"The Famous Jett Jackson" (Where Are They Now?)

In 1998, the Disney Channel premiered a groundbreaking series named "The Famous Jett Jackson". The late Lee Thompson Young (1984-2013) played "Jett Jackson", a television star who moved his show from Los Angeles to his small North Carolina town. For three seasons, Young became one of Disney's first faces of diversity and opened doors for other actors/actresses of color to have their own shows. Tragically, he passed away from suicide in August 2013. Yet, his legacy lives on through his fans and former cast mates.

(Montrose Hagins, who played Jett's great-grandmother, passed away in 2012.) 

What ever happened to the surviving cast members? Zack's TVLife did some digging to bring you up to speed.

GORDON GREENE ("Sheriff Wood Jackson") 

Mr. Greene is now producing and directing his own projects, including "XXENOS" and "Coconut Hut". You can find more information about him on his website, Gordon Greene Projects . 

RYAN BAUM ("J.B.") 

The Lord told me to tell you that J.B. is a pastor now. Ryan has gone from Ryan Sommers Baum to Ryan Dowell Baum.  Baum pastors First Congregational United Church of Christ in Sioux City, Iowa. By the way, Ryan's pronouns are "they, them, and their", so please address Ryan accordingly.

KERRY DUFF ("Kayla") 

Kerry Duff is hard to find. She hasn't been active in the entertainment industry and doesn't have a social media presence. 

If you have any updates about cast members, please share them below. 

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Litao Chinese: One of YouTube's Best Mandarin Teachers?

Meet Tao Zheng. ("Taw Jung") 

He is a popular YouTube instructor who offers brief Mandarin Chinese lessons on his channel. (For longer videos, viewers have to pay at Litao Chinese.) 

Zheng's YouTube subscribers leave positive feedback about the comfortable, slow speed in which he teaches. In addition to that, the male YouTube commenters value Zheng as an instructor who teaches the tones in a masculine voice.

Mandarin Chinese is one of the world's fastest growing languages. In fact, Al Jazeera has launched a Mandarin language site to appeal to 1.4 billion residents of China. 

For an example of Litao Chinese on YouTube, check out the video below. 

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Couples Uncorked: A Relationship Page for EVERYONE

Walter and Christina Donald believe in love. 

The Los Angeles-based couple operates "Couples Uncorked", a relationship page on Facebook for singles, married people, divorcees, and widowers. Wherever you are in the relationship cycle of life, The Donalds have something that can inspire you. 

The Donalds met in Mississippi when they were students at Rust College. Over the past two decades, they have developed a strong bond which has inspired other couples to pursue love. 

If you're looking for love in 2018, stop by Couples Uncorked. You might make a love connection! 

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Entertainment Pros You Should Know! [NOTABLE '17]

Today, we begin our series, "Notable '17"-- a compilation of  leaders who are making big moves in various fields of endeavor. 

For our first installment, we'll take a look at people in the entertainment industry who will definitely become household names in the future.

Here are some entertainers, managers, and creative artists worth noting:

1. MOODY BLACK (mOody bLaCk)
Greenville, SC
Website
Spoken Word/ Hip Hop Visual Artist, Storyteller, Photographer, Slam Master

In his own words: "I'm a smart arts teacher who works with teachers to implement poetry in their curriculum. I want to travel the world and share my art to leave a legacy of wealth for my children. I just released my new CD, "The Uncovering, Pt.1" and I am working on a new Hip-Hop CD."


 



 (Maybe he'll get his wish to be on "Ellen" in 2017.)
Stay tuned!

2. NATASHA YOUNGE 
Los Angeles, CA
Actress/ Blogger (The Younge Hollywood Blast)

Natasha Younge is a "big deal" for web series creators because she makes a big deal out of their works. As a veteran actress, she understands the struggle. Through her work, she has created a rising tide to "lift all boats." We salute her!

3. JAI SLAUGHTER
Entertainment Host/ "Brandma"
GYST Network
Chicago, IL

As the host of "Talk To Me Tuesdays", Jai gets the scoop on major topics relating to her fellow millennials. In addition to that, she works with GYST Network-- a visual accountability group. 

