October 05, 2017
By Darralynn Hutson
Contributing Writer
It can be challenging to find your stride in the world of celluloid; those behind the scenes in the hair and make departments, or wardrobe rooms, even music supervisors and editors work one show, while vying for the next. Rita McGhee, costume designer for Disney/ABC’s new comedy series “The Mayor”, however, seems to have found her stride. Being the best at what she does and feeling blessed and abundantly happy with her accomplishments in this tumultuous world of TV and Film, McGhee is in her paradise.
Inside the wardrobe room on the ABC studio lot, where shows like “American Housewife“, “Hip Hop Squares”, and “Big Brother”, are loudly being filmed; there’s a peaceful hum coming from the people at work.
Make-shift desks, set against hollow walls made for production, are covered with sketches, scripts pages, cut-out pictures from fashion magazine, buttons, bracelets, adornments and trinkets of blissful sayings that exude a warm work environment. Debbie, the show’s seamstress’, is heard churning out an alteration for Lea Michele’s next fitting. Across several high and low racks of clothing; each categorized for each character and each scene of the series including extras and guest characters; there lay two sturdy desks facing each other for Rita McGhee and her assistant and sister Alita Bailey. Rita isn’t seated at her desk, she’s moving back and forth, from rack–to-rack with two navy jackets and a full pants suit in her right arm, browsing through a rack for something else … something else. She takes what she has back inside another door which houses the “fitting room”, where characters try on and take off clothes chosen specifically for them.
ABC’s “The Mayor”, starring some new faces and some familiar ones, including Brandon Michael Hall in the starring role as Courtney Rose; veteran actress, Yvette Nicole Brown who portrays his mother, Dina and Lea Michelle, best known for her role “Glee,” Lea Michele as Courtney Rose’s friend, Valentina.
As costume designer and assistant costume designer, Rita McGhee and Alita Bailey (respectively) are responsible for “styling and dressing all of the characters; telling a story through clothing,” says Rita. Described as an urban comedy, “The Mayor” takes, Courtney from the confines of a small bedroom closet as a struggling hip-hop artist, to the chambers of the Mayors office inside of a city federal building. “I’d describe the shows wardrobe as Hip hop politically savvy,” says Rita. “Courtney has to dress the part because he’s still from his environment, but he has swag, which means that he will also wear crisp jeans and classic sneakers.”
Working with her sister helps to keep the calm, as Alita has assisted on film and TV projects, going on eight years: on BET’s popular “The New Edition Story” mini series,” and “Zoe Ever After”; Spike Lee’s “Chi-Raq” and most recently Lifetime’s “Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland”, and the two had a small yet important part in the much anticipated Marvel’s “Black Panther.” “We were able to support the great Ruth Carter and her team by shopping for two months,” remembers Rita. “Just being in the essence of Ruth Carter was a wonderful experience.” Rita would never toot her own horn but an incredible slate of projects, most infamously as the first costume designer on the first season of Fox’s ridiculously popular family drama “Empire”. Rita essentially gave Cookie her essence. Before landing “Empire” she was the costume designer for “Biker Boyz”, “Next Day Air”, and “King’s Ransom.” Working on set as an assistant costumer for such great films as “Mo’ Better Blue, “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” and “Baby Boy”. Rita has been putting in time building her reputation and telling fabulous stories through fashion.
“I’ve been blessed to be able to hire “Shiners” who are respectful of each other and they do their best every time,” says Rita. “Alita is my assistant and she’s on the pulse of new designers, new styles.”
The Mayor was able to incorporate two LA-based Black owned boutiques in the wardrobe room from Katula and Prii Unity Clothing. “I’m responsible for getting the clothes, collaborating on the looks and whatever she (Rita) needs to make it happen,” says Alita Bailey, assistant costume designer on ABC’s The Mayor. “The best part of working with my sister is that she allows me to be creative and I Love being creative. I call myself a fashion hunter. I’m somewhat of a gatherer too.”
