which addressed themes such as family, faith, self-esteem and health. Her motivational features culminated in the popular books, In the Spirit: The Inspirational Writings of Susan L. Taylor and Lessons In Living. She also authored a third book with her husband, Khepra Burns, Confirmations: The Spiritual Wisdom That Has Shaped Our Lives. Taylor also became a popular speaker on the lecture circuit.

In March 1986, Taylor was elected vice president of Essence Communication, Inc. and became senior vice president in 1993. She was the host and executive producer of Essence, the country's first nationally syndicated African-oriented magazine television show, the Essence Awards show and the Essence Music Festival.

Although she recently stepped down from her duties as editor-in-chief, Taylor remains the chief editorial executive responsible for the overall vision, articles and images of the publication. She also maintains a high profile in the community, where she is a staunch advocate for the nation's poor. Taylor is an avid supporter of Edwin Gould Services for Children, a foster-care agency, and serves on the advisory board for Aid to Imprisoned Mothers. Many recognize her tireless work and charitable contributions. In 1988, Taylor received an honorary doctorate from the nation's first black college, Lincoln University, and a second honorary doctorate from the University of Delaware in 1993. She is a recipient of the 1992 First Person award from the New York City Mission Society.

Mother to Shanna Nequai, Taylor currently lives in New York with her husband.

Taylor was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on March 8, 2001.

Source: http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biography/biography.asp?bioindex=74

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Iman Abdulmajid

Iman is Founder and CEO of IMAN Cosmetics, Skincare and Fragrances, a beauty company that created the first cosmetics and skincare collection designed for all women with skin of color.

Launched in 1994, the IMAN brand philosophy holds that women with skin of color represent many races, cultures and ethnicities. IMAN Cosmetics, Skincare and Fragrances are designed for African American, Asian, Latina and multi-cultural women with skin tones in a myriad of shades. The brand offers skincare and cosmetics, including 16 foundation shades. IMAN Cosmetics, Skincare and Fragrances are sold throughout the world including the United States, Canada, UK, France, Brazil, Africa, and the Caribbean.

In 2004, IMAN Cosmetics, Skincare and Fragrances announced its strategic alliance with Proctor & Gamble. Under the licensing and distribution agreement, the prestige brand once again broke convention and is now available at mass retailers including Target, Wal-Mart, Walgreens and Duane Reade.

In addition to running a global beauty company, Iman is actively involved in several charities, including The Children's Defense Fund, Action Against Hunger and the RAISE HOPE FOR CONGO campaign, that aims to build a permanent and diverse constituency of activists who advocate for protection and empowerment of Congolese women and girls.

Iman's first book, entitled I AM IMAN (Universe, 2001), was an autobiographical sketchbook of her career that questions "the unserious business of fashion and beauty and its serious affect on identity." Her second book, THE BEAUTY OF COLOR, THE Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color (Putnam Penguin 2005) is the first beauty and makeup book that truly addresses skin tones across the spectrum: Latina, Black, Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Native American, as well as multiple ethnicities. She's revolutionized the way women with skin of color think about beauty.

Ever evolving, Iman is co-host of Bravo's "The Fashion Show" this Fall with Isaac Mizrahi. Further broadening her horizon, gleaned from experience and a keen eye, she has designed IMAN GLOBAL CHIC, a line of handbags, jewelry, and fashion accessories sold exclusively on HSN.COM. The line is one of four top sellers among more than 200 fashion and jewelry brands on HSN. Additionally, Iman most recently launched IMAN HOME, a collection of globally influenced fabrics and chic home décor. Most recently, Iman was honored by the Council of Fashion Designers (CFDA) with the prestigious Fashion Icon Award.

Iman began her career in 1975 as a model and has challenged the prevailing notions of beauty ever since. The daughter of an African diplomat, Iman was born in Somalia and grew up speaking five languages. She studied political science at Nairobi University where she was discovered by legendary photographer Peter Beard.

Her first modeling assignment was for Vogue in 1976. Iman was an instant success in the fashion world, and a muse for fashion designers including Yves. St. Laurent, Versace, Calvin Klein and Donna Karan. During her 14 years as a model, she worked with top photographers Helmut Newton, Richard Avedon, Irving Penn and Annie Liebovitz.

