The Daily Buzz For May 20

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Miguel Releases ‘WILDHEART’ Album Cover

Miguel is marching on to the June 30th release of his third studio album ‘WILDHEART.’

Miguel – whose new single ‘Coffee’ is heating up on Urban radio – has unveiled the project’s edgy accompanying cover.

‘Wild’ follows the free EP Mig-Money rolled out last December and is his first LP since sophomore ‘Kaleidoscope Dream’ – which spent 20 weeks on the Billboard 200.

Your thoughts?

Was NeNe Leakes Big Break Down A FAKE?

On The Real Housewives of Atlanta reunion show NeNe Leakes dissolved into tears and ran off stage after being forced to confront her abandonment issues.

Was NeNe faking it for the cameras..? 

A celebrity bodyguard who claims he was on set for the reunion tells Real Mr. Housewife 

“NeNe scripted the whole breakdown and it was fake.”

“She scripted this with her ‘fake for TV Dr' so she can slide out of the next season of Real Housewives of Atlanta and do her new show with Kim Zolciak and her business deal with Kim Kardashian.”

Don’t f%^$! With Kelly Price! She Rips CVS Pharmacy on Facebook; Store Apologizes

*CVS has experienced the wrath of Kelly Price.

The singer posted a lengthy vent on Facebook accusing the drugstore of refusing to fill certain prescriptions in what are considered to be “bad” neighborhoods.

Price said she stopped by a 24 hour CVS Pharmacy in Carson, California for painkillers in advance of dental surgery she was having and was told by the pharmacist that they didn’t fill certain prescriptions after midnight because of the area where the store was located.

WATCH:

“I was offended for anybody who lives in a neighborhood that may not be considered the upper echelon – where expensive homes are. Or where six- and seven-figure earners live,” Price told LA’s CBS affiliate.

CVS responded. One of the Senior Vice Presidents of CVS Pharmacies called her personally to apologize and to say that the Carson store was in the wrong.

Read Kelly’s entire open letter (titled “SHAME ON YOU CVS”) below, followed by her update detailing the store’s response:

WOW…just WOW!

Is Laverne Cox Bleaching?

In her vain attempt to create the perfect female body, actor Laverne Cox has apparently opted to bleach her skin.

Unsatisfied Cox says she still has flaws that she is unwilling to ignore in her pursuit of the perfect feminine physique.

The Orange is the New Black cast member strolled the red carpet at the 2015 Billboard Awards in a Marc Bower dress 

In a red carpet interview with Giuliana Rancic, Cox said that she can be pretty critical of himself.

“You’ve got to look in the mirror when you leave the house and go ‘Damn, I look good,’” said Rancic, who is known for her sarcastic wit.

Cox just giggled and said “thank you.”

Cox went on to say she is very “nit picky” about what she sees staring back at her in the bathroom mirror — or any mirror he passes by.

“I’m always finding the things that are like need to be improved,” she said.

“In that nitpickiness, I also try to celebrate myself and love myself. In every moment, even if I find a flaw, I have to love that flaw today,” she said.

She added: “We have to embrace what we think are flaws, what we think are imperfections … it’s about loving yourself.”

But the actor’s friends say Cox is bleaching her skin to even out her dark complexion and to achieve the Beyonce glow, whatever that is.

Cox also had something nice to say about Bruce Jenner, who is not a transgender but will be.

“I just think Bruce is delightful and it’s always powerful when another transgender person comes forward and shares who they are,” said Cox, I wish Bruce all the best!

Did Queen Latifah Check a Fan for Suggesting She's Gay?

Queen Latifah is riding high after staring in the critically acclaimed HBO biopic 'Bessie' but just because she played a bi-sexual woman in a movie doesn't mean she's bi-sexual in real life.

On fan found out the hard way... 

From The National Enquirer

“Queen Latifah, who never comments on her sexual choice, was exiting a meeting at a Century City film studio when a 30-ish woman bustled up and asked about the new HBO film starring her as blues legend Bessie Smith – which chronicles Bessie’s gay affair with blues belter Ma Rainey, played by mO’NIQUE. Mouthy Babe asked if Mo’Nique’s hard to work with. Snapped Latifah: ‘Honey, I don’t talk about my co-stars that way!’ But when Flappy Lips told The Queen it’s great she’s playing a lesbian and finally ‘coming out,’ Latifah EXPLODED!” Bellowing she’s doing nothing of the kind, The Queen shrieked. “Stickin’ your nose where it doesn’t belong means you’re in the GUTTER!”

Terrified, Flappy turned and RAN!

OOOPS!

