Ebony articles from February 2008

Ebony archives from February 2008

Celebrating Black history/Black love: a message from the president & CEO Linda Johnson Rice.(PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE)(chief executive officer)
February 1, 2008... For the 21st consecutive year, we present, as we do each February, our special Black History and Black Love issue, which over the years has proven to be our most popular and most-anticipated issue. The combination of these two subjects has been...

A spotlight on individuals who are moving onward & upward.(SPEAKING OF PEOPLE)(Dean Seavers; Lisa Meyers; Roland Thornton)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DEAN SEAVERS Call him "Mr. Safety." Dean Seavers is now the president and CEO of GE Security, a worldwide company that devises ways that businesses, governments and individuals can protect themselves. Among his...

Ebony on the scene.(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] 1. Gregory Brown, a New Orleans streetcar operator for the last 12 years, gets set to drive along St. Charles Avenue in the city for the first time since Hurricane Katrina damaged the rail line more than two years...

International affairs.(EBONY ON THE SCENE)(Rihanna; Chuck Berry; Pele)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 Rihanna performs at the World Music Awards 2007 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. The singer, a native of Barbados, won the "entertainer of the year" award at the international music show. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2...

Oprah & Denzel.(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Oprah Winfrey; Denzel Washington)(Letter to the editor)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] After reading the article, "The Producers: Denzel And Oprah Unearth A Piece Of Our History With The Great Debaters" (Jan. 2008), which highlights the story of the Wiley College debate team, I want to thank Denzel...

Michael Jackson.(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2008... As a White person, I found your December issue incredibly illuminating, thanks to the article on Africa and the interview with former President Bill Clinton. Having said that, I'm afraid that putting Michael Jackson on the cover turned a tot of...

Ebony in Africa.(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2008... I was filled with joy to see the article, "The Africa You Don't Know" (Dec. 2007), shedding genuine and good light on the nations of Africa, places, resources, infrastructure, city life, etc, All ignorant people around the globe who are so...

Black pain: it just looks like we're not hurting.(BOOKSHELF)(Interview)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In 2005, Terrie M. Williams, the New York public relations entrepreneur, detailed her battle with clinical depression in her pioneering magazine article Depress/on and the Superwoman. The article inspired people to...

The August Wilson Century Cycle.(TOP SHELF)(Brief article)(Book review)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In THE AUGUST WILSON CENTURY CYCLE (Theatre Communications Group, $200), the works of the most influential and successful African-American playwright arc brought together. Wilson, a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner, is...

The Color of Water.(HOT PICK)('Song Yet Sung')(Brief article)(Book review)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * HOT PICK James McBride, the critically acclaimed author of THE COLOR OF WATER, a memoir of his biracial family, returns with SONG YET SUNG (Riverhead, $25.95), the raw and captivating story of a runaway female...

'85.(ON THE RADAR)(Brief article)(Book review)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] '85 (Atria, $14.95), Danny Simmons, the older brother of hip-hop businessman Russell Simmons, renders a graphic novel about Crow, the drug addicted son of a deceased police officer living in New York City around...

Conception.(ON THE RADAR)(Brief article)(Book review)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kalisha Buckhanon writes a coming-of-age story in this novel about the precocious Shivana in CONCEPTION (St. Martin's Press, $21.95). After vowing not to end up single, pregnant by a no-good man, alone and...

Black Will Shoot.(ON THE RADAR)(Movie review)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In BLACK WILL SHOOT (Simon Spotlight Entertainment, $14), Jesse Washington, the entertainment editor for the Associated Press, writes a gritty tale about the underbelly of the hip-hop world in his debut novel. If...

How Did I Get So Busy? The 28-Day Plan to Free Your Time, Reclaim Your Schedule, and Reconnect with What Matters Most.(ON THE RADAR)(Brief article)(Book review)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In HOW DID I GET SO BUSY? THE 28-DAY PLAN TO FREE YOUR TIME, RECLAIM YOUR SCHEDULE, AND RECONNECT WITH WHAT MATTERS MOST (Broadway, $12,95), Life coach and motivational speaker Valorie Burton maps out a so-called...

In the beginning, there was the word: spiritual books rejuvenate souls, sales.
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE THOUGHT ABOUT FAITH is almost as old as the Bible. It goes something like this: If you can conceive it, you can achieve it. But it took Bishop T.D. Jakes, one of America's most influential spiritual leaders,...

5 questions for ... Denzel Whitaker.('The Great Debaters')(Interview)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What kind of work would you expect an aspiring teenager to do if he has the name of two Academy Award winners? Of course, it would be acting. That's what 17-year-old Denzel Whitaker (no relation to Denzel Washington...

Loretta Devine: dreams come true for this 'dreamgirl'.(CENTER STAGE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Career longevity is no easy feat for any actress, Black or White, but it's especially difficult for an actress who isn't twentysomething or a size 4. Loretta Devine's realistic portrayal of voluptuous Sister...

