Author Lourdes Duque Baron to be interview on The Kick it Spot with Teangelo Live on Books March 28th

Important Tips for Holiday Budgeting and Shopping

With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday all crammed into one long weekend, Better Business Bureau wants to help make your shopping adventure go as smoothly as possible.

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday Make Up a Busy Weekend for Holiday Shoppers

Grab your shopping bags and compile your lists, the biggest holiday shopping days are almost here! With Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday all crammed into one long weekend, Better Business Bureau wants to help make your shopping adventure go as smoothly as possible. Here are some tips:

Create a budget and stick to it

According to the National Retail Federation, the average holiday shopper will spend $749.51 on gifts, decor, greeting cards and other seasonal items, up slightly from the $740.57 they spent last year. How can you keep from overspending? BBB has once again teamed up with Clearpoint Credit Solutions to offer the Holiday Planner Calculator. This easy-to-use online tool will help you create a budget that is realistic for the way you celebrate, entertain, travel and give gifts this holiday season.

Don’t fall for the too-good-to-be-true deal

On “Black Friday” (and every day), get to know retailers first by checking out their BBB Business Reviews at bbb.org. Compare prices before you hit the stores on Black Friday so you know if you really are getting a great deal. Newspapers will often have coupons that give discounts for Black Friday. When searching for coupons online, make sure to get them from the store’s website, not from an offsite deal promoter.
Shop Amazon – Black Friday Deals Week

Shop small on Small Business Saturday

November 24 is Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on the busiest shopping weekend of the year. BBB is teaming up with American Express, a BBB Accredited Business and National Partner, to spread the word on why small businesses are so awesome. Here’s a fun infographic to show just how important small businesses are to our economy.

Watch out for scams

The new BBB Scam Stopper website can tell you all about the latest scams, and help you learn the most common tactics used by scam artists both in-person and online. Be especially careful of holiday related scams. Be sure that letter from Santa is from a legitimate site before you share your child’s personal information. And that friend or grandchild who was mugged while traveling and needs some cash wired ASAP? That’s a scam. Don’t fall for it!

Shop safely online

November 26th is “Cyber Monday,” and there will be lots of online deals to be had. Before your surf the net, make sure your computer has the most recent updates for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Scammers use this holiday time to prey on online shoppers. Only shop on trusted websites, and look for the Ad Choices logo for sites that give you more control over whether advertisers can use your information for targeted advertising. It’s also best to use a credit card when shopping online because you can dispute the charges if you don’t receive the item you ordered.
Shop Amazon – Cyber Monday Deals Week

Know your rights

Whether shopping retail or online, know your legal rights. U.S. law requires that orders made by mail, phone or online be shipped by the date promised or, if no delivery time was stated, within 30 days. If the goods aren’t shipped on time, the shopper can cancel and demand a refund. Consumers also have the right to reject merchandise if it’s defective or was misrepresented. Otherwise, it’s the company’s policies that determine if the shopper can cancel the purchase and receive a refund or credit, so be sure you understand return policies before you buy. Keep track of all receipts and documentation, too.

For more advice on safe shopping this holiday season, visit www.bbb.org.

Also Legal Shield re-affirms with the following 7 tips for Holiday Shopping:

1. Understand your finances before going to the store or shopping online. It is easy to throw your budget or financial planning out the window when confronted by the newest gadget or a great sale, but it is important to set and follow a strict budget for your holiday shopping. Do not let eager sales staff or your own excitement sell you on products that are outside of your budget.

2. Beware of retail credit card or quick loan offers you cannot afford. Many lenders use the holiday cash crunch to attract borrowers. Do not sign up for any new credit cards or loans without reviewing the rates and terms carefully. Call your LegalShield provider law firm if you need any assistance.

3. Know the retailer’s return policy. Many holiday retail disputes stem from misunderstandings over the return or refund policies. Make sure you read and understand the store policies before purchasing big-ticket items. Some returns will require costly restocking fees and some sale items may not be eligible for return.

4. Beware of service plans and warranties. Additional protection is offered as an add-on during checkout at many retailers. Before purchasing a protection plan or warrantee make sure you understand the terms, limitations and likelihood you will need the added protection.

5. Shop online from trusted retailers. It is important to make sure you are on the correct website by checking the domain name in the browser. Sometimes unsolicited emails that link to products will actually direct you to scam sites designed to look like a trusted retailer. Make sure the website’s checkout is also secure. The domain name at the top or bottom of your browser should contain https://.

6. Do your homework when using an unknown online retailer. Make sure the company has a physical address and a working phone number. Run their name through a search engine to make sure they have a good reputation.
7. Never pay for items purchased online with wire transfers or money orders. These types of payment offer no tracking or protection in the event of a scam.

Source: Better Business Bureau, Legal Shield
Photo credit to: BBB

Editor’s Note: The tips provided here is intended for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. Readers should be aware that while certain principles outlined on this post may be similar to principles followed in their own state or province, laws can vary considerably. If you have any questions please call your provider law firm. From everyone at DiversityNewsMagazine.com, DiversityNewsPublications.com and the entire Diversity News Publications Family of Companies, we wish you and yours a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!

100 Outstanding Filipino-Americans in the USA to be honored on July 28 at Universal Hilton

Bantay Bata executive Tina Monzon Palma and ABS-CBN Foundation International President Robbie Fabian to grace black & tie event.