NEW MUSIC: Monica’s “Just Right For Me” Ft. Lil Wayne 

Monica has some new heat just in time for summer. For her newest musical offering “Just Right For Me,” she enlisted Young Money honcho Lil Wayne to spit a hot 16 on the Polow Da Don-produced banger.

“Just Right For Me” is the first single from the Atlanta native’s upcoming eighth studio album Code Red, the follow-up to her 2012 album New Life. And it’s taking us back to that soulful Monica sound we love.

On the track, Wayne raps,

“Got Monica on my playlist and she on my bae-list, but since I got a situation I use imagination. Alright!”

Hmmm…is Christina Milian the "situation"?

Last month, Monica revealed a fiery still from the album’s artwork, debuting her hot red pixie cut, which we’re also loving. Check it HERE if you missed. No word yet on the release of Monica's new LP, but we're here for it.

Take a listen to Monica's new single HERE!

Nice!!!

Do We Believe it?: ‘Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta’ Cast Now Under Super-Strict ‘No Fighting’ Policy

Love and Hip Hop: Atlanta is now notorious for being one of the MOST ratchet reality shows on television thanks to the cast members multiple brawls and physical encounters.

However, it won’t be ‘that’ ratchet for much longer. The show’s producers have put a complete end to the fighting…or at least they’re trying to.

via TMZ: Production sources tell us the ATL ladies and gents were forced to sign docs agreeing to put their manicured claws (and fists) away … after major advertisers started complaining. Show execs flew to Atlanta 2 weeks ago to lay down the law.

We’re told all cast members who brawl during taping will be cut from the episode without pay and suspended. They could also face possible termination.

It’s a risky move, since ‘LHHA’ has become VH1’s most popular show, by far — and let’s face it, fights are part of its winning formula. 

But the threat of hardcore punishment seems to be working. We hear the cast has resorted to screaming matches because nobody wants to lose their money — the definition of a true thug.

We’ll have to see how this turns out.

Allen Iverson Addresses Rumors of Him Going Broke: ‘That’s a Myth’

*After years of speculation, Allen Iverson is finally addressing rumors going around that he’s broke.

In an interview with “CBS This Morning” on Friday (05-15-15), the former NBA star debunked all the talk, saying that he isn’t hurting financially.

“That’s a myth,” Iverson stated when asked about his alleged money problems. “That’s a rumor.”

“Which part?” asked the interviewer, Gayle King.

“The fact that I’m struggling in any part of my life,” Iverson responded.

The athlete’s comments as Showtime premiered its new documentary “Iverson,” on Saturday (05-16-15). Iverson’s financial situation is among the topics addressed by Iverson himself in the film.

Complex notes that Iverson’s money situation has spawned questions of whether he spent the estimated $200 million he made while he was playing in the NBA on family and friends as well as if he got a pension and trust fund to ensure that he lives the rest of his life comfortably.

To see Iverson’s “CBS This Morning” interview as well as him chatting to Complex about playing football in high school, the way today’s NBA players dress, and his shelved rap album, check out the video HERE! 

Ice T Sounds Off on Iggy Azalea's Billboard Music Award Top Rap Artist Win 

OG rapper Ice T upset after Australian rapper Iggy Azaela wins the 2015 Billboard Music Award for Top Rap artist over J. Cole, Drake, Nicki Minaj and Rae Sremmurd...

OOOPS!

New film about the final days of Tupac Shakur's life seeking $300,000 in online crowdfunding campaign 

Tupac Shakur and his final days will be the subject of a pending film seeking online funding by the late rapper's former producing partner.

Gobi Rahimi, 50, has launched an IndieGogo crowdfunding campaign seeking $300,000 for his film 7Dayz that will recount Shakur's last week after being killed in 1996 in a Las Vegas drive-by shooting.

'It's not a movie about Tupac. It's a movie that will have Tupac in it. It's about how he changed my life,' Rahimi told Deadline in an article on Monday.

The critically acclaimed rapper who died aged 25 'will play himself' in the feature film, Rahimi said.

'I have archival footage that I shot of him that's never been seen before that will be written into the film,' he revealed.

The film will cover the intense period surrounding Shakur's death including dealing with his record label.

'A few weeks before Pac was shot, I wrote the letter that Tupac signed, firing Suge Knight and his lawyer David Kenner. After that, the tension between Tupac and his label soared to new heights,' Rahimi wrote on the fundraising page.

'I was waiting for Tupac at club 662 in Las Vegas after the Mike Tyson fight on September 7, 1996. Soon after, I was informed by rapper Nate Dogg that Tupac and Suge Knight had been shot and taken to University Hospital. I immediately rushed there to be by Tupac’s side,' Rahimi recounted.

EVENTS: The Celebs come out to The ABC/Disney International Upfronts

ABC & Walt DIsney Studios hosted the Disney Media Distribution International Upfronts in Burbank, California... 

