Entertainment

HOLLYWOOD STARS URGE BLACK AMERICA TO VOTE EARLY

Angela Bassett, Kevin Eubanks, Brandy, and  LisaRaye among the cast of NCBCP/AURN PSA’s urging African Americans  to be first to vote in the upcoming election

Los Angeles, CA – In an effort to circumvent voter suppression tactics and confusion at the polls, award winning actress, Angela Bassett; Tonight Show bandleader, Kevin Eubanks; actress, LisaRaye McCoy Misick; and singer/actress, Brandy Norwood; are among the list of celebrities voicing public service announcements urging people to vote early or be first in line on Election Day. The joint initiative between American Urban Radio Networks  (AURN) and the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) marks the second phase of their nonpartisan radio campaign aimed at ensuring African Americans cast a ballot that counts on Election Day.

“We’ve already received numerous reports of possible voter suppression. It’s essential to get the word out to vote early or be first in line to avoid the drama on November 4th,” said Melanie L. Campbell, executive director and CEO, NCBCP. “AURN is the largest African American owned radio network company reaching 20 million listeners weekly. We appreciate AURN and all of the celebrities involved, their help ensures that the critical message to vote early will reach our target audience.”

Jerry Lopes, president of program operations and affiliations for AURN adds, “I am pleased to join hands with Unity ‘08, a group of prestigious organizations working to protect the rights that our ancestor’s fought and died for. It was also a great opportunity to engage these celebrities and refreshing to see so many who wanted to help in the effort to protect our right to vote. I thank and applaud all of them for donating their time to this vital effort.”

Tanya Hart, host of AURN’s “Hollywood Live” coordinated the Los Angeles effort. Other celebrities participating in the campaign include: recording artists,  James Ingram, Earth, Wind and Fire’s, Verdine White, Siedah Garrett,  Doc Powell and Take 6’s, David Thomas.   From the big and little screens: Obba Babatunde, Ernest Harden Jr., Reginald Dorsey, Regina Taylor, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Rolanda Watts, Hattie Winston, LaTonya Richardson Jackson, TV game show host, Mark Walberg and from BET’s “Sunday Best,” Beth Payne.   Ambassador Shabazz, the daughter of Malcolm X, Susan L. Taylor, editor-in-chief emeritus of Essence magazine, and political comedian, Shang, also participated in the campaign.

In addition to making an appeal for African Americans to be first to vote in this historic election, phase two of the PSA campaign encourages people to call  the NCBCP’s Unity ‘08 voter assistance hotline, 866-MYVOTE 1, to locate their polling place in advance. On the ground, NCBCP state coordinators are hosting get-out-the-vote rallies, monitoring the polls, and mobilizing voters in states where early voting has already started.

During the initial phase of the campaign AURN produced and distributed voter education PSA’s, while NCBCP representatives were on the ground in 18 states registering voters, hosting education forums, and making sure eligible voters verified their registration.

For more information about the NCBCP’s Unity ‘08 campaign visit www.blackcampaign.org. To receive a copy of the PSA’s contact Lenore Williams at AURN at 412-456-4098 or via email lwilliams@aurn.com.

###

About the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation
Founded in 1976, the NCBCP (www.ncbcp.org) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to increasing African American participation in civil society.  Current initiatives include Operation Big Vote, Black Youth Vote!, Black Women’s Roundtable, and Voices of the Electorate and Unity ‘08: The Black Campaign, a non-partisan civic engagement initiative designed to inoculate, motivate, and mobilize Black voters to participate in the 2008 election.

About American Urban Radio Networks
American Urban Radio Networks (www.aurn.com ) is the only African-American owned radio network company in the United States.  It’s the largest network reaching Urban American with more than 20 million listeners each week.  Through three programming networks and its marketing division, American Urban Radio Networks reach more African-Americans than any other medium in America and produce more programming than all other broadcasting companies combined.