On Friday, July 6, 2012 Philippine Children’s Charities, Inc., and the Press Photographers Philippines-USA, Inc., announced that one hundred Filipino-Americans who have made a mark in the U.S. either in their chosen careers or their civic contributions will be cited in a black and tie event to be held on July 28 at the Universal Hilton.

Organized by the Philippine Children’s Charities, Inc. and the Press Photographers Philippines-USA, Inc., the ‘100 Outstanding Filipino Americans in the USA’ will be honored and will receive an award in the event that will benefit the Bantay Bata 163 project in the Philippines that helps abused, underprivileged, sick and indigent Filipino children who need funds to go to school and for their healthcare.

Leading organizer and Project Director Darna B. Umayam, Chairman of the Philippine Children’s Charities, Inc., said the outstanding Filipino-Americans were “Chosen from many who were highly recommended to accept this prestigious award because of their achievements in their chosen careers, philanthropic works that they did for the community and for the less fortunate Filipinos back home, most especially the children.”

Umayam said more than 1,000 people are expected to attend the formal event. She said the event will benefit primarily the Bantay Bata 163 project along with other beneficiaries. She said ABS-CBN Network andABS-CBN Foundation International, through its President Robbie Fabian, and Bantay Bata 163, through its Executive Director Tina Monzon Palma, have “Fully endorsed the awards’ night, legally and officially.” Umayam said both officials will be “Present at the event to personally accept the donation for the underprivileged Filipino children of Bantay Bata 163.”

Along with Umayan, who has made a name in several humanitarian projects that benefited many hospitals and foundations in the Philippines, the President of the PPP-USA Sid Guerrero and its Chairman of the Board of Director Jim Hernandez are also in charge of the awards night.

Umayam said the project involves the most respected members of the Fil-Am community beginning with the kick-off party attended by more than 300 guests, composed of dignitaries headed by Deputy Consul General Daniel Espiritu, Deputy Tourism Director Manny Ilagan, Financial Officer of PCGLA Adrian Peran, Sr. Councilman of the City of Carson Elito Santarina, and other well known community leaders, professionals, business entrepreneurs, members of the media and celebrities last March 25 at the Universal Hilton despite heavy rains, where the official announcement for the event took place. Umayam said that the project was conceptualized without funding.

Umayam is also currently the Secretary General of the Philippine Independence Coordinating Council of Southern California ( PICCSC) which was responsible for successful celebration of the 114^th Philippine Independence Day in Los Angeles with Philippine Vice President Jejomar Binay as the guest speaker. She said this ” 100 Outstanding Filipino Americans in the USA” event will not just be another milestone for the awardees, but for the entire Filipino-American community.

The July 28 awards night will begin at 6 p.m. Around 1,000 tickets have so far been sold and many are still buying, Umayam said. For sponsorship and tickets, please call (323) 258-4879 or (323) 491-6940.

Out of about 285 recommendations from the community, Umayam said that they have chosen the following:
Lawyers – 9 awardees
For Community Service – 19
Media Correspondents – 3
Nurses – 3
Business Entrepreneurs – 30 (Beauty & Skin, Merchandising, Visual arts, Food & Nutrition, Real Estate, Nurses Staffing/Registry/Medical,Insurace, Healthcare, print, computer)
Print Media – 1
Public Service – 2
Labor Leader – 1
Doctors – 9
Teachers – 2
Movie/Entertainment – 4
Certified Public Accountants – 3
Young Achievers – 4
Architect – 1
Tourism – 1
Engineer – 1
Visual Artist – 1
Dentists – 2
Fashion – 2
Pharmacist – 1
Media Technician – 1

About Bantay Bata:
Bantay Bata 163 is a child welfare program of ABS-CBN Foundation that not only rescues and rehabilitates sick and abused children, but also provides shelter, therapy and quality home care for rescued children until they can be reunited with their families or referred to proper child-caring agencies.
BB163 gives emphasis on the family through the following services: training and advocacy on child abuse prevention, rehabilitation of families in crisis, educational scholarships, livelihood, community outreach and medical and dental missions. For more information visit http://www.bantaybata163.com/

 

About ABS CBN Foundation Inc., (USA):
The ABS CBN Foundation Inc., (USA) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to raising funds to help improve the lives of abused and disadvantaged children and women in the Philippines. The AFI USA accomplishes its mission through the backing and programs of the ABS-CBN Foundation in the Philippines, which began its mission a little over a decade ago, through the initiatives of its parent corporation, the ABS CBN Broadcasting Company.

Among the programs espoused by the AFI USA are: Bantay Bata (Child Watch), a 24-hour child abuse rescue operation, Educational TV (ETV), a value formation and curriculum enhancement program for public elementary school children, Bantay Kalikasan (Nature Watch), an environmental campaign promoting and protecting the country’s natural resources, Bayan Microfinance (Community Microfinance), a community-based, poverty-alleviation program equipping deserving individuals and groups with the skills necessary for start up industry and Sagip Kapamilya (Saving the Family Members), a calamity relief and rehabilitation program. For more information visit http://www.abscbnfoundation.org

Photo credit to: Philippine Children’s Charities, Inc.
Photo design by: Diversity News Printing Services.
Graphics and Logos credit to: ABS CBN Foundation Facebook, Bantay Bata
Sources: Philippine Children’s Charities, Inc. , ABS CBN Foundation Inc., (USA), Bantay Bata.


