Robin Givens

Robin Givens is in Atlanta gearing up to star in Jasmine Guy's production of "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf." The veteran actress is also celebrating her discovery of self, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. --CONTINUE

Al Sharpton on Michael Jackson's Detractors and How the Family Is Coping

Reverend Al Sharpton has been a pillar of support for the Jackson family since the moment the world found out Michael passed away. Sharpton is one of the few people to have a close relationship with the King of Pop and the man they both revered, James Brown, the Godfather of Soul. ESSENCE.com sat down with Sharpton to talk about his connection to these two incredible men, how the Jackson family is coping after participating in the most watched memorial service in recent history, and his thoughts about the naysayers who continue to mar Michael's legacy. --CONTINUE

NEW MUSIC: VICKIE WINANS

“HOW I GOT OVER!”
In Stores August 4, 2009

The Hardest Working Woman in Gospel, Vickie Winans, has overcome a lot since her last CD was released in 2006. Since then, Winans’ beloved mother Mattie Bowman passed away and Winans departed from Verity Records to launch her own Destiny Joy recording label. After surviving those trying times, Winans has rebounded triumphantly. --CONTINUE

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VICKIE WINANS ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM AND TV DEAL: Artist turns out another music project and will host TV show. --CONTINUE

Photos Taken @ Yesterday's Memorial Service for Michael Jackson

MORE PHOTOS FROM SERVICE HERE

LIVE VIEW OF MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR MICHAEL JACKSON

BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL, REDEEMING, MOVING, EMOTIONAL SERVICE! I FELT HIS LIFE, WORK AND NAME REDEEMED IN THE MEMORIAL SERVICE. PRAISE GOD! IN DUE SEASON HE WILL REDEEM YOUR NAME! THANK YOU AGAIN, MICHAEL FOR THE AWESOME SACRIFICE SO WE COULD WITNESS THE WONDER, MAGIC, GIFTS & TALENTS AND THINGS NO WORDS ARE GOOD ENOUGH TO PUT INTO!

VIEW MEMORIAL SERVICES LIVE --http://www.cnn.com/video/fb/facebook.html?stream=stream1

SERVICE WILL REAIR @ 4 P.M. AND 7 P.M.

Essence Music Festival

VIEW MORE PHOTOS

CURRENT ISSUE OF PEOPLE ON NEW STANDS NOW

People Special Issue
Michael Jackson: The Talent and Tragedy
Features 40+ pages of rare photos spanning an extraordinary life.

4th of July

Happy 4th of July Luvs!

Happy Independence Day!

Thank you Lord for the independence to choose you and not be robots. Thank you for true independent love that you have poured into our lives. Your grace and mercy have allowed independent decisions.

For God So Loved The World That HE GAVE His ONLY Begotten Son That Whosoever Believes In Him SHALL NOT Perish But Have EVERLASTING Life! John 3:16

NOW THAT'S SOME FIREWORKING SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE!!!

View Michael Jackson's Last Rehearsal Footage

As this video clip shows, Jackson,50, appeared ready to wow London audiences as he rehearsed in Los Angeles on June 23, two days before he died."We ran through the whole show the past couple nights," Jackson's 23-year-old Australian guitar player Orianthi tells PEOPLE exclusively. "He was so ready to do it." --VIEW FOOTAGE HERE

Jermaine Jackson Interview on the Today Show

“There is nothing to be compared to this, ’cause we lost our brother, our hero. The world is mourning. We are mourning. The fans are mourning. It is unreal. Unbelievable,” Jermaine Jackson told TODAY’s Matt Lauer in an exclusive interview recorded at the famous Neverland Ranch of the “King of Pop” — the first in-depth interview with any Jackson family member since the singer’s shocking death last week. --CONTINUE

Michael Jackson Memorial Service...

**UPDATED** Family states their will not be a public viewing at Neverland --Continue--

Original MSN Story ** See Above Updated Details & Changes Santa Barbara County officials are in a meeting about Michael Jackson plans, and E! Online reports they are discussing a possible memorial service at his Neverland Ranch. Early media reports disagreed as to whether the event would be held Friday or Saturday. --CONTINUE

African American Heritage Festival//Current Issue: Ebony

July 3rd-5th, 2009
333 Camden St. Baltimore MD. 21201
Official Site: http://aahf.net/2009/
Performances By: Anita Baker, EnVogue, Teena Marie and more!

