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Obama vows in State of the Union to hunt down terrorists, >>page 3

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Pharrell to sing at Grammy’s >> page 08

“Morgan Heritage” Returns to Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival to Close the Show >> page 07

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Vision/ Winter 2015

The Caribbean Dominican Republic government issues a record $2.5 billion in bonds

NEWS International Monetary Fund: Venezuela economy will shrink by 7 per cent in 2015 CARACAS, Venezuela _ The International Monetary Fund is predicting Venezuela’s troubled economy will shrink by 7 per cent in 2015, suffering the worst contraction in Latin America.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic _ The Dominican Republic has issued $2.5 billion in bonds, the largest amount in the country’s history.

The administration of President Danilo Medina said in a statement late Tuesday that the bonds also were placed with a record low interest.

Some $1 billion in bonds were issued at 5.5 per cent interest while $1.5 billion in bonds were issued at 6.85 per cent interest.

The government has not said how it plans to use the revenue generated by those bonds.

The Dominican Republic issued $2.25 billion in bonds last year to help reduce a large deficit.

It’s a dramatic downgrade from October, when the IMF said Venezuela’s economy would shrink by 1 per cent.

In a post published Wednesday, IMF Western Hemisphere Director Alejandro Werner says Venezuela will be clobbered by falling oil prices, which have declined by half in the last six months. Oil accounts for more than 95 per

The World Obama in State of the Union: Cuba policy ‘long past its expiration’ date, urges end to embargo

cent of the South American country’s export earnings.

Werner says that the Argentine economy will also shrink, but by less than 2 per cent, and predicts that overall growth for Latin America and the Caribbean will hold steady at slightly more than 1 per cent.

Werner says the recession in Venezuela will lead to worsening shortages.

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON _ President Barack Obama says U.S. policy toward Cuba is “long past its expiration date’’ and is urging Congress to end the long-running embargo.

Obama says in remarks prepared for delivery for Tuesday’s State of the Union address that reopening diplomatic ties has the potential to end a legacy of mistrust and extends the hand of friendship to the Cuban people.

He offered a welcome home to Alan Gross, whose release from Cuba in a prisoner exchange last month cleared the way for a new relationship. Gross was given a place of honour with first lady Michelle Obama for the speech.

The Associated Press

Haiti president announces new government a week after parliament dissolved amid gridlock

2

Obama honoured King's legacy by participating in service project

Obama’s remarks came on the eve of talks between U.S. and Cuban officials about reopening embassies in each other’s capitals. A U.S. delegation is scheduled to arrive Wednesday in Havana.

By Kate Brumback THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Large blast at Mogadishu hotel as suicide car bomber hits

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti _ Haitian President Michel Martelly has announced the members of his new government as he runs the troubled country without a parliament.

The 18 ministers and 16 secretaries of state were named roughly a week after parliament dissolved amid a bitter stalemate between Martelly and a group of opposition lawmakers.

WASHINGTON _ President Barack Obama honoured the birth of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. by participating in a community service project.

Martelly kept half of his former Cabinet ministers in their posts in what he touted as a “consensus government.’’ Changes were made in several key ministries, including justice and planning. The officials were due to be sworn in later Monday.

The President and his wife, Michelle, helped with a project at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington.

Haiti’s president began ruling by decree last week while trying to steer the impoverished country toward long-delayed legislative and municipal elections.

The organization helps youngsters develop the skills they need to become responsible adults.

Prime Minister Evans Paul was sworn in last week.

He will run day-to-day government affairs.

In a proclamation issued last week Obama says the U.S. has made “undeniable progress'' since King agitated for justice and equality for all. But

The Associated Press

Obama says securing the gains requires “constant vigilance, not complacency.''

He called on everyone to unite for good jobs, fair wages, safe neighbourhoods and quality education.

Vice-President Joe Biden spoke Monday at a breakfast honouring King. He said communities and police departments need to build

By Darlene Superville THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Capt. Mohamed Hussein says the bomber drove his explosives-laden car into the gate of the SYL hotel on Thursday.

There was no immediate word on casualties.

The blast comes one day before the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrives in the Somali capital on Friday, his second visit to the city.

The attack bears the hallmarks of attacks by al-Shabab, an Islamic extremist group fighting the Somali government and the African Union forces in the country. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

For advertising enquiries email: advertising@vision-newspaper.ca or call 647-386-3419 For all other enquiries email: info@visionnewspaper.ca Exposing the talent in our communities.

