Authors & Artists Magazine

Shonda Rhimes Talks Scandal!

Authors and Artists Magazine September 2013

Contents Publisher‘s Message………..Pg. 3 Authors………………….…. Pg. 4 AAM in the News ...……… .Pg. 7 Writer‘s Corner…….….…..Pg. 9 Music ………..….…………..Pg. 12 Jayne Avaunt……………….Pg 13 The Butler…………………..Pg. 17

Authors & Artists Magazine

Film: First Looks………......Pg. 19

Vol. 13, Issue 20 Gina Smith Editor & Publisher Marketing & Sales Chris Smith Enjoli Hall Amber Smith Richard Hall Authors & Artists Magazine Smith Publishing & Media Group 385 S. Lemon Ave. #E236 Walnut, CA 91789 P - (888) 841-7779

Television.—Scandal….……Pg. 23 Art………….……..…………Pg. 26 Speaker Profiles….………... Pg. 27

www.AuthorsandArtistsMag.com Authors & Artists Magazine Is a division of SPMG Media

Hey Readers, It’s been a HOT summer! But we’re glad to be in September and heading to the fall months. . Lot’s on tap for the Fall creatively.

New book releases, movies, theater, gallery shows—and we’re doing what we can to make you aware of big named individuals and events, as well as some you may never have heard of. This month we’re featuring Pop Artist Jayne Avaunt through an exclusive interview with contributor Ross Guity, who hails from New York and contributes to many other entertainment magazines. We also feature the powerful movie release The Butler. For our Gladiators out there (I’m one!), we talked to Shonda Rhimes about the upcoming season of Scandal.

Lot’s to get to. Hope you enjoy this edition. If you’re interested in being featured or included, email us at info@spmgmedia.com, forward your press kit, book, CD, etc. and we will let you know. Are you ready? Here we go….

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LATONYA BRANHAM

Books & Authors The Academic Prayer An Inspirational guide for College Success Genre: Nonfiction Retail: $15.00 ISBN: 978-0978729660 City: Dayton, OH LaTonyaBranham.com

Have you ever said, “Dear God, I just want to graduate!” If you take one step toward academic excellence, God can do the rest. The Academic Prayer provides wisdom, prayers and scriptures for your journey through college. It addresses common and unique challenges that prevent students from graduating. God promises to be with you always. Speak to God through prayer and watch your stress turn into academic success .

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“Samantha has no idea the disappearances are linked to a dark chapter in human history. Descendants of those involved in the African slave trade evolving the sordid enterprise into a wicked commerce far more vile and insidious. A shadowy cabal trafficking in female flesh, kidnapping unsuspecting young women to fill grim consignments worth millions for wealthy and powerful clients to satisfy barbarous and twisted desires.”

The Trading Society by Eric Martin A Beautiful College Journalist Has Discovered The Darkest Secret Of Human Trafficking. Now She Is About To Become Its Next Victim.

For Samantha Grayson life at prestigious Great Northern University outside of Chicago couldn't be any more perfect: the star reporter for The Daily Northern and in love with Tyler McManaway, the handsome All-American quarterback of the school’s resurgent football team. Until a passing glimpse of a story concerning the baffling disappearance of five young women that terrorized Los Angeles a year earlier catches her attention, unknowingly leading Samantha on a path towards an unimaginable danger.

Samantha has no idea the disappearances are linked to a dark chapter in human history. Descendants of those involved in the

African slave trade evolving the sordid enterprise into a wicked commerce far more vile and insidious. A shadowy cabal trafficking in female flesh, kidnapping unsuspecting young women to fill grim consignments worth millions for wealthy and powerful clients to satisfy barbarous and twisted desires. Now their most skilled Collector, an operative known for ruthless cunning, is in Chicago to acquire ‘product’ for his most profitable, and brutally sadistic, client. A man that if his depraved secret of violent blood lust comes to light will send political shock waves around the globe and threaten the fragile stability of the world’s economy.

Learn more about this exciting author at http://www.goodreads.com/author/ show/7141989.Eric_Martin

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“Escaping her father’s brutal

temper and her mother’s betrayal, Lucy runs away from the only home that she has ever known to save herself and her young child..”

In the year 1938 a forbidden relationship was formed and it tore a town apart, but eighteen year old Lucy Alston would stand up for what she believes in and that’s love.

Escaping her father’s brutal temper and her mother’s betrayal, Lucy runs away from the only home that she has ever known to save herself and her young child. She seeks out peace and equality of life that she cannot find in her family or friends. Follow Lucy on her journey to find love, a family and respect.

