Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 22 January 1998 — Page 26

The Muncie Times, January 22,1998, Page 26 First U. S. black-owned theatre chain opens in Chicago

CHICAGO, Ill-Alisa and Donzell Starks, owners of the Inner City Entertainment, Inc. (ICE), the first African American-owned theatre chain in the country, have brought more than a touch of Hollywood to Chicago. The three $40 million state-of-the-art multiplexes, financed by the husband and wife team, also brought over 400 jobs, family-oriented entertainment and, most importantly, hope for economic revitalization in Chicago’s underserved

communities.

The Inner City

Entertainment/Cineplex Odeon Theatres premiered with a special grand opening screening of Steven Spielberg’s film “Amistad.” Directed by Spielberg and produced by Debbie Allen, “Amistad” is based on a true story about the saga of 55 African captives who were led in rebellion by CINQUE (Djimon Hounsou) on board

the Spanish slave ship. After breaking free

and taking over the slave ship, the captives tried unsuccessfully to sail back to Africa, before being captured, jailed and tried before the U. S. Supreme Court in this historic case which tested the foundation of America’s

legal system.

Inner City Entertainment, along with business partners Toronto-

based Cineplex Odeon Corp., which will operate the Chicago multiplexes, were joined by Allen, actor Hounsou, producer/

the city ’ s rebuilding Lawndale, Chicago Lawn and Chatham neighborhoods, as well as providing ajob training program

showing a full slate ofHollywood blockbusters, including “Eve’s Bayou,” “Flubber,” “Alien: Resurrection,” “The Jackel,”

Nation’s first African American owned theatre chain premiers in Chicago - Pictured during the Inner City Entertainment -Cineplex Odeon Theatre grand opening are (from-l) actor/director Bill Duke; Donzell and Alisa Starks, owners of ICE Theatres; “Amistad” producer Debbie Allen and actor Djimon Housou. ICE plans to open several state-of-the-art multiplexes in Baltimore, Maryland; Charlotte, Cleveland, Ohio, and Gary, Ind. 1998 making at the first African American owned chain in the United Stated.

director Bill Duke, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and a host of friends to make the

occasion.

During a press conference, Daley praised the project for generating “muchneeded” economic growth in

for area youth. He proclaimed the threatres’ first official day of business as, “Let’s go to the movies day in Chicago.” Just in time for the holiday season, the Inner City Entertainment Theatres officially opened their doors to the public

“Anastasia,” “Mortal Kombat: Annihilation,” “Soul Food,” and “Starship Trooper.” “Part of our goal is to own and operate over 100 screens by the year 2,000,” said Don Starks, president and

CEO of ICE. “We have an excellent model here in Chicago and want to use ICE Theatres as a vehicle to revitalize communities elsewhere in the U. S. ICE will provide both entertainment and jobs for the community.” Starks, a former investment banker who developed the 34 screens in Chicago, plans to open three or four multiplexes in markets around the country each November. Projects are underway to develop ICE Theatres in Gary, Ind., Baltimore, Md., Charlotte, N.C. and Cleveland, Ohio. These four sites will be opened in 1998. Going to the movies in the number one entertainment activity for African Americans,” stated Alisa Starks, executive vice president of marketing and communications for ICE. “African Americans are not monolithic moviegoers. We want to see a variety of films and it is important that we have ICE Theatres and access to films such as “Amistad” and “Eve’s Bayou” to share our history with all cultures. Founded in 1993, Inner City Entertainment, Inc. is dedicated to building state-of-the-art +theatres and entertainment centers which exhibit first-run feature films in urban communities around the country, creating employment opportunities for minorities and providing family-oriented

Monica attends opening of Celebrity Cafe in Atlanta

Arista recording artist Monica was one of the many celebrities present at the grand opening of the All-Star Cafe in Atlanta. The All-Star Cafe is owned by various sports celebrities, including Tiger Woods, Shaquille O’Neal, Andre Agassi, Monica Seles, Ken Griffey and Wayne Gretzky. Other celebrities who attended the opening, including Sugar Ray Leonard, recording star Usher, music producer Dallas Austin, Atlanta Braves stars Kenny Lofton and Chipper Jones and Olympic track stars, Michael Johnson and Gwen

Torrence. Monica is preparing to record her sophomore album. She is scheduled to work with music producers, David Foster, Diane Warren, Darryl Simmons and Dallas Austin among others. Her first album, “Miss Thang” produced four hit singles, including the platinumplus first single “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days),” the gold single, “Why I Love You So Much” and “Like This And Like That,” and the platinum single, “Before You Walk Out of My Life.” Monica has been nominated for various awards,

including an American Music Award for “BestNew Artist,” a Billboard Award for “Artist of

the Year,” a Soul Train Music Award for “Why I Love You So Much” in the “Best R&B/

Soul Single, Female” category and a Soul Train Lady of Soul Award for “Best R&B Female

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