By Gwen DeRu
IT’S VETERANS DAY WEEKEND!!  ENJOY THE HOLIDAY!
THIS IS THE SEASON…OUTDOOR SPORTS… FOOTBALL… BASKETBALL… WALKS IN THE PARK AND FALL FUN TRIPS!!
ENJOY THE COOL DAYS AND TAILGATING FUN!!
Birmingham is still commemorating the 50th Anniversary of 1963 – a pivotal year in the city’s history and the civil rights movement.  The eyes of the world are ‘still’ on the city.
Even though the holiday spirit is in the air…. Visitors are here taking in the old, but more the new. And, people are still exploring the history of the city, the state and the world.
Even though Halloween has passed…the season goes on and 2014 is right around the corner.

Here are a few photos of HALLOWEEN around City Hall…,
HALLOWEEN GREETERS AT CITY HALL!
BUSINESS OWNERS, ENTREPRENEURS & CREATIVES WORKSHOP – BUILD YOUR BUSINESS CREDIT, today, 8 – 9”30 a.m. to help teach business owners and entrepreneurs how to establish and maintain strong business credit.  FREE.   It will be at the SocialVenture at 5529 First Avenue South, 35212.  The speaker is Warren Giardina, Vice President & Principal Business Banker, today.  Wes Mindingall, Relationship Manager is the speaker on November 14, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.   This comprehensive workshop aims to educate business owners with the difference between personal and business credit, steps to improve a poor business credit score and how strong business credit can help grow your enterprise plus.
PATTI AUSTIN AT SAMFORD UNIVERSITY – THE MUSIC OF ELLA FITZGERALD WITH PATTI AUSTIN, Friday at the Samford University ‘s Wright Center.  Grammy Award-winner Patti Austin delivers wit, exhilaration and a drop-dead gorgeous voice in this celebration of Ella Fitzgerald’s work.  Hear all the classic Ella songs with Ms. Austin’s sentimental voice and fresh voice as she takes on the legendary jazz singer’s legacy.
NEW CIVIL RIGHTS ART EXHIBIT – The Birmingham Public Library will have a new art exhibit that commemorates the civil rights movement with a Saturday, 3 – 5 p.m. special reception including the artists.  Fairfield, Alabama resident and retired art professor Dr. William E. Colvin curated the exhibit titled ‘Birmingham 2013: Remembering the Movement that Changed the World.’  It proposes that the dreams of freedom and civil liberty that African Americans have had for 50 years are now realities.  Nearly 50 pieces created by more than 25 artists from Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida highlight historic moments such as the 1963 bombing of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, marches in Kelly Ingram Park and more.  Two of Dr. Colvins’ works are in the exhibit – ‘The Visionist’, an acrylic painting of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and ‘Diane Hash Paying the Price of a Sit-In,’ a watercolor depiction of a young woman in a jail cell.   Works by other artists cover a wide variety of styles including Marcella Muhammad, Dr. Art Bacon of Talladega and E. Bruce Phillips, Birmingham resident and Tuskegee art professor.  See more at bplonline.org/exhibits/colvinexhibitbrochure.pdf.
SHERYL UNDERWOOD SPEAKS AT OMEGA PSI PHI LUNCHEON – CELEBRATING THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT is what the Omega Psi Phi fraternity is inviting everyone to observe. The National Achievement Week Program is when the Omega Psi Phi will recognize the Omega Men.  A luncheon will be held at the Pine Tree Country Club, 5100 Whispers Pine Drive, Saturday, 11 a.m.  Special guest is SHERYL P. UNDERWOOD.  Call (850) 341-9965 or (205) 478-4948 for more.
VETERANS FREE AT THE BIRMINGHAM ZOO – In honor of Veterans Day, all active and retired military and their dependents will receive free admission to the Birmingham Zoo on Sunday and Monday when presenting a valid military identification.   There are so many new things to see.  Call or visit birminghamzoo.com for more.
5K AT THE FUNCTION THIS WEEKEND – Run if you can, walk if you must, crawl if you have to, but never quit.  This Saturday, 8 a.m. at The Bethesda, 321 19th Street & Avenue D, Birmingham 35208 is the walk that everyone has been talking.  Race packet pick-up is the day before on this Friday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. at The Bethesda Life Center.  Race starts 8 a.m. on Saturday for the 5K Start Time and 9 a.m. for the 1mile Fun Run Start Time.  The starting line is:  321 19th Street Ensley.  Check it out.  The course includes running through historic Ensley along 14th Street and through Tuxedo Park.  The race also plays an important role in helping to educate Birmingham residents about the prevention of heart disease.  The one of a kind race is expected to attract dozens of runners including business, community and governmental officials.
MAX RED CARPET SAFETY AWARDS BANQUET – This Sunday the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority will honor some of transit’s finest at the Red Carpet Safety Awards Banquet.
You don’t want to miss getting your copy of the..
2014 ALABAMA AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY CALENDAR – AT&T will present the 2014 Alabama African American Calendar on Tuesday.  You are cordially invited to the Unveiling Ceremony.  The program is 6 p.m. and the Calendar Signing is 7:30 p.m. at the Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre in the Alabama School of Fine Arts.  The History Makers for the 2014 calendar are:  Thom Gossom, Arthur Shores, Amelia Boyton Robinson, Ralph David Abernathy, Alexis Herman, Herschell Lee Hamilton, Benjamin Sterling Turner, John L. Leflore, Richard Arrington, Henry Panion, Lawrence J. Pijeaux, and Dinah Washington.  For more call (205) 714-0888.