A mother of two, Iman is married to David Bowie with whom she has a daughter, Alexandria Zahra. Iman's eldest daughter is Zulekha Haywood.

Source: http://imancosmetics.com

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Mocha Moms

Mocha Moms is a support group for mothers of color who have chosen not to work full-time outside of the home in order to devote more time to their families and communities. While many of our members have eliminated employment altogether, others work part-time, flex-time, night shifts, have home-based businesses, consult or freelance from home or have chosen alternative, less demanding career paths so that they are more available to their families. Our goal is to support the decisions made by our members. We will never pass judgment on mothers who choose to make or are forced to make different decisions for their families. Mocha Moms welcomes people of all religions, races, educational backgrounds and income levels. (See Anti-Discrimination Language) Anyone who supports the mission of Mocha Moms is welcome to join.

ORGANIZATION

Direction for Mocha Moms, Inc. is provided by the National Executive Board, a dedicated group of volunteers. The National Board meets regularly to, among other things, determine ways to assist local chapters in their efforts to support members, plan national community service projects and events, establish policies and procedures, and assist in the formation of chapters. The members of the Executive Board are:



From Left to Right: Kenya Robinson, Kim Scott, Gabriela Sanchez, Kuae Mattox, LaShaun Martin, Shalaun Newton, Cheli English-Figaro

Cheli English-Figaro, Esq., Co-Founder & President Emerita
Kuae Mattox, National President
Shalaun Newton, National Director of Corporate Sponsorships and Partnerships
LaShaun Martin, National Director of Social Media and Community Service
Kenya Robinson, National Director of Community Service
Gabriela Sanchez, National Administrator
Kim Scott, National Treasurer

Mocha Moms, Inc. also has a National Advisory Council, which serves to assist and advise the National Board. Regional Directors and State Coordinators serve as the liaison between local chapters and the National Executive Board.

Regional Directors and State Coordinators also serve as a guide and support for all local chapters with an emphasis on coordinating activities in which many chapters throughout an area can participate.

Each local chapter of Mocha Moms elects officers who are in charge of the day-to-day affairs of that chapter.

From time to time, Mocha Moms, Inc. will establish national networks. In addition to web-based support and a regular column in our newsletter, networks address certain segments of the Mocha Moms, Inc. community, such as Home Alone Moms (at home mothers with school-aged or adult children), Work At Home Moms or Homeschooling Moms. The network coordinators are available to help plan activities for a chapter, state or region.

Our History

Mocha Moms, Inc. began with the publishing of a newsletter called Mocha Moms in the hopes of connecting at-home mothers of color with each other. The newsletter was intended to encourage these mothers to feel good about their choice as well as to provide information to help them be the best and most important influence in their children’s lives. It was distributed to over 100 moms across the country in the spring of 1997. During the summer of 1997, moms in Prince George’s County, Maryland decided to form a support group called Mocha Moms, Inc. There are now over 100 chapters of Mocha Moms, Inc. throughout the United States and the organization is continually growing and evolving to meet the needs of our moms, their families, and the communities they live in.

Mocha Moms, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Mocha Moms, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic level, education, or religion. Anyone who supports the mission and purpose of Mocha Moms, Inc. is welcome to join. Click here to view a message from our Co-Founder and President Emerita.

Our Mission and Purpose

Mocha Moms, Inc. is a support group for mothers of color who have chosen not to work full-time outside of the home in order to devote more time to their families and communities. While many of our members have eliminated employment altogether, others work part-time, flex-time, night shifts, have home-based businesses, consult or freelance from home, or have chosen alternative, less demanding career paths so that they are more available to their families. Our goal is to support the decisions made by our members. We will never pass judgment on mothers who choose to make or are forced to make different decisions for their families.

