Los Angeles – Quintessential event hosts Kevin Rouse and Deshawn (Young Gun ) Cabeza are bringing 2013 in big. Big Daddy Kane big ! Well recognized as the hosts with the most, Rouse and Cabeza, are bringing rap icon Big Daddy Kane to Los Angeles, Saturday, February 23 ! This very rare live appearance and performance by Kane will see him celebrating 25 successful years in the music industry.

The festivities will be held, Saturday, February 23, 2013 at the Rooftop 3100, located at 3100 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles. Doors open at 9:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased at http://bigdaddykanelive.eventbrite.com/# .

Big Daddy Kane is one of hip-hop’s most charismatic MC’s and a legendary pioneer figure in the rap game. He will rock his hits “Smooth Operator,” “I Get The Job Done,” “Ain’t No Half Steppin,” “Warm it Up Kane,” and “Raw” during his Los Angeles appearance. Kane was recently featured on TV One’s critically acclaimed series, “Unsung.” This will be his first Los Angeles appearance / performance in several years!

With the Big Daddy Kane venture, Rouse and Cabeza continue their legacy of producing unrivaled levels of entertainment for Los Angeles’ upscale and progressive professionals. Their brand boasts nightlife that blends the best of entertainment including fine dining, celebrity performances, live music and dancing. This year, the duo are adding to the palette, providing concierge provisions to clientele around the country interested in attending their events.

“My two plus decades in the hotel industry have provided me unique access to provisions not easily obtained by many. Cabeza and I are branching out in 2013, offering services like private jet travel and hotel bookings for parties interested in getting a real taste of L.A. nightlife,” reveals Rouse.

Rouse and Cabeza’s roster of events includes “The Annual Elegant New Years Eve by the Sea,” “Blazers & Stilettos,” actor “Brian White’s Star Studded Birthday Celebration,” and the seasonal “L.A. Nights.” The two often partner with some of Los Angeles’ premier promoters to make it all happen, including Pernell Clark and the Impresario Group, Marc Gaspard, Roland Wirt, Larry Moore, Chuckie Miller, Dantae Dupree and many others. Their venue locations grace the span of greater Los Angeles, including downtown, Beverly Hills, Sherman Oaks and this historic Crenshaw district.

For ticket information go to http://bigdaddykanelive.eventbrite.com/# . Reach out to Kevin Rouse directly at (213) 926-2809 or at kevinarouse@msn.com for your concierge needs.
Also follow both Rouse and Cabeza on Facebook at http://facebook.com/kevin.rouse.315 and https://www.facebook.com/urbaneliteprofessionals?ref=ts&fref=ts .

Los Angeles – It was 1993 when actress/ choreographer Lisa Ruffin caught the vision that she would positively impact the lives of aspiring little African American girls, instilling in them a strong sense of self-esteem and purpose. She produced her very first Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant and has never looked back. Today, twenty years later, she has not only influenced thousands of lives, but several of those little girls are now grown women who credit the pageant as a focal point in their lives.

The Little Miss African American Scholarship Pageant will celebrate 20 years of success on Sunday, August 4, 2013 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. Ruffin has announced a Nationwide Registration and will select 50 young participants, between the ages of 6 and 12, for this landmark celebration.

The pageant has seen a host of celebrity participation over the years including Laila Ali, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx, Tarji P. Henson and Chandra Wilson. Jay Leno even paid a holiday visit to Ruffin and the pageant participants this past Christmas, acknowledging the wonderful work Ruffin has done over the years with a surprise visit from China Ann McClain, the star of the Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm” and Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne.” The visit aired during a special holiday highlight segment on “The Tonight Show.”

“I am humbled that God has allowed me to continue to do this work for 20 years now,” reveals Ruffin. “I’m so proud of all my girls and am so looking forward to this pageant being a extra special celebration!”

Young hopefuls, age 6 – 12 can submit their application for participation at

For further information call 818-570-0631 or email Littlemissaa2013@gmail.com. Please include a picture of the contestant with her name, brief information and any available links.

For a visual overview of the pageant and its impact on contestants, go to
http://vimeo.com/15018101.

Washington, DC – Filmmaker Jordan Thierry will kick off Black History Month with an insightful perspective on the rising dilemma of fatherless Black families when he debuts his introspective documentary, “The Black Fatherhood Project” in February. Community leaders in the Bay Area will host the film’s premiere Thursday, Jan 31 at The Grand Lake Theater in Oakland, CA and a national premiere will held online the February 1, 2013 at BlackFatherhoodProject.com with free viewing.

