Black Press Radio.com

HIP HOP BEHIND BARS: Lil Wayne to report to prison; holds "Going away party"

Black Press Radio.com — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 15:42:00 GMT

PIC: Lil Wayne to report to prison; holds "Going away party"

PIC: Lil Wayne to report to prison; throws "Going away party" last night with stars like Drake (below left); Julia Beverly (below right)

(BlackPressRadio.com) - He's come a long way from making black TV show host Reuben Armstrong cry at the inaugural edition of the BET Hip Hop Awards, but over the next year, he might be doing some crying himself.

That's because Grammy award winning rapper Lil Wayne was arrested in 2007 on gun charges, will be formally sentenced February 9, 2010 (tomorrow) and is expected to begin his jail sentence at Rikers Island in New York City immediately afterwards.

Celebrity photographer and Ozone magazine publisher Julia Beverly caught up with rappers Young Money and others as they came out in support of Lil Wayne February 7 at Dolce for Wizzy's official “Going Away Party” in Miami.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwUgU99_R9s

To view our interviews with Lil Wayne and Julia Beverly visit the Black Press Channel on YouTube at www.youtube.com/blackpress.

Alicia Keys OUTED on Wendy Williams Show

Black Press Radio.com — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:41:00 GMT

Long before Jon Grosslin and Tiger Woods made made celebrity affairs the new reality TV hot button, homewrecker Alicia Keys was been involved with married music producer Swizz Beats. Keys,who is often quoted for saying she's all about empowering Black women, has repeatedly denied any involvement.

But Keys was outed for her adultress affair on the December 15 episode of the Wendy Williams Show by lifestyle guru B. Smith and Wendy herself.

During a cooking segment, Wendy and Smith dished about partying with Keys and Swizz Beats and the bling that he gave her in front of the group while they were all out celebrating her birthday. Smith tried to regroup saying, "I was drinking...I can't remember," but confirming that she was at the event and indeed did see the couple being a couple.

Smith was on the show to promote her new book: B. Smith cooks southern style.

Above: Keys talks about her upcoming new movie with Halle Berry

Meanwhile, as Tiger Woods gets beat over the head for having as many as a dozen mistresses, Keys plays up a "squeaky clean" image. Her new CD, Element of Freedom, likely doesn't address why Swizz's kids will not be a happy family this Christmas.

To see the video visit www.youtube.com/blackpress and search keyword: ALICIA KEYS

Ne-Yo's mom sets the record straight

Black Press Radio.com — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:07:00 GMT

Exclusive: Ne-Yo's mom speaks about new TV show

(BlackPressRadio) - Long before Lady GaGa and Adam Lambert stunned the world as openly gay musicians, the Internet buzzed that R&B superstar Ne-Yo was an in-the-closet homosexual. In fact, a bogus Essence magazine article claimed that the songwriting wonder had come out.

In an exclusive one-on-one interview with BlackPressRadio's DC Livers, Ne-Yo's mother H. Loraine Smith breaks her silence and addresses rumors. Smith also discusses the trials and tribulations of being a single mother raising two children and her upcoming new talk show -Dinner Table Discussions - that will provide advice and inspiration nationwide. Celebrity moms Aliyah “Mama Pain” Najm, (mother of Grammy award-winning performing artist and actor T-Pain), Jacida Carter, (mother of Grammy award-winning performing artist Lil’ Wayne) and Smith have teamed up and will serve as co-hosts for their newly-created talk show, Dinner Table Discussions. The show is scheduled to launch in 2010.

Smith is a long-time child advocate and currently heads up Ne-Yo's Compound Foundation whose mission is to increase awareness about the status of children in the child welfare systemin America and to support and partner with residential care facilities through programs aimed at teaching entrepreneurship and life skillsthat will empower them to become productive, successful, independent adults.

The LIVE interview will air on BlackPodcasts.net and then will be re-ran on HipHopDx.com.