Editor’s Note: Here at Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications of The Diversity News Publications Family of Companies we strongly believe in fair treatment to all those who treat us right with respect and dignity. We are aware of the controversy and the findings of the team at PinoyWatchDog.com who have been reporting about this upcoming event to be aware of possible scam and the some people buys their awards. We respect PinoyWatchDog.com for their reporting and any opinions made by members of their staff. Here at Diversity News Magazine we would never ever pay for an award for our publication, company, staff or contributors, we strongly believe that when you deserve an award is because you did help others, not your friends. So it have to be a Humanitarian action the benefited people that you don’t even know. Also Diversity News Magazine, we have colleagues who will be awarded at this event and we want to witness their accomplishment. We have reached out to some who informs us that they have not paid for the award while PinoyWatchDog.com have somebody who admitted to pay for her award. So before we jump to conclusion on who is/are buying or if this event another charity scam, let’s give the opportunity to witness the truth on the night of the event. We want to end this editor’s note by saying: Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover.

This article post is sponsored and brought to you by: World Wide Vital Marketing and Public Relations (Click logo picture to visit website).

Actress Thushari Jayasekera is a Presenter at the 2012 Razzie Awards

Coverage of 43RD NAACP Image Awards Ceremony, Red Carpet Arrivals, Photo & Press Rooms

Diversity News Magazine and Diversity News TV from Diversity News Productions/Publications covers the 43rd NAACP Image Awards Nomination Results, Red Carpet Arrivals, Photo and Press Rooms.

The event was held on Friday, February 17, 2012 and broadcast live from Los Angeles’ historic Shrine Auditorium the winners of the “43RD NAACP Image Awards” were announced during two-hour special hosted by Sanaa Lathan and Anthony Mackie with appearances by: LL Cool J, Paula Patton, Cuba Gooding Jr., Vanessa Williams, Jordin Sparks, Russell Hornsby, Keke Palmer Corey Reynolds, Judge Greg Mathis, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Holly Robinson Peete, Regina King, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, Samuel L. Jackson, Cicely Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Archie Panjabi and Hill Harper.

Including performances by Jennifer Hudson, Lenny Kravitz, Jill Scott, Kirk Franklin and Ne-Yo and a Moving Tribute to Super Star and Diva Whitney Houston by Yolanda Adams. George Lucas, Cathy Hughes and The Founding Members of the Black Stuntmen’s Association Received Special Award Honors.

The awards event was a production of Vicangelo Films. The executive producer was Vicangelo Bulluck.

The event sponsors were UAW/Chrysler, AARP, FedEx, Hyundai, Wells Fargo, Ford Motor Company, Walgreens, Bank of America, AT&T, American Airlines and Cadillac.

About The NAACP Image Awards:
The NAACP Image Awards is the premier multicultural awards show. It celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film, and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.  For all information and latest news, please visit the official NAACP Image Awards website at http://www.naacpimageawards.net

About NAACP:
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. For more information about the organization visit http://www.naacp.org/

To see more photos of the red carpet arrivals and photo room visit our photographer website at http://www.rodrigovaz.com

Sources: The Lippin Group, NBCUniversal Media Village
Photos credit to: Trae Patton/NBC  & Rodrigo Vaz/Diversity News Magazine

Editor’s Note: Congratulations to all the winners and special thank you to Adeline Petty, The NAACP Management and Board of Directors, the Image Awards Committee, Jennifer Price-Keith, Gary Mednick, NBC Entertainment Publicity, NBC Universal, The Lippin Group, Rodrigo Vaz, The NAACP  Volunteers and every one involved.

This article is brought to you and sponsored by: Rodrigo Vaz Photos and Diversity News TV on Blip TV (Click logos to visit websites)

&

Whitney Houston Tribute and The Help Big Winner at 43RD NAACP Image Awards 2012 Air on NBC

On Friday, February 17, 2012 and live from Los Angeles’ historic Shrine Auditorium the winners of the “43RD NAACP Image Awards” were announced during two-hour special hosted by Sanaa Lathan and Anthony Mackie with appearances by: LL Cool J, Paula Patton, Cuba Gooding Jr., Vanessa Williams, Jordin Sparks, Russell Hornsby, Keke Palmer Corey Reynolds, Judge Greg Mathis, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Holly Robinson Peete, Regina King, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, Samuel L. Jackson, Cicely Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Archie Panjabi and Hill Harper.

Including performances by Jennifer Hudson, Lenny Kravitz, Jill Scott, Kirk Franklin and Ne-Yo and a Moving Tribute to Super Star and Diva Whitney Houston by Yolanda Adams. George Lucas, Cathy Hughes and The Founding Members of the Black Stuntmen’s Association Received Special Award Honors.