Former "House of Lies" actress Nia Long was on hand to promote her series on the network, the TV remake of "Uncle Buck."  

The new version will star funnyman Mike Epps as "Uncle Buck", and out -of-work man who moves in with his brother and sister-in-law to help keep an eye on their kids after the family's nanny quits. Nia and Mike will star alongside James Lesure, Iman Benson, Sayeed Shahidi, and Aalyrah Caldwell.

Kerry Washington, who stars in the network's hit series "Scandal", was on hand to celebrate the highly-rated season 4 finale, which aired last week.   

During a recent interview with PEOPLE, Kerry's co-star Scott Foley opened up about filming sex scenes with Kerry, who gave birth to daughter  Isabelle Amarachi Asomugha, last year.  

"One of the craziest things while filming was trying to have a sex scene when Kerry was seven months pregnant. The director, this fantastic French director, Jeannot Szwarc, kept saying, 'Just get on top of her, and I'm going to shoot it.' And I was like, 'No, no, no I can't - she's got a baby in there!'

Viola Davis came out to support "HTGAWM", one of the network's greatest success stories.

In addition to her work on "HTGAWM", Viola has been tapped to star in an HBO miniseries about abolitionist Harriet Tubman.

The miniseries will be based on “Bound For The Promise Land” by historian Kate Clifford Larson.

Singer and actress Christina Milian was spotted in the press line too.  Christina is set to star in a new series with John Stamos named "Grandfathered" next fall and her E! docu-series "Christina Milian Turned Up" has been renewed for season 2.

Backstage, CM and her mom posed with "Scandal" star Guillermo Díaz.  She tweeted, "Love our fellow Cubanos!! Been admiring his acting for years! Mom freaked out.. Lol @guillermodiazreal aka #Huck on #Scandal.. #AbcInternationalUpfronts #GrandFathered @mamamilian"

Soliciting Charge Dismissed In Warren Sapp Case

A solicitation charge against Hall of Famer Warren Sapp, who was arrested during Super Bowl week on suspicion of assault and soliciting a prostitute, was dismissed by a Phoenix judge on Monday.

Court records show Sapp has successfully completed a Prostitution Solicitation Counseling Program and still needs to complete a diversion program for the assault charge to avoid possible jail time.

Sapp, 42, was fired from his NFL Network analyst job hours after his Feb. 2 arrest.

Phoenix police said Sapp allegedly argued about money with one of two women in his downtown Phoenix hotel room and the fight turned physical, leaving the women with minor injuries.

Sapp pleaded guilty in April to one count of soliciting prostitution and one count of assault. But separate plea agreements reached with city prosecutors indicated the charges, both misdemeanors, would be dismissed if Sapp met certain terms.

Authorities said Sapp originally faced a maximum penalty of $2,500 in fines, six months in jail, three years’ probation and mandatory 15 days in jail if convicted on the prostitution charge.

Sapp, a tackle and defensive end, played in the NFL from 1995-2007 for Tampa Bay and Oakland. He was a vital contributor for the Buccaneers as they went from also-ran to Super Bowl champion after the 2002 season. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

However, Sapp has had a history with legal troubles around the Super Bowl. He was arrested the day before the Super Bowl in 2010 on a domestic battery charge, but prosecutors later dropped the case because of inconsistences between the victim’s statements and evidence, including surveillance video.

Despite making millions in his playing career, Sapp filed for bankruptcy in 2012 in Florida after owing more than $6.7 million to creditors and back child support and alimony.

The Story of Emmett Till Is Heading to the Big Screen

The widow of American film critic, journalist and screenwriter Roger Ebert will adapt the Emmett Till book Death of Innocence: The Story of the Hate Crime That Changed America into a motion picture.

In 1955, Emmett Till was 14 years old visiting relatives in Mississippi when he was kidnapped and brutally murdered for allegedly whistling at a white woman. His face and body were so badly mutilated that his mother insisted on having an open-casket funeral to show the world what racism had done to her son.

Per Deadline: 

“The full Emmett Till story needs to be told now and told well as a narrative for our times, given all that is happening on American streets today, and Shatterglass Films are the people to tell it,” said Ebert, the widow of Roger Ebert.

Luke Boyce, Brett Hays and Jen Shelby are producing for Shatterglass, and Benson also is producing. Ebert and Nate Kohn are executive producing. The plan is to wrap principal photography next year after shoots in Chicago, the Mississippi Delta and Central Illinois.

Some will disagree, but we believe that Emmett’s story should be told, especially given the current state of race relations in America (as Chaz pointed out) and the hatred that still pervades our society.

