Actress Vivica A. Fox and R&B Balladeer Howard Hewett To Highlight 2016 DNC Watch Party Celebrating the Black Vote
Philadelphia, PA – The city of Brotherly Love will declare more than liberty onTuesday, July 26, 2016 when a convergence of trendsetters, elected officials, labor and civil rights leaders descend upon the city and partake in the DogonVillage.com 2016 Democratic National Convention (DNC) Watch Party. Heralded as the ‘must attend’ side event of the Democratic Convention, “Independence Day: Resurgence” star, actress Vivica A. Fox will host the affair, alongside the Chair of the Darby Township Democratic Party, Richard Womack Jr. R&B’s smoothest balladeer, Grammy award winning singer, Howard Hewett will perform. Planned as a resounding “Celebration of the Black Vote,” there will be a special tribute to the dean of the civil rights movement, Rev. Dr. Joseph E Lowery, and Samuel Staten Jr., vice president of LIUNA will also be honored.
The festivities will begin at 7:30 p.m.and end at12:30 a.m. at Penns Landing Caterers Ballroom,  1301 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd. in Philadelphia.Â
Rev. Dr. Joseph E Lowery
Confirmed attendance includes: Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH); Congresswoman Corrine Brown (FL); Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman, George “G. K.” Butterfield (NC);Assistant Democratic Leader, Congressman James Clyburn (SC); Congressman David Scott (GA); woman’s rights leader, Melanie L. Campbell; civil rights attorney, Barbara Arnwine; and civil rights leader, Rev. Jesse Jackson.
Award-winning journalist, Roland S. Martin will bring his crew from TV One’s News One Now with Roland Martinand Joe Madison The Black Eagle will broadcast live from the event on SiriusXM Urban View Ch 126 from 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Samuel Staten Jr.
Ryan N. Boyer, business manager for Laborers’ District Council of Philadelphia & Vicinity, the Presenting Sponsor of the Watch Party states, “It’s an honor to celebrate those who fought for our right to vote, the hard-working individuals getting people to the polls, and most importantly, voters.” Boyer continues, “We will also honorSamuel Staten Jr., – who was recently appointed vice president of Laborers’ International Union of North America - for his outstanding contribution to increasing Black voter participation.”
Produced by Edrea Davis, the founder of DogonVillage.com, the oldest Black-oriented website focused on digital advocacy, the nonpartisan celebration will project a live stream from the convention floor so guests can assess how  important issues related to the Black community are addressed. “Our civil rights leaders made huge sacrifices to make sure every citizen can vote. Their work created opportunities for people of color and women to become elected officials and led to the election of President Barack Obama. We are celebrating past leaders and those tenacious activists continuing to protect the right of all Americans to cast a ballot. We are thrilled to have Vivica A. Fox and Howard Hewett among this prestigious gathering of influential minds.”
DNC Watch Party sponsors include: Laborers Local 332,  Tri State Design Construction Company, and Transport Workers Union of America.
Vivica A. Fox Hosts DNC Party Celebrating the Black Vote
Philadelphia, PA – Actress, producer and businesswoman, Vivica A. Fox, will join chair of the Darby County PA Democratic Party, Richard Womack Jr., Â to host the DogonVillage.com’s 2016 Democratic National Convention (DNC) Watch Party complete with dinner, dancing, DJ, and a live performance. Themed,Celebrating the Black Vote, the soiree will be held Tuesday July 26, 2016 in the ballroom of the Sheet Metal Workers Union hall on Penns Landing in Philadelphia.
“I am excited to join with the Laborers’ District Council of Philadelphia to celebrate the Black vote,” says Fox. “Black voters turned out in record numbers in 2008 and again in 2012 resulting in the election of the first Black president. President Barack Obama has done an excellent job but we must make sure to vote in all elections to continue to keep our issues at the forefront,” adds the star of blockbuster films like “Kill Bill,” “Set It Off,” and “Kingdom Come.”
Ryan N. Boyer, business manager for Laborers’ District Council, Presenting Sponsor of the DNC Watch Party.