Somali police officer says a suicide car bomber blew himself up at the gate of a hotel frequented by government officials near the presidential palace in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital.

Vision Newspaper UK: Editor in Chief : Anthony Whyte, Editor: Nadia Akram, Correspondent in Jamaica: Deana Meyers Contributors: Francesca Quass, Yemi Abiade, Samantha Dennis, Claire Daley, Vision Newspaper Canada: Editor in Chief: Alwin Squire, Editors: Samantha Deschamps, Kelly Deschamps, Marilyn Marshall, Christopher Miller

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Vision/ Winter 2015

News

3

Obama vows in State of the Union to hunt down terrorists, asks Congress for new war resolution

WASHINGTON _ President Barack Obama vowed in the State of the Union address Tuesday to relentlessly hunt down terrorists from “Pakistan to the streets of Paris,'' then called on Congress to approve new war powers against Islamic State militants.

learned “some costly lessons'' in the fight against terrorism since the Sept.

11, 2001, attacks, and they are guiding his approach to fight the Islamic State extremists.

“Instead of getting dragged into another ground war in the Middle East, we are leading a broad coalition, Obama argued that U.S. including Arab nations, to military leadership in Iraq degrade and ultimately and Syria is stopping the destroy this terrorist group,'' Islamic State's advance, Obama said in remarks prebut asked lawmakers “to show the world that we are pared for delivery. “We're united in this mission'' with also supporting a moderate opposition in Syria that a war authorization vote.

Republican lawmakers have can help us in this effort, and assisting people everysaid they are prepared to work with him to pass such where who stand up to the bankrupt ideology of violent a measure if he sends a extremism. This effort will proposal up to Capitol Hill. take time. It will require focus. But we will succeed.''

Obama said America

Obama said he believes in moving forward with “a smarter kind of American leadership'' that combines military power with strong diplomacy. “That's how America leads _ not with bluster, but with persistent, steady resolve,'' Obama said.

“When we make rash decisions, reacting to the headlines instead of using our heads, when the first response to a challenge is to send in our military, then we risk getting drawn into unnecessary conflicts and neglect the broader strategy we need for a safer, more prosperous world,'' he said. “That's what our enemies want us to do.''

Obama said the United States stands united with people who have been targeted by terrorists, mentioning attacks in recent weeks on a school in Pakistan and across Paris. “We will continue to hunt down terrorists and dismantle their networks, and we reserve the right to act unilaterally, as we've done relentlessly since I took office, to take out terrorists who pose a direct threat to us and our allies,'' Obama said.

By Nedra Pickler THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Community

4

Vision/ Winter 2015

What ’s On

Events

Family & Children

John Legend

Smokey Robinson

ASAP Ferg & YG Best Coast Connection Tour

Fabolous Feat. Deat Loaf

Cormega

Ross Petty Productions Presents Cinderella

Disney Live Mickeys Music Festival

Venue: Fallsview Casino Resort

Venue: Fallsview Casino Resort

Venue: The Rockpile West

Niagara Falls, ON Date: January 9th, 2015 Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ca

Venue: Sound Academy

Venue: Kool Haus

Niagara Falls, ON Date: January 5th & 6th, 2015 Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ca

Toronto, ON Date: January 14th, 2015 Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ca

Toronto, ON Date: January 22nd, 2015

Date: January 23rd, 2015 Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ca

Venue: Elgin Theatre Toronto, ON Date: January 2 -4th 2015 Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ca

Venue: Sony Center for the Performing Arts Toronto, ON Date: January 9th - 11h 2015 Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ca

Kranium

Morgan Heritage & Romian Virgo

Rich Homie Quan

The Spinners

Chris Brown & Trey Songs

The Wild Kratts Live

Skate Niagara Ice Show

Venue: Oshawa Music Hall Oshawa, ON Date: January 24th, 2015

Venue: Sound Academy Toronto, ON Date: February 6th, 2015

Venue: The Phoenix Concert Theater Toronto, ON Date: February 17th, 2015 Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ca

Venue: Living Arts Center Mississauga, ON Date: February 13th, 2015 Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ca

Venue: Air Canada Center Toronto, ON Date: February 25th, 2015 Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ca

Venue: Living Arts Center Date: January 2nd, 2015 Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ca

Venue: Meridian Center St Catherines, ON Date: January 3rd, 2015 Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ca

Community

Vision/ Winter 2015

5

Jamaica official says marijuana reform bill ready, should soon be introduced in Parliament “We need to position ourselves to take advantage of the significant economic opportunities offered by this emerging industry,'' Golding said.