The Black Fatherhood Project poignantly reveals a history much more complex and profound than what is often seen on the surface of events. Directed and produced by Thierry, The Black Fatherhood Project unravels the roots of Black absentee parenting through the telling of his own story, interviews with prominent historians, and dialogue among a diverse selection of dads. The discussions include personal experiences, inspirations, and insight on how communities can come together to ensure the power of a father’s love is not lost on America’s Black children.

“The film explores the issues that continue to plague the Black community,” says Thierry. “It digs deep into history to identify how Black families functioned before slavery, how it and subsequent discrimination affected black fathers’ involvement in their families, and its impact today.”

Nationwide, 67 percent of Black children live in single-parent families, predominantly with the mother. This factor alone increases the likelihood of living in poverty, low educational achievement, incarceration and abuse. This ratio has tripled since the 1960s, growing in correlation with drug crimes, prisons, and income inequality to create today’s challenges for the Black family.

The first-time filmmaker adds, “The film also reveals that while the statistics may be discouraging, there is a strong faction of black men that are breaking the cycle of fatherlessness in their families and inspiring others to do the same.”

The online premiere will begin at 9:00 AM Eastern Time on Friday, February 1st and can be viewed at the film’s website BlackFatherhoodProject.com. The website also provides informational resources on fatherhood as well as a list of reputable mentor and advocacy groups.

An activist-filmmaker, Thierry began producing the film in 2006 while attending graduate school for communications at Howard University. His approach to filmmaking is informed by his community involvement to advance social justice and empower young men of color to be successful.

Thierry, who formerly served as national coordinator for The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation’s Black Youth Vote and taught elementary school in Newark, NJ, founded the nonprofit Better Man Productions, to address the growing demand for movies about issues concerning men of color. Better Man Productions is focused on inspiring a culture of positive fatherhood and masculinity in communities of color through short, shareable online movies.

The premiere screening at the Grand Lake Theater is the kickoff of The Black Fatherhood Project’s grassroots campaign to bring communities together by inviting people to host their own screening events in 2013 and inspire people to action through personal transformation, youth mentorship, and civic engagement. The audience will have a chance to meet and ask questions of the film’s director, Jordan Thierry, after the film. The Black Fatherhood Project will hold a second showing at Oakland-based community organization Youth UpRising for the public on February 4th at 4pm. Other upcoming screening event locations this year include Newark, NJ; Tampa, FL; and Columbus, OH; where the filmmaker will partner with local institutions to spark dialogue and inspire action around fatherhood.

January 31st Event Hosts include: Cedric Brown, Ludovic Blain, Mario Lugay, Chandler Hoffman, Tiffany Price, Dennis Quirin, Asha Wilkerson, Lauren Veasey, Justin Davis, Marc Philpart, Kisasi Brooks, Demond Walker, and the Stanford Black Alumni Association of Northern, CA.

Jordan Thierry is available for interviews. Contact Edrea at edmedia@dogonvillage.com

Harold “Noonie G” Ward
Releases New Book and Re – Releases DVD
“Gangster with a Heart of Gold: The Noonie G. Story”
Narrated by Kanye West and Common

Chicago – As street gang violence in Chicago rages out of control, law keepers and politicians continue to toil with solutions. A generational saga, not many can relate to the back-story causes that rest at the root of this very tragic dilemma. With history dating as far back to the influence of the original gangster Al Capone, a recent NPR story aptly noted that many of Chicagoland gangs are “older enterprises than Microsoft and Yahoo.”

Harold “Noonie G” Ward is one man who can intimately relate with the violence at both the cause and effects levels. “Noonie G,” as he is popularly known, is a former high-ranking member of the Gangster Disciples, a Chicago area gang reported to be one of the largest criminal organizations in the United States. Once considered a prominent force of terror on the city’s South Side, Ward has been on a mission to change the effects of causes he understands and relates to on a very personal level.

