Omari Hardwick named as the 2013 Festival Ambassador for the American Black Film Festival
By Florence Anthony
More details have emerged in the tragic murder/suicide of Kansas City linebacker Jovan Belcher and his girlfriend Kasandra Perkins. First, the brass at the Kansas City Chiefs were aware the couple were having problems and had provided counseling and were "bending over backward" to help. Arguments over relationship and financial issues had simmered for months between them. At the root of the arguing was reportedly Kasi failing college classes Jovan was paying for and quitting her part-time job. She also reportedly threatened that she was leaving and would contact a lawyer to "get as much money as possible." Sources say Jovan had been drinking heavily and popping pain pills recently. The New York Post also reported that Jovan had a boozy dinner with Brittni Glass the night before he ended both he and Kasandra's lives, and after drinks and dinner with Brittni, he took her home, spent the next few hours in front of her house sleeping in his Bentley until cops woke him up. He then went into Brittni's building, emerged four hours later, went home, obviously argued with Kasandra and the rest is tragic history. Our prayers go out to their daughter, Zoey, and to both the Belcher and Perkins family. We must also pray for an end to domestic violence..
Comedian and actor, Kevin Hart teams up with BET Networks to bring viewers one of the funniest shows on television "Real Husbands of Hollywood." The semi-scripted series is the fakest reality show ever following these men of Hollywood along their surreal lives. Aside from recently divorced Kevin, the "Real Husbands of Hollywood" include Nick Cannon, Boris Kodjoe, Duane Martin, J.B. Smoove and Robin Thicke. The show premieres Tuesday, January 15 on 10 pm EST/PST on BET Networks..
Saturday night, December 1, while entering the front door of the White House to attend the 35th Annual Kennedy Center Honors, Ms. Aretha Franklin suffered what could have been a most embarrassing wardrobe mishap. The upper half of the Queen of Soul's gorgeous pink gown with its encrusted beaded bodice wasn't hooked properly and partially slid down to her waist and exposed her foundation wearing girls in all their Victoria's Secret glory! Without missing a beat, the Queen and her escort kept calm and carried on! The duo quickly side-stepped it into a tented area, presumably for just such emergencies, adjusted the unhinged hooks and proceeded to party the night away! On hand for the festivities were President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and the 2012 honorees.
Film Life Inc. announced that the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will be returning to South Beach for the 17th Annual event and has named actor Omari Hardwick as the 2013 Festival Ambassador. The five-day retreat will take place June 19-23, 2013. "Omari Hardwick is one of the most talented actors in Hollywood. He shares our vision for Black Cinema and understands the importance of nurturing new artists and maintaining diverse voices in this business that sometimes overlooks those outside the mainstream," states Jeff Friday, festival founder and CEO of Film Life, Inc.
Actress/Philanthropist Dhonna Goodale stars as Madame Royale in SS Nirvana at Birdland in New York City, Saturday, December 8 at 5:30 PM. Conceived, written and directed by innovative entrepreneur Roz Nixon, SS Nirvana is a story of Love and Jazz on the High Seas. Tickets are $35 - $10 Food or Drink Minimum. Birdland is located at 315 W. 44th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues.
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