February: what's happening where?(TRAVEL GUIDE)(Calendar)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ATLANTA * Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. Fox Theatre, Feb. 27-0 March 2. Visit www.alvinailey.org for more information. * A Song For Coretta. A new play by Pearl Cleage. 7 Stages. Through Feb. 17....

'A message to young fathers: step up instead of stepping away': executive producer of the award-winning documentary Daddy Hunger: A Message Of Redemption, Hope & Love!(FOR BROTHERS ONLY)
February 1, 2008... I love reading the Bible book of Matthew. I've read it over and over, but recently I had a revelation. As the story goes, as Jesus rose from his baptism in the water, the heavens opened up, and the spirit of God came down in the form of a dove....

After the prostate cancer diagnosis: thanks to advanced technology, treatment options can lead to a better quality of life.(HOUSE CALL)
February 1, 2008... Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men after skin cancer. In 2007 alone approximately 219,000 men--30,000 of them African-American men--were diagnosed in the United States with the disease. African-American men are more...

Connecting to Bluetooth: wireless technology not just for cell phones anymore.(ESSENTIALS TECH)(Buyers guide)
February 1, 2008... Although it may be confused with that thing worn by communications officer Uhura from the original Star Trek(played by pioneering actress Nichelle Nichols), the Bluetooth earpiece increases freedom and mobility for treks within the galaxy too....

Lizz Wright.(SOUNDING OFF)(The Orchard)(Sound recording review)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LIZZ WRIGHT shares her infectious blues-jazz vocal artistry on The Orchard (Verve Forecast). She intro-set with the melancholy "Coming Home," which she co-wrote with noted singer-songwriter Toshi Reagon. (In fact,...

Raheem DeVaughn.(ALSO NOTED)(Love Behind The Melody)(Sound recording review)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Raheem DeVaughn, Jersey-born and jazz influenced (dad is jazz musician Abdul Wadud), lends silky vocals and respectful lyrics to Love Behind The Melody (Jive Records). "Woman," his dope single, has been nominated for...

Ladysmith Black Mambazo.(ALSO NOTED)(Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu )(Sound recording review)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] During the late 1700s, a young South African warrior named Shaka Zulu united the Zulu tribe. Ladysmith Black Mambazo pays homage to the now-famous leader on Ilembe: Honoring Shaka Zulu with its signature...

Ear candy.(SOUNDING OFF)(Brief article)(List)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TRACY RANDALL Sinners Have Souls Too Lavish/ Corner Boyz [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] KIRK FRANKLIN The Fight of My Life Fo Yo Soul/ Zomba [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MILES DAVIS The Complete On the Corner...

The wake-up call.(SISTERSPEAK)
February 1, 2008... Voluptuous, thick, curvy, fluffy, healthy: These are all words often used to describe a so-called big-boned girl like me. Over the years, I've worn those badges comfortably, sometimes even proudly. But once in a while, I take issue with...

10 ways to tame the money monster.(MONEY TALKS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When was the last time you assessed your debt-to-income ratio, asked your credit card companies to lower their interest rates or said no to that latte because you were saving for college? If you can't think of an...

Immaculate dating.(ESSENTIALS)
February 1, 2008... The anticipation of finally linking up (or even reconnecting for the 10th time) with that "very special" or "hopefully very special" someone can be daunting. Will he find me as attractive as he did when we first met? Will she notice...

Love notes: filled with exotic spices, seductive woody scents and unexpected accents of crisp clean freshness, colognes make us say "Eau Boy!".(ESSENTIALS)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... 1. Avon Derek deter Driven ($26 for 2.5 oz., avon.com) charms with hints of chilled grapefruit, oakmoss and spice. 2. Oral Fixation Mints in 7 Deadly Cinnamon ($3, oralfix.com) stimulates, energizes and invigorates the senses. 3....

Sweet thing: from perfumes that incite passion to candles that act as aromatic aphrodisiacs, these sexy treats will make your evening unforgettable.(ESSENTIALS)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... 1. Bath & Body Works Chocolate Amber Shower Gel ($10, Bath & Body Works) has top notes of pineapples, berries and lemon to make it tastier than dessert. 2. Diesel Fuel For Life Pour Femme ($50 for 1.7 oz., Sephora) offers a sexy scent...

Female sexual dysfunction: you don't have to live with it.(EBONY ADVISOR)(Disease/Disorder overview)
February 1, 2008... Are you one of the millions of women experiencing some form of sexual difficulty and believe you just have to live with it? Well, you don't! There's help, because great strides are being made in understanding and developing treatments to help...

Who's lovin' who? Remixing the romance can make love better the second time around.(Cover story)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Wanna know the real deal? Watch the children. Little ones tend to reveal the truth, even when they're on their best behavior. That's why mouths were agape last fall at the Baby Phat fashion presentation at...