KINGSTON, Jamaica _ Jamaica's Cabinet has approved a much-anticipated bill of drug law amendments that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of pot and pave the way for a legal medical marijuana industry on the Caribbean island, the justice minister said Wednesday.

Following the Cabinet's authorization, Justice Minister Mark Golding said he expects to introduce the legislation in the

Senate by the end of this week.

Debate could start before the end of the month in the potsteeped country where the drug, known popularly as “ganja,'' has long been culturally entrenched but illegal.

Golding said the bill would establish a “cannabis licensing authority'' to deal with the various regulations needed to cultivate, sell and distribute marijuana for medical, scientific and therapeutic purposes.

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It would make possession of 2 ounces or less a ticketable offence that would not result in a criminal record. Cultivation of five or fewer plants on any premises would be permitted. Rastafarians who use marijuana as a sacrament could also legally use cannabis for religious purposes for the first time in Jamaica, where the spiritual movement was founded in the 1930s.

For decades, debate has raged in Jamaica over relaxing laws prohibiting ganja. But now, with a number of countries and U.S. states relaxing their marijuana laws the Jamaican government is advancing reform plans.

Golding stressed that the government will not soften its stance

on transnational drug trafficking and it intends to use a portion of revenues from its new licensing authority to support a public education campaign to discourage pot smoking by youngsters and mitigate public health consequences.

The head of Jamaica's Cannabis Commercial and Medicinal Research Taskforce said he expected the bill to be passed soon in Parliament, where Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller's governing party holds a 2-to1 majority.

“The development is long overdue,'' task force director Delano Seiveright said.

By David McFadden THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

___ David McFadden on Twitter: http://twitter. com/dmcfadd

Music

6

Vision/ Winter 2015

Andrae Crouch remembered at Los Angeles funeral for dedication to gospel music phy. “I had no idea of the impact of this guy that was packing out Carnegie Hall, big arenas in London, tours and all of this big stuff.''

Crouch and his twin sister, Sandra Crouch, were pastors at the New Christ Memorial Church in the Los Angeles suburb of San Fernando. An emotional Sandra recalled her brother's final days to the crowd gathered for the four-and-ahalf-hour-long service.

“I tried to keep my twin here, but God said, 'He's suffered enough, and I want him home with me.'''

Sandra later lifted the mood by jokingly reminding everyone that her twin was born 30 minutes before her and was therefore her “opening act.'' hard he fought, not just to change people, but to change our society. Andrae is not just a local or national gospel singer. He is an international transformer, a historic figure that eclipsed The Grammy-winning gospel his time and changed the course.'' performer, songwriter and choir director was honoured Wednesday during a service Several attendees perat the West Angeles Church formed renditions of of God in Christ. There were Crouch's songs, backed by a band and 80-person choir. performances and appearWonder remembered first ances by the Rev. Jesse working with Crouch when Jackson, Stevie Wonder, he was asked to join in on Yolanda Adams, Ledisi and the tune “I'll Be Thinking of many gospel luminaries.

You,'' which Wonder performed during Wednesday's “Andrae is the father of service. modern gospel,'' said Jackson. “We cannot forget how LOS ANGELES _ Andrae Crouch was remembered at his funeral in Los Angeles for his dedication to spreading gospel music around the world.

“I was in the studio and someone said, 'Andrae Crouch wants you to play harmonica on this song,''' Wonder recalled before playing. “I said I've always wanted to play harmonica for him on a song, so it's truly an honour to be able to do this song again and celebrate his life. He blessed me as a friend.''

Other guests included Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar and BeBe, CeCe and Marvin Winans, who performed the eulogy.

“I thought these were just hymn songs,'' Franklin said of Crouch's deep discogra-

Crouch was awarded seven Grammys throughout a career that spanned more than a half-century. His work graced songs by Michael Jackson and Madonna and movies such as “The Color Purple'' and “The Lion King.''

Crouch died Jan. 8 at Northridge Hospital Medical Center, where he had been admitted after suffering a heart attack, according to his spokesman. He was 72.