The organization is essential because historically, mothers of color, particularly African-American mothers, have not had the opportunity to devote the majority of their time to caring for their own families. Mocha Moms, Inc. serves as an advocate for those mothers and encourages the spirit of community activism within its membership. In 2006, Mocha Moms, Inc. adopted the community service initiative entitled Closing the Gap on Minority Achievement which focuses on the health, educational and financial disparities which currently exist in our country. We are honored to partner with:

America’s Promise Alliance
Black Women’s Health Imperative
Boys Booked on Barbershops
National Cares Mentoring Movement Scholastic, Inc.
National Institute for Literacy
National Marrow Donor Program
Zero to Three

Source: http://www.mochamoms.org

Monday, May 7, 2012

Alcorn named HBCU of the Year

Alcorn State University has won the top honor of HBCU of the Year at the annual HBCU Awards hosted by The Center for HBCU Media Advocacy. The awards ceremony honors excellence at historically black colleges and universities, the HBCU Awards is one of the most prominent and keenly contested awards.

“Alcorn appreciates the work and leadership of the Center for HBCU Media Advocacy,” says 18th President M. Christopher Brown II as he accepted the award last night (April 21) in Washington, D.C.

“This award would not be possible without the hard work and dedication to excellence of our faculty, students, alumni, and staff. We thank all of our friends and supporters of the nation’s oldest public historically black land-grant institution. We are Alcorn – always excellent without excuse.”

Other institutions vying for the HBCU of the Year Award who also demonstrated extraordinary community outreach initiatives, comprehensive research, and measurable student engagement by way of enrollment, retention and institutional morale included Tuskegee University, Bennett College for Women, Florida A & M University, and Southern University Law Center.

Alcorn was nominated for nine awards: Best Research Center – The Center for Ecology and Natural Resources; Best Fine Arts Program – ASU Fine Arts Department; National Alumni Association of the Year – ASU National Alumni Association; Male Alumnus of the Year – Dr. Shelby R. Wilkes; Female Coach of the Year – Coach Tonya Edwards; Best HBCU Choir – ASU Concert Choir; Best Alumni Publication – Alcorn, the University’s Magazine; Male President/Chancellor of the Year – Dr. M. Christopher Brown II; and for the HBCU of the Year.

Alcorn also captured the title for Best Alumni Publication. “Winning the Best Alumni Publication Award represents another major achievement for Alcornites,” says Associate Vice President for Marketing and University Relations Clara Ross Stamps who serves as the editor of the award-winning publication. “It’s the great work of our students, alumni, faculty, and staff that gives Alcorn a powerful voice – we thank them for allowing us to share their stories with the world.”

Vice President for Institutional Affairs and Interim Executive Director of the ASU Foundation Marcus D. Ward accepted the award for Dr. Shelby Wilkes as Male Alumnus of the Year, “Like so many distinguished Alcornites, Dr. Wilkes has served Alcorn well for many years. He is an active member of the Alcorn State University Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors and is a great role model and mentor for our students. I am honored to accept this award on his behalf.”

In recognizing Alcorn’s tremendous achievements, Jarrett L. Carter Sr., founder and executive director of the Center for HBCU Media Advocacy, cited that “great things – outstanding research, high-quality teaching and public engagement – are happening at Alcorn State University and you are {Alcorn} as the nation’s first historically black land-grant institution, an elite institution, that embodies the spirit of the HBCU community.”

Source: http://hbcuconnect.com/

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Ebony Founder John H. Johnson Gets US Postal Stamp Honor

*Ebony/Jet founder John H. Johnson is making history once again.

The U.S. Postal Service’s black heritage stamp for 2012 is honoring the deceased publisher.
After moving to Chicago with his family, the visionary started Johnson Publishing Co. in 1951 with a $500 loan using his mother’s furniture as collateral.

From the beginning, Johnson understood the power of the Black dollar, as he gained an understanding of the concept while working at a Black-owned life insurance company.

The Johnson stamp joins the ranks of other honorees like U.S. Rep. Barbara Jordon, singer Ella Fitzgerald, Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, poet Langston Hughes and baseball player Jackie Robinson.

John H. Johnson died in 2005.

