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Winner Anta James Will Attend the 'American Idol(R)' Season Finale in Los Angeles Wednesday, May 23
- Winner Shares Inspiring Story About Her Lifelong Dream to Become a Doctor and Make a Difference in the World -
NEW YORK, May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifetime Television today announced Anta James the winner of its national essay contest encouraging women to make their dreams a reality. Anta, a health program manager in Jacksonville, Florida, and one guest will travel to Los Angeles to attend the season finale of "American Idol(R)." The contest was launched in conjunction with the Lifetime Original Movie about "American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino, "The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale." The movie followed Fantasia's journey from her complicated childhood to her triumphant success on the third season of "American Idol" and was Lifetime's most watched movie of all time, garnering more than 19 million viewers in its premiere weekend.
The national essay contest asked contestants to answer the question, "What is your life long dream and what steps must you take to achieve it?" In her winning essay, Anta shared how the experiences she had as a youth in Senegal shaped her dream of becoming a doctor and influenced her decision to pursue a life dedicated to helping others. "Growing up in Senegal, I saw poverty and sickness coexist with glamour and flashy cars. Images of sick children, ailing mothers and unemployed fathers have always haunted me," she said. Anta traveled from Senegal to the United States to study economics and international studies on a college scholarship. Driven by a desire to use her knowledge to help underserved communities, Anta has decided to take one more step toward achieving her dream of becoming a doctor by applying to medical school next year.
"I want to take vital health education to people in remote rural areas of Africa, where TV and radio ads about HIV and AIDS and social awareness campaigns do not reach. I want to actively participate in vaccination drives where a simple inoculation can save the life of a child. After years of longing for the day when I would be able to bring these services to the most underserved populations of our world, I have decided to take concrete steps toward my lifelong dream," said Anta.
"We are thrilled to announce Anta James the winner of this special essay contest," said Meredith Wagner, Executive Vice President, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, Lifetime Television.
"Like Fantasia has been, Anta is a source of encouragement and inspiration to all women who aspire to make their dreams come true. Through her hard work, dedication and passion, she will continue to make a difference in the lives of others."
The contest was part of a multi-faceted public service initiative to raise awareness of the issues that Fantasia and many women and families experience -- ranging from low self-esteem to low literacy skills -- and to encourage viewers to make a difference in their own communities. Judges included leading organizations such as Girls Inc., the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, the National Center for Family Literacy, RAINN (Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network), Save the Children and the YWCA of the USA. Ms. James's essay will be posted on http://www.lifetimetv.com/. "The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale" is available on iTunes.
LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, LMN, Lifetime Real Women, Lifetime Home Entertainment, and Lifetime Online are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.
Source: Lifetime Television
Web site: http://www.lifetimetv.com/
SUAVE(R) and DOLLAR GENERAL(R) Team with Fantasia to Award College Scholarships and Honor Education Mentors
GREENWICH, Conn., June 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 30 million adults in the United States have below basic literacy skills and are unable to comprehend and use written information(1), yet the increasingly competitive job market makes education and literacy more important than ever. This is why beauty brand Suave(R) and Dollar General(R) stores are teaming up with American Idol winner, recording artist and Broadway star Fantasia Barrino to award scholarships to students who are dedicated to education, as well as to recognize their invaluable role models -- especially mom's who have encouraged others to pursue their dreams through education. The "Suave Essay Contest" invites students to write about how someone has helped them improve their life through education for the chance to win a $10,000 scholarship and a trip to New York to meet Fantasia.
Having overcome her own challenges with literacy, Fantasia Barrino is a true idol to both children and adults. She has served as an inspiration to millions who admire her courage. As an integral part of the "Suave Essay Contest," Fantasia is helping raise awareness of an important, sometimes overlooked issue as well as build excitement in students for learning and education.
"I am thrilled to partner with Suave and Dollar General on a program that delivers such a vital message about literacy and education," said Fantasia. "Having struggled with literacy, I know the importance of reading skills and how important a good education is. I encourage all students to think about bettering their literacy skills to realize their dreams."
"Now in its fourth year, the 'Suave Essay Contest' continues to grow, awarding much-deserved scholarships and recognizing the role mentors play in the lives of Americans," said Lisa Klauser, Vice President, Unilever, Brand Building and Marketing Excellence. "We're thrilled to be able to honor role models or any mentor who has been an inspiration and made a positive impact- especially moms who have so much to juggle on a daily basis.
