Featured speakers include Susan L. Taylor, Rev. Cynthia Hale, and MESHELLE: The Indie-Mom of Comedy
Washington, DC – Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR) will celebrate International Women’s History Month bringing together local and national faith, political, civic and labor leaders, health experts, and financial advisors for the BWR National Women of Power Summit, “Amplifying the Voices of Women and Girls in 2012 and Beyond” taking place March 21 – 24, 2012 at the Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel 999 Ninth Street, NW, Washington, DC. Created to empower Black women and girls, the event is open to the public. For more information call (202) 659-4929.

“The national summit has a dual purpose,” said Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO of The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (The National Coalition) and convener of BWR. “One track is our Healthy Wealthy and Wise tour stop allowing women and girls in DC to come together to share problems and information and support each other in sisterhood. The summit will also bring together state coordinators and also faith leaders for a vigorous training to prepare them for the upcoming presidential election,” Campbell adds.

Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale, founder and Senior Pastor, Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia will speak at the Opening Prayer Breakfast. Susan L. Taylor, National CARES Mentoring Movement is the keynote speaker for the BWR Mentor/Protégé Luncheon and Dialogue. MESHELLE: The Indie-Mom of Comedy, and vocalist, Cherise Watson, will also participate in the summit.

“We will host the Power of the Sister Vote Town Hall Meeting & Protect Our Vote Rally on Thursday 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm to celebrate the collective political and economic power of Black women of the Diaspora,” said Dr. Patricia Hobson, co-chair of the local host committee. “Also on Thursday, in preparation for the 2012 Presidential Election, over 100 faith leaders will assemble for training on voter education, mobilization and protection.”

Other summit highlights include:

• Thursday March 22 – Jazzercise Class, Inspirational Hour of Power, BWR Mentor/Protégé Awards Luncheon, Public Policy Briefing

• Friday, March 23 – Workshops on Healthy Living, Equal Pay, Financial Planning, Mental Health and Wellness, Mentorship and Entrepreneurship; Global Empowerment Luncheon: Eradicating Violence Against Women and Girls; and skills-building sessions to train organizers on fundraising, utilizing new technology, and mobilizing voters.

• Saturday March 24 is Community Day and will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 945 G St. NW. Community Day activities include a Love You More! Health Walk to Support Mental Health and Wellness; a youth summit; and a Healthy, Wealthy & Wise health fair and mini-expo.

Made possible by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and AT&T Foundation, the BWR National Summit is the culminating event for the ten-city BWR National Healthy Wealthy and Wise tour that traveled the country to educate and uplift underserved women and girls featuring inspirational women like actress/singer/activist, Sheryl Lee Ralph (Moesha); actress/businesswoman, Vivica A. Fox (Kill Bill, Set It Off), actress/singer, Demetria McKinney (Tyler Perry’s House of Payne), and Clayola Brown, A. Philip Randolph Institute.

Black Women’s Roundtable is an intergenerational network of The National Coalition bringing together diverse women to motivate Black women to engage in all levels of civil society. The National Coalition is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to increasing civic engagement in Black and underserved communities. Current initiatives of the organization include Black Youth Vote! Black Male Initiative and the Unity 2012 Voter Empowerment Campaign. For more information on The National Coalition log on to www.ncbcp.org.

Hollywood, CA – Dr. Boogie is back on the scene! This time the sought after hair stylist to the stars graces television on NBC-TV’s new reality series, “Fashion Star” starring host and executive producer Elle Macpherson along with celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos. Dr. Boogie joins the cast as one of the Suave Professionals® who team with the show’s top stylists as they create the hottest hairstyles to complement the designers’ fashion looks. One of Dr. Boogie’s fabulous hair creations opens the season’s first show!

“Working with the Suave Professionals was great fun,” reveals Dr. Boogie. “My fans have been asking to see me back on TV and “Fashion Star” was an incredible opportunity to make it happen again! I truly love their product line and their Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray is just my favorite. Its simply out of this world!”

