Chris Kelly, one half of the ’90s rap duo Kris Kross, has died of a possible drug overdose, Georgia authorities said.

Kelly, 34, was pronounced dead Wednesday night at the Atlanta Medical Center, Clint Harbin, an investigator with the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, told ABC News Radio.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death and an autopsy is expected to be performed later today.

“It appears it may have been a possible drug overdose,” said Cpl. Kay Lester, a spokeswoman for the Fulton County police, according to The Associated Press.

Kelly (known as “Mac Daddy”), along with Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith, the backward-pants-wearing mini-rappers, rose to fame with their song “Jump” from their 1992 album, “Totally Krossed Out.”

“Jump” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained there for eight weeks.

Kelly and Smith were discovered by music producer and rapper Jermaine Dupri in an Atlanta mall. Kelly was 13 when “Totally Krossed Out” was released. The album went on to multiplatinum status thanks to “Jump,” which remained a popular song throughout 1992.

They toured with Michael Jackson later that year during his “Dangerous World Tour. 

Their gimmick of wearing clothes backward won over legions of fans and allowed the duo to cross over into mainstream success. They even went on to release their own video game titled “Kris Kross: Make My Video” for the Sega CD console.

They released “Da Bomb” in 1993, which failed to match the success of their prior album. One of the singles off the album, also titled “Da Bomb,” featured female rapper Da Brat.

The group’s last album, “Young, Rich & Dangerous,” was released in 1996 and reached gold status.

Earlier this year, the group performed together in Atlanta to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Dupri’s label, So So Def.

“He actually was still working on music and recording,” said Yahoo music writer Billy Johnson Jr., who interviewed Kelly in February.

“He said he had several hundred songs that he had recorded and he had mentioned that during his time away from releasing music that he had actually gone back to school to learn how to be a studio engineer,” Johnson said, according to ABC News Radio.

Johnson also discussed questions about Kelly’s health after pictures surfaced online with patches of his hair missing.

“I asked him about that and he said he had skin disease called alopecia and he said that those rumors had been very hurtful because people thought he had cancer and it wasn’t true,” Johnson said.

Rapper LL Cool J tweeted a link to his new song, “Jump on It,” and dedicated it to Kelly.

“R.I.P Chris Kelly. This song is now officially dedicated to you. May GOD embrace your soul & lift up your family,” he tweeted.”

Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons and Da Brat also both tweeted condolences overnight.

Credit to: ABC News’ Jason Nathanson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/chris-kelly-rap-duo-kris-kross-dead-34/story?id=19088458

Remarks provided by the White House Press Office

THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon, everybody. Earlier today, I was briefed by my homeland security team on the events in Boston. We’re continuing to monitor and respond to the situation as it unfolds. And I’ve directed the full resources of the federal government to help state and local authorities protect our people, increase security around the United States as necessary, and investigate what happened.

The American people will say a prayer for Boston tonight. And Michelle and I send our deepest thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims in the wake of this senseless loss.

We don’t yet have all the answers. But we do know that multiple people have been wounded, some gravely, in explosions at the Boston Marathon.

I’ve spoken to FBI Director Mueller and Secretary of Homeland Security Napolitano, and they’re mobilizing the appropriate resources to investigate and to respond.

I’ve updated leaders of Congress in both parties, and we reaffirmed that on days like this there are no Republicans or Democrats — we are Americans, united in concern for our fellow citizens.

I’ve also spoken with Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino, and made it clear that they have every single federal resource necessary to care for the victims and counsel the families. And above all, I made clear to them that all Americans stand with the people of Boston.

Boston police, firefighters, and first responders as well as the National Guard responded heroically, and continue to do so as we speak. It’s a reminder that so many Americans serve and sacrifice on our behalf every single day, without regard to their own safety, in dangerous and difficult circumstances. And we salute all those who assisted in responding so quickly and professionally to this tragedy.

We still do not know who did this or why. And people shouldn’t jump to conclusions before we have all the facts. But make no mistake — we will get to the bottom of this. And we will find out who did this; we’ll find out why they did this. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice.

