Books, Arts. Movies & Misc.

Amtrack Showcases the Great Migration Exhibit in Honor of Black History Month | 2012

2012-02-14T00:13:24Z

Amtrak Showcases the Great Migration Exhibit in Honor of Black History Month

Exhibit featured on MyBlackJourney.com website

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Black History Month, Amtrak is featuring the Great Migration of African Americans exhibit on their MyBlackJourney.com microsite. The Great Migration exhibit chronicles the exodus of thousands of African Americans from the rural South aboard America's passenger trains to the Northeast and other regions of the country in search of better wages and job opportunities.

"America's passenger trains played a pivotal role in transporting African Americans from the Deep South to the Northeast, West and Midwest during the Great Migration of the early 1900s," said, Emmet H. Fremaux, Amtrak Vice President of Marketing and Product Development. "As we celebrate Black History Month, Amtrak is pleased to bring this historical exhibit to a broader audience while educating and introducing train travel to a new generation of passengers."

The exhibit includes audio commentary from noted author, historian and Professor Dr. Allen Ballard of the State University of New York at Albany (SUNY - Albany). Dr. Ballard's commentary includes his insights and personal knowledge of the Great Migration and excerpts from his book, One More Days Journey, The Story of a Family and A People which chronicles one family's journey during the Great Migration. Additionally, actor and playwright Lamman Rucker, star of Tyler Perry's House of Payne shares his family's Great Migration train journey from Lynchburg, Virginia and Aberdeen, Maryland to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Washington, D.C. and various cities in New Jersey Both Rucker and Dr. Ballard encourage visitors to the site to share their Great Migration stories on the MyBlackJourney.com interactive microsite as well as answer trivia questions for a chance to win a prize package including free Amtrak travel vouchers, tickets to Layon Gray's Off-Broadway play, Black Angels Over Tuskegee, an autographed copy of Dr. Ballard's book and other exciting prizes.

The Great Migration exhibit was first unveiled last year during National Train Day at Amtrak's historic 30th Street Station located in Philadelphia. The exhibit has also been on display in Washington, DC's Union Station. To view the Great Migration exhibit online or to participate in the trivia sweepstakes log-on to MyBlackJourney.com microsite.

MyBlackJourney.com is a microsite that was developed by Amtrak to house information regarding popular African American cultural destinations.

About Amtrak®:

Celebrating 40 years of dedicated service as America's Railroad®, Amtrak is the nation's intercity passenger rail provider and its only high-speed rail operator. A record 30.2 million passengers traveled on Amtrak in FY 2011 on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Amtrak operates trains in partnership with 15 states and four commuter rail agencies. Enjoy the journey(SM) at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares and more information. Join us on facebook.com/Amtrak and follow us at twitter.com/Amtrak.

SOURCE Amtrak

T.D. Jakes Presents "Woman Thou Art Loosed: On The 7th Day" | In Theaters April 13th, 2012 - SEE MOVIE TRAILER!

2012-02-02T16:01:51Z

T.D. Jakes presents a Neema Barnette film, Woman Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day starring Blair Underwood and Sharon Leal in theaters April 13!

See Movie Trailer Below!

Synopsis:

Pastor, Entrepreneur and Filmmaker, T.D. Jakes proudly presents the second installment in his thought-provoking Woman Thou Art Loosed! film franchise entitled, Woman Thou Art Loosed!: On the 7th Day. "On the 7th Day" is a dramatic thriller starring Golden Globe® Nominee Blair Underwood (Madea’s Family Reunion, Set It Off) and Sharon Leal (Why Did I Get Married Too?, This Christmas).

Woman Thou Art Loosed!: On The 7th Day is a compelling story that unites love, suspense and faith into one heart-wrenching package.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Neema Barnette (Civil Brand), Woman Thou Art Loosed!: On the 7th Day underscores the impact of secrets, lies and deception on the lives of the featured characters.

David (Underwood) and Kari (Leal) Ames seem to have the perfect life until their young daughter is kidnapped, and over the course of seven days they begin to uncover secrets about their past that threaten to rip their marriage and lives apart.

