EVENT CANCELLED!! Jonathan Demme's "New Home Movies from the Lower Ninth Ward" (A Benefit for the Oxbow School), January 18th in Napa, California

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Filmmaker Jonathan Demme and Author Daniel Wolff have spent the last eight years documenting post-Katrina New Orleans and will screen New Home Movies from the Lower Ninth Ward at The Theater at 500 First Street in Napa on Saturday, January 18 2014 to support The Oxbow School.

 Jonathan Demme is among Hollywood’s first rank of filmmakers, with credits
that include Philadelphia, Rachel Getting Married, Beloved, The Silence of the Lambs, for which he won an Oscar, and a trilogy of Neil Young documentaries. Tackling challenging and controversial subjects, he’s directed eight different actors in Oscar-nominated performances. Demme is also an activist, whose concern is reflected in such projects as Artists for Democracy in Haiti, the documentary New Home Movies from the Lower Ninth Ward on post-Katrina residents of New Orleans and its follow-up, the portrait documentary I’m Carolyn Parker: The Good, the Mad, and the Beautiful.

Daniel Wolff is an accomplished talent as an author, poet and filmmaker. His writing has appeared in numerous diverse publications, ranging from Vogue to Education Weekly, and his non-fiction books include How Lincoln Learned to Read and an award-winning and best-selling biography of crooner Sam Cooke. He’s also received credits on such documentaries as The Agronomist, about slain Haitian civil rights leader Jean Dominique, and several projects on post-Katrina New Orleans, including I’m Carolyn Parker—the catalyst for his look at the lives of everyday American heroes in his text, The Fight for Home.

Funds raised support Oxbow’s scholarship fund whose goal is to build a community of economically, geographically, racially and ethnically diverse young people from across the country interested in visual arts. Since the school opened its doors thirteen years ago, two-thirds of the students have received financial support.

The January 18th event begins at 5 p.m.  Admission tickets are $125 for cocktails and screening with Jonathan and Daniel or $500 for dinner with Jonathan and Daniel. Dinner includes, cocktails and screening. For tickets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-home-movies-from-the-lower-ninth-ward-jonathan-demme-daniel-wolff-tickets-8043557497 . For more information contact Phoebe Brookbank at (707) 252-5427.

The Oxbow School:  The Oxbow School is a unique, interdisciplinary semester program for high school students that combines innovative academic courses with rigorous studio art practice. The School’s mission is to strengthen student abilities in critical as well as creative visual thinking, verbal articulation and collaborative problem solving.  The School works to develop a stronger sense of identity, self-worth and confidence in students while encouraging them to embrace responsibility for their own learning and lives.

Big Props to Chiara de Blasio

I know this is the time of year when we're supposed to talk about all things merry and bright, but everything isn't merry or bright.  Sometimes we need to talk about what's real.  Especially in the African American community.

Which is why I was so impressed by Chiara de Blasio's candid YouTube interview about her struggles with depression and substance abuse. 

NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio's daughter doesn't just have her own personal style, she has a lot of courage.  I hope that her personal story will be the catalyst to open up continued discussion about the challenges facing young people, our young people, today.

We've been keeping secrets for far too long. 

Here's the youtube clip of her interview.  What a strong young woman!

http://youtu.be/nJKmjx1JjwI

We support you, Chiara!

Merry Ex-Mas from Victoria Christopher Murray

After you've wrapped all the gifts, and put the kids to bed, this is a cute little read for the season.

There's no lack of drama in this novella and if you're dreading the holidays with your own family, this book might make you count your blessings.

A guilty, harmless, yet enjoyable pleasure from Essence Magazine's Bestselling Author, Victoria Christopher Murray.

Book Description:  

Six years ago, Sheridan, Kendall, and Asia each had an "ex" in their lives. From a broken marriage, to the shattered bond of trust, to the destruction of a bright future, all three deeply felt the loss of their men. To help cope with the pain, their pastor organized a support group for the trio, which blossomed into a strong sisterhood. Although it has taken years, they have slowly rebuilt their lives.

But now, their exes are back--at Christmas! And the wonderful holiday season is flipped upside down when Sheridan has to sit down with her ex and his fiancée, Kendall has to break bread with the two people she hates the most, and Asia has to make nice with her ex's wife.

None of the women want to be there, and they let everyone know it! Three dinners, three disasters, one Merry Ex-Mas. 

Available in paperback or on kindle.

I downloaded mine on the kindle and finished it in two nights.  

Available at Amazon.com

Phillip R. Bell's Annual Party - Saturday, December 21

For information:  510-708-2013

New Holiday Music from Mary J. Blige and Tamar Braxton

New holiday music from Mary J. Blige and Tamar Braxton

Rest In Eternal Peace, Nelson Mandela

July 18, 1918 - December 5, 2013

Former Minnesota Viking Gene Washington Named Recipient of the Big Ten's Ford-Kinnick Leadership Award

Texas native, Minnesota resident and Michigan State alum,  Gene Washington was named the recipient of the Big Ten's Ford-Kinnick Leadership Award.

The awards recognize Big Ten football players that have achieved success in the areas of humanitarianism and leadership after their college careers have ended.

The award will be presented to the College Football Hall of Famer, on December 7th, in Indianapolis, on the field, (after the 7:00 P.M. Kick-off) during the nationally televised (Michigan State vs Ohio State) Big Ten Championship game. 

 For more information on these awards,  visit www.bigten.org.