Saturday December 28th at the Jay Z concert at the BJCC, a young man, 13-year- old, Cortez Gulley had the best birthday a young man could ask for on stage with his Daddy’s favorite Rapper. Rico Gulley the father of Cortez, said, “It was a night he would always remember and share with everyone he know.”
Cortez caught the rapper’s eye during the encore of the Birmingham Magna Carter World Tour Stop. Jay Z eventually invited Cortez on stage for a touching moment that included a big Daddy hug. Gulley who came to the concert with his cousin and sister, made his way slowly to the front of the stage. Jay Z told the police to stand down. Cortez went to the front and got on top of the chair and up on the stage.
Cortez attends the Mount Moriah Baptist Church of North Pratt, Rev. Walter Solomon, Pastor. He is a student at Bottenfield Middle School, where he is the 7th grader quarterback on the football team, point guard on the basketball team and a member of Distinguished Gentlemen. “I always want to do my best in anything I do in life,” Cortez says.

(BLACK PR WIRE) – Gather your girlfriends, book club, church group, sorority sisters and claim the living room for a Girls’ Night In! 
 Fourteen time Grammy Award-winning artist and HIV advocate, Alicia Keys, is joining with Greater Than AIDS to host a National Watch Party and Twitter chat about women and HIV/AIDS in America on Sunday, January 19 from 8-9 p.m. EST (5-6 p,m. PST).
 Ms. Keys is urging women and their loved ones to come together to watch and discuss “We Are Empowered,” an intimate and inspiring half-hour conversation she had with five women living with HIV in the U.S. Ms. Keys will be live tweeting throughout the hour #WeAreEmpowered. 
 VH1.com will stream the “We Are Empowered” video, which will also be available along with a companion discussion guide on www.greaterthan.org/empowered. 
 Of the more than 1.1 million people living with HIV in the United States today, one in four is a woman. If current trends continue, it is estimated that one in 32 Black women will contract HIV in her lifetime. 
 Keys is highlighting the power of women – as mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, partners and people living with HIV – to change the course of this disease through every day actions. 

For more information about Greater Than AIDS and the Empowered campaign, including for details about how to host an Empowered Watch Party & Discussion, visit: www.greaterthan.org/empowered.

By Mark Kennedy, AP Drama Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — A musical inspired by Tupac Shakur songs is going to bring gangsta rap to Broadway.
Producers said Wednesday that “Holler If Ya Hear Me” will open at the Palace Theatre in June under the direction of Kenny Leon, who helmed the Broadway hits “Fences” and “The Mountaintop.” The new musical sets Shakur’s music to an original story.
Rapper and actor Shakur, who had multimillion-seller albums like “2Pacalypse Now” and “All Eyez on Me,” was known for his raw lyrics that drew on the rage of a coarse urban existence. No casting was announced.
The musical has a story by Todd Kreidler, who was a dramaturg for “Radio Golf” and “Gem of the Ocean,” and choreography by Tony Award-winner Wayne Cilento of “Wicked.” Afeni Shakur, the late artists’ mother, is producing.

By Esther Callens

Nothing but the absolute best can be heard in It’s All About The Groove, a wonderful fusion of jazz originals and standards. Highlighting the perfect sax and guitar collection by Dave Askren and Jeff Benedict, it is bound to put some pep in your step. They know how to jam!
Ramon Banda (drums) and John Belzaguy (bass) joins the dynamic duo of Askren (guitar) and Benedict (alto sax) on this CD. Together this quartet belts out some amazing beats.  The 10 tunes are ideally a perfect match allowing the quartet to move effortlessly between each.
The Nat King Cole classic, “Nature Boy” opens the set. It presents over eight minutes of smooth listening music with the sax and guitar holding their own while the drum backdrop keeps it steady. “Holmes”, the second out, is a funky beat akin to New Orleans’ “Second Line.” Absolutely fun and enjoyable – strictly for the dancers.  Askren and Benedict change gears with “Monk’s Mood”, the only ballad in this album.
All the same, the foursome authenticates that they are solid talents as they gingerly master this gem – very impressive.
“Speak Low is the ultimate in swing melodies with a fast tempo that give Benedict a workout. With “McCannism”, Dave Askren pays homage to the great Les McCann with this original piece. It is nothing but soul! It’s All About The Groove is a fantastic mix by some cool cats. As previously stated, “They really know how to jam!”
Dave Askren and Jeff Benedict both started playing professionally while teenagers. Between the two, they have worked with Latoya Jackson, Wynton Marsalis, Dave Brubeck, Marilyn McCoo and countless others.  Their latest is a classic not to be missed.
Track listings: Nature Boy; Holmes; Old Folks; Monk’s Mood; Like Friends; Speak Low; McCannism; You Stepped Out of A Dream; While We’re Young; The Weather Is Here, Wish you Were Beautiful.