Also starring Nicole Beharie (American Violet), Nicoye Banks (NBC’s “Law & Order”), Emmy Award® Nominee Pam Grier (2012, The Man with the Iron Fists, Just Wright), Reed R. McCants (Civil Brand) and Jaqueline Fleming (2012, Contraband; HBO’s “Tremé”).

"A Long Time Coming" by The Art of Lynde | Special Black History Month Art Promotion!

2012-02-02T15:52:32Z

"A LONG TIME COMING"
by
The Art of Lynde
Special Black History Month Promotion!

"A Long Time Coming" limited edition giclee print retailed at $500.00 will be priced at $375.00 for the month of February. This print depicts various time periods in American history that allowed equality and justice for all. This print measures 20' x 28' printed on 300g paper including a certificate of authenticity. This edition totals 195 prints unframed.

202.538.6378

art@Lyndesart.com

or reply to email

www.Lyndesart.com (by phone order only)

Southwest Airlines Celebrates Black History All Year Long

2012-02-02T15:46:27Z

Southwest Airlines Celebrates Black History All Year Long

DALLAS, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The month of February is a great time for everyone to celebrate Black History, but for Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), it's a yearlong celebration. Events range from local activities like actively supporting the Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL) and their youth programs to honoring World War II heroes nationwide as the official airline of the Tuskegee Airmen; Southwest Airlines honors African American Heritage and is proud to be part of this community.

To continue the yearlong commitment to the African American community, Southwest Airlines will feature a community-based African American organization in a monthly video to highlight the impactful work they've done. The featured organizations are part of the long-standing relationships Southwest has developed during the last 40 years. To see the videos and photos of these organizations, visit www.southwest.com/blackhistory. />
"Southwest Airlines' long heritage of serving the African American community stems from the Company's commitment to diversity at all levels—whether ideas, knowledge, or actions," said Ellen Torbert, Southwest Airlines' Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion. "With more than 80 African American community based organizations as partners, an active Corporate Community Affairs team, and a diverse workforce, we can take pride in a Company built out of the heart of our communities."

Southwest Airlines is dedicated to the highest quality of Customer Service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride and Company Spirit. For more than 40 years, Southwest's commitment to the communities it serves goes beyond the runway; from Employees providing countless hours of community service to giving the Customers the freedom to fly. To read more about Southwest commitment, visit www.southwest.com/cares.

About Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers—offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded and has recently acquired AirTran Airways, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co. Southwest serves 72 cities in 37 states and is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report(TM). Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,300 flights a day and has more than 37,000 Employees systemwide.

SOURCE Southwest Airlines

The PNC Financial Services Group Recognizes Black History Month With Special Events in 12 Cities

2012-02-01T15:45:10Z

PNC Recognizes Black History Month With Events in 12 Cities; Civil Rights Bus Tour

- Local events honor African-American history, culture -

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Through local performances, concerts, exhibits and employee events in 12 cities, The PNC Financial Services Group (NYSE: PNC) will celebrate the history of African Americans during the month of February.

In recognition of Black History Month, PNC-sponsored programs and activities will be held in Chicago, Ill.; Cincinnati, Ohio.; Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit, Mich.; Fort Wayne, Ind.; Kalamazoo, Mich.; Newark, N.J., Pittsburgh, Pa.; Philadelphia, Pa.; St. Louis, Mo.; Towson, Md.; and Washington, D.C.

"For PNC, Black History Month is more than just a month-long celebration. Valuing diversity is part of our culture," said Marsha Jones, chief diversity officer, PNC. "By recognizing Black History Month in ways that best represent our communities, we hope to bring together individuals, families, business leaders and PNC employees."

