Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 28 June 2002 — Page 24

PAGECS

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, JUNE 2S. 2002

T.J. Martell Foundation honors media mogul Bob Johnson given Humanitarian Award

THE SCOOP

By RICARDO HAZELL Electronic Urban Report The TJ. Martell Foundation’s 27th Annual Fund-raising Dinner, saluting disease research was held recently. Hosted by entertainer Robert Townsend, the black-de affair also honored BET founder Robert Johnson. The evening was filled with performances by Ashanti, Musiq, Justin Timberiake, Brian McKnight and Gerald LeVert. Attendees Irv Gotti, Leon, Kedar Massenberg, Miss USA Shauntay Hinton and other entertainment industry notables listened attentively as music exec Tony Martell, the organization's founder and president, gave a stirring message about disease research. The foundation was founded in 1975 after Martell’s son T.J. died of leukemia. Instead of wallowing in the pain of his loss, Martell forged ahead to make his son’s legacy last. He said efforts are increasingly positive, and urged doctors to push forward. “Our researchers are making great progress,” Martell told the audience. “They’re finding better ways to treat patients and even developing dmgathat will lead to cures. We at the foundation trust one day there will be cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS. Every day, our researchers are finding new treatments and prolonging lives. Like mine.” After years of myriad criticism, it was a tad bit surreal to see Robert Johnson receive the Hu- » manitarian Award. Surrounded by ! well-wishers, Johnson seemed to . v **• S'l'Kl *?« •*•“ >*

be almost i naccessible. But, Johnson was able to address the spirit of the event with

Robert L. Johnson

“It’s

great to get any kind of award,” said Johnson.

“But to get an award from the industry which you are a part of, the entertainment industry, is very meaningful. The fact that the money raised will go to fight leukemia and other diseases is an added homage to Tony Martell and his commit-

ment.”

It would have been easy for Rob Johnson, to prop his award up as proof of his charitable heart, and a bane to his many critics. But, Johnson said he contributed to the charity because he felt he could make a difference. “You’re motivated to do things by what’s inside of you and not by what you want people to think of you. The T.J. Martell Foundation is an organization that I chose to help. I think we all do our part on what we believe and not on who we re trying to impress."

* * * * *

For 27 years, Earth, Wind & Fire have proved themselves to be a band of epic proportions. The band received a Heritage award from the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Foundation. The show was held at Los Angeles’ Beverly Hilton hotel. One of the presenters, producer Jimmy Jam, recalled being turned onto Earth, Wind & Fire after hear-

ing its 1972 Columbia Records’ debut, “Last Days and Time,” as a 13-year-old in Minnesota. Quincy Jones sent in a video message declaring himself to be the “biggest fan of Earth, Wind & Fire since day one.” Stevie Wonder presented the glass trophies to the group's eight members. *****

Is Usher the Black Michael Jackson? We’re not the only ones asking. He seems to revel in his growing popularity. During an interview with MTV.com, Usher told reporters he’s just doing what he loves. “Mr. Entertainment, that’s my name,” he said. “I’m going for it. The party don’t stop, man. Who you know doing it like that? R&B has a new face. It’s a totally different game.” “I always felt like entertainment doesn't just consist of putting records together and having hot videos," he said. “You gotta be able to bring it on the stage.” ***** Raphael Saadiq’s “Instant Vintage” is just that. He recently explained his creative process to reporters. “I’m always looking for something that sounds halfway decent when I’m doing an album,” Saadiq said. “‘Instant Vintage’ seemed to fit the record,” he explained. “I work with two DJs, and they always talk about vinyl and how rare vinyl is. It’s something personal to them, and it’s vintage the second they get

My mic sounds nice

Local artist* (loft to right) J.D., also known as Jssus Disciple, and rapper ILL perform a hip-hop number for the crowd at Center Township’s 8th Annual Fun Feat (photo/J. Buntln)

Short Takes

Producer denies stealing from Mr. D. Original EUR recently reported that Brooklyn rapper Mr. D. Original has accused producer Swizz Beatz of stealing the song “Ain’t No Sunshine” from him and turning it into “No Sunshine,” the DMX single from the movie “Exit Wounds.” D. Original is preparing to file a lawsuit over the matter. Swizz appeared on a popular New York radio show to deny the accusations. During a visit to Wendy Williams’ showon WBLSFM, Swizz attempted to clear up the controversy. “If you look at the credits, you know, another producer produced that song... I don’t steal samples, you know. I’m way too creative to be running around stealing people ’ s samples and stuff like that.” But after hearing Swizz on Wil-

By Electronic Urban Report liams’ show, D. Original still wasn’t swayed. “This lawsuit I’m planning is only part of the bigger picture ... I’m coming after everyone that believes they can do bad business and get away with it. It’s time for the music industry to wise up.” Columnist laments the lack of diversity in network news Not long ago the NAACP led protests against TV networks for airing mostly white, prime-time TV shows. According to recent studies, things have only slightly improved in this arena. And according to St. Petersburg Times columnist Eric Deggan, diversity is nonexistent in network news. Deggans’ column points out that people of color were not contenders for the news positions that

opened up this year. In fact, all of the new positions went to white males. NBC recently announced that news anchor Tom Brokaw will be replaced by Brian Williams in 2004. George Stephanopoulos will reportedly host ABC’s Sunday morning pol.tical show, “This Week.” ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel will replace Bill Maher on “Politically Incorrect.” And the one Black host in morning news television, Bryant Gumble, is out of CBS’ “This Morning” show. In other words, it’s a whitewash. “Can it be that we’ve accepted late night. Sunday morning and evening news as the province of white males?” Deggan writes. “Consider this column an attempt to turn the tide... We must demand better from network television in the 21st century.”

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