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Percy Sutton
Chaka Fattah
Halle Berry
Mo'Nique
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Business World Index
---President Obama statement on the passing of New York’s Percy Sutton---Percy Sutton was a true hero to African Americans in New York City and around the country. We will remember him for his service to the country as a Tuskegee Airman, to New York State as a state assemblyman, to New York City as Manhattan Borough President, and to the community of Harlem in leading the effort to revitalize the world renowned Apollo Theater. His life-long dedication to the fight for civil rights and his career as an entrepreneur and public servant made the rise of countless young African Americans possible. Michelle and I extend our deepest condolences to his family on this sad day.
---Remembering Percy Sutton---Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the following statement yesterday on the passing of Percy Sutton: “On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Percy Sutton, a man whose trailblazing contributions are legendary and long lasting. As a Tuskegee Airman, civil rights activist, New York Assemblyman, Manhattan Borough President and entrepreneur, Percy Sutton led by example and opened doors for countless African Americans, including many members of the Congressional Black Caucus. A giant and pioneer in business and public service, Percy Sutton contributed greatly to the cultural heritage of African Americans through his efforts to revitalize the world renowned Apollo Theater. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sutton family as we mourn the death of a great human being and celebrate his life and legacy as a ‘man for all seasons’. Percy Sutton was a visionary, a role model and a great humanitarian who touched the lives of many. He will be deeply missed.”
---Healthcare reform will bring immediate help in 2010---
Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) recently commented on the Senate passage of comprehensive healthcare reform legislation: "Senate Democrats deserve our thanks and congratulations for their extraordinary vote. We have work to do, but I am confident that the House and the Senate will soon work through our differences. Early in the new year we will be sending President Obama a final bill that meets his objectives and brings immediate help in 2010 for Americans who have been asking for, and waiting for, comprehensive, historic healthcare reform for far too long."
---'For Love of Liberty: The Story of America's Black Patriots' - An Epic Film Hosted by Halle Berry---"For Love of Liberty: The Story of America's Black Patriots" - the untold saga of African Americans' courageous service to their country - will premiere on public television in February 2010, coinciding with Black History Month. (Check local listings.) Hosted by Halle Berry, narrated by Avery Brooks, and featuring an introduction by Colin Powell and choral arrangements by Andrae Crouch, the powerful four-hour, two-part HD film will also be released on DVD on February 9, 2010. Ten years in the making, "For Love of Liberty" brings to life, completely and for the first time, over two hundred years of heroic exploits of African American fighting men and women. Through the innovative combination of personal writings and memorabilia, historical text, rare photographs, archival materials, location footage and reenactments, the film documents African Americans' sacrifice and service, from the Revolutionary War to the current battle against global terrorism. Their compelling stories are recounted through dramatic, off-camera readings by more than 40 talented entertainers and public figures, including: Morgan Freeman, Mel Gibson, Susan Sarandon, Louis Gossett, Jr., Ossie Davis, Robert Duvall, Danny Glover, Jeffrey Wright, Sam Elliott, Isaac Hayes, John Goodman, Jesse L. Martin, Peter Coyote, Ice-T, James Garner, Robert Townsend, Alan Rickman, Ruby Dee, John Amos, Eriq La Salle, Angela Bassett, Chris Cooper, Alfre Woodard, Cliff Robertson, Blair Underwood, Charles Dutton, Kris Kristofferson, Donald Sutherland, Isaiah Washington and many others. "'For Love of Liberty' will forever change perceptions about the vital role African Americans have played during the entire course of U.S. military history," said Louis Gossett, Jr., also an executive producer.
---Lionsgate receives Best Picture Nomination For PRECIOUS---
LIONSGATE earned a combined nine Golden Globe Award nominations in the film and television categories, the highest number of nominations in the studio's history. The company earned five Golden Globe nominations for its recent, critically acclaimed films PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL "PUSH" BY SAPPHIRE and BROTHERS, including a nomination for PRECIOUS for Best Picture - Drama. Gabourey Sidibe received a nomination for Best Actress - Drama for her performance in the title role, and co-star Mo'Nique scored a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. We are proud of the singular achievements of our creative talent and the skills of our motion picture and television teams that shine such a bright spotlight on Lionsgate and its diversified portfolio of businesses," said Lionsgate co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Jon Feltheimer. PRECIOUS has grossed over $38 million since opening in limited release on Friday, November 6. Set in 1987, PRECIOUS is a dramatic, vividly realized story of a Harlem teenager who overcomes tremendous obstacles to discover her own worth, beauty and potential. PRECIOUS is directed by Lee Daniels from a screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher based on the book Push, a novel by Sapphire. The film stars Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz and introduces Gabourey Sidibe. PRECIOUS was produced by Lee Daniels, Sarah Siegel-Magness and Gary Magness. Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Lisa Cortes and Tom Heller are Executive Producers; Simone Sheffield serves as Co-Executive Producer; Mark G. Mathis is Co-Producer; and Asger Hussain serves as Associate Producer. |
