Showing posts with label Activism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Activism. Show all posts

7/12/2009

Celebs Step Up For the NoH8 Campaign

The NoH8 Campaign has been in existence since Feb 2009 and it's a photo project in support of same-sex marriage and the fight against California's Proposition 8. Here’s some images from the NoH8 campaign. A few celebs wanted to express how strongly they believe in same-sex marriage by (tastefully) baring it all for equality!:

Tatyana Ali

Dawn Richard

Steph Jones

Kadeem Hardison

B.J. Coleman

Denyce Lawton

6/20/2009

Granddaughter of Cuban Marxist Che Guevara Poses Semi-Nude For PETA

For those of you who have always seen his picture on everything from T-Shirts to website backgrounds, but never knew who he was, Che Guevara was a Marxist leader who started a revolution in Cuba. Now his granddaughter is following in his footsteps, starting her own revolution ... for vegetarians.

According to the Associated Press, Lydia Guevara posed semi-nude recently in a PETA campaign that tells viewers to "join the vegetarian revolution," said PETA spokesman Michael McGraw.

The 24-year-old will appear in a print campaign expected to debut in October in magazines and posters, launching first in Argentina -- where Che Guevara was born -- followed by campaigns across the globe. She was approached by PETA in recent months after the organization found out she was a vegetarian.

In the ad, Lydia Guevara wears camouflage pants, a red beret, and bandoliers of baby carrots, reminiscent of her Che's stylized image that has become a global symbol of counterculture. "It very much evokes the tag line of the ad, which is 'Join the vegetarian revolution,'" PETA spokesman Michael McGraw told the AP. "It's an homage of sorts to her late grandfather." Lydia Guevara is the granddaughter of Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara, who helped Fidel Castro's 26th of July Movement overthrow U.S.-backed Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista in the 1950s. He was executed in Bolivia in 1967

12/11/2008

Pharrell Williams Goes Green

Cutie pie Pharrell Williams has teamed up with Bionic Yard, a textile firm, to help create a variety of products from recycled bottles. According to All Headline News, Williams will take on the role as the company's owner and spokesman as he attempts to "go green" and make usable objects out of recyclable plastics.

"I'm so interested with the technology behind this," Pharrell said in a statement. "I am also very concerned with the environment and want to make a conscious effort to make it better. We want to provide quality fabrics that also happen to be sustainable."

Most notably, Williams is looking to add clothing to his list of items he wants to create.

"We want to do everything from high end luggage, to high end denim, to university caps and gowns to Parks Department uniforms," he added. "It's a plus that the fabric brings environmentalism to a whole new level."

According to Bionic Yarn, 60 million plastic bottles end up in landfills every day, but could be used to create items like luggage and jeans.

12/10/2008

Khloe Kardashian Poses For PETA!

I see ya Khloe K... tryin to step ya game up like your big sister Kimmy. I ain't mad at'cha! At least they airbrushed the hell outta it first!

Khloe Kardashian stripped down to the bare essentials for the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

The socialite has become the latest celebrity to pose for PETA's I'd Rather Go Naked anti-fur campaign. She says, "Compassion is the fashion this holiday season, so join me in boycotting fur. With all the stylish and super-warm things you can wear, it's easy to have a killer look without killing animals."

Do you think Khloe looks hot or not? Let me hear what you gotta say!

10/17/2008

Kerry Washington New Spokewoman For Loreal

Kerry Washington has signed on as the spokeswoman for a new ovarian cancer awareness campaign from cosmetics giant L'Oreal. The actress will appear in ads for the new Color of Hope campaign, which aims to encourage more women to get checked for signs of the disease.

"One of the reasons why I decided to work with L'Oreal is because of all the philanthropic work that they do in the community," Washington tells OK! magazine. "I feel like they're not a company that tries to take advantage of women’s insecurities by making women feel not good enough so they have to go and buy makeup to feel good about themselves. Instead, they really believe in the work of women and that women deserve to look good and feel good every single day.