Source: http://www.eurweb.com/2012/02/john-h-johnson-ebony-foundergets-a-stamp/

Friday, May 4, 2012

Ed Bradley

Ed Bradley, one of journalism's brightest stars whose name was synonymous with the CBS News magazine 60 Minutes on which he reported for the past 25 years, died Thursday, Nov. 9, 2006, in Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City. He was 65 and died of complications from chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Bradley lived in New York, but also had homes in Woody Creek, Colo. and East Hampton, N.Y.

Bradley spent nearly his entire 39-year career with CBS News, where he rose to the pinnacle of journalistic achievement, at first on the CBS Evening News and on CBS News documentaries and then on 60 Minutes, where he compiled an extraordinary body of work that featured a keen talent for the interview and an intense curiosity shown in his investigative work. He was an elegant gentleman who was also known for his impeccable clothing and style, which included a small earring in his left ear that he wore since the late 1980s, and a short, distinctive beard.

Bradley was among the first black journalists to make a name for himself on national television when his battlefield reporting from the Vietnam War - in which he was wounded in 1973 - pushed him onto the national stage. He never forgot his roots, and spent many hours of his scarce free time talking to young minority journalists. A few years ago, he provided a significant amount of money to seed an annual $10,000 award given each year in his name by the Radio and Television News Directors' Association to a promising minority journalist.

His career gradually built with reporting stints on Capitol Hill, then as White House reporter and then as the principle reporter for the renowned documentary series "CBS Reports." Bradley became one of the most recognized journalists in America soon after joining 60 Minutes. He was listed high on the list of "most trusted TV news personalities" in a 1995 poll published by TV Guide. In the same poll, he was rated second - right behind Walter Cronkite - in competence.

Don Hewitt, 60 Minutes founder and former executive producer, says he first noticed Bradley in a 1979 "CBS Reports" documentary about Southeast Asian refugees, "The Boat People," in which Bradley was filmed helping weak survivors struggling in the surf. Hewitt then picked him to join Mike Wallace and Morley Safer in 1981 on the mega-hit news magazine that finished second in the ratings in Bradley's first season and then topped the list the next with 34.2 million viewers.

Bradley's true talent was his ability to do any story and look natural doing it, whether clowning around with Robin Williams, probing company executives in an investigation or conducting sensitive interviews with bereaved people. The range of Bradley's immense talent was demonstrated almost immediately on 60 Minutes with two Emmy-Award winning interviews in his first few seasons. In the first, an insightful profile of Lena Horne, the fragile singer became so comfortable with the young Bradley, she unconsciously grabbed his hand as they walked.

A few months later, his combative interview with murderer/author Jack Henry Abbott was palpably intense, one in which Bradley recalled being nervous as Abbott fingered a pen that Bradley thought the killer might have stabbed him with. A more recent Emmy-winning jailhouse interview evoked the Abbott episode: Bradley's gripping interview of condemned Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh in March 2000, the only one for television McVeigh gave. It was marked by powerful questions and answers, intense stares and at times, telling silence.

Bradley built on his work with more award-winning stories for 60 Minutes for a total of 20 Emmys and recognition from all of journalism's most prestigious awards. He won a George Foster Peabody Award for "Big Man, Big Voice" (November 1997), the uplifting story of a German singer who became successful despite significant birth defects. In 1995, he won his 11th Emmy Award for a 60 Minutes segment on the cruel effects of nuclear testing in the town of Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan, a report that also won him an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award in 1994. Also in 1994, he was honored with an Overseas Press Club Award for two 60 Minutes reports that took viewers inside sensitive military installations in Russia and the United States. In 1985, he received an Emmy Award for "Schizophrenia," a 60 Minutes report on that misunderstood brain disorder. He received an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Silver Baton and a 1991 Emmy Award for his 60 Minutes report "Made in China," a look at Chinese forced-labor camps, and another Emmy for "Caitlin's Story" (November 1992), an examination of the controversy between the parents of a deaf child and a deaf association.