By Derrik J. Lang THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

___ Follow AP Entertainment Writer Derrik J. Lang on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ derrikjlang.

Vision/ Winter 2015

Music

7

Royal Family of Reggae “Morgan Heritage” Returns to Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival to Close the Show

Here Come The Kings and as well as songs from our upcoming album “Strictly Roots”. The new album will be our first album released independent of VP Records on our label CTBC Music Group. VP has been great for the group and we’re grateful for our years with them. We just felt it was time to approach the release of our music differently. ”

The Royal Family of Reggae “Morgan Heritage” will kick off 2015 by closing down the show at the acclaimed Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival in Jamaica. Deemed as the Premier Music Festival in the Caribbean, Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival 2015 boasts an impressive lineup of superstars such as multi Grammy winner Mariah Carey, Charlie Wilson, Magic, Peter Cetera, Soja, The Pointer Sisters among other notables acts.

Although the past year has seen Morgan Heritage performing worldwide, It has been 9 years since the renowned band performed at the festival. “The group is really excited to be back at the festival after so long but at the same time we’re humbled by the request from Walter Elmore and the organizers of the festival to close out our night. This is also our first performance on an International stage

in Jamaica since our return.” stated Gramps Morgan. known worldwide for their riveting live performances, the siblings are looking forward to not only engage the people of their beloved island, but the thousands of music lovers who come to Jamaica for the festival. Mojo Morgan revealed “Our set will be filled with classics and feature new material from our latest album

While in Jamaica, Morgan Heritage will film a video for their lead single “Perform and Done” from their anticipated upcoming album. Produced by BBC One/BBC 1Xtra’s Seani B, “Perform and Done” (now available on iTunes) is blazing the airwaves and steadily making it’s way on charts around the world. The group will then head to Toronto, Canada to headline the February 6th show at the Sound Academy. To the delights of their fans, Morgan Heritage will be touring across the United States starting the first week in April and will end the tour on Memorial Day Weekend at “Best Of The Best” in Miami, the country’s largest, multicultural, family-oriented festival before heading to Europe for the Festival season.

Nesbeth Delivers Unforgettable Heartfelt Performance at 2015 Rebel Salute As Nesbeth took the stage with his backing band, fans began cheering which fueled the star for a powerful performance of Board House and Ole Ganga Lee. The massive crowd of fans never stopped dancing and singing along as Nesbeth hit a stride with an acoustic rendition of Hundu Lay Lay delivered by kettle drummers, and accompanied by a soulful spiritual performance with dance Xpression . The reggae star continued on with Guns Out and Marijuna. To finish the set, Nesbeth performed the title track of his recently released EP “Taste Victory” surrounded by his enthusiastic team. As he left the stage, the crowd continued to cheer for minutes upon end On January 16th, Reggae Star Nesbeth delivered an unforgettable heartfelt performance at the 2015 Rebel Salute in front of a

sea of thousands of music lovers flooding Plantation Cover in StAnn, Jamaica.

Still reeling from the show, Nesbeth commented “Rebel Salute was an excellent show, as for my performance ,I felt 100% pleased. I delivered my set from

a spiritual Point and I could feel the natural vibration connecting connecting to the souls of the Rebel Salute patrons.”

The excitement of the night was contagious as Nesbeth new UK Based Entertainment Soul Records label stated “Entertainment Soul is about preserving of quality music and we take great pride in our productions, so when Nesbeth goes on a world stage like Rebel Salute and delivered a stellar performance we can only be please and proud to know that we represent such a talent“ As Nesbeth gears up for a busy summer season such as the Reggae Jam festival in Germany, the prolific star will be releasing a new music video in support of the Victory EP . Nesbeth will also be in the studio recording new materials for some reputable producers.

Music

8

Vision/ Winter 2015

Reggae Pop Group Magic to Perform at Jamaica Jazz and Blus Festival

Vision/ Autumn 2014

Toronto Reggae Pop Group Magic, are scheduled to perform at the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival which takes place at the Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium January 29-31.They are part of a stellar cast

that also includes Rhythm and Blues star Mariah Carey, former GAP Band singer Charlie Wilson, former Chicago front-man Peter Cetera, veteran R&B act the Pointer Sisters, American reggae band SOJA, Barbadian saxophonist Arturo Tappin, roots-reggae group Morgan Heritage, and singer Richie Stephens.

South Carolina has ruled the state attorney general's office has 10 days to produce the documents related to the diary of Tomi (TAH'-mee) Rae Hynie, as well as an appraisal of Brown's estate and what the state should pay a private law firm for its help in the fight over Brown's estate. Lawyers for the attorney general's office had argued the records should be kept from the public while it appeals a July ruling requiring their release.