FOR GROWN FOLKS….AND FOOTBALL FANS!!
PHASE II BAND AND SHOW AT THE ‘NEW’ TIDE AND TIGER LOUNGE – Sundays you can hear the EMMANUEL BLACKMON ALLSTARZ BAND & SHOW, 9 p.m. at the Tide And Tiger Lounge.  Doors open at 7 p.m. If you have ever gone to a football game at Legion Field, you have seen the Tide and Tiger Lounge on Graymont Avenue right in front of the stadium.  It has been there for over 55 years making it one of the oldest bars in Birmingham.  The husband and wife owners (The Braxtons) are looking to attract an older crowd.  Mr. Braxton says he is keeping it ‘old school, gray haired, and for the baby boomers…it doesn’t matter about your skin color…just having a good time.’  Music by DJ BATMAN is said to bring back all the good ‘ole’ music…and memories.  Sounds like a place to be during the holidays…or anytime.  Happy Hour is 7 – 9 p.m.  Call (205) 503-3880 or 613-6913 for more. (Tell them Gwen sent you.   I will see you there!)
Here are a few more things going on…
THIS WEEKEND…. GET OUTDOORS… TAKE A WALK in Alabama Parks, you will love it.
JAMES GREGORY at the STARDOME COMEDY CLUB – For more, call (205) 444-0008.
TODAY….
MAGIC CITY LIVE AFTER 5, with DOWNRIGHT performing 5 – 9 p.m. at the BJCC uptown Birmingham.
ALL NIGHT HAPPY HOUR, 5 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
FRIDAY….
HEELS & CHUCKS featuring SHARON ADERLY, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
THE REVIEW BAND, 8 p.m. at Jazz Underground.  202-3640.
SATURDAY….
Don’t Miss the…
THE OLD SCHOOLERS TAILGATE – Wallace Lounge will host a Tailgating Party on Saturday during the day.  This is the neighborhood supporting each other as the 5K RACE AT THE JUNCTION gets started and goes throughout the day.   This event is becoming a revitalization of the Ensley area residents have been working on for years.  The City of Birmingham through REV Birmingham and many other organizations are still promoting the revitalization of the City and its neighborhoods.
Game, music and snacks, 10 p.m. at Ona’s Music Room.
SOUTHSIDE SOUL WITH DANI AND SHARRON BAND, 8 p.m. at Jazz Underground. AND, AFTER MIDNIGHT OLD SCHOOL AFTER PARTY, 11:59 p.m.
SUNDAY….
PHASE II BAND AND SHOW, 9 p.m. at Tide & Tiger Lounge 409 Graymont Avenue (across from Legion Field.)  For more, call (205) 229-4829 or 502-3880.
SALSA SUNDAYS, 8 p.m. at Jazz Underground.
MONDAY….
NAPPY NIGHT – Music at Boujee Lounge, every Monday at 204 Avenue U in Pratt City, 8 p.m. with good jerk food, vendors and music.  See you there on Mondays!
SAVE THE DATE – COMING IN 2014…
FEBRUARY 1 – The 2014 SICKLE CELL GALA – IT’S SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO, The Premier event of the Year is Saturday, February 1 at the Sheraton Hotel, Grand Ballroom in downtown Birmingham presented by the Central Alabama Sickle Cell Foundation.  Make your reservations now.
There is a ‘birthday celebration’ at the Tide and Tiger Lounge this Saturday Night starting at 8 p.m.  Call (205) 503-3880 or 417-5191.
NOW….a BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUT! …TO ALL CELEBRATING!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU…MANY, MANY MORE HAPPY BIRTHDAYS!!  ENJOY!!
Well, that’s it.  Tell you more ‘next’ time.
(People, Places and Things by Gwen DeRu is a weekly column. Send comments to my emails: thelewisgroup@birminghamtimes.com or gwenderu@ya