Today is a holiday in Massachusetts — Patriots’ Day. It’s a day that celebrates the free and fiercely independent spirit that this great American city of Boston has reflected from the earliest days of our nation. And it’s a day that draws the world to Boston’s streets in a spirit of friendly competition. Boston is a tough and resilient town. So are its people. I’m supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other, and move forward as one proud city. And as they do, the American people will be with them every single step of the way.

You should anticipate that as we get more information, our teams will provide you briefings. We’re still in the investigation stage at this point. But I just want to reiterate we will find out who did this and we will hold them accountable.

Thank you very much.

Credit to: http://swampland.time.com/2013/04/15/president-obama-remarks-on-the-boston-marathon-tragedy-transcript/#ixzz2QeMRSCcZ

Mike Groll/ASSOCIATED PRESS<
Sen. Malcolm Smith, D-Queens, was busted for a bribery scheme connected to the 2013 mayoral election on Tuesday.

Smith and Halloran were arrested on charges they schemed to rig the 2013 mayoral election by buying Smith a spot on the GOP ballot. Agents were also rounding up 4 others, including GOP party leaders. Some of the payments were made, but Smith never actually jumped into the race.

The FBI busted Democratic state Sen. Malcolm Smith of Queens and City Councilman Dan Halloran Tuesday on charges they tried to buy Smith a spot on the Republican ballot in the 2013 mayoral election, sources said.

Agents were also rounding up four suspects, including Bronx Republican Chairman Jay Savino and Queens GOP vice chairman Vincent Tabone, who were to receive bribes in exchange for backing Smith when he switched sides last year in a never-realized run for City Hall.

Non-Republican candidates need the backing of three of the five borough party leaders to get access to a GOP ballot line. Smith’s name was circulated as a potential candidate, but he never actually jumped into the race.

Halloran, a Republican council member from Queens, is charged with acting as liaison in arranging the bribes, which were to be hidden in consultant’s contracts, sources said. At least some of the payments were made, they said.

Smith was picked up by agents early Tuesday at his Queens home.

A 28-page complaint unsealed this morning detailed the sting operation: An undercover FBI agent posing as a wealthy real estate mogul acted as a facilitator among the politicians and the county leaders, recording hours of conversation between November and last week.

Halloran was to receive $20,500 while Tabone and Savino received $40,000 in bribes with a promise of $40,000 more.

At meetings in hotels in White Plains and Manhattan and in Queens restaurants, Halloran promised to win support for Smith from Savino and Tabone. Smith actively participated in multiple conversations and spoke openly about bribing county leaders, the complaint says.

In one conversation with a confidential witness, Halloran discussed getting the witness’ friend a job in an autism program funded with council money.

The witness was promising to raise money for Halloran’s losing congressional campaign.

“That’s politics. It’s all about how much,” Halloran responded. “That’s our politicians in New York. They’re all like that, all like that. And they get like that because of the drives that the money does for everything else. You can’t do anything without the f—— money.”

The witness then paid Halloran $7,500 in cash, causing the Queens politician to say, “Money is what greases the wheels — good, bad or indifferent.”

In another conversation, the undercover agent told Smith it would cost “a pretty penny” to bribe the GOP leaders and asked Smith if it was worth it. Smith responded, “It’s worth it. You know this is a pretty big deal,” according to the complaint.

Smith also promised to fund one of the bogus developer’s projects with taxpayer money and made clear he wanted to use the real estate developer as cover stating, “You’re the house. I’m the tenant.”

The bribes were to be disguised as legal payments doled out in increments of $10,000 or less.

At a January meeting in his Albany office with the undercover agent and an unnamed cooperating witness, Smith worried that the county leaders were holding up support because they wanted more money. He told the undercover agent not to give “even a nickel more” to one leader unless he “stands on the Empire State Building and drops every person he endorsed and held Malcolm up and says, ‘He’s the best since sliced bread. In fact, he’s better than sliced bread.’”

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara was scheduled to hold a news conference in Manhattan. All six defendants were scheduled to be presented in White Plains Federal Court later in the day.

The charges mark a tremendous fall from grace for Smith, who for a time was president pro tem of the state Senate when Democrats briefly held the chamber’s leadership in Albany.

By Greg B. Smith / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Credit to: http://www.nydailynews.com

Zane M. Massey was born in Kingston, New York to an African-American mother and a Jewish father. He lived there until the age of two with his grandmother while his mother was stationed in Mississippi with the U.S. Air Force. When she returned from active duty, young Zane moved to Harlem, New York.

