Serena Williams Wins the WTA Championship

On Sunday, Serena Williams beat opponent Maria Sharapova 6-4, 6-3, winning the Istanbul hosted WTA Championship for the third time and ending the season with a 59-4 record.  

After surviving a serious injury and near-fatal healthcare, Williams has had an outstanding award-winning year earning seven titles and taking the victor's role in Wimbledon, the Olympic gold medal and U.S. Open, to name a few.

Ms. Williams told the Associated Press "I had such a good year, it was important to end on a good note. It was good for my sanity to win," Williams said. "I really wanted it although I didn't need it. "

Dr. Daniel Hale Williams: The Father of Heart Surgery

Watch this video excerpt about the history of  Dr. Daniel Hale Williams



Dr. Daniel Hale Williams is the Official Father of Open Heart / Cardiac Surgery

What you should know...

• On January 23, 1891 Daniel Hale Williams helped establish the interracial hospital, Provident Hospital and Training School Association; where he trained black nurses and employed doctors of all races.
• Dr. Daniel Hale Williams is the first person to perform an open-heart surgery.
• Dr. Williams was also the first surgeon to open the chest cavity successfully without the patient dying of infection
• On July 9, 1893, Dr. Williams successfully performed open heart surgery on a young Black man named James Cornish, who was injured in a bar fight and stabbed in the chest with a knife.
• 51 days later  James Cornish walked out of Dr. Williams' Provident Hospital fully recovered and went on to live another 50 years.
• He was known for his professionalism and insistence on upstanding sanitation and operating procedures
• In 1902, he performed another breakthrough operation, successfully suturing a patient's spleen
• Williams' Provident Hospital had an 87% success rate in its first year of operation.

Sports: Lewis Hamilton Wins the Australian Grand Prix

The Formula One races are on again and I'm happy to say that McLaren-Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton still has his mojo. The handsome Briton won the Australian Grand Prix this weekend. The Australian Grand Prix is the season opener for the Formula One races. Hamilton won the race effortlessly while the other drivers struggled. If you follow the Formula One, then you've heard about the racist drama Lewis Hamilton was experiencing in Spain due to his ex-racing partner Fernando Alonso and the Spanish racing fans. Well, Alonso came in third place and I hope he enjoys the slice of humble pie that Hamilton just served him.


Australian Grand Prix results

1. Lewis Hamilton (GB) McLaren-Mercedes 58 laps one hour 34 minutes 50.616 seconds
2. Nick Heidfeld (Ger) BMW Sauber +5.478 secs
3. Nico Rosberg (Ger) Williams-Toyota +8.163
4. Fernando Alonso (Spa) Renault +17.181
5. Heikki Kovalainen (Fin) McLaren-Mercedes +18.014
6. Kazuki Nakajima (Jpn) Williams-Toyota 1 lap behind
7. Sebastien Bourdais (Fra) Toro Rosso-Ferrari Retired - 55 laps completed
8. Kimi Raikkonen (Fin) Ferrari Retired - 53 laps completed

Celebrity HairStylist, Errol Douglas Receives the MBE Award

Errol with his son @ Buckingham Palace




Now Ladies,
I don't know about you, but as an African-American woman, when I travel to Europe I struggle with finding reputable black hair products and hairdressers. So, here's an excellent contact for you to check out if you're ever in the UK and need some hair TLC.

His name is Errol Douglas, he's a celebrity hairstylist and philanthropist. Errol Douglas is considered the creme de la creme of his industry and has styled numerous notable women including the likes of Naomi Campbell, Uma Thurman and Christina Ricci.

Recently, during a ceremony at the Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth presented 43 year-old Douglas the uber-prestigious MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) Award. The MBE is 1 of 5 classes that are part of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a British order of chivalry invented in 1917 by King George.



Now Back to Hair...


Douglas has been styling hair 28yrs and recently celebrated his salon's 10th birthday. His swanky salon located in Knightbridge, London is a fusion of Afro and European styling and is known for fabulous blow-outs, coloring and polished finishes. His salon also offers spa services and in-house catering.


Errol Douglas has been the recipient of numerous awards including: overall AIPP Grand Trophy winner, the Fellowship for British Hairdressing’s Hairdresser of the Year, the Fellowship Gold Salon Consumer Award (2 consecutive years), Creative Head Media Darling of the Year and most recently the British Master Award at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards ceremony, Black Beauty/Wahl¹s Afro Hairdresser of the Year and has been nominated eleven times for British Hairdresser of the Year, winner of the Afro category three times.