Dr. Boogie made his television debut on the first season of Bravo’s “Shear Genius” endearing himself to fans with his creative flair for hair fashion. Having done the ‘do’s of Hollywood’s finest, including Kimora Simmons, Vivica A. Fox and Kym Whitley – the hair doctor has plans to unveil his own product line soon.

Check out Dr. Boogie on the Suave Beauty/ Fashion Star BTS Guide Facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/SuaveBeauty?ref=ts&sk=app_328461793873267 and keep up with him at http://www.boogiesecrets.com.

Durham, North Carolina – If anyone can cover a story and uncover the truth when it comes to real life crime and bigger-than-life gangsters, award winning author/ filmmaker Ron Chepesiuk can. Having recently exposed the lies behind “The American Gangster/Frank Lucas” saga with the book and DVD “Sergeant Smack: The Legendary Lives and Times of Ike Atkinson, Kingpin, and His Band of Brothers” Chepesiuk is back on the scene and joining him is noted Detroit-based filmmaker/director Alan “Al Profit” Bradley. The beat this time – the greatest getaway story in gangster history, the mystery of drug kingpin, Frank Matthews.

In 1973, Frank Matthews, history’s first African American drug kingpin, jumped bail in New York City with $15 to $20 million and a beautiful girlfriend. Nearly four decades later, the fate of Frank Matthews, the money and the girlfriend, Cheryl Brown, remain a complete mystery!

The trailer for the new DVD documentary, co-produced by Studio August and Strategic Media Books, “Frank Matthews Story: The Rise and Disappearance of America’s Biggest Kingpin,” garnered over 150,000 views in less than four hours on WorldStarHipHop.com, indicating a ‘mob’ of interest in this true life legend! “It’s as if Matthews dropped off the face of the earth,” explains Mike Pizzi, a retired U.S. Marshal who was involved with the hunt for Matthews, the fugitive, for several years.

“Frank Matthews Story: The Rise and Disappearance of America’s Biggest Kingpin” features rare archival footage, interviews with Mike Pizzi, detectives, retired gangsters and other sources who have never spoken publicly about Matthews. The one hour and 25 minute documentary includes exclusive footage and rare photos of Matthews and his crew.

Chepesiuk and Bradley explore several intriguing issues, including how was Matthews able to operate for several years without being detected; what was his relationship with La Cosa Nostra; why did the CIA get involved in the Matthews’ investigation; what happened to Cheryl Brown and why has the mystery of his disappearance been so difficult to solve?

Frank Matthews’ crime empire rivaled the Italian Mafia. When he boldly built himself a mansion in Staten Island’s most exclusive neighborhood, right across the street from mobsters Paul Castellano and Three Finger Brown, he found himself on the verge of a war with La Cosa Nostra. Matthews also battled militant Black Muslims for control of the streets in New Jersey and Philadelphia.

“Frank Matthews was a one-of-a-kind legend in the drug trade,” Bradley explains. Bradley (http://www.alprofit.com) is the noted director of several documentaries about urban gangsters, including “Rollin’,” “Motown Mafia” and “Murder City.” “Matthews emerges as an almost mythical figure when it comes to true crime stories. Our documentary offers some fascinating insight behind this truly mysterious man.”

“The $15 to $20 million dollars he disappeared with is roughly equivalent to $100 million today,” adds Chepesiuk. “What happened to Frank Matthews? That’s the most intriguing question in organized crime history,” ponders Chepesiuk (http://www.ronchepesiuk.com), who has spent five years researching the Frank Matthew story. “Amazingly, despite one of the largest manhunts in US history, there is still no proof as to whether he is alive or dead.”

Dead or alive, Frank Matthews made a defiant mark in history. “Frank Matthews Story: The Rise and Disappearance of America’s Biggest Kingpin” is available for DVD purchase and instant digital download at http://www.frankmatthewsmovie.com as well as on Amazon.com and wherever DVD’s are sold.

The documentary will be screened March 23, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. EST at the Hayti Heritage Center in Durham, North Carolina, and on April 11, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. EST at The Museum of the American Gangster in New York City. Both events are open to the public.