The awards event was a production of Vicangelo Films. The executive producer was Vicangelo Bulluck.The 43rd NAACP Image Awards Full List of Winners (Bold Winners):

Movies

Outstanding Motion Picture
“Jumping the Broom”
“Pariah”
“The First Grader”
“The Help” – Winner
“Tower Heist”

Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Eddie Murphy – “Tower Heist”
Laurence Fishburne – “Contagion”
Laz Alonso -”Jumping the Broom” – Winner
Oliver Litondo – “The First Grader”
Vin Diesel – “Fast Five”

Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Adepero Oduye – “Pariah”
Emma Stone -” The Help”
Paula Patton – “Jumping the Broom”
Viola Davis – “The Help” – Winner
Zoe Saldana – “Colombiana”

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Anthony Mackie – “The Adjustment Bureau”
Charles Parnell – “Pariah”
Don Cheadle – “The Guard”
Jeffrey Wright – “The Ides of March”
Mike Epps – “Jumping the Broom” – Winner

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Bryce Dallas Howard – “The Help”
Cicely Tyson – “The Help”
Kim Wayans – “Pariah”
Maya Rudolph – “Bridesmaids”
Octavia Spencer – “The Help” – Winner

Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
“I Will Follow”
“Kinyarwanda”
“MOOZ-lum”
“Pariah” – Winner
“The First Grader”

Outstanding Foreign Motion Picture
“A Separation”
“Attack the Block”
“In the Land of Blood and Honey” – Winner
“Le Havre”
“Life, Above All”

Outstanding Documentary (Theatrical or Television) 
“Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest”
“Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey”
“Sing Your Song” – Winner
“The Rescuers”
“Thunder Soul”

TV

Outstanding Comedy Series
“Love That Girl! ”
“Modern Family”
“Reed Between the Lines”
“The Game”
“Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” – Winner

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Dule Hill – “Psych”
Malcolm-Jamal Warner – “Reed Between the Lines” – Winner
Phil Morris – “Love That Girl! ”
Pooch Hall – “The Game”
Terry Crews – “Are We There Yet? ”

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Tatyana Ali – “Love That Girl! ”
Tia Mowry-Hardrict – “The Game”
Tracee Ellis Ross – “Reed Between the Lines” – Winner
Vanessa Williams – “Desperate Housewives”
Wendy Raquel Robinson – “The Game”

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
Craig Robinson – “The Office”
Damon Wayans, Jr. – “Happy Endings”
J.B. Smoove – “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
Nick Cannon – “Up All Night” – Winner
Tracy Morgan – “30 Rock”

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Amber Riley – “Glee”
Gabourey Sidibe – “The Big C”
Keshia Knight Pulliam – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” – Winner
Maya Rudolph – “Up All Night”
Sofia Vergara – “Modern Family”

Outstanding Drama Series
“Boardwalk Empire”
“Grey’s Anatomy”
“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” – Winner
“The Good Wife”
“Treme”

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
Andre Braugher – “Men of a Certain Age”
Hill Harper – “CSI: NY”
L.L. Cool J – “NCIS: Los Angeles” – Winner
Taye Diggs – “Private Practice”
Wendell Pierce – “Treme”

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
Chandra Wilson – “Grey’s Anatomy”
Khandi Alexander – “Treme”
Regina King – “SouthLAnd” – Winner
Sandra Oh – “Grey’s Anatomy”
Taraji P. Henson – “Person of Interest”

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Corey Reynolds – “The Closer”
Ice T – “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”
James Pickens, Jr. – “Grey’s Anatomy” – Winner
Nelsan Ellis – “True Blood”
Omar Epps – “House M.D.”

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Alfre Woodard – “Memphis Beat”
Anika Noni Rose – “Law & Order Special Victims Unit”
Archie Panjabi – “The Good Wife” – Winner
Diahann Carroll – “White Collar”
Loretta Devine – “Grey’s Anatomy”

Outstanding Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
“Five”
“Hallmark Hall of Fame, Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith”
“Luther”
“The Least Among You”
“Thurgood” – Winner

Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
Esai Morales – “We Have Your Husband”
Idris Elba – “Luther”
Laurence Fishburne – “Thurgood” – Winner
Louis Gossett, Jr. – “The Least Among You”
Samuel L. Jackson – “The Sunset Limited”

Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special
Anika Noni Rose – “Hallmark Hall of Fame, Mitch Albom’s Have a Little Faith” Jenifer Lewis – “Five”
Rosario Dawson – “Five”
Taraji P. Henson – “Taken From Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story” – Winner
Tracee Ellis Ross – “Five”

Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series
Aaron D. Spears – “The Bold and the Beautiful”
Bryton James -” The Young and the Restless”
Emerson Brooks – “All My Children” – Winner
James Reynolds – “Days of Our Lives”
Texas Battle – “The Bold and the Beautiful”

Outstanding Actress in a Daytime Drama Series
Christel Khalil – “The Young and the Restless”
Julia Pace Mitchell – “The Young and the Restless”
Tatyana Ali – “The Young and the Restless” – Winner
Tonya Lee Williams – “The Young and the Restless”
Yvette Freeman – “The Bold and the Beautiful”

Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
“BET News Exclusive: The President Answers Black America”
“Judge Mathis”
“Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel”
“Unsung” – Winner
“Washington Watch with Roland Martin”

Outstanding Talk Series
“Anderson ”
“Oprah’s Lifeclass” – Winner
“The Doctors”
“The View”
“The Wendy Williams Show”

Outstanding Reality Series
“All-American Muslim”
“American Idol”
“Dancing with the Stars” – Winner
“Sunday Best”
“Tia & Tamera”

Outstanding Variety Series or Special
“2011 BET Awards”
“Black Girls Rock! ”
“Oprah Presents: Master Class” – Winner
“Prince! Behind the Symbol”
“UNCF An Evening of Stars Tribute to Chaka Khan”