OFFICIAL CLUTCH BAND
Clutch, a prodigious group of youngsters from Birmingham, Alabama is beginning to take the music world by storm. In a basement on December 27, 2011, fueled by their mutual interest and love of music, Timothy Huffman III (drums), Kenneth Rembert (keyboard), Ralph Lee (bass) and Wesley Huffman (percussion pad) put together their sound and it became clear they had a gift from GOD worth sharing. The band was soon joined by Mitchell Bain (guitar), and Erykah Johnson (vocals). Clutch brings to you the smooth sounds of several genres of music…..jazz, gospel, and r&b. Corporate Event, Private Party, Wedding, ect…. If you need us to entertain your event, please contact us at 205-427-8597. These youngsters’ sound will have you standing on your feet and rocking in your seat……this is CLUTCH.

Radio One Founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes to Host Special Featuring Director Steve McQueen and Stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong’o and Alfre Woodard

SILVER SPRING, Md. – TV One has announced that it will premiere 12 Years A Slave: A TV One Special with Cathy Hughes, a one hour program featuring a discussion with the film’s director Steve McQueen and cast members Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong’o and Alfre Woodard. Set in pre-Civil War era America, 12 Years A Slave is based on the true story of Solomon Northup (played by Ejiofor), a free Black man from upstate New York who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. The special will air Saturday, November 9 at 7 p.m./ET exclusively on TV One.
“As part of our commitment to serve the African American community with programming that inspires conversation, this emotional special serves a dual mission,” said Hughes, Radio One Founder and Chairperson. “At once generating awareness about this painful and brilliantly executed story, the special is also bound to ignite critical cultural retrospection among our viewers.”
Hughes will engage her guests in disclosing the emotional transformations they underwent in portraying the Black experience during this particularly troubling and shameful period in American history. Additionally, the special offers viewers a thought provoking look into the making of the film, the graphic historical perspective it provides, and the anticipated impact it will have on the African American community. Finally, the program will provide a forum for British director McQueen (Shame, Hunger), British actor Ejiofor (Salt, American Gangster) and Kenyan actress Nyong’o to share their insights from a collectively non-American perspective.
12 Years A Slave has debuted at select film festivals in the U.S. and Canada and opened in limited U.S. release October 18. The Fox Searchlight Pictures film has won honors including the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival “People’s Choice Award,” and the 2013 Hollywood Film Festival “Breakthrough Award” (Breakthrough Directing, Steve McQueen) and “New Hollywood Award” (Lupita Nyong’o).