LISTEN LIVE NOW:

About Dinner Table Discussions

co-hosts will present a quality and informative program, yet entertaining that tackles hard-hitting topics, current events, interviews and feature segments. DTD will provide solutions to every day issues and aim to make a difference in their viewers’ lives. They are committed to providing a show that will enhance viewers educationally, economically, socially and culturally. “Our vision is to be a premier talk show that delivers a creative and informative format that assists viewers in educating and solving challenging issues,” says Najm. “There are situations in our communities, cities, states and even nationwide that people have made us aware of and they want to resolve the issues, but they just don’t know where to get help or how to properly handle certain issues,” says Najm. Stay tune – Dinner Table Discussions is on its way. Web: www.dinnertablediscussions.com

T-Pain's mom speaks in interview with BlackPressRadio (Part 1)

Black Press Radio.com — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:39:00 GMT

EXCLUSIVE: Hip hop moms grant first U.S. interview to BlackPressRadio, announce new talk show in the works

(BlackPress.org) - In their first interview in the U.S., hip hop moms granted exclusive one-on-one interviews to BlackPressRadio's DC Livers.

Fromcougar confessions to an inside look at their celebrity sons to realtalk advice, even their sons will be surprised what these threeupcoming talk show moms have to say.

The multi-part series kicks off with ALIYAH NAJM aka "Mama Pain" on Monday, November 23 exclusively on BlackPressRadio.

Wendy Williams Show welcomes Black Press for mini-All Star Awards ceremony

Black Press Radio.com — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:11:00 GMT

5th Annual Black Press All Star Awards Winners

(BlackPress.org)- It was a hair-raising event on the set of the Wendy Williams Show today as Black Press presented Wendy Williams with her official BlackPress All Star Awards plaque, gift basketand other gifts that included a high-end lace front courtesy of ForGirlsLikeUs, Inc. Williams incorporated one of the gifts (the lace front wig) into the show in a way that will be memorable to fans for a long time to come.

"All I can say is you gotta see this episode," said DC Livers, managing editor for the Historical Black Press Foundation,which hosts the Black Press All Star Awards. "Wendy made the lace front a new character on her show. Of course, it was funny as can be, but it really showed how in touch she is with her audience. She did it in such a way that made you want more and more," Livers said.

Livers presented the award to Williams who personally came over to say thank you during a commercial break.

"It was a really fun morning filled with lots of dancing," said Livers."Wendy was gracious and funny and seemed to sincerely appreciate getting the award that was chosen for her by her media peers and fans,"Livers said.

Wendy Williams Show welcomes Black Press for mini-All Star Awards ceremony
Williams won for Best Black TV Show and People's Choice Award: Best Black Reality TV Star.

"There are other mini-winner ceremonies plans in the coming weeks, so I hope that they will all be this much fun," Livers said.

WINNERS ANNOUNCED: Missed the event? You can still see all of your favorite Black Press All Star winners in the sneak peek VIDEO on the Black Press Channel on YouTube at www.youtube.com/blackpress.

See the full WINNERS list at:
http://www.myspace.com/blackpress

Join our SOCIAL NETWORKS:
www.myspace.com/blackpress
www.twitter.com/blackpressradio
Website: www.BlackPress.org
Video Channel: www.youtube.com/BlackPress

Historical Black Press Foundation | Copyright 2000-2009 All Rights Reserved.

100 and counting...NAACP gets new theme song courtesy of established musican

Black Press Radio.com — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:28:00 GMT

New York City-based musican helps NAACP make history

(BlackPress.org) - Although the NAACP turned 100 this year, the future of the organization is in safe hands with the next genneration of the NAACP according to an established musican who mixes hip hop, funk and activism for a catchy new theme song honoring the legacy of the NAACP.

Hear the exclusive sneak peek exclusively on BlackPressRadio.com

MEDIA MUTINY at NAACP convention: Did NAACP infringe on the Freedom of the Press?

Black Press Radio.com — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:50:00 GMT

Did NAACP infringe on the Freedom of the Press?
International Media mutiny on the horizon behind-the-scenes of NAACP Convention

(BlackPress.org) - International journalists from around the world have convened in New York City for the NAACP's 100th Anniversary, but a different story is brewing behind-the-scenes. Journalists from France, Africa, and other countries are feeling "squeezed out" by the NAACP who are refusing the media's access to major events and workshops.

Journalists are forced to leave the hotel to obtain water and food, missing key events. Four out of five of the computers made available in the Working Press room do not have a working Internet connection. Ironically, points out Abbey Muneer, a reporter for Liberty News, the staff computers work and have active Internet connection.