At the age of nine, Zane exhibited an interest in earning his own money while working his first job as a fruit salesman on the back of a local food truck in Harlem. From that point on, he realized that in order to become a highly successful executive or business mogul, you had to have a passion for learning, an interest in entrepreneurship, and most importantly – an education. Outlets such as work provided Zane a welcomed distraction from his often chaotic home life, where he moved frequently as his mother battled unemployment and drug addiction in order to provide a stable environment.

Zane’s academic and athletic talents led him to Xavier High School in New York City. At Xavier, he excelled in academics as well as in athletics, playing on the varsity basketball team. After high school, Zane attended Clark Atlanta University, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. While at CAU, he was initiated into Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, a Greek organization exemplifying the ideals of Brotherhood, Scholarship and Service while taking an inclusive perspective to serving the community through its various programs. After graduation, Zane returned to Harlem where he applied for and received a fellowship through Fordham University to teach English and mathematics to seventh and eighth graders.

In 2001, Zane received an offer of employment from global insurance company Marsh & McLennan. One of the toughest decisions he had to make was to leave the education profession but he realized that he could not pass up the chance to improve his financial situation while learning invaluable business skills. He accepted Marsh’s offer, working within their Investor Relations department. While at Marsh, Zane obtained a Master’s Degree in Finance from Fordham University’s Executive MBA Program. After parting ways with Marsh, he went on to hold several finance positions with healthcare companies, namely Becton Dickinson and Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics.

Outside of Corporate America, Zane aspires to educate the youth about access to various professions while promoting the emotional development of the youth through his first book, entitled “Beyond the Statistics.” He hopes to continue in the footsteps of strong community leaders in their efforts to foster the intellectual, moral and spiritual well-being of inner city youth.

Q & A with Zane Massey

BS: What inspired you to pursue a career in Finance?  Where did your interest in serving the community and its youths initiate?

Zane Massey: I actually think Finance picked me in a sense. While attending Clark Atlanta University, I knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I actually majored in Marketing, because tapping into the mind of the consumer really interested me. I wanted to learn the psychology of business and why people buy what they buy. Finance, however, is something that I view as necessary.

While it is important to understand how the customer thinks, it is just as crucial to be able to measure profitability or how valuable your company is. If you are doing business and not making any money, then it doesn’t make since. Finance is necessary in every business in any industry. It was all about being well-rounded for me.

My interest in serving the community came about, because I am a product of the community. I am from Harlem, NY and I was considered an “at risk” youth, when I was growing up in the 80’s and 90’s. While the demographics of my community has changed over the last decade, young African-American and Latino men and women born in my community are still particularly underserved.

Yes, it is true that there are more economic resources and general information on jobs, health, and other programs available, but there is a genuine lack of more established people taking a vested interest in our youth. These young men and women are deemed the “lost generation”, but what some people fail to understand is that some of these young people have a lot to offer and can be “saved.”

Personally, if I can help any young person out, I will do it, because once upon a time, I was one bad decision away from jail, drugs, or death.

BS: How important is education to you?  How much of a role did education have in your success?

Zane Massey: Education is of the utmost importance! Carter G. Woodson, one of the most important civil rights figures in black history, had a saying in his book “The Mis-Education of the Negro”, that stuck with me.. He said, “every man has two educators: ‘that which is given to him, and the other that which he gives himself.”

Woodson said that the latter was more important.  This education that man gives himself will teach him (or her) to live a more purposeful life. You can learn this through independent study, exploring the world, following a dream – this is all an education that will allow you to be the best person you can be.  Also of importance, by today’s standards, is receiving a formal education through higher education. There are some brilliant people who are billionaires that never went to or completed college. However, these are very exceptional and blessed people. For most people, I believe that you can use a formal education as a platform to educate yourself in order to be successful on your own terms.

For me, formal education – receiving my undergraduate degree and MBA – is helping build my dream of achieving financial freedom. The salary I make as a bi-product of formal education has essentially provided me the seed money to write a book, start a publishing company, go into business with my family (ZionsEssentials.com – I had to plug it). So for me, I needed both types of education and they both are serving me well.