"As an ardent supporter of education and a firm believer in the life- changing impact it can have, Dollar General is pleased to partner with Suave to offer this scholarship opportunity to our customers," said David Perdue, Dollar General's chairman and CEO. "Education is a powerful tool that not only benefits the individual, but positively affects communities, businesses and future generations. We hope these scholarships will open doors for some deserving students who will then share their knowledge and love of learning with others."
(1) According to National Institute of Literacy's 2003 National Assessment
of Adult Literacy
Submit an Essay for the Chance to Win Scholarship Money!
The "Suave Essay Contest" program asks people five years of age or older to submit an essay about how a role model (mother, parent, teacher, relative or friend) helped them improve their life through education. Beginning Monday, June 18, students can enter online at www.dollargeneral.com or www.suaveessaycontest.com or by picking up an official entry form at any Dollar General store. One grand-prize winner will receive a $10,000 grant toward a college savings plan and three first prize winners will receive a $5,000 grant. All four winners will have the exciting opportunity to travel to New York City with a guest to see Fantasia star in "The Color Purple" on Broadway and meet her after the show. In addition, 2,000 second-place entrants will win a $50 Visa Gift Card. Entries submitted by mail must be postmarked by Friday, July 20, 2007 and received by Friday, July 27, 2007. Online entries must be received by Friday, July 20, 2007.
About Suave
Suave(R) offers more than 300 personal care products including hair care, anti-perspirants/deodorants, body washes, body bars and hand and body lotions. Suave, a Unilever Home & Personal Care Brand, is available nationwide in food, drug and mass outlet stores. In 2003, an annual survey conducted by DSN Retailing Today named Suave America's favorite health and beauty aid brand for the third year in a row. Suave, a name that has been trusted for quality and value for more than 60 years, is purchased by 61 percent of American households each year. More than 18 Suave products are sold every second.
About Dollar General
Dollar General (NYSE:DG) is a Fortune 500(R) discount retailer with more than 8,000 neighborhood stores in 35 states. Dollar General stores offer convenience and value to customers by offering consumable basic items that are frequently used and replenished, such as food, snacks, health and beauty aids and cleaning supplies, as well as a selection of basic apparel, housewares and seasonal items at everyday low prices. The Company store support center is located in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Dollar General's Web site can be reached at www.dollargeneral.com.
About Unilever
Unilever (NYSE:UL) (NYSE:UN) , one of the world's largest consumer products companies, aims to add vitality to life by meeting everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care. Each day, around the world, consumers make 150 million decisions to purchase Unilever products. The company has a portfolio of brands that make people feel good, look good and get more out of life.
In the United States these brands include recognized names such as: Axe, "all," Ben & Jerry's, Bertolli, Breyers, Caress, Country Crock, Degree, Dove personal care products, Hellmann's, Knorr, Lipton, Popsicle, Promise, Q-Tips, Skippy, Slim-Fast, Snuggle, Suave, Sunsilk and Vaseline. All of the preceding brand names are registered trademarks of the Unilever Group of Companies. Dedicated to serving consumers and the communities where we live, work and play, Unilever in the United States employs approximately 13,000 people in more than 60 office and manufacturing sites in 24 states and Puerto Rico - generating nearly $10 billion in sales in 2006. For more information, visit www.unileverusa.com.
Source: Suave
Web site: http://www.dollargeneral.com/
http://www.suaveessaycontest.com/
http://www.unileverusa.com/
Fantasia on Select Tour Dates with Jamie Foxx Beginning December 29, 2006 at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California
NEW YORK, Dec. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Loyal supporters and new fans of award- winning J Records/19 Recordings artist Fantasia bought up 132,964 copies of her self-titled second album in its first week of release, sending FANTASIA to a #3 debut on the Billboard R&B Album chart and #19 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Fantasia will also hit the road opening select dates for Jamie Foxx, beginning December 29th in Sacramento at the Arco Arena.
Fantasia's debut on the Billboard R&B Album Chart at #3 makes this her second Top 5 R&B Album Chart debut.
At the same time, "Hood Boy" featuring Big Boi from OutKast, the new album's opening track and first single pick, takes a sizable 15-point jump up the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart this week to #38. "Hood Boy" was written by Johnta Austin and produced by Tone Mason. BET premiered the video on 106 & Park and already has the video in heavy rotation on BET and BETJ.
