Hollywood, CA – As the fabulous super model Toccara makes her debut on Season 2 of “The Ultimate Merger” on TV One, you better believe she will be bringing her “A” game. With fourteen eligible bachelors vying for her attention, a girl has got to look her absolute best. For hair that speaks volumes, there is only one doctor in town to call, and Toccara called the one and only, Dr. Boogie.

As the man known for his defining signature styles, Dr. Boogie sets the pace for a season of high fashion and fun with Toccara’s trend setting tresses. With an image best described at ‘couture pin-up’ Dr. Boogie keeps her mane fierce, fabulous and funky. Having developed Eve’s hallmark platinum short cut, creating Kimora Lee’s sexy glam look and defining Lisa Raye’s signature style, Dr. Boogie now brands Toccara with an illusion that will set a new tone in salons around the country.

Cleo Manago at Washington Monument

Op-Ed: Cleo Manago Outs GLAAD As “Blackophobic” and Questions Whether GLAAD Has the Credibility to Bring Down a Litany of Black Men

By Cleo Manago, CEO and founder of the Black Men’s Xchange (BMX)

Washington, DC – As the founder and national organizer of the Black Men’s Xchange (BMX), the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement for same gender loving (SGL), gay-identifying and bisexual African-descended males and allies, the actions of GLAAD raise great concern to me. A predominantly White organization, GLAAD may want to consider changing their name to the GLKKK as I continue to find many of their actions and reactions “Blackophobic” in nature. This new scenario targeting Roland S. Martin is just another case in point!

Cleo Manago in DC I believe that GLAAD, or the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, has been using the media to lynch a disproportionate number of well known Black men in recent years. These men include Tracy Morgan, Isaiah Washington, Kobe Bryant, Barrack Obama, and T.I. along with several others. We can now add TV ONE host and CNN contributor Roland S. Martin to the list.

In reaction to an underwear commercial, featuring a scantily clad David Beckham – that ran during the weekend’s Super Bowl – Martin shared the following tweet with his followers. “Ain’t no real bruhs going to H&M to buy some damn David Beckham underwear! ..If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham’s H&M underwear ad, smack the sh@t out of him! ” and “I bet soccer fan Piers Morgan will be in line at H&M in the morning to get his hands on David Beckham’s [sic] underwear line! LOL .”

According to TheGrio.com, GLAAD angrily claimed that Martin’s comments were homophobic and has demanded that CNN fire him immediately. GLAAD has not made the same request of the Black owned TV ONE network, where Martin hosts his own show. Is this because they perceive TV ONE in the same manner they tend to perceive Black people, as insignificant – until an opportunity to attack them (from their perspective) is presented?

Last year GLAAD created a controversy by misquoting comedian Tracy Morgan, claiming he said, “I’d Kill My Son If He Was Gay.” What Morgan actually said, as part of a comedy riff about Gay bullying was, “[If my son ever talks to me about being bullied, he] “better talk to me like a man and not in a gay voice or I’ll pull out a knife and stab that little nigger to death.”

What Morgan actually meant by “gay voice” was a voice that was not “manly” or “masculine.” From my perspective, his rant was a problematic critique of how a man – especially one at risk of being bullied – should talk. It was not meant to be a critique of homosexuality. Morgan’s routine was inspired more by a self-conscious reaction to attacks on Black men and manhood in America than it was a direct attack on homosexuality. I don’t condone Morgan’s comments but I understand what he meant.

I also recognize why GLAAD opportunistically took the word “voice” out of Morgan’s comments, then re-wrote what he said for their own selfish, thus racist, purposes. On the contrary, GLAAD apparently found nothing wrong with Morgan calling his son a “little nigga.”

Unlike Morgan, who was successfully terrorized into apologizing by GLAAD for something he never even said, so far, Martin has not fallen for it. The jury is still out on whether CNN will terminate the only dark-skinned Black man seen frequently on their network.

Unfortunately, a perpetually silent voice during these GLAAD attacks on Black men is that of same-gender-loving (SGL) and bisexual Black people. Likely this silence is because many Blacks understand the culturally (if not problematic) context of Martin’s and Morgan’s words.

As an SGL Black man, I’m insulted by a disproportionately White organization like GLAAD misconstruing the words of Black people, and trying to have Black men, who already represent the first fired and least hired in America, fired! I am not down for anti-homosexual attitudes or behaviors, and yes, the Black community still has some work to do on this issue. Yet, we are still in the process of recovering from many challenges that have resulted from being Black in America. But lily-White organizations like GLAAD are not in the position to complain about alleged injustice from Blacks. They clearly are not culturally competent enough to accurately interpret the voices of Black people.