Customer Reviews It truely was justified! Now usually the cover of a book is what draws my interest to the book itself, but in this case it was the title that caught my attention. Something about it was so bold and inviting...it had "Read Me" stamped all over it, So that I did and after completing this I was

so happy that I purchased it.

The author told a wonderful well written story that first takes place in the 1930's about a white teen name Lucy who gets pregnant by a black man name Rubin and keeps the baby, from that point on the author takes us on a journey with Lucy through her trials and tribulations. At times I felt like I was right there with this character as she was going through her hardships, that's how you can tell when an author has took the time to develop their character because we as readers are able to feel them through the pages and that's how it was with Lucy, I was very connected with this character.

I also like that the story was actually moving at a steady pace and we were able to see the main characters and supporting characters evolve and new characters being introduced.

This made the story even more intriguing and pulled me deeper in because you never knew what impact a particular character would have

on Lucy's life. It's nothing worse than reading a story and it just stays stuck in the same spot with no growth.

In my opinion I don't blame Lucy at all for what she did.....honestly, I think she waited too long to take action and that's what upset me even more. Even on speculation (which she did have) she could have did something sooner and she needs to take some responsibility in that.

I was really upset at the ending only because it ended with a cliffhanger and that old bat Ms. Glass just had to have the last words. This was my first time reading anything by this author and after this it wont be my last and I am looking forward to the sequel! Very unforgettable story!

Learn more about this author at http:// www.goodreads.com/book/show/18221792-itwas-justified

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AAM

In The News Spike Lee hits his $1.25million Kickstarter goal for new film

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LACMA inaugurates permanent African Art Gallery with exhibition highlighting masterworks from Central Africa The exhibition is curated by Dr. Mary (Polly) Nooter Roberts, Con-

F

sulting Curator for African Art, LACMA, and Professor of World

ollowing Zach Braff and "Veronica Mars," Spike Lee has reached his online fundraising goal of $1.25 million for a new film.

Arts and Cultures at UCLA, in collaboration with c-curator, Dr. Anne-Marie Bouttiaux, Head

Lee, best known for directing films such as "Do the Right Thing" and "Malcolm X," took to the crowdfunding site Kickstarter this summer to ask fans to donate money to the project.

of

the

Ethnography

Roberts was appointed to launch a program and establish a dedicated

He reached his goal with four days remaining in the 30-day campaign. If he had not generated the total amount, he would have received none of the funds.

gallery for the arts of Africa at LACMA.

Lee hasn't disclosed many details of the film, or even a title, instead labeling his Kickstarter page as "The Newest Hottest Spike Lee Joint" and describing it as "funny, sexy and bloody" and "a new kind of love story." It will be a thriller, he said.

"As a museum of all cultures and all eras, I am proud to see a permanent

However, he reassured visitors to the page, it will not be a remake of "Blacula," the 1972 horror blaxploitation film about an African princeturned-vampire who terrorizes modern Los Angeles.

7 路 Authors & Artists Magazine

Division,

RMCA. In December 2011, Dr.

Caryatid Stool, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Luba Peoples, 19th century, wood, glass beads, Royal Museum for Central Africa, RG 22725, photo R. Asselberghs, RMCA Tervuren.

space for the display of African art at LACMA," says Michael Govan, LACMA CEO and Wallis Annenberg Director. Since coming to LACMA last year, Polly Roberts has done an extraordinary job in building a foundation for our African art program. This is a new phase in a bold and important initiative for our collection." http://www.lacma.org

“They were right and I was wrong, no doubt because they had watched me write and write and write and write for years, and they knew it was in me in a way even I didn’t know yet.”

Picture by Peter Su

ESSENTIAL ADVICE FOR BEGINNING WRITERS: AN INTERVIEW WITH KERRI MAJOR

by Rachel Randall, Managing Editor of Writer’s Digest Books Kerri Majors is the editor and founder of YARN, the Young Adult Review Network, an online literary journal of YA short stories, essays, and poetry. As if this role doesn’t keep her busy enough, she is also the author of This Is Not a Writing Manual, a refreshing and candid memoir geared toward young writers. In it, she shares her own trials-by-fire, successes, disappointments, and thoughts on the

I never-ever-EVER thought I would write a book like this. In fact, I used to resist even reading books like this one—until I finally broke down and read Anne Lamott’s amazing Bird by Bird, which made me laugh and cry with recognition. Reading her book, then assigning it to my students for many years, began to break down my barrier to “writing books.”

writing life. This is the perfect book to share with the young writer in your life, and there are plenty of pearls of wisdom and inspiration for writers of all ages, beginners and veterans alike.