Highlights of PNC events include:

    "Teenie Harris, Photographer: An American Story," an exhibit at the Chicago Public Library.
    A series of events in partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers including a Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Night and Gospel Night.
    "Courage," an award-winning traveling exhibit at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati that follows the story of Rev. J.A. DeLaine.
    An event in Philadelphia celebrating the life of Joan Myers Brown, the founder of the Philadelphia Dance Company, with guest speaker Brenda Dixon Gottschild, author of "Joan Myers Brown & the Audacios Hope of the Black Ballerina: A biohistory of American Performance."
    "We Wear the Mask," an exhibition on black dramatic theatre at the Newark Public Library.
    A series of events in Pittsburgh honoring the legacy of Chuck Cooper, the first African American drafted into the N.B.A. and a panel discussion on African American inspired arts and culture in the region.
    A "Salute to Young Leaders" in St. Louis, honoring 20 outstanding African American professionals age 40 or younger.
    An event honoring the life and legacy of the late civil rights champion Dr. Arthur L. Johnson in Detroit.
    A moderated discussion in Washington, D.C. at the African American Civil War Memorial & Museum, featuring NPR host and author Michel Martin, African American Civil War Memorial & Museum Director Dr. Frank Smith, and The Atlantic Senior Editor and Blogger Ta-Nehisi Coates.

In addition to local community and employee events, for the tenth consecutive year, PNC will sponsor the "Returning to the Roots of the Civil Rights Bus Tour," which travels to landmark cities of the American civil rights movement.

To learn more about diversity and inclusion at PNC or for additional information on attending PNC celebrations of Black History Month, visit www.pnc.com/diversity or email diversity@pnc.com.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com) is one of the nation's largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. Follow @PNCNews on Twitter for breaking news, updates and announcements from PNC.

SOURCE PNC Bank

Introducing New Fragrance by Halle Berry | "Reveal the Passion"

2012-01-27T21:23:19Z

Introducing Reveal the Passion by Halle Berry

"Nothing makes a woman sexier or more beautiful than the confidence that comes from within." - Halle Berry

NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- One year after the premiere of the successful reception to Reveal by Halle Berry, Coty Inc. is pleased to announce the latest scent in the Halle Berry fragrance portfolio: Reveal the Passion by Halle Berry.

Oscar winner and international icon Halle Berry has secured her position as a timeless beauty through a rare blend of natural elegance and sensuality. This irresistible combination is highlighted in her existing scents Reveal by Halle Berry, Halle by Halle Berry, and Pure Orchid by Halle Berry.

Now, with Reveal the Passion, an even sultrier side of Halle is unveiled, promising tantalizing mysteries waiting to be explored. The woman who wears Reveal the Passion is full of confidence, endlessly elegant, and always the most intriguing person in the room. The sexiness of her smile is matched only by the lingering of her touch. She knows intuitively that true passion is intertwined with untamed desire.

"I wanted to create a scent that helped empower women to reveal their passionate sides," says Halle Berry. "Nothing makes a woman sexier or more beautiful than the confidence that comes from within."

When creating Reveal the Passion by Halle Berry, perfumer Olivier Gillotin of Givaudan envisioned a bolder, sexier, more alluring interpretation of the original Reveal fragrance. Deeply feminine and with a touch of a woman's sensuality, Reveal the Passion is a floral woody scent that weaves a delicious web of contrasts. At the top, the fragrance bursts open with a blend of fragrant Italian Bergamot and sparkling Dewfruit. Passionate heart notes of intensely seductive White Champaca and lusciously tempting Mangosteen ignite desire, and are enveloped in an enthralling drydown of Ambered Okoume, Patchouli and luxurious, warm Musks.

Sexy Top Notes: Italian Bergamot, Dewfruit, Freesia, Apple

Passionate Heart Notes: White Champaca, Mangosteen

Sensual Drydown: Branches of Ambered Okoume, Patchouli, Musks

The Reveal the Passion by Halle Berry range will feature a 15 ml and 30 ml eau de parfum.

Shot by renowned photographer Cliff Watts, the Reveal the Passion ad campaign captures Halle's remarkable sensuality and relaxed confidence. In the breathtaking image, Halle reclines effortlessly on a sofa, a sumptuous, bright magenta satin slip of a dress contrasted against her radiant skin. Halle's seductive gaze is fixed on the viewer, its smoldering intensity hinting at the mysteries and secret passions yet to be unveiled. The elegant, jewel-like ring that adorns Halle's resting hand is cut in the shape of the fragrance bottle's dazzling cap, glowing with brilliant fuchsia hues.