Food is available in the room but a sign posted reading "Staff only" sets the tone for the environment in the media room. By Thursday, when President Barack Obama speaks at the NAACP there could be a media mutiny, if things are not improved.

What's odd is that Benjamin Jealous was once a journalist, sort of, so he should have a clear understanding of the needs of the working press. Jealous used to head up NNPA's news service.

Reporters from CBS, Washington Post, BBC, Orbite Television, a Black-focused news outlet from Paris, France and other media outlets as far away as Japan and The Netherlands are on hand for the event, but few are finding the effort worth their time.

"We're not coming back tomorrow or Thursday," Muneer said.

"[The Media representatives] who are charged with handling the media room are walking around the media room without shoes, they ran out of press badges and the staff seems more interested in the after parties than helping the press get their stories," Muneer said. "It's very upseting."

SAVE the DATE: Sept. 17-19, 2009
5th Annual Black Press All Star Awards in Harlem, New York

Join our SOCIAL NETWORKS:
www.myspace.com/blackpress
www.twitter.com/blackpressradio
Website: www.BlackPress.org
Video Channel: www.youtube.com/BlackPress

Historical Black Press Foundation | Copyright 2000-2009 All Rights Reserved.

Rev. Al Sharpton helps NAACP kicks off its 100th Celebration at the Hilton Hotel in NYC

Black Press Radio.com — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:47:00 GMT

Breaking News: Michael Jackson left Beatles, Elvis Pressley catalogs to mother Katherine in his will, says Rev. Sharpton at NAACP 100th Celebration

(BlackPress.org) -

NAACP kicks off its 100th Celebration at the Hilton Hotel in NYC with a religious brunch with Rev. Al Sharpton, a fashion show at the Women in the NAACP luncheon that featured a tribute performance to the Jackson 5.

Sharpton make major news over the past two weeks for his work with Michael Jackson's family following the super star's June 25, 2009 death in California. Speaking to a sold out audience at the July 12 NAACP Gospel Brunch, Sharpton told the audience "They never thought that a little Black boy would grow up to leave all this money and assets to his mama when Michael Jackson started," Sharpton said. (Audio coming soon).

BET Awards 2009: Ciara breaks down, Black media outlets cry foul

Black Press Radio.com — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:40:00 GMT

Watershed of tears stops Ciara press conference at 2009 BET Awards
Singer manages to resume interviews

Disclaimer: This podcast interview was taken from our archives of a previous event.
Uncut and Unedited: Does the BET Awards discriminate? Decide for yourself.

Watch the video at www.youtube.com/blackpress

(BlackPress.org)- To be sure, this year's BET Awards was an emotional night for all whoattended but for some celebrities and Black media outlets, June 28,2009 was more emotional than ever.

Many Black-owned mediaoutlets complained that Black Entertainment Television's owner Viacom,Inc. either blacked them out of the opportunity to cover the historictribute to the Michael Jackson or didn't give them fair treatment at the event.

Outletslike Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, People and Billboardmagazine all had access to rehearsals, celebrities, special events,after parties and more, claim the Black media outlets. The Chicago Defender,which is 5 minutes away from Jackson's hometown of Gary, IN, did nothave a representative at the event. To add insult to injury, theChicago Defender was forced to run AP videos of the event on itswebsite.

This isn't the first time that BET was accused ofplaying racial favorites at the awards show. At the inaugural BET HipHop Awards show in Atlanta, GA, Black journalists were so enraged withBET's alleged treatment toward White-owned and mainstream media outletsthat some actually packed up their gear and left before the event wasover.

"As managing editor for the Historical Black PressFoundation which works with 450 Black-owned media outlets and the hostof BlackPressRadio's podcast series, I'm often caught in the middle. I see how hard the media relations staff works to pull off the nations largest award show, but I also understand the challenges of the Black Press,"said DC Livers who regularly covers events hosted by Black-owned ororiented media outlets like the BET Awards. "But, when it was announced thatBET was reformatting its show to accommodate the Michael Jackson tragedy, myphone blew up with text messages, calls and Tweets asking why membersof the traditional Black Press weren't being allowed to cover theevent."