I sat down with Kerri to chat about what it means to be a writer, what makes for stand-out, top-notch fiction, and the writing mistakes she sees in her role as a fiction editor.

Why did you decide to write This Is Not a Writing Manual?

Then I started running YARN and getting more and more immersed in the teen and YA writing community, and I began to see a real need for a book like TINAWM—a kind of mentor book like Bird by Bird had been for me as an adult writer, but a book that would be specifically for young writers (14- to 24year-olds), to let them know that they were not alone on the long road of the writing life.

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I tried to think back to the questions and dreams I had as a high school and college-age writer, and then I tried to address those concerns (I also canvassed some writer friends so that I wouldn’t just gaze at my navel the whole time). I wanted to offer a balance of very practical advice (like how to find a job that will pay your rent and feed your soul, and how to schedule writing into a busy life), and also emotional support (like how to deal with the jealousies inherent in writer -writer friendships, and how to put an astounding amount of rejection into perspective).

After reading the book, some of the essays almost seem like therapy for the young writer. Did you deal with some of your inner “writing” demons while working on the book?

Oh, yeah. The most haunting chapters are the two about “Hating Your Best Friend” and “Hating Yourself.” Those chapters were included in my book proposal, but I had no idea how I was actually going to write them until events unfolded, and I wrote a kind of journalistic rant that served as a first draft. Those were the chapters I fretted over the most.

Have you always self-identified as a writer?

It’s funny, but when I moved to New York City after college to intern at the Guggenheim Museum, I was totally convinced I was going to become a curator and dabble in writing on the side. It was my parents who knew I would wind up writing a book, and that in order to do it I’d have to devote my heart, soul, and time to it.

They were right and I was wrong, no doubt because they had watched me write and write and write and write for years, and they knew it was in me in a way even I didn’t know yet. Though I would flirt with other careers, writing always pulled me back, again and again. Eventually I got my MFA in fiction, and choosing to get an actual degree in writing kind of put a stamp of permanence and authenticity on my aspirations. So, no, I didn’t always identify myself as a writer. But others did.

In terms of identifying myself as a writer at cocktail parties, and other public events—that didn’t come until much later, even after the MFA. It didn’t really come until I had a book contract in hand. Before that, it was always, “I’m a professor … and a writer,” or “I’m an editor … and a writer,” or “I’m a mom … and a writer.” Now it’s, “I’m a writer, and I also edit and teach. And I also have a beautiful daughter … Now where did she go???”

What do you think it takes to be a Writer with a capital W? At cocktail parties or in your own mind?

At cocktail parties, it’s probably the book contract, I’m not going to lie. Without the contract, I always thought it was more honest to say “I’m an editor/professor/ mom, and I’m also working on a book.” It goes back to that hobby/job debate you guys kindly excerpted from my book. It’s more than a hobby, it’s work, but without the contract, it’s not a job either.

In my own mind, I was a Writer for many years. Writing was always in me, and it was always the thing I was dying to tell someone about myself, after explaining what it was I actually did for a living.

Here is one major thing: You have to be a Writer in your own mind before you’ll ever be a Writer at cocktail parties. You have to take your aspirations and craft seriously, or you’ll never get anywhere.

So yeah, fessing up to my less attractive emotions (envy, hate, self-loathing) was not fun, but I hope other writers will benefit from reading about my experiences. I don’t think I can prevent anyone from feeling those bad things; rather, I hope I can help writers will feel less alone when they do feel them.

You’re privy to a lot of fiction submissions through your role as editor of YARN. What really “wow’s” you in a piece?

A strong voice and/or unique story that really zings off the first page. One that really blew me away last year was “Zig to the Zag”—the rapper-poet voice is just so spot-on and one-of-a-kind, plus there is mystery (what happened to the purse?) from the first page. But another story with a quieter voice and awesomefrom-the-get-go story also blew me away, and won an award from the SCBWI: “Swimming Naked.”

YARN has published many other excellent stories, but those two always stand out in my mind as “slush” submissions that immediately grabbed hold of me and didn’t let go. That’s also key—a great first page is one thing, but keeping up the voice and story for another 5 or 15 pages is tough, and essential.

And what is the number-one mistake people make?

I don’t think there is one I can name. I mean, the most common mistake is “boring writing.” But boring can mean so many things: lackluster prose, seen-itbefore plot, cliché characters, not enough action, too much introspection … the list goes on, and each writer’s brand of “boring” is going to be specific to their writing style and habits.

The only way to avoid “boring” is to workshop your work in classes or writing groups that will give you honest feedback and help you target places that need help. Writers need to find readers they admire and trust, whose feedback they are willing to take. If they do, their writing will not be boring … at least not eventually, after lots of practice.