In addition to racking up accolades, Douglas has made several tv appearances like GMTV, This Morning, Good Morning, Model Behaviour, UK Living, G-Girls, 10 Years Younger, Queer Eye for a Straight Guy, Ready Steady Cook, The Weakest Link, Dial-a-mum, Extreme Makeover and Celebrity Scissorhands, to name a few.


Next time your in London and get caught in the rain, Ladies don't fret...head over to Errol Douglas on 18 Motcomb Street, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 8LB.

To find out more, visit Erroldouglas.com.

Shani Davis Wins @ Essent ISU

(Photos:Bongarts)

Congratulations to US speed skater Shani Davis. He won the men's 1000m race of the Essent ISU speedskating world cup in Inzell, Germany on Saturday. Davis defeated Canadian Denny Morrison and Netherland's Jan Bos.

Speedskating is not a sport where you see the African diaspora participating in often, but nonetheless it's amazing to see we do great when we are.

Weekend Flashes: Laureus World Sports Awards Reception in Russia

Edwin and Michelle Moses



Anthony Hamilton (F1 racer Lewis Hamilton's father) with Edwin Moses
(Photos: Ian Walton)

Edwin and Michelle Moses stepped out fabulously this Sunday at the Laureus World Sports Awards welcome reception in St. Petersburg, Russia. Edwin Moses is an Olympic multi-gold winning track and field star and innovative reformer in the areas of Olympic eligibility and drug testing. Since 2000, he's been the first Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, an international service organization of world class athletes that seeks "to promote and increase participation in sports at every level, and also to promote the use of sport as a tool for social change around the world." Numerous Olympic and world champion athletes, through the Laureus Sports for Good Foundation, work to assist disadvantaged youths around the world.

Tomorrow the Laureus Sports Awards will be held at the Concert Hall of the Mariinsky Theatre and is the only global awards ceremony to represent all areas of sport and is widely recognized as the leading honors event in the international sporting calendar. A elite sports jury of legends will choose the finest sportswomen and sportsmen of the year to be honored in front of their peers. Nominees like Formula 1 star, Lewis Hamilton and soccer star Kaka will be in Russia for the event.

Society Stars: Black Enterprise's 2008 Women of Power Summit Legacy Awards Dinner

Ann Fudge

Nikki Giovanni

Ruby Dee

Dorothy Height

On Wednesday, Black Enterprise Magazine held its 2008 Women of Power Summit Legacy Awards Dinner in Palm Springs, California. "The Women of Power Legacy Award recognizes African-American women trailblazers whose achievements, influence and power have helped to open doors of opportunity and success for women of color," said Barbara Graves, Black Enterprise senior vice president and board member. The magazine honored: world renowned poet and Virginia Tech professor, Nikki Giovanni; marketing veteran, Ann Fudge; actress and activist Ruby Dee and chairwoman and president emerita of the National Council of Negro Women, Dorothy Height.

The dinner ceremony was presided over by Barbara Graves, vice president and general manager at Earl G. Graves Ltd. and kicked off the 3rd annual Women of Power Summit, a 4-day executive leadership conference.
(Source:Black Enterprise.com)

Flashes: NAACP Image Awards Luncheon

NAACP Chairperson, Clayola Brown

Actress, Keesha Sharp

Actress, Jurnee Smollet

Actor, Terry Crews

Actor, Corbin Bleu

Model, Eva Pigford

Actress, Erica Hubbard

Director, Millicent Shelton
(Photos:Frederick M. Brown)

This past Saturday the NAACP held its 39th NAACP Image Awards Nominee Luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Every year the NAACP Image Awards honors the best in entertainment. The award show airs this Thursday, February 14th. There are 36 competitive categories in the fields of motion picture, television, music and literature. Ruby Dee will be honored with the Chairman's Award, Stevie Wonder will be inducted into the NAACP Image Hall of Fame and Aretha Franklin will receive the Vanguard Award.

Flashes: Naomie Harris & Thandie Newton BAFTA Awards

It's the film and music awards season and last night the Orange British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) were held in London.

