Category Archives: Entertainment

Entertainment

Mathew Knowles lectures at Texas Southern about Entertainment, Media Industry

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Dr. Rockell Brown, a professor at Texas Southern University invited Mathew Knowles, father of mega superstar songstress, Beyonce, to her classroom to speak to her Radio Television and Film students about entertainment and media analysis.

Knowles, born in Gadsden, Alabama in 1952 said he credits his entrepreneur ways to his dad who ran his own scrapping business. His father worked on a produce truck making $25 a week and his mother knitted and sold quilts.

“I was one of the first Blacks ever to attend Fisk University in Tennessee and you had to be very smart,” said Knowles.

He graduated from Fisk University in 1974 and moved to Houston, TX in 1976. He landed a job at Xerox through a man he met during happy hour at a local bar. Knowles was the only Black in his department where he held his job with high standards until 1988 when it closed.

After leaving Xerox, Knowles helped make his ex- wife’s dream come true. In 1982, he and Tina Knowles opened a hair salon. By 1984 they had made their first million.

“In 1992, I entered the music business and got my former artist Lil’ O his first deal,” said Knowles.

Knowles went on to create Music World and take popular girl group, Destiny’s Child to the top of the R& B chart.

“In this business, the music has to be your passion and your dreams must come before everything,” said Knowles.

With 35,000 albums coming out each year he stressed to the students that only 1% (350) are successful and make a profit.

Entertainment

One Uche’ coming up

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Uche
Uche

Uche’, last year’s winner of the ACUVUE 1-DAY Contest is on the road with one of the contest mentors, global music sensation Demi Lovato. While on the road, he motivated and encouraged young people with dreams of breaking into the music business to upload an audition video for this year’s 2014 ACUVUE 1-DAY Contest.

“It can happen to anyone just like it happened for me. One day, I had a break between classes and went to my dorm. I saw a commercial for the ACUVUE 1-DAY Contest. I said well I would like to be a superstar. I want to be a singer. I looked up some information online. I uploaded a video of me performing a song I wrote, ‘Man of Steel’ and I submitted it,” said Uche’.
It didn’t take long for Uche’s dreams to come true. Several weeks after entering the contest, he received an e-mail notifying him that he had won the contest.

“It was the first e-mail that had popped-up. It read, ‘Congratulations! You have won the 2013 ACUVUE 1-DAY Contest’. I couldn’t believe it. I had actually forgotten all about it and didn’t give it a second thought. Now I am thinking. I just won. What is my life? I wonder,” said Uche’.

His life has changed remarkably from being a second-year student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX majoring in Psychology.

After winning the contest, he was flown to Los Angeles and paired with one of the celebrity mentors, Joe Jonas.

“I thought I was going to be this cool guy when I met my celebrity mentor. I screamed, I was a b-a-d boy. I was like “Oh, my god. It scared me, I was just really excited. Meeting the celebrity mentor, it was obviously the icing on the cake,” Uche’ said.

Uche’ gained valuable insight from his celebrity mentor. He said working with the celebrity mentor has taught him that the business is back-to-back hard work, nonstop and very fulfilling.

“I wanted to know everything about the music industry. I asked a lot of questions. I just took in everything that was being taught and absorb the entire experience,” said Uche’.

The ACUVUE 1-DAY Contest has open many doors for Uche’. He was the opening act one of his celebrity mentor’s concert. He has walked the Red Carpet at award shows and has been interviewed on several talk shows.

“I love, love performing, singing, dancing, writing song and being on stage. It’s pure energy like an adrenaline rush. It is my passion. I just love the energy,” Uche’ said.

You can follow Uche’ on twitter @UcheSings and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/music. Follow @ACUVUE on twitter for Information for the 2014 ACUVUE 1-DAY Contest.

Entertainment, News

Screening and dialogue of the documentary, “Hidden Colors 1” with Tariq Nasheed.

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Hidden Colors
Hidden Colors

THE CENTER FOR THE HEALING OF RACISM Celebrates BLACK HISTORY MONTH

In celebration of Black History Month the Center will provide a screening and dialogue of the documentary, “Hidden Colors 1” with Tariq Nasheed.