During the first week of May 2009, BlackPressRadiocontacted the media department for BET and was told that the companywas "making some changes" and that the media credentialing process forthis year's event would done "by invitation only." BET also angeredmany with their decision to switch the event from the last Tuesday ofJune to a Sunday night. Even normal BET Awards host Mo'Nique missed achance to do her Beyonce/Sasha Fierce impression when she realized shewouldn't attend the event due to a previously scheduled performance atthe Beacon Theatre in New York City. Jamie Foxx was given the job ofhosting the event in her absence.

"I knew that would meantrouble for our membership, but BET pays millions to pull this eventoff. It's their party and they can kinda invite who they want. But, ifthe company can rip apart an entire stage, revamp an entire awards showand pull off the music industry's first tribute to Michael Jackson in48 hours, it ought to be able to find a way to make sure Black-ownedmedia outlets have a seat at the table," Livers said.

"Blackjournalists repping White-owned and mainstream media outlets is not thesame as making sure that America's Black Press has equal access to thathistoric event."

Livers said that in order to try to preventfuture misunderstandings, some of the publishers and supporters likeDavid Parks, whose father Gordon co-founded Essence magazine, will seeka meeting with Viacom's brass to address their concerns and form anaction plan for the future. The group hopes the meeting take placebefore the upcoming "SOS: Can We Save the Black Press" town hallmeeting in Harlem in September, just weeks prior to the BET Hip HopAwards.

"This year HBPF celebrates its 10th anniversary ofenhancing the Black Press through technology, helping Black-owned mediaoutlets find a presence on the Web and increase their competitivenature using the Internet,but when it comes to many of Viacom producedevents like the BET Awards it's like the 60s. Hopefully, the meetingwill help quell the growing tension," Livers said.

In related news, R&B sensation Ciara,23, who wore a Black and gold military style jacked in honor of thelate King of Pop, broke down in tears at her post-performance pressconference at last night's BET Awards.

"[Michael Jackson] wasdoing a song for Hurricane Katrina and he wanted me to be a part ofit," she said. She missed the call when she didn't hear the phone ring.

Ciaraperformed Jackson's 1991 hit 'Heal the World' told reporters,"For me,[Michael Jackson] was the reason why I perform. He means that much,"she said.

SAVE the DATE: Sept. 17-19, 2009
5th Annual Black Press All Star Awards in Harlem, New York
SOS: Can We Save the Black Press Town hall meeting
REGISTER NOW: www.acteva.com/go/blackpress

Join our SOCIAL NETWORKS:
www.myspace.com/blackpress
www.twitter.com/blackpressradio (3 year anniversary)
Website: www.BlackPress.org
Video Channel: www.youtube.com/BlackPress

Historical Black Press Foundation | Copyright 2000-2009 All Rights Reserved.

Michael Jackson's death prompts mad celebrity rush to L.A. to honor Michael Jackson at ASCAP and BET Awards

Black Press Radio.com — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:47:00 GMT

LIVE from L.A. (Part 3)
BREAKING NEWS: Alicia Keys, Smokey Robinson honored at ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards, Michael Jackson led topic discussion

NEW! Watch the Video Report: www.youtube.com/blackpress

(BlackPressRadio. com) - The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) hosted its 22nd Annual Rhythm & Soul Music Awards last night at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. BlackPressRadio provided LIVE red carpet coverage of the event. Photos and video will be available at noon today.

The star-studded event, which was attended by over 650 leading songwriters, recording artists and music industry notables, paid special tribute to Smokey Robinson and Alicia Keys,and honored the songwriters and publishers of the most performed ASCAPsongs on the 2008 R&B/Hip-Hop, Rap and Gospel charts.

But none of the stars could wait to discuss their love for the late songwriter/singer Michael Jackson.

Singer/Songwriter Ne-Yogot emotional when asked his thoughts on Jackson's passing. Keeping hishead down and speaking low, Ne-Yo said, "I just can't understand howthis could happen to Mike."

A visibly shaken Barry Gordon, who headed up Motown and introduced The Jackson 5 to the world, couldn't talk at all and bypassed the red carpet interview session with the press as he rushed into the event.