If anyone reading this wants to know more about GLAAD, go to their website http://www.glaad.org/about/board. There you will see for yourself how White they are, and given this reality, how unqualified they are to critique politically incorrect jokes about manliness from African American males. And I might add that anyone who doesn’t see anything wrong with this picture – smack the sh@t out of him!

About Cleo Manago

Cleo Manago is a socio-political analyst, behavioral health specialist, filmmaker, writer, public speaker and activist. He is the CEO and founder of the Black Men’s Xchange (BMX), the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to promoting healthy self-concept and behavior, cultural affirmation and critical consciousness among same gender loving (SGL), gay-identifying and bisexual African-descended males and allies and the CEO and founder of the AmASSI Centers for Wellness, Education and Culture. His groundbreaking film “I AM A MAN: Black Manhood & Sexual Diversity” is available for online viewing at http://vimeo.com/27859721 and on the Facebook page “I AM A MAN: Black Manhood & Sexual Diversity” by Cleo Manago (https://www.facebook.com/pages/I-AM-A-MAN-Black-Manhood-Sexual-Diversity-by-Cleo-Manago/261476843882298 ).” Contact him at Cleo@AmASSI.com.

Sacramento, CA – It was in the iconic 1967 song “Cold Sweat” that the late great James Brown notably called out, “Give the drummer some! Give the drummer some!” acknowledging the drumbeat, steadily in the background, as an instrumental force centering our musical universe. Well James Brown would be proud as veteran video producer/director Gerald Forrest, with the creation of GospelChops.com, has proceeded to give the drummer some and more via his ambitious DVD releases entitled, “Shed Sessionz.”

A groundbreaking video series, “Shed Sessionz” features top drummers from around the world, along with their energetic drum chop performance techniques, drum lessons, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. With Forrest’s latest release offering, “Shed Sessionz Vol. 3,” he highlights some of the best drummers across the United States.

Forrest originally came up with the concept for “Shed Sessionz” after developing the website, Gospelchops.com as a vehicle to pay tribute to the numerous musical contributions of generations of gospel musicians. His original vision was to educate the world about this inspirational art form and its history. The site has offered free gospel music education, lessons and content since 2005.

Based on the reception and success of GospelChops.com, Forrest got the notion to produce and direct his first feature drum video, “Shed Sessionz Vol. 1″ (SSV1) in 2006. Featuring drumming prodigies, Tony Royster Jr. and Thomas Pridgen, never before had a full video production been devoted just to drummers in such fashion. The music industry embraced the concept. SSV1 became a global sensation, surpassing expectations with record-breaking web traffic and popularity.

Building upon his vision, Forrest began to scour the country for additional talent while continuing to release free gospel music content and lessons online. In 2007, Forrest directed and produced the second edition in the GospelChops.com series, “Shed Sessionz Vol. 2″ (SSV2). With an all-star cast of world-class musicians from Los Angeles to Israel, SSV2 took off like a rocket, receiving high acclaim and stellar reviews in drum magazines, drum websites, and drumming blogs around the world. Mainstream media started to take note of this distinctive cultural phenomenon and musicians around the world responded by coining the classic phrase, “Thank you GospelChops!”

In 2009, Forrest set out to expand the outreach efforts of GospelChops and appeal to an even broader audience. Shining his light on gospel bass players, he produced and directed an unprecedented bass performance/instruction DVD, “Bass Sessionz Vol. 1.” Once again, the project broke new barriers in the music industry by bringing together the legends of gospel and jazz, garnering appearances by Grammy Award-winning jazz drummer, Peter Erskine along with Grammy nominated jazz pianist, John Beasley. Gospel bass legend, Andrew Gouche, also put his soulful touch on the project.

The newly released “Shed Sessionz Vol. 3″ (SSV3) profiles seven powerful drumming masters. The sessions are laced with intensity and passion as drummers Justin Tyson, Matthew Garstka, Tim Newton, Darion Ja’Von, Frank Fluker, Fred Boswell and Eddie Heyward chop it up with performances that once again bring the drum beat front and center.

“Anyone even remotely familiar with the Black church recognizes that music is at the core of our worshipping and celebration. I created GospelChops.com to pay homage to this fact. I wanted the world to have access to the beauty and creativity that is often hidden within the confines of the church sanctuary,” expresses Forrest. “‘Shed Sessionz’ followed as an extension of that same thinking. The drumbeat, like gospel music, is at the essence of it all. It is what holds the rhythm, yet the actual drummer is often just taken for granted. ‘Shed Sessionz’ changes that!”