BS: What were 3 of the most important lessons that you have learned over the history of your career?

Zane Massey:

1. 1.    People respect your integrity more that your intellect.
2. 2.    At the end of the day, it is important to maintain your dignity, no matter what professional obstacles you have thrown your way. Always be respectful and always command respect.
3. 3.    It’s always better to be a good listener as opposed to a good talker. The more you listen, the more you understand what people are really thinking. This can help you understand people and their true motives. Tapping into this aspect of listening will also allow you to tap into ways that you can improve your performance.

BS: What motivates you in difficult times?

Zane Massey: Having a wife and family to help support is my biggest motivator. Knowing that they always “have my back” really inspires me to do my personal best for them. Also, I really want to help people – I really care. So at the end of the day, if I can help someone to be better – even if it’s just baby steps – then that motivates me. Being impactful is motivation!

BS: What are your thoughts on mentoring?  Did it have any impact on your life?

Zane Massey: Mentoring is a vital component to our community and who I am as a person. My personal motto is “You never know who you are to someone else.” Some people think you have to be famous or affluent to mentor. That’s ridiculous! My 5^th grade teacher was one of my greatest mentors. He made a difference in helping me to understand how valuable I am as a person. What if he was only concerned with receiving his paycheck and maintaining the status quo? I’m so thankful for this man, who was just a “regular guy” from Harlem. If it wasn’t for him putting in the time with me with schoolwork, sports, and just being there for me – I would not be here today!

BS: What did you enjoy most about your teaching opportunity through Fordham University, teaching 7th and 8th graders?

Zane Massey: I enjoyed being able to connect with some of my students. I think teaching is one of the most important professions in the world. The real teachers out there really don’t get enough credit. When I say real, I mean the ones who take a vested interest in our youth. These are the teachers that tell stories of overcoming their own obstacles, expanding lessons beyond the basic curriculum. These are the teachers that stay afterschool to work with their students even though they aren’t getting paid for it.  Some of my former students are in their twenties and when I see them in the street, they remember me as “Mr. Massey”. It still bugs me out when I hear someone calling me that! Being a young teacher at the time helped me to gain respect with many of the 7^th and 8^th graders. They saw me as “one of them”. To be honest, I really am one of them. I’m cut from the same cloth as them.

BS: Describe your journey leading that lead to you writing your 1st book, “Beyond the Statistics”.

Zane Massey: I tell this story all of the time. I was at work, sitting at my desk several years ago and it was like a message from a higher power just hit me! Sitting there, I began to reflect on all the bullets that I had dodged as a young man. I can go back to my old neighborhood and most of the guys I used to play basketball and hang out with are no longer there. Sure, some of those guys are doing well and providing for themselves and their families, but the majority of them died as a result of the drug game or AIDS/HIV. The rest of them are in jail.

I began to think about why I “made it” and why they didn’t. First of all, I had had faith. I wasn’t in Church every Sunday, but I had a mother and grandmother who made sure I had a decent spiritual base. Next, I chose to hang out with people that were doing positive things, like playing sports and getting good grades. That was very important. So I thought that writing a book about some of these experiences, while incorporating some of my closest friends, was a great way to potentially inspire our youth through the written word.

BS: Was there ever a time when you felt defeated?  How did you cope with that feeling?

Zane Massey: I wouldn’t say defeated. I honestly felt more “delayed” than defeated. From the time I was able to think and rationalize, I strongly believed that I had a purpose. There are times I feel that things aren’t happening fast enough or at the speed I would like them to, but in the end, I know it’s going to happen. Everything happens when it’s supposed to.

When I feel delayed, I just take a deep breath and smile. Then I say to myself, “It will happen when it’s supposed to.” In the meantime, I try my best to put positive thoughts and feelings out into the world. The power of thought and pure consciousness are very real.  Whatever you put out, you will get back.

BS: Why do you have such a passion for Education and Finance?

Zane Massey: I have more passion for knowledge.  As one of my good friends, Dr. Kwame Ohemeng reminded me, knowledge is the only thing in this world that is portable. Your house or apartment can get burned down. You can lose your wallet or have your car stolen. Whatever you commit to learning, no one can take that away from you.

BS: What is the secret to your success?