To view the movie trailer, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qt2XV0B05aU.

Frank Matthews Trailer

London – Former pharmacist Niraj Naik was once perhaps the most unlikely candidate to promote meditation and anything as seemingly as far fetched as sound healing. A pill popper who also dispensed them as well for a living, he found his life spiraling out of control however. Unimaginable stress lead him to depression and a serious bout of ulcerative colitis, a very debilitating disease. Niraj had forsaken his music roots for a seemingly comfortable career in pharmacy. But the absence of inner peace was literally killing him.

Until he said enough! Niraj began to pursue a path of healing that lead him not only back to his music roots, but also to the discovery of his alpha mind. Research led Niraj to uncover the finding that due to our busy lives we tend to operate in a beta mind state. Although very necessary for day to day functioning, staying in beta for too long can cause a host of problems such as stress related diseases, anxiety and even depression. The alpha mind however, is a natural state allowing more flow and relaxation.

Today, the 30 something year old has not only healed himself, but is helping thousands of others as well with his knowledge of Ayurveda, nutrition and the development of a sound therapy meditation series he has tagged, The Alpha Mind System (http://alphamindsystem.com/). The Alpha Mind System is a personal empowerment program designed to help reach peak alpha brainwave states whenever needed, giving the mind a much needed recharge and refresh. A musician, meditation coach and online marketing expert, Niraj Naik has now entirely rebuked the pharmaceutical industry and traded in his pills for headphones! He is empowering others to do the same.

While undergoing his miserable battle with ulcerative colitis, Niraj realized that by entering an alpha state of mind through music, he was able to deeply relax and completely de-stress. It was this stress management system that lead to the complete disappearance of his ailments. Returning to his music roots, he then formed the band amAya with his friend, Dr. Mrigank Mishra, and began producing spiritually awakening sounds, music and guided meditations. The band’s overwhelming acceptance and success led to him developing his trademarked Trypnaural meditations. Trypnaural meditations feature an advanced form of brainwave entrainment using isochronic tones.

Niraj went on to develop and build the Alpha Mind System as a step-by-step program that teaches not only newbie’s, but also aids veteran meditators how to effortlessly reach an alpha state of consciousness. The alpha state is a scientifically proven state of mind where the brain is in a heightened and receptive mental state. This mental state has been associated with increased well-being, intensified creativity, inspiration, relaxation and peak performance.

Niraj also discovered through his research a technique using special mantras known as “scientific prayers.” When these mantras are repeated while in an alpha state, the brain will actually reprogram hard-wired negative beliefs and exchange them for the positive results wanted in life. This technique combined with his Trypnaural meditation music has produced a truly incredible system for producing amazing life success.

“Meditation is becoming more and more mainstream throughout society,” explains Niraj. “But so many people think they can’t meditate. Generally many believe that they have to sit still in a dark room and that thought alone bores them. With the Alpha Mind System, the listener is guided through a step-by-step program that is stimulating and engaging. The music, which incorporates elements of trance, jazz, new age, tribal and nature sounds, is encoded with our special Trypnaural effects. You are a seductively lulled you into a relaxed but aware meditation state. All that one needs is a pair of headsets.”

The Alpha Mind System includes mp3′s for downloading, visually stimulating videos for viewing, easy to read and digest e-books for additional information, and a community forum for social networking. The actual sessions are concise and easily managed time -wise, with some of the meditations only ten minutes in length.

Music and marketing are a natural for Niraj. Before settling down as a pharmacist, Niraj led a roller coaster lifestyle, running one of the largest dance music events in the UK in the late ’90′s; setting up one of the longest running independent university societies, One Mission; and operating a successful independent record label. His Alpha Mind System taps into his inherent skills and launches them in a totally new and holistic direction.

As a producer, Niraj Naik has composed music for healing centers, spas and therapists around the world. He scored the soundtrack for Madonna’s yoga teacher, James d’Silva’s latest DVD and his compositions have been found so powerfully effective that a healing spa named itself after his band, amAya.