Outstanding Children’s Program
“A.N.T. Farm”
“Dora the Explorer”
“Go, Diego! Go! ”
“I Can Be President: A Kid’s-Eye View” – Winner
“My Family Tree”

Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children’s Program (Series or Special) 
China Anne McClain – “A.N.T. Farm”
Keke Palmer – “True Jackson, VP” – Winner
Lance Robertson – “Yo Gabba Gabba”
Leon Thomas III – “Victorious”
Zendaya Coleman – “Shake It Up”

Recording

Outstanding New Artist
Committed
Diggy Simmons – Winner
Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.
Mindless Behavior
Wynter Gordon

Outstanding Male Artist
Anthony Hamilton
Bruno Mars
Cee Lo Green – Winner
Chris Brown
Common

Outstanding Female Artist
Beyonce
Jennifer Hudson
Jill Scott – Winner
Ledisi
Mary J. Blige

Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration
Boyz II Men
Cee Lo Green feat. Melanie Fiona
Mary J. Blige feat. Drake – Winner
Sounds of Blackness
The Roots

Outstanding Jazz Album
“Chano y Dizzy” – Terence Blanchard and Poncho Sanchez
“Friends” – Stanley Jordan
“Guitar Man” – George Benson – Winner
“Legacy” – Gerald Wilson
“Road Show Vol. 2″ – Sonny Rollins

Outstanding Gospel Album (Traditional or Contemporary) 
“Becoming” – Yolanda Adams
“Church on the Moon” – Deitrick Haddon
“Hello Fear” – Kirk Franklin – Winner
“Something Big” – Mary Mary
“The Journey” – Andrae Crouch

Outstanding World Music Album
“Afrodiaspora” – Susana Baca
“Carnival Fever” – Brother B
“Live at 2011 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival” – Boukman Eksperyans
“Sounds of Blackness” – Sounds of Blackness – Winner
“The First Grader” – Alex Heffes

Outstanding Music Video
“25/8″ – Mary J. Blige
“Hear My Call” – Jill Scott
“I Was Here” – Beyoncé
“Someone Like You” – Adele
“Where You At” – Jennifer Hudson – Winner

Outstanding Song
“Best Thing I Never Had” – Beyonce
“Fool for You” feat. Melanie Fiona – Cee Lo Green
“I Smile” – Kirk Franklin – Winner
“So In Love” feat. Anthony Hamilton – Jill Scott
“Someone Like You” – Adele

Outstanding Album
“4″ – Beyonce
“F.A.M.E. ” – Chris Brown
“I Remember Me” – Jennifer Hudson – Winner
“Lasers” – Lupe Fiasco
“The Light of the Sun” – Jill Scott

Literature

Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
“A Silken Thread” – Brenda Jackson
“Boundaries” – Elizabeth Nunez
“Say Amen, Again” – Reshonda Tate Billingsley – Winner
“Silver Sparrow” – Tayari Jones
“The Plot Against Hip Hop: A Novel” – Nelson George

Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction
“Sister Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America” – Melissa Harris-Perry
“Super Rich” – Russell Simmons
“The Cosmopolitan Canopy” – Elijah Anderson
“The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in Its Place” – Hill Harper – Winner
“Who’s Afraid of Post-Blackness?: What It Means to Be Black Now” – Toure

Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author
“2Grieve 2Gether: A Journal from the Heart Helping Survivors & Supporters Navigate the Healing Process” – Denise Hall Brown
“A Defining Moment”- Patricia Duncan
“The Loom” – Shella Gillus
“The Strawberry Letter” – Lyah Le Flore – Winner
“We the Animals” – Justin Torres

Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Auto-Biography
“A Singular Woman: The Untold Story of Barack Obama’s Mother” – Janny Scott
“Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention” – Manning Marable
“My Song” – Harry Belafonte – Winner
“No Higher Honor: A Memoir of My Years in Washington” – Condoleezza Rice
“The John Carlos Story” – John Carlos, Dave Zirin

Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
“A Year to Wellness and Other Weight Loss Secrets” – Bertice Berry
“Living My Dream: An Artistic Approach to Marketing” – Synthia Saint James
“Our Difficult Sunlight: A Guide to Poetry, Literacy, & Social Justice in Classroom & Community” – Quraysh Ali Lansana
“The T.D. Jakes Relationship Bible: Life Lessons on Relationships from the Inspired Word of God” – T.D. Jakes – Winner
“Too Important to Fail: Saving America’s Boys” – Tavis Smiley (Author), Juan Roberts (Illustrator)

Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
“Afro Clouds & Nappy Rain: The Curtis Brown Poems” – James Golden – Winner
“Head Off & Split” – Nikky Finney
“Honoring Genius: The Narrative of Craft, Art, Kindness and Justice” – Haki Madhubuti
“Intimate Thoughts” – Darrin Henson (Author), Anna Saunders (Illustrator)
“Last Seen” – Jacqueline Jones Lamon

Outstanding Literary Work – Children
“Acoustic Rooster and His Barnyard Band” – Kwame Alexander (Author), Tim Bowers (Illustrator)
“Before There Was Mozart” – Lesa Cline-Ransome (Author), James Ransome (Illustrator)
“Heart and Soul” – Kadir Nelson (Author/Illustrator)
“White Water” – Michael S. Bandy (Author), Shadra Strickland (Illustrator)
“You Can Be A Friend” – Tony Dungy (Author), Ron Mazellan (Illustrator) – Winner

Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens
“Camo Girl” – Kekla Magoon
“Eliza’s Freedom Road: An Underground Railroad Diary” – Jerdine Nolan (Author), Sadra Strickland (Illustrator)
“Jesse Owens: I Always Loved Running” – Jeff Burlingame – Winner
“Kick” – Walter Dean
“Planet Middle School” – Nikki Grimes

The event sponsors were UAW/Chrysler, AARP, FedEx, Hyundai, Wells Fargo, Ford Motor Company, Walgreens, Bank of America, AT&T, American Airlines and Cadillac.