Ryan N. Boyer, business manager for Laborers’ District Council of Philadelphia & Vicinity, the Presenting Sponsor of the watch party said, “It’s an honor to  celebrate those who fought for our right to vote, the hard-working individuals getting people to the polls, and most importantly, voters.”  Boyer continues, “Recognizing our past contributions is a great way to get fired up to go out and mobilize voters.  This election will determine America’s direction on critical issues like livable wages, access to affordable healthcare, and safeguarding the power of labor unions to protect workers. Working together we can make history again.”
In addition to providing a entertaining atmosphere for people to watch DNC activities taking place that night at the Philadelphia Convention Center, the event will bring together a diverse group of political thought leaders, organized labor, and community organizers from across the nation for networking and motivation. An aggressive social media campaign, #celebratingtheblackvote, will lead up to the event and culminate with the publishing of a Digital Guide to Champions of the Black Vote that will be displayed during the party.
“Since inception DogonVillage.com has strategically integrated online and offline advocacy. During the party we will interact with our social media networks throughout the night via our tweet wall and a live broadcast on FaceBook and Periscope,” said Edrea Davis, founder of DogonVillage.com.
Although Fox stays busy acting in films, including the upcoming release of “Independence Day: Resurgence,” expanding her hair collection, and launching a new lingerie line, she still finds time to promote voting. Over the years she has spoken about the importance of voting and warned of voter suppression tactics at events across the country and headlined a statewide get-out-the-vote tour focused on Black women hosted by the Florida Coalition on Black Civic Participation.
Along with his role as chair of the Darby Township Democratic Party, Womack is Darby Township Police Commissioner and also has a long history working in the organized labor movement. He currently serves as national vice president of the A. Philip Randolph Institute.
Produced by DogonVillage.com, the oldest Black-oriented website focused on digital advocacy, Â the 2016 DNC Watch Party planning committee includes Rita Jackson Samuels, Women Flying High; Craig Ford, NUHHCE/AFSCME-AFL-CIO; Felicia Davis, Building Green Initiative; Pat Pullar, Why Not A Woman?;Viviene Dixon-Shim, AFSCME Local 1363; Henry Lancaster, Lancaster Craig; Janice Coakley, Democratic Women Club of Miami Gardens; Illai Kenney, HBCU Green Fund; and Salandra Benton, Florida Coalition on Black Civic Participation, among others.
The event is slated to be one of the most memorable and well attended side events of the Convention. A portion of the proceeds will support 2016 civic engagement activities.Sponsorships and tables are available. For more information visit www.dogonvillage.com, email production@dogonvillage.com, @dogonvillage on Twitter or Instagram, or call 770.961.6200.
Vivica A. Fox sings Happy Birthday to her film son, Jonathan McDaniel, at the Spirit of Democracy Awards
Participants pause for a photo with rapper, actor and technology advocate, Jonathan "Lil J" McDaniel, who received the Black Youth Vote Leadership Award during the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation's 15 annual Spirit of Democracy Awards Gala. Pictured (L-R): Vivica A. Fox, actress and producer; Illai Kenney, NCBCP Black Youth Vote; Demetria McKinney, singer and actress; and McDaniel.
Washington, DC – It was a moment to behold when sultry host Vivica A. Fox did a surprise serenade of “Happy Birthday” for former “That’s So Raven” star Jonathan McDaniel upon his receipt of the Black Youth Vote Civic Leadership Award during The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation’s (The National Coalition) 15th annual Spirit of Democracy Awards Gala in Washington, DC last week. Tyler Perry’s House of Payne’s” Demetria McKinney brought additional flavor to the affair performing her newest song “Take Away” and then captivating the audience with her special rendition of Whitney Houston’s, “You Give Good Love.”
Actress and producer, Vivica A. Fox, surprises rapper, actor and technology advocate, Jonathan "Lil J" McDaniel, with a serenade of "Happy Birthday," during the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation's 15th annual Spirit of Democracy Awards Gala where McDaniel received the Black Youth Vote Leadership Award. NCBCP chair, Richard Womack, Sr. looks on.
