Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 5 June 2003 — Page 44

Page 44 • The Muncie Times • June 5, 2003

ENTERTAINMENT JOYNER, BEIGE, MOS DEE TO BE HONORED IN HOLLYWOOD

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF.-Mary J. Blige, Mos Def and Tom Joyner will each be honored at the 16th Annual Essence Awards on June 6 at the Kodak Theatre here. This year the event will celebrate the power of the word in a 2-hour special which will air June 27 on FOX. Throughout history he word has been a lightning rod, used to inspire, educate, celebrate, liberate and move a people forward. From the griot to the preacher, the teacher to the rapper, the word in black history has always found singular expression that helped shape racial consciousness, but also defined much of American culture as well.

This year’s Essence Awards are a tribute to the word in its varied articulations; music, literature, film and theatre, television and radio, humor, religion, education and activism. Honorees continue to use the word to empower new generations. Queen of hip-hop soul and GRAMMYwinning singer Mary J. Blige has set the standard for female singers since her debut in 1992 with the triple-platinum “What’s the 411?” Her emotional fortitude and passionate performances resonate with music fans worldwide. Currently working on her highly anticipated new album, Blige is collaborating with Sean “P.

Diddy” Combs and other top producers. She is widely known as an innovator of hip-hop soul and for her compassionate philanthropic work to raise money for AIDS victims. Regarded as one of hip-hop’s most introspective and insightful artists, Mos Def has shaped a career that transcends music genres and artistic mediums. A child of hip-hop’s Golden Era, Mos Def has proven himself to be a new-school visionary by taking his hip-hop and rap style to new and exciting levels. Mos Def has also branched out into acting with appearances in the award-winning “Monster’s Ball” opposite Halle Berry, MTV’s “Carmen: A Hip-Hopera” opposite Beyonce Knowles

and “Brown Sugar” with Taye Diggs and Sanaa Lathan. He will appear in the upcoming “The Italian Job” with Ed Norton, Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron. Mos Def has also recently completed his Broadway debut in the Tony-nominated, Pulitzer Prize-winning, “Topdog/Underdog.” Tom Joyner's nationally syndicated radio program, “The Tom Joyner Show,” is the voice of the African American community, with the ability to mobilize millions around important issues and causes facing the nation. Heard weekdays by more than 10 million people, Joyner is known for being a positive force on the lives of his

listeners. While he has never forgotten his roots as a small-town radio personality, he has used the power of the media to make a tremendous difference in the welfare and advancement of the African American community. Stand-up comedian, actor and radio host Steve Harvey will host the 2-hur gala, while Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee and rap artist Queen Latifah will be given the magazine's Readers Choice “Entertainer of the Year” Award. First held in 1987, the Essence Awards have become one of the country’s premier African American awards shows.

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PAIGE THANKS TEACHERS FOR HARD WORK, DEDICATION To America’s Teachers: Thank you. Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for your service. Thank you for choosing this noble profession. Thank you for being a hero to both young and old. Thank you for being a best friend. Thank you for your love. Thank you for believing in the bright hope of every child. Thank you for setting high standards. Thank you for believing every child can learn if given the chance. Thank you for inspiring the leaders of tomorrow. Thank you for offering comfort in times of sorrow. Thank you for being a mentor for a lifetime. Thank you for your professionalism. Thank you for your commitment. Thank you for staying after school and providing extra help. Thank you for doing whatever it takes to make sure no child is left behind. As you go about your work this day and every day, know that you have the admiration, appreciation and respect of the President of the United States and all of the American people.

Sincerely, Rod Paige U.S. secretary for education