4. WILLIAM MARK
Comedian/ Martial Artist
Chicago, IL

William knows how to make your sides ache-- either from his jokes or his jujitsu skills. He's a multicultural force in Chicago. There's no telling how far he can go in 2017. 

 

5. KATRELL MENDENHALL
Owner, KModels Talent Agency
Chicago, IL 

You can't have future entertainers without good agents like Katrell Mendenhall. She represents models and actors in her South Loop office of Chicago. We wish her the best during 2017 and beyond. 

6. HERBERT C. HARPER, JR.
Actor
Chicago, IL

Herbert C. Harper, Jr. has a distinguished name with the impeccable work ethic to match. He's making big moves in the Chicago acting scene and wants to land his first major role this year.

Maybe he'll get a role playing "Luther Vandross" in a biopic. You never know!

  
7. IFEOMA NKEMDI
Actress/ Teacher
Chicago, IL

Ifeoma ("ee-foh-ma") is a classic beauty with over 25 years of experience in the arts. A proud resident of Chicago's West Side, she has traveled all over the world to study her craft. Currently, she passes on her knowledge to her students. It's only a matter of time before "Ms. Nkemdi" has her full circle moment and achieves international fame. 

8. MWELWA "MEL" MUSAMBACINE
DJ
Chicago, IL
Twitter page

He's a proud native of Zambia with a global outlook on culture. Just like his DJ work, Mel knows how to "switch up" his flow to keep up with current trends. 

9. MELANIE LOREN
Actress
Chicago, IL
Facebook

This former TV news producer is making waves in the acting world. As the daughter of a prominent church pastor (father) and management consultant (mother), she comes from a strong legacy.   She has appeared on "Chicago PD" and will appear on the new Fox series, "APB" soon.

10. DREANA C. JOHNSON (DJ 3Snapz)
DJ/ Singer/ Writer
Chicago, IL

Dreana is a proud graduate of "Mizzou" (University of Missouri-Columbia) who gives back to current and future college students in Chicago. When she's not working a 9 to 5, she is pursuing her art as "DJ 3Snapz" and through poetry.

11. VAUGHN KIMMONS (Brown Alice)
Singer/ Artist
Portland, OR

From her early days in Chicago, Vaughn always embraced her individuality. Now, she is "Brown Alice", a popular singer in the Pacific Northwest who transcends musical genres.  
She definitely gives an "Andra Day" vibe with "Erykah Badu" tendencies.  

12. KORTEZ WALKER
Spoken Word Artist/ Actor
Indianapolis, IN

This married father of 3 is energetic and inspiring. By day, he works in real estate; all other times, he works to promote positive images online and at live performances.
  



For Kortez, Chicago is only a 2 1/2 hour drive away. He's in a good position to land the perfect role without taking time away from his day job or his family.

13. PROMODAVE 
Photographer
Chicago, IL 
Website  

Dave is my younger brother. (Nothing wrong with a little nepotism). He's a fantastic photographer, with a growing clientele.

*                     *                             *

Stay tuned as we honor more people in 2017! 

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Michael Jackson Fan Strives To Continue His Legacy

 Jeremy Horn will never forget June 25, 2009. 

He was at work when a co-worker told him that his musical idol, Michael Jackson had died. 

"I didn't believe it at first," the 26-year-old graphic design intern said. "Then, I borrowed my co-worker's cell phone to browse the Internet and read the horrible news--and I was in a daze." 

Horn immediately headed home and broke down into tears. 

At 6-foot-3, the Park Forest, Illinois resident is expected by some to be more of a Michael Jordan fan than the King of Pop. But Michael Jackson's music had a greater impact on his life than any NBA championship. 

As a student at Proviso East High School in Maywood, Illinois, Horn channeled the creative spirit of Jackson as a member of the marching band. And in class, he faced some backlash from classmates for expressing love of his favorite pop star. "Yes, I did get teased a whole lot because of my love for the Jackson Family--but also for defending Michael when he was arrested in 2003 for child molestation charges," he recalls. 