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Psychic Medium Forms Foundation

AFRICAN AMERICAN PSYCHIC MEDIUM FORMS GLOBAL EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

Quassan Castro, Psychic Medium

Glen Ridge, NJ (BlackNews.com) – Quassan Castro is a highly sought-after clairvoyant-medium living and working in the New Jersey/New York area. His honest, sincere and caring nature has garnered him a host of clients throughout the United States. He is often compared to famed psychics Sylvia Browne and Allison Dubois depicted in the hit TV series “Medium.” In recent years, his client base has grown exponentially as supporters spread the word about his level of accuracy, strong ethics and his compassionate nature. Quassan’s clients run the gamut from celebrities to everyday folk in search of clarity and direction in their lives.

In recent weeks, Quassan formed the Global Empowerment Foundation, a New Jersey-based, non-profit corporation “dedicated to uplifting the mind and soul through conscious awareness of the Divine and activating the many miracles that can be manifested through what we think, speak and create.” Through the Foundation, he seeks to empower individuals across the country through a variety of projects including empowerment workshops as a metaphysical teacher and motivational speaker.

The Foundation is currently accepting donations of books which will be given to youth exiting correctional facilities who are actively seeking to empower themselves and to gain a spiritual foothold as they re-enter society. To learn more about the work of the Foundation, visit Quassan’s website at http://quassan.blogspot.com

Background

Quassan’s visions first manifested in his sleep. “I have been very intuitive all of my life,” he says. “It was not until a later age that I discovered there was a name for people like me who knew things about people. I would wake up to realize that I had been shown a movie — a movie of true existence and the people in the visions were actual people with names. As my visions increased, I would awaken and journal all that I had witnessed.” As these experiences evolved, it became clear to him that he could help others with this incredible talent and he began to conduct spiritual readings.

“For me the use of my ability to connect with Spirit and offer spiritual insight is a responsibility I do not take lightly nor do I offer myself as a circus clown when there are far too many people who can positively use the information channeled through me from my ancestors, their loved ones, etc.” Quassan is currently writing a memoir entitled, Dancing with the Spirit: 40 Days of Meditation and Enlightenment.

A Typical Session with the Psychic Medium

Quassan conducts his consultations in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. He does not rely on gimmicks or trickery and continues with a reading only if a connection is established with the Spirit guides on the “other side.” He asks no questions up front and does not believe in telling his clients what they want to hear.

Quassan has read for people from every imaginable background, every age group and socio-economic status, from ages 18 to 91. Most recently, he was invited to Essence magazine for a meet and greet with the staff. He has worked with clients to relieve physical pain, grief and mental blockages. He also helps clients connect with their loved ones on the other side and can assist seekers in examining their past lives.

“I provide each client several traditional and metaphysical empowerment tools and techniques that assist them in creating the life they desire as they address important issues with clarity and confidence,” says the clairvoyant. “I am guided by my ancestors in Spirit-world. When you service from the heart the divine is always with you.”

At his website (http://quassan.blogspot.com), Quassan has numerous useful affirmations one can utilize in the areas of self-esteem and self-confidence, abundance and prosperity, life’s purpose, inner peace, opportunity, love and relationships, etc. Quassan is available for television and radio interviews and appearances as a guest reader.

For additional information or to book a spiritual consultation with Quassan at his office, email him at SpiritLevel9@gmail.com or call (973) 748-7014. Readings can also be conducted by telephone, in group settings or in private homes by special arrangement.
Members of the media contact:
Celeste Bateman
Celeste Bateman & Associates
(973) 705-8253
or
Quassan Castro
(973) 748-7014

P.O. Box 4071
Newark, New Jersey 07114
(973) 705-8253
www.CelesteBateman.com

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8th Annual Multicultural Healthcare Awards

AMERICAN LEGACY MAGAZINE’S EIGHTH ANNUAL MULTICULTURAL HEALTHCARE AWARDS

B. Waine Kong, JD, PhD, Executive Vice President, The Heart Institute of the Caribbean

Debra A. Toney, PhD., RN – President, National Black Nurses Association and Owner, TLC Health Care Services