The Reveal the Passion by Halle Berry bottle is an eye-catching art deco inspired design in shades of bright magenta. The flacon is curvaceously shaped like a four-sided teardrop with tactile ridges, and the bottle is topped with a jewel-like cut cap. Echoing the bottle shape, the bright magenta box is embossed with sensual waves, complementing the bold-yet-feminine perfume within.

Reveal the Passion by Halle Berry Collection

Eau de Parfum 0.5 oz/15 ml - $17
Eau de Parfum 1.0 oz./30 ml - $28

Available February 2012 in the US, Canada and Latin America at most mass retailers.

About Coty Inc.

Coty was created in Paris in 1904 by Francois Coty who is credited with founding the modern fragrance industry.

Today, Coty Inc. is a recognized leader in global beauty with annual net sales of nearly $4 billion. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, passion, innovation and creativity, Coty Inc. has developed an unrivaled portfolio of notable brands and delivers its innovative products to consumers in 90 markets worldwide.

The Coty Prestige brand portfolio is distributed in prestige and ultra-prestige stores and includes Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Calvin Klein, Cerruti, Chloe, Chopard, Davidoff, Jennifer Lopez, Jil Sander, JOOP!, Karl Lagerfeld, Kenneth Cole, L.A.M.B. fragrance by Gwen Stefani, La Voce by Renee Fleming, Lancaster, Marc Jacobs, Nikos, philosophy, Sarah Jessica Parker, Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood and Wolfgang Joop.

The Coty Beauty brand portfolio is more widely distributed and includes adidas, ASTOR, Baby Phat, Beyonce Knowles, Celine Dion, Chupa Chups, David and Victoria Beckham, Esprit, Exclamation, Faith Hill, GUESS?, Halle Berry, Jovan, Kate Moss, Kylie Minogue, La Cross, Lady Gaga, Manhattan, Manhattan Clearface, Miss Sporty, Nautica, N.Y.C. New York Color, Nicole by OPI, OPI, Pierre Cardin(1), Playboy, Rimmel, Sally Hansen, Stetson, Tim McGraw, TJoy and Tonino Lamborghini.

Coty and Puig Fashion and Beauty S.A. have a strategic partnership for the distribution of the perfume lines of Nina Ricci, Carolina Herrera, Prada, Paco Rabanne, and Antonio Banderas in the United States and Canada.

For additional information about Coty Inc., please visit www.coty.com.

(1) Not available in North America

SOURCE Coty Inc.

The U.S.P.S. Announces the Issuance of Miles Davis & Edith Piaf Stamps

2012-01-26T21:44:36Z

Miles Davis and Edith Piaf Take Center Stage

U.S. Postal Service and France's La Poste to Honor Renowned Musicians on Forever Stamps in June

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States Postal Service today announced the joint issuance of new Forever stamps honoring two of the world's greatest musicians, Edith Piaf and Miles Davis. The stamps will be issued with the French postal service, La Poste in June.

"We look forward to issuing these great stamps jointly with La Poste, continuing a tradition of international celebration of stamps," said USPS Manager, Stamp Services, Stephen Kearney.

Americans may know Edith Piaf best for her cheerful song "La Vie en Rose" ("Life in Pink"), about the experience of falling in love and seeing life through rose-colored glasses; the tune is still heard on the streets of Paris today.

Piaf's tumultuous life got off to a stormy start. Born Edith Gassion in Paris, she was abandoned by her mother and later traveled with her father, singing on the street while he performed acrobatics. The tiny singer was discovered by a nightclub owner who gave her the stage name "Piaf," Parisian slang for sparrow. She quickly became a star, singing tragic songs about heartbreak that have been called a French equivalent of the blues. Piaf toured the U.S. ten times and sang twice at Carnegie Hall. In 1960, the ailing chanteuse discovered the defiant song that would become her anthem, "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien" ("No Regrets").