A man on a mission, Forrest created the nonprofit corporation, GospelChops Foundation last year as another extension of his vision. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the lives of at-risk children in underserved communities through music education. The Young Musicians Program, under its umbrella, is an after-school music-learning program in California, which has gained sponsorship from Marines Toys for Tots and the Google Corporation. Proceeds from the video series support the foundation’s efforts.

Catch the beat with Forrest and order the “Shed Sessionz” series now at http://www.GospelChops.com. Take at peak at the drum magic at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe9CSXPsjrs.

Santa Monica, CA – With the original release of “Cave of the Siddhars” back in 2004, Tapasyogi Kalathi Adiyen Nandhi, under the guise of his band of musicians, Turiya Nada, opened a secret door revealing a mystical sound so heavenly that the listener knew the experience was indeed an initiation. Combining the powerful ancient and hidden Siddhar mantra chants of the enlightened yogis of South India with the didgeridoo, harp and percussion, Nandhi became an instrumental force, further fueling the reception of Yoga in the Western world.

With Nandhi’s announcement of World Yoga Day™, in alignment with Mahasivratri on February 20, 2012, along with the re-release of “Cave of the Siddhars,” the spiritual guide will once again impact the Western world vision and view of the ancient practice of Yoga. Having spent years in the caves and wilderness as a Saddhu under the guidance of enlightened gurus, Nandhi is an ideal candidate for the universal stance he holds of peace.

The yogis in India have observed Mahasivratri as the single most important vortex of time for thousands of years. It is a 24-hour period, based on planetary cycles, where enlightenment can be attained with ease. With Mahasivratri occurring on February 20 this year, World Yoga Day™ provides a vehicle for seekers to acknowledge this sacred occurrence. As the objective of Yoga is tuning into one’s true spirit while having a human experience, “Cave of the Siddhars” provides a beautiful sound enhancement experience for the event.

As Nandhi expresses, “In the Western world it is truly beautiful to witness the growth of Yoga as a practice, as an exercise and as a lifestyle itself. Practicing yoga does naturally provide benefits of health and less stress, but beyond it all is the experience of gravitating towards Source. When we go deeper into the science of yoga, to understand it as a journey through consciousness, we realize that words such as ‘liberation’ and ‘enlightenment’ are not a distant concept but an amazing experience we can have in our daily realities. Observing World Yoga Day™ in conjunction with Mahasivratri will serve to ease us into awakening the potential underlying objectives within yoga.”

For yoga practitioners and those wanting to participate in Mahasivratri, World Yoga Day™ allows a wondrous opportunity to join millions around the world in the universal observance of this most sacred vortex of time for blessings of transformation and grace.

For more info on World Yoga Day™/Mahasivratri go to http://www.worldyogaday.co. For the activity guide for the day, log on at http://universalyogaday.org/mahashivratri_guide.html. To experience “Cave of the Siddhars” enter at http://www.sensitiveplanet.com/category.jhtm?cid=1116, and visit with Nandhi as he imparts his wisdom at http://www.nandhi.com/ and at http://www.elephantjournal.com.

Atlanta, GA – Jenny and Rufus Triplett have always kept it real. The couple has survived incarceration, raised three young men, run their own multimedia company and are celebrating 22 years of successful marriage. Out of all their many trials and tribulations however, Ebony Magazine’s recent designation as “Couple of the Year” is perhaps the icing on their long-standing wedding cake!

Highlighted in the February 2012 issue of Ebony Magazine, the world’s most popular Black American monthly, the Triplett’s are acknowledged for their faith, perseverance and commitment. Their seemingly plain and simple approach has resonated through their marriage tips and relationship advice given to newlyweds, engaged, dating and long term couples as well as the editors of Ebony Magazine.

The Triplett’s are the owners of Dawah International, LLC, a multimedia company which publishes Prisonworld Magazine and distributes Prisonworld Records. They also co-host their own weekly radio show, the Prisonworld Radio Hour, which airs on Mondays at 1:00 pm EST on WWWE-1100 AM International Talk Atlanta. Fueled by their own personal experience in the prison system, they write a successful motivational and information blog and are requested speakers for correctional facilities, non-profit organizations, corporate functions, schools, colleges and universities.

While creating pre-buzz for their upcoming book “Surviving Marriage In The 21st Century: 13 Easy Tips that will help you get to 20 years and Beyond,” the Triplett’s started a YouTube video series on marriage tips. The YouTube series gained popularity across the country and a companion Twitter posting on marriage attracted one of the editors at Ebony Magazine, sparking the conversation that led to their recognition.