Zane Massey: Honestly, I just try to be the best “me” that I can be, that’s all. I don’t worry about what I can’t change. Help yourself, help others. It’s just that simple.

JOHANNESBURG — Former South African President Nelson Mandela is making “steady progress,” according to a statement from the office of President Jacob Zuma.

Friday’s statement came two days after Mandela, aged 94, was hospitalized with a lung infection. It said he was in good spirits and enjoyed a full breakfast Friday morning.

On Thursday, Zuma said that Mandela is doing “very well,” adding in an interview with the BBC that South Africans “must not panic.”

But Mandela has been plagued with frequent health problems over the past few years, prompting growing concerns for the frail anti-apartheid leader.

He was hospitalized in 2011 and 2012, including a nearly three-week stay in hospital in December with both gallstones and lung problems. Those problems date back to his 27-year-long imprisonment on Robben Island, where he was diagnosed with tuberculosis near the end of his prison time for opposing white minority rule.

While the country is hoping for the best, Johannesburg resident Zizi Dhlamini said South Africans fear losing a wise elder

“It’s sad for the country because it is always a nice thing to know that Dada is alive and he is there, even though he’s ailing,” said Dhlamini. “We always want to have them around for wisdom. We cherish their presence.”

South Africans feel a familial connection to the country’s first black president, she said.

“Mandela is like a father to all of us, a grandfather to our children, a sister or a brother to our grandparents. So I mean he has been touching everyone’s life,” said Dhlamini. “Having him, I mean to say, is like we have a diamond. But he’s ailing in health. So it’s a sad period or season for South Africans, because we are so attached to him.”

President Barack Obama, who met with African leaders Thursday, spoke with concern for the Nobel laureate.

“Well, obviously we’re all deeply concerned with Nelson Mandela’s health,” said Obama. “He’s a hero I think to all of us. I’m sure that I speak for the other leaders here. And we will be keeping him in our thoughts and prayers, and his entire family. He is as strong physically as he’s been in character and in leadership over so many decades, and hopefully he will come out of this latest challenge.”

Elsa Fogang, of Johannesburg, said Mandela is on her mind.

“It’s more worrying than in the past because he’s quite older now,” Fogang said. “I think it’s only natural, because he’s been through a lot, going to prison… It’s bad because he’s like a symbol for this country and everybody looks up to him and all of that.”

Fogang was off to a Good Friday service. And like many South Africans heading into the holy Christian weekend, she said she will be praying for Madiba.

Written by: Peter Cox

Credit to: voanews.com

http://www.voanews.com/content/zuma-mandeal-doing-very-well/1630915.html

Looks like someone’s been taking cues from Justin Bieber.

Rihanna was more than four hours late to an appearance at a suburban Chicago high school on Friday … without a word to explain her extreme tardiness.

Although the event was set to begin at 1 p.m., the 2500 teens sat crammed inside Barrington High School’s gymnasium until the “Stay” singer made her grand entrance well after the clock struck 5 p.m. (Around 4:22 p.m., she tweeted that she was stuck in traffic.)

When she finally did show, Rihanna told the kids – winners of a video contest she sponsored – simply “Thank you guys for coming and waiting.” She then said some words of gratitude for their charity work, posed for a few photos, and then 16 minutes later, she was back out the door.

Although Rihanna may not have told the kids herself that she was sorry, Principal Steve McWilliams did say that the pop star had called him earlier in the day to apologize for initially planning to come an hour late at 2 p.m. … but clearly she didn’t make it anywhere near that time either.

Despite Rihanna’s rudeness, her young fans were forgiving and reportedly greeted her with ear-piercing shrieks. Still, others weren’t quite convinced. During their four hours of downtime, some constructed signs, like one that read: “90% of life is just showing up! We’re talking to you, Rihanna!”

Others expressed their frustration verbally. Patricia Halle, a junior, told the Chicago Tribune, “It’s one thing to be fashionably late. This is just rude. Our lives don’t revolve around a pop star. Our school worked hard to win this. She should be more respectful.”

Rihanna, 23, did manage to win back some fans though when she gave the school‘s principal tickets to her Chicago concert that night.

Let’s hope she didn’t keep her fans at the United Center waiting as long!