CURRENT ISSUE: EBONY

EBONY Magazine Names 25 Women With The ‘It’ Factor

Find out who made this elite list

In the exclusive, four-cover summer issue, EBONY magazine puts the spotlight on 25 Black women who have the sought-after “It” factor. “It” is the one unique thing that puts these dynamic ladies in a league of their own. Get the scoop on what is interesting, fascinating, historic and trailblazing about each woman. First lady Michelle Obama, Grammy-winner Alicia Keys, Academy Award-winner Halle Berry and legendary entertainer Tina Turner set the tone for this powerful page-turner.

The list also includes famed rapper Lil’ Kim, activist Angela Davis, model Naomi Campbell, singer Grace Jones and many other surprises. (p. 66)

TV One Line Up: Michael Jackson

Line Up: Today (5 p.m. Video Tribute; 6 p.m. The Life and Times of the King of Pop; 8 p.m. & 11 p.m. 30th Anniversary Celebration 2 hour Concert At Madison Square Garden that also featured Jackson 5 Reunion) -- See More Details Below!TV One presents the most talked-about concert to date, the Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years. This all-star salute to the “King of Pop” celebrates his 30 years as a solo performer and features some of the hottest stars in the game. Only Michael Jackson can put Marc Anthony, Destiny's Child, Missy Elliott, Gloria Estefan, Nelly Furtado, Whitney Houston, James Ingram, Al Jarreau, Gladys Knight, Liza Minnelli, Monica, Aaron Carter, 'N Sync, 98 Degrees, Gloria Gaynor, Usher, Billy Gilman, Shaggy, Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Mya, Lil' Romeo, Jill Scott, Elizabeth Taylor, Samuel L. Jackson and Chris Tucker on one stage.

Taped at New York’s Madison Square Garden, this special represents Jackson's first live US performance in nearly 11 years and the first reunion with his brothers in 20 years. If you missed one moment of Michael’s life, this is where you need to be to catch up. Michael and his brothers perform some of their biggest hits including ABC, The Love You Save, I’ll Be There, I Want You Back and Dancing Machine. True to his super power, Michael clears the stage and sets the building on fire with his performances of Billie Jean, The Way You Make Me Feel, Black or White, Never Can Say Goodbye, Beat It, Rock My World, Ben, Man in the Mirror and much-much more!

Have a seat, tap your feet or just get up and dance along to the music! You don’t want to miss the greatest and most watched concert ever! Watch Michael and his friends celebrate the greatest entertainer of all times—watch Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years only on TV One. --TV One

Michael Jackson Passes Away

NEWS JUST BROKE "Live" THAT HE HAS PASSED AWAY AT THE AGE OF 50!

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I can hardly put anything into words at this moment. Michael Jackson has been the background to many of our lives. I cannot remember a time without his genius through music and dance. In hearing his music being played as the news was breaking, it simply moved me to tears.

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Keep the family, friends and fans in your prayers.

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UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did this just really happen, surreal!

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P.S. When was there a time in my life where Michael Jackson's moves and music were not there?! Never. Post your comments. An unbelievable day, King of Pop, biggest entertainer...

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o Enter ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT Report (See Photos)

o Enter MSNBC Report

o Enter BET Report

o Enter PEOPLE MAGAZINE Report

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Housewives of Atlanta

Premieres Thursday, July 30th @ 10/9 c --[View More on the Season]

Fantasia in the Film Adaptation of The Color Purple

It’s been a tough year for Fantasia Barrino. The Grammy-nominated singer and budding actress brought a new relevance to the Broadway adaptation of The Color Purple with her turn as the tormented Celie, but a cyst on her vocal chords forced her to miss dozens of shows. Fortunately, being handpicked by Oprah to reprise the role for the new film adaptation has helped to revive her passion for performing. --CONTINUE

Nick Canon & Mariah Carey//Jill Scott

Although the serious plans for starting a family with wife Mariah Carey are still a few months away, Nick Cannon already has a clear idea of the kind of father he'll be. --CONTINUE

JILL SCOTT

Philly soul maven Jill Scott has been a sister-friend and sometimes mother to many through her music and robust vocals. Now, Scott is tackling the most important role in her life as mom to 2-month-old son, Jett Hamilton, while continuing to enjoy a flourishing film and television career. Word on the street is that the natural beauty might be toting an Emmy soon for her enigmatic role as Precious in HBO's critically acclaimed series "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency." --CONTINUE