Sidebar
MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE CD hailed by Rolling Stone as best ever!
To see the interview with Rhymefest for the Michael Jackson tribute CD, visit http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=qmU0ZzhvDBI

Top awards were handed out to: Click here for the complete list of winners.

Songwriters of the Year: Mikkel Eriksen & Tor Hermansen and C. "Tricky" Stewart & The-Dream
Publisher of the Year: EMI Music Publishing
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song: " Like You'll Never See Me Again"
Top Rap Song: "Lollipop"
Top Gospel Song: "I Trust You"

One of the evening's highlights was the presentation of ASCAP's Golden Note Award to Alicia Keys, which is presented to songwriters, composers, and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Gabby Wilson, an 11-year old musical prodigy, performed in honor of Keys, and Paul Williamspresented the prestigious award to the 12-time Grammy Award winner.Past recipients of ASCAP's Golden Note Award include Sean "Diddy"Combs, Jermaine Dupri, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Jay-Z, Quincy Jones, LL Cool J, New Edition and Lionel Richie.

Another highlight was the special tribute to music legend Smokey Robinson, who was honored with ASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award in recognition of "his achievements as a songwriter and artist who has written an enduring chapter in American musical history and whose songs have inspired generations. " Following a video presentation illustrating Robinson's outstanding career, Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson and ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams co-presented the award. The tribute culminated with stellar performances by R&B superstar Ne-Yo, R&B/Gospel singer-songwriter Kelly Price, new J Records artist CJ, and Australia's most popular vocal group Human Nature,who sang a selection of Robinson's biggest hits. Past recipients ofASCAP's Rhythm & Soul Heritage Award include Earth, Wind &Fire; Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Bill Withers.

SAVE the DATE: Sept. 17-19, 2009
5th Annual Black Press All Star Awards in Harlem, New York

Join our SOCIAL NETWORKS:
www.myspace.com/blackpress
www.twitter.com/blackpressradio
Website: www.BlackPress.org
Video Channel: www.youtube.com/BlackPress

Historical Black Press Foundation | Copyright 2000-2009 All Rights Reserved.

EXCLUSIVE: WRITE to T.I. in prison: T.I.'s stunning confesion!

Black Press Radio.com — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:41:00 GMT

EXCLUSIVE:
Watch T.I.'s stunning confession then WRITE to T.I. in prison. Tell 'em Black Press Radio sent you so he knows you're for real. (Address below)

Tell em Black Press Radio sent you:

CLIFFORD J HARRIS
REGISTER NUMBER: 59458-019
FCI FORREST CITY LOW
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION
P.O. BOX 9000
FORREST CITY, AR 72336

Blooper Reel # 4: Rihanna must Testify against Chris Brown but first see this Rihanna exclusive duet

Black Press Radio.com — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:19:00 GMT

Before the Chris Brown "Beatdown", singing sensations Shakira and Rihanna come together for a duet for charity. Black Press Radio's DC Livers was on hand for the event.

CELEBRITY CONFESSIONS: Watch the new Black Press Radio BLOOPER REEL to see your favorite celebrities caught off guard

Black Press Radio.com — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:03:00 GMT

Does Wesley Snipes want to be next Celebrity Apprentice?

Black Press Radio.com — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 19:59:00 GMT

Wesley Snipes was honored at BEA African American Author's Pavilion, but does the Blade: The Triology star really want to be next Celebrity Apprentice

Dr. Maya Angelou's 80th Birthday Celebration: Exclusive look

Black Press Radio.com — Sat, 16 May 2009 20:07:00 GMT

Dr. Maya Angelou's 80th Birthday Celebration: Exclusive look

EXCLUSIVE: BLAME IT ON THE ALCOHOL: Jamie Foxx to host 2009 BET Awards in Los Angeles, CA

Black Press Radio.com — Fri, 08 May 2009 16:06:00 GMT

EXCLUSIVE: BLAME IT ON THE ALCOHOL: Jamie Foxx to host 2009 BET Awards in Los Angeles, CA

(BlackPressRadio.com - Black Press Radio's DC Livers has learned that BET will officially announce the names of the 2009 BET Awards nominees at a special ceremony at its New York City office on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 as part of the 106 and Park show. For the second year in a row, BET has done the ceremony in NYC instead of Los Angeles, CA.

