September 06, 2018
By Stacy M. Brown
NNPA Newswire
Hollywood’s biggest names, including Tyler Perry, Halle Berry and Patton Oswalt, have all joined a growing list of celebrities speaking up for former Cosby Show actor Geoffrey Owens who was shamed on social media for working at a Trader Joe’s in New Jersey.
Following Owens’ appearance on Good Morning America, Bill Cosby’s spokesman Andrew Wyatt exclusively told NNPA Newswire that he and the comedian are both proud of Owens.
“There’s nothing wrong with working at Trader Joe’s and I commend him for taking care of his family,” said Wyatt, who noted Cosby was unavailable to comment because he’s continued to closely follow the terms of the court order that has him under house arrest.
Wyatt said Owens and other Cosby Show actors have been victimized by Hollywood studios which have elected to halt re-runs of the iconic show and all of Cosby’s works.
The result, Wyatt said, is actors like Owens are deprived of potentially lucrative residues cast and writers earn from syndicated shows.
“You take ‘The Cosby Show’ off the air, yet you leave ‘7th Heaven’ on the air and all of Harvey Weinstein’s movies are still playing whether it’s on Netflix or Hulu you can find them everywhere because you don’t want to hurt these Hollywood starlets and take away their money and residue pay, yet you take ‘The Cosby Show’ off the air,” Wyatt said.
While Cosby was convicted of aggravated indecent assault for an incident that he maintains was consensual, “7th Heaven” star Stephen Collins admitted to molesting at least three young girls and Weinstein has been charged with several counts of rape and more than 100 women have come forward accusing the movie mogul of assault.
Sporting his Trader Joe’s badge, Owens appeared on Good Morning America on Tuesday, Sept. 4, one week after Fox News broadcast photos of him stocking shelves at the grocery store.
“No one should feel sorry for me,” said Owens, who played Elvin, the husband of Sandra Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show.”
“I’ve had a great life. I’ve had a great career and I’ve had a career that most actors would die for,” he said.
The actor noted that he was overwhelmed by the response he’s received after the shaming incident. “I feel like more of a celebrity now than when I actually was a celebrity,” he said.
Since leaving “The Cosby Show,” Owens has worked part-time as an actor and as a producer.
He has taught acting and directing at Yale and other universities for more than 30 years. But, he said he took the Trader Joe’s job 15 months ago to support his family.
Since the GMA appearance, however, Perry has publicly offered him a role on a popular OWN television show and others like Berry and Oswalt have tweeted support.
“My respect to actor Geoffrey Owens, who found honest work between gigs. As Fox News will tell you, all actors, when not acting, seal themselves in protein-solution ‘shame pods’ until re-activated by the Council of Casting,” Oswalt said.
“Geoffrey had the courage to stand up to the Council,” he said.
Berry, the Oscar winning actress, also saluted Oswalt.
“Labor Day celebrates the value of our country’s workers. I’m just so sad to hear than an American felt the need to ‘expose’ a man for working hard,” Berry said.
“I wish there were more people with as much integrity as Geoffrey Owens.”
For his part, Owens discussed the sanctity and honor of being a working person. Every job is “worthwhile,” he said.
“I hope what doesn’t pass is this … rethinking about what it means to work,” he said. “The honor of the working person and the dignity of work. And I hope that this period we’re in now, where we have a heightened sense about that and a reevaluation of what it means to work, the reevaluation of the idea that some jobs are better than others.”
Wyatt said Owens displayed what “The Cosby Show” was all about.
“What Mr. Cosby built was legacy. It wasn’t just legacy to show how families should conduct themselves and live in a certain way in society,” he said.
“It was to make sure that these actors were able to survive and enjoy their livelihoods. Yet, [the powers that be] have taken it away.”)
September 06, 2018
By Amanda Scurlock
Sports Writer
Singer and “R&B Divas” star Chanté Moore is slated to perform on the Hyundai Soundstage for the 13th annual Taste of Soul. Hyundai recently announced that renowned journalist Roland Martin will be the host with Brian “DJ B-Hen” Henry and rap icon Kurtis Blow as the talent featured on the stage.