The devastating rise in violent gun deaths has prompted Ward to announce the re-release of his DVD alongside the new release of his book, both titled, “Gangster with a Heart of Gold: The Noonie G. Story.” Motivated by a strong sense of responsibility and desire to inspire positive change, Ward has pledged to donate 5000 copies of the books and DVD’s during the holiday season to organizations around the country committed to curbing street violence and uplifting inner city youth. “Gangster with a Heart of Gold: The Noonie G. Story” is narrated by Chicago natives Grammy Award winner Kanye West and celebrated hip hop artist and actor Common. Both artists provide the book’s foreword as well.

From convict to conqueror, pistol to pen, Ward serves as a legitimate role model and real life urban legend for today’s misguided youth. A self made entrepreneur, politician, community activist and leader, Ward is a native of Chicago’s Altgeld Gardens, one of the toughest housing projects in America. The DVD chronicles his street life, criminal enterprises and rise to a life of rightful endeavors with Atlgeld Gardens serving as the backdrop.

A vivid and heart wrenching testimony to the laws of survival and success, “Gangster with a Heart of Gold: The Noonie G. Story” was produced by Block 8 Productions and directed by Coodie and Chike who are best known for their music video work with hip hop artists Kanye West, Pit Bull, Lil’ Jon and Mos Def. Award-winning journalist Adam Matthews helped shape the film’s narrative and wrote Common’s script.

While the film captures and portrays the essence of gang life in Chicago, Ward’s life growing up, family ties, imprisonment, his rise in the Gangster Disciples and his transition out and beyond, the book is a more personal narrative from Ward offering straight from the streets life advice and motivation.

Ward’s personal story is an encouraging tale. The former gang leader has completely transformed his life and dedicated his path toward making a way for others to follow. Political prisoner and founder of the Gangster Disciples, Larry Hoover, hand picked Noonie Ward to implement a new direction of change and betterment for the community at large, with “Growth and Development” becoming the new battle cry.

“Street violence is not going to go away overnight,” Ward acknowledges. “It is difficult to understand what these young people are dealing with if you haven’t been there and lived that life. I’m not proud of my past, but it is what it is and because of it, I now have a unique platform to engage the possibility of change. It crushes my heart to know that it’s a war zone out here. Every time a child is killed, a part of me dies with them. I’m a soldier out here now trying to make a change. If my personal story can help someone then I know God is using me and I’m a better man more for it. I’m giving away my books and DVD’s to help get the word out on the streets that there is a better way and we have got to end the violence.”

Ward is serious about pulling others up with him. Utilizing the hip hop community as his vehicle, he has garnered a list of noteworthy accomplishments to his credit over the years. He actively engages the efforts and support of several hip hop luminaries. Cee-Lo, from NBC-TV “The Voice” made a personal appearance at Ward’s Chicago book signing recently and has committed to assisting with the holiday book giveaway. He partnered with recording artist Trey Songz to create the Songz for Peace Foundation, joined with rapper/actor T.I. to speak to youth in schools and hosted a toy drive for Chicago children with hip hop artist Wakka Flaka.

Ward’s early accomplishments include working with President Barack Obama as an activist in Altgeld Gardens, and organizing Chicago’s first National Gang Summit for Peace attended by Russell Simmons, NFL legend Jim Brown and Minister Louis Farrakhan.

As a true product of the street life, Ward possesses the unique ability to connect with youth on a genuine level. With contracts granted to him by Arne Duncan, the U.S. Secretary of Education, he regularly visits local high schools speaking to the students and conducting workshops about violence and various life issues. Determined to implement change, he has ran for the political offices of City Alderman, State Representative and Cook County Commissioner in Chicago.

Organizations requesting books or DVD copies of “Gangster with a Heart of Gold: The Noonie G. Story” for the holidays can send an email request to jazzmynepr@gmail.com.
Harold “Noonie G” Ward can be reached via twitter at https://twitter.com/therealnoonieg (@TheRealNoonieG) or via his Facebook fan page, “The Real ‘Noonie G’” at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Real-Noonie-G/218589698275155?ref=hl . “Gangster with a Heart of Gold: The Noonie G Story” both the DVD and book are available on Amazon.com.
Check out the film’s trailer at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsHw51S2mRs .

Hollywood, CA – There is something about the holiday season which brings out the best in everyone and with pop/ R&B recording artist A.M.X. that notion is no exception. With “A.M.X. presents Andre Mieux: The Christmas Collection,” the new artist serves up some of his best work yet showcasing a stellar selection of mesmerizing songs that capture the true sentiment of the season.

