Jeff Friday set to develop a program titled "NFL Pro Hollywood Boot Camp" for the NFL
By Florence Anthony
According to reports, the Harris Family went above and beyond this holiday season. Instead of handing out a few toys and donating a few turkeys, T.I. and his crew put on a mini Broadway production for children in Atlanta, Georgia. T.I., his wife, Tameka (Tiny) and their children dressed up like Shrek characters to spread holiday cheer. Before the K.I.N.G. Foundation handed out toys and clothes to needy kids, the rapper, turned reality TV star and his entire family acted out a play created by T.I.'s 11 year-old son, Messai, who was also responsible for the costumes.
Three years ago, Jeff Friday, Founder/CEO of Film Life, Inc., launched The Pro Hollywood Initiative at the American Black Film Festival. Friday's program was so impressive and ground-breaking, that it gained the attention of the NFL. Jeff will now develop a similar program titled "NFL Pro Hollywood Boot Camp" specifically for the NFL. 20 current and former players will take part in the first-ever NFL Pro Hollywood Boot Camp at Universal Studios from April 2-5, 2012 at Universal Studios in Universal City, California. The program is being directed by NFL Player Engagement and Film Life, Inc.
Join Cadillac and Yours Truly on Thursday, December 29 for LEJ Records R&B Powerhouse Natasha C. Coward's Holiday Finale Concert. The fun takes place at Native Restaurant on Lenox Avenue and 118th Street in Harlem, New York City, at 9 PM. Natasha will be singing hits from her new CD "No Warning Signs, " along with Christmas Classics. Handsome crooner Bert Clarke will open for Natasha with his original holiday tune "Merry Christmas" and the powerful hit "All Over The World." No cover and appetizers.
This is it. 2011 is coming to a close. We said farewell to my dear friends Butch Lewis, Nick Ashford, Joe Frazier and Heavy D. We also lost Steve Jobs, comedian Patric Neal and Elizabeth Taylor. Niecy Nash and Electrical Engineer Jay Tucker tied the knot and her best friend "The View's" Sherri Shepherd and Lamar Sally also got married... Celebrities who had babies included Laila Ali; who gave birth to her second child, a daughter, Sydney, and, Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon had twins, Moroccan and Monroe. As for break-ups, Kim Kardashian filed for divorce from Kris Humphries after 72 days. Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony called it quits and Derek Jeter and his girlfriend of three years, ended their relationship. May God bring everyone favor in 2012. Happy New Year..
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"NCIS:LA" star LL Cool J was in Dallas on April 28 to support his wife, Simone, as she presented a trunk show for her jewelry line, Simone I. Smith, at Neiman Marcus at the Northpark Mall. Her collection includes hoop earrings, cuff bracelets and gorgeous lollipop charms called "A Sweet Touch of Hope."
On April 22, Nicole Ari Parker, best known as Teri Joseph on "Soul Food," joined the ranks of some of the theatre world's greatest actresses, in her Broadway debut as Blanche Dubois in the revival of "A Streetcar Named Desire" at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City.
Whoopi Goldberg presented the cast of "In Living Color" with TV Land's "Groundbreaking Award" on April 14 at the 10th Annual TV Land Awards Taping at the Lexington Armory in New York City. The View co-host's mom was the Wayans Family's Head Start teacher
Two-time Golden Globe nominee Blair Underwood is starring on Broadway as Stanley in "A Streetcar Named Desire." On April 7, 80 people traveled six hours one way from his hometown of Petersburg, Virginia to New York City to celebrate Blair's debut on the Great White Way.
Actress Meagan Good is engaged to Sony Pictures Entertainment Executive DeVon Franklin, who also happens to be a Seventh Day Adventist Minister. The preacher proposed last month in Los Angeles. The couple began dating after production wrapped on "Jumping The Broom..."
Real Housewives of Atlanta cast member Sheree Whitfield was spotted spending the day in New York City with Jewelry Designer Marsha Chun-Matsubara.Carrying a grey Birkin bag and sporting cork Louboutin pumps, Sheree also grabbed lunch at Lavo on Manhattan's East Side. Let's get together soon.