Credit to: OMG! From Yahoo

http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/celeb-news/rihanna-keeps-kids-waiting-over-four-hours-school-223422656.html

“United For The Fight of Lupus”

The Butterfly Walkers for the Alliance of Hope for Lupus are dedicated to helping find a cure for “the silent killer” Lupus, which predominantly affects women of African descent. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. We strive to achieve this goal by educating people about leading healthy lifestyles through exercise and proper nutrition.  The organization’s vision is to make a difference in the lives of People/Africans living with Lupus. By raising Lupus awareness, we hope to make known the dangers of this terrible ailment. To fight against this disease, we intend to provide the general public with the information and skills needed to diagnose and treat Lupus properly. We want to show individuals living with Lupus that they can live a productive life. Our goals can only be achieved through public awareness in schools, the media, and your support.

Mission

•  Promote Health Awareness of Lupus to Africans
•  Education on dealing with autoimmune disease (My Life Story With Lupus)
•  Provide Health & Nutrition Education
•  Target schools, hospitals and women’s groups
•  Get specialists to give educational talks to doctors and patient families
•  To put pressure on local and national health authorities to treat Lupus diseases with the       `
seriousness deserved in the national health care delivery system
•  Advocate for subsidized long-term drug treatment for those who can’t afford it.

Vision
•  To improve the life of Africans living with Lupus
•  To help reduce pre-mature death due to Lupus
•  To provide importance resources (medicine, rheumatologist, dermatologist and etc)
•  Fund research for treatments in hopes to finding a cure

(Reuters) – Florida Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll abruptly resigned because an Internet cafe company she once consulted for has been linked to illegal gambling, state officials said on Wednesday.

Carroll sent a brief note to Governor Rick Scott on Tuesday tendering her resignation and saying, “It has been an honor to have served the State of Florida in this capacity.”

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) scheduled an afternoon news conference in Orlando to discuss an investigation involving Allied Veterans of the World, a nonprofit organization that runs Internet cafes.

Carroll once owned a public relations firm that represented the organization and worked for the group during some of the seven years she served in the Florida House of Representatives.

The governor’s chief of staff, Adam Hollingsworth, said arrests were made on Tuesday in connection with racketeering and money laundering charges involving Allied Veterans of the World.

He said Carroll had been interviewed by the FDLE regarding her work with the firm and had resigned “in an effort to keep her former affiliations with the company from distracting from the administration’s important work on behalf of Florida families. She made the right decision for the state and her family.”

Carroll, a Republican, was the highest-ranking woman in state government and the first black official elected statewide.

She took office as lieutenant governor in January 2011 and focused on aerospace job development and working with military contractors to increase economic activity of the armed forces in Florida.

She is a former Navy officer and previously was executive director of Florida’s Department of Veterans Affairs.

Internet cafes, which normally sell online access, have been controversial for several years. Many sheriffs and state legislators have tried to eliminate them, calling them fronts for casino gambling.

(This story has been corrected to fix year Carroll took office in paragraph eight, 2011 instead of 2009)

(Writing by Jane Sutton,; editing by John Wallace)

Credit to:   http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/13/us-usa-florida-lieutenantgovernor-idUSBRE92C0M320130313

  African Diaspora World Tourism Awards and Travel Expo

 Dignitaries, notables, professionals and culture and travel enthusiast of African descent set to descend on Atlanta!

      African Diaspora World Tourism Awards & Travel Show Expo in Atlanta, Ga. (USA) on April 26-28, 2013. The three-day event will also include a Travel Show Expo, an Africana Culture Performances Extravaganza, a Hall of Fame luncheon and Visit Africa and Caribbean luncheons, in addition to the awards ceremony. The event is being presented by AfricanDiasporaTourism.com in association with the AD King Foundation.

       The official gala awards ceremony recognizing people who have made unique and significant contributions in the fields of black culture and heritage tourism will take place at the Atlanta Airport Marriott on Saturday April 27^th beginning with a reception at 6 pm. Noted broadcast journalist Monica Kaufman Pearson is host for the awards gala.

       The African Diaspora World Tourism Awards ceremony will recognize professionals for outstanding services as tour operators, travel planners, culture and heritage scholars, tourism ministers and CEO’S, and other professionals in travel. We will pay tribute to politicians, government officials, and people of all races who have contributed to the development and promotion of culture and heritage tourism in the places of the African Diaspora worldwide. Awards will also be given to destinations, historic sites, organizations, institutions and corporations.