"And part of that is health and their commitment to women’s health and ovarian cancer. They are really leading the way. It’s frightening how we don't have the kind of research and development that we need for ovarian cancer. When it comes to breast cancer, we know how to do early detection. The research is there, but for ovarian cancer, that just doesn't exist and by the time people know, it’s too late."

Three items have been launched for the Color of Hope campaign - a lipstick, a bag and a necklace - with all proceeds going towards the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

"My mom is a breast cancer survivor and part of the reason she is a survivor is because of early detection so I understand the importance of early detection. If it wasn't for the advancements in technology that allow for early detection in breast cancer, I probably wouldn't have my mother today."

10/15/2008

Danity Kane Ad For PETA

Despite Aubrey and D.Wood being ousted from the group last night on the finale of Making The Band 4, Danity Kane still unveiled their new ad for PETA.

Aubrey O' Day, Shannon Bex, D. Woods, and Aundrea Fimbres all appear naked - and smiling - in an anti-fur ad for PETA. "We want to remind consumers that no matter how much the desperate fur industry tries to pull the wool over their eyes, electrocuting, drowning, strangling, and stomping animals to death will never be in style," said PETA Director of Media Relations Michael McGraw.

10/02/2008

October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The month of October is dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness. As tons of people begin to raise breast cancer awareness in a variety of ways, including their fashion, we are still faced with the grim thought of there still not being a cure for the disease.

For the entire month, many people are going to begin to go pink in support of recognizing breast cancer awareness month. We will also use this month to focus on the disease which impacts thousands upon thousands of women and men in the U.S. and around the world.

The hope is that by raising awareness of the disease, they can get more women and men to be regularly screened for breast cancer. On top of that, this will also help push for more research, and overall support of the disease. There are many ways that people are using their fashion sense to show their support for breast cancer. This can be anything from wearing pink clothes, to dying your hair pink, etc. If you want to keep it simple, you can always go for the nice pink ribbon. But no matter how you do it, it is all about raising awareness and money for breast cancer research, and it will all help in the end.

9/30/2008

Terrence J Registers 100,000 New Voters

As corny as I think Terrence J is, I must give him props for doing such a great job for his efforts during this election season.

Being the host of one of today's top hip hop shows, Terrence J is looked at as a leader for the next generation. At only 25 years-old, Terrence knows that he's in a powerful position. A position where what you say and what you do, can shape and mold a young mind.

He recently did an interview with Hip HopDX this month and said, "I've been put into a powerful position. I think, for a while, I didn't realize the power of the position that I had. It took something happening with me - seeing how the things I say out of my mouth will be widespread, if I say the wrong thing."

After a challenging year on the show, that saw a shift in co-hosts, Terrence believed and used the upcoming election as a way to re-brand his position in entertainment and his power as a role-model. "With this year's election, I really started feeling a little hypocritical just being on television, telling people to register to vote. I didn't feel as though I was doing enough, I wasn't getting my hands dirty. I wasn't worthy to be in that position. I really wanted to do something to make a change."

Traveling by car with his brother, this past summer Terrence launched Crank That Vote, a campaign to register 100,000 American voters. The host and actor revealed his thinking in the effort, "We were just not gonna come back to New York City till we got 100,000 people registered to vote." Stopping for stints in New York, Newark, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans and points in between, Terrence says the labor helped him as much as his cause. "I really got back in touch with God. When I got this position, I would talk to God every single day and pray every single night. Then, once you get into that position, you start getting busy, and forget."

With the election just over a month away, Terrence stresses this won't be his last push for activism. "I might tackle HIV in America, I might tackle poverty, I might tackle something else." Having recently inked endorsement deals with McDonald's and Rockport, the host stresses that it's not just dollars and cents that makes sense. "I also want to do free projects, like Crank That Vote," acknowledging financial assistance from BET, as well as mentorship from Russell Simmons and Diddy in his efforts. Humbling himself and his image, the afternoon host adds, "The intent of this is to get people to say, 'If corny Terrence from 106 & Park can 100,000 people, well let me get 1,000 people from my high school.'"

