Avatar’s story line has been crafted from World history, as almost all indigenous people of color have had to contend with European colonizers determined to steal the natural resources existing in the lands of these populations. In Europe’s quest to secure these resources belonging to foreign peoples, colonial forces demonstrated no regard for the indigenous people, their customs, or their right to exist as a sovereign body. 

Such European acts of unfettered exploitation found its expression no more so than in South Africa, where the British—among other European groups—for more than a century have and continue to subjugate the original peoples of the land while simultaneously raping the region of its most precious commodities —its gold, platinum, coal and diamonds.

Avatar’s plot simply takes a page from this unfortunate segment of Africa’s history, as it places a group of foreign mercenaries—primarily composed and completely headed by those of European ancestry—in the land of the Na’vi, who seek to rob the indigenous people of their organic capital.

Entertainer Michael Jackson, one of the most popular artists of all time, died suddenly of cardiac arrest on June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles just before his This Is It, comeback concert series. He was 50-years-old. Michael was born August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana.
His father, Joseph, a guitarist, believing his sons had talent, molded them into a musical group in the early 1960s. The Jackson Family initially consisted of older brothers Tito, Jermaine, and Jackie.

Houston- Native Houstonian,  Beyoncé  Knowles leads the pack of Grammy nominees this year with 10 nominations including the Top three Grammy categories: Song of the Year for the anthem, “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” Record of the Year for “Halo,” and Album of the Year for “I am …Sasha Fierce.” It is the first time she has been nominated in the Album of The Year category.
In addition to her 10 nominations, there is also one nomination for Cadillac Records for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media. The Soundtrack was released by Music World/Columbia Records and executive produced by her father, Mathew Knowles for Music World Music.
Beyoncé, featured on five tracks on the soundtrack, also had the lead role in the film, in a dramatic turn as singer Etta James. She was also named Woman of The Year by Billboard Magazine in October 2009.
Since its release, “I am …Sasha Fierce,” has topped the album charts around the world and spawned five #1 singles: “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” “If I Were A Boy,” “Diva,” “Halo” and “Sweet Dreams. Knowles will be in attendance at The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards that will air live on CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on Sunday, January 31, 2010

HOUSTON-  You won’t find Sean “Diddy” Combs standing around the water cooler bemoaning “how bad the economy is.” Neither will you hear him embracing the usual excuses when it comes to why he can’t do something.
Instead, in order to overcome the reality of the recession that America is experiencing, we must believe as he stated some time ago, “God is on your side. We are already at the finish line. Anything you put your mind to, anything you want to accomplish, you put your faith in God’s hands you can do it.”
It’s not just church house rhetoric.  He used an electic mix of talent, determination and faith to build an elaborate store house of enterprises ranging from recording, music publishing, artist management, television and film production, recording facility, marketing and advertising, to apparel and restaurants. Annual sales are nearly $300 million, and he leads a 600-strong employee base.

Wash Allen

HOUSTON- On air personality Wash Allen started as a 15-year-old teenage broadcaster at WDIA radio in Memphis, Tennessee. He went on to major in speech and drama at Tennessee State University.
Allen has over 45 years of outstanding success in broadcasting,  ranging from broadcaster to program director to operations manager at radio stations across the country including stations in Nashville, Tennessee; Cleveland, Ohio; Washington, D.C.; Detroit, Michigan and Houston, Texas. He is currently  the host of the popular “Confessions” daily radio talk show on KCOH 1430 AM radio where he has been 1971.

HOUSTON- At the age of fourteen, teachers, counselors, and other school officials told I’m Ready founder and CEO Je’Caryous Johnson he should learn a trade. A failing score on a school competency exam and a lack of interest in school led to their belief Johnson should pursue a labor-intensive, non-academic career. A rigorous search revealed Johnson’s greatest endowment and his perfect niche: the stage.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.  Omicron Tau Omega Chapter presents “Kickin’ Up Dust VI Stepoff” Benefiting The Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Foundation on Saturday, November 14, 2009, Westfield High School, 16713 Ella Blvd, Houston,TX at 7:08 p.m.
Tickets Pre-Sale are $10. Ticket prices are more at The Door.

HOUSTON- Raising Boys Documentary will premiere at the Angelika Theater, 510 Texas St. on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009 at 7:00p.m. Directed and produced by Lawrence Moody,  this is a must see documentary.
Our communities are suffering and prisons are being filled every day because of the lack of attention that is being placed on this phenomenon of single mothers raising boys. Deric Muhammad addresses the struggles and offers innovative solutions in a straightforward and gripping manner to come and witness the first ever premiere. 

Eileen J. Morris

Eileen J. Morris is artistic director of The Ensemble Theatre. She worked closely founder, George W. Hawkins, from 1982 until his death in 1990. From 1990 to 1999 she served as artistic director.
She left Houston in 1999 to work with the University of Pittsburgh’s Black theatre company Kuntu Repertory Theatre.  She has served on several boards and panels during her 30 years as an artist and has held the offices of president, immediate past president, vice-president and secretary with the national organization, Black Theatre Network from 1994–2004. She has produced over 72 productions, including four world premieres and 50 regional productions.

HOUSTON-  Tyler  Perry’s new movie, “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,” starring Taraji P. Henson, Adam Rodriguez, Brian White, Mary J. Blige, Gladys Knight, Rev. Marvin Winans and Tyler Perry, topped the box office opening weekend as the #1 movie in America. The theme of the movie is “hope is closer than you think.”