A.M.X. delivers three original holiday songs written and produced by him on “A.M.X. presents Andre Mieux: The Christmas Collection.” With celestial vocals, live instrumentation and the choir arrangements of Tony Wilkins, A.M.X.’s holiday collection is a tremendous gift and tribute with all the markings of a Christmas classic. The single “New Born King” harkens the revelry of traditional carols mixed with A.M.X.’s flavor filled praise call. “Around the Christmas Tree” simmers with heartfelt anticipation and emotion while “Christmas Day” rocks with peace filled celebratory passion.

A.M.X. continues to pave a unique path in the music business. The classically trained musician keeps revealing the various facets of his talent with diverse video and music releases. His single and steamy music video “She Likes,” wooed female demographics while his track “We Can Do Whatever,” produced by Brian “Chazz” Padilla, was a dance club hit. His mixtape, “Broken Halo,” was downloaded over 90,000 times on Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes and he has toured internationally and nationally in support of his career, opening for Boyz II Men, Joe, Ginuwine, SWV, Dru Hill and most recently R. Kelly.

His most recent drop, the DJ Break remix of his Snoop Dogg fused track, “You Made Me Change My Number,” originally produced by Da Internz, made the “Recommend” list on Spotify, the popular digital music service. A.M.X.’s latest video release is for his smash single, “We Can Do Whatever.”

Join A.M.X. at http://www.whoisamx.com/ and elevate the holidays with “A.M.X. presents Andre Mieux: The Christmas Collection,” on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/christmas-collection-a.m.x./id578831450 .

Washington, DC – A diverse group of women leaders and organizations have joined forces with the Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR) to launch a campaign to express their unequivocal support of United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice and to encourage senate and congressional leaders to treat the esteemed public servant with respect. In addition to signing on to an open letter to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, nearly 100 women from across the country are promoting an online petition in support of Ambassador Rice via personal and organizational networks as well as online social media.

The letter sent to Senate intelligence Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and committee ranking member Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) said Ambassador Rice has been a role model to all women. “She has excelled throughout her career both in the public and private sector. Her commitment to international peace and the equality of all people should be heralded, not summarily dismissed for political gain and expedience. Hence, we urge all U. S. Senators to afford Ambassador Rice the proper respect appropriate for any other Cabinet-level member of a sitting Administration.”

The letter continues, “We feel it necessary to remind the Senate of Ambassador Rice’s impeccable credentials because of the failure of some to respect her role as the United States Ambassador and leader in foreign policy. While some members of the Senate have pushed back on their rush to judgment in the press regarding Ambassador Rice’s prepared remarks on the attack in Benghazi, we feel that the public integrity and reputation of this brilliant woman, who serves our country with great dignity, has been unfairly and unnecessarily attacked.”

The Black Women’s Roundtable comprises an intergenerational membership of Black women civic leaders of international, national, regional and state-based organizations and institutions that works collectively to advance policies and strategic initiatives that help to improve the lives of underserved women and girls.

The range of Women who signed on to the letter include: Melanie L. Campbell, President & CEO and Convener, Black Women’s Roundtable, NCBCP; Rev. Marcia Dyson, Partner, M & M Dyson, LLC; Ingrid Saunders Jones, Chair, National Council of Negro Women; Susan L. Taylor, CEO and Founder, National CARES Mentoring Movement, Susan Scanlan, Chair, National Council of Women’s Organizations & President, Women’s Research & Education Institute; Vivica A. Fox, President, Foxy Brown Productions; and Dr. Natalia A. Francisco, Founder/Executive Director, Women of Worth & Worship, LLC. For a full list go to: www.ncbcp.org/news/releases/susan_rice_letter_copy/.

A full list of women supporting the letter, a copy of the letter to the Senate, a link to the petition, and a widget to post the petition to websites and social media are located at www.ncbcp.org/news/releases/susan_rice and Petition2Congress.com (http://tinyurl.com/c3oazfb). The twitter hashtag is #SUPPORTAMBASSADORRICE.

###

Signers to the letter include:

Melanie L. Campbell

President & CEO and Convener

Black Women’s Roundtable, NCBCP

Rev. Marcia Dyson

Partner, M & M Dyson, LLC

Ingrid Saunders Jones

Chair

National Council of Negro Women

Susan L. Taylor

CEO and Founder

National CARES Mentoring Movement

Editor-in-Chief Emerita, Essence Magazine

Susan Scanlan

Chair, National Council of Women’s Organizations & President, Women’s Research & Education Institute

Faye M. Anderson

Founder

Tracking Change

Angela M. Angel, Esq.