The album is already being showered with critical acclaim across the country:
"With a little voice writ large, like a firefly on streetlamp voltage, she's an excellent shouter and can achieve nearly instant liftoff in her singing. (If it takes one of her models, like Shirley Caesar, at least two bars of crescendo to explode, Fantasia can do it in one.)" New York Times (December 11, 2006)
"Fantasia Barrino has more vocal chops than any other female soul singer of her generation, and her upbringing on the gospel circuit taught her how to pump a song for every drop of passion." San Francisco Chronicle (December 10, 2006)
"A perfectly executed dance/R&B album that is sure to cross over into pop territory and challenge bigger stars like Beyonce Knowles." 3 1/2 stars, US Weekly (December 18, 2006)
"The ferocious 'Baby Makin'Hips' is Fantasia's best song to date, a potential shout-along classic on par with Mary J.'s 'No More Drama.'" 3 1/2 stars, Rolling Stone (December 3, 2006)
"'Hood Boy,' with its opening salvo of horns and a vocal assist from Big Boi, is one of the best R&B numbers of the year." Entertainment Weekly (December 15, 2006)
FANTASIA (which arrived in stores December 12th) follows-up Free Yourself, her RIAA platinum debut of November 2004, which contained "I Believe" -- the first time in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 that an artist debuted at #1 with her first solo record (which stayed on top for 11 weeks) -- solidifying the former American Idol champion's career.
22-year old Fantasia -- who was the subject of a Lifetime original movie this past summer, The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life Is Not A Fairy Tale, the most viewed basic cable program on television, and Lifetime's second most viewed program of all time -- enlisted an impressive A-list collaborators for her new album, including Missy Elliott, Dre & Vidal, Midi Mafia, Diane Warran, Babyface, Swizz Beatz and Kwame.
FANTASIA TOUR DATES OPENING FOR JAMIE FOXX Fri/Dec-29 Sacramento, CA Arco Arena Sun/Dec-31 Oakland, CA Oakland Arena Sat/Jan-6 Chicago, IL All State Arena Fri/Jan-19 Hartford, CT Hartford Civic Center Sun/Jan-21 Washington, DC Verizon Center Mon/Jan-22 New York, NY MSG Thu/Jan-25 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Sun/Jan-28 Baltimore, MD Baltimore Arena Thu/Feb-1 Orlando, FL TD Waterhouse Fri/Feb-2 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Bank Atlantic Center
Source: J Records
Web site: http://www.jrecords.com/
CONCORD, N.C., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Fantasia Barrino, Mike Minter, and owners and staff of IMAJ Salon & Spa invite the general public to the Grand Opening event scheduled for December 2, 2006, 12pm - 6pm.
A preceding invitation-only premiere launch event is scheduled for November 30, 2006, for salon owners and staff, community leaders, such as Concord's Mayor J. Scott Padget, business executives, members of the Carolina Panthers organization, Speedway Club members, and selected media.
The invitation-only event will be hosted by Deya Smith, former Miss Black USA, social commentator, motivational speaker, and writer. The evening will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live entertainment from Charlotte's Own, Uncommon Jazz, and the first salon tours and photos. Both events will be produced by Tonya Inabinett, Talk of the Town Marketing & Public Relations, LLC.
The 3600-square-foot upscale salon and spa is located in the Colonnade at King's Grant Center, in Concord, NC. The salon will house 15 chairs for hairstylists, three themed spa rooms, a make-up gallery, a separate nail spa room, and a variety of products and services, providing a one-stop beauty, rejuvenation, and retail salon. Services offered consist of hair care services for all hair types, specialty facials, massages, body wraps, manicures, pedicures, as well as waxing and makeover services. The salon's hours of operations will be Monday through Saturday from 8am to 8pm. In addition, Sundays will be reserved for private events. One Sunday per month will be dedicated to men only for an event called "A Man's Worth."
Our customers won't be disappointed says Minter. "We are prepared to give our customers the best." IMAJ Salon & Spa will be staffed with celebrity and master stylists, including Fantasia's own stylist, Jennifer Hope, and visiting expert make-up artist, Kym Lee, the exclusive make-up artist to celebrities such as Venus and Serena Williams and many more. In addition, the salon and spa will staff top-notch massage therapy experts and estheticians.
Although beauty and tranquility is the theme of the salon - the salon's mission is to donate ten percent of net profits to a faith-based program called, "The Haven," a program to provide assistance to single and widowed mothers and their children.
The December 2nd grand opening event will include indoor and outdoor activities for attendees such as, Salon tours, free make-up classes facilitated, IMAJ salon and staff meet & greet, service demonstrations, singing contests, giveaways, and sponsor exhibits. In addition, patrons will have the opportunity to book appointments, purchase gift cards for the holidays, and register to become a member of the salon. Outdoor activities will be hosted by Eddie Owens, radio personality, recording artist, and spokesman.
