Atlanta, GA…Thursday, November 12, 2020…Venessa Abram, founder/executive director of  Self Discovery Pain, Positioning and Purpose, a 501c3 nonprofit, will be leading a series of virtual trainings designed to address the many COVID-19 anxieties experienced by various communities.

Made available as a result of a grant provided by the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, the Community Resilience Model (CRM) Training will offer four sessions which are designed to help attendees bounce back mentally from the challenges experienced during this extremely stressful COVID-19 era.

​“The purpose of the CRM training is to help community members not only help themselves, but their broader social network,” says Abram, an award-winning author, mental health advocate and trainer, who specializes in advocacy and trainings on mental health and suicide prevention.  “The primary focus of this skills-based program is to reset the natural balance of the nervous system by understanding how trauma and chronic stress impacts the nervous system and how resiliency can be restored,” she said.

Among the key components of the training sessions will be mental health, wellness, resiliency education, tools, skills and resources. 

The dates and times for the Community Resilience Model Trainings will be Monday, November 16 at 10:00am; Monday, November 23 at 1:00p.m.; Monday, December 14 at 10:00am and Monday, December 28 at 1:00p.m.
 
“We encourage those that are struggling and their networks to attend these sessions,” shared Abram.  “The goal of these trainings is to create trauma-informed and resiliency-focused communities. When we do this, we have the best chance of helping our families and communities rebound successfully from these challenging times in which we’re all living,” she said.

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 10, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Imani Motion Pictures has released the brand new trailer for the urban lit cult classic DUTCH, based on the first book of an epic trilogy by Teri Woods. The film stars Lance Gross ("Tyler Perry's House Of Payne"), James Hyde ("Monarca"), Tyrin Turner ("Meet The Blacks"), Isabella Ferreira ("Orange Is The New Black"), Melissa Williams ("Tyler Perry's The Oval"), Macy Gray ("For Colored Girls") and Jeremy Meeks ("True to the Game 2") with appearances by Michael Blackson ("Nobody's Fool"), O.T. Genasis and Renny and introducing Multi-Platinum Rapper Gunna making his feature film debut. DUTCH opens in select theaters on Friday, November 27th.

Directed by Preston Whitmore ("This Christmas," "True To The Game"), DUTCH introduces a player who will use any means necessary to dominate the streets and beyond. For Bernard James, Jr. aka "Dutch" (Gross), survival is the ultimate score and power is the deadliest high of all. There isn't an angle he can't work or a woman he can't seduce. When he gains control of an African drug lord's stolen heroin business, Dutch quickly makes it the most feared drug empire on the East Coast. Naturally, there are plenty of enemies vowing to take him down, including a vengeful Mafia heir, an ambitious DA and a conscience-stricken former friend. With Dutch fighting for his life, while on trial, he plays the game and scores a winning hand in the face of all that betrayed him and finds justice his way ... the street way!

Supporting cast include Markice Moore ("Snowfall"), Miles Stroter ("The Quad"), Robert Costanzo ("Modern Family") and Natasha Marc ("Ballers").

"This film is lit and features an all-star cast," says Manny Halley, DUTCH producer and founder of Imani Motion Pictures. "DUTCH is an iconic story within the urban literary genre, so we had to get every detail right – and I'm very proud of what we accomplished! Also, we are thrilled to be introduce the ever talented Multi-Platinum rapper Gunna in his feature film debut. You will see a side of him that you've never seen before and I promise you will be wowed by his performance. Come join us in theaters on Thanksgiving weekend and experience Dutch's story!"

The official film soundtrack, which will feature tracks by Macy Gray, Gunna, Fabolous and OT Genesis among others, will also be released on November 27 on iTunes and other retailers.  The soundtrack is executive produced by Wheezy Beatz and Manny Halley.

DUTCH is written by Preston Whitmore and produced by Manny Halley, Rodney Turner II and Yolanda Halley.

Social:
FB: www.facebook.com/dutchmovie
IG: @dutchthemovie
Website: https://www.dutch.movie/

About Imani Motion Pictures
Imani Motion Pictures is a Los Angeles based entertainment music, motion picture and TV production, distribution company with a satellite office located in Atlanta, Georgia. Imani has worked in the music industry for over 20 years with recording artists such as Nicki Minaj, Young Thug, and Keyshia Cole. Imani's first foray into television production began with the BET reality series "Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is" and the spinoff "Frankie and Neffe."

