Singer/Actress Janet Jackson recently joined the billionaire club. (Google Images)
Slide over Oprah, there’s a new billionaire in town. Singer/Actress Janet Jackson has recently joined the ranks of celebrities who have become billionaires. Many short-sighted and sexist people will attribute Jackson’s new financial status to her recent marriage to billionaire retail tycoon Wissam Al Mana. In fact Jackson, who is one of the best-selling musical artists in music history, made her money from the following pursuits:
Concert Tours: $458 million
Acting: $304 (who knew playing Penny on ‘Good Times’ paid so much)
Album Sales: $260 million
Tour sponsorship and licensing fees: $81 million
Perhaps one of the reasons for marrying Al Mana was because she wanted to marry someone equally yoked financially, especially after having been burned by ex-husband Rene Elizondo to the tune of $15 million some years ago.
Billionaire Janet Jackson secretly wed billionaire retail tycoon Wissam Al Mana last year. (Google Images)
This recent announcement puts to rest all of those pesky rumors about Michael Jackson’s burial being delayed because Janet wanted her $40,000 back or her interest in his children being about money. That would make sense if she hadn’t been grinding for a few decades, obviously investing her money wisely and not co-mingling funds with other celebrities who constantly have tax issues, like ex-boyfriend Jermaine Dupri. We won’t even mention her philanthropic efforts in the process of building her financial empire.
Before being quick to attribute Ms. Jackson’s financial status to her new husband (because that is what most people will assume, including some women), get the story straight. When you wonder aloud what Ms. Jackson has done lately, consider that she is finally enjoying the fruits of her labor.
This post was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder and editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire.
For more information about Jackson and other celebrity wealth, read Lizbeth Scordo’s post on Yahoo’s OMG.
The World Bank reports that the Caribbean will be among developing countries dominating global saving and investment in the next generation. (Google Images)
Caribbean 360 is reporting that a new World Bank report predicts that in less than a generation, the Caribbean will be among developing countries dominating global saving and investment.
The World Bank’s Global Development Horizons (GDH) report says that by 2030, half the global stock of capital, totaling US$158 trillion (in 2010 dollars), will reside in the developing world, compared to less than one-third today, with countries in East Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean accounting for the largest shares.
The report explores patterns of investment, saving and capital flows as they are likely to evolve over the next two decades.
Actress Nicole Ari-Parker and Scandal’s executive producer Judy Smith receive Legacy of Leadership Awards at Spelman College’s Ninth Annual Leadership and Women of Color Conference. (Progressive Images)
Historically black colleges and universities have legacies noted for encouraging numerous generations of students to pay it forward.
Just four days prior, some influential women of color delivered similar empowering messages on strategic leadership to Morehouse’s sister institution, Spelman College. The all-girls institution hosted its Ninth Annual Leadership and Women of Color Conference from May 15-16.
The interactive workshops focused on wealth building, entrepreneurship and paying it forward. Health and wellness, spirituality, humanitarianism, branding, media, financial literacy and civic engagement were each explored in direct correlation to the effects each have on a black woman’s success in finance, career development and education.
The attendees also chatted among themselves about teamwork, family, healthcare, self-esteem and confidence. “It’s about academic excellence, leadership development and service. This conference places a strong emphasis on extraordinary women of color and the work they do for our communities,” says Dr. Jane E. Smith, Conference Convener and Spelman LEADS’ Executive Director.
Judy Smith — one of America’s leading crisis communications managers for countless headlining controversies – was presented one of this year’s Legacy of Leadership Awards. When Smith — who traded her trademark dark two-piece pants suit for an all-white two-piece ensemble — asked how many “Gladiators” were present as she approached the podium, the ballroom erupted with euphoria.
The inspiration behind the hit ABC primetime political drama, Scandal, believes hard work, compassion and commitment are essential to effective leadership. “We have to show up for others and support each other. Make sure to lead by example. Set what your boundaries and priorities are. Focus on the work, do it well and hopefully it will speak for itself and inspire others to do the same,” says Smith.
On the other hand, Nicole Ari Parker, this year’s other Legacy of Leadership Award honoree, simply considered herself “Boris’ wife and Sophie’s and Nicolas’ mother.”
The Broadway, television and silver screen starlet founded Save Your Do, a hair accessory that prevents women who workout from destroying their hair due to perspiration. Parker and her husband, actor Boris Kodjoe, spearheaded Strive to Thrive, which collaborates with local communities to deliver outreach on sustainability and healthier living.
The philanthropic couple also started Sophie’s Voice Foundation (named for their daughter), which helps families and children diagnosed with Spina Bifida. Parker says it’s important for women to use their influence, access and success for common good.
“I just want to serve my community. I don’t see myself as leading anyone. I want us to find ways to have it all as black women. We deserve to have it all. I’m learning as I go,” says Parker.
The conference also gave small business owners, executives and community leaders opportunities to connect. Spelman College President Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum says sisterhood and effective leadership among women of color rests on one commonality.