Moore has released seven studio albums, singing R&B, jazz and gospel. Some remember her by her standard “Chanté’s Got a Man,” others will recall her as the cuckolding wife to Mr. Biggs in the iconic R&B song “Contagious.” This singer/songwriter’s body of work has given her many nominations and awards.
A native of San Francisco, Moore built her musical foundation by singing at church. Moore signed with MCA Record’s imprint Silas Records to release her debut album “Precious” in 1992. Her single “Love’s Taken Over” reached 13 in the R&B charts.
Moore was a co-executive producer of her second album “A Love Supreme” and co-wrote eight songs for the album. In 1999, her third alum “This Moment is Mine” was released, comprising of her most popular song “Chanté’s Got a Man” which earned a Soul Train Award nomination in 2000.
Moore would win a Soul Train Music award along with R. Kelly and the Isley Brothers for the collaborative hit “Contagious,” the song would also get a Grammy nomination.
In 2002, R&B crooner Kenny Lattimore married Moore; their union begot one child and two albums. A year after exchanging vows, the couple released a duet cover album “Things That Lovers Do.” In 2006 the couple released “Uncovered/Covered” an album of R&B and gospel music.
Two years later Moore released the “Love the Woman” with the song “Ain’t Supposed to Be This Way” as the lead single. Her sixth solo studio album “Moore Is More” was released in 2013. That was the same year Moore made her debut on “R&B Divas: Los Angeles,” co-starring with Michel’le and Kelly Price.
The R&B songstress also penned a self-help book “Will I Marry Me,” in 2014 and released her album “The Rise of the Phoenix” in 2017.
Along with music, Moore has done her share of work in theatre throughout the years. She was in the stage production of Otis Sallid’s “Gospel! Gospel! Gospel!” and starred alongside Tisha Campbell-Martin in the stage play “By Any Means Necessary.” More recently, Moore co-stared with Bill Bellamy and LisaRaye McCoy in the stage play “Married But Single Too.”
Moore also sang in a tribute for late disco queen Donna Summer during the 2012 BET Awards. Her music was also featured on soundtracks for “Waiting to Exhale” and “House Party.”
Groove with Chanté Moore at the 13th annual Taste of Soul! If you want to know who else will rock the Hyundai Soundstage, read the L.A. Sentinel next week. To keep up with the latest Taste of Soul news, download the Taste of Soul app through Google Play and the Apple Store. You might have a chance to win a 2018 Hyundai Kona.
September 06, 2018
Aries
MAR 21 - APR 19
You are not giving your partner the attention he or she deserves this week. The pressure is on at the office and new demands are being placed upon you. In some cases, there is a tangible opportunity to begin an assignment that will help elevate you professionally, and because of this you have to remain focused. Your partner will try to understand but the truth is, he or she may feel a bit left out in the cold. Do what you can to make this right. Even a few loving text messages throughout the week will go a long way toward reassuring your sweetheart that he or she matters.
Taurus
APR 20 - MAY 20
You've got it going on in the love department! Not only is romance on your mind, but if you're single, there is a definite potential for you to start dating someone new. This person might be a colleague or someone who lends you a helping hand. The feeling you'll have immediately about this person is that they are genuine, grounded, and not just in it for a quick thrill. This will delight you to no end because substance is what you have to offer. This week, you'll get it in return. Venus moves into your partnership sector on Sunday. You'll definitely feel the love.
Gemini
MAY 21 - JUN 20
Your love life might be frustrating this week, Gemini ... and that is putting it mildly. Although Venus remains in your romance sector until Sunday, she'll be at a harsh angle to Mars on Friday. The "cosmic lovers" Venus and Mars aren't on the same page, which means you and your earthly lover are bound to experience some conflict as well. It seems to focus around money and sex. One of you isn't getting what you want, and the other doesn't even realize it. Or, one of you might be feeling used instead of loved and valued the way you should. Address this immediately. It's not insurmountable.
