BV Entertainment Newswire April 24

Much Needed 'Prayer'

It's been close to five years since his rabid fan base has had a new work to read, but E. Lynn Harris is back with a vengeance. The best-selling author --of Invisible Life,' 'If This World Were Mine' and a memoir 'What Becomes of the Brokenhearted'-- returns to true form with his newest novel, 'I Say A Little Prayer,' in stores next week.

In 'Prayer,' small business owner Chauncey Greer's unknown past collides with his promising future when government politics enter his Atlanta church. Published by Doubleday, the book takes a topical approach on the controversy of homophobia in the black church, and the popularity of mega-churches.

"I write about those things I'm interested in or that are bothering me," Harris tells Black Voices. "My perspectives are generally in line with those of my peers and the overall message is that there is a lack of ‘welcome’ for Gays and Lesbians when it comes to the church."

The forty-something Arkansas native, has never shied away from controversial fare -- his first book, 1992's self-published 'Invisible Life,' was the first modern novel delving into the subject of secret bisexuality among black men , now labeled "the down low."

"Hopefully, [the new book] will spark the same kind of dialogue about what's going on in the church," he says. Harris, who is a visiting professor at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, adds, "I think now is the time for black gay, lesbian and transgender African Americans to ask the question 'If I'm not welcome here then where do I go to celebrate and strengthen my faith in God?'"

With his tenth book, Harris is embarking on a 35-date tour visiting cities such as Bowie, MD (May 2), Dallas (May 24), Charlotte (June 4), and San Francisco (June 8). About the cross-country trek he says: "Although the travel can be a pain, I am so looking to reconnecting with my readers and rekindling old friendships." He adds that while a large segment of his fan base are black women, he's noticed that diversity has increased in recent years among straight black men. "I think they want what their women are reading."

And Tinseltown has taken notice, too. "There has always been Hollywood interest in my work," Harris says. "I'm currently in negotiations with a major producer and hopefully, I'll have big news within the next few weeks."

Finished With 'Family'

Rodney Jerkins is putting the final mixes on his all-star Hurricane Katrina benefit project, a remake of the classic Sister Sledge hit "We Are Family." It features the original "reunited" members of sibling singing clan performing together for the first time in 20 years, alongside Patti LaBelle, George Clinton, Ciara, Christina Milian, Chris Brown, Lyfe Jennings, Mary, Mary and Ray J, among others.

According to a spokesperson, the single, to be released in mid-June, will be included on a yet to be titled CD set for tentative release, August 29-- to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the hurricane. "I am honored to lend my creative talents to help the volunteers who provide the social and human services needed on a daily basis to help these families make it day-to-day," the Grammy nominated producer said. "They are heroes in action." Proceeds from the single and full-length CD, which will be released to radio and retail, will benefit victims of the Hurricane Katrina disaster, through project partners including Points Of Light, Communities In Schools and the U.S. Dream Academy.

Jackie Robinson To Fete de Passe, Newcombe

The Jackie Robinson Foundation will host its second annual Celebrating Excellence Gala at The Beverly Hilton on May 11 in Los Angeles. The event, co-chaired by actress Jasmine Guy and NASDAQ executive John Vitale, will pay tribute to entertainment mogul Suzanne de Passe, and baseball legend Don Newcombe.

Credited with changing the face of corporate America, the Harlem-born de Passe helped create legends out of Diana Ross, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, The Commodores and Smokey Robinson, while working at the Berry Gordy-helmed Motown Records in the 1960s. Now an award winning television producer, she was named Time Warner Visiting Professor to the Department of Radio, Television and Film at Howard University's John H. Johnson School of Communications in 2002. Newcombe, who played alongside Robinson in 1949, currently serves as Director of Community Relations for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Recipient of the Rookie of the Year Award, Cy Young Award, and MVP Award, Newcombe is considered one of the most beloved players in Dodgers history.

Platinum-selling singer Brian McKnight is confirmed to perform at the event, which serves as the kick-off for the second round of the Foundation's Stars Pitch for Education auction. The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) is a public, not-for-profit national organization founded by Rachel Robinson in 1973 as a vehicle to perpetuate the memory of Jackie Robinson and his achievements

'Color Purple,' Others Up For The Drama

Oprah Winfrey's Broadway musical version of 'The Color Purple' is up for a prestigious Drama League Award for Distinguished Production of a Musical, and the acclaimed limited run of the classic 'A Soldier's Play' was nominated for Distinguished Revival of a Play. Winners will be announced at The 72nd Annual Drama League Awards Ceremony and Luncheon May 5 at New York's Marriot Marquis Hotel in Times Square.

Hosted by Alan Cumming, who stars in 'The Threepenny Opera,' this year's ceremony will pay tribute to the season’s best performers by including the nominees of The Distinguished Performance Award on a dais. This season’s 74-member dais includes performers such as S. Epatha Merkerson ('Birdie Blue'), Nikkole Salter ('In The Continuum'), Taye Diggs ('A Soldier's Play'), Staceyann Chin ('Border/Clash'), Felicia P. Fields('The Color Purple'), Norm Lewis ('Two Gentleman of Verona'), Anthony Mackie ('A Soldier's Play') LaChanze (The Color Purple') and Danai Gurira ('In The Continuum').

One performer will be honored with the Distinguished Performance Award at the ceremony.