Click for preview: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zhxQwjI2o0
Join CFHR for a screening & dialogue

Nasheed’s documentary explores the real and untold history of people of color around the globe. This film discusses some of the reasons the contributions of Africans and aboriginal people have been left out of the pages of history. Traveling around the country, the film features scholars, historians, and social commentators who uncovered such amazing facts about things such as: The original image of Christ; the true story about the Moors; the original people of Asia; the great west African empires; the presence of Africans in America before Columbus; the real reason slavery was ended and much more.

Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Room 100 1-3 PM showing and Room 101 7-9 PM showing
Houston Community College Central: Learning HUB/Science Building
1300 Holman Street Houston, Texas 77004

*The screening is free and open to the public. However, donations are welcome. Register by emailing the Center @ cfhr1@juno.com or calling the office and leaving a message.
*Parking in multi-level garage across the street on the east side of building. Enter parking lot from LaBranch Street.

*Houston Community College System seeks to provide equal educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disablity.

Entertainment

Twelve Years A Slave Movie Review

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Written By: Allanti Ford/ Houston Sun Intern

12 yrs
The heart stopping film, Twelve Years a Slave is the first Hollywood film based on a true story of a slave who actually lived through slavery. Film director, Steve McQueen, formed not only a film that was challenging but reality.

The American historical drama was an adaptation of the autobiography, Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup (1853). Northup was a free black man who lived in Washington D.C who was deceived into a kidnapping and sold to slavery in 1841.The film has several brutal and emotional main points that cover a crucial, yet ignored period in U.S. history.

Imagine being a free respected man who has achieved goals, a family to share them with, and an established household; and one day everything is taken away including one’s identity and rights. Solomon Northup was known as an outstanding violinist, whose talent provided a comfortable lifestyle for self and family.

One day in Washington he was bamboozled by two foreigners and sold off into slavery down South. There he was shipped away to be sold to slave owners with other freed African Americans for twelve years. During those years, Solomon experienced ruthless thrashings, flagellations and torment as if he was an animal.

Solomon could have easily lost hope, but he ultimately found his way back to freedom. He made it back to his family to begin a new life and make up for the years he had lost, and wrote a book on the time he served in Louisiana on the three plantations.
British actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor, did an awesome job playing the role as Solomon Northup. He certainly deserves an Oscar for his award winning performance.

The role of Solomon Northup was not a tranquil task to accomplish. It takes a strong minded individual to fulfill the situations and experiences Solomon Northup once experienced.

This powerful film was very informative of the ugliness U.S. history holds; regardless of how very sensitive, emotional, and heart breaking it is to the delicate sense. Twelve Years a Slave justifies 5-Stars and it is recommended that one must go and perceived.

City, Community, Entertainment, Lifestyle

Blame the Comic, get your laugh on

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By Sheila Ray-Reed, Lifestyle EditorThe Houston Sun

 

Blame the Comic

Blame the Comic

“Blame the Comic” born Marion Stafford, is a hometown sensation making strides across the country with his humor.  Raised in Houston, Blame said he always knew he had the gift to make people laugh.  After completing a bachelors’ degree in Communications Media Production, at the University of Houston, Blame felt there was something more out there for him.  While at a car dealership one day he ran into a comedian who recognized his talent for laugher.   The fellow comic asked Blame to come out one evening and join him on stage.

Seizing the moment of amateur night, Blame grabbed the microphone, went on stage, and has not stopped since.  Using stories of his childhood, current events and his quiet wit for Improv,  Blame has turned what he thought were basic experiences into autobiographical satirical humor that depict life for today’s generation.  “Richard Pryor was one of the greats and is legendary.  I have much respect for his craft but I am drawn to the likes of Martin Lawrence, Jaime Foxx and David Spade,” he said.

Amid his talent for quick satirical ad-libbing, Blame is an impressive comedic writer of skit comedy and stand-up routine.  His YouTube videos showcase some of his remarkable variations of comedy. Whatever technique is into play, it all goes back to his audience.

“When I perform, I am thoroughly in-tune with my audience.  I want to give them the best.  I remember seeing a lady in the audience who had recently come to a set I had just performed.  My first thought was will she be receptive if I used some of my same material?  Then, I thought she is back for more and undoubtedly enjoyed the first set.  I guess it’s like hearing a good sermon twice,” he said.

Sharing the stage with various other talents such as Bill Bellamy and Nephew Tommy of the Steve Harvey Morning Show, Blame is quickly taking over co-hosting duties while on tour with Nephew Tommy.  His ability to appeal to the audience as well as his camaraderie with other comics has allowed him to excel.

