What do you say to a woman; who along with her family paved the way for many people in journalism including ourselves. Thank you! It was the first thing we expressed when meeting Linda Johnson Rice, Chair and CEO of Johnson Publishing Company (JPC). Her father, John H. Johnson founded the company in the 1940's—where it became the home of Ebony Magazine, Jet (now JetMag.com) and Fashion Fair Cosmetics. Linda was in town to attend the 24th Annual Pinnacle Awards; held by the Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) at the Marriott Marquis Houston Hotel Saturday. There she was honored for a Lifetime Achievement Award for Ebony Magazine. Gracious in spirit, she thanked us for the opportunity to connect inside the suite that she and the other guests occupied before the awards show. Dressed in a black lace attire, she smiled at each person who came into her presence to either conduct an interview or pose for photos. Her short, blond afro accentuated the makeup worn which complimented the confidence she has as an African-American business leader. Asking what does it mean for her to be present at this year's awards as a Lifetime Achievement honoree? Linda replied, "You know... it really is very special because I think to be able to be in Houston which is a great city of African-American empowerment, leadership and business and all of which I completely and wholeheartedly endorse coming from JPC— It's a wonderful, wonderful honor. So I'm greatly appreciative. The honor really isn't just for me, but for Ebony and Jet and for all they have done and continue to mean to the African-American community." As for what's in store for Ebony Magazine being a part of events like GHBC in the future? Linda says, "We're working on the next issue...we're always working on the next issue (laughter). The great thing is now we're very aggressive on the digital space so you can have Ebony twenty-four hours a day on your phone. So we've got the staff writing feverishly all the time covering things which I think are important in the African-American community and for the community at large. Since it is digital— the whole world can read it to learn about who we are and what we do." Congratulations Linda Johnson Rice on your Lifetime Achievement Award honor! Ebony Magazine Chair, Michael Gibson and Vice Chairman, Willard Scott were also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Click here to see a complete list of all the Pinnacle Awards Nominees. Special thanks to Misty Blue Media By La Trisha and La Tasha "Twins of Media" Photo credit: Priscilla Graham
Dorien Wilson stars in the Bounce TV comedy "In The Cut" now in its fourth season. He plays the character of Jason Weaver, a barbershop owner who meets a young man named Kenny (Ken Lawson) the biological son he never knew about. It's a fan favorite sitcom full of laughter and cast mate camaraderie. We caught up with Dorien by phone in between him filming a movie in Florida. Reminding him he will always be known by fans as Professor Olgevee (The Parkers). Read more on why he believes his career has lasted this long and the one actor he has never seen in a bad mood. Tell us what fans can expect more of following Season 4 of In The Cut? More of the funny. I think this is our best season yet. I think we are more solidified in our character and the relationships we have built with each other. We added Kellita Smith (Bernie Mac show) who plays my love interest, Cheryl. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but Jay's status changes in the season finale. It's a really funny show and we're just here to tickle your funny bone for 22 minutes. What do you like most about working with the cast? It's so funny. I was talking about this not too long ago. All of us grew up in the ranks together in this business. I originally played Jackee Harry's boyfriend in Sister, Sister and fast forward twenty-something years and I play her ex-husband on this show. How crazy is that? (laughter)...we all have a relationship. As you know, Ken Lawson and I were on The Parkers together for 6 years. I was stoked when they told me he would play my TV son. As long as I've worked with this brother, I have never seen him in a bad mood or with an attitude. He's just one of the most kindest and professional people I have met in this business and I love working with him. For years, people thought me and John Marshall Jones (Clevon "Smitty" Smith) was the same person (laughs). I was always asked, "Are you the actor from The Smart Guy?" and he would have people greet him "Hey Professor!" Now we're working together side by side on the same show. Better yet, he and I share the same birthday and birth year (laughs). What would you say is the reason you have enjoyed longevity in your acting career? God! It's such a blessing. I don't take anything for granted because it can be taken away at any time. I have been so fortunate and blessed to remain consistent and relevant. It's sometimes unheard of in this type of career. I have been a regular on 6 television shows and it's amazing! I'm also doing more things behind the scenes as well. I am one of three executive producers for a new movie— a romantic comedy called His, Hers & the Truth. It's a very funny movie that I'm also in along with comedian, Cocoa Brown who plays my wife. It debuts Valentine's Day 2019. I'm so proud of the film! It's one of the reasons I was in Atlanta. We're bringing Hollywood to Dublin, GA where two of the executive producers are from. It's a small town and we're going to roll out the red carpet and have a Q&A session surrounding the movie. It will be fun! In all, I'm just reinventing myself as I go along. I just finished a Nickelodeon show—Belle and the Bulldog for three seasons where I played a coach and worked with some really amazing kids! When was the last time you laughed out loud in real life and not on social media? With my kids. They're nuts (laughs). Both of my children relish in picking on dad. They talk about how old I am though they say I look good and don't age. They crack on me for not knowing social media or computers, but the two of them together when they gang up is hysterical. It's all funny until I curse them out...(laughter). We think Dorien Wilson is a pretty happy go lucky guy and we look forward to seeing him acting for many more years.