Expresses Jenny, “2011 turned out to be a phenomenal year for us and paved the way for 2012. First, we were humbled earlier in the year to receive a special letter of note from The White House, and then later, the news from Ebony Magazine. It has all been just a wondrous blessing.”

Rufus and Jenny are one of the few professional husband and wife teams who do just about everything together, having survived over twenty plus years of marriage being attached at the hip. The couple met in the late 80′s when Rufus was singing and touring with the platinum R&B group, Ready for the World. Jenny was an intern at a radio station and headed the marketing outreach team for the act.

The Triplett’s have brought education, inspiration and encouragement to those in prison and at-risk youth. Their Prisonworld App, in the Android Market, is the first of its kind that connects the incarceration nation. Being parents of three boys, Michael, 22, Mosi, 20 and Miles, 18, they know first hand the responsibility of not only raising children, but African-American men who could end up as stereotypes. They are passionate about family and detouring young men and women from the criminal justice system. They use their platform to address issues pertaining to dysfunctional families, substance abuse, entrepreneurship, marriage & relationships, self-conscious addictions, incarceration and stereotypes.

As a husband and wife team, Rufus and Jenny readily acknowledge their individual male and female perspectives but both agree that communication is the greatest survival tip. Their appearances on “Family Court with Judge Penny” and “Dr. Phil” garnered rave reviews for their parenting philosophies. Jenny has appeared on “The Mike & Juliet Morning Show” giving advice to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and she is also a prison and relationship pundit contributing to the Daily National and has provided commentary for CNN, Black Enterprise Magazine, MSN.com and the Los Angeles Times.

As the Ebony Magazine “Couple for the Year,” the Triplett’s have been rewarded the opportunity to create their own fragrance. They are not sure if they are going to do “his” and “hers” or a unisex scent!

For more information about the Triplett’s, their Surviving Marriage book and their Prisonworld brand, log onto http://www.rufusandjennytriplett.com or you can find them on Twitter @Prisonworld. They can also be reached at 678-233-8286.

Brooklyn – 2012 has long been heralded as the era for great beginnings and massive change, the time that a New Earth will emerge. With primal sound acknowledged as an organic catalyst for fresh formations, revolutionary dub technician, dr. Israel is jumpstarting the New Year with the introduction of an original superhero and multimedia project, “Ghetto Defendant.” “Ghetto Defendant,” serves as the prologue and first installment in dr. Israel’s seven part series “The Liberation Chronicles,” a rousing selection of short films and recordings telling the tale of the dreadlocked superhero.

Ghetto Defendant, played by dr. Israel, is a bold insurrectionist battling an evil post apocalyptic corporate empire. With the EP release available for free download at http://www.drisrael.net, dr. Israel is defiantly declaring a new day in music, offering not only five potent dub infused, dancehall-reggae tinged, rock and hip hop influenced tracks, but also a multimedia buffet featuring a music video trailer, (co-produced with Brooklyn based director/ film maker Johnny Kraljevich), a teaser for a graphic novella, and a preview of the ebook short story. Guest artists include Killah Priest, Lady K, and Katrina Blackstone, with mixes by Bill Laswell.

“Ghetto Defendant” is yet another expansion of dr. Israel’s melodious core. An accomplished innovator, his capacity to seamlessly fuse traditional roots and dub with modern elements of drum & bass, rock, hip-hop and electronica have continually forged a distinctive fusion of genres. “Ghetto Defendant” resonantly paints a powerful saga of a vision where the struggle of man vs. machine and revolutionary vs. empire ultimately ends with the victory of creativity and love over politics and violence.

dr. Israel explains, “The Ghetto Defendant is a reluctant superhero who exists in a futuristic society where governments have been bought out by a corporation called Omnicore. He’s a guy who fights the injustices committed by this corporation. Speaking out against wrongs inspires me. I think ‘Ghetto Defendant’ is my most realized critique of the way our culture and society is. By creating this superhero character, I’m offering a hopeful alternative.”

dr. Israel is a Brooklyn based revolutionary artist, with releases on ROIR Records, Wordsound, and MOD Tech, as well as collaborations and remixes with music legends such as Bill Laswell, Mad Professor, Dr No, Sepultura, Rancid, Sublime, Lee Perry, Bernie Worrell, DJ Krush, and many others. He has received accolades from Rolling Stone, Vibe, LA Times, and The Village Voice and has performed on stages throughout the United States, Europe, Canada, Japan and Mexico.