Now being hailed as one of the leaders for the new generation of up and coming comics, Blame exemplifies dedication to making people laugh.  With his stand-up and television appearances and visions of authoring and producing, Blame is turning his talent into an empire that will unfold laughter into entrepreneurism.

In a personal project, Blame has a non-profit foundation called Humor for Hope. It is aimed at helping young people build self esteem through humor and laugher in sketch comedy portraying the social impact and influence of believing in one’s self and dreams despite circumstances.

Blame is currently on tour.  Check his website www.blamethecomic for venues and dates.

He does have a standing engagement in Houston the third Saturday of each month at the De Joint Comedy Club.

City, Entertainment, News

Protect Your Right to Vote Awareness Week

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389

Story Credit: State Senator Rodney Ellis

Dear Friend:

In 2011, Texas passed a restrictive voter ID bill, and ongoing litigation continues to sort out the future of the law. But with local elections coming up in less than two months, everyone needs to plan as if the law will be in effect this November.

The week of September 16 is Protect Your Right to Vote Awareness Week, with events across Houston to help get you prepared for the implementation of voter ID and other new election rules. If you’ve got questions, they’ve got answers.

This email will also provide the essential information that you and your family need to make sure you’re not turned away from the ballot box because you lack the required identification. If you find it useful, please forward it to your friends or “like” it above to post it to your Facebook account.

By working together, we can ensure all eligible voters are able to have their voice heard on November 5.

Sincerely,

RE signature

Rodney Ellis

City, Community, Entertainment, Health, Lifestyle, Sports

The Houston Sun Press Run

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Help celebrate 30 years of publishing the Houston Sun. Help fund 30 scholarships for 30 Journalism and Business students. Register to participate in The Houston Sun’s Press Run.

Registration: 713-524-0786 www.houstonsun.com

What: Press Run
Who:Race Participants; individuals, groups, organizations, churches, businesses
When: September 28, 2013
Where:Houston Sun to Emancipation Park
How Much:Entry Fees are:
Adults:$30
Children:10-17 $15
Children 9 & Under FREE
Senior Citizens:$20

Time: Event:
6:00 am- 7:00 am Registration
7:00 am Opening Ceremonies
7:15 am Wheel Chair, Family
Walk 7:30 am 5K, 10K
9:15 am Press Run Awards

City, Community, Entertainment, Lifestyle

July Upcoming Events

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Carl Hampton Memorial at P.A.B.A.
The People’s Party #3 , Black Panther Party Alumni and the Progressive Amateur Boxing Association (P.A.B.A.) commemorate slain activist, Carl Hampton on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at the P.A.B.A 3212 Dowling St. 77004 from 12 pm-2 pm. A candlelight vigil will be held at 6 pm. Entertainment: Guest speakers, poets, face painters and vendors.
For more information call: 832-507-8096 or projectgoodcare@yahoo.com. Donations can be delivered to the P.A.B.A. Sister Ayanna Ade will be honored.

1000 Women in White Annual Day at Holman Baptist Church
July 21th, a 1000 Women in White “Women of faith rooted and grounded in the word of God” will host their annual event at Holman Baptist Church, 3501 Holman Street Houston, TX 77004 at 3:30 pm.

“A Dialogue- The Proposed Closure of Palm Center”
The Old Spanish Trail Community Partnership invites you to “A Dialogue- The Proposed Closure of Palm Center” on Monday , July 22, 2013 at 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm inside of Judge Zinetta Burney’s Courtroom, Palm Center Annex 2nd Floor 5330 Griggs Road. Open to the public

Texas Legislative Black Caucus Town Hall Meeting on July 24th from 6:30p to 8:30p
On Wednesday, July 24th from 6:30p to 8:30p, the Texas Legislative Black Caucus will host a Town Hall meeting in the McCoy Auditorium (Room 114) of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs of the Texas Southern University Campus located at 3100 Cleburne (Tierwester & Cleburne). The Texas Legislative Black Caucus has partnered with the KEY PAC, Houston Sun, Houston Sun, Houston Forward Times, Majic 102FM, KTSU Radio, KCOH 1230AM and the Texas Southern University – School of Public Affairs for this event.
The Town Hall meeting will provide unprecedented access to African American members of the Texas Legislature from the Houston-area as we cover topics such as the 83rd Session, the recent Supreme Court decision striking down Section 4(b) of the Voting Rights Act and the impact on Texas, in particular on Voter ID, and the Trayvon Martin verdict.
This meeting will provide a unique opportunity for members of the community to discuss the 83rd Session, as well as how recent Supreme Court actions will have an impact on them. In addition, we want to have a discussion with the community on what lies ahead after the Trayvon Martin verdict. Further, we encourage and will provide an opportunity for members of the community to ask questions to members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus for a fulfilling, in-depth exchange benefitting all those in attendance with the most current information on the important recent actions which will impact their lives.
For more information, contact Murry Matthews or Alison Brock at 1.866.885.8900 or 512.463.0554.


The Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association host banquet
The Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association “PVILCA” will host their 34th Annual banquet/ awards ceremony on Saturday, July 27, 2013 in Fort Worth, TX. ( Irving, TX at the Westin Dallas- Fort Worth Airport Hotel from 1:30 – 4:30 pm.
The Houston Area inductees are Daye Shon Roberson, Gary Joseph, Mareon Lewis, Billie Matthews, Elton Conger, Clifford Mc Bride, Thomas Valley, Marcus Moseley and Jerrell “Tank” Washington.
The PVILCA is an organization preserving the past while remembering the ‘glory years’ of the Prairie View Interscholastic League Coaches Association. The organization instills personal pride and self esteem by increasing cultural awareness of the PVILCA heritage.
For table and ticket information contact Robert Brown at 713-747-3764.

Rev. Timothy Dinger to Speak:Annual Camp Lone Star BBQ
Rev. Timothy Dinger, Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Port Arthur, will be the featured speaker t the Annual BBQ Worship Service at 11: 00 am on Sunday, July 28 at Camp Lone Star.
The day will include the traditional Barbeque dinner at 12:00 noon with all the trimmings. Drive –thru BBQ plates can also be purchased for $8.00 from 11:00 am to 12:30 p.m.. Live and silent benefit auctions follow from 1-3:00 p.m. indoors in the camp’s Koop Center.
For more information on the Barbeque or to donate an item to the auction, please call 1-979-968-1657 or go to camp’s website at www. LOMT.com.

Back to School Health Fair and Supply Drive
The Friends of Emancipation Park will partner with Houston Parks and Recreation Department to host their first Back to School Health Fair and Supply Drive on August 17, 2013 at Emancipation Park Community Center, 3018 Dowling Houston, TX 77004 from 9am – 12 pm. Proof of enrollment is mandatory. Parents must bring the student to receive and supplies.

Community, Entertainment, Lifestyle

Summer Pool Schedule – Houston

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Its summer time in Houston and the pools are open for some fun in the sun. There are 37 outdoor swimming pools and 20 water spray grounds throughout the city that will open in two phases.

In Phase 1, 20 select pools will open Saturdays and Sundays from May 25 – June 9, and on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. In Phase 2, all 37 Houston Parks and Recreations Department pools will open Tuesday – Sunday from June 11 – August 18. For the Fall swim schedule, 20 select pools will open Saturdays and Sundays & on Labor Day from August 24 – September 2. The daily hours of operation will be 1:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.,July 4th hours of operation are 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Labor Day hours of operation are 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. The 20 water spray grounds are open year-round at park locations across the city.

For citizens with disabilities there is a heated indoor natatorium at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 West Gray. The 5-lane, 25-yard heated pool is fully accessible by wheelchair and is equipped with a zero depth entry ramp, hand rails, and three chair lifts. Changing and shower facilities are available adjacent to the pool area. Participants are required to have independent functioning mobility skills or bring an adult attendant to assist, according to the city’s website for aquatics.

H.P.A.R.D. will off Water fitness classes at various pools throughout Houston at no charge. Fulltime lifeguards and trainers lead water fitness classes and FREE exercise periods for people with disabilities. Water fitness classes are offered at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center Monday – Friday.

Year-round swim lessons are available for adults and children. Pre-registration is required and must be complete prior to getting in the pool. H.P.A.R.D. staff will conduct initial safety screening in the water.

Online Registration
The Houston Parks and Recreation will be conducting FREE Learn to Swim classes at select municipal pools throughout the city during the summer. There will be 4 (two week) sessions available for children ages 8 to 17. Starting May 20 registration will be available online at https://activenet011.active.com/houstonparks, and onsite registration the first date of each class session if space is available.