Derrick Gordon reveals troubles with homophobic schools

Photo credit: Derrick Gordon’s Instagram (@Flash5Gordon)

Derrick Gordon made history last April when he came out and became the first openly gay Division I college basketball player in U.S. history. And although he praised his team at the University of Massachusetts for embracing him as an openly gay man, he recently shared that he experienced a slew of homophobic rejections after he announced he was planning to transfer to a new school.

In a new interview with USA Today, Gordon discussed his transfer process and explained that while inquiring with potential new schools, he faced a number of rejections over his sexuality.

“During the recruiting process, a number of schools didn’t want me because I’m gay,” Gordon said. “To me, that’s blatant homophobia. At the end of the day, no coaches will ever admit that they don’t want me because I’m gay and there’s baggage that comes with the attention.”

Gordon, who was accustomed to being accepted by his UMass team, says he was shocked byt the discrimination he faced.

“I was starting to lose hope. I felt like I was being treated like an outsider, like I didn’t belong in the NCAA,” Gordon said.

Gordon didn’t specify which schools discriminated against him, but he did announce on Sunday that he finally found a new home at Seton Hall University.

“I’m walking into a great situation,” Gordon said. “This gives me a chance to showcase what I can really do in one of the best conferences (the Big East) in the country, in the national spotlight.”

Speaking about the transfer to Seton Halle, Gordon explained, “I expect it to be a smooth transition, honestly. Coach [Kevin Willard has already talked to the players and they said, ‘as long as he helps us win, we’re gonna be his brother.’ It’s about what I can do for the team. …Obviously, me being on the team will be a new experience for everyone involved. This is another new chapter for me.”

Well we’re happy that Gordon seems to have a bright future at Seton Hall and we hope his career continues to chip away at the homophobic mindset that the world of sports still apparently has against LGBT athletes.

WATCH: K. Michelle's ‘Hard to Do’ (Video)

K. Michelle has released a video for "Hard to Do,” the fourth single off her album Anybody Wanna Buy a Heart? The museum-quality clip (it's artsy) was directed by Child Basquiat, and features nudity AND a zebra. 

Not at the same time though.  Also, K. takes a bath while surrounded by flamingos. We're sure this all has a deeper meaning....let's us know what it is if you figure it out.

WATCH HERE!

And to get a little internet buzz going, K. kisses a girl at the end of the video. Those records don't buy themselves.....

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES

Courtesy of P.O.Wm

‘SMASHED BUNS’

Those buns look like the package of buns that were at the bottom of the box on the shipping truck then managed to be underneath all the other buns on the shelf and finally just wind up being a jumbled mess in the clearance bin. Not great.

HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!

EFREM

The Dream Just did something that will BLOW YOUR MIND!

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THE-DREAM' RELEASES ALL INCLUSIVE 'BLACK' VIDEO HIGHLIGHTING CIVIL RIGHTS FOR ALL!

R&B musician and producer The-Dream (aka Terius Youngdell Nash) released a track called "Black" which includes a written message:

Black isn't just a color. Black isn't just a race anymore. It's a feeling and a place from which one feels isolated by the world of the governing elite. 'Classism is the new racism.' This is what black feels like.

The video is a montage of various civil rights struggles and leaders and includes images of Pussy Riot, the Occupy movement, Gay Pride, and Harvey Milk.

It also includes Vladimir Putin, Joseph Kony, and Clippers owner Donald Sterling, saying, "Never be impressed with a man with no message."

Check out the powerful clip, AFTER THE JUMP...

BEAUTIFUL! If you enjoyed this post, please consider SHARING it on social media.

Nigeria and it’s despicable attack on Gay Rights!!!

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Nigeria and it’s despicable attack on Gay Rights

Civil Rights groups in Nigeria fear a same-sex marriage bill being discussed in parliament could boost already prevalent discrimination against homosexuals. The bill goes much further than banning same-sex marriage; it threatens to ban the formation of groups supporting homosexuality, with imprisonment for anyone who “witnesses, abet[s] or aids” same-gender relationships, and could lead to any discussion or activities related to gay rights being banned.
Under a colonial-era law, sodomy is punishable by a 14-year jail sentence; and in the country’s mainly Muslim northern states, where a version of Shar’ia law applies, the penalty is death by stoning, although this has never officially been carried out.

Senator David Mark, supporter of anti gay rights bill

The National Assembly began debating the latest version of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Bill in November. Most high-ranking officials have voiced their approval of the bill, signaling it is likely to pass.

Intolerance prevails.

Analysts see the bill, which has been shelved twice in five years, as a potential boost to the popularity of a government whose approval ratings have stalled since elections in April this year. Most Nigerians strongly disapprove of homosexuality, with many seeing it as a foreign import at odds with a deeply religious society.
A 2008 survey by a non-profit, Nigeria’s Information for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, of 6,000 Nigerians on their attitudes to homosexuality, found that only 1.4 percent of respondents said they felt “tolerant” towards sexual minorities.