About The NAACP Image Awards:
The NAACP Image Awards is the premier multicultural awards show. It celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the
fields of television, music, literature and film, and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative
endeavors.  For all information and latest news, please visit the official NAACP Image Awards website at http://www.naacpimageawards.net

About NAACP:
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and
the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal
opportunity in the public and private sectors. For more information about the organization visit http://www.naacp.org/

Sources: The Lippin Group, NBCUniversal Media Village
Photo credit to: Trae Patton/NBC  & Rodrigo Vaz/Diversity News Magazine
Editor’s Note: Congratulations to all the winners and special thank you to Adeline Petty, The NAACP Management and Board of Directors, the Image Awards Committee, Jennifer Price-Keith, Gary Mednick, NBC Entertainment Publicity, NBC Universal, The Lippin Group, Rodrigo Vaz, The NAACP  Volunteers and every one involved. Important Notice: Diversity News Magazine and Diversity News TV are an official approved and register media outlets of NBCUniversal Media Village. Also our videos and photos will be published soon on a special coverage story, so come back for more. Thank you.

Sanaa Lathan and Anthony Mackie To Host ‏43rd Annual NAACP IMAGE AWARDS February 17th

Confirmed Talent Includes LL Cool J, Paula Patton, Cuba Gooding Jr., Vanessa Williams, Jordin Sparks, Corey Reynolds, Judge Greg Mathis, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Holly Robinson Peete, Regina King, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, Samuel L. Jackson, Cicely Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Archie Panjabi and Hill Harper with Performances by Lenny Kravitz, Jill Scott, Kirk Franklin and Ne-Yo and More. The Founding Members of the Black Stuntmen’s Association Will Receive the NAACP President’s Award.

An all-star line-up is set for the “43RD NAACP Image Awards,” broadcast live from Los Angeles’ historic Shrine Auditorium on Friday, February 17 (8-10 p.m. ET live/PT tape-delayed) on NBC.

The two-hour live special will be hosted by Sanaa Latham (“Contagion”) and Anthony Mackie (“Hurt Locker,” “Adjustment Bureau”). Some of the biggest names in film, television and music are schedule to appear including LL Cool J, Paula Patton, Cuba Gooding Jr., Vanessa Williams, Jordin Sparks, Corey Reynolds, Judge Greg Mathis, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier, Holly Robinson Peete, Regina King, Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, Samuel L. Jackson, Cicely Tyson, Diahann Carroll, Archie Panjabi and Hill Harper with performances by Lenny Kravitz, Jill Scott, Kirk Franklin, Ne-Yo and more.

In addition, the Founding Members of the Black Stuntmen’s Association will receive the NAACP President’s Award. The NAACP President’s Award, chosen by NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous, is bestowed in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service. Past honorees include President Bill Clinton, Soledad O’Brien, Ruby Dee, Muhammad Ali, and most recently, Van Jones.

“I am proud to honor the men and women of the Black Stuntmen’s Association with the NAACP President’s Award,” said Jealous. “The efforts of these pioneers helped to chip away at the racial barriers that divided not only stuntmen, but the entire entertainment/media industry.”

Founded in 1967, the Black Stuntmen’s Association was created to combat practices that denied black stuntmen the opportunity to perform in Hollywood productions. Prior to their advocacy and activism, stunts for black actors were done by white performers “painted down” to a darker complexion. The organization filed lawsuits against several major movie studios to help bring an end to the discriminatory practice and to ensure equal opportunity and access to the stunt roles for all races.

Members of the Black Stuntmen’s Association went on to redefine the profession, performing in iconic films and television programs such as “Dirty Harry,” “I Spy,” “Uptown Saturday Night” and “Buck and the Preacher.” Last year at the NAACP 102nd Annual Convention in Los Angeles, representatives of the Black Stuntmen’s Association participated in a panel discussion about the intersection of entertainment professionals and activism. (Watch the panel at http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/300734-2).

The Smithsonian Institute is currently planning to curate an exhibit to honor the Coalition and the Black Stuntmen’s Association in Washington, D.C.

As previously announced, The Vanguard Award will be presented to George Lucas and Radio One/TV One Founder Cathy Hughes will receive the NAACP Chairman’s Award.

The awards event is a production of Vicangelo Films. The executive producer is Vicangelo Bulluck.

Event sponsors include UAW/Chrysler, AARP, FedEx, Hyundai, Wells Fargo, Ford Motor Company, Walgreens, Bank of America, AT&T, American Airlines and Cadillac.