NEW MUSIC: Gospel Dream Winner, Melinda Watts

RELEASE DATE: July 28th

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Melinda Watts, the season three winner of Gospel Music Channel’s popular reality talent search series, Gospel Dream, will fulfill her life-long dream as she is set to release her first album this summer. Signed with Razor & Tie Entertainment for a worldwide multi-album deal, Watt’s debut album, PEOPLE GET READY, will be released nationwide on July 28th. --CONTINUE

Enjoy Your Father's Day! Special Tribute to Celebrity Fathers

In celebration of Father’s Day, we salute our favorite celebrity dads.
President Obama squeezes in time for a few laughs with Sasha and Malia. --CONTINUE

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Read President Obama’s speech on fatherhood and mentoring »

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Los Angeles Lakers star Derek Fisher on how his daughter’s rare illness taught him the true meaning of love »

Remake of "Fame"

MGM has provided Black Voices with a look at Debbie Allen in the remake of 'Fame.'

A reinvention of the original Oscar-winning hit film, 'Fame' follows a talented group of dancers, singers, actors and artists over four years at the New York City High School of Performing Arts, a diverse, creative powerhouse where students from all walks of life are given a chance to live out their dreams and achieve real and lasting fame. --continue for more & to view trailer

TV One's Unsung: Shalamar

AIRS: SUNDAY @ 8 P.M. AND 11 P.M. ON TV ONE --[ENTER]

Fantasia's Derek Blank's Photo Shoot//Revealing Interview: Singer Ginuine Discusses Loss of Parents, Suicide Attempts and Overcoming Drug Addiction

Alrighty & Everything Ms. Lady... --CONTINUE



SINGER, GINUINE


The school of R & B hard knocks can be overwhelming but it will never hold a survivor down. No one knows that better than Ginuwine, who has experienced the joys and perils of the fickle music biz and helped lay the blueprint for many of today's younger soul brothers. --CONTINUE

Jada Pinkett-Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith is focused. It's this level of concentration that makes her a renaissance woman who has masterfully maintained a healthy balance of family and career. As a result, she is fast becoming a Hollywood mover and shaker—producing and directing films and costarring in small- and big-screen gems. She's even got her own rock band on the side. Nowadays, Mrs. Smith is rolling up her sleeves as Chief Nursing Officer Christina Hawthorne on TNT's new medical drama "HawthoRNe." ESSENCE.com caught up with the busy lady to talk about her character's unconvential parenting skills, why Pinkett Smith is not as secure as you think, and what the Obamas and the Smiths have in common.

ESSENCE.COM: We love that your character, Chief Nursing Officer Christina Hawthorne, fights for the underdogs and makes sure that her patients and staff don't fall by the wayside. How does she mirror Mrs. Smith? --CONTINUE

CLICK TO VIEW THIS ADDITIONAL ARTICLE

Cover Girl In More Ways Than One: Queen Latifah

Even with all her success, Latifah has had to bob and weave her way past the jabs that have been flying at her since day one. First there's the fickle industry she's chosen. Then there are the whispers and innuendos that continue to orbit around her, yet she never seems too fazed, not publicly anyway. Some questions she will answer readily. Was she really up for that role in "Monster's Ball"? Yes. When did she quit smoking? Almost five years ago. How much weight did she lose on Jenny Craig? More than 20 pounds, and still maintaining. But when it comes to inquiries about her personal life, she pumps the brakes.

There is, however, one personal experience that she's now willing to share, one that she had kept to herself for years. --CONTINUE

Upscale Cover Guy: Tyrese

Something happened at Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon’s one-year anniversary party in April at the Palms Casino and Resort in Las Vegas that left Tyrese Darnell Gibson feeling dazed. After the dinner, he went back to his hotel room to change clothes. A friend noticed that his mood seemed down and asked him if something was bothering him. It took him a second to figure it out. --CONTINUE

Nicole Ari Parker//Precious Times Magazine Feature: David and Tamela Mann

Photo: Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos

Nicole Ari Parker plays the separated wife of Eddie Murphy's character in "Imagine That" which starts today. This is Parker's first film since having two children of her own with husband Boris Kodjoe. --CONTINUE

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PRECIOUS TIMES FEATURE: David and Tamela Mann

The husband and wife acting team of both big and small screens is featured in the latest issue of Precious Times magazine. --CONTINUE

Maxwell, Sade and D’Angelo Signal the Resurgence of R&B and Soul //BET Awards

As one drops his new project this summer and the others work on new music and projects, a Sho-Nuf welcome back will resound! --Continue
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BET AWARDS

Airs Sunday, June 28th @ 8 p.m. on BET --CONTINUE

Some of this years performers...