        In addition to giving out awards at the ceremony, AfricanDiasporaTourism.com will honour 100 leaders in the ‘Hall of Fame’ who have made legendary contributions to the field of black culture and heritage in such a way as to significantly influence tourism. These include notables like Congressman John Lewis, Mr. And Ms. Muhammad Ali, Ms. Coretta King, Danny Glover, Dr. Julius Garvey, Dr. Asa Hilliard, Bob and Rita Marley, former Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade,  former Ambassador Andy Young, Tavis Smiley, Dr. Maulana Karenga, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Dr. Jean Ping and many others from around the world.  The Hall of Fame luncheon honoring these legends will be earlier that day at noon.

        On Friday the day before, there will be a “Visit Africa” Luncheon at noon where destinations from the Motherland will provide information about touring their countries. The Africana Extravaganza, consisting of cultural performances, artistic exhibits and Diasporic cuisines will happen that evening at 7 PM. The Travel Show Expo, which will take place on both Friday and Saturday, will allow tourism destinations, corporations and vendors of the hospitality industry to showcase and promote their products. The Caribbean Brunch, where you can learn about visiting islands of the Caribbean will take place on Sunday morning right before the wrap-up meeting to adjourn.

         ADT publications editor Kitty J. Pope, who is the founder/ director and producer of this event, says that an award ceremony of this type is needed because we have shining stars who have worked hard to push forth agendas related to black culture and heritage tourism.  “There is the annual World Travel Awards that is the ‘Oscars’ of the travel industry; but because of its uniqueness, I feel that a separate, special event is needed for the culture and heritage contributions of people of African descent,” says Pope.    

      Dr. Babs Onabanjo, co-founder and CEO of the AD King Foundation, is the executive producer of this event who says that he is glad to help present an event that will bring people from Africa and people of African descent from around the world together. “Dignitaries, notables, travel industry experts and professionals will be able to come together for all types of networking opportunities.”

      “The awards ceremony is dedicated to the late great Marcus Garvey and we are happy to announce that his son Dr. Julius Garvey will participate as a presenter,” says Pope. “The Africana Extravaganza and the Travel Show Expo was added on to this event because of the overwhelming response from people around the world. “Destinations, especially African countries, wanted to be a part of this, and cultural performers and artists also wanted to participate. So we have made this into a three-day event”, says Pope.

        “The Travel Show Expo is the first of its kind to place emphasis on black heritage sites and trails worldwide in order to increase visitation and tourism.” Our Africana Extravaganza will be hosted by acclaimed artist and sculptor Donald Brown from Great Britain, and it will be headlined by Ron Bobb- Semple, who will do a re-enactment of Marcus Garvey, and Bob Marley’s granddaughter Donisha will do spoken word.

         “This will be a most historical and exciting three-day event because we are bringing all things related to black cultural and heritage tourism under one roof,” says Pope.

      For registration and more information, visit www.ADWT-Awards.com. Discounted tables are available for special seating at the Awards Ceremony for organizations, associations and corporations. Travel Show Expo booths are available for businesses and vendors. You may also call (404) 549-7215 or (404) 784-4095 for details.

 Contact: Raychelle LeBlanc shenotespublicity@gmail.com 

 House of Ming Launches Crowd Funding Campaign for “My First Loves”

Dominga Martin and Monty Ross Pair up for a Romantic Comedy

New York, NY Feb. 25, 2013 — Today, Dominga Martin and House of Ming Productions launched her crowd-funding campaign on the funding site IndieGoGo.com to support the production of the romantic comedy “My First Loves”. A member of New York Women in Film and Television, Martin’s 40-day IndieGoGo campaign (IndieGoGo.com/myfirstloves) will provide supporters the opportunity to contribute online at any level and ultimately receive recognition within the film’s credits.

Writer and director Dominga Martin has aligned twenty-year production vet Monty Ross as the feature film’s Producer. Ross received numerous credits as Producer on Spike Lee’s acclaimed films from “She’s Gotta Have it” and “Do The Right Thing” to “Malcolm X”.