About The NAACP Image Awards:
The NAACP Image Awards is the premier multicultural awards show.  It celebrates the accomplishments of people of color in the fields of television, music, literature and film, and also honors individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.  For all information, please visit the official NAACP Image Awards website at http://www.naacpimageawards.net

About NAACP:
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors. For more information to join or become involved visit http://www.naacp.org/

Sources: The Lippin Group &  NBC Entertainment
Graphic credit to: http://www.nbcumv.com

Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine team will be covering live from the red carpet and newsroom the  ‏ 43rd Annual NAACP IMAGE AWARDS. Please come back again soon for more coverage.

GLAAD National Board of Directors Announces New Officers, Member

On Tuesday, February 14, 2012 The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today announced new officers and Kevin Oldis as a new member of the organization’s National Board of Directors. Michael Lammons will join Sheri Fults as Co-Chair of the National Board of Directors, John Stephens will serve as Treasurer, and Thom Reilly will serve as Secretary.

“With recent legal victories for LGBT people and public support for our community at an all-time high, GLAAD’s work to highlight the common ground and humanity that all Americans share is critical to continuing this momentum towards equality,” said Co-Chair Sheri Fults. “We could not do this culture-changing work without the dedication of our Board of Directors, staff, supporters and members across the country.”

Michael Lammons joins Fults as Co-Chair. Lammons is a Partner in the New York Office of PwC and a founding member of PwC’s LGBT Partner Advisory Board, which provides strategic guidance and support to PwC’s Office of Diversity in executing its LGBT workplace inclusion initiatives. He previously served as GLAAD’s treasurer since 2010.

John Stephens is a Partner in the Los Angeles office of Sedgwick LLP. He focuses his practice on media and entertainment litigation, intellectual property licensing and transactions, and specialty insurance coverage and litigation. Stephens previously served as the national Co-Chair of the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards. He is active in the American Bar Association currently serving as Chair of the Diversity Committee for the Tort Trial Insurance Practice Section and formerly served on the Steering Committee for the Service Members Legal Defense Network (SLDN).

Dr. Thom Reilly serves as Professor and Director for the San Diego State University School of Social Work. He also is President of The Reilly Group, a strategic consulting, marketing, and management firm. His upcoming book, “Rethinking Public Sector Compensation: What Ever Happened to the Public Interest?” (published by M.E. Sharpe, Inc.), will be released in May 2012.

Kevin Oldis joins the National Board of Directors while serving as Vice President, Human Resources for CBS Television Networks. In this role he supports the domestic business units of Showtime Networks Inc., CBS Sports, CBS Sports Network, CBS News, and CBS Television Networks. Previously, Oldis served as Vice President, Human Resources and HR Information Systems at Showtime Networks. He has volunteered as a pro bono Human Resources Consultant for GLAAD for over the past 11 years.  Oldis also serves as a Crisis Counselor for the Long Island Crisis Center. Oldis received a B.S. degree in Business Administration from Saint Francis College.

About GLAAD:
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org

Source: GLAAD & Graphic credit to: GLAAD

Grammy Awards Weekend For Free WeHo Protest Maxfield Two Hours Before Whitney Houston Dies

By JR, Special for Diversity News Magazine.

On Saturday, February 11, 2012, During the high-profile Grammy Awards weekend, and just 2 hours before Whitney Houston was found dead at age 48 at the Beverly Hills Hilton less than 2 miles away, a large mass of 150+ anti-fur protestors dressed in funeral clothing surrounded the trendy Maxfield boutique located at 8825 Melrose Avenue in the city of  West Hollywood, CA 90069.

Organized by Fur Free West Hollywood, which is spear-headed by Animal Alliance’s Ellen Lavinthal, the protest was publicized all over popular social websites including Facebook and Twitter. Lavinthal explained that she was given a personal promise from Maxfield owner Tommy Perse that the fur in his store would be removed early, however shortly after she left, the fur magically re-appeared. Lavinthal stated, “There were five fur coats in there yesterday. They broke their word, so we are here today to show them that we are watching.”

Hit recording artist Fawn commented, “If you’re going to continue to display and sell fur, after you’ve agreed to take it down, don’t lie about it! That shows a lack of integrity and if you lack integrity in your word, then what do the products you sell lack?”

Fawn said, “In this day and age, there are plenty of faux fur alternatives. Wearing real fur is cruel, pure vanity and ethically wrong.”

Agreeing with her, Lavinthal concluded, “We will be back for the Oscars, and every other major entertainment event thereafter until they keep their word.” 

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Last Chance For Animals undercover investigator Bryan Monell pointed out, “While Maxfield lied, more animals died,” a sentiment several protestors began to shout “While Maxfield Lies, They Die,” and “Maxfield Lied, They Died.” Other activists bellowed “Boycott Maxfield” and one participant yelled about dogs and cats being skinned alive in China for fur, as people walked by. One of those people happened to be virtuoso guitarist Nils Lofgren, best known for playing with Bruce Springsteen in the E Street Band, Crazy Horse and Grin.

All in all, it was a calm, civil and somber protest with participants wearing long faces, black veils and carrying gruesome signs with photos of animals skinned alive – an unfortunate reminder of what goes on in the fur industry. Animal rights activist Patty Shenker said, “It’s deplorable what is done to these sentient beings, and all for vanity! Only frigid women wear fur!”