Member

Black Women’s Roundtable

Barbara R. Arnwine, Esq.

Convener, Black Women for Justice

Diane Babineaux

Chief of Staff to the Int’l President

International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Works

Arlene Holt Baker

Executive Vice President

AFL-CIO

Monifa Bandele

Campaign Director

MomsRising.org

Cora Masters Barry

Former First Lady Washington DC

CEO/Founder, RWLC

Lisa Fager Bediako

President & CEO Industry Ears

Dr. Lezli Baskerville

President & CEO

NAFEO

Dr. Michelle Battle

Executive Director

MIRA-National Youth Initiative

Salandra Benton

Convener

Florida Coalition on Black Civic Participation

Jillian Blackwell

Founder

My Girlfriends Business

Heather Booth

Democracy Partner

Donna Brazile

Vice Chair, Voter Registration and Participation, DNC

Roslyn Brock

Chairman

NAACP

Clayola Brown

President & CEO

A. Philip Randolph Institute

Jessica Brown

National Black Youth Vote! Coordinator

NCBCP

Latosha Brown

Principal

TruthSpeaks Consulting

Helen Butler

Executive Director

Coalition for the People’s Agenda

Cynthia M. A. Butler McIntyre

National President

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Yvonne V. Cook

Assistant to the Provost

And Vice President for Academic Affairs

Coppin State University

ShaRhonda Dawson

Director

Chicago Coalition on Black Civic Participation

Edrea Davis

Executive Producer

DogonVillage.com

Felicia Davis

Director

UNCF SP Building Green*

LaKimba B. DeSadier

Executive Director

National Black Caucus of State Legislators

Vivica A. Fox

President

Foxy Brown Productions

Sandra Fowler

President & CEO

Brewton Enterprises

Dr. Natalia A. Francisco

Founder/Executive Director

Women of Worth & Worship, LLC

Andrea Gleaves

Chair

WIN (Women’s Information Network)

Patricia Green

Founder & Chief Strategist

IC Linkages, Inc.

Sharon Hanshaw

Executive Director

Coastal Women for Change

Dr. Cynthia Hale

Senior Pastor

Ray of Hope Christian Church

Decatur, GA

Chanelle Hardy

Senior Vice President for Policy

National Urban League

Nancy Harvin

Member

Black Women’s Roundtable

Bonita M. Herring

International Grand Basileus

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority

Dr. Patricia Hobson

Chair

Local Host Summit Committee The Black Women’s Roundtable

Tanya Clay House

Chair, Civil Rights Law

National Bar Association

Eleanor Hinton Hoytt

President & CEO

Black Women’s Health Imperative

Janaye Ingram

DC Bureau Chief

National Action Network

Dorothy R. Jackson, Esq.

Board Member, NCBCP

Letetia Daniels Jackson

President/CEO

Tandeka LLC

Dr. Sabrina Jackson

CEO

Sabrina Jackson Enterprises

Dr. Lorretta Johnson

Secretary-Treasurer

American Federation of Teachers

Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever

Executive Director

National Council of Negro Women

Stephanie Jones

President

Stephanie Jones Strategies

Carol Joyner

National Political Director

Labor Project for Working Families

Julian B. Kiganda

President

African Diaspora for Change

Dr. Bernice A. King

CEO

The King Center

Nicole Lee

President

TransAfrica Forum**

Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks

Executive Director/CEO

National Black Justice Coalition

Dr. Evelyn Gibson Lowery

President, SCLC/W.O.M.E.N. Inc.

Leslie Watson Malachi

Director

African American Ministers in Action

Tamika Mallory

National Executive Director

National Action Network

Dr. Julianne Malveaux

Economist, Scholar & Author

President & CEO, Last Word Productions, Inc.

Barbara Miller

Professor of Anthropology & International Affairs and Director, Institute for Global & International Studies

The Elliott School of International Affairs George Washington University

Dr. Judith C. Moore

Executive Director,

Sisters Saving Ourselves NOW

Pastor, First AME Church-Clairton, PA

Minyon Moore

Former Assistant to the President Bill Clinton and Director of Public Liaison

Karen Mulhauser

President

Mulhauser and Associates

Dr. Claire Nelson

President & CEO

Institute of Caribbean Studies

Sophia A. Nelson, Esq.