A freelance journalist sued to get access to the documents.

WITH a new album due in March, Junior Reid heads to the United States this week to start a 15-date tour. The opening show is booked for the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas today. Reid's latest album, Junior Reid the Living Legend, will be released by the singer's JR Productions. While he is pitching the new set and songs (Love You Back and Lonely Girl), Reid said that at this stage of his career, he does not need fresh material to tour.

www.jamaicaobserver.com

STEVIE WONDER JUDGE TELLS SOUTH CAROLINA TO Junior Reid NEW PROJECTS RELEASE JAMES BROWN EMAILS hits the road

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Stevie Wonder will be the executive producer for an N-B-C eight-hour miniseries about the Underground Railroad. It will be called “Freedom Run'' and it will be based on author Betty DeRamus' book, “Forbidden Fruit: Love Stories From The Underground Railroad.'' It's also in the works as a stage musical, and Wonder is writing the score.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) _ South Carolina officials have been ordered to release emails about the diary of James Brown's widow. A judge in

www.jamaicaobserver.com

Pharrell to sing at Grammys; John Legend, TLC LAUNCH KICKSTARTER Common to perform song from 'Selma' CAMPAIGN FOR NEW ALBUM perform their Golden Globe-winning, Oscar-nominated song, “Glory,'' from the movie “Selma.''

Smith, Pharrell and Beyonce are the Grammy leaders with six nominations apiece. They will battle Beck and Ed Sheeran for the top prize, album of the year.

Previously announced performers include Madonna, AC/DC, Ariana Grande, Eric Church and Sheeran.

NEW YORK _ One sings about being “Happy,'' the other croons about being sad: Pharrell and Sam Smith will perform at the Grammys next month.

The Recording Academy announced Wednesday that Usher and Miranda Lambert also will take the stage at the Feb. 8 show in Los Angeles.

Common and John Legend will

LL Cool J will host the 57th annual Grammy Awards, which will air live on CBS from the Staples Center.

By Mesfin Fekadu THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ___

Online: http://www.grammys.com

ATLANTA (AP) _ TLC are asking fans to help fund their next record. T-Boz and Chilli are already writing it, and they're hoping to raise 150-thousand dollars through Kickstarter. Chilli says people may say, “Hey, you are celebrities. Why can't you just pay for it yourself?'' She says it doesn't work that way. She says they also want to bring their fans

into the process so they can see how it's done. Supporters of the album can make donations that will get them free music, VIP concert tickets, a custom-recorded voicemail from Chilli and T-Boz, or even an in-person fitness class taught by Chilli. They hope to have the record out by May when their tour starts.

Music

Vision/ Winter 2015

9

Album Review

SremmLife Rae Sremmurd

Redemption of the Beast DMX

The Documentary 2

Game

Tetsuo & Youth Lupe Fiasco

Rae Sremmurd has been one of many new acts to take the hip-hop world by storm in 2014, riding— as these acts often do—a wave of momentum due to a major single that often goes viral first before snagging all-important radio play.

DMX is about to release his seventh studio album called “Redemption of the Beast,”. On facebook he spoke about the album.

“Swizz [Beatz] did the single. I got Sean Kingston on the Scott Storch record. Of course I got a little LOX on there. Drag, you know. Keep it family tight. It’s going be a few features, but nothing crazy. I got Tyrese on a couple of joints.”

The album is scheduled for release on January 13th.

Game will commemorate a decade since The Documentary dropped by unleashing its follow-up on the same date. The Documentary 2, his 10th solo album, is slated for release Jan. 18, 2015, exactly 10 years after his debut. Ahead of The Documentary 2 was Year of the Wolf, Games’s new compilation featuring artists from his Blood Money record label. That album dropped in October. The Documentary 2 is Game’s first solo studio album since 2012’s Jesus Piece.

Tetsuo & Youth is the upcoming fifth studio album by American rapper Lupe Fiasco, set to be released on January 20, 2015, by Atlantic Records and 1st & 15th Entertainment. The album was promoted by the Tetsuo & Youth preview tour, which took place November 2, 2013 to December 15, 2013. Lupe’s label-mate Stalley was a supporting act on the tour, while The Boy Illinois took role as an opening act.

www.facebook.com

www.bet.com

www.wikipedia.org

In the case of the rap duo, they scored two: first the Mike WiLL Made It-cosigned “No Flex Zone,” followed closely by the top 20 hit “No Type.” www.radio.com

Vision/ Autumn 2014

Sports

11

Venus Williams advances at Australian Open and talks about the beauty of playing tennis at 34 to just conquer that fear. That's, I think, something I've learned as well, just not to be afraid.''