A ‘funeral procession’ with protestors completely cloaked in black, holding black signs and wearing black veils traveled up and down the streets frequented by many celebrity clientele such as Mary Kate and Ashley Olson, Madonna, Johnny Depp, Prince, Adam Lambert and Faux-fur friendly Pamela Anderson.

West Hollywood is known for being a “city of compassion” with several historic laws passed, such as the recent decision of West Hollywood becoming the first Fur Free city in the United States (taking effect September 2013), the ban on the declawing of cats, the sale of animals in pet stores, and the distinct classification of pets no longer being “property” but being referred to as “companion animals.”

Among the protestors were Religious leaders Rabbi Jonathan Klein and Michael Mata, a minister with the National Evangelical Latino Organization. Klein and Mata are part of the ‘Faith Action for Animals’ and hope to bring faith and animal rights together for ethical reasons. Klein explained that up until the days of Noah, people were eating a “plant based” diet, quoting one of the 10 commandments, “though shalt not kill.” He continued, “All creation, all life is precious and valuable.” 

According to protest co-organizer Ed Buck, when the Fur Free West Hollywood campaign began last year, Maxfield which is known for it’s unusual, eclectic and extravagant merchandise, agreed to remove all fur items from their store, joining other West Hollywood stores that also volunteered to ‘take down early’ such as H, Lorenzo, The Pleasure Chest, and Zadig & Voltaire on Sunset Plaza.

Eleven years old Stella Lavinthal said, “Out of all the stores that agreed to remove their fur early, Maxfield was the only one that said they would and didn’t.  What’s up with that? They lied, so we’re here today to let them know that it’s not okay to lie.” 

Do you hear that Maxfield? It’s not okay to lie. Looks like the Fur Free West Hollywood has struck again.

Photos credit to: Last Change for Animals and FFD Images

Employment, Handgun, Gay Bullying, Privacy and More: State of California New Laws of 2012

State of CA List of New California Laws 2012:

Employment Credit Check Law
Employers can no longer request credit reports for Californians unless they are working or seeking work in a financial institution, law enforcement or the state Justice Department. 

The law also exempts anyone who
(1) has access to people’s bank or credit card account information, SSN number and date of birth,
(2) has access to an employer’s proprietary information or trade secrets, (3) signs a check, credit card, financial contract, or transfers money for an employer,
(4) has access to more than $10,000 cash, or (5) is a manager in ‘certain industries’.
Law effective January 1, 2012. 

California Handgun Open Carry Law 
Open-carry citizen handgun ban.  Supported by cops who cannot tell whether openly carried weapons are loaded or not.  Violators pay $1,000 plus 6 months in jail (misdemeanor). Gun rights advocates vow to carry rifles and shotguns instead.  Californians can still get permits forconcealed weapons.  Law effective January 1, 2012.

California Human Trafficking Law
Enforces mandatory disclosure of efforts that companies take to eradicate slavery and human trafficking from their entire supply chains.  Being watched as a prototype of future legislation in other states and nations.  Law effective January 1, 2012. 

California Gay Bullying Law (Seth’s Law)
Combats bullying of gay and lesbian students in public schools by requiring school districts to have a uniform process for dealing with gay bullying complaints. Mandates that school personnel intervene if they witness gay bullying.  Law effective July 1, 2012.

LGBT Equality and Equal Access in Higher Education Law
State universities and colleges must create and enforce campus policies protecting LGBTs from harassment and appoint employee contact persons to address on-campus LGBT matters. The law includes community colleges statewide.  Law effective 2012.

Domestic Partnership Equality Law
Corrects inequalities between domestic partnerships and heterosexual marriages, including domestic partner health benefits sharing.  Law effective 2012.

Protection of Parent-Child Relationships Law
Allows courts to consider the relationship between a child and a non-biological parent when considering child rights cases involving birth parents, adoptive parents, and gay or lesbian guardians.  Law effective 2012.

Transgender Non-Discrimination Law
Provides public accommodation and protection in education, housing and employment for gender identity and expression.  Law effective 2012.

Transgender Vital Statistics Law
Makes it easier for transgender Californians to get a court petition to change their gender on official documents.  Law effective 2012.

LGBT Equal Benefits Law
Requires an employer with a state contract worth more than $100,000 to have non-discrimination policies in place for LGBT workers and their partners.  Law effective 2012.

Judicial Applicant and Appointment Demographics Inclusion Law
Includes gender identity and sexual orientation of potential judges into the state’s Judicial Applicant Data Report to ensure that state courts are diverse.  Law effective 2012.

Gay Divorce Law
Provides that if a gay couple got married in California but lives in a state that won’t grant them a divorce, the California court will have jurisdiction to grant them a legal divorce. The case will be filed in the county where the gay couple got married.  Law effective January 1, 2012.

California Gay History Law
Governor Jerry Brown signed the Gay History Law, which mandates that school textbooks and social studies include gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender accomplishments.  Law effective January 1, 2012. 

Internet Sales Tax
Governor Brown signed into law that out-of-state Internet retailers must collect California sales tax on transactions if the retailer has a presence in the state.  Law effective Summer 2012.

California Renters Right to Recycling Law
Apartment building landlords will have to start providing recycling services for 7 million California tenants.  Law effective 2012.  Read “California Renters Recycling Law”.

California Reader Privacy Law
Government and third-party snoops can no longer gather information on Internet users’ reading, book shopping or ebook using habits without a legal court order.  Read “California Reader Privacy Law”.

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