British sistas Naomie Harris and Thandie Newton dazzled and brought much needed color to the event. Naomi wore a vibrant turquoise gown by Escada and Thandie worked a sexy black gown by Alexander McQueen.
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Flashes: Alek Wek,Terry McMillan, Jaime Hector & Lynn Whitfield @ Essence Literary Awards

Lifetime Achievement winner, author Terry McMillan

Actor, Jaime Hector


Author, L.A. Banks


Supermodel and author, Alek Wek

Actress, Lynn Whitfield


Editor-in-Chief Angela Burt-Murray, Emmy-nominated actress Victoria Rowell, Today show co-anchor Hoda Kotb, and Michelle Ebanks, President Essence Communications Inc.

Last Thursday, Essence held its 1st Annual Literary Awards in New York City at the Le Parker Meridien hosted by Hoda Kotb and Dr. Ian Smith. The event was invitation-only and the guest list was a who's who of Black literature. The awards also launched ESSENCE magazine's "Save Our Libraries Campaign."

Novelist, Terry McMillan received the Lifetime Achievement Award and L.A. Banks was voted by Essence readers as Storyteller of the Year. Below is the list of winners. Click here to see more photos and info.

ESSENCE LITERARY AWARD WINNERS

POETRY: Duende by Tracy K. Smith/Graywolf Press
CURRENT AFFAIRS: An Unbroken Agony by Randall Robinson/ Basic Civitas
PRESIDENT'S AWARD: Reposition Yourself by T.D. Jakes/Atria
PHOTOGRAPHY: Daufuskie Island by Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe/University of South Carolina Press
CHILDREN'S BOOKS: Marvelous World by Troy Cle/Simon & Schuster's Children's Publishing
SAVE OUR LIBRARIES: Countee Cullen Regional Library in Harlem
MEMOIR: Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat/Knopf
NON-FICTION: Supreme Discomfort by Michael Fletcher and Kevin Merida/Doubleday
INSPIRATION: Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy/Tyndale
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Terry McMillan
FICTION: The Pirate's Daughter by Margaret Cezair-Thompson/Unbridled Books
STORYTELLER OF THE YEAR: L.A. Banks

Flashes: BET Honors in Washington DC

Honoree, Alicia Keys with boyfriend, Crucial Keith

Actor, Idris Alba

Songstress, Keyshia Cole

Actor, Hill Harper

Actress, Vivica Fox

Crooner, Raheem DeVaughn

BET CEO and President, Debra Lee

(Photos:BET)

Black celebrities took over Washington, DC this weekend to attend the BET Honors.

Looking like an African princess, Alicia Keys came with her boyfriend, producer Crucial Keith and picked up an award for her work with HIV/AIDS-infected young people in Africa.

Idris Alba looked yummy!!

The future Mary J Blige, Keyshia Cole looked svelte and pretty in gray.

Hill Harper looked handsome with those big, brown eyes.

Actress, Vivica Fox looked gorgeous. I can't wait to see her on the next season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm," Vivica that finale was hilarious. My husband and I are still laughing.

Raheem DeVaughn looked dapper in black as he performed "Lift Every Voice and Sing" at the awards.

BET CEO and President, Debra Lee was all smiles as she rocked her short cut. Ms. Lee when are you going to put on more honorable programming? I'm waiting.

Halle Berry Awarded the Desert Palm Trophy

Beautiful mom-to-be, Halle Berry was honored at the Palm Springs Film Festival this weekend. The oscar-winning actress added another award to her collection, the prestigious Desert Palm Trophy. Berry's due to give birth in February, doesn't she look fabulous?

Fashion, Stars and Cars @ Upcoming Urban Wheels Awards

Journalist, Kevin Frazier


Actress, Rosie Perez


Randi Payton (UWA creator, CEO/Founder of OnWheels Inc.


On January 15, Kevin Frazier, 'Entertainment Tonight' correspondent and weekend anchor, will join Rosie Perez as co-host of the 12th Urban Wheel Awards at Detroit's Fox Theatre. The Urban Wheels Awards(UWA) honors pioneering automotive industry leaders who transcend the mainstream and embrace diversity to create products and services recognizing the growing clout of multicultural consumers.

This star-studded awards forum recognizes the top African-American, Asian-American and Latino executives in the automotive and ancillary industries who have furthered diversity in their employment practices and in the community through marketing, employment, public relations, manufacturing and/or corporate activities. An independent panel of noted journalists determines the winners.