SEASON 4 FINALE OF IN THE CUT AIRS TONIGHT ON BOUNCE TV 9/8C
By Twins of Media Feature photo: Bounce TVIf you want a career in Oil & Gas, the medical field or corporate America in Houston, chances are you will be able to find it. If you want to study to become an engineer or lawyer you can do as well and be successful.
Centrell Reed recently opened a 4,000-square-foot production studio in Houston’s Galleria area. The space is home to Reed's full-service production company CReed Global Media (CGM). CGM offers professional media services including filming, editing, podcast and show production, graphic design, branding videos, social media support, studio/co-working space rentals, and more. Photo credit: ilovethemoments.com and Tosha Evans Photography
On the OWN network, you portray Davis West in the drama series 'Queen Sugar.' Discuss your character on the show and what attracted you to the role.
On Thursday, April 14, 2016, The Girls Inc. had their 20th annual Frolic on the Green Project playhouse at Discovery Green in downtown Houston.
Holly Robinson Peete and her retired NFL husband, Rodney Peete have embarked on a new journey sharing their home life in their own docuseries "For Peete's Sake." The long-married duo remains to keep their focus on their four children while living in the spotlight. With twins RJ, who has autism, and daughter Ryan, athlete Robinson and preteen Roman, the series follows the Peete's navigating their offspring's as they approach adulthood as any devoted parents would. Life is full for the Peete's which include Rodney's health post-football, Holly's mother and manager Dolores and running of their charity, the HollyRod Foundation. They're our normal "television" family and we're giving you five reasons they've instantly become a viewership favorite. Marriage – Holly and Rodney Peete have been married for twenty years. Those who are married know that a long-lasting union requires work, and these two have managed to make it happen for two decades. Family – Come on let’s face it, The Peete’s are a good-looking family, however, it’s the unconditional love displayed from episode one that caught our attention. We applaud the Peete’s, along with Holly’s mom, Dolores (the children’s grandmother) in working together to raise four beautiful and well-behaved children with four different personalities; Rodney Jr., RJ (17), Ryan Elizabeth (17), Robinson James (13) and Roman (10). Autism Awareness – Son RJ was diagnosed with Autism at an early age. And Holly and Rodney have always been open about RJ’s diagnosis. Both have brought awareness about the disorder all throughout his childhood while continuously advocating for the cause to help their son and others. Rodney Jr. (RJ) – The viewers were smitten with RJ from day one. When we see him we don’t just see Autism, we see a handsome, lovable, kind, polite and smart kid. Although he has Autism, it does not have him. RJ has a pure sweetness about him that reminds us that God makes no mistakes. His spirit is also a reminder that we are here on this earth to love others in spite of any differences or challenges. Comedy – Although the show touches on the real life, day-to-day issues of marriage, kids, work etc. A family that laughs together stays happily together! Holly is a natural already when it comes to comedic timing, but seeing her and Rodney interact with the children can sometimes be a bit humorous. It reminds us that "oh yeah, the former NFL Football player and beautiful actress are just like us, and that's why we love the Peete's! Message to RJ— "We are on this journey with you as you transition into adulthood, the workplace and being an advocate for Autism Awareness. Your star is bright!" ~Twins of Media ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________