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January 31st, 2008 by PG Chic
If you haven’t heard, Havard professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. completed “African American Lives 2″, which is second of the PBS “African American Lives” special series that originally aired in February 2006. “African American Lives 2″ is a second, very interesting look at the geneaolgy of more African Americans. The four-part special premieres on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at 9pm on PBS. The participants this year include Linda Johnson Rice, Don Cheadle, Chris Rock, Tome Joyner, Peter Gomes, Maya Angelou, Morgan Freeman, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Tina Turner, Kathleen Henderson, and Bliss Broyard.
Chris Rock was on Oprah last week helping to promote the PBS special and a few clips from his geneaology were shown. Can you believe that Chris Rock shed tears during the special? He became understandably emotional as Professor Gates revealed that his maternal great-great-grandfather was a slave for 20 years who went on to become an elected official and left 65 acres to his family upon his death. Chris Rock said that he doesn’t even own 65 acres. It was really powerful stuff and made me want to start tracing back my roots if not only for a better understanding of who I am. I think geneaology helps people to make sense of their life paths.Fascinating stuff…I am looking forward to the premiere.
Note: There have been a few repeats airing of the first series from February 2006, which included Oprah’s geneaolgy–she is a descendant of many educators. The other participants of part one included Dr. Ben Carson, Whoopi Goldberg, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dr. Mae Jemison, Quincy Jones, Dr. Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot, and Chris Tucker.
Posted in Entertainment, Did You Hear About? | Add Comment »
January 30th, 2008 by PG Chic
I was so busy running my mouth about Roscoe Jenkins yesterday, I forgot to mention that Oprah announced on her show last week that The Color Purple musical is ending on Broadway on February 24, 2008. Just a few more weeks left to see Chaka Khan and Bebe Winans! Well, if you miss The Color Purple on Broadway, you can always see the musical at the Hippodrome in Baltimore, MD, coming April 29 - May 18.
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January 29th, 2008 by PG Chic
Why was the cast of “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins” on Oprah yesterday? While catching up on my Tivo last night, I caught the second half of Oprah’s Monday show. I remember seeing the end of the Roscoe Jenkins trailer and thought it was another one of “those” silly movies that I would maybe catch on cable. However, because of the power of Oprah, I am giving this film a closer look. I was honestly a little shocked that this film received Oprah’s stamp of approval. Then again, Karrine Stephans made it to Oprah, so I guess anything is possible.
Upon second look, I realized that “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins” was written, produced and directed by Malcolm D. Lee (Spike Lee’s cousin and director of Undercover Brother, The Best Man, and Roll Bounce), which gives me more of a reason to give the film a chance. Honestly, Oprah is the reason I saw Tyler Perry’s Diary of a Mad Black Woman. I know, that was a brave confession (lol), but really, from the trailer of Diary, it looked like it would just be a bunch of played out jokes that everyone has heard before. I recall being pleasantly entertained when I finally saw Diary…kudos to Kimberly Elise.
Anyway, the “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins” cast appearance on Oprah included Martin Lawrence, Cedric the Entertainer, and Mo’Nique–who definitely stole the show. Mo’Nique first met Oprah in 1978 as a young girl in Baltimore, MD on the set of People Are Talking and shared the emotional account of the meeting. Maybe I was just in an mushy mood, but Mo’Nique had me all choked up and teary-eyed…lol. Martin didn’t seem like himself, but then again I haven’t seen him interviewed in a while. I heard this role is more of a dramatic performance for him. Anyway, we’ll see how Roscoe Jenkins does on the big screen. The movie opens on February 8, 2008.
Side–I always want to support Martin because of his roots in Prince George’s County, specifically Landover and remember he went to Eleanor Roosevelt H.S. It was funny that Martin mentioned he used to buff the floors in K-Marts (yes “K-Mart” with an “s”…lol — you may remember my completely random thought about the area vernacular). Speaking of Martin, has anyone heard about him doing anything in the Prince George’s County area recently? I haven’t, but I could be wrong. I’ve read that he owns a place just a state line away. Maybe the movie should be called “Welcome Home Martin Lawrence”…we miss you Martin. Even Dave Chapelle came back as recently as last year for a Duke Ellington School of Arts Benefit Concert. Not a criticism, just an observation. What’s up with a local appearance?
Posted in Entertainment, Prince Georges County | 2 Comments »
January 28th, 2008 by PG Chic
The Len Bias story hits very close to home, so when I heard about the upcoming Len Bias documentary (coming April 2008) I immediately told friends and family to look out for the release. It is amazing that his tragic death was 22 years ago. I remember the 1986 tragedy like it was yesterday. I remember the high emotions of Len Bias being chosen #2 in the NBA draft by the Celtics that year, followed by the indescribable sadness after the cocaine overdose that claimed his life. More sad for the Bias family was four years later…the senseless killing of Len’s younger brother, Jay, at Prince George’s Plaza.