New York, NY (BlackNews.com) – American Legacy Magazine–premier magazine of African-American history and culture–and Bayer® Aspirin partner for the fourth year to salute extraordinary individuals at the Eighth Annual American Legacy Multicultural Healthcare Awards to be held on Thursday, June 19, 2008 and sponsored by the Bayer Aspirin brand. "It is with great pride that American Legacy and Bayer® continue this partnership in honoring individuals that have taken a personal role in helping eliminate health disparities for minorities," says founder and publisher Rodney J. Reynolds. This year’s healthcare award recipients are:

* B. Waine Kong, J.D. Ph.D – Executive Vice President of the Heart Institute of the Caribbean, Kingston, Jamaica

* Debra A. Toney, Ph.D., R.N. – President, National Black Nurses Association and Owner TLC Health Care Services

On the morning of the awards reception, American Legacy Magazine and Bayer®, will host the Fourth Annual Healthcare Forum panel discussion on The State of Black Health at the Swayduck Auditorium at the New School University, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Our elite panelists include:

* B. Waine Kong, J.D. Ph.D – Executive Vice President of the Heart Institute of the Caribbean, Kingston, Jamaica

* Debra A. Toney, Ph.D., R.N. – President, National Black Nurses Association and Owner TLC Health Care Services

* Harriet A. Washington, Editor, American Legacy Healthcare Advantage and Author of the award winning Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present

* Khadijah Matin (Moderator) Associate Director, Organizational Learning, Lutheran Medical Center, New York City

The honorees will receive their awards during a special ceremony at the reception.

WHO: American Legacy Magazine and Bayer® Aspirin

WHAT: Multicultural Healthcare Forum and Awards Reception

WHEN: June 19, 2008

WHERE:
Healthcare Forum – 8:00 a.m.
The New School
Swayduck Auditorium
65 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10011

Awards Reception – 6:00 p.m.
Forbes Galleries
60 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10011

American Legacy Magazine is distributed nationwide to over 2.05 million readers through black churches, educational and cultural institutions. Also available on newsstands and through paid subscriptions, American Legacy is a joint venture between RJR Communications Inc. and the American Heritage, a division of Forbes. Other brands include American Legacy Woman; American Legacy Healthcare Advantage; American Legacy, Jr.; and American Legacy TV. For more information on American Legacy Magazine, log onto www.americanlegacymag.com

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The Launch of a New Inspirational CD

GRADUATE OF IYANLA VANZANT’S SPIRITUAL LIFE COACHING PROGRAM LAUNCHES INSPIRATIONAL CD, HOLD THE VISION

CD Premieres at the George Fraser PowerNetworking Conference in Atlanta, GA, June 20th

Atlanta, GA (BlackNews.com) – Take the powerful teachings of best-selling Author and Spiritual Teacher, Iyanla Vanzant, mix it with the business savvy of International Business Coach and Host of a new online reality show, Andrew Morrison, add a dash of charm school charisma and you get Life & Business Coach, Denise Dyer.

As a coach, Ms. Dyer supports people in turning their visions into reality, as they create the life they truly desire by incorporating universal laws and principles into their daily lives. Ms. Dyer is passionate about working with entrepreneurs, artists and the modern-day goddesses. Thousands of businesses are started each day, however, the latest statistics from the Small Business Administration (SBA) show that "two-thirds of new businesses survive at lease two years, and 44 percent survive at least four years." According to Ms. Dyer, those statistics can be improved by creating a consciousness for success. Says Dyer, "Now more than ever, it is important for people to tap into the power within and create the lives they truly long for. There is something seeking to be expressed through each of us. Whether it’s a business, a book or some type of art form, now is the time to Hold the Vision and turn our dreams, goals and desires into reality and the reason I created a CD for those on this quest."