Even down to its name, this voter registration campaign may appeal to a different generation and audience than previous ones from Diddy or T.I. "Soulja Boy, whether you like him or not, you've got to respect him with his movement with 'Crank Dat Superman,'" With legions of first time voters having watched Terrence the last three years, this is an opportune time. "The whole 'crank dat' movement picked up where the Crunk movement left off. The movement is the young people. It's the young people that make everything else cool. When I meet them, a lot of times, they respect the elder statesmen of Hip Hop."

Aside from hosting 106th & Park, Terrence has just been added on to the roster of Sean John as one of it's new faces in print ads beginning this fall.

9/24/2008

Mariah Carey Loves The Kids

Mariah Carey is lending her name and face for a good cause.

The Grammy winner has signed on as the latest Hunger Ambassador for the Yum! Foundation's World Hunger Relief, an annual effort that aims to raise money for the United Nations World Food Program and bring an end to starvation around the world.

Her duties include becoming the actual poster child for the cause, appearing on print ads that will be featured in more than 100 countries and 36,000 franchises.

"The change from hunger to hope starts with you," Carey's poster reads.

If you want to donate to the cause, you can do so at any of the Yum! Brands restaurants, including Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut, Long John Silver's and A&W Restaurants.

And the most exciting new of it all... in exchange for your charitable donation,you will receive a special free download of the song "Love Story" from Carey's latest album, E=MC2. Gee wilikers!!!

9/17/2008

Vibe Auctions Of Adidas To Celebrate 15 Yr Anniversary

Vibe magazine and Adidas have gotten together to commemorate the 15 year anniversary of the magazine and to keep the arts alive in the South Bronx which is the birthplace of hip hop.

Adidas will launch a limited-edition shoe line next week in recognition of Vibe magazine’s 15th anniversary. Performers including Cassie, T.I., Estelle, Pepa and Musiq Soulchild have signed the Forum Mid XVibe, which retails for $125.

The shoes are available through a Vibe.com charity auction until Sept. 25. Only 1,500 pairs of the Mid Xvibe will be sold in select nationwide markets.

One hundred percent of proceeds from VIBE's online-only sneaker auction will support THE POINT, an organization dedicated to youth development and cultural and economic revitalization of Hunts Point, Bronx. Specifically, this auction's proceeds will make possible youth development music and radio programs for kids in grades 1-12.

If you miss out on the chance to bid for the shoes online, you can visit adidas Original stores beginning September 25, 2008 for a suggested retail price of $125.

9/16/2008

Divas Simply Singing!

This October, stars of song and the screen including Patti LaBelle, Angie Stone and Raven-Symone, will take the stage for a night of music to benefit Women Alive Coalition and more.

Sheryl Lee Ralph hosts the 18th annual Divas Simply Singing, an event she created along with the DIVA Foundation in 1990 to honor loved ones she'd lost to HIV/AIDS.

The "divas" involved in the show will each sing one song, accompanied by only a grand piano and all the proceeds will benefit men, women and children infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. The show takes place on October 11 in Los Angeles – click here for more information!

9/15/2008

Shawty Lo Supports Diabetes Foundation

It's about time Shawty Lo is finally doing something good for someone other than himself. The Atlanta bred rapper is throwing his support behind the American Diabetes Association’s largest fundraising event in an effort to raise awareness about the disease in the African-American and Latino communities, AllHipHop.com has learned.

The Bankhead rapper will participate in the ADA’s Step Out and Walk to Fight Diabetes event on September 20 at Atlanta’s Historic Grant Park.

Shawty Lo, born Carlos Walker, was diagnosed with the widespread disorder in 2001. To show his support, the rapper will lead team Diabetes Destroyers, as they complete the walk to help raise funds for a cure for diabetes, which affects 23.6 million children and adults in the United States.

