BV Entertainment Newswire March 24: Terry McMillan, Coko, ‘The Wire,’ Big Daddy Kane, Brooklyn Museum, Keyshia Cole

Low Down on the Down Low

Best-selling novelist Terry McMillan shares her emotionally-charged testimony on the controversial BET News documentary, ‘The Down Low Exposed,’ premiering March 28 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. “I think that what [BET is] doing should be applauded because I think more than anything there are women out there that are victims,” the author of 'Waiting to Exhale' said during the one-hour news special -- a probing look into the world of men with wives or girlfriends who also secretly engage in sex with other men. “I think we need to hold men accountable for their actions,” McMillan added, in what she said is her final public interview on the subject.

Last year, her marriage to Jonathan Plummer publicly unraveled with a nasty divorce as a result of his admission to a secret gay life. “I think that he should be charged with attempted murder for risking my life without my knowledge or consent,” the chick-lit diva said in the documentary. Helmed by Park Hill Entertainment President Shirley Neal, ‘Exposed’ examines this divisive subject from a variety of angles including prison sex and its impact on the spread of HIV/AIDS; the Black church; the impact of HIV and AIDS on women infected by men who hid their homosexuality; and the crucial importance of being tested for the disease. Music videos and hip-hop music runs throughout the news special, which features many unidentified men -- and some groundbreaking undercover footage. “The ‘Down Low’ is one of those subjects that fascinate people. With this special, we want to hear every point of view -- men who lead double-lives, their lovers, women who have been involved with them, church people, ex-cons, AIDS activists and regular folks on the street,” said BET President of Entertainment Reginald Hudlin.

J.L. King, the best-selling author of the explosive 2004 book 'One the Down Low: A Journey into the Lives of “Straight” Black Men Who Sleep with Men,’ serves as the executive producer of the documentary. He told Black Voices that BET deserves kudos for tackling the subject. “The down low subject has been featured or mentioned in over 100 news stories,” he said. “I have been interviewed and featured by all the major networks, talk shows and many news outlets abroad, but this BET special by far is the most cutting edge. BET should get an award for this documentary.” King revisits his explosive book; discusses his own life in the aftermath; and takes part in an exclusive interview with his former wife Brenda Stone-Browder, who has remarried and started a new life. “My mission is to create a movement of awareness,” he added. “This special is going to give a strong message on the importance of getting tested for HIV and the importance of taking control of your sex life, regardless of your sexual orientation.”

Others lending voice and context to the issue include music industry veteran and AIDS Activist Maria Davis; sex therapist and UCLA professor Dr. Gail Wyatt; entertainment journalist and author Scott Poulson Bryant; Black AIDS Institute Executive Director Phill Wilson, and Pastor Oliver Clay Allen, openly gay minister of the Vision Church of Atlanta. Actor and director Bill Duke, who is helming a film on the subject, titled ‘Invisible,’ also weighs in. “If you think this is a Black issue, you are very mistaken,” he said. “AIDS is not a Black issue. AIDS is an issue that's going to impact everybody, everybody's sisters and daughters, everybody's families. And why we're not dealing with this in an emergency way is beyond me. I don't understand it, I really don't.”

An encore showing is scheduled for March 31 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Gospel Truth

SWV lead singer Cheryl 'Coko' Clemons has signed a recording deal to release an album with Artemis Gospel -- the Nashville record label boasting acts such as Grammy-Award winning legend Shirley Caesar, Bishop Paul S. Morton, RiZen, Youthful Praise, and Judith Christie McAllister. According to label publicist JoJo Pada, the ‘all-gospel’ album will be released in August. "I never left the church,” Clemons said, “I've always been active in my church despite my profession in R&B music. Church was more than a breeding ground for me to sing, it's where I nurture my soul. It's a lifestyle for me.” Producers Warryn "Baby Dubb" Campbell, Rodney Jerkins, and J. Moss have been tapped to work on the yet to be titled CD.

Much More Than On 'The Wire'

Jamie Hector, who plays drug lord kingpin Marlo Stansfield, on HBO's 'The Wire' will be honored at the 4th Annual Evening with the Dove on March 28 in New York City. Urban Dove (www.urbandove.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of at-risk youth will pay homage to the Brooklyn native who serves on the advisory board of The Stay Strong Foundation, and volunteers as a drama and martial arts teacher at a local after school program. “Jamie has been an exemplary board member,” Stay Strong Founder and President Terrie M. Williams told Black Voices. “He lives his life by our motto: ‘If we don't give our children time, the system will.’ He uses his extraordinary gifts and his light to motivate, educate and recycle inspiration for our youth.” According to an organizer, the benefit event will bring together more than 300 New Yorkers in support of Urban Dove's work. The fourth season of ‘The Wire’ is currently in production, and set to air in September.

Kane Now Able

Big Daddy Kane has been tapped to be the voice of ‘Keys to a Better Life,’ a brief business report --from ‘Black Enterprise’ magazine-- which airs twice daily on 29 Clear Channel radio stations. The rap veteran will voice the syndicated bit throughout the month of April, a rep for the magazine confirmed. “Black Enterprise is doing big things by providing important financial and homeownership information to young, Black America,” the 'Ain't No Half-Steppin' rapper said in a statement. “These issues are important and I am honored to be a part of it.” ‘Life’ will cover topics including personal finance, homeownership, credit, and health. Kane, 38, was saluted during last year’s VH1 Hip Hop Honors, and can be seen in ‘Dave Chappelle’s Block Party.’ Kane’s independent film, ‘Dead Heist,’ will be released on DVD this summer.

Graffiti Bridge

This summer, The Brooklyn Museum presents ‘Graffiti,’ an exhibition of 20 large-scale works from such influential artists as Michael Tracy, Melvin Samuels, Jr., Sandra Fabara, Chris Ellis, and John Matos. Charlotta Kotik, Curator and Chair, Department of Contemporary Art, will organize the exhibit, which runs from June 30 through September 3. According to a rep, ‘Graffiti’ will explore how a genre that began as a form of subversive public communication became legitimate—moving away from the street and into private collections and galleries

Catching Cole

Keyshia Cole will embark on a 22-city tour beginning March 26 in Fort Lauderdale. The Oakland native, who sings the Top 10 Billboard R&B single ‘Love,’ has previously toured with Usher, Nelly, TI, Fat Joe, Fantasia, Kanye West and U2. Her first headlining jaunt will make stops in Atlanta (3/29), Washington, DC (4/4), New York City (4/8), Chicago (4/13), and Las Vegas (4/18) before wrapping in Memphis April 29. According to a rep, Cole is featured on the theme song to the ‘Mission Impossible III’ soundtrack with West and rapper Twista, and will join them in Prague to shoot the music video for the song.