If you’ve come to this page somehow we want to let you know that we’ve changed locations. Check us out here at www.myvoicedc.com!

Acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee presents an explosive look at the lives of four African American soldiers trapped behind enemy lines during World War II in Miracle at St. Anna coming to DVD and Blu-ray Hi-Def on February 10, 2009 from Touchstone Home Entertainment. An epic tale depicting the indomitable human spirit in the face of shocking devastation, this stirring story is even more revealing with exclusive Blu-ray bonus features that take viewers deeper into the world of these unsung heroes with a fascinating documentary featuring WWII vets and Spike Lee that illuminate the untold story of America’s “Buffalo Soldiers,” the U.S. Army’s all-black regiment.

 Directed by award winning Lee (Do the Right Thing, 4 Little Girls), and based on the highly acclaimed novel by James McBride, Miracle at St. Anna is a powerful story of faith, courage and sacrifice.  Critics give this film high marks, calling Miracle at St. Anna “One of Spike Lee’s best and most important films.  Honest, powerful, and inspiring, Miracle at St. Anna is one of the best films of 2008.” (Ben Lyon, E!). 

Miracle at St. Anna comes from the true story of four African American soldiers stationed in German-occupied Italy during World War II. Separated from their unit and trapped behind Nazi lines, ranking officer Aubrey Stamps (Derek Luke), hot-headed Bishop Cummings (Michael Ealy), radioman Hector Negron (Laz Alonso) and gentle giant Sam Train (Omar Benson Miller) survive a shocking massacre, rescuing a young Italian boy in the process. The five make their way to the nearest village, where they join forces with the local opposition, risking their lives and gathering intelligence for a nation that considers them second-class citizens. 

An inspirational look at the heroic exploits of the all-black 92nd “Buffalo Soldier” Division of the U.S. Army, Miracle at St. Anna boasts a superb cast headlined by Derek Luke (Definitely, Maybe, Lions for Lambs), Michael Ealy (Barbershop 2: Back in Business, 2 Fast, 2 Furious), Laz Alonso (Stomp the Yard, This Christmas) and Omar Benson Miller (Things We Lost in the Fire, 8 Mile). The film also stars John Turturro (You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, Transformers), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Brick, The Lookout), John Leguizamo (Righteous Kill, The Happening), Kerry Washington (Ray, The Last King of Scotland) and D.B. Sweeney (”Jericho,” Stiletto).   

Blu-ray Bonus Features

In addition to footage and sound that are spectacular in hi-def, the Blu-ray disc contains the following exclusive bonus features:

·         Deeds Not Words—Pull up a chair with Director Spike Lee and World War II veterans at the historic Harlem Veterans’ Club as they share their intimate experiences from the Great War and discuss how their service to their country is remembered and immortalized in the annals of history and in the films of Hollywood.

·        The Buffalo Soldier Experience—Trace the history of the Buffalo Soldier with historians, Director Spike Lee and the cast, and hear rare firsthand accounts of the deep personal bond that was forged between the soldiers and the Italian citizens during World War II.

·        Deleted Scenes

The Fort Myer Gospel Service will host its Annual Black History Month(BHM) Celebration on Saturday, February 28, 2009, 2:00 P.M. at the Memorial Chapel. Guest speaker is Dr. Luke Torian, Pastor, First Mount Zion Baptist Church, Dumfries, VA. The First Mount Zion’s Men’s Choir along with the Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University will provide inspirational music with the Gospel Service Youth choir providing the prelude to the program.

During the program, a special presentation will be made to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., National Memorial Project Foundation; Mr. Alvin Phillips will accept on behalf of the foundation. The program will  close with a special video of the Black National Anthem, Lift Every Voice. Immediately after the program, there will be a catered fellowship dinner in the chapel’s fellowship hall.

This program is open to the general public. For additional information, Contact Edgar Brookins, Chair, BHM Planning Committee, 202-332-008/edgarb@afro.com

March is Women’s History Month.  As we approach this historical time with our new president, we should not forget that it is also significant that Prince George’s County has the second highest incidence of HIV/AIDs among African American women in the state of Maryland.  More significantly, Maryland ranks number three in the entire country for this dreadful disease.  This is a major health crisis, not only for African American women in the County, but on a national level as well.  That’s why I am involved and hope that you share my concern and will participate in this important event on March 14, 2009 to raise public support to help fight this social/health issue.