"Anything I can do to help raise awareness about diabetes, I will be there," Shawty Lo said. "Everybody knows at least one person that has it, so it’s like when we participate in events, walks and things of that nature, we’re really helping somebody we care about, as well as ourselves because you never know when or how it can affect you."

On-site registration for the Atlanta Step Out and Walk event will open at 7:00 am, during which a light breakfast will be served. Following an aerobic warm-up, the walk itself will start with an official ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:30am.

The ADA will also offer a Health and Wellness Festival providing products, information and services for children and adults who live with diabetes, which affects the body’s creation and use of insulin.

9/10/2008

Jessica Alba Silences Herself

Jessica Alba is quite literally silenced–with gags and masks stifling her voice as a citizen– in this new campaign entitled “Only You Can Silence yourself.” This is all part of Declare Yourself, the national nonpartisan, nonprofit youth voter initiative aimed at energizing young adults to register and vote in the 2008 election.

Alba said, “If you don’t register and vote and make a difference, and hopefully change the bad things that are happening in our country, you are essentially just binding and muzzling yourself.”

“I really don’t see the point in not registering to vote,” continued the 27-year-old Fantastic actress. “We sign up for MySpace pages and Facebook pages, and download music off the internet. The least people can do is register to vote online, actually making a difference in their world, not just making their lives a little bit cooler. It makes more sense to spend your time making a change in society—and it actually doesn’t take that much time! It takes more time to make a music playlist than it does to register to vote.”

As you may or may not know, Alba is voting for Obama-Biden

9/05/2008

The Ladies "Stand" For Cancer!

Thirteen of the most talented female performers joined together onstage at Fashion Rocks to sing “Just Stand Up!”, which is the worldwide charity single benefiting Stand Up To Cancer. The song was created and produced by LA Reid and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, who took the stage alongside singing sensations including: Beyonce Knowles, Mary J Blige, Rihanna, Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus, Keyshia Cole, Leona Lewis, Fergie, Ciara, Mariah Carey, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield and Nicole Scherzinger at Radio City Music Hall on Friday (September 5).

9/04/2008

Female Celebs Design For A Cause

Jada Pinkett-Smith, Janet Jackson, Eva Longoria, and Joy Bryant and many other female celebs teamed up with shoe designer Stuart Weitzman to raise money for ovarian cancer research. Each star was given a plain white satin pump and asked to come up with their own design. “We were amazed — no one turned us down,” Stuart Weitzman told In Touch at the re-opening of his recently remodeled flagship store in New York. “It is cool to see how people’s personalities and tastes come out,” newlywed Joy Bryant, who created a graffiti-inspired heel, told In Touch. “Everyone is so different.” All of the shoes will be auctioned off throughout the month of September and 100% of the proceeds go to benefit cancer research. Click here for the rest of the shoes and if you would like to place a bid for a pair.

8/28/2008

Anniversary Of The March On Washington

Long before I was born, and I'm sure most of you too, our nation witnessed one of the largest efforts to bring change to the land. On Aug. 28, 1963, that is 45 years ago people... more than 2,000 buses, 21 special trains, 10 chartered airliners and countless cars converged onto Washington D.C. in an effort to gain jobs and freedom. Crowd estimates ranged from 200,000 to 300,000. It was the largest demonstration ever seen in the nation's capital. This was the day that Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I Have A Dream" speech.

The march was organized by a group of civil rights, labor, and religious organizations. About 80% of the marchers were blacks and 20% white and other races. The march is widely credited as helping lead to the Civil Rights Act (1964) and the National Voting Rights Act (1965).

Isn't it ironic how today is the same day that Barack Obama formally accepts the Democratic Nomination for the first black president???

8/24/2008

Tameka Foster Gives Back To Her Hood

I guess Tameka Foster isn't ALL bad huh?