Actor and comedian Gregg Wayans is proudly embarking on the next stage of his career, starring in the new Bounce TV original comedy series, My Crazy Roommate, continuing a decades-long Wayans family legacy. Gregg is the nephew of the legendary Wayans Brothers, Keenan, Marlon, Shawn, Damon, and Kim, known as the “First Family Of Comedy.” Gregg comes to Bounce TV, the nation’s first broadcast network for and about African-Americans, after co-starring in the HBO-Cinemax program Zane’s The Jump Off, as well as portraying major roles in the feature films Dance Flick and We The Party. He’s also featured in the upcoming short-subject picture, Bloodthirsty. “I strive to uphold the [Wayans] tradition,” Gregg says. The Wayans family has written, produced, or acted in 17 films and TV shows, including the 1980s comedy showcase In Living Color, the movies White Chicks, Major Payne, Blankman, I’m Gonna Git You Sucka, and the situation comedy The Wayans Bros. On My Crazy Roommate, Gregg plays the role of Sloan Simmons, who is friends with Chloe Lewis (Brittany Richards) and Brooke Chambers (Laila Odom), the roommates of the show’s title.
My Crazy Roommate, a Bent Outta Shape Productions presentation, is brought to your screen by longtime screenwriter and producer Bentley Kyle Evans, whose credits include Martin and The Jamie Foxx Show. “I’m thrilled to be working with Bounce TV, and have it be the home of My Crazy Roommate.” The new show airs on Bounce TV every Monday at 10 p.m. Eastern, 7 p.m. Pacific time. Visit http://www.bouncetv.com/find-us/  for local channel listings in your area.
BOUNCE TV is the groundbreaking new broadcast network offering programming for African-American audiences aged 25-54.  With movies, original series, live sports, documentaries, and faith-based shows, the network, now entering its third year, has something for every viewer. Its reach and following continue to grow, as new talent and intriguing entertainment are added to its exciting lineup. “We are aggressively moving forward with a robust slate of original programming,” says Billy Hall, Bounce TV’s Executive VP of programming and production. “We believe we are off to a terrific start working with [Bentley, Gregg, and] the My Crazy Roommate team.”

Follow Gregg Wayans on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ActorGreggWayans &
Twitter: http://twitter.com/GreggWayans

Celebrating the Legacy of the pioneering comedienne exclusively on HBO
 
Often referred to as “the funniest woman in the world,” the iconic African-American standup comedienne Jackie “Moms” Mabley broke racial and sexual boundaries and continues to inspire comedians to this day. In her directorial film debut, a modern-day comedy favorite pays homage to this pioneering talent when Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley debuts Monday, Nov. 18 (9-10:15 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.
Other HBO playdates: Nov. 18 (4:45 a.m.), 21 (1:45 p.m.), 24 (5:45 p.m.), 26 (11:15 a.m.) and 30 (1:30 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Nov. 20 (8p.m.) and 28 (3 p.m.), and Dec. 24 (4:45 p.m.)