On Saturday, March 14th Sheila Stewart and Jeannie Jones of Radio One will be co-hosting the First Annual Awards Brunch & Fashion Show at The Camelot in Upper Marlboro, Maryland to celebrate historic women from around the region who have made significant strides in the areas of public service, community service, volunteerism, philanthropy, communications, politics and media.  This event is also intended to raise public awareness for women with HIV/AIDs.  A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit My Sister’s Keeper, the first facility of its kind in Prince George’s County that will provide housing and other support for single women and their children. It will also support “Life Is Choice Driven” a Maryland non-profit organization that provides leadership in the community to help our youth make better choices.  The brunch and fashion show will be held from 10a-12:30p. The fashion Show is being directed by 1st Lady Cynthia Moore of Carolina Missionary Baptist Church.

The Honorable Barbara Lee, Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is our Keynote Speaker.  Congresswoman Lee has been a leader on Capitol Hill to provide funding for increased public awareness and other financial support to help those with HIV/AIDs in the United States.  She has also authored a book that she will be signing at this event.

One of the original members of the legendary group The Platters, Joe Coleman will perform along with internationally known Fashion Show Announcer from London (U.K) This event will honor these historic women:

*Leslie Johnson, Esq., First Lady of Prince George’s County (Public Service)             

*Denise Rolark Barnes-Publisher of The Washington Informer (Print/Media)

*Cynne Simpson-Anchor/Reporter WLJA TV-7 (Media/TV)

*Mya-Grammy Award Winning Singer/Actress (Music/Entertainment)

*Nichole Thomas-Wife of Wizards Player (Etan Thomas) (Civic/Community Service)

*Pastor Cynthia Brazelton- Victory Christian International Ministries (Civic/Religion)

*Shanise Craft –General Manager, County Line Motors (Business/Philanthropy)

*Marilyn Dotser-Wellness First Founder (Health)

*Dr. Lonise Bias-Mother of the late NBA Great (Len Bias) (Anti-Violence)

*Dr. Charlene M. Dukes, President, Prince George’s Community College (Education)

*Endura Govan-Founder International Business Kids; (Youth Entrepreneurship)
We would be honored if you can participate in this event that celebrates the numerous contributions of women and help raise awareness on HIV/AIDs health issues and My Sister’s Keeper by considering a sponsorship.  Your support will help thousands of families and bring more media and community awareness about the increase of HIV/AIDs in Maryland and Prince George’s County.  Together we can make a difference!  Individual tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling 240-786-6496 at  All checks should be made payable to Life is Choice Driven.

If you are looking for some good DVD’s to enjoy, check out the list below.  Head over to your favorite store and pick up a few to take home. Your nights can be entertaining at  with friends, popcorn and a good DVD.

Collection Celebrates A History of Determination, Pride, Entertainment and Success

A History of Determination: Courageous and epic stories to commemorate lives including the first African-American major league baseball player of the modern era, Jackie Robinson (The Jackie Robinson Story), the steadfast Olympian Cassius Clay (AKA Cassius Clay).  1972 congresswoman and presidential hopeful Shirley Chisholm (Chisholm ’72: Unbought & Unbossed) and the biography of the historic civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr (King).
 

A History of Pride: Men of Honor (Robert De Niro, Cuba Gooding Jr.), Hotel Rwanda (Don Cheadle, Nick Nolte) and Roll Bounce (Bow Wow) are brought together to celebrate some of the most established actors in Hollywood.
 

A History of Entertainment: Motown-flavored masterpiece The Five Heartbeats, courtside comedy Rebound, the hilarious sketch variety show, Cedric The Entertainer, family-favorite “The Bernie Mac Show” and the witty stand-up of Bill Cosby: Himself include something enjoyable for everyone.
 

A History of Success: I Robot (Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan), Man On Fire (Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken), The Salon (Vivica A. Fox), Barbershop (Ice Cube, Eve) and In The Heat Of the Night (Sydney Poitier, Rod Steiger) celebrate triumphant outcomes throughout Black history.

By Mark Gray, SportsGroove Radio Host

Beltway Sports Report

By Fox 5 Reporter, Tom Fitzgerald

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - 

With the bidding process off to a shaky start for five slots parlors in Maryland, a state delegate has introduced a bill to place slots inside BWI-Marshall Airport.