Following up on a long and fruitful discography including “Inna City Pressure” and “Patterns of War” as well as vocals and writing on Method of Defiance’s “Jahbulon,” and Lee Scratch Perry’s “Rise Again,” episode one from “The Liberation Chronicles,” entitled “Love in a time of Violence” will drop in the fall of 2012.

dr. Israel invites you to challenge the New Year with music to free your spirit and incite your soul. Check out the music video trailer at http://vimeo.com/34458721 and download “Ghetto Defendant” for free at http://drisrael.bandcamp.com/ now… Viva la revolution!

Hollywood, CA – DJ alert: the dance floor just got hotter ! Platinum Trini Entertainment recording artist ABM is power blasting the music scene as the newest addition to the swagga world of dancehall. His scorching debut release, “Dat Body Gyal,” featuring Konvick Muzik artist Qwes Kross, emerged as a fire-laced combustion that wickedly fused dancehall and soca, constructing a rhythm and beat so ferocious it automatically rotated all hips in listening distance! “Dat Body Gyal” sizzles with excitement and delivers just enough punch to propel ABM to the head of the class in his quest for total domination of the reggae world music scene.

“Dat Body Gyal” was just a luscious taste of ABM’s talent however. His EP release on December 6, 2011, “Don’t Hate Congratulate,” on Platinum Trini Entertainment/Bungalo/Universal Music Group Distribution, proves that this island man is no one-hit wonder. “Don’t Hate Congratulate” deliberately whirls and winds a hypnotic beat over spitfire lyrics, once again eliciting ABM’s apt ability to sway and swirl all bodies in close proximity.

Four tracks strong, “Don’t Hate Congratulate” mixes the enchantment of the islands with ABM’s charismatic delivery, transporting music lovers with sounds that simultaneously titillate the ears, hips and feet. Titled for all the haters, ABM quotes 50 Cent when he states about the project, “This is God’s plan homie, this ain’t mine.”

A native Trinidadian, ABM has the groove of the islands flowing through his veins. A detour to the states to attend Louisiana’s Grambling State University couldn’t detract him from what was inevitable however. The engineer major couldn’t ignore the melodies swirling in his soul. He relocated to the West Coast after graduation to pursue his passion for all things music.

A natural born leader, he soon established his own label, Platinum Trini Entertainment, alongside his partner and music artist, Tara. Ignoring again the inevitable, ABM went about establishing a roster of musical acts, not heeding the urge to put himself out there first. After a series of disappointments with budding artists, AMB finally realized that he was the act he was looking for. He regrouped and redirected his energy, taking the necessary steps to perfect his talent, honing and nurturing his skills as a writer, producer, rapper and singer.

CEO, artist and entrepreneur, ABM continues to foster the groove of his beloved island home. In addition to touring and club performances, he has launched his own internet radio station, Platinum Trini Hot 97 (http://www.live365.com/index.live), featuring a live morning show Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 am to 11:00 am Pacific Time, hosted by DJ UnieQ. He is also fervently working to bring the Trinidad Carnival to Hollywood, CA. His debut CD release “Overdue” on Platinum Trini Entertainment, with worldwide, digital and physical distribution in the U.S. and Canada on Bungalo/Universal Music Group Distribution, will drop early 2012 and a college campus tour is also in the works.

ABM and Platinum Trini Entertainment have also teamed up with the Caribbean entertainment group, Poundaz International to spearhead the “I AM SOCA” project, set for release January 17, 2012 on Platinum Trini Entertainment/Bungalo/Universal Music Distribution. “I AM SOCA” is a compilation album comprised of some of the hottest Soca grooves, collaborations and jams and was created to elevate the sweet sounding essence of the Caribbean’s beloved SOCA music and its artists on a more international platform. “I AM SOCA” will be diversified with the sounds and styles of Soca music from around the Caribbean, including Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Barbados and of course Trinidad and Tobago.

Check out “Dat Body Gyal” and “Don’t Hate Congratulate” at http://www.datbodygyal.com and http://airplaydirect.com/music/abmmusic/. Download “Dat Body Gyal” at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dat-body-gyal-single/id438143590. Access ITunes for “Don’t Hate Congratulate” at http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dont-hate-congratulate-feat./id483063082 . Ringtones and ringbacks for each track on the EP are also available on all mobile carriers worldwide. Reach out to ABM on Twitter: @abmplatinum. And get an invigorating infusion of ABM’s fiyah now at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bpUIAqyk0s

Los Angeles – This holiday season will be a wondrous celebration of love, light and vibrant color when Los Angeles’ own cultural icon, visual artist Bernard Stanley Hoyes, not only opens his studio for a two-day sale, but also invites several of his friends from the art community to participate with the offerings as well. The Bernard Hoyes and Friends Art Holiday Sale Gala will be held Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18 from 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm at his Artist’s Studio located at 985 Westchester Place (one block west of Wilton, off Olympic Blvd.) in Los Angeles.