That perspective combined with her experience has also helped her tennis.

“Honestly, I think I understand the game a lot more. Even when I'm not playing as well, I think I'm able to tactically be more strategic than even, let's say, Venus of 2000. So I think there is a big difference,'' she said.

Williams describes her state of mind as “always pretty happy,'' an assessment that Serena agrees with and says her big sister is “in a good place'' both on and off the court.

Venus Williams of the U.S. makes a forehand return to compatriot Lauren Davis during their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

MELBOURNE, Australia _ There is a big difference between the Venus Williams of, say, the year 2000 and the Venus of 2015.

The Venus of today says she might not be at the top of her game but she is more strategic, she understands the game better and she has learned to not be afraid.

“That's one of the beauties of continuing to play as you get a lot of the years under your belt,'' said Venus, who at the age of 34 is one of the oldest players in the draw but enjoying what some have called a career renaissance.

Williams prefers not to see it that way.

“I'm just doing the best I can,'' she said with a laugh. “I think as long as I'm doing my best something good will come out of it.''

On Thursday, Williams advanced

to the third round of the Australian Open, beating fellow American Lauren Davis, 6-2, 6-3. She now faces Camila Giorgi of Italy for a spot in the fourth round, an accomplishment she hasn't achieved at a major since Wimbledon 2011.

When Williams played her first Grand Slams back in 1997 _ or 18 years ago _ her latest opponent, the 21-year-old Davis, was just a toddler. Williams went on to hold the No. 1 ranking, win seven Grand Slam singles titles and was also a runner-up seven times _ losing to her younger sister, Serena, on six of those occasions.

She finished 2011 outside the top 100, and announced she was suffering from an auto-immune condition called Sjogren's syndrome, which can cause joint pain and sap energy. She took seven months off from tennis, and by the end of 2012 had climbed to No. 24.

She is now ranked 18th and won her 46th career title in Auckland earlier this year.

Williams says her health problems have given her a new perspective on life.

No. 1-ranked Serena, who also won her second-round match Thursday, is a favourite to win her 19th Grand Slam title.

“More than anything, I'm appreciative of all the opportunities I've had in my life,'' Williams said.

“I'm appreciative for good health and just to be able to feel good every day.''

As recently as 2010, Venus made it all the way to the U.S. Open semifinals. Then health problems stalled her career.

“When things are out of your control, it's easy to be afraid and fear can really hold you back,'' she added. “So, I think you have

Serena says her sister has always coped well with pressure and in the early years, there was lots of it.

“She came in as a new face, a black woman that was shaking up the world. She had all this pressure on her shoulders,'' said Serena, who faces No. 26 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the fourth round. “I came in behind her.

You know, just snuck in there.

There was no pressure on me at all. She dealt with it so amazing.''

“She is really motivating. She is playing so well,'' Serena said.

“For our whole careers, we've kind of motivated each other. We hopefully continue to do that.''

By Jocelyn Gecker THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

12

FILM

Vision / Winter 2015

Since TV's infancy, blacks have travelled a bumpy road toward fair representation on TV love from skittish advertisers.

“The Nat 'King' Cole Show'' lasted only a year.

Comedian Flip Wilson got a much warmer reception in 1970 when his NBC comedy-variety show scored as that season's second-highest-rated series. It ran for four years.

More than 60 years ago, a new comedy boasted an all-black cast populating a Harlem community with characters that included an attorney, a small businessman and a civic-club president.

pressure, and yanked the reruns from the air.

“Amos 'n' Andy'' was an instant hit in June 1951, when it made the leap to television after decades on radio.

Even today, the show remains suspect, vilified by some as a display of racism. But “Amos 'n' Andy'' also stands as TV's first all-black series, indeed the only one until “Sanford and Son'' was introduced by Norman Lear in 1972 during a renaissance of black-oriented sitcoms.

But not everyone loved it. It was blasted by the NAACP for perpetuating black stereotypes with what, at best, were broad characterizations _ particularly Kingfish Stevens, its underhanded mastermind, whose mission in life was avoiding work while cooking up ways to fleece Andy, his dim-witted chum.

