Ebony articles from January 2008

Ebony archives from January 2008

Remembering John H. Johnson: a message from the president & CEO Linda Johnson Rice.(PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE)
January 1, 2008... This January 19, a special day in my life, will represent the 90th birthday of my father, John H. Johnson, founder of Johnson Publishing Company. And when I look back, I (like thousands of EBONY and Jet readers) have to do so in amazement when...

A spotlight on individuals who are moving onward & upward.(SPEAKING OF PEOPLE)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LISA HAMILTON Not many Black people have access to $47 million. But Lisa Hamilton does, and her job is to give it all away. As the new president of the UPS Foundation in Atlanta, this tax...

Making the cover.(BEHIND THE SCENES)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] For what possible reason would three of the biggest powerbrokers in entertainment be convening in Bentonville, Ark., on a Saturday in early November? To ink a deal with Wal-Mart, of course. Bentonville IS Wal-Mart....

A tale of two disasters: Hurricane Katrina: New Orleans August 2005 San Diego October 2007: California Wildfires.(EBONY ON THE SCENE)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... (DATA FOR ORLEANS PARISH, 2005 ESTIMATE) AREA: 181 square miles NUMBER OF HOMES DESTROYED: 65,000 to 143,000 ESTIMATED DAMAGE TO HOMES: $8 billion to $10 billion DEATHS: At least 1,698 in La. RACIAL BREAKDOWN 6735% Black...

International affairs.(EBONY OF THE SCENE)
January 1, 2008... Caption: [1] In Paris, U.S. choreographer Mia Frye (r.) and dancer Frederic Jean-Baptiste display a creation at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Michael Jackson.(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THANK YOU for the cover story, "Michael Jackson: 25 Years After Thriller" (Dec. 2007). So many have all but turned their backs on this man, but you didn't. A positive piece, flattering pictures, thought-provoking...

Alicia Keys.(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... Thank you for bringing back Alicia Keys to your cover (Nov. 2007). I'm a big fan, and she is my favorite singer. The photos were great. Alicia shows that she also appreciates the man she considers to be her partner. She says it's nice to have a...

Two sides.(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... I wanted to thank you for the article, "Can Married Men and Women Just Be Friends With The Opposite Sex? (Nov. 2007) by Dr. Michelle R. Callahan and Diane Weathers. It presents two valid point of view on this touchy topic. I personally see...

Ebony Fashion Fair.(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... How distressed, disheartened and disappointed I was with respect to your article, "50 Years Of Ebony Fashion Fair" (Sept. 2007). And I was distressed with respect to your cover. I do not recall any of these models getting their start with...

Body talk.(LETTERS TO THE EDITOR)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... Kudos on the article, "Bikram Yoga" (Nov. 2007). It is like a breath of fresh air! I am a 48-year-old mother and grandmother. Ironically, yoga was recommended to me by my doctor to relieve stress. I was also 50 pounds overweight. Within 3...

Take back your neighborhood! Raise your children! Bill Cosby and Alvin Poussaint urge Black parents to be proactive.(BOOKSHELF)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bill Cosby, the maverick comedian and social activist, wants action, and he's writing about it. He wants the Black community to stand up and take back its neighborhoods. He wants mothers and fathers to raise their...

On the radar.(BOOKSHELF)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Nathan McCall, author of the best-selling memoir MAKES ME WANT TO HOLLER, returns with a skillful work of fiction about the interplay between race and class during the gentrification of an Atlanta neighborhood in...

Click: Ten Truths for Building Extraordinary Relationships: assert your networking skills online and offline.(TOP SHELF)(Interview)
January 1, 2008... George C. Fraser, who changed the face of networking in the African-American community in the 1990s with the publication of Success Runs In Our Race: The Complete Guide To Effective Networking In The Black Community, returns with an up-to-date...

Gaius Charles: lights up the night.(CENTER STAGE)(Interview)
January 1, 2008... One of the first things people want to know about Gaius Charles is the origin of his first name (pronounced guy-us). But he's used to it. "It's actually the first name of Julius Caesar, the Roman military and political leader," the actor...

5 questions for ... Kirk Franklin.(Interview)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Gospel music star Kirk Franklin is, by anyone's standards, at the top of his game. He is the biggest-selling contemporary gospel artist in Soundscan history and is credited with revolutionizing contemporary gospel...

Falls from grace: what young Black athletes should learn from the Michael Vick and Marion Jones dramas.(FOR BROTHERS ONLY)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Olympian Marion Jones was naive for thinking her lies about steroid use wouldn't shred whatever credibility she possessed, along with the legitimacy of all those medals she once captured. The NFL's Michael Vick is...

January: what's happening where?(TRAVEL GUIDE)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ATLANTA * Atlanta Symphony Orchestra 16th annual King Celebration Concert. Symphony Hall. Features the Morehouse and Spelman choruses. Jan. 16. * Salute to Greatness Awards Dinner sponsored by the King...