“I am so happy to be able to dispense mp3 tracks instead of pills in an effort to aid healing and comfort,” reveals Niraj. “Sound therapy was instrumental in revitalizing my life and I know it can do the same for so many others.”

The Alpha Mind System is quickly becoming one of the most popular life transforming programs on the internet today. Created together by Niraj and his team of world-renowned scientists, musicians and physicians, with just 15 minutes a day, the system successfully fosters stress reduction, increased mind power, productivity, creativity and even intelligence.

To tune into the Alpha Mind System and get a dose of aural deliciousness in these hectic times, listen in at http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yQOkeCMyQGc
then go to
http://www.nirajnaik.com for more information.

San Diego – When sound sculptors Eric Von Sydow aka Hypnotica and Denver Clay first unveiled the now cult classic, audio odyssey experience, hailed as “The Sphinx of Imagination” almost 10 years ago, it was a CD that was light years ahead of its time. A luscious blend of trance, meditation and hypnosis, The New York Times lauded the composition as “sort of like a Grateful Dead concert without the band or the drugs.” Merging fantasy and reality into a surrealistic experiential medium, “The Sphinx of Imagination” was a genre bending, therapeutic immersion that defied logic. As testimony to its compelling allure, it has consistently ranked as the Number One best seller in the New Age category on CDBaby.com, one of the largest online record stores, since its original release in 2003.

So what becomes of a masterpiece? Well with the advent of 2012 and all the anxiety and anticipation that has emerged with it, the composers have enhanced the epic guided music journey and released “The Sphinx of Imagination 2012.” The upgraded edition is literally what dreams are made of! A musical laboratory steeped with subsonic symmetry, subliminal audio frequencies, cutting-edge brain entrainment technology and eerily evocative melodies, “The Sphinx of Imagination” is the farthest you will ever travel between stereo headphones. Simply stated, it is a miraculous mind voyage.

“The Sphinx of Imagination” plunges the listener into a vivid world of multi-layered, inner- dimensional storytelling narrated by the acclaimed mind scientist Hypnotica (http://hypnotica.org) with a supporting music score contributed by consummate composer and sonic alchemist Denver Clay (http://www.denverclay.com/). Clay’s vast cinematic acoustic effects coupled with the spellbinding resonance of Hypnotica’s vocal tones are irresistibly delicious in this whimsical adventure.

Painting scenarios riddled with ambiguity and allegory, Hypnotica invokes the spirit of traditional storytelling from the most ancient of times, tapping into an Akashic library of universal references and resources. His mythical stylings recall not only Egyptian imagery, but also Greek mythology, Arthurian legend, Siberian culture, ancient Celtic heroes, angels and the shamanic figures of African and Native American tribes. He expertly incorporates his knowledge of neurolinguistics, neurosemantics, psycho cybernetics and shamanistic storytelling, culminating an experience that allows for the progressive transformation of the mind, spirit and soul.

In under an hour, “The Sphinx” whisks you away on an exploration which seemingly spans lifetimes. There are bridges to cross, sacred books that reveal, wizards that guide, magical gardens, heavenly temples and angels that bless. One’s imagination is ignited and the realms of creativity are lovingly nurtured via Clay’s enchanting soundscapes rich in color, language and dimension. His gentle harps, elegant piano, haunting flute, shimmering chimes and evocative crystal bowls are just a sampling of the magical aural visuals so stunning, one can almost reach out and touch them.

Hypnotica, an author, hypnotist and self-evolvement life coach, explains, “You don’t just listen to ‘The Sphinx of Imagination” you experience it! It is specifically encoded to tap into one’s subconscious and weave possibilities that spark a personal journey into the depths of your very being. It is designed to tap and release the incredible beauty and power stored within us all.”

Denver Clay, a leading authority on how music, sound and vibrations can be manipulated to deliver and propel profound states of consciousness, adds, “The Sphinx is a mind-blowing ride that you will get lost and found in. ‘The Sphinx’ is scientifically engineered to provide graduated moments to reach higher states that allow for and provoke profound changes in the mind. Stress, worries and anxieties are vanquished, creating the space for empowerment to thrive and grow.”