On Friday, June 20th from 8:00-10:00pm at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Atlanta, Ms. Dyer will celebrate the launch of her new CD entitled "Hold the Vision." It is an inspirational guide for entrepreneurs, business leaders and anyone with a vision. The CD will support people in turning their visions and ideas into reality in 10 easy steps, from conception to realization. The CD will cover techniques such as relaxation and using the power of your mind to create the business and life you truly desire. There will be a special guest appearance by Andrew Morrison, Business Coach, Motivational Speaker and Host of the new reality show, Andrew Morrison’s 16 Week Challenge(TM) (www.16WeekChallenge.com). This is a ‘live’ internet reality show that follows 12 entrepreneurs with an idea. Ms. Dyer is currently coaching one of the contestants, Tiffany White, President and Designer of the new Tiffany Anisette Collection, behind the scenes of the show. Tiffany shares, "As Denise’s client I can attest that her encouraging words and ability to keep you on task while assisting you to achieve your goals is what makes her stand out from the rest. The CD will surely inspire others."

ABOUT DENISE DYER:
Denise Dyer is a Spiritual Life Coach, Business Coach, and Inspirational Speaker. She is a graduate and distinguished member of the Inaugural Class of Inner Visions Institute for Spiritual Development, founded by Iyanla Vanzant (www.InnerVisionsWorldWide.com). Ms. Dyer has facilitated workshops such as "Secrets of a Sacred Woman", "What’s Your Pleasure? — Discovering What Really Brings You Joy" and "Show Me the Money!" She has taught classes based on books such as Spiritual Economics by Eric Butterworth, and The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. In addition, Ms. Dyer has taught a workshop series entitled "Beyond the Secret" with her husband Martin, which explored The Law of Attraction and other Universal Laws and Principles. Denise is the author of the future release, Ways of a Goddess: A Guide to Creating a Life of Beauty, Abundance and Peace. For more info on the new CD, Hold the Vision or to book Ms. Denise Dyer, please contact: 404-758-9927 or email: deedee@abc-aef.com.

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Black-oriented TV tied

Nielsen: Black-oriented TV tied for second largest category in ad gains for Q1

(June 16, 2008) Advertising spending for the first quarter of 2008 remained essentially flat compared to the same period last year, according to preliminary figures released today by Nielsen Monitor-Plus, the competitive advertising information service of The Nielsen Company.  Advertising was mixed across media with gains in some mediums and declines in others. 

[A detailed analysis of advertising expenditures targeting African-American audiences will be presented by Nielsen at the Marketing to African-American with Excellence (MAAX) Summit on June 30^th.]

Overall despite a continued softening of the economy, several media and companies are showing healthy growth in advertising for this quarter.  Advertising in National Sunday Supplements saw the largest growth, with an increase of 19.2% over Q1 2007, while Local Sunday Supplements fared worst among the 17 media tracked by Nielsen, declining by 13.5% compared with the same period last year.

Q1 2007 vs. Q1 2008
Media Category   % Change

National Sunday Supplement 19.2%
Cable TV   12.9%
African American Television*   12.9%
Network Radio  10.0%
Spanish Language TV*7.7%
Outdoor 2.9%
Syndication TV  2.3%
Spot TV: Top 100   -0.4%
National Magazine  -1.3%
Network TV -3.4%
Spot TV: 101-210   -3.8%
Spot Radio -4.9%
FSI Coupon -4.9%
Local Newspaper-5.4%
National Newspaper -6.2%
B-to-B -6.1%
Local Sunday Supplements  -13.5%
Total Advertising Spending  0.5%

Source: Nielsen Monitor-Plus (Jan.-March 2007 and Jan.-March 2008) * African American Television includes broadcast network, cable, and syndication programs with an African American audience composition of 50% or greater, BET, and TV One. * Spanish Language Television includes broadcast, cable, and station
coverage.

Cable TV (+12.9%), Network Radio (+10%), Outdoor (+2.9%) enjoyed healthy advertising growth in Q1 2008, compared with Q1 2007.  In television, programming and networks targeting African American and Hispanic viewers grew 12.9% and 7.7% respectively.

Internet advertising impressions grew by 14.7% in the first quarter of  2008 over the same period in 2007. Sponsored search link advertising drove overall growth, and rich media led growth in the display category.  Among online advertisers, the health and telecommunications industries posted strong increases in sponsored search link impressions, up 108% and 80% respectively.