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(Continued from Writer’s Corner)

What do you think are the top three essential qualities to a good piece of fiction?

Voice, character, story. Not in that order. All three are equally important.

What do you wish a more experienced writer had told you when you were first starting out?

In the book, I talk about the advice I got as a young writer, and I am grateful to have gotten one key piece of advice early, when I was in college: “Don’t do anything that will kill your creative writing.” Simple to say, hard to follow.

In addition to that, I wish an experienced writer I really trusted and admired could have handed me a great Malcolm Gladwell essay called “Late Bloomers,” which talks about the difference between artists who find success early and those who find it late. I think it might have set my mind at ease when I discovered that I was not, in fact, Jonathan Safran Foer.

In conjunction, I wish that a more experienced writer could have sat me down and told me that no matter how much talent I had, success was probably going to take a long time. Publishing moves slowly. It’s highly subjective. It takes a long time to hone your craft. And all of that is okay.

Maybe even desirable.

Learn more about YARN (Young Adult Review Network) at http:// www.yareview.net

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MARQUES HOUSTON is Back with ‘FAMOUS’

Picture by Peter Su

Marques Houston is back on the music scene with the hot single “Give Your Love A Try,” the lead track off his album FAMOUS. The singer/actors sixth studio album has been described as an updated mix of Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo. Marques decided he had to return to music after receiving so many requests from his fans via social media.

that exhibits Houston’s fresh new sound. In promotion of the forthcoming LP, Houston is embarking on a thirteen-city major market tour with an all-female band to coincide with the album’s release.

“I wanted to do an album for my fans,” Marques confides. “I took some time away from my music to focus on my acting and producing films but because of my Twitter, Facebook and Instagram blowing up with all my fans requesting new music, it gave me the motivation to get back in the studio.”

Indeed, a viral leak of his song/video “Speechless,” from the new album is already approaching 1,000,000 views on VEVO. The first single, “Give Your Love A Try” featuring native Los Angeles rapper Problem is on its way to be a chart topping hit

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By Ross Guity aka R.G. Major www.facebook.com/ross.guity21 www.LockerRoomzRedCarpetEtc.blogspot.com

New EDM/Pop recording artist Jayne Avaunt is a future star in the making with her energetic and infectious debut hit single HEAR ME currently escalating up the Dance music charts here in the U.S of A. The talented, stylish and gorgeous Avaunt is set to release her first EP titled MARCH during the Fall of 2K13 and says that she poured everything into the project. 'I am so proud of the creation of MARCH, and I wouldn't change one thing about it. I expect a lot of dance parties to blast this EP worldwide!' she added. Avaunt discussed her unique music brand with AAM while on a break from her demanding schedule.

hopefully when people listen to the songs, they can find elements of themselves in it....It is about having no fear of dealing with the world in front of you and not worrying necessarily about the outcome - but what you are going to do to achieve that outcome....It is young, strong and vulnerable. I try to showcase that in every melody and in every note....It is about being the YOU that you are!

Define the JAYNE AVAUNT brand of musicality.

JA: Oh wow....I am and always have been a lil' weirdo.

(Laughs) There is absolutely no end to my quirks. I have found being in touch and appreciating my flaws and oddities very accepting....I am an energetic, loud, adventurous and emotional girl who has always found solace in performing it out to the world and letting you know exactly how I feel. I am now in a place where I am comfortable with who I am - yet not ashamed of moments of weakness, and just trying to learn and grow from everything that I experience in life.

JA: The JAYNE AVAUNT brand of musicality is all about STRENGTH. I tried to make all my songs - even the ones touching on my weaker or vulnerable side - have an element of strength to them.....It is about showcasing every side of yourself, and knowing that it's OK to lay it all out on the table. I always want to be relatable....I always want to be someone who writes songs about situations I know everyone has been through, or songs about who I want to be and what I want, and

What best describes you as an individual?

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A moment that really stands out for me...I was about nine or tenyears-old, and I was in this music troupe and had my first solo, singing the 1983 classic hit by Bonnie Tyler 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart.' I vividly remember getting off stage, saying 'YUP....I can't ever stop doing that - EVER!'

Wh

at was that defining moment that prompted you to say, 'I want to pursue music as a career'?

JA: It is almost like I have been involved in music for so long that it is hard to pinpoint a particular moment. From age 3, I was already taking dance lessons, and then I got into singing, musical theatre, pageants, EVERYTHING!....But a moment that really stands out for me I would say was this one performance I did when I was about nine or ten-years-old, and I was in this music troupe and had my first solo, singing the 1983 classic hit by Bonnie Tyler 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart.' I vividly remember getting off stage, saying 'YUP....I can't ever stop doing that - EVER!'