The rising problem of high blood pressure in children: as more and more youngsters become overweight and obese, the condition is becoming more evident at much earlier ages.(HOUSE CALL)
January 1, 2008... Health education in the African-American community about hypertension (high blood pressure) and its dangerous risks is becoming more and more a part of effective preventive health measures. In fact, many innovative programs have been instituted...

'My godsister': renowned minister reflects on relationship with her best friend, Yolanda King.(SISTERSPEAK)(In memoriam)
January 1, 2008... I walked with a queen whose name was King. Yolanda King died last May. She was my best friend and the godmother of my youngest son, Christopher. She was truly a gift of God to the Earth and to my life. For 31 years, we rolled as friends all...

Seal soars with System.(SOUNDING OFF)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With his new recording System (Warner Brothers), British artist SEAL is back on the evocative set new music that is fresh and invigorating and exceeds the high expectations set by people who love his music. The title...

Everette Harp.(SOUNDING OFF)(Sound recording review)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A musician's muse can inspire great melodics. That is the case with My Inspiration (Shanachie Entertainment), which is saxman EVERETTE HARP'S tribute to his parents, especially his father, the late Rev. Miller M....

Imani Coppola.(SOUNDING OFF)(Sound recording review)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Never a shrinking violet on the music scene, the unpredictable IMANI COPPOLA tackles rock, punk and pop genres on The Black and White Album (Ipecac Recordings). She adds her signature violin skills (not to mention a...

Jaheim.(SOUNDING OFF)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Will he or won't he still be ghetto? The music world will know with the release of the singer/ songwriter/producer JAHEIM's first album on Atlantic Records. The Making of a Man has garnered good pre-release buzz with the single "Never."...

Also noted.(SOUNDING OFF)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BACK WITH HER 8TH ALBUM: Mary J Blige: Growing Pains Geffen Records [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BOBBY JONES The ambassador Zomba Gospel [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] COMMON Thisisme then: the best of common...

John Coltrane: Interplay.(CLASSIC COLLECTIONS)(Sound recording review)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] JOHN COLTRANE Interplay (Prestige/Concord) is a superb collection that features five CDs of music the master saxophonist recorded during various sessions from September 1956 to March 1958. Among the musicians...

Lady Day: The Master Takes and Singles.(CLASSIC COLLECTIONS)(Sound recording review)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LADY DAY: The Master Takes and Singles (Columbia Legacy) is a must-have for Billie Holiday fans. actually for anyone who appreciates great music. The four-CD box set offers 80 songs recorded by the legendary vocalist...

The sweet escape.(ESSENTIALS)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... When your days are filled with family matters, career concerns and never-ending to-do lists, it can be difficult to schedule some "me time." But you don't have to head to the spa to get away from the demands of the day. Indulge in a relaxing...

Do you know the way? How to pick the right portable GPS device.(ESSENTIALS TECH)(Global Positioning System)(Buyers guide)
January 1, 2008... Today, technology has made it easier than ever to pinpoint your location and give you turn-by-turn directions, all in a device that can fit into your pocket. Portable GPS devices--using Global Positioning Satellite data and built-in maps to...

The list: New Year's myths & traditions.
January 1, 2008... Despite claims of being devoutly religious, some Black folks are super superstitious. It's not unusual to see people toss salt over their shoulder, hang a broom over a doorway or shake the dust off their feet. (All keep bad spirits away.) The...

The producers: from acting to directing to being in charge, Denzel and Oprah unearth a piece of our history with 'The Great Debaters'.(Denzel Washington and Oprah Winfrey)(Cover story)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Few people would connect a small Black college in East Texas with the scholarly tradition of oration and debate. But Denzel Washington and Oprah Winfrey are about to change that. Nearly three-quarters of a...

Lessons learned from China in Africa: while America--and the World--sit idly by, the Asian Superpower is slowly and quietly cementing its place on the continent ... and in history.(EBONY IN AFRICA: an occasional series.)
January 1, 2008... Mr. Zhang is grinning at me from under his straw hat, the kind of hat that would better place him on a Chinese rice paddy than a dusty chicken farm in Zambia. I've just asked him how much money he makes--a polite question among Chinese,...

King Street, USA: it isn't exactly Main Street, America, but streets named for Martin Luther King Jr. can be found just about Anywhere, U.S.A. Ebony took a look at life along the nation's roadways named for the slain civil rights icon, and what did we find? Same struggle, different day.
January 1, 2008... "Do they respect King? Martin Luther King?" asks Miss Gennie, a woman who won't give her last name because she works at a public transit station in the heart of Chicago's South Side, right above Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. She's...