A university student in the northern state of Jigawa was killed in 2002 when classmates set upon him after rumors that he was gay.

In September 2008, several national newspapers published the names, addresses and photographs of the pastor and congregation of a church in the port city of Lagos that ministered to sexual minorities. A few days later a mob that included policemen attacked the church. Members of the congregation lost jobs and homes and had to go into hiding; others are still harassed and threatened with physical harm, Human Rights Watch said in a statement.

“Homosexual and lesbian practices are considered offensive to public morality in Nigeria. The… bill is crucial to our national development because it seeks to protect the traditional family, which is the fundamental unit of society, especially in our country,” said the influential newspaper, This Day, in its editorial on 10 November. “It will be difficult to import practices and lifestyles which are alien to our country and the majority of our people.”
Homosexual rights are narrowing across Africa. In Uganda, gay rights activist David Kato was killed in January 2011 after opposing the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in 2009.
In Malawi a gay couple was imprisoned for “gross indecency.” The United States and British governments have threatened to cut off aid money to African countries seeking to curb gay rights.

Religion not a help

Leaders of Nigeria’s main religions – Islam and Christianity – rarely promote tolerance of homosexuality, according to Damian Ugwu, a rights activist at the Lagos-based Social Justice Advocacy Initiative.

“There is no religion that welcomes the same-sex marriage, whether Islam or Christianity,” National Tourism Director Olusegun Runsewe told reporters on 7 November. ”We need to be careful and do all it takes to shun this practice, because same-sex marriage is satanic and it can destroy any system, as well as cause bad image for any country.”
Religious disapproval can have a devastating impact on gay people, said Ugwu. “The church has zero tolerance for homosexuality. The only time they will accept someone being homosexual is if they come to ‘confess’ and ‘repent’ of it, to say they are cured so they can be forgiven.”
Fear of “coming out” also means many homosexuals – who are at high risk of HIV – are unable to access medical services or receive adequate treatment, as they give incomplete personal information, activists say.

“Gay people who are courageous enough to come out have reported being humiliated by medical staff,” Ugwu noted. At least two homosexuals who spoke to IRIN on condition of anonymity said they feared even going to hospitals for fear of being “outed” by staff.
Implications for all

NGOs and activists say the bill could have serious implications even for people who aren’t gay. Migrants in search of work in bigger centers are a vulnerable group. “It’s going to give the Nigerian police, who are already known for abusing their power, a license to violate the rights of both gay and non-gay people. It’s going to create an avenue where young men and women, who often live together in big cities for financial reasons, will become targets for extortion,” Ugwu said.

“This is an insidious bill that appears to be limited to same-gender marriage, but is actually an attack on basic rights,” said Human Rights Watch spokesperson Graeme Reid. “The definition of ‘same-gender marriage’ is so broad as to include anyone even suspected of being in a same-sex relationship. And it threatens human rights defenders by targeting people who support unpopular causes.”

Nigerian gay author and campaigner Unoma Azuah told IRIN the government should be focusing on other priorities. “I think it’s a distraction from real issues at hand, and an absolute waste of time and resources… How does what two consenting adults do in the privacy of their spaces provide a solution to the crippling problems of unemployment in Nigeria? There are few major good roads; education is in shambles; there’s extremely poor electricity supply, food and oil have to be imported by the ton – and legislators are busy debating same sex marriage?”

The barriers to acceptance are hard to breach. “Gay people face discrimination from their families, from religious groups and from society,” Ugwu said. “So it’s quite understandable people aren’t speaking out [in support of them].”

GOODNESS These folks have nothing else better to do!

John Lewis Snubbed, Disrespected at #OccupyAtlanta.

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WELL DAMN!!, John Lewis Snubbed, Disrespected at #OccupyAtlanta. Does Race Matters???

Congressman John Lewis, an American hero who put his life in harm’s way repeatedly to try to eradicate racial and other forms of injustice, was blatantly snubbed at the Occupy Atlanta assembly that he supports. The disrespect sparked angry outbursts in Twittersphere, including a profane response from hip-hop icon Russell Simmons.
Lewis, D-Ga., was cheered loudly when he was introduced by a rally organizer at #occupyatlanta, a spin-off from the Occupy Wall Street protest movement that has swept the country. But then he was denied the microphone for some inexplicable reason.
Despite receiving the approval of the majority of the crowd, Lewis was blocked from speaking because of a single person who opposed Lewis speaking before the assembly finished their agenda.
The diss has fired up progressives nationwide.