Little Dooey's restaurant, Marlie Q's Catering Service, Oxyfresh, Felts Financial, Elevate Magazine, EXIT Hall of Fame Realty, The Keith Corporation, Prestige Barber Styling Institute, and Talk of the Town Marketing & Public Relations have signed on as sponsors for the grand opening events.
Those wishing to tour the salon or register for the free make-up classes on December 2, 2006, should R.S.V.P. on the website. Please visit http://www.imajsalon.com/ for details.
Source: IMAJ Salon & Spa
'Hood Boy' is the first new single, featuring Big Boi of OutKast
NEW YORK, Nov. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The season's most eagerly anticipated new album will arrive in stores on December 12th, as award-winning 22-year old J/19 recording artist Fantasia completes her second album FANTASIA. The long-awaited new album follows-up her RIAA platinum debut of November 2004, Free Yourself, containing "I Believe" -- the first time in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 that an artist debuted at #1 with her first solo record -- which forever solidified the former American Idol champion's career.
FANTASIA is already shaping up as a major best-seller for 2007, with its first single pick, "Hood Boy" featuring Big Boi from OutKast, logging nearly 100,000 plays at Fantasia's MySpace site (www.myspace.com/fantasiabarrino). "Hood Boy" written by Johnta Austin and produced by Tone Mason, was #3 most added at Urban Mainstream radio out of the box on November 6th. Fantasia will launch a major Yahoo! Music promotion in December around "Hood Boy" as she becomes their "Get Your Freak On" (Fans' Only) artist. It is their premiere video program taking user generated content and editing it together uniting fans with superstar artists.
Fantasia's list of top collaborators on FANTASIA begins with Missy Elliott, who co-wrote and produced three tracks on Free Yourself, including the title tune crossover hit (#3 R&B and Top 40 pop), and who now returns for another round. For the new album, Missy co-wrote and produced "Turn This Party Up!," "Two Weeks Notice," and "No Stopppin'."
Also on board are producers Dre & Vidal ("I Nominate U," "Baby Makin Hips"); Midi Mafia ("When I See U," "Broke"); Swizz Beatz ("Surround U"); Kwame ("Not The Way It Is," written by Sean Garrett); and three tracks written by Candice & Bulewa and produced by Danja ("Bore Me (Yawn)," "Uneligible," "Girl Like Me"). A special treat is the album's closing track, "I Feel Beautiful," a superstar collaboration with hit songwriter Diane Warren and hitmaking producer Babyface. "The lyrics on that song are very emotional for me," Fantasia says, "and when I recorded it, I just broke down at the end. It's my song for my Mom."
A truly down-to-earth star from High Point, North Carolina, Fantasia first entered the pop music record books in June 2004 with her #1 debut single, "I Believe," which also set a one-week 2004 Soundscan sales record in the process. The Free Yourself album ultimately spent 10 weeks in the Top 10 on the R&B Albums chart. Her second single, "Truth Is" spent an astounding 13 consecutive weeks at #1 on the Urban Adult chart in the spring 2005, and had the most one-week airplay totals ever on an adult record in Billboard and Monitor history, with a total of 1558 spins.
For all her accomplishments, Fantasia gathered award nominations from every corner of the entertainment industry -- the Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Vibe Awards, Soul Train Awards and Soul Train "Lady of Soul" Awards, Billboard Music Awards and R&B & Hip Hop Awards, BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Teen Choice Awards -- more than 20 nominations in all. Among the honors she took home were Outstanding Female Artist at the NAACP Image Awards; and Top-Selling R&B/Hip-Hop Single of the Year and Top-Selling Single of the Year for "I Believe" at the year-end Billboard Music Awards.
Fantasia kicked off 2006 with her first acting gig in the compelling original Lifetime movie, "The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life is Not a Fairy Tale," which was watched by more than 19 million viewers during the August 19-20 weekend. The movie became Lifetime's second most-watched movie in its 22 year history. The movie will re-air on Thanksgiving night, November 23rd from 9PM-11PM.
There'll be no crying when FANTASIA hits the streets and the next exciting chapter in Fantasia's career begins. The songs, many of them written especially for her, reflect where she is at in life today. "I've let go of things from the past and I'm having a good time," she says. "I was able to let go of the past with the Lifetime movie and now I'm on a whole different level. I worked with some really great people on this album like Missy Elliott, Dre & Vidal, Midi Mafia, and Swizz Beatz, and I let everyone know that I've moved on from where I was."
Source: J Records
Web site: http://www.jrecords.com/
CBS New York Anchor Shon Gables (left), Fantasia (center), and JBG Founder Chrisena Coleman (2nd from right), and others at an awards ceremony in New York where Coleman received a phenomenal woman award
Track List
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