Author Black Woman Redefined

Journalist, Speaker

Sima Osdoby

Consulting Democracy, Governance and Civil Society

Terry O’Neill

President

National Organization for Women

Kimberly Otis

Senior Advisor, Center for Partnership Studies, Director, Caring Economy Campaign

Stephanie Parker-Weaver

Founding President and CEO

Rebirth Alliance and Co-Convener, MSCBP

Barbara A. Perkins

President

International Black Women’s Public Policy Institute

Amy Pritchard

Principle Mission Control and

President Democratic GAIN

Rene Redwood

CEO

Redwood Enterprise, LLC

Deidra Reese

State Coordinator

Ohio Unity Coalition

Jena Roscoe

SVP, Government Relations, Public Policy, Operation HOPE

Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner

CEO and Co-Founder

MomsRising.org

Deborah Robinson

Convener, MS Black Women’s Roundtable

Co-Convener, MSCBP

Delisa Saunders, Ph.D.

Former Board Member, NCBCP

Rita Jackson Samuels

Founder

Georgia Coalition of Black Women, Inc.

Carlottia Scott

Board Member, NCBCP

Deborah Scott

Executive Director

Georgia Stand Up!

Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D.

Director

Ronald Walters Leadership & Public Policy Center, Howard University**

Kimberly Scott

President

Conklin Scott

Karen J. See

President

Coalition of Labor Union Women

Traci Siegel

Senior Vice President

GMMB

Dr. Yvonne Scruggs-Leftwich

President & CEO

Center for Community & Economic Justice

Makeda Smith

President

Jazzmyne PR

Carolyn House Stewart, Esq.

International President

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc

Pierrette Talley

Convener

Ohio Unity Coalition

Makani Themba

Executive Director

The Praxis Project

Sheila Tyson

Convener

Alabama Coalition on Black Civic Participation

Tonya Tyson

Member

Black Women’s Roundtable

A. Shuanise Washington

Founder and Principal

Washington Solutions, LLC

Management & Political Consulting Firm

Robin Williams

Associate Director

Civil Rights & Community Action

UFCW

Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner

President

Skinner Leadership Institute

Dr. E. Faye Williams

National Chair

National Congress of Black Women

Thomasina Williams, Esq.

Research Affiliate

MIT Community Innovators Lab

Vanessa Williams

Executive Director

National Conference of Black Mayors

Sharon Zimmerman

Interim Executive Director

Women’s Action for New Directions

[UPDATED SIGN ON as of 11.28.12.2]
**organization referenced for identification purposes only.

North Hollywood, CA – Dance diva Heather West and her luscious mavens will celebrate Santa with some North Pole magic at the 2nd Annual Christmas at the Moulin Rouge show, Sunday, December 9, at the Federal Bar in North Hollywood. Doors open at 7:00 pm for dinner seating. Entertainment starts at 7:30 p.m. featuring holiday themed pole and burlesque dance routines. The evening continues at 10:30 p.m. with an open dance floor party. The Federal Bar is located at 5303 Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood.

Guests are invited to dress in their Parisian best per the Moulin Rouge theme with ladies donning burlesque and fancy finery and men wearing shirts and ties. Special discount offers on classes will be available during the event as well.

“What better present than the gift of dance this Christmas season? It is the perfect time for feathers, lingerie, high heels and fishnets as our teachers and students light up the stage with our special “Luscious Lifestyle” brand of holiday merriment!” states West.

West’s Luscious Maven Pole Dance Studio offers the “Luscious Lifestyle” to women of all shapes and sizes via the art of pole, burlesque and exotic dance. Heather West’s Luscious Maven Pole Dance Studio is located at 11135 Weddington St. #113 in North Hollywood, CA.

Explore “The Luscious Lifestyle” and dance with West and her mavens on the web at http://www.lusciousmaven.com/. For ticket information for the 2nd Annual Christmas at the Moulin Rouge show, go to http://www.lusciousmaven.com/Events.html .