What made my wedding great.(EBONY INSPIRATIONS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IT WASN'T NECESSARILY THE GOWN, the tux, flowers, the location or the canapes. For many couples, what made their weddings great centered on the joy of love found and sharing their special day with family and friends....

I promise.(wedding clothes)(Buyers guide)
February 1, 2008... Pledging your life to the one you love is a huge step, perhaps one of the most profound you will ever make. That's why so many people ensure that every aspect of their big day gets extra-special attention. What you wear when you say "I do" is...

Stepping up: from Jim Crow to the Jena 6, Black Greek-letter organizations continue to make an impact on history.
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ON A COLD MORNING in the winter of 1908, and 12 years before women of any color could vote in the United States, 16 women from Howard University came together to form the first Black Greek-letter women's...

Top it off! There's nothing like a great hat--for a woman or a man--to turn bitter cold into a fashion statement.(BEAUTY & STYLE)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Some of us are looking at spring clothes, but the weather outside still requires that most of us bundle up! Don't undress too soon. The best way to combat winter's harsh winds is with fierce outerwear...

The race to save Black history: as art collections deteriorate, preservationists struggle to save our culture.
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For more than 40 years, Mayme Agnew Clayton, a university librarian in Los Angeles for most of her adult life, collected books, films, letters and other precious items documenting African-American history. The...

Weeping for her sons: from Africa to the streets of Boston, Cape Verdean mother tries to stop a wave of violence.(EBONY IN AFRICA: an occasional series)(Isaura Mendes)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Two of her sons were murdered. Three of her nephews killed. If anything happened to her precious grandbabies, her heart just might stop. So Isaura Mendes stomps and stamps for peace, yelling her message from the...

30 on the rise: talented young adults find success and fulfillment in uplifting their communities.
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SOME MAY THINK THAT YOUTH, experience and leadership do not necessarily come in the same package. But EBONY's 2008 Young Leaders of the Future are examples of young people with vision and experience. While some...

When the heart fails: 3 stories of survival and how to make sure it doesn't happen to you.
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE NUMBERS DON'T LIE. But many of us are still in denial. Yes, we know that heart disease is the leading cause of death among African-Americans, with 30 percent more Blacks dying of heart disease than Whites in...

The CIAA Basketball Tournament: more than fun & games: the annual event provides a big financial boost for students and the community.(Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] For 63 years, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Basketball Tournament has been known for its nonstop action and for providing a setting for a celebration of alumni, family and friends. But...

Strictly for laughs.(Brief article)(Cartoon)
February 1, 2008... "Do you have anything our parents would understand?" [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] "I'm in trouble at school... I need sanctuary." "Put that right back! Mother will be here any minute." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Do light-skinned Black people have an advantage? No. We face a different form of racism.(TWO SIDES)
February 1, 2008... I'm gonna sneak inside your cabin when you go to sleep," the girl seethed, "and cut off your ponytail!" Hate roiled in her onyx eyes; malice rouged the rich, dark chocolate hue of her cheeks. And her short braids bounced as she punched her hand...

Do light-skinned Black people have an advantage? Yes. They are likely to get hired first and may earn more money.(TWO SIDES)
February 1, 2008... The five of us were in the basement playing with our dolls and watching Friday Night Videos when two new girls joined the slumber party. Suddenly my happy time turned into confusion. At the suggestion of the new girls, I was pushed into the...

The look of love.(FASHION FAIR)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As Valentine's Day approaches, love is on the mind and in the heart. What you wear can turn just another night out into a romantic evening that won't be forgotten. For spring, designers offer a variety of sensuous,...

Some like it hot: prepare to please your palate with these piquant peppers.(DATE WITH A DISH)(Recipe)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When it comes to eating hot and spicy foods, for some people, the spicier the better. The burning sensation that appeals to these culinary thrill-seekers comes from the chemical compound capsaicin, which is found in...

No excuses winter workout: exercise four days a week for 30 minutes and shape whatcha got with Celebrity Fit Club's Harvey Walden.(BODY TALK)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Men and women of every body type--from bulbous to pleasantly plump to waiflike--can benefit from a good cardiovascular and strength-training workout, especially during the tough winter months. Harvey Walden IV, a...

Military moms & dads: making it work over here while a parent is over there.(PARENTING)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Shortly before 1 a.m. the power went out inside Tuanna Trusty's home near San Diego. As the mother of three arose from bed to light a candle, she smelled smoke. Wildfires, which had been raging in Southern California...

In Atlanta.(MEMORABLE PHOTO)(Brief article)(Photograph)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wayne B. Williams, wearing glasses (c.), was under heavy security while being taken from Fulton County Jail in Atlanta on Dec. 28, 1981. Williams was convicted of the deaths of two Atlanta Black youths in connection...