“To #occupyatlanta General Assembly: You are a bunch of (blank)heads. Congressman John Lewis is an American hero. He supports the Wall Street protesters that spawned Occupy Atlanta,” wrote hip-hop mogul and famed humanitarian Russell Simmons, adding “[When] white people catch a cold, blacks get pneumonia. We must join in #occupywallstreet. Education and health care cut while rich get richer.”

“Disappointed to hear that John Lewis was not allowed to speak at #OccupyAtlanta,” added New York DJ Jay Smooth in another tweet. “Hoping organizers will hear feedback and learn from it.”

I share the sentiments as well as the ferocity of Simmons’ statement. If there is one person in Congress who should have been allowed to speak at this grass roots assembly, it should have been Lewis. His unapologetic liberalism and progressive beliefs make him an outcast in Washington, D.C., and anyone rejected by the majority of Congress should automatically be seen in a positive light by the masses. His image and reputation are impeccable. Even people who don’t sympathize with his beliefs respect him because he is an untarnished and honorable humanitarian.

This '60s-era photo depicts one of the many times Lewis, left, was beaten senselessly in the fight for human rights.
Secondly, the #OccupyAtlanta assembly was an irritating mess. That method of chanting and having the crowd repeat every few words of every speaker was ridiculous and prevented cohesion.
Thirdly, the rally organizers basically impaled themselves with the move to deny Lewis an opportunity to speak. I thought that the reason Occupy Wall Street began in New York in the first place was to get the attention of lawmakers and urge them to make fundamental changes to the financial structure in this country.

Lastly and most important, Lewis has publicly come out in support of the whole Occupy Wall Street movement that’s caught on like wildfire. While other lawmakers and presidential candidates blast the movement, including Georgia’s own Newt Gingrich, Lewis is a high-profile and powerful ally that the movement can ill afford to spurn. He can help give the movement the oxygen it needs to sustain and grow.

Here you have a celebrated and admired lawmaker come to your rally and you don’t let him speak because you want to finish your agenda. This is totally ludicrous because #OccupyAtlanta had, in effect, achieved its objective by gaining the ear and respect of someone of Lewis’ stature. And then you turn around and blatantly disrespect him. Lewis was much too gracious in explaining away the diss, basically saying these are different times that we live in.

But Lewis was never given a chance to speak. And the “Occupy” organizers would have you believe that it was because the crowd didn’t want him to speak.

But the video of Lewis’ presentation tells a different story. SEE BELOW:

Good luck getting another current or former representative of Congress to come down and speak before you at future events. Gingrich nor Herman COON is most certainly not coming!

"FEARLESS" REV FRED SHUTTLESWORTH (March 18, 1922 – October 5 ,2011)

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R.I.P CELEBRATE THE LIFE OF AN CIVIL RIGHTS ICON! Civil rights leader Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth dead at 89

The Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, who helped lead the civil rights movement, has died, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute said Wednesday. He was 89.

Shuttlesworth is among the iconic figures honored in the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta. King once called Shuttlesworth “the most courageous civil rights fighter in the South.”
When the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against segregated busing in Montgomery, Alabama, Shuttlesworth rallied the membership of a group he established in May 1956 — the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights — to challenge the practice of segregated busing in Birmingham.

Shuttlesworth also helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, with King and other civil rights leaders.
Shuttlesworth’s efforts weren’t without a price: his home was bombed on Christmas Day in 1956, but he and his family were not injured.

He was, however, hurt in 1957 when he was beaten with chains and whips as he sought to integrate an all-white public school.
That same year, Shuttlesworth helped King organize the SCLC, serving as the organization’s first secretary from 1958 to 1970. He later served briefly as its president in 2004.
In 2001, President Bill Clinton awarded Shuttlesworth a Presidential Citizens Medal — the nation’s second-highest civilian award — for his leadership in the “non-violent civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s, leading efforts to integrate Birmingham, Alabama’s schools, buses and recreational facilities” and helping found the SCLC.

Shuttlesworth also protested segregated lunch counters and helped lead sit-ins at the eateries in 1960.

His Last Sermon in 2006

Rev Shuttlesworth 'my Relationship with Martin Luther King Jr"

He participated in organizing the Freedom Rides against segregated interstate buses in the South when he joined forces with the Congress On Racial Equality.
In 1963, he was injured again when a fire hose was turned on him during a protest against segregation in Birmingham. The blast of water, directed against demonstrators by order of local sheriff Bull Connor, slammed Shuttlesworth against a wall. He was hospitalized but recovered.
He was also a principal in the historic march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965, which he helped organize.

In the early 1960s, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he fought homelessness and continued the movement against racism. There, he founded and served as pastor of the Greater New Light Baptist Church from 1966 to 2006.