Accepting his award McDaniel spoke about overcoming major challenges including homelessness to achieve his dream. “The only thing I wanted to do was become a positive role model for my generation. I wanted to do Gods work.” The actor, rapper and technology advocate continued, “Being here tonight in front of everyone here lets me know my dreams have come true. I am becoming the role model I want to be.” McDaniel co-stars as Fox’s son in the upcoming Robert Townsend produced film, “In the Hive.”
The event brought together nearly 300 civic, labor, political and spiritual leaders to “Celebrate Our Brothers,” as six phenomenal men doing constructive work to empower the African American community were honored. There was also a special Servant Leadership and Community Service Award established in memory of the former manager of the annual Spirit Awards, Ruby Campbell Pulliam.
“It was important to take a moment to lift up and celebrate what the brothers are doing in our communities across the country,” said president and CEO of The National Coalition, Melanie L. Campbell. “The men who dedicate their lives to mentoring, social justice, training and creating opportunities for our youth – especially those running black male initiatives – are truly the fabric of our community.”
In addition to McDaniel, the 2012 Spirit of Democracy Award recipients are:
David Honig, founder and president Alliances, Minority Media & Telecommunications Council received the Technology and Economic Empowerment Award. Joshua DuBois, executive director, The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships received the Public Service and Community Empowerment Award. Gerald Hudson, executive vice president, Service Employees International Union, received the Community Empowerment and Labor Leadership Award. Al Dotson, chairman of the board, 100 Black Men of America, Inc, received the Community Empowerment and Mentoring Organization of the Year Award. Shawn Dove, campaign manager for Open Society Foundations Campaign for Black Male Achievement received the Visionary Leadership and Community Empowerment Award,The People’s Community Baptist Church Men’s Choir also performed. The event was broadcast live on the Internet and can be viewed at: www.ncbcp.org.
“We rolled out the red carpet for the stars of our community,” said Richard G. Womack,Sr, chairman of the Board of Directors of The National Coalition. “We had good food, stellar performances by the choir and Demetria McKinney, Vivica Fox was a gracious host, and the room was packed wall-to-wall with role models for the many young people in attendance. It was a wonderful celebration of the brothers and their work.
The Spirit of Democracy Awards are presented to individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a consistent commitment to creating balance in the democratic process and support The National Coalition’s mission and vision of making civic participation a cultural responsibility and tradition. Sponsors include AT&T, Verizon, AMGEN, AFL-CIO, SEIU, Knight Foundation, and Dewey Square Group, among others. For more information on The National Coalition visit www.ncbcp.org.
Vivica A. Fox and Demetria McKinney Inspire Women and Girls at National Women’s Empowerment Tour
PHOTO CREDIT: Donnie Hunter
Atlanta, GA – After honoring women’s rights leader, Rita Jackson Samuels, and Riverdale Mayor, Dr. Evelyn Wynn Dixon, actress/singer, Demetria McKinney, and actress/producer/businesswoman, Vivica A. Fox shared inspirational stories about overcoming obstacles like single parenthood and joblessness with women and girls attending the recent Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR) Healthy, Wealthy and Wise National Empowerment Tour.
Accepting an award for her civil and woman’s rights work, Samuels told the young people “Don’t ever give up on your dream.” Samuels grew up poor in Forsyth Georgia but went on to work alongside Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., served at the White House under President Jimmy Carter, and founded Georgia Coalition for Black Women.
Mayor Dixon shared a riveting story of growing up in segregated Atlanta, a bitter divorce, eviction and surviving homeless as a single parent of five kids. “When my husband left me I became homeless and even suicidal. But at the lowest point in my life I found the courage to pick myself up and refused to let adversity hold me back,” said Dixon who started community college at 35-years-old and earned a PhD at 50.