Dominga says, “I’m very excited to direct my first feature film and share my perspective in cinema.  I had a lot of fun writing “My First Loves” It is a story that is inspired by my LOVE for love stories and classic cinema. It is the first film in a long line up of movies that will be produced by my film company House of Ming and partnership with Monty Ross.”

She goes on to say, “Monty Ross read my very first feature film I’ve ever written.  I’m thrilled that he’s on board to produce this film, considering the work he’s produced with Spike Lee at 40 Acres are some of my biggest inspirations.  Together, we will capture the essence of the golden age of cinema with a remix.”

All donations are tax-deducible through our fiscal sponsor New York Women In Film & Television (NYWIFT). The fund-raising efforts are anchored by social media, the national host committee and New York Women In Film & Television.  There will be off-line and on-line events (Twitter Party sponsored by IndieGoGo, Google Hangouts) etc to raise awareness and funding for “My First Loves”. To promote the campaign, Martin will appear at events in New York City.  February 22-25th at the New MIST Theater is Harlem. On February 27th, a special screening of YELLOW at Brooklyn Terrace and a visit to her alma mater High School (East Boston High) to participate in a talk back for the kick off of her “Movies & Millennials” series, as part of her community give back encouraging teens and college students to follow their dreams.

Regarding the campaign, Ms. Martin states, “My First Loves” is a love story for a sexy new generation.  It is cross-cultural.  It’s a film that is already garnering a diverse audience and has been endorsed by some of the world’s most inspiring influencers.  Together we understand that it takes a village to make a movie these days.  I’m very honored to have the support of my peers in the entertainment industry.”

“My First Loves” is scheduled to begin production Summer 2013 in Atlanta, GA and New York City and is hopeful to take advantage of each state’s Entertainment Investment Acts as well as support New York City’s Made In NY Reel Jobs opportunities to employ locally.

About House of Ming

Dominga Martin is an online publisher, writer, director of short films and music videos received (rave) reviews in 2008 after the screening of “YELLOW” at BAM.  The following year, a documentary she produced on immigration was invited to screen at the United Nations to open the 11th Annual African American Women in Cinema Festival.  YELLOW is currently featured as part of the Creatively Speaking Series celebrating “Love Stories in Black & Brown” at the New MIST Theater in Harlem. Over the last 10 years, Martin has had published articles in Essence, Vibe, Blackfilm.com, Glam.com, Upscale in addition to her co-owned online magazine Crème Magazine.

“My First Loves” fundraiser campaign ends April 4th, 2013.  To learn more visit:

www.houseofmingproductions.com or the campaign link at http://igg.me/at/myfirstloves.

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Campaign Pitch Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=l3Y6S3LAnis

My First Loves 

https://www.facebook.com/MyFirstLovesMovie

Hi, my name is Dominga Martin and I’m a writer/director who lives in Brooklyn, NY (originally from Boston). “MY FIRST LOVES” is my first feature film. I’ve been directing since 2001 after launching my boutique motion picture company House of Ming. I’ve directed short films, a documentary on immigration that was invited to screen at the United Nations and a few music videos.  

My most successful music video is for GRAMMY Nominated artists The FLOCAIST and Musiq Soulchild which has been seen on all major video channels including VH-1, MTV Hive & BET. I’m very active in New York’s creative scene, my friends are diverse and life has been very exciting creatively for me. My short film YELLOW recently screened at the new MIST Theater in Harlem, celebrating love stories.  I was recently featured in a photo exhibit (Her Word As Witness: Women Writers of the African Diaspora) which celebrated the world’s most critically acclaimed writers including Sonia Sanchez, Edwidge Danticat and Esperanza Spalding.  The exhibit is currently traveling and has run at New York University.  

I am also a journalist and publish my very own lifestyle online publication Crème Magazine.  Additionally, I’ve free-lanced for some really amazing publications such as ESSENCE, VIBE, GLAM.com, Blackfilm.com and many others. I’ve interviewed lots of celebrities, such as: Tom Cruise, Jay-Z, Diddy, Mary J. Blige, Spike Lee, Jada Pinkett, Tyler Perry, Angelina Jolie, Matt Damon, Robert DeNiro, Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, Russell Simmons and the list goes on and on and on…

I absolutely love journalism, however, making a feature film is my biggest DREAM! 

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