Imani Media shifted its focus to feature films in 2017 with the release of TRUE TO THE GAME, starring Columbus Short, Vivica A. Fox and the late Nelsan Ellis. The film is an adaptation of the New York Times bestseller by Teri Woods. TRUE TO THE GAME is an urban love story between a prominent Philadelphia drug dealer and a woman, as they struggle to balance street life and love. The film was independently financed and distributed by Halley and earned $1.2M in a limited release. Halley has secured deals w/ Viacom BET and NetFlix on this first go-round.

Atlanta, GA…Tuesday, December 17, 2019…The Zucot Gallery, a black-owned art gallery located near Centennial Olympic Park, was buzzing with energy and excitement last Thursday evening, as Atlanta influencers gathered to celebrate those being honored in the first annual Top 25 Extraordinary Atlantans commemorative edition, presented by the ABJ (Atlanta Business Journal) Digital Magazine. 

Over 200 people attended the celebration, which recognized 25 power brokers from Atlanta who are steadily making societal impact through their work as community influencers in business, government, entertainment, media, religion, education, law, etc.  Among the attendees were both local and nationally known film, television, and sports celebrities, including actor Louis Gossett, Jr., Josh Norman of the Washington Redskins and Reality TV Show Stars Lisa Nicole Cloud and Sabrina McKenzie.   

Hosted by Kevin C. Pride, co-publisher of the ABJ Digital and Founder of Influencer 365, a full service digital marketing company and Marc Parham, business partner and co-host of the Influencer 365 Discussions events,  the reception served as a power networking opportunity and honoree celebration and featured live entertainment by independent recording artists, Nella-Joi  and Q Coleman.

“At Influencer 365, we fully understand the power and opportunities present in being an influencer and we are very happy with how well our first Top 25 Extraordinary Atlantans event was received,” shared Kevin C. Pride.  “Atlanta always has something going on every night of the week, so we are excited that so many Atlanta influencers wanted to be part of our event,” he said.

The new annual designation and accompanying commemorative issue, shares profiles  of  some outstanding Atlanta residents, who have exhibited excellence in their respective areas, and whose personal and professional efforts are contributing to the greater good of both the local and national community.

The ABJ Digital and the Top 25 Extraordinary Atlantans Commemorative Edition, is the newest iteration of the Atlanta Business Journal Magazine, a quarterly business publication for African-American entrepreneurs and corporate executives, which began publishing over 20 years ago by renowned Atlanta Entrepreneur, Creed Pannell, who also produces the Georgia Minority Business Awards  and Gospel Choice Awards, and  who now partners with Pride on the ABJ Magazine and Georgia Minority Business Awards. 

In addition to a special history maker profile on 2018 Georgia gubernatorial candidate, Stacey Abrams, the Top 25 Extraordinary Atlantans recognized in the commemorative edition, includes: Political Commentator and Media Personality, Rashad Richey; Civil, Human Rights and Climate Change Advocate, Dr. Gerald Durley; Rapper and Entrepreneur, Michael Render; President, Urban League Greater Atlanta, Nancy Flake-Johnson;  Legendary Actor, Louis Gossett; Business Mogul and Fashion Designer, Lisa Nicole Cloud;  President, Beulah Heights University, Dr. Benson Karanja; Executive Director/Southern Regional Operations for Kia, Percy Vaughn; Zsa Zsa Heard, CEO, City of LaGrange; Chief Magistrate Court Judge Cassandra Kirk; Director, Small Business Development for Invest Atlanta, Lonnie Saboor; Zucot Gallery Director and Partner, Onaje Henderson; Southeast Regional Vice President for Boys and Girls Club of America, Tony Orr; President/CEO Atlanta Airlines Terminal Company, Dr. Kofi Smith; Executive Director, Georgia International Convention Center, Mercedes Miller; Bishop Aaron B. Lackey, Sr.; Fulton County Solicitor General, Keith E. Gammage; Georgia State Representative, Derrick Jackson; Women and Children’s Rights Activist, Sabrina McKenzie; CEO, Goodwill of North Georgia, Keith T. Parker; Political Strategist, Principal of Hicks Evaluation Group, Fredrick Hicks; Iconic Business and Community Leader, Owner, Bussey Florists, Dr. Alice Bussey; Entrepreneur and Media Personality, Michelle Taylor Willis; Chief Executive Officer, DeKalb County, Michael Thurmond and Territory Sales Director for Dignity Memorial, Raymond Burr.

In addition to being featured in both the digital and printed commemorative issues, will each received a proclamation from the Georgia Secretary of State and are featured on a billboard in downtown Atlanta. A raffle for the opportunity to drive an Infiniti for a weekend helped raise some funds in support  of ABEL 2, a 501c3 nonprofit organization working to create opportunities for performing artists with disabilities to share their gifts on stage.