Sessions
Session One
Session Two
Session Three
Session Four
Dates
June 18 – June 28
July 2 to July 12 (No class on July 4)
July 16 to July 26
July 30 to August 9

Class Days
Tuesday – Friday
Tuesday – Friday
Times
5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
6:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Locations Address
Emancipation – 3018 Dowling, 77004
Greenwood 602 – Beresford, 77015
Hobart Taylor – 8100 Kenton, 77028
MacGregor 5225 – Calhoun, 77021
Oak Forest – 1400 Dubarry, 77018
Sharpstown – 6600 Harbor Town, 77036
TC Jester – 4205 T.C. Jester, 77018
Townwood – 3402 Simsbrook, 77045

All public pools will be closed Mondays throughout the summer.
All public pools will be closed Monday – Friday during the fall phase.
All public pools will be closed following Labor Day.

Agnes Moffitt (10645 Hammerly)
Denver Harbor (1020 Gazin)
De Zavala (907 75th Street)
Glenbrook (8201 N. Bayou)
Greenwood (602 Beresford)
Lincoln City (1048 Grenshaw)
MacGregor (5225 Calhoun)
Memorial (6402 Arnot)
Moody (3201 Fulton)
Northline (6911 Nordling)
Reveille (7700 Oak Vista)
Sagemont (11507 Hughes)
Sharpstown (6600 Harbor Town)
Stude (1031 Stude)
Sunnyside (3502 Bellfort)
T.C. Jester (4205 West T.C. Jester)
Tidwell (9720 Spaulding)
Townwood (3402 Simsbrook)
Westbury (10605 Mullins)
Wilson Memorial (100 Gilpin)

Entertainment

Mary Wilson “Dares to Dream” with Jack Yates Senior High

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Mary Wilson and Jack Yates Alumni along with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee as she stops by Jack Yates to give her “Dare To Dream” lecture.
Mary Wilson, original member and founder of The Supremes, graced Jack Yates Senior High School with her talent and story November 9th as she delivered her “Dare to Dream” lecture to Yates students. The Sun had the opportunity to talk to Wilson prior to her lecture about her works with HIV/AIDS while requesting her advice to the youth about life.

Wilson, 68, and stunning as ever is still thriving and performing. Her current tour is a tribute to the legendary Lena Horne, in which she performed at the Miller Outdoor Theatre the same night she spoke to an auditorium of Yates students.

The songstress sat down with The Sun, JY Alumni Reunite Committee and a group of Yates journalism students before her lecture for a round of questions. When The Sun asked Wilson about her works with HIV/AIDS, Wilson was all for active work and compassion.

“I’ve had lots of friends who have passed from this disease and I have travel extensively in the African countries. This illness is of a huge magnitude and it’s incurable,” said Wilson. “We as human beings have to do as much as we can to help. Every little bit helps. Everybody is important in terms of their contribution to humanity.”

With such a successful career, Wilson has given back to her fans in her “Dare to Dream” lectures and in her series of books. The music and entertainment industry is such a popular phenomenon in American culture right now and sexual innuendos ooze from the television and radio set. With an increased electronically induced and influenced young generation, The Sun inquired what Mary Wilson, would tell young women and men about how to maneuver in such an over sexualized world.

“As adults we forget the things we did as children and the things we did unknowingly. What I can say to the youth of today is we were given a youth to make mistakes, to grow. The important thing to do is to learn from those mistakes,” said Wilson. “Do enjoy your youth. Hopefully you will listen to your parents and teachers so you don’t have to regret some of the mistakes you will make. But you have to remember there are consequences to the decisions that are made. You have to know in your own mind what is right or wrong. Enjoy yourself but be conscious of the decisions you make.”

Wilson grew up poor with a mother that couldn’t read or write but she had a loving family and had a good childhood. She wanted to fulfill a dream for herself and her parents. Starting a performing career while still in grade school, Wilson said her struggles came as an adult while trying to find her own individual happiness and career.

Going on into the auditorium to a sea of students and excited faculty, Wilson was welcomed by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. The story of her rise to fame coupled with a slideshow and history lesson of the struggles of the black community, Wilson told an inspirational story of all that can be fulfilled with a dream. She ended her lecture with a song that let the Jack Yates Senior High know, she still has it.

The JY Alumni Reunite Committee coordinated this event. The objective of the JY Reunite committee is to mobilize interested alumni that will speak and act as one body helping to enrich the spiritual and educational development of the JY students.- Terry Singleton, Coordinator, Jack Yates Alumni Reunite.
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