Hollywood, CA – R&B/Pop recording artist A.M.X. keeps marking his spot with music that let’s us know not only has he been here, but also that he’s not going anywhere anytime soon. His most recent drop is the DJ Break remix of his Snoop Dogg fused track, “You Made Me Change My Number,” originally produced by Da Internz. Spotify, the popular digital music service, has added the release on its “Recommend” list ! The remix turns up the volume on the original song with enough boom to blow up turntables !

A.M.X. know how to keep the music playing. His latest single and steamy music video “She Likes,” is still wooing female demographics and he is planning for an original Christmas classic to drop in December. His single “We Can Do Whatever,” produced by Brian “Chazz” Padilla, is a dance club hit and his mixtape, “Broken Halo,” was downloaded over 90,000 times on Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes. A.M.X. has been touring internationally and nationally in support of his career, opening for Boyz II Men, Joe, Ginuwine, SWV, Dru Hill and most recently R. Kelly.

Check out the DJ Break banger at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/you-made-me-change-my-number/id572281268. Visit A.M.X. online at http://www.whoisamx.com/index.html.

State specific PSA’s:

Philadelphia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfJImKCn3xA
Florida: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl1Yd4HqdnU
Alabama: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg_bxzRPuXo
Michigan: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg3O67Px-3A
Ohio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyoU4lhOdqs
Virginia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2vD7QUt0Dk
Louisiana: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewrAtOPMPAg

7 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO

PREPARE THE FAMILY TO VOTE IN 2012!

1. VERIFY your Registration Status & Your Poll Location BEFORE Election Day by calling your Board of Elections, 1-866-MYVOTE1 or visit ww.unityvoterempowermentcampaign.org.

2. Be sure to TAKE PROPER ID TO VOTE. Check ID requirements for your state in advance at www.costoffreedom.info.

3. VOTE EARLY or Absentee Ballot if you know you will be out of town on Election Day.

4. DON’T BE AFRAID TO REQUEST HELP from poll workers they are there to help YOU.

5. YOU HAVE A RIGHT to file a complaint if your rights have been violated. For legal assistance call 1-866-OUR-VOTE.

6. STAND YOUR GROUND – if there is a problem at the polls you have a right to cast a provisional ballot if you are certain you are a registered voter.

7. VOLUNTEER to be a poll worker or monitor in your community at www.ncbcp.org.

About The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation’s (NCBCP) Unity ’12 Campaign

The NCBCP Unity ’12 Campaign, in partnership with A. Philip Randolph Institute and 40 other national and state-based organizations and affiliates, is leading its non-partisan voter empowerment efforts in fourteen states through its Black Youth VoteiThink 2012, Black Women’s Roundtable Power of the Sister Vote and Foot Soldiers for Democracy initiatives.

The Unity Campaign will have coordinators on the ground on Election Day and will also host a command center in Washington DC offering updates on ground operations. States include: AL, FL, GA, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, MS, NC, OH, PA, VA, WI.

For more information on the Unity ’12 Campaign visit www.unityvoterempowermentcampaign.org or www.ncbcp.org.

To interview state coordinators email: edmedia@dogonvillage.com.

North Hollywood, CA – It’s been one year since busy television executive Lea Walker took the leap and opened her own pole and aerial arts studio. The space, Aeriform Arts, is steadily gaining momentum as the “go to” spot for vertical movement, housing ten aerial yoga hammocks, a lyra, hanging silks and five brass dance poles. Walker celebrates the exercise and dance center’s anniversary with an open house, recital and party on Saturday, November 3 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Aeriform Arts is located at 5625 Lankershim Blvd. in North Hollywood, CA.

“Pole exercise and aerial yoga were an instrumental part of my healing process when I was experiencing some major health issues a few years ago. I loved both poling and aerial movement but remember tiring from running back and forth between various studios. I am thrilled that the community appreciates the fact that Aeriform Arts offers everything under one roof and in a co-ed environment. This is just the beginning of a dream and mission for me!”

Aeriform Arts houses an distinct roster of some of Los Angeles’ best fitness instructors including Leigh Acosta, specializing in pole, lyra and aerial cirque; Amber Porter for aerial cirque; Lacy McGarry for pole & floor; Kristina Serna for BUTI ™ and Saharah Ali and Victoria Platt for aerial yoga.