“Our first event was amazing and it was extremely gratifying to see and feel the excitement, energy and pride everyone attending brought to the event,” said Pride.  “We are looking forward to identifying the next round of exceptional business and community leaders and are already beginning to plan the next Top 25 Extraordinary Atlantans Edition for 2020,” he said.

For media inquiries, contact Norma Stanley at E.E.E. Marketing Group, 404/451-1811 or [email protected]

DETROIT, Oct. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire -- Global automotive industry stakeholders will gather in Detroit on October 31-November 1, 2019 for the 20th Annual Rainbow PUSH Global Automotive Summit, an initiative of Citizenship Education Fund, at Motor City Casino Hotel and Conference Center. This year's Summit will commence with a breakfast conversation on Friday November 1, 2019, with Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., Rainbow PUSH Coalition, president and founder, and Barry Engle, General Motors, executive vice president and president of the Americas. Mark Stewart, FCA North America, chief operating officer, will join Rev. Jackson during the luncheon for a Fireside Chat on the "best practices" in diversity and inclusion. Engle and Stewart will share their thoughts with over 500 automotive executives, entrepreneurs, suppliers, dealers, manufacturers, consumers, government and elected officials.

This year's theme, "Expanding the African American Opportunity Pipeline," will illuminate the growing disparity in market growth for African American and other minorities suppliers, dealers and professionals.

​The ongoing mission of the Summit is to facilitate a dialogue with the OEMs and diverse companies, while delivering measurable outcomes. For two decades, Rainbow PUSH Automotive Project has been a catalyst in creating, strengthening and expanding opportunities for African American and other minorities in the auto industry.
"Over the last 20 years, Rainbow PUSH has built the socio-economic case for diversity and inclusion in the auto industry, "posits Reverend Jackson, adding: "We have changed the mindsets and culture of several automakers and the verdict is clear, inclusion and diversity must be intentional." The Rainbow PUSH will measure the goals and outcomes through its Rainbow PUSH Automotive Diversity Scorecard which will be released during the press conference at the Summit.

Other major highlights include an awards reception, scholarship awards and panel discussions featuring vice presidents of global purchasing, advertising and marketing, human resources, auto dealerships and other industry experts.

The community will celebrate Rev. Jackson's 78th birthday on October 31st at 6:00 p.m. during a reception at Motor City Conference and Hotel Center.

About Rainbow PUSH: The Rainbow PUSH Automotive Project encourages and engenders the full and equitable participation of minorities in the growth and well-being of the global automotive industry. By creating meaningful awareness, fostering knowledge and understanding, and facilitating functional partnerships and healthy collaborations, the Automotive Project enables minorities to participate fully in employment, procurement, marketing, advertising, dealer development and board membership opportunities in the industry.

For more information, please visit http://automotiveproject.org.

20th Annual Rainbow PUSH Global Automotive Summit
Event Highlights

Leadership Breakfast
Speakers:
Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. – Founder and President, Rainbow PUSH
Barry Engle – Executive Vice President and President, The Americas, General Motors

Vice Presidents of Global Purchasing
Panelists:
Burt Jordan – Vice President, Global Vehicle Purchasing, Ford Motor Company
Steven Kiefer – Sr. Vice President, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, General Motors
Scott Thiele – Head of Purchasing, Head of Supply Chain, FCA – North America
Robert Young – Group Vice President, Purchasing, Supplier Engineering Development & Cost Planning, Toyota Motor North America

Business & Education Luncheon
Speakers:
Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. – Founder and President, Rainbow PUSH
Mark Stewart – Chief Operating Officer, FCA – North America
Mike Duggan – Mayor, City of Detroit

Advertising and Marketing
Speakers:
Marc Bland – Chief Diversity Officer, IHS Markit
Cheryl Grace – Senior Vice President, U.S. Strategic Community Alliance & Consumer Engagement, Nielsen
Meliza Humphrey – Manager, National Advertising, American Honda Motor Company
Cynthia Tenhouse – Vice President, Vehicle Marketing and Communications, Toyota North America

Human Resources
Speakers:
Ken Barrett – Global Chief Diversity Officer, General Motors
Lori Costew – Chief Diversity Officer and Director of People Strategy, Ford Motor Company
Yvette Hunsicker – Vice President & Division Manager of the Human Resources and Office of Inclusion & Diversity, Honda North America, Inc.

Other panel discussions throughout the morning and afternoon include conversations around improving access to opportunities in African American ownership in dealerships and professional services. The event will also address the ways in which human resources departments can enhance hiring and promoting practices of African Americans.

The event culminates in an awards reception on Friday evening November 1, when Rainbow PUSH will acknowledge Living Legends and Emerging Leaders Awards Reception.