HBO Documentary Films presents a weekly series this fall, debuting provocative new specials every Monday through Dec. 9. Other November films include: “Tales from the Organ Trade” (Nov. 4); “Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1” (Nov. 11); and “Toxic Hot Seat” (Nov. 25).
“Moms Mabley has been a huge inspiration to me and so many others, but not a lot of folks outside of the comedy world know about her legacy,” says Goldberg. “There are a lot of us who wouldn’t be working today without pioneers like her. HBO gave me my first break on TV, so it’s only fitting that Moms has a home there now.”
Goldberg also executive produces the documentary, along with Tom Leonardis and legendary producer and director George Schlatter, creator of “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.”
Featuring recently unearthed photographs, rediscovered performance footage and the words of entertainers and historians, the film includes interviews with Eddie Murphy, Joan Rivers, Sidney Poitier, Kathy Griffin, Harry Belafonte, Bill Cosby, Quincy Jones, Arsenio Hall, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, who emphasize how Mabley paved the way for female comedians and performers everywhere in provocative stand-up routines that challenged racism, sexism and ageism.
In addition, archival footage showcases Mabley in performance at the Playboy Mansion with Sammy Davis, Jr., and on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.”
Born Loretta Mary Aiken in Brevard, N.C. on March 19, 1894, Jackie “Moms” Mabley was one of the most successful entertainers to perform on the Black vaudeville stage, also known as the “chitlin’ circuit.” Mabley’s monologues touched on traditional topics such as family, as well as more controversial subjects that were typically avoided by comedians of the era, regardless of race, including infidelity, poverty, welfare and alcohol.
Mabley’s successful career spanned five decades (though white audiences generally did not learn of her until the early 1960s). In 1939, she became the first female comedian to play the Apollo Theater in Harlem, where she earned $10,000 a week at the peak of her career. Mabley performed at Carnegie Hall in 1962, and appeared on such mainstream TV programs as “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” (1967), “The Ed Sullivan Show” (1969) and “The Bill Cosby Show” (1970).
Jackie “Moms” Mabley passed away from heart failure at age 81 on May 23, 1975 in White Plains, N.Y. She was survived by her children, Bonnie, Christine, Charles and Yvonne Ailey.

BY MEREDITH COOPER

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Bill put his own life in danger and lost focus on his climb because he couldn’t keep his mind off of how angry he was with Katie. Wyatt and Charlie went into panic mode when the Hope for the Future Diamond went missing. Quinn used time alone with Hope to her own advantage to explain how much Wyatt loves her. Donna attempted to talk sense into Katie about the restrictions she has been placing on Bill’s visits with Will. Liam called Katie out on if she’s able to handle her position at Spencer Publications and if she still harbors feelings for Bill. Word got out about the situation surrounding the Hope for the Future Diamond and Wyatt’s involvement with it. Wyatt took advantage of his current situation to garner publicity for Forrester Creations and Hope. Bill’s life flashed before his eyes as a result of a near-death experience. Fresh off their engagement, Rick and Caroline began to plan the details of their upcoming wedding. After being assured as to Maya’s true feelings for him, Carter went to Rick for a significant favor. Following his close-call with death, Bill had an epiphany about his life, family and future. Maya showed her gratitude to Carter and Rick for getting her job back as spokesmodel for Hope for the Future. Bill made his intensions clear to all of those included in his revised plan for the future. Brooke had regret about her recent actions, but knew what must be done to reunite her broken family. Katie was taken aback with Bill’s recent declaration and summoned Brooke for verification.
THIS WEEK: Hope is stunned when she learns about the events that took place upon the mountain in Aspen. Caroline is less than thrilled when she hears the news of Maya’s return to Forrester Creations.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Marlena turned to Victor when she encountered a problem with Kristen’s flash drive. Nicole and Eric had a devastating conversation about what he thought she did to him. Jennifer asked Daniel for answers about his “affair” with Theresa. Later, JJ came to a new realization about Daniel.  Sparks flew between Rafe and Jordan. Meanwhile, Kate got stunning news about the mysterious physical therapist. Kristen was horrified when someone learned the truth about what she did to Eric!  Tormented Eric asked his superiors to be relocated. Sami was not pleased when Sonny gave her surprising news about Gabi. Rafe sensed Jordan’s pushing away from him again. Meanwhile, Lucas overheard Kate plotting against Jordan. Kristen was determined to make sure nothing will ruin her wedding to Brady – and armed herself with a gun just in case. Victor made a last-ditch effort to convince Brady not to marry Kristen. EJ was forced to lie to Sami. Daniel offered to help Nicole get to the bottom of what really happened to Eric in the capital. Gabi was excited when she got an unexpected email from a modeling agency. Victor gave Marlena the means to destroy Kristen – but left out a crucial piece of information. Brady and Kristen’s wedding began, but a stunning reveal brought the ceremony to a screeching halt. Jennifer and JJ grew close again though he remained guilt-ridden over the heartbreak she’s suffering from thinking Daniel slept with Theresa. JJ visited Theresa to see if she remembered anything from the night she OD’d. Brady and Kristen’s wedding erupted in chaos, and the devastation that follows affected nearly everyone in attendance. Daniel and Nicole bonded over their status as social outcasts. Cameron informed Abigail he’s leaving town.
THIS WEEK: Jennifer questions Daniel about his affair. Brady & Kristen’s wedding turns to chaos.