Some of the more prominent investigative work carried out by Bradley included one of his last reports, an investigation of the Duke University lacrosse rape case, in which he broke new ground with the first interviews with the accused in a story that made headlines just last month; a report on the recalled painkiller, Vioxx, in November of 2004; an expose on the inclination of Ford Explorers with Firestone tires to roll over in crashes in 2000; a 2004 segment that reported the reopening of the 50-year-old racial murder case of Emmett Till; and a look at anti-gay feeling in the military that played a role the beating death of Pfc. Barry Winchell at Ft. Campbell, Ky., broadcast in 2003.

He also reported hour-long specials, among them a 1997 report "Town Under Siege" about a small town battling toxic waste that was named one of the Ten Best Television Programs of 1997 by Time magazine.

Prior to joining 60 Minutes, Bradley was a principal correspondent for "CBS Reports" (1978-81), after serving as CBS News' White House correspondent (1976-78). He was also anchor of the "CBS Sunday Night News" (November 1976-May 1981) and of the CBS News magazine "Street Stories" (January 1992-August 1993).

Bradley was responsible for some of "CBS Reports'" finest hours, including: "Enter the Jury Room" (April 1997), an Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award winner that revealed the jury deliberation process for the first time in front of network cameras; for "In the Killing Fields of America" (January 1995), a documentary about violence in America, for which he was co-anchor and reporter, that won the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards' grand prize and television first prize; "The Boat People" (January 1979), which won duPont, Emmy and Overseas Press Club Awards; "The Boston Goes to China" (April 1979), a report on the historic visit to China by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, which won Emmy, Peabody and Ohio State Awards, and "Blacks in America: With All Deliberate Speed?" (July 1979), which won Emmy and duPont Awards.

Edward Rudolph Bradley, Jr. was born on June 22, 1941 in Philadelphia and attended local schools. He graduated from Cheyney State college in 1964 with a degree in teaching and taught sixth grade for three years in Philadelphia. He got a taste of his future when he moonlighted at WDAS radio, doing the odd job for little or no money. "I knew that God put me on this earth to be on the radio," he said years later. He covered basketball games, spun records and read the news for the station until one day in the middle 1960s when he heard about the riots in Philadelphia on the radio. He offered to cover the story for WDAS and wound up reporting the event in phone call interviews with community leaders. When he returned to the station, they sent him out with a recorder. Bradley never looked back and reporting became his passion.

He soon landed a job at WCBS radio in New York, where he asserted himself and argued with his editor that he would not only cover black issues, he would cover all stories. After a few years, he quit his job and moved to Paris on a romantic whim soon dashed when he ran out of money. Bradley went back to his second love, reporting, and was freelancing for CBS News when they offered him a job covering the war in 1972. In Cambodia, he was hit by shrapnel in the arm and in his back in 1973 and was soon transferred to the Washington bureau to cover Capitol Hill. It was boring work to Bradley and he couldn't wait to get back to the war. He then volunteered to cover the fall of Vietnam and Cambodia and was one of the last reporters to leave both war zones when they fell to the Communists in 1975.

Upon returning to the states, he covered the Carter presidential campaign and became White House correspondent in the Carter White House before beginning his work on "CBS Reports."

Among Bradley's passions was his lifelong love of and dedication to jazz sealed, when he worked at a Philadelphia radio station. He was a board member of Jazz at Lincoln Center and was instrumental in helping create the new facility there for that genre of music. He was also the voice of "Jazz from Lincoln Center," a program carried on National Public Radio in which Bradley narrated concerts dedicated to specific jazz greats. Aficionados could also hear his familiar voice on public radio station WBGO, where Bradley voiced the Newark, New Jersey station's identification, "The greatest jazz station in this country. WBGO Newark."

Jazz music was at the center of many things Bradley did - it was always playing in his office and it was the theme of what he considered his best work. The interview with Lena Horne was what Bradley would answer when asked what his best interview was. Of the interview in which Horne poured out her soul to Bradley, he said, "When I get to the pearly gates and St. Peter asks what have I done to gain entry, I'll say, 'Have you seen my Lena Horne interview?'"

Bradley is survived by his wife, Patricia Blanchet and Reba E. Gaston, his aunt, of Dayton Ohio.

Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/1998/07/08/60minutes/bios/main13501.shtml