Following in the footsteps of R&B sensation, and her husband Usher Raymond, Tameka Foster has incorporated her own little give back to the community event in her hometown of Oakland, CA in the form of a "Back To School Expo" with her mans efforts in voter registration.

The first annual event, at Oakland’s City Hall Aug. 24, will include a fashion show (Usher’s other half was once his stylist), a teen summit and a talent showcase. And in addition to giving school supplies to an expected 600 public school students, the Oakland Natives Give Back Fund will also welcome an unnamed “well-known recording artist”, according to the press release.

I think it's pretty damn obvious who that's going to be right? Not rocket science here people.

8/23/2008

Terri J Vaughn's 6th Annual Angels Awards Benefit

Actress Terri J. Vaughn (Steve Harvey Show, All of Us, Daddy's Little Girls), encourages young women to take flight through her Take Wings Foundation.

Terri J. Vaughn celebrated her Take Wings Foundation’s Sixth Annual Angels Awards Benefit gala with family and friends at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco on August, 16, 2008, proving that she has adopted the idea of paying it forward not only as a mantra, but as a lifestyle. Hollywood divas Terri J. Vaughn, founder of Take Wings Foundation, and Essence Atkins share a sisterly bond at the Sixth Annual Angels Benefit gala in San Francisco (above). Tichina Arnold and Tommy Ford served as cohosts for the benefit.

The Take Wings Foundation has been around for the past eleven years. Vaughn has used the non-profit foundation to inspire and nuture the talent of teenage girls, ages 13 to 18, while encouraging and inspiring them to reach their greatest potential as future leaders and productive citizens. “It’s all about exposing these young ladies to different environments,” said Vaughn, a Bay Area native. “To know that we’ve helped teach young girls to make better decisions about their lives and the challenges they face is truly a blessing.”

Take Wings has welcomed around 150 young women every year, many of whom have gone on to excel academically in college and who still will call Vaughn’s cell phone whenever they need her.
Tank performed for the benefit Tichina Arnold, Terri Vaughn, Dwayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Toné!,(WHERE U BEEN?) and Essence Atkins Terri, Tichina, and Terri's mom Helen Vaughn Adonal Foyle, Ford, Arnold, Atkins, Vaughn, Tank and Karon (Terri's husband) come together to support young women. Ford and Arnold greet Take Wings Foundation board of directors Adonal Foyle and Billy J. Ward.

8/19/2008

Stand Up For Cancer Enlists The Hottest Females In The Game

Just when you thought that any sort of harmonious union amongst females in the entertainment industry was an oxymoron, the ultimate dynamic duo of LaFace (L.A. Reid and Babyface) jump in to save the day.

What L.A. Reid and Babyface have done is put together 15 of the hottest female artists in the music industry and put them all on one collaborative effort for the charity song "Just Stand Up". Soon to hit airwaves and iTunes, the song features Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood.

All sales of the single will benefit cancer research. The brainchild of L.A. Reid, along with Babyface, who are both producers on the track, the song will be performed live on stage with all 15 singers on Sept. 5 during the "Stand Up to Cancer" television special, set to air simultaneously on ABC, NBC and CBS.

Other stars expected to turn out for the hour-long fund- and awareness-raising program include Jennifer Aniston, Lance Armstrong, Katie Couric, Sally Field, Salma Hayek, Meryl Streep, Forest Whitaker and Reese Witherspoon. Founded in 2007, Stand Up to Cancer is a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation that calls on entertainment-industry people and platforms to help fight cancer.

8/11/2008

Hayden Panettiere and Eva Longoria-Parker at The Whaleman Foundation Benefit

Hayden Panettiere attends The Whaleman Foundation benefit held at Eva Longoria’s Beso restaurant in LA on Sunday. Both Hayden and Eva looked doubly gorgeous that night. I'm really liking Eva's new hair cut! Classic cut!

Hayden has grown into such a beautiful young lady. Remember her as the bossy and boyish little tom-boy in Remember The Titans. She's definitely come a long way.