Who were the artists that inspired you musically and overall style-wise?

Congratulations on the early success of your debut single HEAR ME, along with the amazing and hot music video!

Briefly share with us the excitement of the release, and break down the key players who were involved.

JA: Thank you so much!....It was such a crazy experience and so much bigger than me. I had the pleasure of working with such brilliant people on both the recording and video projects for HEAR ME. First of all, I couldn't have done anything without my incredible producer Prince Saheb. Where would I be without that awesome beat, and all the guidance he gave me during the recording of the song?!....Tha Razor directed the music video, and he is a wonderful, kind and expressive director. My choreographer, assisant director, editor, and best friend - the incomparable Jo Roy - whom I owe my life to, my incredible dancers have all played pivotal roles in the making of HERE ME....But most of all - my family and friends! My mom came down for the music video shoot, and it was so comforting to have her there running around and helping everyone. I am over the moon about the release and the reception HERE ME has positively received so far, and I am just so grateful!

JA: Gwen Stefani (tragic Kingdom-era), P!NK, Gossip, of course THE Britney Spears (what Pop singer wasn't influenced by Miss Britney Spears?!), Scissor Sisters.....Musicians inspire me daily, hourly, so it is a never-ending list that is always changing, but the artists that I've mentioned have forever been on my playlists, and who have impacted me the most.

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That is ultimately how I want and need to live the rest of my life Adventurous, spontaneous and happy!

Why should consumers of good quality music invest in your brand as a recording artist/performer? What makes Jayne Avaunt stand out from the pack, in your opinion?

JA: They will be investing in an emotional experience. I take all my feelings and dance through the hard times and good times in my music and style. In my opinion, I stand out by fusing different genres and styles, and having a level of maturity and depth that I always admire in artists and listen for in songs, yet keeping things fun, weird and edgy at the same time....I still have the sound of 'today,' but there are elements from different eras and genres in it becoming relatable to a wide range of people with varied musical tastes .

I have trained my whole life as a singer, and I have sung every possible genre of music, so as a performer, that will show. I feel that I don't have a sound that is easily copied, or one that is similar to other artists. I am definitely not shy about being creative, pushing limits and being completely different, and I think that will really stand out for me!

What can we anticipate from you - say five-to-ten years from now - with God's will?

JA: Well, things are always changing in this crazy career that I chose which makes it unpredictable and exciting. I will be touring, releasing albums, travelling in general and still doing what I love....I will still be learning and growing and just keeping happy and fulfilled, yet never settling. That is ultimately how I want and need to live the rest of my life - Adventurous, spontaneous and happy! www.JayneAvaunt.com

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L

ee Daniels has directed critically acclaimed films that deal with difficult subject matter before, but he says working on The Butler was "the hardest thing he's ever

"I just knew it was going to exhaust the hell out of me," Haygood says. "I was just looking for anybody — a butler, a maid, somebody who washed the windows."

The film chronicles the life of a man who rose from the cotton fields of North Carolina to work in the White House, witnessing some of the most important moments in this nation's history.

Haygood made call after call, searching for someone who would fit the bill.

Eventually he struck gold with Eugene Allen. "I was under the impression he had worked for three presidents. He corrected me, and he said it was eight."

done."

The movie's main character, Cecil Gaines, is loosely based on the life of Eugene Allen, who worked at the White House for over three decades. Allen and his wife, Helene, were profiled by Washington Post writer Wil Haygood during the 2008 presidential election.

In the midst of the 2008 presidential campaign, journalist Wil Haygood had a feeling that Barack Obama was going to win. And he wanted to profile someone who had witnessed the civil rights movement from the 1960s to the present time.

On the story's relationship with the civil rights era

Daniels described one scene in particular that stood out for him. "We were shooting the bus scene; there were freedom riders on the bus. It was hot, it was a real bus, and I'm in the center of the bus with these kids on a bridge where black men were lynched."

Although it delves into the civil rights movement, Daniels says that wasn't his initial intention. "This story is really a love affair for me. A father-son love affair that transcended race. It wasn't until we started shooting some of the atrocities that happened in the South that I realized that this was on another level.

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Daniels says that after yelling 'action,' actors playing the role of KKK members stormed the bus carrying burning crosses and yelling insults.

"I'm a little scared, and I think so were the actors on the bus, and I yell to the window 'cut.' But they can't hear me," says Daniels. "And I realize — when it happened — there was no one to yell cut for these children, and that these kids were really fighting for the soul of our country, and that they were heroes in a way that I could never be. ... That's when I realized it was a bigger movie than just a father-son story. It's not a movie — it's a movement."