Teen mom, Jazamin McCurdy, said she's determined to make changes in her life after hearing the inspirational words of Demetria McKinney and Vivica A. Fox during the Black Women's Roundtable Healthy, Wealthy & Wise National Tour stop in Riverdale, GA. (L-R) McCurdy and Fox with McCurdy's daughter, Aaranii. PHOTO CREDIT: Clyde Bradley
Energizing the audience with her knack for keeping it real, Fox, the co-star of “Kill Bill” and “Kingdom Come”, urged the women to take charge of their own life and addressed ageism against women in Hollywood. “My agents told me there aren’t roles for Black women over 40 in Hollywood. I asked, have you forgotten I had Independence Day with Will Smith? Have you forgot I set it off with Queen Latifa and Jada Pinkett? Or that I played the game with Morris Chestnut? Fox continued, “I regrouped and took hold of the ‘business’ side of ‘show business’ and began producing films, stage plays and TV shows. I even have my own hair line Vivica A. Fox Wigs. Don’t let nobody tell you what you can’t do.”
McKinney, who plays Janine Payne on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and recently released her debut CD, “Get Yo Ish”, kept the down-to-earth tone as she outlined her rocky road to success. The single mother told the audience she had to drop out of college to raise her son. “I got a job waiting tables and moved to the projects but I never gave up. African American women are called and have to be the backbone for a lot. That doesn’t mean there won’t be obstacles. But remember, the situation doesn’t make you,” said McKinney, who was accompanied by the former EVP of Tyler Perry Studio’s and CEO of Bobbcat Films, Roger Bobb.
A 19-year-old single mother attending with her two-year-old daughter in tow, Jazamin McCurdy, was excited to interact one-on-one with the speakers. “I feel so motivated to make positive changes in my life. The panel discussions helped me understand what I need to do and the stories from the speakers helped realize that I can do it.”
In addition to the Sista-2-Sister Talk, there was a mini-expo, panels on domestic violence, economic health, politics, technology access and a fitness session led by Eshe of Arrested Development. Physicians from the Centers for Disease Control addressed health issues and pharmacists from Walgreens Pharmacy administered flu shots and donated vouchers for free flu shots.
Opening night of the three-day-event included a BWR Listening session hosted by Fire Chief Rosemary Cloud, the first African American female fire chief in the country. On Sunday the women attended services at Olivet Baptist Church in Fayetteville where they held aspecial tribute to BWR members Ruby Campbell-Pulliam and Adrienne Dennis.
“The Listening Session allowed women and girls to have a candid discussion about issues that impact their lives,” said Helen Butler, executive director of the Georgia Coalition for the Peoples Agenda, the local coordinating partner for the event. “Issues ranged from no job, food or housing, to violence in their home and community. I am happy that we were able to provide valuable resources to the women.”
According to Melanie L. Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (The National Coalition) and convener of The Black Women’s Roundtable, “The goal of this national tour is to personally connect with women and girls in underserved communities. We decided to host the event on the south side of Atlanta because many women that are struggling to maintain can’t make it into downtown Atlanta.”
The BWR Tour traveled to ten cities featuring inspirational women like actress/singer/activist, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Susan L. Taylor, Cares Mentoring, and Clayola Brown, A. Philip Randolph Institute, and will culminate with a national event in Washington, DC. The tour is made possible by the W.F. Kellogg Foundation. BWR Atlanta sponsors include: AT&T, Verizon Foundation and the U. S. Department of Agriculture.
Convened by Dr. Joseph E Lowery, the Atlanta-based Coalition for the Peoples Agenda works throughout Georgia to support and establish coalitions in the Southeast states. Black Women’s Roundtable is an intergenerational women’s network of The National Coalition, a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to increasing civic engagement in Black and underserved communities. For more information on The National Coalition log on to www.ncbcp.org.
Powerful women speakers motivated the women and girls attending the Black Women's Roundtable Healthy, Wealthy & Wise National Tour stop in Riverdale, GA. Seated (L-R): Riverdale Mayor Evelyn Wynn-Dixon, actress and producer, Vivica A. Fox; actress and singer, Demetria McKinney; and women's rights leader, Rita Jackson Samuels. PHOTO CREDIT: Donald Hunter
