BV Entertainment Newswire April 10

Act of 'Faith'

LaJoyce Brookshire has a story to tell. With her latest project, a self-published literary effort titled 'Faith Under Fire: Betrayed by a Thing Called Love,' the former flack for celebrities such as Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Aretha Franklin, Deborah Cox, The Notorious B.I.G. and Toni Braxton, steps to the forefront and unveils a book that should be required reading for women everywhere.

In the memoir, which is causing major buzz within the literary community, the best-selling author of 'Soul Food' and 'Web of Deception,' reveals a haunting era of her life: being swept off her feet by what she thought was the man of her dreams, quickly marrying him, and later discovering that he had full blown AIDS -- and was at death's door.

"I want people to be encouraged to stand in their truth no matter what it is," she told Black Voices. "We should not have to risk our lives just because we love each other."

The former educator (Brookshire taught high school in New York City) is a Chicago native, who took her communications prowess and moved to the Big Apple in the mid-1980s. A bona fide multi-tasker, she wrote articles for 'Billboard' magazine, hosted a weekly TV program and produced Donnie Simpson's syndicated radio show. During this time she met her future husband -- who had ties in the music industry. "I mean this brother was smooth," she recalled. "He was tall, dark and handsome. Everything a woman would want in a man. So I thought."

In 'Faith,' Brookshire --who now lives in rural Pennsylvania and is happily re-married with a four-year-old child-- offers readers a play-by-play of the before, during and after of this devastating ordeal. Because of her faith, she remained a doting spouse even after learning that her husband and his family concealed the fact that he was infected with the deadly disease before their nuptials. She says the God in her allowed her to stay by his side during his final stages of his life. "As a Christian, I was put in that position for a reason. And by the grace of God, I lived through it and survived it." Brookshire told Black Voices that she is HIV negative and AIDS free.

Best-selling author E. Lynn Harris and a long-time friend of Brookshire’s, calls this work, "a timely and thought-provoking book that must be on top of the list of every woman and man in our community." Debra Fraser-Howze, the President/CEO of the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, said:” When the history of HIV/AIDS in communities of African descent is written, it will be full of stories like the one LaJoyce is telling." Brenda Stone Browder, former wife of AIDS activist J.L. King and author of the best-selling memoir, 'On the Up and Up: Survival Guide for Women Living with Men on the Down Low," wrote the foreword for 'Faith Under Fire.'

"It is time to stop lying, and harboring dangerous secrets that can kill, steal and destroy," added Brookshire, who recently embarked on a national tour. “Understand, this is not a cliché, but very true, that only the truth will make you free."

Cheadle, 'Law & Order' Inside Studio

The Bravo Television series 'Inside the Actors Studio' hosted by James Lipton will premiere new episodes this spring, featuring Don Cheadle, Dustin Hoffman, Tom Hanks and cast members from the 'Law & Order' franchise. On May 7 at 9:00 p.m. ET, 'Law & Order' creator Dick Wolfe will join Chris Noth ('Law & Order: Criminal Intent'), Christopher Meloni ('Law & Order: SVU'), and S. Epatha Merkerson ('Law & Order'). According to a rep, they will discuss the wildly popular franchise that has become a pop culture phenomenon. Cheadle, who produced and starred in the Academy Award winning Best Picture 'Crash' will appear on the show on May 21 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Check local listing for other times and dates.

The Big Apple Five

It was announced late last week that five of New York City's most renowned cultural institutions were recognized by The Wallace Foundation for their community and audience building initiatives. Lucrative monetary grants were awarded to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, The Brooklyn Museum, Jazz at Lincoln Center, El Museo del Barrio and Ballet Hispanico ranging from $200,000 and $1.5 million. "The goal of The Wallace Foundation Excellence Awards is to encourage organizations to sustain and expand the impact of their work with local constituencies and to draw national attention to the importance of participation building to the health and growth of the arts field," said Christine DeVita, President of The Wallace Foundation. "The Excellence Awards honor organizations that have made a commitment to engage more people deeply in the arts part of their organization’s DNA."

Songwriters Ring Bell

Soul music architect Thom Bell will be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame during the organization's 36th annual induction and awards dinner, scheduled for June 15 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City. Bell, renowned for his groundbreaking 60's production with The Delfonics, and his 70's collaborations with The Stylistics, The Spinners and The O'Jays, ranks as one of pop music's most sophisticated composers. Other announced inductees include Motown Records hit craftsman Henry Cosby and Sylvia Moy, country entertainer Mac Davis, and Academy Award winner Will Jennings. "This year the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame honors songwriters whose work represents a spectrum of the most beloved songs from the contemporary American songbook. From the songwriters who created the signature sound of 'Philly Soul,' to the Motown music phenomenon, to some of Elvis [Presley]'s most memorable hits and country music standards, to internationally successful pop stylings and Oscar-winning anthems," Hal David, the foundation's Chairman/CEO said in a statement. Special award honorees will be announced at a later date.