On why the story is relevant today Daniels says that when he makes a movie he goes into a cocoon and often disconnects from the outside world and news of the day to focus on painting an accurate historical picture. But he noted that the film's conversations about race are still relevant today. "I come out, and Trayvon Martin is happening. It's out of body. It leaves me speechless. I'm at a sense of loss, because I did the movie, we end on hope. Cecil walking down, and Obama's speaking, and this glorious music, and those iconic words from those presidents are inundating us, and you know where are we?"

On what the movie would mean to Eugene Allen Allen died in 2010 and wasn't able to see the film inspired by his life make it to the big screen. But Haygood thinks there's still something beautiful about that: "To me, it's almost biblical. The last shall be first. The movie is about the butler.

He's up in heaven. He can tell President Eisenhower, Truman, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Ford, Nixon, Reagan. He can tell them, 'Hey, we're having a movie in the theater of heaven tonight.

It's called Lee Daniels' The Butler, and it's really not about any eight of you, it's about the guy who used to serve you the popcorn at the White House theater. It's about me. Have a seat.' I think that's beautiful."

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JENNIFER HUDSON & JORDIN SPARKS STAR IN ‘THE INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER AND PETE’ MOVIE Jennifer Hudson and Jordin Sparks return to the big screen in the forthcoming movie ‘The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete.’ The ladies join Anthony Mackie, Jeffrey Wright and more in the film, which was also co-produced by Alicia Keys, who created original music for the picture as well.

S

lated to hit theaters on October 11, the movie, penned by Michael Starrbury and directed by George Tillman Jr., follows the lives of 14 year old Mister and 9 year old Pete, who are left on their own after their mothers are taken away by the authorities.

From Codeblack Films and Lionsgate. During a sweltering summer in New York City, 13-year-old Mister’s (Brooks) hard-living mother (Hudson) is apprehended by the police, leaving the boy and nine-yearold Pete (Dizon) alone to forage for food while dodging child protective services and the destructive scenarios of the Brooklyn projects.

Faced with more than any child can be expected to bear, the resourceful Mister nevertheless feels he is an unstoppable force against seemingly unmovable obstacles.

But what really keeps the pair in the survival game is much more Mister’s vulnerability than his larger-than-life attitude.

THE INEVITABLE DEFEAT OF MISTER AND PETE is a beautifully observed and tremendously moving film about salvation through friendship and the way transformation sometimes can happen just by holding on long enough. Director George Tillman, Jr. draws indelible performances from a fantastic cast, which includes Jordin Sparks, Golden Globe® and EMMY®Award winner Jeffrey Wright, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Anthony Mackie, and Golden Globe® and Academy Award® winner Jennifer Hudson, , all led by Ethan Dizon and Skylan Brooks in a stunning breakout performance as Mister. The film also features new music by Alicia Keys.Codeblack Films and Lionsgate present an iDeal Partners / State Street production in association with Floren Shieh Productions / Archer Gray Productions / Cherry Sky Films / AKW Productions.

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The film, about Anita Hill who accused Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment, will be released this spring.

Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired U.S. rights to Freida Lee Mock’s Anita, a documentary about Anita Hill, who accused Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment at his Senate confirmation hearing in 1991.

The film is directed, written and produced by by Mock, an Oscarwinner for her documentary Maya Lin: A Strong Clear Vision. Executive producers are Geralyn Dreyfous, Regina Kulik Scully and Freada Klein. Co-executive producer is Dan Cogan and associate executive producer is Barbara Lee.

“We are excited to be working with the talented Freida Mock in bringing Anita’s powerful, life-changing story to not only the people who lived through the circus of the hearings but also to a new generation. Anita’s impact on the course of history over the last 20 plus years shouldn’t be forgotten and this film celebrates her legacy,” Peter Goldwyn, senior vp of Samuel Goldwyn Films The deal was negotiated by Ian Puente, vp and general counsel of Samuel Goldwyn Films and by CAA and Marc Simon at Cowan DeBaets Abrahams & Sheppard on behalf of the filmmaker. Visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/anitahillmovie.

Anita Hill and Freida Mock at the Sundance Channel interview.

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Written by tjbwriteratlanta

S

CANDAL creator, Shonda Rhimes, gives us a tiny bit of information on what ‘Scandal’ fanatics can expect on season three. The 43-year-old mother of two, rarely gives interviews and is very apprehensive about teasing what’s next for any shows, but thankfully, she shared just enough to hold folk over ’til this fall.