Hoyes’ work is currently on display as part of the “Places of Validation, Art & Progression” exhibit organized by the California African American Museum as part of the Getty initiative “Pacific Standard Time: Art in LA 1945-1980″ exhibitions; and can be seen in Lyn Kienholz’s coffee table New Art Encyclopedia pictorial, “L.A. Rising: SoCal Artist before 1980″ also supported by the Getty Foundation.

“The holidays always present a special time to gather with family and friends. This gathering of my friends from the art community to offer our crafts to the public is therefore noteworthy at this time. We are artists who have been documenting culture since the 1970′s, so this is an incredible opportunity to purchase distinct and exceptional gifts at affordable prices,” cites Hoyes.

An internationally celebrated painter, Hoyes’ work is known for its African American and Jamaican influences, brilliance in color and depth of spirituality. His recent exhibits include the Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series in San Francisco, presented in partnership with Russell and Danny Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Art Foundation and “Shout” an exhibition celebrating gospel music at Avisca Fine Art Gallery in Atlanta. Hoyes is the recent recipient of the 2010 Florence Sabin Distinguished Alumni Award at Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, VT and selections of Hoyes’ work have been featured in several television shows including the Showtime hit series, “Dexter” and collected by Oprah Winfrey. President Barack Obama has even been photographed in front of his work.

Originals from his collection, as well as watercolors, serigraphs, etchings, limited editions, and poster, framed and unframed art will all be available for discount purchase. The event is free and open to the public and offers made are good for the sale days only.

Art lovers unable to attend may browse online at http://www.BernardHoyes.com and call 323-732-4601 for discounts and to arrange pick up. Online shoppers may also use Promo Code: HG999 for a 50% online discount good from December 5th through December 20th. (Please note that December 20th is the last day for orders to be received with express shipping in time for Christmas.)

Michael Baisden is “Paying It Forward” with $500,000 of his own money!

Radio personality, Michael Baisden announced the details of his “Million Dollar Business Pitch” campaign during his nationally syndicated show, “The Michael Baisden Show,” on Monday, November 28, 2011. Last month, Baisden initially announced his plans to provide a half-million dollars to small businesses and non-profits via the campaign. Listeners were instructed to tune into the radio show, Twitter, or FaceBook on November 28th for submission details.

Since then, Baisden has been telling his listeners “There’s no such thing as luck in business, you have to be prepared when opportunity presents itself!”

That opportunity was revealed in a three-step process for entrepreneurs to submit their businesses for a chance at a portion of a $500,000 small business investment, contributed solely by Baisden. Beginning January 2012, Baisden promises to begin cutting checks for businesses that can pitch their profit and non-profit companies the best. But there is a catch, he added, those selected must be committed to “Paying it Forward.”

“I want to support entrepreneurs who understand the importance of giving back,” states Baisden. “I started my business with $3,000, which was loaned to me by two co-workers and my mother. Once my business became profitable, I immediately started reaching back and paying it forward and I’ve been blessed ever since.”

Michael also stated that the process of submitting a business is not an easy one, nor was it meant to be. “In order to achieve success you must be diligent, organized, and above all else, have integrity,” he says. Entrepreneurs who are prepared for the challenge must go through three steps to get to the final round. Those step are as follows:

Step One – Read the Terms & Conditions then fill out the application
online at http://www.BaisdenLive.com, include a brief description of your business and submit a one to three minute video pitch of your business.

Step Two – If you make it to “Step 2″ you will be contacted to submit a complete a comprehensive questionnaire, submit your business plan, your business financials and tax returns.

Step Three – If selected for “Step 3″ Michael Baisden will fly you to a city of his choice to pitch your business live in front of him, a live audience and other potential investors. (Airfare, ground transportation and hotel will be at his expense.)

The winners will receive an investment of $10,000 to $100,00 in accordance with the rules.

For more information log onto http://www.Baisdenlive.com and click the Million Dollar Pitch banner. You can also connect with the Michael Baisden Show on Twitter @baisdenlive, on Facebook at Baisdenlive, or http://www.Minglecity.com.

“Good luck and may the best business win!” says Baisden.

About Michael Baisden
Michael Baisden has been recognized as one of the most influential men in radio. He is also a TV talk show host, filmmaker and New York Times best-selling author with nearly two million books in print. His “One Million Mentors: National Campaign To Save Our Kids,” implemented via his The Michael Baisden Foundation, lead to him being awarded the Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation “Keepers of The Dream” Award.

