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Gina and Pat Neely

---Go to UnityFirst.com TV for a clip from the Food Network’s “Down Home with the Neelys”---
 "Down Home with the Neelys" became the highest-rated series debut in the five-year history of Food Network's popular "In the Kitchen" weekend block after its Saturday, February 2 premiere (11am ET/PT).   The new show, featuring Pat and Gina Neely, African American restaurant owners from Memphis, Tennesee who create approachable Southern BBQ comfort food, was watched by nearly 2 million people. On Down Home with the Neelys, Pat and Gina share their secrets with Food Network viewers, from their most requested restaurant dishes to their tastiest family-friendly recipes. Whether making barbeque spaghetti, lip-smacking ribs or a decadent Strawberry Shortcut Cake, the Neelys provide delicious and easy recipes that the entire family will enjoy! To view the clip, go to UnityFirst.com and click on the TV at the top of the page.

News beat.....


Dr. James Russell



Esther Pearson

Business World Index

---Hampton University Professor Named 2008 Virginia’s Outstanding Scientist---
Dr. James M. Russell III has been named a Virginia Outstanding Scientist 2008 Award recipient by Governor Timothy M. Kaine and the Science Museum of Virginia. Russell, professor and co-director of the Hampton University Center for Atmospheric Sciences, has been a part of the Hampton University family for the past 12 years. Russell is a pioneer in satellite atmospheric remote sensing, in studies of the ozone layer and in research on the structure, chemistry and physics of the high atmosphere. His most recent research uses data from the AIM satellite mission he leads to study mysterious “noctilucent” or night shinning clouds that form in Earth’s Polar Regions, 50 miles above the Earth’s surface during the summer. These clouds are changing in ways that are not understood, the most plausible explanation is that there is a connection with global change near the Earth surface. AIM is the first NASA satellite mission dedicated to the study of noctilucent clouds and the first to be led by a historically black college or university (HBCU).“Dr. Russell is an extraordinary researcher,” stated Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey. “His work with AIM and other satellite missions has given the international community a better understanding of global change.”
 
---Buying power among African Americans----
The attitudes and behavior of African-American consumers can differ significantly from consumers in other groups, therefore segmentation in marketing strategies can be critical to increase organizational growth and revenue. Why would you want to specifically target this population group? A new report from Packaged Facts, The African-American Market in the U.S. forecasts that the buying power of 39 million African Americans will hit $1.1 trillion by 2012. What is notable is that in the U.S. there are 2.4 million affluent African-American households with household incomes of $75,000 or more. They account for 17% of all African-American households but 45% of total African- American buying power. This buying power offers opportunities to marketers of a wide range of products and services. "The African-American cohort continues to be a significant consumer segment that in some ways exercises more economic clout than the ever popular Hispanic one," comments Tatjana Meerman, Publisher of Packaged Facts.

--- Most important issues for Hispanics---
Education is the number one issue of importance for Hispanics across the nation, regardless of acculturation, according to a study released by FH Hispania, (the U.S. network of Hispanic practitioners within global communications powerhouse Fleishman-Hillard. The study, "Confianza: Hispanic Trust Pulse," also found that teachers and schools are the leading source of information (trusted by 54 percent) followed by different sources of media (trusted by a combined 39 percent). For first generation Hispanics, education, child care, and crime and security are the leading issues of importance. However, second generation Hispanics are most concerned about access to healthcare along with education and crime and security.

---Oscar Week with Black Enterprise---
As the entertainment industry prepares to celebrate excellence during the 80th Annual Academy Awards, BLACK ENTERPRISE magazine will honor its exclusive list of the "Top 25 Moneymakers in Hollywood," as featured in its March 2008 issue, on Wednesday, Feb. 20. The invitation-only celebration takes place from 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. The evening kicks off with a special salute honoring legendary actress Ruby Dee. Currently nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Mama Lucas in American Gangster, Dee has already won a SAG award for that performance.

---- NEW DVD Releases: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and American Gangster---
1)  Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner 40th Anniversary DVD ---
A newly released DVD of the groundbreaking film about interracial marriage starring Sidney Poitier will be available on February 12th from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Released in 1967—the same year that the U.S. Supreme Court legalized interracial marriages in all states—Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner examines interracial marriage and class issues through a story about a white woman (Katharine Houghton) who brings her black fiancé (Poitier) home to meet her affluent, liberal parents (Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn).To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the film’s theatrical release, the Special Anniversary Edition features introductions by Hollywood elite including Steven Spielberg and Quincy Jones.
2) American Gangster to be released on DVD---
The unrated and extended DVD edition of American Gangster will be released on February 19, 2008 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. This three disc collector’s edition, available for a limited time only, includes over five hours of bonus features, a 32 page collectible book and a downloadable digital copy of the of the unrated extended film which will be accessible from February 19 to July 31.

--Celebrate Black History Month with the book, "Invisible Mathematics"---
The book, "Invisible Mathematics", examines chronological periods in history and how African Americans affected and were affected by mathematics. The African American experience from slavery through the Information Age is examined. Evidence within each period details how mathematics has profoundly affected the progress of African Americans. Mathematics literacy can cause a whole new world of opportunity and understanding to open up to African Americans. Mathematics has always played a profound role in the lives of African Americans. Starting from slavery to the Information Age, mathematics has directed the lives of African Americans. It has ruled and caused pronouncements on them that may never have been fully understood. This is very ironic when we reflect that the origins of mathematics have been traced to antiquity Africa. The trace starting with the count down of creation in the Garden of Eden, located in Africa, through the journey across the ocean to the lands known as the America's. Invisible Mathematics describes the sojourn of African Americans and their experiences with mathematics. How mathematics has been used for and against them, and how it will provide an opportunity for advancement in the future. For more information or to get this book, send an email to; epearson@tp-group.net .

---Lil J: Encouraging young people to do well in school---
Lil J is not only a heart throbbing star from the over 88 million kids that tuned in to watch him on the hit show, “That’s So Raven” as Raven’s boyfriend Devon Carter, but he is also one of the most loving and considerate stars in Hollywood! Mixing a lot of encouragement with a host of inspiration for young students, Lil J, will be joined by the founder of Classic Entertainment, Pam Frazier, to make a Philadelphia student and other students in the area keep up the good work of studying hard and staying on the path to success. The Philadelphia event will take place on Friday, February 15 at 3 pm. Per a request from a loving father, Lil J aka Jonathan McDaniel will be making a trip to Philadelphia, PA on Valentine’s Day Weekend to surprise his 9-year daughter for her academic accomplishments as well as overcoming obstacles faced by young people today.  Lil J understands the importance of young kids achieving greatness and just wants to encourage her to keep striving for greatness!