Miles Davis was at the forefront of jazz musicians for decades, setting trends and exploring musical styles from bebop through cool jazz, fusion and funk. His restless musical exploration made him a hero to many, while sometimes confounding critics and fans. Among his many influential recordings are Birth of the Cool, Kind of Blue, Sketches of Spain, and In a Silent Way. He was also a great bandleader, and many important musicians rose to prominence in his bands, including saxophonists John Coltrane and Wayne Shorter; drummers Tony Williams and Jack DeJohnette; and pianists Bill Evans, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock.

Davis' music will long be remembered for its profound depth of feeling. By the time of his death in 1991, he had won many prizes and honors, including a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement. In 1984, he received Denmark's prestigious Leonie Sonning Music Prize. In 1989, he was awarded the Grande Medaille de Vermeil by the city of Paris, which was presented to him by Jacques Chirac, then mayor and later president of France.

Art director Greg Breeding designed the stamps using an undated, black-and-white photo of Piaf made by Studio Harcourt Paris and a black-and-white photo of Davis, from 1970, by David Gahr.

The Edith Piaf and Miles Davis stamps are being issued as Forever stamps in self-adhesive sheets of 20 (10 of each design). Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce rate. At the time of issuance, the Edith Piaf and Miles Davis stamps are being sold at a price of 45 cents each, or $9 per sheet.

Customers may view the Edith Piaf and Miles Davis Forever stamps, as well as many of this year's other stamps, on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, through Twitter @USPSstamps or on the website Beyond the Perf at beyondtheperf.com/2012-preview. Beyond the Perf is the Postal Service's online site for background on upcoming stamp subjects, first-day-of-issue events and other philatelic news.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 151 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. With 32,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, usps.com, the Postal Service has annual revenue of more than $65 billion and delivers nearly 40 percent of the world's mail. If it were a private sector company, the U.S. Postal Service would rank 35th in the 2011 Fortune 500. Black Enterprise and Hispanic Business magazines ranked the Postal Service as a leader in workforce diversity. The Postal Service has been named the Most Trusted Government Agency six consecutive years and the sixth Most Trusted Business in the nation by the Ponemon Institute.

Follow USPS on Twitter @USPS_PR and at Facebook.com/usps.

SOURCE U.S. Postal Service

Sheryl Lee Ralph Releases New Book, "Redefining DIVA - Life Lessons From The Original Dreamgirl"

2012-01-18T18:04:29Z

A REAL DIVA KNOWS the DIVA Principle

    The rave reviews are coming in one right after the other for Sheryl Lee Ralph’s first book, REDEFINING DIVA: LIFE LESSONS FROM THE ORIGINAL DREAMGIRL (3/13 from Simon & Schuster).

    Kirkus Reviews says,

    “A highly enthusiastic memoir by one of the original Broadway Dreamgirls… Actress Ralph embraces the label Diva (“Divinely Inspired Victoriously Anointed”), … Proposing that a real diva is a strong woman who respects herself and others and who promotes positive change. Ralph presents an engrossing story of a woman who challenged Hollywood… Her responses to trying circumstances reveal genuine grace and the ability to move forward with forgiveness.

     PUBLISHERS WEEKLY says,

    “In Ralph’s sharp account of the stage performance [Dreamgirls], she reveals intimate views of Nell Carter, Quincy Jones, Jennifer Holliday, and especially Michael Bennett, the show’s director and choreographer…She offers stories about Diana Ross, adding new drama to the Dreamgirls saga…Ralph’s involvement in children’s charities, politics, and her own Diva Foundation, which promotes AIDS awareness, portrays a deeply compassionate woman. Readers will welcome her honesty.”

                     Fitness Guru, Richard Simmons says,

     "Sheryl Lee Ralph's REDEFINING DIVA is delightful, insightful, humorous and delicious in every sense of the word. A must read for every person looking to be divinely inspired ..."

                Day time talk show host, Wendy Williams says,

    “Sheryl Lee Ralph is a true D.I.V.A. She uses her powers for good not evil.
    This book is truly an inspiration to all who read.”