By Esther Callens

It is through the knowledge of history that hope springs anew.  Thus often unpleasant experiences are recounted in order to educate and accelerate growth in today’s society – a way to learn from the past in order to build a bright future. Challenging The Mississippi Firebombers (Memories Of Mississippi 1964-1965) offers an uncompromised glimpse into one such past –the Civil Rights era. Although Jim Dann – its author, only recounts a brief period, it is an imperative dissertation – one that should never be forgotten.
The sixties exemplify the epitome of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.  One group consisted of young, Black and white students that were united for one cause – to better America. Their names were John Harris, Fannie Lou Hamer, Irene McGruder, Charles McLaurin – these and numerous others peaceably fought for change regarding the voting rights act in the South. Facing unjust violence, incarceration and even death, they risked their lives, determined to prove that there was a better way – and it was equality. These were the people that Jim Dann wrote about. Giving a personal, firsthand account, he revisits with painstaking details the numerous activities that brought about pivotal change in America’s History – a time when people dared to dream.
Challenging The Mississippi Firebombers offers a meticulous, second to none look as Jim Dann was a volunteer in the 1964 Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) Mississippi Summer Project. He was also an SNCC field secretary in 1965. Without Dann’s (and the countless other students) contributions, Freedom Summer would have just been an idea forgotten. When writing Challenging The Mississippi Firebombers, Jim Dann obtained facts, comments and photos from various sources. Also enlisted was the aid of John Harris (1943-2012) to write the preface and Tracy Sugarman (1921-2013) to draft illustrations.
Sadly, Jim Dunn passed away in June of 2013, after losing his battle with Leukemia. He will be missed.

By EURweb.com

After the news of Bobbi Kristina and Nick Gordon‘s marriage had made the headlines, the bride said grandma Cissy Houston gave them their blessing.
When we first heard that we thought two things: either Cissy finally stopped objecting  and went along with the program or somebody is telling a big fib.
Well, now we know it’s the latter. When TMZ came across Bobbi Kristina and Nick the day after they announced their wedding, they said Cissy was down with it.
The couple also claimed they attended a Sweet 16 soiree and that’s where Cissy gave her thumbs up.
Houston family sources say they were at the same party and neither Bobbi Kristina nor Nick ever asked Cissy for her approval, reports TMZ.
In fact, it’s just the opposite the sources says. Houston was highly upset when she found out the two tied the knot last week, but realized there’s nothing she could do about it. After all, Bobbi Kristina is now 20 years old. She’s a grown woman.

BY MEREDITH COOPER
NOW IN ITS 37TH YEAR

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Bill paid a visit to Katie, with his heart in his hand, asking for them to be a family again with their son.  Liam vowed to get dirt on the Fullers after Quinn warned him to back off regarding Hope, Wyatt, and her company.  While listening into a conversation between Pam and Charlie, Liam began to wonder if Wyatt’s the hero that he made himself out to be.  When Brooke informed him about Bill wanting to reunite with Katie, she asked Ridge for a second change at a life together.  Wyatt reaped the benefit of being a Spencer when Bill surprised him with a place of his own.  Bill revealed to Wyatt the real reason behind his generous purchase.  Quinn kept her eye on Liam as he probed Charlie about the events that took place on the night of the jewelry heist.  Hope was touched when Rick voiced his support for her blossoming relationship with Wyatt.  Wyatt put Hope on the spot when he charmingly asked her to move into his new home with him.  Liam took Charlie to the Forrester boutique to walk through everything that happened on the night of the jewelry heist.  While reviewing the security surveillance video from the night in question, Charlie made a startling discovery.  Fresh from his encounter with Katie, Bill felt torn between the feelings that he has for both Brooke and Katie.  The tension between adversaries was palpable when Bill paid a visit to Ridge with some advice about Brooke.  Katie confronted Brooke about being the one behind Bill’s recent change of heart regarding his marriage.  Ridge’s presence at Forrester Creations began to cause Rick a lot of bitterness and angst.