The studio will offer a special Nail It Deep Series, taught by Niki Saccareccia and Jennifer Netherby, consisting of a Back Bends workshop, Sunday, November 18th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.; a Handstands workshop, Sunday, December 2 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.; and a Splits and Straddles workshop on Sunday, December 16 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Aeriform Arts is open daily. Soar with Aeriform Arts at http://aeriformarts.com/ or by calling 818-980-AERI (2374).

To RSVP for the anniversary party, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/422523367795896/.

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Jamaal Rose, Florida Black Youth Vote! coordinator with FAMU students Kim Wilson (middle) and Sharon Davis encouraging students to vote early or on Nov. 6.

Washington, DC – Determined to keep the swagger going among their peers, Black Youth Vote! (BYV!), the youth program of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP), is hustling hard as they transition their iThink 2012 Campaign efforts from voter registration to voter education and mobilization for the last days of the 2012 Presidential Election cycle.

BYV! national field coordinator, Jessica Brown, believes that the young adults won’t be easily deterred during this election. “Regardless of what is often reflected in the music and the culture, we are concerned about issues that impact us and we pay attention.”

Virginia BYV! coordinator, Tiara Davis adds, “Because of the voter suppression laws passed to reduce the number of people who can vote, we are getting the message out to vote early and if someone tries to block you from voting, Stand Your Ground and VOTE.”

Active in 14 states and DC, BYV! is making tremendous waves at the grassroots level. The young leaders are dorm knocking, staging vote raids, working with the fraternities and sororities to get their members to the polls, and collecting voter pledge cards. Florida BYV! organizers Lucas Melton and Jamaal Rose even convinced their college president, Florida A&M University (FAMU) interim president Larry Robinson, to sign a BYV! pledge card and cancel classes for a few hours so FAMU students could participate in a march to the polls on the first day of early voting!

“We’re out here on a daily basis getting young people fired up about this election,” said Melton. “In addition to making sure they understand the voter ID requirements, we are reminding them that this election is beyond selecting a president, there are state and local races and referendums that will impact our daily lives.”

Other tactics BYV is using to empower the hip hop nation are debate watch parties; town hall meetings; a digital hit squad getting the message out via social media; and the recruitment of radio DJ’s to play the BYV! theme song, “Vote4Justice”, by Andre “Champ” Hobson. Jeremy Triblett, Wisconsin BYV! , is one of several club DJ’s around the country playing the theme song and urging people to vote while in the nightclubs.

“A major part of our voter registration campaign was to register and educate ex-offenders, so now we’re contacting them to help them identify their poll location and offering rides to the polls to make sure they vote,” adds Portia Tyson, Alabama BYV!.

With the alarming talk of voter suppression efforts and protesters looking to block African-Americans from voting, the organization is working with Common Cause and others to recruit volunteers, called Foot Soldiers for Democracy, to train to work as poll monitors and poll workers. Poll monitors will work outside the polls on Election Day reporting problems via text, mobile apps, and by calling the 1 – 866- OUR VOTE hotline to report problems to lawyers.

Black Youth Vote! iThink2012 partners include, Generational Alliance, BET VOTE 2012, Hip Hop Caucus, Black Men Vote, 100 Black Men of America, Inc. and the Cost of Freedom Project.

“Young people have always been the catalyst behind any movement. They are impacted by issues such as student loans, military enlistment and unemployment,” cites Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO of NCBCP and co-founder of BYV!. “That’s why Black Youth Vote is such an integral component in our Unity 12 Voter Empowerment Campaign. BYV! also has a special voter empowerment focus on young black males because so many of them are hurt by the unjust voter suppression laws and those who were formerly incarcerated have problems getting their right to vote restored.”

Black Youth Vote! (BYV!) is a national grassroots coalition of organizations and individuals committed to increasing political and civic engagement among black youth and young adults between the ages of 18-35. The iThink2012 Campaign is made possible with support from the Open Society Foundations, Workers Voices, Boule Foundation, The Ford Foundation, Youth Engagement Fund and Tides Foundation-BCEF. Co-convened by NCBCP and A. Philip Randolph Institute, the Unity ’12 Campaign is a national non-partisan effort to turn out Black voters. For more information visit www.ncbcp.org or www.unityvoterempowermentcampaign.org.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Black Youth Vote! will host a post-election media briefing Wed. Nov. 14, 12 – 3 PM at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. National coordinators of Black Youth Vote! are available for interview to discuss their campaign. Contact jazzmynepr@gmail.com or edmedia@dogonvillage.com.