“Leadership in different contexts requires different things, but one thing that runs through all of us is our ability to communicate with other people effectively,” says Tatum.
Christopher A. Daniel is a pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a contributing writer for Urban Lux Magazine and Blues & Soul Magazine. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.
On May 20, 1743, Francois-Dominique Toussaint L’Ouverture, Haitian patriot and revolutionary leader, was born in Saint-Domingue, Hispaniola (now Haiti). Beginning in 1791, Toussaint led enslaved black people in a long struggle for independence from French colonizers, to abolish slavery, and secure native control over the colony. By 1796, Toussaint was the dominant figure in Haiti and tried to rebuild the collapsed economy and reestablish commercial contacts with the United States and Britain. However, in 1802 he was kidnapped by the French and died in a French prison on April 7, 1803. Toussaint figures importantly in the early 19th century writings of several authors as a symbol and exemplar of resistance to slavery and as an example of the potential of the black race.
U.S. Immigration Reform bill architects Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Oklahoma) and Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) greet former U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey. (Google Images)
CBS News is reporting that far-reaching legislation to grant a chance at citizenship to millions of immigrants living illegally in the United States cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on a solid bipartisan vote Tuesday night after supporters somberly sidestepped a controversy over the rights of gay spouses.
The 13-5 vote cleared the way for an epic showdown on the Senate floor on the measure, which is one of President Obama’s top domestic priorities yet also gives the Republican Party a chance to recast itself as more appealing to minorities.
The committee’s action sparked rejoicing from immigration activists who crowded into a Senate committee room to witness the proceedings. “Yes, we can!” they shouted as they clapped rhythmically to show their pleasure.
In a statement, Mr. Obama applauded the committee’s action and said the bill was “largely consistent with the principles of common-sense reform I have proposed and meets the challenge of fixing our broken immigration system” — though he said there’s still room for improvement.
This bill will create a pathway to citizenship for 11.5 million immigrants.
To read more about this story, visit CBS News. To read about the negative impact of the U.S. Immigrant Reform Bill on African and Caribbean immigration, click here.
Sancious, whose career has spanned four decades, likes the mystique. He doesn’t care to let hit records or gold and platinum sales define his longevity.
Positive energy, the modest, multi-talented performer believes, is rewarding enough. “You don’t start out wanting to be perceived as great. The only thing you want to do is get better and better at playing. It’s not driven by any perception of wanting to be perceived by the world at all. Those details come later,” says Sancious.
“It comes down to dedication and how much you devote yourself to it. We all really enjoy working together. You have to have a natural love for it without having to be told anything or have anything explained to you,” he says.
Growing up in Asbury Park, NJ the youngest of three boys, Sancious — now 59-years-old – knew early on that music would be his calling. He started playing piano at seven and picked up the guitar four years later. “It’s a lot of fun. You can learn a lot. It’s another window to the music and your own intellectual knowledge to go back and forth between two worlds,” he says.
Sancious recalls being introduced to his influences according to the schedule of the day. “It was Beethoven in the morning, James Brown in the afternoon or John Coltrane and Jimi Hendrix in the evening. I experienced a variation of music simultaneously,” he says.
When Sancious was 15, he met “The Boss.” He played in several versions of the unknown rocker’s band before moving to Virginia to perform session work. Upon Sancious’ return to New Jersey a year later, Springsteen asked the musician to accompany him on his debut album and some gigs around New York.
A tour and three albums later with Springsteen, the soft spoken maestro, along with Ernest Carter and Gerald Carboy, decided to assemble the band, Tone, in 1974. The outfit explored an eclectic range of sounds and rhythms over four albums spanning rock, classical, soul, funk, blues, electronica and world music.
Sancious also recorded five solo projects. He’s currently working on a project that is primarily guitar. “All that does is broaden your whole basis. It directly correlates to the wide array of music I grew up listening to. It’s just a result of the way I am,” says Sancious.
Sancious has accomplished a lot in his extraordinary career. He believes that he has accomplished far beyond his share of goals. His one ambition, however, is as imaginative as his sound. “I’d like to be remembered as a gentleman. I’m interested in being the instrument of music itself and what music will come from me. I want to get it out, have people enjoy it and resonate with it,” he says.
Christopher A. Daniel is a pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a contributing writer for Urban Lux Magazine and Blues & Soul Magazine. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.
Sancious, whose career has spanned four decades, likes the mystique. He doesn’t care to let hit records or gold and platinum sales define his longevity.
Positive energy, the modest, multi-talented performer believes, is rewarding enough. “You don’t start out wanting to be perceived as great. The only thing you want to do is get better and better at playing. It’s not driven by any perception of wanting to be perceived by the world at all. Those details come later,” says Sancious.
“It comes down to dedication and how much you devote yourself to it. We all really enjoy working together. You have to have a natural love for it without having to be told anything or have anything explained to you,” he says.