The candidates make their case for Black votes: presidential hopefuls address key African-American issues.
January 1, 2008... For the first time in many years, Democratic Party voters are choosing a candidate for president from a particularly strong field. That is especially good news for Black Democrats who in recent years have often held their noses to vote for a...

10 travel tips by land air & sea: hot spots for winter blues.(TRAVEL)
January 1, 2008... THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH WINTER is to plan to get away from it all. In 2008, the travel gates are wide open, and getting to the sun and even cold-weather fun should be a goal. Savvy travelers should look for vacation package deals that combine...

No water needed: unless you intend to get them wet.(Buyers guide)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Many of us don a swimsuit with no intention of getting wet! That's all the more reason to look great when you strip to your very best one-or-two-piece. On these page is some great swimwear that works on wet and dry...

The 'taste of Ebony': annual celebration honors the contributions of those in the food industry.
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The second annual "Taste of EBONY," a culinary extravaganza that recognizes the expertise of Black chefs and food-industry experts, was recently presented in Chicago, continuing the celebratory tradition that began...

Navigating troubled financial waters: why the mortgage crisis could be disastrous for some or an opportunity for the others.(SPECIAL REPORT: PERSONAL FINANCE)
January 1, 2008... Home mortgages are imploding. Oil prices skyrocket to all-time highs. The stock market dips and dives like a roller-coaster. From the subprime crisis to the stress of carrying too much credit card debt, what does all this really...

Get out of debt: the best strategy for long-term financial well-being.(SPECIAL REPORT: PERSONAL FINANCE)
January 1, 2008... Smart consumers know that the best way to weather financial turmoil is to pay bills on time and eliminate debt. By doing so you will enhance your credit scores to make sure you are on solid financial ground. Financial expert Alvin Hall,...

Glam Odyssey: A Fashion Journey Into Bliss and Beyond: the world's largest traveling fashion show continues 50th annual tour.(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The spring presentation of "Glare Odyssey: A Fashion Journey Into Bliss and Beyond" begins in January, where the tour will continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "the world's largest traveling fashion show."...

Spring 2003 Ebony fashion fair chairpersons.
January 1, 2008... Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Levon Spradley Brunett Jacksonville, FL [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sheryl Byrd Corpus Christi, TX [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ulonda Crawford Minneapolis,...

Should Black people let affirmative action die? Yes.(TWO SIDES)
January 1, 2008... Like so many other seemingly noble ideas that did not accomplish their objectives, affirmative action began as a worthy cause to uplift those who had been disadvantaged. But unfortunately today, the intended target and those who actually...

Should Black people let affirmative action die? No.(TWO SIDES)
January 1, 2008... One day affirmative action will end. But it would be folly to arbitrarily end it now, even if the Supreme Court does seem hostile to the concept. There are two reasons: (1) Ending affirmative action to preempt the Supreme Court makes no sense...

The noose: the symbol of the rope is again being used to scare Blacks ... but this time it's not working.
January 1, 2008... ONCE AGAIN we have been slapped in the face with bitter history--and history, as we well know, is heavy-handed. In recent weeks more than 20 noose-hangings have been re ported across the United States. What began in Jena, La., as an attempt to...

Lift tuck: use these modern marvels to ensure that what lies beneath perfectly showcases your outfit.(BEAUTY & STYLE)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Do you need a quick figure fixer-upper? Have no fear because the most sensational shapers are here! We polled celebrities, beauty experts and industry insiders, and all agree that what goes underneath your clothes is more important than the...

Sexy shoulders.(FASHION FAIR)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
January 1, 2008... Beautiful shoulders will be the main attraction during the social season as fashionable women don an array of shoulder-baring styles from top designers around the world. Grafted of fabrics that range from draped velvets to sheer silks, the...

Heartwarming soups: stews to stir the heart and soul.(DATE WITH A DISH)
January 1, 2008... During the cold winter months, perhaps there's nothing better to serve your family than a hot bowl of soup, which can warm the body and the soul. Soups are easy to make, whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook. And even better, while...

Walk it off indoors this winter: treadmills are the favorite in-home cardio equipment.(BODY TALK)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As the cold weather sets in, you might be considering ways to maintain your cardiovascular workout without walking or running outdoors, or going to the gym. One option is to set up a low-tech gym inside your home,...

To spank or not to spank: parents weigh in on old-school versus new-school methods of discipline.(PARENTING)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Spanking as a form of discipline, continues to take some hits. As parents grapple with how to effectively discipline their children, two distinct groups of parenting styles are evident in the African-American...

Montgomery, Ala.(MEMORABLE PHOTO)(Photograph)
January 1, 2008... On the steps of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was pastor, the leader of the Montgomery Bus Boytcott is joined by his wife, Coretta Scott King, and their daughter, Yolanda, in this 1956 photo. [ILLUSTRATION...