The “Sphinx of Imagination” is the perfect tool for transformation in these endearing times. An mp3 download that requires high quality headsets for maximum benefit, the composition runs just under 60 minutes. A stress buster, confidence booster and balance builder, “The Sphinx of Imagination 2012″ offers a medicine/drug free antidote for many of today’s common ailments such as anxiety, tension and depression.

A baptismal journey for ascension, “The Sphinx of Imagination 2012″ will rock your inner world, and then sooth your outer worldview! Get a glimpse of the magic at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlsZ3JiRTAI
and then take the dive at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/hypnotica8 .

San Francisco – Many remember Tracey “Big Tray Deee” Davis as part of the legendary west coast rap group, Tha Eastsidaz, which featured him alongside Snoop Dogg and Lil Goldie Loc. The group gained platinum success with their debut album, “Snoop Dogg Presents Tha Eastsidaz.” With his rap career cut short in 2003 by a 12 year prison bid however, many have long counted the former lyricist out of the game.

But talent and perseverance are qualities a prison cell cannot easily contain, as proven with LeNoir Publications’ debut release of “Streetz Gon’ Cry,” a gritty urban tale co-authored by none other than Big Tray Deee alongside another incarcerated gangster turned author, Anthony Barrow. “Streetz Gon’ Cry” literally blends another component into West coast gangsta’ rap, detailing the real life scenario behind the lyrics.

Blazing in the trails of urban literary giants like Chester Hines, Iceberg Slim and Donald Goines, Tray Deee and Barrow present a street saga laced with drugs, murder, gang warfare and a cast of nefarious characters. With South Central Los Angeles as the backdrop, the authors convincingly elaborate with first-hand experience about what they know.

“Streetz Gon’ Cry” is a fictional account of the King Crips and the Vernon Boys, who have an on-and-off rivalry. Both sets have their vision locked on controlling the cocaine trade in the Crenshaw District. Protagonist, Carter, a notorious, ride-or-die hustler from the Vernon Boys, is fresh out of the state penitentiary and on a mission to reclaim the streets. During his absence, acts of betrayal have placed his hood on the brink of implosion. With his mentor, Wolf, directing traffic from behind the walls of a federal prison, Carter plots his ultimate takeover to assume authority of the street’s illicit cash flow. Plot twists and turns pump and jump like the hydraulics on ’64 Chevy cruisin’ Crenshaw Boulevard. It’s a ride that will make you buckle up and hold on.

Growing up on the gang active east side of Long Beach, CA, Tray Deee started gang banging and breaking the law at a very young age, spending his late teens and early 20′s in some of California’s most violent high-level penitentiaries. Tray Deee started writing rhymes as a hobby in 1988, entertaining his homeboys with tales of gang banging and crime as they sat locked away in the penitentiary.

His extensive vocabulary and clever wordplay made his songs stand out, and the encouraging response caused him to continue writing lyrics. That gift propelled him to fame as he contributed to major motion picture soundtracks, including “Gang Related,” “Gridlocked,” “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate,” “Baby Boy,” and “Rush Hour II.” As an act, his group Tha Easidaz opened for the highest grossing rap tour in history, “The Up in Smoke” tour. Cites Big Tray Deee, “My rap skills are just the icing on the cake. As an author now, I can give my fans and readers an even clearer understanding of the underworld activities of the Wild West with much more intrigue and detail.”

Anthony Barrow became enamored with gang-banging and hustling early on, pledging allegiance to the Crip gang that controlled his neighborhood. His father was close friends with legendary Los Angles hustler Tracy Morrow aka “Ice-T.” Anthony saw up close how crime “pays.” His first hand exposure to several other street bosses fueled his thirst for cash and the finer things in life.