The awards show will take place on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 in Los Angeles, CA. See our past coverage at www.youtube.com/blackpress

BOY-GIRL FIGHT? Chris Brown skips Grammys after felony arrest for domestic violence incident in Los Angeles

Black Press Radio.com — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 04:08:00 GMT

(BlackPressRadio) - Looks like R&B singer Chris Brown may need a legal umbrella. The once cute and cuddly musicial wonder isn't so cute anymore. Brown allegedly got his "Ike Turner" on in a bizarre incident that left the singer charged with a felony and nixed the a shot at the 2009 Grammys.

Brown & Rihanna's February 8 Grammy performances were cancelled after the singer was was arrested on felony domestic violence incident in Los Angeles. Brown allegedly battered his girlfriend Rihanna while the pair were driving. Sources say the two were involved in a car accident.

The 19-year-old spokesman for Wrigley's Spearmint gum, posted $50,000 bond was released by police @ 8:35 pm/11:35 pm ET. The alleged Ike Turner 2009 has a March 5 court date.

This is a preliminary report and the story is developing. Stay tuned for more information at http://blog.blackpodcasts.net

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA gives birth to historical day for Americans and the world

Black Press Radio.com — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:00:00 GMT

President Obama and First Lady delight audience as during parade walk down Pennsylania Avenue to their new home in the White House

President Obama and First Lady have first dance as Beyonce croons

Exclusively on BlackPressRadio.com. Watch the January 20, 2009 Inauguration Parade LIVE right now here.
Listen to our historic podcast right now.

See our exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Inauguration 2009 photos below:

Copyright 2009. D.Livers All Rights Reserved.

Watch the video podcasts here: YouTube.com/BlackPress use keyword: Inauguration

NEWS: T.I. loses acceptance speech at Hip Hop Inaugural Ball

Black Press Radio.com — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 04:18:00 GMT

(BlackPressRadio.com) - Clifford "T.I." Harris is known for the lyrics that he writes, but last night at the Hip Hop Inaugural Ball in Washington, DC he was known for losing his acceptance speech and having to speak from the heart.

The event, which was presented by the Hip Hop Action Network and was held at the Harmon Center for the Arts at 610 F Street, NW in DC, honored during the event were pioneering female rapper MC Lyte and Young Jeezy, Bow Wow and LL Cool J.

During his emotional speech, T.I. said, "I want to thank God...I know he perfect. I'mma thank him for everything. I'mma thank him for making me drop out of school. I'mma thank him for making me run the streets. I'mma thank him for making me sell crack. I'mma thank him for making me have shoot-outs. I'mma thank him for allowing me to watch my partners die in my arms," said the T.I., who will begin serving a one-year jail sentence in March.

"[God made me] fearful enough for my life and paranoid enough to go out and cop machine guns and silencers so I catch a fed case and I have to put up $3 million for my bond so I have to spend seven months of my life in my house, so I have to spend a year of my life in prison just so I be validated enough to get out there and touch the youth because they know that I done been through it, and if I say it, it means something. You know what I'm saying?"

Join our SOCIAL NETWORKS:
www.myspace.com/blackpress
www.twitter.com/blackpressradio
Website: www.BlackPress.org
Video Channel: www.youtube.com/BlackPress
Phone: 309-409-7486

Historical Black Press Foundation | Copyright 2000-2009 All Rights Reserved.

Obama replacement Senator Roland Burris receives Change Award at Pre-Inauguration ceremony in Washington, DC

Black Press Radio.com — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:14:00 GMT

(Black Press Magazine.com ) - Black Press Magazine's reporter Warren Turner and photographer Joel Johnson, Jr. were on hand as Senator Roland Burris (D-IL), who became famous when he was appointed by IL Gov. Rod Blagovich to take over Barack Obama's senate seat, was awarded the Change Award during a special Pre-Inauguration in Washington, DC on January 18, 2009. Burris is being called the "gangster senator" because he angered members of Congress when he showed up in Washington, DC to claim his seat without their initial approval.

Burris is the only African American senator in the United States Congress, was given the honor at star studded event held at the swanky Newsuem. The star studded event included actor Hill Harper, activist Beverly Bond, among others. However, the President Elect did not attend the event.