So last season ended with Olivia being confronted by reporters who’d found out she’d been having an affair with Fitz. How will you kick off season three?

When season three begins, I feel like we have some business to take care of. People are saying to Liv, “Are you the president’s mistress?” The first episode sort of leads to some very interesting negotiations between the president and the first lady and Olivia in a way.

And the president?

I can't say anything about him that's not a spoiler!

How about the first lady?

Everyone should remember that Mellie is smarter than anybody gives her credit for.

What can you reveal about the overriding themes for some of the characters next season? Let's start with Olivia.

There's a moment in the second scene of the first episode where you sort of discover that the Olivia you know now is a very different person than she used to be. I feel like we're discovering that Olivia's in this very interesting state of evolution, and we have no idea where she's going to be at the end of this season.

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How far in advance do you plot out story arcs?

We left the end of season two, and then we all came back and sat down and went, "What the hell is going to happen next?" And then we figured it out. That's the fun of it. I feel you have to leave it all on the page and the screen, and then go from there … When I left season one, I had no idea what was going to happen in season two. I remember saying to the writers, "Yay! The writers' room for season two begins tomorrow. If anyone has any idea for who Quinn Perkins is, let us know." If you hold story back — there's no way to hold story back on this show anyway, because we're moving so fast.

And will you keep burning through plot at such a rapid clip?

Oh, yeah. We have every intention of keeping the pace up. The show lends itself to that. And if we don't do that, the show slows down and get stagnant.

You made it clear when you talked to Willa Paskin earlier this year that you're not a fan of folks who call Scandal a "guilty pleasure." Why do some folks still insist on that phrase?

It's because I write Grey's Anatomy, because I write things people think are a little fluffier in their mind. Which is weird, because Grey's Anatomy is pretty dark. It's the same reason that when people call it a soap opera I get pissed — because it's not a soap opera. And I don't think it's a guilty pleasure. It just sounds like a back-handed compliment. If you think it's a guilty pleasure, don't watch it. The Real Housewives of any city is a "guilty pleasure."

For being truthful?

I got into a lot of trouble for being truthful, I guess. It's not that I … take no notes. It's not like I say, "Screw you, I'm not going to take notes." What's really good is that I have a relationship with the studio and network where they're very comfortable with what we're doing. And so there's not a lot of notes given, which is nice. [But] I feel like if I got a great note — I don't care where a great note comes from. I'm not one of those people who's like, "My brain is more special than anybody else's." If I get a great note, I love a great note.

Now that you're two full years into Scandal, is there a character who's the most radically different than what you first designed?

Cyrus. He is by far one of the most interesting characters that I've ever gotten to write. I knew that I wanted him to be sort of a beast. But I didn't realize what I would be getting in Jeff Perry [who plays Cyrus].

He's incredible. You know, he played a sort of very quiet, stuttering man on Grey's as Meredith's father. And he's the complete opposite character [on Scandal]. But he's so much fun to write for. I remember waking up one morning during [season one] and going, "Cyrus is gay. He has a husband.

And his whole thing is he can never be president, and he's very bitter about that."

There are shades of gray with most of the characters on Scandal, if you'll pardon the pun. Is any one character truly evil, truly a bad guy?

Maybe Charlie the assassin is really, truly bad. But even him: He has a job to do!

You also shocked some people in Hollywood when you said very clearly that you're not taking notes from ABC or ABC Studios.

I got into a lot of trouble for saying that.

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Is there a part of you that wishes ABC would let you do Scandal like a cable series, with just thirteen episodes every year?

Yes. Absolutely. But we're [already] splitting the seasons in half. And we did the same thing last season.

Last year, I said, "We're not going to think of it as a whole season." We had two seasons instead of one big season. It's the only way to do it with a show like that. [But] if Scandal had ended at the end of thirteen last season, I would have been thrilled. That would have been great. We'd have had a lot less sleepless nights.

Can you imagine Scandal becoming a franchise — say, Scandal: Hollywood? Do you see offshoots, the way Grey's led to Private Practice?

I don't think Scandal should be a franchise. I feel like Scandal is what it is. I'm getting to write the world's most intriguing novel. And I'm having a great time. It's an experiment to me, so I don't think a franchise is what makes sense. Although, If you had asked me in season three of Grey's Anatomy, I would have said [the show would be] four seasons and out.

One of the many great things about Scandal is the awesome Motown-y, soul music you use. Why'd you decide on that sound?

That was the music I grew up with. I just turned in the liner notes for the Scandal soundtrack, which was super fun. There are a lot of old songs. And then there are a couple of songs we used which were new. Fitz and Liv's song, by the Album Leaf, is on there, which I know the fans love. I was 6 in 1978.