Some of the fashion treats to look out for are ample African prints incorporated in the wardrobe through pieces of clothing on Dena Rose, Courtney’s mom, Jermaine and TK, who are Courtney’s best friends on the show. “We shop at the mall, Downtown LA, online, in boutique, with designers, anywhere where we can find clothes that fit the character and fit the story line,” says Rita. “This takes long hours, a lot of consideration for lots of different personalities, and overcoming lots of challenges to bring to life a single vision; I feel very fortunate to be living in my purpose.”
October 05, 2017
Aries
March 21 – April 19
Both your love life and connections to your colleagues will be on the agenda this week. Regarding work, you might have to attend discussions and consultations. Whatever the relationship, you’ll fare better if you can avoid being too intense. This might be difficult at the time of the full moon on Thursday, however. But as long as you don’t say anything you might come to regret, you could find others show up with opportunities and options you might never have considered otherwise.
Taurus
May 21 - Jun 20
Luscious Venus makes some leading aspects this week. In fact, the days up to and including Thursday could rekindle the romance in a long-term relationship or encourage a budding connection to become more intimate. However, Thursday’s full moon could see you keeping private certain feelings between you and another. You have a lot of fun together, and no one else needs to know about it. The weekend could see a more serious side of your personality, when being conscientious could bring rewards.
Gemini
May 21 - Jun 20
There could be a lot of discussion at home at the start of the week, and this could lead to some decisions that positively transform a key situation. On another note, your social life sparkles, particularly around Thursday, when the full moon in lively Aries could be the perfect time to hold a celebration or grand occasion. Know that it could be very boisterous, though. Putting yourself in your partner’s shoes over the weekend could help you understand his or her perspective.
Cancer
Jun 21 - Jul 22
You could be your own worst enemy this week, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’ve convinced yourself that there is nothing you can do, accomplishing something could certainly be more difficult. Give yourself a break and try to have a more positive approach. Think that you can do it and keep repeating this to yourself. You’ll find that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. You can accomplish whatever you put your mind to if you stick with it.
Leo
Jul 23 - Aug 22
There is a possibility that you could earn more money, but there is also a chance that you’ll spend it all before the week is up. Making some wise investments, such as channeling extra cash into a creative project, could be worthwhile. And as long as you don’t decide to make some expensive romantic gestures around the time of Thursday’s full moon, you can benefit. The weekend could have a more serious bias, but a heart-to-heart talk could be very revealing.
Virgo
Aug 23-Sep 22
It could be difficult to see eye to eye with certain family members, and this might continue over the course of the week. However, this could also encourage you to have a discussion to resolve this matter. If things reach a critical point, this could be a good thing because the energy around the situation is ripe for change. Be willing to listen to others’ feelings and you may find they aren’t so very different from yours after all. A compromise is possible.
Libra
Sep 23 - Oct 22
A positive focus on your sign could make you eager to express yourself and share what is most important to you. There may be some things that need a solution that you’re more hesitant to talk about. The coming week could be an opportunity to listen to your intuition and gently broach the subject with a friend or trusted confidant. You may say more than you mean to, but this could release tension and leave you feeling much better as a result.
Scorpio
Oct 23 - Nov 21
An intense aspect early in the week could mean you’re compulsively drawn to someone and find it hard to turn your attention to other things. This could be a temporary phase, but it could leave you feeling frustrated if the person in question doesn’t feel the same way about you. Thursday’s full moon in your wellness sector might encourage you to forget about your discipline and routines and go all out to enjoy yourself. Try not to overdo it!
Sagittarius
Nov 22 - Dec 21
You may draw some fascinating opportunities to you, but it’s also possible that you could resist them. This is unusual, as you’re the kind of person who delights in anything new and fresh. You may have mixed feelings that cause you to delay a decision. If you need more time, take it, but this option could work out even if it requires hard work. Your social life sparkles this week and over the weekend, with a lively encounter to brighten your days.
Capricorn
Dec 22 - Jan 19
While you may be inspired to follow a new path that shows plenty of promise, you might feel edgy if it means moving too far outside your comfort zone. It’s really a question of belief. This can be a good time to jettison any that are outdated and holding you back. Nevertheless, a full moon in Aries on Thursday could bring some drama to the home front. It is also excellent for a celebration or get-together, even if it is a little boisterous.