Cancer
JUN 21 - JUL 22
If you and your partner have felt as though you haven't been able to strengthen the potentially crumbling foundation in your relationship, then this week you've got some hope. Saturn, the planet of discipline and commitment, turns direct in your partnership sector on Thursday after having been retrograde for several months. The bottom line is that if you and your partner are both willing to do the work, you can build (or rebuild) a relationship that will stand the test of time. The bigger question is not whether or not you can, but whether or not you want to.
Leo
JUL 23 - AUG 22
Romance is just not in the stars for you this week, Leo. If single, you're way too distracted by work and a frustrating situation there to even care about love. If you're in a relationship, it seems as if you and your partner are so busy in the minutiae of your individual lives that neither of you are willing or able to come up for air -- let alone for some time together. You might also have a rough time at work (possibly even losing a job or having it out with a coworker) and feel unsupported by your mate. Hang in there! Get Your Complete Cosmic Profile
Virgo
AUG 23 - SEP 22
You're unstoppable this week -- in every way. Mercury enters your sign on Wednesday, helping you communicate with others in the most effective way possible. Your partner (and anyone else for that matter) will listen to and value your brilliant mind! Then on Thursday, Saturn turns direct in your romance sector having been retrograde for months. Any stalls or delays between you and someone special you've had your eye on are about to disappear. Adding to the goodness is a New Moon in your sign on Sunday. You truly are ready for a fresh start in life and in love. Make it count.
Libra
SEP 23 - OCT 22
This might not feel like the happiest week for you in the love department. Even though Venus remains in your sign until Sunday, you won't able to take advantage of her goodies. No one seems to view you in the light you hope for them to. Instead of being graceful and receptive, people in your environment might actually feel that you're being pushy and abrasive! Although this isn't who you really are, understand that this is the vibe you're likely to project. Why? Something family-related is bothering you. It seems to be affecting you everywhere else this week ... even in matters of the heart.
Scorpio
OCT 23 - NOV 21
Your love life might feel almost invisible lately. Venus has been nestled in your 12th House of Shadows for several weeks and remains here until this Sunday. For the most part, you may feel as if your partner just isn't seeing you clearly. In addition, you might have an argument on Saturday that pushes both of your buttons. For some, this might be connected to your frustration about having to keep this relationship a secret, or you being tired of holding your feelings in about someone you've got a crush on. Fortunately, on Sunday Venus moves into your sign and at last you'll be seen again. Someone is definitely noticing your worth.
Sagittarius
NOV 22 - DEC 21
You might want to steer clear of your friends' opinions when it comes to your love life scenario. One of your friends in particular might have an ulterior motive, and if so, its name is jealousy. This pal of yours either has a crush on who you're with or might want to be with you in an intimate way. Since they don't know how to deal with their feelings, they might resort to an almost childlike attempt to tear down what you have with the person you're dating through vicious gossip. Whatever they say isn't true. Don't listen.
Capricorn
DEC 22 - JAN 19
You'll feel as if you can breathe again, Capricorn! Last week Mars, the planet of assertive drive, finally turned direct in your sign. This is important for you because you'll notice a definite boost in your overall energy and libido. Guess what ... your partner is sure to notice as well! But in addition to Mars now regulating his orbit, this week you'll have Saturn turn direct in your sign as well. Saturn moving retrograde over the last few months might have brought into your awareness the real limitations you have when it comes to a relationship. Now that Saturn is moving forward again you'll stop sitting with all these obstacles and start doing something about them. Yes!
Aquarius
JAN 20 - FEB 18
Your partner's spiritual beliefs might leave you feeling uncomfortable this week. You may not be in alignment with them and realize that this might be a true deal breaker for you. If you are resonating with them, however, you're also in a pickle. Why? Because somehow your lover's beliefs are challenging you to look at the bigger picture of life and the great beyond in a way that you never have before. Yes, it might be uncomfortable but don't stress too much. This is called growth.