In the 1980s, he established the Shuttlesworth Housing Foundation in Cincinnati, which provided grants to help low-income families buy homes.
The Ohio Civil Rights Commission has placed Shuttlesworth in its Hall of Fame.

SERVANT WELL DONE!

GOD BLESS YOU REV SHUTTLESWORTH AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DONE TO MAKE OUR LIVES BETTER!

The Daily Roundup for Aug 18

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The President to Celebrate MLK Memorial

*After several slain Black leaders have gone down in history but failed to receive recognition, the first national memorial for an African American and non-U.S. president is going to be celebrated by none other than the nation’s leader.

President Barack Obama will deliver a special speech Aug. 28 at the Martin Luther King Memorial dedication in Washington D.C.

Also to be in attendance include Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Jamie Foxx.

 “The dedication of the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial has been long-awaited, and people from around the world are coming to experience this . . . historic moment,” said Harry E. Johnson Sr., president of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation.

OKAY NOW BEYONCE IS BETTER THAN MICHAEL JACKSON??? 

Beyonce Performs at Roseland to Sold Out Crowds + Jay-Z Compares Bey to Michael Jackson

With an onslaught of rain hitting NYC Saturday night, Beyoncé stans were still not deterred from attending her sold out performance at the Roseland Ballroom on 52nd and 8th. While the concert was sold out, the internet is buzzing with photos and video clips from the event. She performed all of the songs from 4 and a few of her hits from previous albums (Single Ladies & Irreplaceable) and rocked a fugly dress created by her mother, Tina Knowles.

Prior to the event, husband Jay-Z got on the air with Power 99 host Lorenzo Thomas and said that Beyoncé was the second coming of Michael Jackson. Say What?????

OKAY Now I’m tired….I’ve heard it all!

Oh really Miss Madonna: On your Cougar fix again for your Birthday?

Madonna celebrates her 53rd birthday today, but the singer is in no mood to act her age.

She was spotted smooching like a teenager on the beach with her toyboy lover, French dancer Brahim Zaibat, who at 24 is less than half her age.

The pair enjoyed a tender kiss and a cuddle on the sand in the exclusive Hamptons.

And while the couple shared their intimate embrace Madonna's children David and Mercy were seen playing in the sand next to the couple. 

Madonna and Zaibat – whose mother is eight years younger than his girlfriend – started dating last September after he performed a hip-hop routine at the launch of her clothing range at Macy’s in New York. 

They were believed to have split in May, before being reconciled recently. Talking about their relationship, Zaibat - whose mother is eight years younger than Madonna - said: 'She'd just a woman like all the others

'She's an extraordinary artist and world famous, of course, but a woman above all.'

Before meeting Zaibat, twice-divorced Madonna dated another toyboy, Brazilian model Jesus Luz, also 24.

Jennifer Hudson Honors Slain Nephew with Julian D. King Gift Foundation

Jennifer Hudson kept the memory of her late nephew alive at the inaugural Julian D. King Gift Foundation Hatch Day celebration. The Oscar winner was joined by her son David Daniel Otunga Jr. and sister Julia at the De La Salle Institute in Chicago.

The sisters and volunteers wore shirts that read “Happy 10th Birthday Julian” as they handed out supplies to children for back to school. Julian was tragically murdered, along with Hudson’s mother and brother, in October 2008.

The 33rd Annual UNCF "An Evening Of Stars"

The UNCF brought out some great talent in R&B and black Hollywood for their 33rd annual gala. 

The 33rd Annual UNCF An Evening Of Stars gala was held in Pasadena with folks like Erykah Badu helping to raise money for college scholarships. 

Jill Scott looked beautiful as she performed.

Keke Palmer was also on hand to raise money in this cute green and black cocktail dress.

Actress Tatyana Ali helped with the presentations.

"The Game" stars Coby Bell and Pooch Hall were also presenters.

"Girlfriends" actress Jill Marie Jones rocked pretty waves and a black cocktail dress.

And Shaun Robinson brightened up the carpet in her hot pink gown.

Lance Gross looked amazing in a white suit.

Patti LaBelle graced the stage.

Marsha Ambrosius also performed.

Love Ledisi's voice....

Anthony Hamilton performed in a plaid blazer.

Musiq Soulchild entertained the audience too.

Estelle was also there and rocked 2 cute shiny looks for red carpet and performance.  

Fab turnout for a great cause.

Naturi Naughton Part of ‘X-Men’ Reboot, ‘The Wolverine’

*Miss Naturi Naughton’s career is on a roll. According to reports, the actress has been tapped to be “X-Men’s” newest mutant.