...and the list goes glowingly on. Original DREAMGIRL and DIVA Sheryl Lee Ralph has written a book that tells it like it is.

     Part memoir, part self-help, Ralph says “You’ve got to be able to look in the mirror and LOVE what you see. That person should mean the world to you. Your relationship with that person should be worked on every day and not neglected because YOU really mater.”

    In sharing moments from her life (the good, the bad and yes, the ugly) Ralph reclaims and truly redefines the word DIVA placing it in the hands of those who want to recognize that they are Divinely Inspired Victoriously ALIVE people who are able to go with the ups and downs of life. Miss Ralph, Auntie Sheryl or DIVA as she is affectionately called,Sheryl Lee Ralphs book appeal spans generations in its call to readers to roll with the punches and appreciate that when you get knocked down, you must get back up again because through it all, Life is for the living. The alternative is for the dead. You chose.

    1.       ”DIVA is an equal opportunity word and a way of life! Live it!!

    2.       Ho, Ho, Ho will win you an Academy Award, especially a Ho with a heart of gold. Just ask Julia Roberts or Shirley McClain.

    3.       Dianna (Ross) isn’t dirty, she’s a mama… just like me.

    4.       Moesha was at times “a hot mess” but my relationship with Brandy was a true blessing.

    5.       DreamGirls was the best and worst of all times for me but I wouldn’t give up one step of that journey.

    6.       Sex sells but never sell yours, the price is too high.

    7.       A little failure is good for you. It’s called experience.

    8.       Fabulous is a full time job and most folks are working part time.

    9.       Everyday above ground is a good day!

    10.   There will always be somebody taller, shorter, fatter, thinner, smarter and dumber. And then there is you. Do You cause, everybody else is taken.

    11.   Do unto others as you would have them do unto you and not unto them before they stick it to you.

    12.   Happy is a destination.

    13.   Life is a journey NOT a destination.

    14.   You must be able to look in the mirror and love what you see.

    15.   The best relationship you will ever have is with yourself, so treat you right! After all, if you can’t love yourself how can anybody else??

    16.   DIVA is Divinely Inspired Victoriously ALIVE!!!

    17.   Your life has a groove, make it funky now!

    18.   Never, ever, ever give up!!! Dig those claws in DIVA.

    19.   There is nothing wrong with being right.

    20.   Rest is a beautiful thing hence beauty rest.

    21.   Rest is underrated and so valuable because it cannot be replaced.

    22.   Life is very simply. People make it difficult.

    23.   Money is the root of all madness, sadness and joy.

    24.   There is joy in sex, just do it… responsibly!

    25.   Everything used to mean family.

    26.   If you want love get a dog…on two or four legs. Ok, that was mean. Sorry.

    27.   Veronica Lake died of Hep C after battling Mental Illness and alcoholism.

Available NOW on Amazon!

Angela Barrow-Dunlap's "Church Girl" is Coming to DVD, Jan 31st, 2012

2012-01-18T00:50:48Z

Angela Barrow-Dunlap presents
“CHURCH GIRL”

“Not exactly what her mother prayed for”

The shocking new musical stage play based on actual events that is taking the country by storm!

“Being raised in church all my life my mother always prayed that I would grow up to become a doctor, a lawyer or maybe even a teacher. Now I still go to church on Sunday and sing in the choir, but it’s what I do Monday through Saturday that would shock the congregation”.

“Church Girl” is more than a stage play, it is a life changing experience! Based on TRUE STORIES “Church Girl” follows the life of “Emily Franklin”, a pastor’s daughter who is lured into a dangerous and fast-paced world that leads her away from everything she has been taught since childhood. So hold on to your seats as the story takes you on a visual, musical and emotional journey that will make you laugh, cry and dance in the aisles!

Starring: Robin Givens (Boomerang), A’ngela Winbush (R&B star), Sean Blakemore (Motives 1&2), Karen Clark Sheard (The Clark Sisters), Wanda Nero-Butler (Gospel Artist), Tony Grant (Az Yet) and Demetria McKinney (House of Payne).