The Michael Baisden Show is an entertaining four-hour afternoon drive radio program airing Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET and combines the best in music, comedy and social commentary to inspire real change across America. Heard in 22 of the top 25 Urban radio markets, The Michael Baisden Show reaches more than seven million listeners each week and is syndicated by Cumulus Media Networks.

Los Angeles – As far back as grade school, young Bran-Don Aubert, aka Professor X, always had a big dream. Hailing from the crime-riddled streets of South Central Los Angeles he wrote his first rhymes in the second grade. Developing a passion for rap while listening to songs by Eazy-E, De La Soul and Too Short, he knew in his heart and soul that if he worked on his rap skills he would one day become a big hip hop star.

As a teenager however, his dreams were seemingly shattered, when one day, while playing around at his high school, a freak wrestling accident left him paralyzed. Not only could he no longer take simple steps or move around, things he had taken for granted; his despair was doubled when he discovered he no longer had the lung capacity to rap! Sixteen years old and the world that he knew and embraced had ended.

Today, as a young man, Professor X is a testimony to the essence of true determination. What might have crushed many only propelled him forward. With true grit and persistence he redirected his energy and stayed in the game. The release of his mixtape series presented by DJ Rah2K and TNE DJ’s, is a compilation of his production efforts with guest appearances from his crew.

Armed with a plan to change the world’s perceptions about disabled artists, Bran-Don, in a stance similar to the popular Marvel Comics superhero, Professor X, is a visionary on a mission. Inspired and motivated by the quadriplegic comic superhero, Bran-Don aka Professor X eventually formed his own entity; an entertainment company called Taupnoych Entertainment and launched his own entourage of DJs known as TNE DJ’s.

With the release of his debut mixtape, Professor X hopes to gain massive attention and accolades from rappers and hip hop fans internationally. But even more so, he hopes to inspire those ‘abled’ and ‘disabled’ as a living testimony to the fact that there are no setbacks in life. When not producing music, Bran-Don stays busy motivating elementary, high school and college students with his personal story of perseverance and success.

“In my hood, I was always ‘that guy in the wheelchair.’ I could hear the whispers about me and folks were always feeling bad for me. But the mind is our greatest muscle and the accident left mine in tact. I used this experience to propel me. Once I realized I might not be that great rapper I always dreamed of, I put my energy into producing. So when they ask now, ‘Who the hell is that guy in the wheelchair?’ It’s Professor X and I’m coming at you to show you if I can do it, so can you! The music is gangsta’, because sometimes life can be gangsta’. Regardless though, we are here to win!”

Under the auspices of Taupnoych Entertainment, Professor X has produced music for various hip hop artists, including Jet Black, and E-40′s artist Turf Talk. He has formed his own group called, 110, and recorded a track with rapper E-40 titled “Gettin’ That Gwop.” His artist crew, all featured on the mixtape release, consist of Lost of 110; Gizzle of 110; Cree-8 of 110; Donmo; Interstate Tip; Grown Up Goddi; Dj Mainvybe and J. Money Films. Turf Talk and Compton Menace also make guest appearances on the mixtape release.

For more information about Professor X and his music, visit http://www.ProfessorXTNE.com , follow him on Twitter @110harborfwy and friend him on Facebook under 110Harborfwy.

Chicago – Chef Shay Atkins knows a thing or two about frying turkeys. In fact she knows about 15 different things because that’s how many flavors her fried turkeys come in! From jerk BBQ to Thai Coconut Curry to Peaches & Rum, Taco Fiesta or just plain old Southern Fried she may just well be the queen of turkey frying. As a young entrepreneur and owner of the Chicago-based Creative Turkey Cuisine (CTC) restaurant, Atkins has a huge holiday cut out for her. In addition to her holiday orders, she intends to give away over 1000 turkeys to needy families this season, feeding 5000 families.

With the launch of her First Annual Creative Turkey Cuisine Fundraiser, Atkins is offering the public several opportunities to assist with reaching her heart inspired goal. Individuals can sponsor a family or families directly or donate to participating organizations and businesses who have committed to the CTC effort. In addition, organizations and businesses can select to become involved in the effort.

A budding business women, Atkins was the grand prize winner of the Elevator Pitch Competition at the 2010 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference. With a passion for helping people and feeding them great food she opened Creative Turkey Cuisine after her win. Creative Turkey Cuisine is the very first exclusive, all turkey and vegetarian catering company and restaurant providing clientele with choices for a healthier lifestyle. Her 15 flavors of signature fried turkey are available for shipping during the holiday season and she has plans to open additional locations in Washington, D.C., Atlanta and California in 2012.

