HOFE Clothing Line Special Event

Sorry but I'm a little late posting this one. I dun got caught with a summer cold. (a-choo!)

The guys of H.O.F.E. (Hand Over Fist Entertainment) held an event on Sunday, August 12 at Ben's Chili Bowl to introduce the first T-shirt in their signature collection. Their first signature T-shirt was a collaboration with W. Ellington Felton, a local performance artist and son of recently deceased jazz pianist Hilton Felton. In addition to showcasing the new signature T-shirt, the fellas also had their current line for sale which included a couple of adorable new additions. They also had a spread of Ben's vittles which included hot dogs, chili, fries and chips. The vibe in the room was hot with young creative people who support entrepreneurship, innovative T's and hot sneaks.

Visit http://www.iamhofe.com/ or www.myspace/hofex for more info.

Vida Stars

Here's my first installment of Vida Stars, a piece where I highlight dynamic young people.

Name: Keith Reed
Age: 30
City: Boston, Mass
Primary Gig: Business Writer for the Boston Globe
Secondary Gig: Freelance Writer
Tertiary Gig: Blogger-Blackpeoplesmoney.com
Married: No
Kids: Yes

You can see a sample of Keith's work in this month's Ebony Magazine. He has a piece titled "The Fickle Business of Fashion" where he interviewed fashion icons Tyra Banks, Iman, Kimora Lee Simmons and Alek Wek.

Did u go to school? If so, where and what was your major?
I went to Coppin State in Baltimore and graduated with a B.A. in English and a minor in communication management.

What r u most passionate about?
That's a tough question to answer because I'm passionate about so many things. I love writing, really communicating and the power of having a voice that reaches masses of people. I've also always been fascinated by politics -- how ideologies are harnessed through the art of compromise to bring about policy -- and by business and money. I guess you could say I'm passionate about all the vehicles through which people exercise power and influence.

What kind of business/opportunities/activities were u involved with when u were younger?
Man, when I was younger I did all kinds of stuff. In high school I worked at a McDonald's for two weeks and worked in a stockroom at a Victoria's Secret for a month. In high school I had all kinda hustles -- signing up people for credit cards, working at a rental car joint, writing papers for people, helping promote parties and concerts. Whatever way I could get a lil money.

How did you come into your current opportunity(s)?
Well, I got my current job four years ago through a recruiter for the Wall Street Journal. Iinterviewed there and they liked me, but then 9/11 happened and they stopped hiring, so she passed me on to her friend who was coming to be the business editor at the Globe. Freelancing is all a hustle. Writing small stuff, taking little assignments, building relationships with editors and getting in everybody's mix until people recognize your name and take your calls and pitches. My blogs, those things I pretty much created on my own. You don't have to knock on anyone's door anymore to put your ideas in front of the world.

What were u doing 5 years ago?
I was in my first job as an editor, running the web site at my old paper, the Baltimore Business Journal.

Where do you see urself in five years ?
I want to still be writing, about all kinds of subjects but especially business, style and big pieces about things that affect life in black communities. There will always be room for more and more nuanced perspectives on those things. The big thing is I want to have a higher profile and develop content based on what I write, so instead of being just a staff writer or freelancer, I might add editor or executive producer to my repertoire.

Who have u patterned your work/strategy/development/professional style after?
I have tons of mentors who I call on all the time for advice. I've always respected Earl Graves. Love Bob Johnson for his understanding of the business world. Roland Martin for being a journalist who mastered the art of self-promotion and building a personal brand without compromising his ethics in this business.

How do u balance ur schedule?
I haven't really figured out the balance part just yet. I mean, honestly, it's just in the last few months that I've figured out that the job, the gig, the hustle isn't everything. When you know you have all this energy and enthusiasm to put into what you do that makes you impatient. But when you knock on that glass ceiling for the first time that impatience can turn into frustration that'll kill you if you don't find other things that are more important.

How do you feel right now?
Grateful -- that I've been blessed with the opportunities that I have, that I have two lil reasons named Malik and Elijah that motivate me to take advantage of those opportunities and that I have the ideas and energy to keep opening more doors.

Who are you supporting in '08?
Ha. I'm a journalist, so I couldn't even answer that if I knew at this point. I have a good idea, but I'm not entirely sure yet.

Scene & Heard

Bobby Valentino was in town performing at Six Flags for the Starburst Thursday Night Concert Series. The opening act Paula DeAnda finished her set at about 6:55PM. Mr. Valentino was supposed to begin at 7PM but at that time he was just leaving Reagan National Airport. Bobby V didn't begin his performance until 8PM (and FYI the park closes at 8PM) but when he finally came out the kids in the audience went wild. He performed a mix of sings which included "Tell Me" and his latest single "Anonymous". During one lively set he played the song "Georgia" and did all the latest dances with mostly originate from his native Atlanta such as the motorbike, walking it out, and the superman. And if you don't know what the superman is you're not a true ATLien. For those of us who need a quick dance update, Click here to see kids doing the Superman.

After the show and after the park closed Six Flags staff members personally ushered Bobby V. and his entourage around the park to get on a few rides. Although it was drizzling and humid, his entourage had a ball getting on the rides in the dark. A fun time was had by all.

And FYI, Bobby V. is a CAU graduate, Go Panthers!!

Upcoming performances

Just thought I'd update everyone on artists coming to town.

August 17-Angie Stone Carter Barron $20+

August 19-Teena Marie, Lyfe Jennings and Kindred the Family Soul Constitution Hall $75

August 21-Dwele Birchmere $25

August 25-Chrisette Michelle Black Cat $18

September 6-Musiq Soulchild Warner Theater $39.50

September 14-Macy Gray and the Brand New Heavies

Constitution Hall $53

September 17-Ben Harper and

the Innocent Criminals

Warner Theater $40-50

Hit in Jet Magazine

Well, apparently I have made it to the big time. A pic I took for the station made it into this week's edition of Jet Magazine. We are working on an initiative to expose more minorities to NASCAR in the sports section is a pic of WHUR FM General Manager Jim Watkins and 17-year-old NASCAR Busch East driver Marc Davis (Silver Spring, MD native). WHUR is breaking new ground by being the first urban radio station to sponsor a NASCAR drive. But hey, don't believe my hype, just read it.

This Jet edition has Tracey Edmonds on the cover and the pic is on page 52. I didn't get my photo credit but hey man, that's my work. Check it out if you get a chance.

Check out Ebony/Jet Magazine here: http://www.johnsonpublishing.com/graphics/content/jetCover.jpg

NASCAR and opportunities

Yesterday with the station we attended the Pennsylvania 500 at the Pocono Raceway. I spoke with Chase Mattioli, grandson of Doc. Mattioli who owns the Pocono Raceway and soon-to-be pro racer. He emphasized the need for NASCAR sportcasters since the sport has gotten so popular. He said in the past NASCAR was not popular but since its rise to popularity in recent years there's an extreme need for sportscasters in the sport. This is a tremendous opportunity for any up and coming broadcasters or current journalists looking for a niche.

Also, we met with three of the five minority pit crew members working on Sunday. NASCAR has a long way to go with their diversity initiative but this is another area where minorities can get involved with the racing industry. Working behind the scenes, getting the car in tip-top shape, changing tires, fixing the car after wrecks; it's very cool.

Visit http://www.nascar.com/ for more information. And remember, I drive faster than boys.