Witness the power of grace and redemption in this shocking new inspirational musical based on true stories. From the writers of many national plays including “My Brother Marvin”, “If These Hips Could Talk”, “Real Men Pray” and “Why Good Girls Like Bad Boyz” comes the highly anticipated musical “Church Girl”.

Source: Angela Dunlap
Available for Rental at Redbox, Purchase at Amazon.

Publishers Jenny & Rufus Triplett Named Ebony Magazine's "Couple of the Year" | Feb 2012 Issue

2012-01-13T02:28:53Z

Prisonworld Magazine Publishers
Jenny and Rufus Triplett
Named Ebony Magazine's
"Couple of the Year"

Atlanta, GA - Jenny and Rufus Triplett have always kept it real. The couple has survived incarceration, raised three young men, run their own multimedia company and are celebrating 22 years of successful marriage. Out of all their many trials and tribulations however, Ebony Magazine's recent designation as "Couple of the Year" is perhaps the icing on their long-standing wedding cake!

Highlighted in the February 2012 issue of Ebony Magazine, the world's most popular Black American monthly, the Triplett's are acknowledged for their faith, perseverance and commitment. Their seemingly plain and simple approach has resonated through their marriage tips and relationship advice given to newlyweds, engaged, dating and long term couples as well as the editors of Ebony Magazine.

The Triplett's are the owners of Dawah International, LLC, a multimedia company which publishes Prisonworld Magazine and distributes Prisonworld Records. They also co-host their own weekly radio show, the Prisonworld Radio Hour, which airs on Mondays at 1:00 pm EST on WWWE-1100 AM International Talk Atlanta. Fueled by their own personal experience in the prison system, they write a successful motivational and information blog and are requested speakers for correctional facilities, non-profit organizations, corporate functions, schools, colleges and universities.

While creating pre-buzz for their upcoming book "Surviving Marriage In The 21st Century: 13 Easy Tips that will help you get to 20 years and Beyond," the Triplett's started a YouTube video series on marriage tips. The YouTube series gained popularity across the country and a companion Twitter posting on marriage attracted one of the editors at Ebony Magazine, sparking the conversation that led to their recognition.

Expresses Jenny, "2011 turned out to be a phenomenal year for us and paved the way for 2012. First, we were humbled earlier in the year to receive a special letter of note from The White House, and then later, the news from Ebony Magazine. It has all been just a wondrous blessing."

Rufus and Jenny are one of the few professional husband and wife teams who do just about everything together, having survived over twenty plus years of marriage being attached at the hip. The couple met in the late 80's when Rufus was singing and touring with the platinum R&B group, Ready for the World. Jenny was an intern at a radio station and headed the marketing outreach team for the act.

The Triplett's have brought education, inspiration and encouragement to those in prison and at-risk youth. Their Prisonworld App, in the Android Market, is the first of its kind that connects the incarceration nation. Being parents of three boys, Michael, 22, Mosi, 20 and Miles, 18, they know first hand the responsibility of not only raising children, but African-American men who could end up as stereotypes. They are passionate about family and detouring young men and women from the criminal justice system. They use their platform to address issues pertaining to dysfunctional families, substance abuse, entrepreneurship, marriage & relationships, self-conscious addictions, incarceration and stereotypes.

As a husband and wife team, Rufus and Jenny readily acknowledge their individual male and female perspectives but both agree that communication is the greatest survival tip. Their appearances on "Family Court with Judge Penny" and "Dr. Phil" garnered rave reviews for their parenting philosophies. Jenny has appeared on "The Mike & Juliet Morning Show" giving advice to "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" and she is also a prison and relationship pundit contributing to the Daily National and has provided commentary for CNN, Black Enterprise Magazine, MSN.com and the Los Angeles Times.

As the Ebony Magazine "Couple for the Year," the Triplett's have been rewarded the opportunity to create their own fragrance. They are not sure if they are going to do "his" and "hers" or a unisex scent!