---“Viva Nelson Mandela: A Hero for All Seasons”---The Documentary Channel (DOC) helps celebrate 90 years of Nelson Mandela's extraordinary life when it telecasts the exclusive December U.S. television premiere of “Viva Nelson Mandela: A Hero For All Seasons.”  DOC's encore presentations of the 90-minute feature-length documentary will be telecast in primetime on Tuesday, Dec. 15, Friday, Dec. 18 and Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. “Viva Nelson Mandela: A Hero For All Seasons” is directed and edited by Catherine Meyburgh, who guides the viewer on a journey behind the headlines and away from the public eye and by looking at Mandela as a loyal friend, a dependable comrade, a trusted confidant, a respected mentor, and a man who has touched and transformed countless lives.  For the first time his complete story is being told - a life of struggle, humanity, destiny and greatness is recalled and celebrated by those who knew him best and who worked with him in the quest to break the chains of oppression, taking us beyond the political and into the personal.  Produced by Anant Singh, the documentary features exclusive interviews with politicians, close friends and comrades of Mandela, among who are Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Oliver Tambo, George Bizos, Ahmed Kathrada, Pik Botha, Dorothy Masuka, Nthato Motlana, Cyril Ramaphosa, Helen Suzman, Zolani Mkiva, Jessie Duarte, Francois Pienaar, Sydney Kentridge, Mac Maharaj, Christo Brand and Gill Marcus. 

Stewart & Wyclef

Annise Parker

President Obama

Business World Index

---Go to UnityFirst.com for the following stories---

1) 13th Annual Wall Street Project Economic Summit Meets in NYC January 13-15, 2010
2) Wyclef Jean and Martha Stewart 

---Annise Parker wins election in Houston despite anti-gay attacks---Houston, Texas has become the largest city in the United States to elect an openly gay mayor after City Controller Annise Parker was declared the winner of a runoff election. Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which endorsed Parker, said her victory holds tremendous significance for the gay community. "This is a watershed moment in American politics,” said Wolfe. “Annise was elected by fair- minded people from across the city because of her experience and competence, and we're glad Houston soundly rejected the politics of division. This victory sends a clear signal that gays and lesbians are an integral part of American civic life, that we're willing to lead, and that voters will respond to candidates who are open and honest about their lives." The Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund is the only national organization dedicated to increasing the number of openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elected officials at all levels of government. Since its founding in 1991, the Victory Fund has helped grow that number from 49 to more than 450.

---Statement by President Obama on Hanukkah---
Michelle and I send our warmest wishes to all who are celebrating Hanukkah around the world.  The Hanukkah story of the Maccabees and the miracles they witnessed reminds us that faith and perseverance are powerful forces that can sustain us in difficult times and help us overcome even the greatest odds. Hanukkah is not only a time to celebrate the faith and customs of the Jewish people, but for people of all faiths to celebrate the common aspirations we share.  As families, friends and neighbors gather together to kindle the lights, may Hanukkah's lessons inspire us all to give thanks for the blessings we enjoy, to find light in times of darkness, and to work together for a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow. 
 
---Rev. Run and family help Children's Treatment Center---
Joseph "Rev. Run" Simmons and family celebrated the holiday season with the 10th Annual Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation's Youth Holiday Party at the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza. The winter-themed mural was created as a gift for The League Treatment Center, located in Brooklyn, New York, which provides services to children and adults with emotional, psychological and developmental disabilities. Along with the help of Rush Philanthropic's celebrity friends, more than 500 children from various art organizations contributed their creative and artistic abilities to complete the mural.  "Our family is a long time supporter of the arts,"said Rush Philanthropic Co-Founder Simmons. "We feel strongly about encouraging the importance of creativity among our youth. It was a pleasure to participate in Bounty's mural and we look forward to the continued support of creativity within urban communities."