Apollo Theatre's 75th Anniversary Gala

CLICK TO VIEW PHOTOS

Like an explosion, Fantasia, sporting a short black bobbed hairdo, charged the platform, kicking off her shoes and singing at the top of her lungs. Wearing a short cream sequin minidress, she wowed the audience. Leaping off the stage --Continue

Couples Watch//New Music: Teena Marie//New Project: Lance Gross

Keyshia Cole and Daniel Gibson --ContinueStar Jones and Herb Wilson --Continue

Taraji P. Henson and Lamar Odom --Continue

Tyra Banks and John Utendahl --Continue

NEW MUSIC: TEENA MARIE

RELEASE DATE: June 9th -- View Additional Photos -- View Article

Actor, Lance Gross

During a break from "Tyler Perry's House of Payne," actor Lance Gross will put in work as the newest cast member of Fox Searchlight's untitled family wedding project from director Rick Famuyiwa. --CONTINUE

WHITNEY

The R&B world has been a bit anemic, but it's about to get a much needed transfusion. Whitney Houston is slated to release her seventh studio album on Sept 1 worldwide --CONTINUE

Sanaa Lathan

Sanaa Lathan will join James Earl Jones and Phylicia Rashad in the London staging of Broadway's all-black production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," which premieres in the West End this fall. --CONTINUE

Actor, Lamman Rucker//Bill Bellamy//Halle Berry/Teena Marie

Lamman Rucker caused many hearts to percolate as the handsome Sherriff Troy in Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married?" in 2007. Once again, the ESSENCE Do Right Man plays Will, a doting husband, in the new season of Tyler Perry's TBS sitcom "Meet the Browns." Despite his demanding work schedule, the D.C. native continues to give back to the community as a HIV/AIDS activist and is a member of The Black Gents of Hollywood ensemble. Here, the heartthrob reveals to ESSENCE.com why playing Will is like looking at the man in the mirror, what drama to expect in the "Married?" sequel and reveals his expectations of a potential leading lady of his own.

ESSENCE.COM: What do you have in common with your married doctor character Will? --CONTINUE

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Celebs and Their Kids******************************************

Comedienne, Bill Bellamy and Family --View More Halle and Nahla --View More Teena Marie

Photo: Teena pictured here with her daughter, Singer, Alia Rose -- See other photos here

Often dubbed 'Lady T' by soul music enthusiasts, former Motown star Teena Marie has stood the test of time in what might be called a fickle music industry. --CONTINUE

It's A Boy For Djimon and Kimora -- CONGRATS!!!

Kimora Tweets:

It's a boy! Thanks to everyone out there for all your well wishes! More to come. Thank God. And God Bless! Kimora + Djimon Love & Light, KLS35 minutes ago from web

Having contractions now! Ooo- wee! It's like WHOA! Love & Light, KLSabout 20 hours ago from web

Love & Light, KLSabout 20 hours ago from web

It's time !! No turning back! At hospital in labor right now!! Love & Light, KLS

Chandra Wilson of Grey's Anatomy On Broadway

The award-winning actress, Chandra Wilson of Grey's Anataomy will be returning to her theater roots, this Summer, with a role in the legendary Broadway musical, 'Chicago.' From June 8 through July 5, taking on the role of Matron "Mama" Morton at Broadway's Ambassador Theatre.

CeCe Winans Presents:

It's almost time so gather your young people together, jump on a bus or a plane and get ready for a true transformation!! Always Sisters is back and we are teaming up with Forever Brothers!!!The Always Sisters Forever Brothers Youth Conference will be held on July 24-25, 2009 at Belmont University's Curb Event Center in Nashville, TN.

The Always Sisters Forever Brothers Youth Conference will be held on July 24-25, 2009 at Belmont University's Curb Event Center in Nashville, TN. This year's guest speakers include: Tony Dungy, Pas. Jentezen Franklin, Pas. Kimberly Daniels, Nancy Alcorn, Pas. R.A. Vernon, Bis. Horace Hockett, Mom Winans & of course, CeCe Winans!

Our musical guests include: Mary Mary, 21:03, Anthony Evans, The Katinas, Nia Allen, Da'T.R.U.T.H. & the Chenaniah Dancers. To register or for more information and a complete listing of our conference schedule, go to www.alwayssistersforeverbrothers.com or call 877.840.0457.

Register Today!!!