Pisces
FEB 19 - MAR 20
Expect a pivotal week in relationship happenings, Pisces. For starters, on Wednesday Mercury edges into your partnership sector, making it easier than ever (and more enjoyable) to talk about any and everything with your mate. Then, a gorgeous New Moon on Sunday also lands in your partnership sector. This lunation is opposite Neptune in your sign, casting a slight haze of idealism over your love life. There is a new beginning for you and someone close, and your money is on the fairy tale outcome. Hey ... you could be right. Have faith that you are.
September 06, 2018
By Kimberlee Buck
Contributing Writer
For the past 12 years, Taste of Soul (TOS) has been an economic driver in the Black community by empowering Black-owned businesses through the festivals’ vendor and sponsorship opportunities. This year TOS is offering attendees the opportunity to try amazing food, enjoy live entertainment, and apply for a job at their “Taste of Opportunity Pavilion.”
In honor of 13th annual event and all things soulful, the Taste of Opportunity Pavilion will host a hiring fair that will allow TOSgoers to interview for a position at the festival and potentially be hired on the spot! The sponsor behind this new addition is, LeadersUp.
In 2013, Jeffery Wallace became the founding executive director of LeadersUp, a non-profit organization that is working to tackle the issue of employment for youth of color (ages 16-24).
Similarly to Taste of Soul, LeadersUp believes African Americans and other marginalized communities deserve the best quality opportunity, which is why the organization is excited to bring their hiring event to TOS.
“LeadersUp believes just like Taste of Soul and Mr. Bakewell’s leadership, that we have to take lead around importing opportunities into our communities. For us, joining the Taste of Soul family is significant because it [TOS] has already established [itself in] pieces of the community that represent Black excellence,” said LeadersUp president and CEO Wallace.
“Our mission is to bridge the divide between the untapped potential of young people and the business challenges of finding and keeping the right talent. When we look at where our nation is right now, we understand that the nation is shifting to a multicultural dominant economy therefore, it is important for the nation to invest in the underrepresented and historically marginalized communities like African Americans, Latinos, Asians, and Pacific Islanders who have far too long been overlooked and left out.”
According to Wallace, the Taste of Opportunity Pavilion will have 20-30 employers at the festival.
Those employers will conduct interviews and make conditional offers to candidates who they are interested in on the spot.
Attendees can expect to see the following jobs:
• Transportation and logistics: UPS and FedEx
• Retail: Target, Safeway and Starbucks
• Hotel industry
• Entertainment industry
“Those who participate in the Taste of Opportunity hiring pavilion, 80 percent will walk away with a job. Our goal is to facilitate a minimum of 1,000 interviews that day with multiple companies,” said Wallace.
How-to-prepare for the Taste of Opportunity Pavilion
Interested participants can prepare for the Taste of Opportunity Pavilion by participating in the organization’s career readiness training. You can also text “Los Angeles” to 64600 to receive the most current updates on trainings leading up to Taste of Soul.
Currently, there are two trainings available:
• Saturday, September 22nd
Mt Calvary Baptist Church
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
• Saturday, September 29th
Faithful Central Bible Church
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
If you are not able to attend the training, LeadersUp encourages you to participate in a mock interview the day of the Taste of Soul festival prior to meeting with an employer.
Aside from mock interviews, LeadersUp will also have a variety of job readiness stations including a place for participants to update and print out their resumes, a station for updating LinkedIn profiles. Presentation is key when going to an interview, which is why LeadersUp will have a “dress for success experience” where event goers can borrow a sports jacket, blazer, a shirt and tie to help them look more professional. Additionally, LeadersUp will have barbers and hair stylist on site to help interviewees groom themselves before they meet employers. All of these services are free of charge.
Come get hired at Taste of Soul! For interviewing tips, training sessions, and information on how-to build your elevator pitches check out LeadersUp online platform by visiting www.leadersup.org. The LeadersUp website also has a complete list of employers and the specific positions that will be available at the festival.