UWA creator Randi Payton is also CEO and founder of OnWheels Inc, which publishes African Americans On Wheels, Latinos On Wheels and Asians On Wheels magazines. The Urban Wheel Awards benefit the Edward Davis Education Foundation, a non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation whose purpose is to provide scholarship support to college students of color working toward degrees that will lead to careers in the auto industry.

Leading Ladies & Gents of African Cinema Honored

Actors, Nadia Buari and Van Vicker

Brooklyn, New York was the epicenter of African glamour and showbiz as the superstars of African cinema descended on the city for the 10th Annual Five Continents Awards. The event was in honor of Nollywood and Ghollywood for raising the bar for the African film industry which has become very prosperous.

Nollywood is Nigeria's booming film industry and is the world's third largest producer of feature films. Ghollywood is Ghana's very popular film industry.

Ghana’s finest, co-stars, Van Vicker and Nadia Buari, received awards for their roles in “Beyonce, The President’s Daughter” series. Nollywood stars also represented: Chinedu Ikedieze, Osita Iheme, Patience Ozorkwo, Mike Ozuronye, Jim Iyke, as well as Omotola Jalade.

The Consul General of Ghana, His Excellency Obeng Gyan Busia, was one of the dignitaries who graced the occasion in addition to the Nollywood/Ghollywood fans who were overjoyed to see their actors.


The international film industry is starting to take notice of the African cinema and the talent it has to offer. Nollywood has generated so much buzz, it definitely one to watch in 2008. As global popularity grows, many speculators of African cinema acknowledge that the time has come for fresh story lines, depth and glamour.

Society Noir will write future posts detailing the growing Nollywood and Ghollywood industries.

Alesha is 'Strictly' the Victor

Alesha Dixon, the former member of R&B group Mis-Teeq, danced her way to victory in the ballroom competition " Strictly Come Dancing." Alesha and dance partner Matthew Cutler's fates were sealed by the viewers, whose votes determine the winner.
As host Bruce Forsyth handed Alesha the winners trophy, he told her "You could become the biggest female star in this country."

Runner-up Di Angelo and his dance partner Flavia Cacace said they were "very pleased" to have made it to the final.
The two finalists performed five dances each, including their favourite ballroom and Latin dances of the series.

Check out the video clip of Alesha and Matthew dancing their hearts out.

And the Winner is...

(Photo: Eddie Grant)


Congratulations to 18 year-old Daniel Ellis, a sophmore at the University of Toronto in Canada, who's this year's winner of the Arts and Culture Jamaica Inc. Scholarship. Arts and Culture Jamaica was founded to showcase Jamaica's arts and culture to both Canadians and Jamaicans, and to support Jamaican artists.

The organization made the announcement and presentation at its 'Christmas in the Caribbean' concert, held at the Hillcrest Christian Church in Toronto, Canada.

Daniel, originally from Jamaica, who is studying Theatre Arts, was one of six students who applied for the scholarship. The scholarship is open to students of Jamaican heritage who are enrolled in a Canadian university or college and studying either Fine Arts, Design, Literature or the Performing Arts, which include Dance, Music and Drama.

The student who was bitten by the acting bug at an early age, had a small part in the Jamaican movie, 'Third World Cop', and was the youngest member of the Cathy Levy Players, spending two years with the company and has appeared in several television and radio commercials.

Prior to migrating with his parents, Annette and Owen 'Blakka' Ellis to Canada three years ago, Daniel attended Campion College where he was a member of the School Choir, Drama Club and Rugby team. He attended the Blessed Mother Teresa Catholic School in Toronto, becoming a founding member of the Environmental Friendly Teens Club. He was also the treasurer on the Student Administrative Council and the first recipient of the 'Generosity of Spirit Award' for his contribution to the life of the school.

Nigel Smith,Consulate at the Jamaican Consulate General, commended the work of Arts and Culture Jamaica, noting that the organization has "promoted the unique and vibrant culture of Jamaica during 2007."

President of Arts and Culture Jamaica, Cherita Girvan-Campbell, thanked the many supporters and announced that the organization would be hosting an exhibition of works by Jamaican-based artists and readings by Jamaican authors in 2008.

The Founder of Arts and Culture Jamaica Inc., Paula de Ronde, encouraged more students to apply for the scholarship, saying it was just as important "to feed the soul as the body," and artists help us to do that.