“I have been blessed with a wondrous opportunity to fulfill my dreams. Creative Turkey Cuisine was a vision that has been made a reality. Healthy food is a fabulous form of happiness and during the holidays, happiness and food are not things that everyone can take for granted. The Annual Creative Turkey Cuisine Fundraiser is another vision I am determined to make a reality. The goal is 5000 families but with a little holiday spirit, I’m hoping we can feed even more,” expresses Atkins.

Love in Action (http://www.loveinaction.org) with locations in Philadelphia, Orlando, San Diego and Chicago; the God Promise Ministry (http://godspromiseministries.net); WOW Women International (http://www.wowwomen.org); Billionaire Minds, which is focusing on feeding students and Mikal Clay Hair Products are currently participating with Atkins campaign and accepting donations.

About Creative Turkey Cuisine
Creative Turkey Cuisine is an exclusive turkey and vegetarian restaurant that ships its Signature Gourmet Fried Turkey’s nationwide. The menu options feature creative, flavorful and delicious cuisine. CTC appeals to the current demand in the country for health conscious food choices that still taste great. Health and wellness is the focus through sumptuous, gorgeous meals that don’t compromise flavor or taste. CTC offers all the flavor, taste and creativity without the guilt, essentially less sodium, fresh herbs, fresh produce and more flavor.

Turkeys are available in 15 gourmet flavors, fried in 100% peanut oil, vacuumed sealed in reheatable oven bags and packed with dry ice to ensure fresh delivery.

For an updated list of charitable organizations participating in the First Annual Creative Turkey Cuisine Fundraiser visit http://www.CreativeTurkeyCuisine.com.

Organizations interested in participating may submit all requests directly to info@creativeturkeycuisine.com ( subject line: Help Feed 5000 Families) or call 1-877-6-TURKEY (877-688-7539). Single family orders may be made at http://www.CreativeTurkeyCuisine.com or by calling 312-870-0282.

Atlanta, GA – When author Edrea Davis debuted her fictional saga, “SnitchCraft” in hardcover back in 2007, everyone from readers to activists to academics took note of this creative approach to advocacy. Davis cunningly fused hip-hop with a civil rights agenda to offer a glimpse into the corrupt environment created by the use of informants and underscore the unfairness of racially biased sentencing guidelines.

Last year President Obama signed legislation reducing drug sentencing disparities, but the law was not applied retroactively. Dogon Village Books celebrated the new sentencing guidelines becoming retroactive November 1, 2011, with the release of the ebook version of “SnitchCraft,” updated with new information and facts.

“I am happy about the progress made on sentencing reform. Reducing the disparity between powder and crack cocaine from 100-to-1 to 18-to-1 is a positive step,” said Davis, a volunteer with the November Coalition (http://www.november.org), an education foundation working to end the drug war injustice. “The release of my ebook at a time when thousands of federal inmates become eligible for release from prison is a reminder that if we continue to raise our voices for education over incarceration we will chip away at the remaining disparities and the corrupt snitch system as well.”

Praised by civil rights legend Dr. Joseph E. Lowery for, “shedding light on deep-rooted problems plaguing the Black community,” “SnitchCraft” juxtaposes the themes of family, spirituality, and social justice against the backdrop of a popular Southern California nightclub battling escalating gang violence. It uncovers the street life escapades behind the dynamics of snitching, while questioning the morals and values that are often convoluted with the issue.

“SnitchCraft” pushes the boundaries of typical ‘urban lit’ fare however. Davis incorporated a unique “After the Book” section with a reader’s guide of discussion questions, suggestions on how to become active in your community, and an index of leading organizations focused on criminal justice reform and other issues impacting the Black community.

The engaging read even landed on the required reading list in a curriculum guide at the Yale National Initiative of the Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute. According to the guide, the introduction to Criminal Justice course incorporated the book because it looks at the present day social phenomenon of snitching, police corruption and the use of paid confidential informants in solving crime.

The novel revolves around flamboyant nightclub owner, John “JC” Powell. JC is making more money than he can count, providing for his entire family, and on the verge of winning back the love of his life, Candace Banks. When he is arrested, convicted, and imprisoned based on the testimony of someone he trusted, JC struggles to clear his name and get back over two million dollars in assets seized by the government. As the pieces of the puzzle come together in a surprising courtroom drama, JC realizes that he is caught up in a ruthless game, playing against a criminal justice system set up to win by any means necessary.

“Snitchcraft” is available online at Google Books, Amazon Kindle, Apple iPad iBookstore, Smashwords, and at other online retailers. For more information on “Snitchcraft” go to http://www.snitchcraft.com or www.dogonvillage.com and view the book trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-91GCbGx7CE.