GENERAL HOSPITAL
Patrick was left uneasy after his conversation with Nikolas. He was poised to walk into the exam room where Robin was. Robin had an emotional outpouring about how much she missed her family. Duke found Faison behind the wall and couldn’t understand why Anna wasn’t doing more to get him to the police station. Tracy and Luke returned home. Sonny was preparing to make a move against Derek when he’s paid a visit by D.A. Lazaro while someone was listening in on their conversation. Derek tasked Morgan with a mission. Franco misinterpreted the nature of Derek and Morgan’s meeting. Someone listened in as Sonny made his plans to take care of Derek. Carly found Diane and Franco together and believed she’s seeing further evidence of a secret sexual relationship between the two. Carly informed Franco that she’ll be at the opening. Sam paid Ava a visit while Silas met with Kiki and suggested that Ava’s up to her neck in illegal dealings. Scott and Lucy’s planned to do their civic duty was disrupted by a surprise appearance from Heather.  Ava didn’t think Derek should show himself at the gallery party. Michael protected Kiki. Olivia witnessed Morgan hand Scott something. Scott put his acquisition to good use. Franco told Carly he witnessed Derek and Morgan in a compromising position. Sonny denied Lazaro’s accusations.  Olivia put two-and-two together. Sam and Silas explained that they may need Derek’s help in the future. TJ expressed his concerns about Shawn’s line of work. Max saw Franco and Diane together, unaware that Diane still has feelings for him. Franco was on-the-spot when he had to explain the meaning/symbolism behind the paintings, which led to a major outburst. Sonny’s shattered when he discovered that he’s been betrayed an was determined for it to end tonight. Max arrived from the gallery to report on the proceedings and to say that Shawn’s at the ready outside the gallery. Silas, protective of Sam, called the police. Heather made a major confession resulting in confusion and disbelief.
THIS WEEK: Sonny’s declaration leads to another surprising announcement. Will Carly finally understand Franco’s motives?

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Kevin visited Michael and opened up about how tough it’s been for him since Delia died. Michael reminded his brother that he was a great stepfather to Delia and that he can’t blame himself for what happened. When Kevin asked Michael for advice on how to help Chloe, Michael told him just to keep on loving her. Paul told Christine that he’s determined to save the Baldwin family from Carmine’s murder. Paul realized that the crime scene photos were missing from the evidence bag.  Chelsea and Adam brought Connor home and talked about how far they have come together as they’ve gone through this ordeal. Later, Chelsea surprised Adam when she told him that she should get her own place. Cane told Hilary that he doesn’t want her anywhere near Jabot or his family and that she needed to turn down Neil’s offer and leave town. Hilary tried to explain to Cane how lost she felt over her mother’s death and how the grief overwhelmed her. Cane told Hilary to prove her remorse by leaving town. Neil overheard their discussion and said that Cane’s being harsh. Later, Neil made an important offer to Hilary. Billy opened up to Victoria and told her that he’s going to find the person that ran down his little girl. Meanwhile, Dylan and Chelsea met up and he told her that he had received the divorce papers. After they discussed everything they’ve been through, Chelsea signed the divorce papers. Later, Chelsea returned to find the police at Adam’s. Chelsea overheard the police tell Adam that they have reason to believe that a black SUV like his was involved in Delia’s hit and run. Adam said he has nothing to hide. Adam showed his car to the police, and they told him that it looked fine. When Jack and Hilary bumped into each other, Jack realized that she’s the person that Neil had told him about. Jack thought she should stay and earn the forgiveness of the people she’s hurt. Nikki and Victor worried about Sharon’s role in Nick’s life. Nick and Sharon took Faith to class and reminded her that they’re not getting back together. Faith was distracted by seeing Dylan and ran over to him.
THIS WEEK: Jill is upset about Victor’s plans for Newsman-Chancellor. Sharon tries to diffuse any potential tension between Nick and Dylan.