The bill would allow a slots parlor to be opened inside the airport terminal with up to 3,000 machines. Voters would have to approve it as an amendment to the state constitution.

Many passengers were split on the idea. Rodney Thompson of Maryland said, “I don’t have a problem with it, man. Sounds like a good idea to me,” while Kathy Kittenger of Akron, Ohio said, “Thats crazy. This is not Las Vegas.”

Maryland’s Governor Martin O’Malley was not in favor of the idea, saying he’d prefer the decision be left up the commission in charge of selecting the five slot sites, not local politicians, adding “They all have to run for election and have a right to have their ideas heard, but for my part I believe we should let the commission do its job.”

Potential operators would have until April 2011 to apply for a license with the Maryland Video Lottery Facility Location Commission.

The bill is sponsored by Democratic Delegate Eric Bromwell of Baltimore County. It has 10 co-sponsors, all of but one from Baltimore County. The airport is located in Anne Arundel County, but no Anne Arundel lawmakers have signed onto the bill.

It’s a loss for the District, but it looks like D.C. United may finally score a new stadium.

DC’s professional soccer team announced Monday that they have begun the process of moving to Prince George’s County in Maryland from their current location. Legislation has been introduced that will authorize the team to work with the Maryland Stadium Authority to build a new stadium.

Currently housed at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, the move will take the team out of the District. The team had originally planned to build their new stadium at Poplar Point.

In a letter sent to Mayor Fenty on February 13, 2009, councilmember Marion Barry expressed his dissatisfaction about the soccer team’s planned move. In the letter, he blamed Fenty and his administration, believing that they had mishandled the development of the stadium at Poplar Point. He also noted that the project had the potential to create thousands of jobs and bring affordable housing to the area.

By Fox 5 Reporter, Roby Chavez

WASHINGTON - Restaurant Week in DC started Monday and will continue until February 22nd.

Nearly 200 restaurants are participating and chefs are hoping to get local residents to the table for the right price of $35.09 for a three-course meal. Lunch prices are $20.09 for the same.

Restaurant Week is a chance to win back customers taken out by the economy.

Gus Dimillo of Acadiana in Northwest says, “It’s a real marketing tool to reach out to our client bases that actually live here.” Customers like it and it makes a normally slow Monday look like happy days are here again.”

Customer Doug Everett said, “Every one we’ve seen, it was pretty well full. It does not look like they are having that problem here in Washington. ”

At The Heights in Columbia Heights, it’s all about the experience. The chef has changed the menu without upping the price. Chef Billy McCormick said, “This week, we’re taking lobster and mixing it with crabmeat and other ingredients and provide high end product at a reduced cost.”

Demetrias Hale came in for happy hour and got a three-course meal. In a tight economy, she is dining on a deal. Hale said, “[I'm] definitely eating out less. Actually, I came in here during happy hour. It has reduced price on the menu which is great, because you get full meal and a discounted price.”

McCormick said, “You have to keep changing things up. Bring in specials and more ideas. With the economy maybe produce dishes that cost a little bit less.”

Restauranteurs say whether it’s a neighborhood restaurant or five star elegant dining, customers all want the same thing. Dimillo has several restaurants and says customers really want to go out but they are looking for value.

A good barometer on the economy is how many people are eating out. Many chefs say if your serve up good food at the right price and make it a good experience, it should be enough to overcome the economic downturn.

Dimillo said, “Restaurant week is a great opportunity to experience Washington, DC’s best restaurants at affordable prices.

Cuisines include contemporary American, Mexican, French, Mediterranean, Italian, Southern, Seafood, Spanish, California, Pan-Asian and more. Diners can choose from newly-opened hotspots like Adour at the St. Regis or Art and Soul at the Liaison Capitol Hill, plus traditional favorites such as 1789, Bombay Club and Sushi-Ko. Other participants include Rammy-award winners Equinox, voted fine dining restaurant of the year; the Oceanaire Seafood Room, voted power spot of the year; Poste, voted upscale casual restaurant of the year; and The Monocle, named the voters’ favorite.

Washington, DC Restaurant week is produced biannually by the Destination DC and the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington.

Full Show

This week’s guests:

Pamela Gentry

Blogs.bet.com/news/pamela

Duane Clemons

Body Regeneration Center

301-588-8088

www.brchealth.com