---Tyler Perry helps Covenant House---
 Covenant House Georgia announced that writer/director/producer Tyler Perry has donated $110,000 and a brand new 15-passenger van to the Atlanta-based homeless shelter. The funds will contribute to operating costs and the complete renovation of its Crisis Shelter for homeless adolescents in Atlanta. "God bless Mr. Perry for this incredible gift to our kids," said Kevin Ryan, President of Covenant House. "The van will be used to rescue young people from the hopelessness of the street. His generous donation will provide immediate help to kids in crisis as well as the long-term support that will transform their lives."

Ted Gee

Ted Gee's New Book

Business World Index

---John Legend speaks out—
John Legend recently responded to the New York Post regarding the cartoon incident. In a letter to the publication, he says, “…I believe in freedom of speech and you have every right to print what you want. But freedom of speech still comes with responsibilities and consequences. You are responsible for printing this cartoon, and I hope you experience some real consequences for it. I'm personally boycotting your paper and won't do any interviews with any of your reporters, and I encourage all of my colleagues in the entertainment business to do so as well. I implore your advertisers to seriously reconsider their business relationships with you as well….”

---Race and the media---
 In a recent survey of journalists of color conducted by The Loop 21, and UNITY: Journalists of Color, Inc., most respondents do not believe that mainstream media is effectively covering racial issues. Results of the survey were released during a special "Race & the Media" panel discussion hosted and presented by the National Press Club's Eric Friedheim Library. The candid discussion, led by Ed Gordon, featured several of the nation's top journalists of color. Although many felt the election coverage opened doors for a fair and balanced discussion of race, an overwhelming 92% of those surveyed believed the mainstream media was still not effectively covering race relations in a multiracial society. Of that majority, 45% attributed the cause to a lack of diversity in newsrooms and 33% attributed it to a lack of understanding by editors/producers.

--New Book: "Hope is Not a Strategy: Simple Solutions for Doing Business in the 21st Century"---Author Ted Gee takes President Obama's hopes to the next level with his new book, "Hope is Not a Strategy: Simple Solutions for Doing Business in the 21st Century." President Obama has set an aggressive agenda of change and hope is just the foundation. Gee says that the best stimulus package for corporate leaders and business owners is getting the right process tools to drive increased business, sustainable profits, save jobs and inspire growth. “We must clarify what business owners and corporate leaders are responsible for and identify new methods for solving the complex problems they face,” he notes. Ted Gee's powerful, new 'how to' strategies are not more of the same. It is about changing the way you think and the outcomes you can expect in your business venture or corporate role. According to Gee, “The major responsibility of a leader is to transform hope or vision into reality and profits.” To get a copy of this book, send an email to: jay@jmattier.com or check it out on amazon.com or in bookstores.

---AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson will serve as Chairman of NAACP Corporate Campaign--- AT&T announced that chairman and chief executive officer Randall Stephenson will serve as the chairman of the 2009-2010 corporate campaign of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This year's corporate campaign kicks off as the NAACP celebrates 100 years as an advocate for equality and social justice in the United States. AT&T's role in chairing the campaign will be recognized at the NAACP's annual meeting on Feb. 21. The fundraising goal for the NAACP's centennial campaign, which lasts through the summer of 2010, is $5 million. AT&T kicked off the drive with a leadership gift of $500,000 for youth and college programs, and donated an additional $1 million in the last three years. All contributions are used to support NAACP education initiatives, community programs and events throughout the nation. Over the past 25 years, AT&T has provided more than $11 million in grants and contributions to support similar NAACP initiatives. Additionally, one of AT&T's past presidents served as the chairman of the NAACP's first corporate campaign in 1979.

---Civil Rights pioneers stamps---
The sacrifices of 12 civil rights pioneers were immortalized on postage during the NAACP's annual meeting in New York City. The Civil Rights Pioneers stamp sheet, bearing six 42-cent First-Class commemorative stamps, are available nationwide. The stamps were dedicated by U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors member Thurgood Marshall Jr. The stamps honor the achievements of Ella Baker, Daisy Gatson Bates, J.R. Clifford, Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, Charles Hamilton Houston, Ruby Hurley, Mary White Ovington, Joel Elias Spingarn, Mary Church Terrell, Oswald Garrison Villard and Walter White.