Aquarius
Jan 20 - Feb 18
If you’re thinking about going on a trip, the full moon might encourage you to go for it. If you’ve been busy with various tasks and chores or aspects of your life have been intense lately, getting away from it all might seem like the perfect way to unwind and feel good. There is a focus on change and transformation that could see you letting go of situations that no longer serve you. Certain friends might object to doing this, however.
Pisces
Feb 19 - Mar 20
You could experience some conflict regarding a goal or plan, and this might make it hard to progress as much as you’d like over the coming days. If you and another are finding it difficult to see eye to eye, putting yourself in their shoes could help you understand their thoughts and feelings. You don’t have to agree, but a compromise might help you to make the best of an awkward situation. Key insights could also change your perspective concerning a financial matter.
October 05, 2017
Staff Report
From the best to the worst, South L.A.’s aspiring vocalists came out to audition for the 6th annual StarQuest singing competition, held at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, on September 23-24. Celebrity judges were on hand, rating auditions, based on vocal ability and stage performance. Contestants showed up and showed out for the opportunity to perform at the 12th Annual Taste of Soul family festival, themed, “Salute to the legacy of Motown.”
The top scoring semi-finalists are selected to compete in the next round, in front of industry executives, talent scouts, and thousands of festivalgoers during Taste of Soul. The winning kid and adult vocalists, will be awarded the opportunity to perform a Motown tribute song on the 102.3 KJLH and 94.7 The WAVE music stages. 
The StarQuest 2017 semi-finalists are: Nancy Fifita, K'Lynn Jackman, Jhala Angelique, Sydney Strickland, Na'Miyah McCormick, Anisa Washington, Auriana Chisholm, Mykira Cleopatra Church, Jordan Jackman and, Kennedy Chisholm (StarQuest for Kids online winner), Brandon Wattz, Khoryawne Heads, Kyree Sterling, Sharee Fogarty, Byrd Duckett, Goward D. Horton II, Ryan Wirtz, Terrill Williams Carter, Christopher Martin, and Norma Richardson (StarQuest adult online winner).
StarQuest 4 Kids and Adults vocal competition will take place Saturday, October 21,,from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., at 39th Street and Crenshaw Boulevard.
In addition to the competition, the StarQuest music stage, sponsored by Hyundai, will also feature award-winning performers, such as R&B icon, Brandy and soulful songstress, Melanie Fiona to name a few.
For up to date information on StarQuest and Taste of Soul, please visit www.tasteofsoul.org.
September 28, 2017
Compiled by
Shonassee Shaver
Undefeated Four-Time Boxing World Champion Laila Ali to Host OWN's ‘Home Made Simple’
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‘Sister Circle’ Empowers and Inspires Black Women in New Talk Show on TV One
New daytime talk show, “Sister Circle,” will bring Black Girl Magic to viewers with a live talk show hosted by a panel of four accomplished Black female figures. The talk show aired live on September 18, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on TV One as part of the morning news and lifestyle programing block. The show will empower and inspire African American women with up-to-date news and insights on relationships, parenting, fitness, personal finances, the latest trends and the joys and frustrations of everyday life. The panel includes Quad Webb-Lunceford (“Married To Medicine”), Grammy-award nominated singer Syleena Johnson (“R&B Divas”) multimedia personality in entertainment and sports Rashan Ali, and stand-up comedic-actress, radio personality Kiana Dancie. Lastly, DJ Q, will join the ladies for the ‘Sister Circle’ discussion. “Sister Circle,” airs weekdays at 9 am on TV One.
Season 5 ‘Family Time,’ World Premiere of New
Comedy
‘Grown Folks’ and ‘Ed Gordon’ set for Fall Lineup on Bounce TV
As fall approaches, Bounce TV will debut returning and new series starting in October. Bounce TV, the nation's fastest-growing television network designed for African-American audiences will showcase the biggest primetime line-up in its history to date. Monday October 2 with the world premiere of the new comedy series, “Grown Folks,” along with the fifth season of the hit sitcom, “Family Time.” The network continues to lead with a variety of media content, primetime show, “Ed Gordon.”