Hardware and electronics advertisers drove results in display impressions with 65% growth, followed by automotive and consumer goods companies, who posted increases of 45% and 42% respectively. Financial services companies, historically among the largest online advertisers, decreased investment during the period in both sponsored search impressions, down 15%, and display impressions, down 13%.

Category Spending

Spending for the 10 largest advertising categories reached just over $10 billion in the first quarter of this year, 0.47% less than the same period last year.  Most product categories showed increased spending, with the exception of Automotive (-8.32%), Motion Picture (-1.14%), Department Store (-0.44%), and Telephone Services-Wireless (-0.38%).

2008Q1 2008   Q1 2007
Rank   Top 10 Product Categories($ mil)   ($ mil) % change

1  Automotive  $2,695.8  $2,940.6   -8.32%
2  Pharmaceutical  $1,311.7  $1,310.00.13%
3  Auto Dealerships$1,113.7  $1,109.50.38%
4  Restaurant-Quick Service$1,028.3$985.24.36%
5  Telephone Services-Wireless   $971.9$975.7   -0.38%
6  Motion Picture$957.3$968.4   -1.14%
7  Department Store  $717.4$720.6   -0.44%
8  Direct Response Product   $670.2$577.4   16.07%
9  Credit Card Services  $473.0$437.08.23%
10 Financial-Investment Services $455.0$419.28.53%
Total: Top 10 Product Categories  $10,394.8 $10,444.1   -0.47%

Source: Nielsen Monitor-Plus (Jan.-March 2007 & Jan.-March 2008)

The Direct Respond Product category had the largest percentage increase in advertising spending, at just over 16%.  At the other end of the spectrum, the Automotive category, though it remained the top category spender, showed the largest percentage decrease (-8.32%) from the same period last year.

Advertiser Spending

Advertising spending by the top 10 companies for the first quarter 2008 reached just over $4 billion-up slightly (+1.2%) from $3.96 billion during the same time period in 2007.  Half of the top 10 advertisers increased their budgets from Q1 2007 to the first quarter of this year, while the other half showed decreases.

2008   Q1 2008  Q1 2007
Rank   Top 10 Parent Companies ($ mil)  ($ mil) % change

1  Procter & Gamble Co. $902.8   $755.0   19.57%
2  General Motors Corp. $536.5   $493.08.81%
3  AT&T Inc.$465.7   $555.4  -16.15%
4  Verizon Communications Inc.  $401.4   $399.60.43%
5  PepsiCo Inc. $354.8   $253.6   39.86%
6  Toyota Motor Corp.   $350.4   $293.7   19.30%
7  Ford Motor Co.   $330.2   $446.3  -26.00%
8  Time Warner Inc. $323.7   $350.9   -7.75%
9  Johnson & Johnson$316.0   $354.0  -10.72%
10 Walt Disney Co.  $299.9   $332.0   -9.67%
Total: Top 10 Parent Companies$4,281.8 $4,234.11.13%

Source: Nielsen Monitor-Plus (Jan.-March 2007 & Jan.-March 2008)

PepsiCo Inc., which increased ad spending from $253 million in the first quarter of 2007 to $354 million in Q1 2008, had the largest percentage increase (+39%).  The company showed especially significant increases in advertising expenditures for its beverages, including APM, Pepsi Max, G2, Gatorade (including the release of Gatorade Tiger), Propel water, and Sobe Life Water.

Procter & Gamble, the quarter’s largest advertiser, also increased ad spending significantly (+20%).  P&G’s Olay, Gillette, Cover Girl, Crest, and Dawn product lines all showed significant growth in ad expenditures.  Ad spending for P&G’s osteoporosis drug, Actonel, also increased.

At the other end of the spectrum, Ford Motor Co., which cut its advertising budget from approximately $446 million in Q1 2007 to $330 million in the first quarter of this year, showed the largest percentage decrease in ad spend (-26%).  Although Ford significantly cut advertising expenditures for larger trucks, SUVs, and cars, such as the Ford F-Series, Expedition, Land Rover, Cadillac, it actually increased ad spending for small cars, like the Focus, from Q1 2007 to Q1 2008.

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