– Three Amazing Young Women Honored for Imagining a Beautiful Future by Making A Difference (M.A.D.) In Their Communities –

(BLACK PR WIRE) – CINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–P&G’s My Black is Beautiful (MBIB) continues to drive its mission forward with its latest program, Imagine A Future, to empower young black girls to be their best selves through participating in the 2013 BLACK GIRLS ROCK!™ Awards. The BLACK GIRLS ROCK! organization is dedicated to promoting positive images of women of color in mass media.

The Imagine a Future Program launched in 2012 with the support of community organizations BLACK GIRLS ROCK! and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), aiming to positively impact the lives of one million black girls over three years. This past April, the program sparked a national conversation surrounding beauty with the release of the Imagine a Future documentary, which followed Delaware teen Janet Goldsboro as she traveled to South Africa to examine the historical and current beauty and self-esteem issues that challenge black women and girls. Since its debut, the program has also worked to equip young girls with tools and solutions, such as scholarships, leadership camps, and online consumer interactive tools.

Now in its second year, MBIB is continuing its momentum by celebrating three dynamic young ladies at the 2013 BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards, each of whom is “Making A Difference” (M.A.D.) in her community. After identifying several social disparities, these M.A.D. girls – Brooklyn Wright, Mary Pat Hector and Ty-Licia Hooker – have created community-based initiatives that have already delivered positive impacts in their communities and on the socio-political landscape.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than being given the opportunity to honor young women who are committed to impacting their community,” said Tatyana Ali, actress, activist and MBIB ambassador. “We’re proud of the three role models we’re celebrating today, and we look forward to seeing how their efforts continue to make a difference and compel other young black girls to do the same.”

Brooklyn Wright, 11, of Atlanta, GA., is an award winning “earth saver,” who travels from school-to-school to share her passion for litter prevention. Wright will donate learning gardens to 10 schools this year and will have her first annual Earth Saver Girl day camp.

Mary Pat Hector, 15, of Atlanta, GA., founded “Youth Action USA” in an effort to take a stand against gun violence, bullying and youth issues. She also serves as the National Youth Director of National Action Network Youth Move, an organization founded by civil rights pioneer Reverend Al Sharpton.

Ty-Licia Hooker, 22, of Stockton, Calif., is president and founder of two community outreach programs. She influences at-risk youth through her programs STORM and the Summer Success and Leadership Academy, where an emphasis is placed on youth development and maturation.

“These three young ladies are the epitome of what the Imagine A Future program is all about, and it’s our privilege to honor them for their dedication, hard work, and strength,” said Grace Janes, brand manager, Procter & Gamble. “When we see exemplary examples such as these three amazing young girls, we’re encouraged that we can and will achieve our Imagine a Future mission to create a beautiful future for our young black girls. It’s our honor to know them and see them shine.”

Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of the M.A.D. Girls when the 2013 BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards airs on Sunday, Nov. 3 at 7:00PM/6:00PM Central on BET. Be the voice of change to inspire and empower one million black girls to believe their Black is Beautiful! Join MBIB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to help us #ImagineAFuture.