There is a trailer of the Len Bias documentary (A Kirk Fraser Film) at the official Len Bias: The Legend You Know, The Story You Didn’t Web site (http://www.len-bias.com/).
Related Links:
Len Bias Highlights - Terrapin Clips
“The Maryland Basketball Odyssey - Tragedy to Triumph”
Posted in Prince Georges County, Did You Hear About? | 1 Comment »
January 25th, 2008 by PG Chic
After 15 years, Karibu Books is closing. Wow…first of all I can’t believe it’s been 15 years! I remember their days back at Landover Mall. I remember being excited when they opened at Prince George’s Plaza. My hope is that the concept of Karibu can be salvaged to carry on the store’s core mission for African American authors, readers, etc. See below text from an e-mail I recevied (an evidently also posted on the Karibu Books Web site) sharing the unfortunate news of the store’s closing. The Washington Post has a detailed article about the reasons for closing, citing differences in the direction of the Blck-owned book stores.
Related Links:
January 22, 2008
Dear Karibu Customers,
After 15 years of service within the Washington, DC metropolitan area, Karibu Books, a Black bookstore chain will be closing its doors. We sincerely thank each and every one of you for your patronage and support. We are optimistic that our mission to empower and educate through a comprehensive selection of books by and about people of African descent will continue to resonate within the communities we proudly served.
Since 1993, we have been blessed to help thousands of local, regional and national authors share their incredible stories of faith, hope, love, peace, politics and race. We can’t begin to express our gratitude for the countless authors who have graced our six stores and enriched our customers’ lives.
We will be closing our Security Square (Baltimore, MD) and Forestville locations on Sunday, January 27. The remaining locations, Bowie Town Center, The Mall at Prince Georges and Iverson Mall will close on Sunday, February 10. Our Pentagon City store is already closed.
Effective immediately, all inventory at all locations will be 50% off. All fixtures will also be available for purchase on February 10. See individual store managers for more information.
Again, we respectfully thank you for your loyalty, laughter and love.
Sincerely,
Simba Sana
CEO
Karibu Books
Posted in Prince Georges County, Books, Did You Hear About? | 3 Comments »
January 24th, 2008 by PG Chic
Okay, so my title is a little misleading, but I just had to post the photo below. Sorry about the quality…it was taken on a camera phone. Anyway, only in Prince Georeg’s County (and I mean that in the most loving sense) could there be a Madea Bail Bonds (at where else but near the courthouse in Upper Marlboro, MD). Maybe it’s just my sense of humor, but when I first saw this sign referencing the name Madea, I thought it was the funniest thing. Just think about Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail and you know what I mean. Just sharing…
Posted in Random Thoughts, Prince Georges County | 3 Comments »
January 23rd, 2008 by PG Chic
Am I being overly sensitive or is this CFC (Combined Federal Campaign) poster offensive? This photo is real and was taken in the halls of an area Federal government agency. Everyone I forwarded it to felt the same. Straight coonery/buffoonery…
Really, what does this “character” have to do with giving charity? And what is he supposed to be? The guy has fake dreadlocks with what looks like a court jester outfit on. He may as well be dancing the jig. Better yet, who’s bright idea was it to approve this foolishness? Probably the same people who approved the Golfweek cover (Washington Post, 01/18/2008). Okay, I know, the poster is not as in-your-face as a the Golfweek cover, but there is just something wrong with this picture!
Posted in Random Thoughts | Add Comment »
January 22nd, 2008 by PG Chic
UPDATE: Lavar Arrington’s Sideline Sports Bar - Finally Open in Largo, Md. at The Blvd. (PG Chic, 02/01/2008)
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Another quick Lavar Arrington Sideline Sports Bar update…
The Sideline Sports Bar Web site has been updated with a Flash intro and you may also view 3D rendering of the restaurant. Actually, someone told me they saw Lavar (filmed inside the restaurant) on the news over the weekend talking about how The Sideline Sports Bar has always been a dream for him. I’ll find out tomorrow if they’re “officially” open to the public. Does anyone know?? I know one thing…I heard that My Place Sports Bar & Grill was packed on Sunday night (1/20).
Related Links:
Posted in Entertainment, Prince Georges County, Dining | 2 Comments »
January 9th, 2008 by PG Chic
The Washington Post”Critical Victories For ‘Barack’s Guy In Prince George’s’” — the article focuses on the support of “Barack’s Guy” Orlan Johnson.
Posted in Prince Georges County | Add Comment »
January 6th, 2008 by PG Chic
PG Chic is back and excited about a new year. The year 2008 will be a good one and a new beginning for many. Stay tuned for exciting updates from PG Chic in the coming months!
Posted in Prince Georges County | Add Comment »
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