Posted by | Ray Cornelius
A life-size statue of Civil Rights heroine Rosa Parks was revealed at our nation’s capital last week. The dedication ceremony was attended by Mrs. Parks’ relatives, President Obama and Congressional leaders.
According to NYT, The statue shows her seated, dressed in a heavy wool coat and clutching her purse as she is waiting to be arrested after refusing to give up her seat for a white passenger. Her act of defiance on Dec. 1, 1955, helped spur desegregation across the south and the passage of the Voting Rights Act. “In a single moment, with the simplest of gestures, she helped change America and change the world,” Mr. Obama said.
Mrs. Parks sits in Statuary Hall and joins a small collection of art devoted to prominent African American women in the Capitol including a bust of Sojourner Truth and a painting of Shirley Chisholm.
Singing siren Kelly Rowland and Real Husbands of Hollywood star Boris Kodjoe hosted BET’s Rip the Runway.
The annual mash up of music and fashion was taped live last week at NYC’s Hammerstein Ballroom and features performances by Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Omarion, Luke James, Trinidad James and others.
There was also a special performance by Jaden Smith, who also showed off his clothing line MSFTS along with a surprise appearance from his little sister, Willow Smith. Rip the Runway airs on March 20th at 10pm EST.
Click here to see some additional photos.
Photo Credit: John Crooms
“Last night a DJ ‘saved’ my life…”
Atlanta-area DJ’s and their spirituality were on full display for a new photography exhibition called Ministers of Sound. According to the event’s press release, the exhibit features a “photographic and artistic parallel between DJs and traditional and modern day ministers and spiritual leaders while examining the distinct role of the deejay and their historical significance.”
Featured DJ’s included DJ Salah Ananse, DJ Cha Cha Jones, DJ Lord of Public Enemy and DJ Kemit formerly of Arrested Development. The exhibition was curated by Kemi Bennings of Evolve Artists Live with photography done by Annette Brown.
Click here to see more photos and behind-the-scenes footage of Ministers of Sound!