THIS WEEK: Caroline comes up with an idea to puts Rick’s mind and body at ease. Brooke makes it clear to Bill where her heart really lies.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Sami returned home from her trip and was thrown by what she overheard.  Dr. Chyka broke into Daniel’s apartment to destroy his medical records – and was caught by someone unexpected!  Marlena was stunned when Eric admitted he has feelings for Nicole.  JJ considered telling Daniel about Theresa’s blackmail.  Nicole and Eric found themselves in a dangerous situation thanks to Dr. Chyka.  Jennifer came to Daniel’s rescue.  Abigail felt the heat when Adrienne innocently blabbed to Jennifer.  Julie confronted Kate about Nick.  Eric and Nicole struggled to break free from captivity, but Dr. Chyka had other plans for them.  Theresa figured out the key to getting what she wants from Daniel.  Jordan confronted Kate about bringing Sheryl to town.   Meanwhile, Rafe met Sheryl and was surprised to learn she knows Jordan.  Theresa played mind games with Jennifer who then turned the tables by informing her of the other woman in Daniel’s life – Nicole.  Jennifer warned Abigail to stay away from EJ.  Jordan questioned Lucas about why he hired Sheryl.  Believing they were about to die, Eric made a shocking confession to Nicole!  Brady blew up at Theresa when she realized he’s drunk.  JJ formulated a plan to bring down Theresa.

THIS WEEK: Julie is determined to find Nick. Gabi has more than enough hassles.

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Nathan rattled Ava’s cage by implicating her in Silas’s wife attempted murder.  Sam had a theory about Ava’s involvement with Silas’s comatose wife.  During a romantic night together, Sonny opened up to Olivia about his fears concerning Morgan.  Franco and Bobbie had separate agendas for pressuring Scott to get on with the investigation of Carly’s disappearance.  Nathan’s discovery of the source of Carly’s goodbye letter and whose DNA’s on a blood-covered knife provided even more damaging evidence against Franco.  Kevin consented to the anxious Franco’s request to give him some professional help.  Answers came to Shawn’s questions about Morgan’s loyalty to Sonny when Duke encountered Sonny and Morgan on the pier.  Lucy confided her secret to Felicia after she had an intimate dream about Scotty.  Heather’s reasons for stabbing Carly became apparent, and her masterful plan to frame Franco for murder was almost completed.  It appeared the PCPD were closing in on what exactly happened to Carly and who’s responsible — but a crucial piece of the puzzle was still missing.  Franco begged a skeptical Sonny to believe he would never hurt Carly and that he’s being framed.  What they don’t know was that Heather was eavesdropping when Carly credited Sonny for making her see the light about Franco.  Julian shocked Ava when he told her he has another long-lost child, Lucas, and wants to be a part of his life.  Lulu discovered Bobbie had yet to tell Lucas about his sister Carly’s disappearance.  Bobbie had her reasons: she didn’t want Lucas to come to Port Charles for fear of meeting his father, Julian Jerome.  Now that Lucas knew the news about Carly’s disappearance, he rushed back to be by Bobbie’s side in Port Charles.  Scott was forced between a rock and a hard place to issue a warrant for Franco’s arrest.

THIS WEEK: Ava needles Sonny about Connie’s murder. Tracy asks Luke to go to the boathouse to get rid of a raccoon infestation.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
A photographer took a photo of Jack and Hilary, and she worried that people might think that she’s trying to go after Jack like she did with Cane.  Sharon told Noah that she worried about letting him and Nick down.  Sharon told Noah that sometimes she found comfort in talking to Cassie.  Meanwhile, Nick told Victor that he recently visited Cassie’s grave.  Friends and family gathered at the church for Connor’s naming ceremony.  Chelsea was shocked when Victor arrived and Adam decided to let him stay.  Nikki was curious to know why Adam let Victor stay at Connor’s naming ceremony when he didn’t want him to be a part of his life.  Billy told Adam that he knew he set up the foundation in Delia’s name.  Billy told him that he figured he set it up to thank him for donating Delia’s corneas.  Billy told Jack that Adam’s the anonymous donor who set up Delia’s foundation.  Chelsea told Chloe that she hopes he’ll be able to work things out with Kevin.  Nikki asked Dylan not to follow up on the lead he found on Ian being in Indiana.  Abby and Tyler began their search for a home and discussed the reality of what living together will be like.  Paul reminded Michael that the best thing he could do for his family was to work on Fen’s defense.  Meanwhile, Lauren met with Neil to discuss the unveiling of Chelsea’s line at Fenmore’s.  Summer visited Fen and tried to make amends after turning him in during Christmas.  Later, Summer rushed in late for a photo shoot.  Chelsea was caught off guard when Adam suggested they finish what they started and move to Paris.  Jack interrupted them and asked Adam why he didn’t throw Victor out of the church when he showed up to Connor’s naming ceremony.

THIS WEEK: Jack knows Victor has something on him, but Adam refuses to tell him what it is.  Esmeralda gives Summer three energy pills.