During his teenage years he became part of a circle that executed daring bank robberies. His eventual capture lead to a lengthy prison sentence. Currently behind bars, Barrow was inspired to share his worldview about street life. “I am a fan of street lit,” expresses Barrow, “but I have yet to come across a book that fully exploits what goes on in these mean L.A. streets. I lived it so I figured who better to tell the real deal.”

An introduction by JD of Ice Cube’s legendary rap group “Da Lench Mob” brought Barrow and Tray Deee together and “Streetz Gon’ Cry” was born. A highly charged, unapologetic tale fueled by two street savvy brains, “Streetz Gon’ Cry” explodes with conflict, danger and suspense.

Get your take on the action now at http://www.LeNoirPublications.com/ ! Watch the book trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS_Pvlfh2Ww.
STREETZ GON CRY by Big Tray Deee and Anthony Barrow – Official Book Trailer

Kansas City, MO – From Kobe Bryant to the Kardashians, celebrity scandals make the world go round. They generate tons of publicity and elicit even more conversation, gossip and thought. On some deep psychological level, they feed our illusions of personal innocence and validate our innate sense of self worth. But what about our own scandals, and those of our friends and our neighbors? They may not make the national headlines but are often even more outrageous than the ones we read about!

Author/publisher James M. Robinson has the answer and antidote to this very query. With the launch of his publishing house Marriage Guns & Roses; the creation of a new literary genre called “reality novels”; and the debut release of his first work, “Hard vs. Soft Sexual Conflicts,” Robinson is poised to turn urban lit and erotica on its proverbial head. He is succinctly providing a solution to the dilemma of addressing events sensational enough for headlines, but sans the celebrity involvement.

“Reality Novels” are a concept coined by Robinson to describe true stories, shocking in nature, told in book format. With the creation of Marriage Guns & Roses, he hopes to provide an avenue for the exploration and publishing of stories, presented by everyday people, who otherwise would not have access to a venue to tell their tales. The criteria are the occurrence must be true, extremely controversial, explosive and challenge the reader’s believability factor! Marriage Guns & Roses seeks to solicit true scandals from real people, turn them into published novels and then eventually short films.

Robinson jump starts the campaign with his own “reality novel,” “Hard vs. Soft Sexual Conflicts.” Revealing an escapade that positioned him in the middle of high drama between some of his very close friends, Robinson takes us to his hometown of Kansas City in the midst of the real estate boom in the early 2000′s. Changing the names to protect the guilty, Robinson weaves a tale so salacious, the reader is hooked at the very onset.

With the volatile ingredients of sex, lies, blackmail and yes, videotape, we are plunged into his world of upscale urbanites and whisked behind very closed doors. A roller coaster ride of real life performances unveils itself as Robinson finds himself in the middle of friends who have uncovered details that have turned them into enemies amongst themselves. A nymphomaniac wife, cheating on her husband with his friend might not seem very risqué, considering everyday headlines, but factor in Robinson’s gritty storytelling approach and this scandal quickly propels to epic proportions.

“I have found that sometimes the twists and turns of real life situations far outweigh the ‘wow factor’ of many of the celebrity scandals we read about. In my own personal circle I have been floored by some of the transgressions that have taken place right before my eyes! I know these stories are the tales folks want to hear about so I thought I’d create an outlet for it. Not everyone can get in the National Enquirer or Star, but with Marriage Guns & Roses, now everyone will have a fair chance at revealing a scandal close to them,” explains Robinson.

“My own personal tale is so funky and so raw, I can barely believe it myself, but I witnessed it firsthand,” he adds. ” When the individuals involved find out I’ve gone public with the story, I may have to leave town,” he chuckles, “but a big part of what makes a scandal a scandal is the reveal!”

To read the juicy details of Robinson’s own shocking disgrace, take a peak at http://www.marriagegunsandroses.com and get your copy of “Hard vs. Soft Sexual Conflicts.” If you think you have a true life scandal that has the ingredients of intrigue, ruthlessness and conflict and you are ready to take it public, contact Robinson for a confidential interview at scandal@marriagegunsandroses.com. View the book trailer at

http://www.youtube.com/user/MarriageGunsRoses.

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!