That was the music I grew up with. It's super cool to get to use it now, and it has exactly the right feeling.

Scandal comes back with Season 3, Thursday night, October 3rd on ABC.

How are you dividing your time between the two shows these days?

You know, I have a 10- year-old child at home and an almost 2-year-old child. I love them both equally. But I don't have to get my 10-year-old dressed in the morning. And I don't have to change her diaper. On the shows, I have a ten-year-old show and an almost twoyear-old show. It's a different amount of involvement. I don't have to show up at Grey's every single morning and hold everyone's hand and make sure everything's working, because we all know what's working. We've all been working for it for ten years. If I had hired people who I had to check in on a daily basis on Grey's, I would have not done my job. Scandal's a newer show.

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ARTIST’S STATEMENT

K

KK – “Kin Killin’ Kin” is a powerful and thought-provoking series of images that reflect artists James Pate’s deep love and even greater concern for the epidemic of youth violence in the African American community. If he were a singer, he would sing about it. If he were a dancer, he would dance about it. If he were a journalist, he would join the thousands who write about it. James Pate is a master visual artist who has directed his artistic vision to one of the most critical social ills of our time…youth violence.

I started working on the “Kin Killin’ Kin” series in the year of 2000.

In the middle of producing the first piece, I decided that as a personal private protest, I would continue to compose a rendering as long as these insidious acts continue. The concept of visually comparing Black on Black terrorism to Ku Klux Klan terrorism came directly from conversations among us in the Black community. It is often said that we [African Americans], in a “strange fruit” kind of way, are doing the business of the KKK without Black-on-Black violence. So, I was moved to use art as a means to illustrate this sentiment, complete with brothers in pointed hoods in the ‘hood.’

Every piece that I complete is also my way of accepting responsibility as a member and team player in my community. Every piece is a moment of silence and dedication to all the people who have to deal with our losses. Learn more about this incredible artist and his exhibition at http://www.dusablemuseum.org/exhibits/ details/kin-killin-kin. Dr. Carol Adams, President and CEO of The Dusable Museum of African American HIstory speaks about “KKK — Kin Killin’ Kin” opening at the museum. http://www.myfoxchicago.com/video? autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=9084162

In the KKK-“Kin Killin’ Kin” series, James Pate reveals a negative social reality in hopes of finding collective and positive solutions to a problem that touches us all directly or indirectly. Pate’s powerful images are visual call-to-action to find solutions to youth and gun violence in the community and created in hopes of engaging our youth and community in acknowledging that harsh reality of gun violence, and to dialogue positive alternatives and solutions towards negative behavior.

Organized by SHANGO: center for the Study of African American Art and Culture, Inc., and EbonNia Gallery, Curated by Willis Bing Davis.

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Dr. Chris L. Hickey, Sr. is the Founder and Executive Director of Each One - Teach One Alliance for Academic Access, Achievement and Success, an organization that focuses on efforts to heighten community awareness of the overwhelming importance of reforming educational practices targeting at-risk youth, as well as community awareness of the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare). He has been currently recruited to provide workshops and training on healthcare options under Covered California. He also serves as the Director of Instructional Technology Systems Consultancy, a firm that provides full service technology consulting, planning and implementation for hospitals; medical clinics; public, charter and private schools; and, other instructional settings.

Dr. Hickey is available for Keynotes and Workshops - Nationally and Internationally. Topics Include: Affordable Care Act, Education, Youth Issues, Leadership, Change, Teamwork, Individual Performance, Organizational Performance, Youth Leadership, Parenting, Community Engagement. Contact For Booking - 323 945 9851 or Email Chickey@yahoo.com . Learn more at http://smithpublish.populr.me/dr-chris-l-hickey-sr#.UhJq4JK1GSp

Dr. Young founded Young Enterprises to provide specialized motivational Seminars/Workshops for men and women. Dr. Barbara Young is a highly acclaimed, dynamic, motivational speaker who travels throughout the country and abroad. She skillfully utilizes her life’s experiences to implement fresh and attainable success formulas via extraordinarily soulstirring seminars and workshops.

Dr. Young has been in the public speaking arena providing motivational talks and speeches to K-12 students, higher education institutions, national organizations, corporations and churches since 1983.

Motivational Topics Include: Diamonds in the Rough, The Treasure is Within You, Women Hold Up the Sky, Moving From Success to Significance, Working Together to Make it Happen-The Power of Positive Doing, How To Be A Winner, Winning Made Easy, Winning Without Selling Your S.O.U.L. Learn more about Dr. Young at http://www.personalbestsuccess.net/

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