Since TV's infancy, the march toward fair representation for various races and ethnicities has been circuitous and rocky. Most minorities remain underrepresented, while African-Americans found their place in TV's version of the world routinely shortchanged or disparaged by producers, networks and sponsors.

For two years, “Amos 'n' Andy'' remained a Thursday-night fixture on CBS. Its episodes then went into syndication for a successful run that didn't end until the mid-1960s, when CBS finally yielded to detractors, including the NAACP with its continued

Consider singer Nat King Cole, who in 1956 became the first prominent black performer to host a network variety series.

Even with the impressively loyal support of NBC (and big-name guest stars, black and white, rallying to join him), Cole got little

Shortly after, Norman Lear unveiled a slate of hit sitcoms that addressed hot-button issues of the day, particularly racial equality as depicted in “Sanford and Son'' as well as CBS' “Good Times'' and “The Jeffersons.''

(Though these shows, too, took their share of criticism for promoting stereotypes, particularly the cartoonish J.J. on “Good Times'' _ 1974-1979 _ with his signature laugh-line, “Dy-noMITE!'') Bill Cosby also helped pave the way. His legacy as a TV trailblazer is taking a beating with the recent surge of sexual abuse allegations. But through the decades, he repeatedly punctured TV's colour barrier.

Back in 1965, he made history co-starring with a white man (Robert Culp) on NBC's “I Spy,'' the pioneering buddy drama about two fast-living spies who masqueraded as a tennis pro and his trainer.

And, from 1984-92, he starred in “The Cosby Show,'' a smash hit for NBC where he played an upscale family man and obstetrician. Cosby's eight seasons as Dr. Cliff Huxtable clinched his identity as “America's Dad,'' which made the flood of accusations now shattering that image all the more painful for his fans _ and Dr. Huxtable's.

But there was no denying the distance travelled in the portrayal

of black characters on TV. The first comedy to star a black woman (ABC's “Beulah'' in 1950) set its leading lady in the home of a white middle-class family, where she jovially toiled as their maid. But in 2014, the NBC drama “State of Affairs'' premiered with a black woman as president of the United States.

And in the hit ABC drama “Scandal,'' black actress Kerry Washington plays a Washington power broker locked in an affair with the nation's chief executive (white actor Tony Goldwyn), complete with steamy love scenes in and outside the Oval Office.

Such a torrid romance marks a head-spinning change from 1968, when, during the taping of a duet for her NBC special, British pop singer Petula Clark clasped the arm of Harry Belafonte, the beloved calypso star and social activist. It was a gesture that spurred the sponsor, Chrysler, to demand this instance of “interracial touching'' be edited out.

No way, said Clark, who threatened to scrap the whole program instead. Chrysler backed down and the show aired intact, another obstacle surmounted on a road that's still bumpy today.

By Frazier Moore THE ASSOCIATED PRESS ___ EDITOR'S NOTE _ Frazier Moore is a national television columnist for The Associated Press.

He can be reached at fmoorebap.org and at http://www.twitter.com/tvfrazier. Past stories are available at http://bigstory.ap.org/ content/frazier-moore

Vision/ Winter 2015

FILM

13

Malcolm Jamal Warner says painful to watch former TV dad Bill Cosby face assault allegations LOS ANGELES _ Malcolm-Jamal Warner says it's difficult to see Bill Cosby face allegations of sexual assault.

Warner, who played Cosby's son Theo in the hit 1984-1992 sitcom “The Cosby Show,'' told Billboard magazine that the comedian has been an important mentor and friend to him.

The 44-year-old Warner didn't directly address the allegations made by at least 15 women, citing a lack of firsthand knowledge.

for a lot of people. What he's done for comedy and television has been legendary and history-making,'' Warner said.

“What he's done for the black community and education has been invaluable. That's the Bill Cosby I know.''

Cosby, 77, has not been charged with a crime and through his attorney has denied allegations, some of them dating back decades, that he drugged and assaulted women.

The Billboard interview with But he said that it's as painful Warner, a Grammy nominee to watch Cosby face the allega- for his work on Robert Glasptions as it is to hear any wom- er's “Black Radio 2,'' was puban talk about sexual assault, lished online Wednesday. “whether true or not.''

“The Bill Cosby I know has been great to me and great

2014 / Page 15

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