Naughton is set to appear Cecilia Reyes in “The Wolverine.” Her power is to create a protective force-field around herself and others.

Since leaving the singing group 3LW, Naughton hasn’t looked back. She’s also currently starring in NBC’s controversial “Playboy Club.”

Shadow and Act says “The Wolverine” will start production in October and will be released in the summer of 2012.

Tia Mowry's Fit and Fine Post-Baby Body

She recently gave birth to a baby boy, and Tia Mowry showed off her already-slim figure while out in Los Angeles, CA 

The actress turned reality TV star looked cute and casual in gym gear as she stopped and pumped some gas before carrying about her day.

As for her new family addition, baby Cree, Tia recently opened up about the birthing process.

"It's a lot more emotional than I expected. I knew it would be emotional, but I didn't know it would be this emotional," Mowry said. "People always say you never know love until you have your own child and all of that is true."

Tia’s husband, Cory Hardrict, has been a big help with their little one so far. "He's changing diapers, he's feeding, bathing, all of it," Mowry revealed. "At night I pump bottles so he can do feedings."

MISS BADU SHUTS IT DOWN with the D.O.C

Erykah Badu Not With The D.O.C.

Erykah Badu is denying claims that she's in a romantic relationship with one of her baby daddies and is set to star in a reality show.

As previously reported, rapper D.O.C. gave an interview to the Dallas Observer claiming that he and Badu were living together and would allow a film crew follow their lives.

The father of her daughter Puma  also added that the show would hopefully end in them joining in holy matrimony.

According to Badu however, the two are not together and she has no plans to star in a television show.

A rep for Badu, Paul Levatino, released a statement on her behalf saying,

"Erykah Badu and The D.O.C. share parental responsibilities for their daughter and their relationship as it regards that aim is very good. 

However, that is the full extent of their personal involvement and no romantic dynamic exists between the two. Moreover, Erykah has no plans to marry or have any sort of courtship with the D.O.C."

"Ms. Badu has no plans to allow a reality show to be filmed in her private Dallas residence or to include any of her children in the filming. Ms. Badu has no concrete plans further than a guest appearance in his reality show. 

The D.O.C.'s comments were either taken out of context, improperly interpreted, or reflective of his now, not-so-secret desires. Whatever the case, Erykah wishes D.O.C. well both spiritually and professionally."

The D.O.C. has yet to respond.

DADDY’S LIL GIRL

There's Baby Shai!  After drama surrounding Bow Wow claiming (and not claiming) to be the father of video chick Joie's baby girl, he's been recently gushing about his love for his new daughter.  And he was spotted out with her for the first time over the weekend.

Bow was spotted at the Malibu Cuntry Mart a few days ago snuggling his baby girl Shai close to him.  He penned an open letter to his fans about his new daughter recently where he finally opened up a bit about the drama.  And he still doesn't like his baby mama Joie.

His mother Teresa also has gushed about his little one.

24-year-old Bow will never look old enough to me to be a dad, but it's an adorable pic nonetheless...

Nicki Minaj Brings Blonde Ambition to Toronto Nightclub

Nicki Minaj had her cake and ate it too. After bringing out Drake at her concert in Toronto, the rap diva headed to Luxy Nightclub to host “Super Bass” night. The curly-haired blond Barb, who changed from her blue wig earlier in the evening, modeled a leopard-print jacket, neon yellow shirt, and patterned leggings, and was presented with a cake resembling herself as a Barbie. 

The Ice Age 4 star plans to start recording her next album after wrapping her tour with Britney Spears, but don’t count on many features this time around. “I don’t know, I don’t think I’m hitting up anybody for features for this sophomore album,” she told MTV News, while revealing one potential guest. “Roman … possibly. But I never give away all my secrets.”

Nicki previously said that she would be making an album announcement in September. There are also whispers of a Pink Friday re-release, but nothing has been confirmed.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s Back to School Pep Rally with Diamond, Terri J. Vaughn, K. Michelle and Tiffani Tyree

Mayor Kasim Reed opened up the 2011 school year with a celebrity-studded pep rally at Jean Childs Young Middle School in southwest Atlanta. 

Sending out the call that morning, rapper Diamond, actress Terri J. Vaughn and R&B newcomers K. Michelle and Tiffani Tyree, as well as Jazzy McBee from Hot 107.9,  came running to support the great cause.

Aside from the mayor, Councilmembers H. Lamar Willis and Keisha Lance Bottoms and Board of Education member Brenda J. Muhammad participated in the event.

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES

“Hungry Hungry”

Mmm hmmmm, yep, short booty shorts were definitely the right call here. It definitely doesn’t look like the upper jaw from Hungry Hungry Hippo at work.

HAVE A GOOD DAY!!!!

EFREM