Growing up in Asbury Park, NJ the youngest of three boys, Sancious — now 59-years-old – knew early on that music would be his calling. He started playing piano at seven and picked up the guitar four years later. “It’s a lot of fun. You can learn a lot. It’s another window to the music and your own intellectual knowledge to go back and forth between two worlds,” he says.
Sancious recalls being introduced to his influences according to the schedule of the day. “It was Beethoven in the morning, James Brown in the afternoon or John Coltrane and Jimi Hendrix in the evening. I experienced a variation of music simultaneously,” he says.
When Sancious was 15, he met “The Boss.” He played in several versions of the unknown rocker’s band before moving to Virginia to perform session work. Upon Sancious’ return to New Jersey a year later, Springsteen asked the musician to accompany him on his debut album and some gigs around New York.
A tour and three albums later with Springsteen, the soft spoken maestro, along with Ernest Carter and Gerald Carboy, decided to assemble the band, Tone, in 1974. The outfit explored an eclectic range of sounds and rhythms over four albums spanning rock, classical, soul, funk, blues, electronica and world music.
Sancious also recorded five solo projects. He’s currently working on a project that is primarily guitar. “All that does is broaden your whole basis. It directly correlates to the wide array of music I grew up listening to. It’s just a result of the way I am,” says Sancious.
Sancious has accomplished a lot in his extraordinary career. He believes that he has accomplished far beyond his share of goals. His one ambition, however, is as imaginative as his sound. “I’d like to be remembered as a gentleman. I’m interested in being the instrument of music itself and what music will come from me. I want to get it out, have people enjoy it and resonate with it,” he says.
Christopher A. Daniel is a pop cultural critic and music editor for The Burton Wire. He is also a contributing writer for Urban Lux Magazine and Blues & Soul Magazine. Follow Christopher @Journalistorian on Twitter.
The Obama family will visit Senegal and South Africa next month. (Google Images)
AllAfrica.com is reporting that U.S. President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit Senegal and South Africa next month. First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha will accompany the president during his visit. President Obama visited Accra, Ghana in 2009 to deliver a policy address issues of good governance, anti-corruption and to boost support for African farmers. The reason for President Obama’s visit has not been reported. Check out information about President Obama’s 2009 visit to Accra below:
Kenya’s Rita Jeptoo crosses the finish line at the 2013 Boston Marathon two hours before the terrorist bombings. (Google Images)
Agence France-Press (AFP) is reporting that the Boston bombings overshadowed the actual winners of the 2013 Boston Marathon. The sad events of the day took the focus away from the historic marathon and placed it on the terrorists who targeted the finish line, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuring more than 250 people. There were actual winners that day who were presented trophies by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick.
Ethiopian Lelisa Desisa, 23, won the marathon in 2 hours, 10 minutes, 22 seconds to become the fourth Ethiopian man to win the race and the first since Deriba Merga won in 2009. Kenya’s Micah Kogo came in second while Ethiopian Gebregziabher Gebremariam came in third in the men’s race.
Rita Jeptoo of Kenya won the women’s title in 2:26:25. Jeptoo is the the third Kenyan woman in a row to win the race. This is her second title as she previously won the women’s competition of the Boston Marathon in 2006. Jeptoo took a break from training in 2008-2010 to have a baby. Ethiopia’s Meseret Hailu came in second place, while defending champion Sharon Cherop of Kenya took third.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., co-chairman of the immigration task force for the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) is worried about the removal of diversity visas. (Google Images)
Kevin Bogardus and Russell Berman of the Bay State Banner are reporting that black lawmakers and civil rights groups are concerned over a proposal in the Senate’s immigration reform bill that would do away with ‘diversity’ visas that are often a pathway for African and Caribbean immigrants to enter the United States. Bogardus and Berman write:
“Advocates said they haven’t seen evidence yet that a new merit-based program is an acceptable replacement for the diversity visas.
Hilary Shelton, director of the NAACP Washington bureau, said he is telling lawmakers not to cut the diversity program when comprehensive immigration reform moves forward.
‘At this point, we are urging lawmakers not to eliminate the diversity visa program,” Shelton told reporters. “This is one of the places in the bill that needs to be addressed. We will work with our friends in the Senate, and we have started working with our friends in the House as well.’
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., co-chairman of the immigration task force for the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), called the Senate bill “a significant step in the right direction” but said his caucus is worried about the plan to eliminate diversity visas.
‘With respect to the abolishment of the diversity visa lottery program, the CBC is extremely concerned that it might limit the future flow of immigration for people from certain parts of the world,’ Jeffries said. ‘That’s troublesome, and we’re evaluating the merit-based visa proposal to determine if it’s fair and balanced.’
The diversity program makes 55,000 visas available each year to countries with low immigration rates to the United States. Those awarded the visas are chosen by a lottery, with about half typically going to African immigrants.
Republican lawmakers have targeted the program in the past for elimination, arguing the program’s lottery system can lead to fraud and undermine national security.
If the immigration reform bill passes, then the diversity visas will be eliminated in 2015.