While in high school, Horn had academic challenges to overcome. He was a special education student with learning differences. For him, Michael Jackson's music was a motivating force in staying on the path to graduation in 2003. Five years later, he received a degree from International Academy of Design and Technology.  

"He put a spark in me that I can not let labels or the condition I was living in hold me back from accomplishing the bigger things I want in life," Horn explained. 

Being the youthful music aficionado that he is, Horn still listens to Michael Jackson's songs on a daily basis and dedicates most of his Facebook and Twitter posts to the pop legend. He says that Grammy-award winning artist made a long-lasting impact in the entertainment industry and must never be forgotten. 

"I ask every fan to honor the legacy of Michael Joseph Jackson not only on his birth and death anniversaries but everyday."

With this music fan leading the way, the King of Pop will never be dethroned.

~ Zack A. Isaacs  

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Remembering Mr. Hooper, My Church Musician

Harold M. Hooper was a musical genius.  For 39 years, he served as the Minister of Music at Third Baptist Church of Chicago, a prominent congregation on the city's South Side.  During his time, he became known as "Mr. Hooper"-- the man who could get folks in the spirit with his selection of traditional gospel songs.

Last Monday, Mr. Hooper passed away at the age of 74. In a year where my favorite musicians have expired (Prince, Lecresia Campbell, Daryl Coley, and now Joe Ligon), the news of Mr. Hooper's death left me with "the blues". However, my personal memories of his work have served as a postlude. 

In 1996, I saw that firsthand as a prospective member of Third Baptist Church. My parents were considering joining, so we started visiting.  One thing was for sure: Mr. Hooper could start playing a song and many would erupt in very loud shouts of praise. As a 12-year-old boy at that time, I was startled by the noisy response-- but also intrigued at the gift of the man "on the organ". (Depending on the song, he would also play the piano.) 

In the late 1990s, I was a teenager when Mr. Hooper recruited me to sing with the Men's Day choir. I was hesitant at first because I'm not the greatest singer. Yet, Mr. Hooper worked with all of us (ages 15 to 80) to be the best singers possible. 

For Mr. Hooper, the music continues in the hearts of his choir members. Now, he's singing a song in Heaven to the one who gave him his gift.

He will be missed.

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Thursday, December 15, 2016
 9:30 a.m. - Wake
10:30 a.m.- Funeral

Third Baptist Church of Chicago
1551 West 95th Street
Chicago, IL 60643

(Gatling's Funeral Home is providing funeral services.) 

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Social Media Scoops: EMPIRE Season 3

If you want the scoop on Empire Season 3 (premiering September 21 at 9/8 Central on FOX), you need to follow the right people on social media.

The legendary (and youthful) Mario Van Peebles has been in Chicago for the past 2 weeks to direct a future episode of "Empire". 

He shared pics of new cast member Taye Diggs with Taraji P. Henson, as well as group selfies with Jussie Smollett and Bryshere "Yazz" Gray. 

In addition to that, he had some fun with extras (in the video posted below). 

#empire

A video posted by Mario Van Peebles (@mario.van.peebles) on Aug 30, 2016 at 9:50am PDT

Hopefully, Season 3 will be better than Season 2.

Fox executives must focus on the STORY and not demographics.  The demographics will come if the story is good. There's no need to create a cheesy season full of episodes catering and pandering to people of color.

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#BlackMusicMatters | Kindred The Family Soul's "Legacy of Love"

For the past 2 days, Kindred The Family Soul has provided Chicago with musical relief. As the city copes with civil unrest and teacher layoffs, there have been soothing sounds coming from The Promontory in Hyde Park-- courtesy of the aforementioned singing duo. The Philadelphia-based group is here to promote their latest project, "Legacy of Love". (A project that I have already pre-ordered.)

The new project's lead single, "All My People", has powerful lyrics which are very timely and relevant. It's a song about togetherness and unity in a time where people are disagreeing about #BlackLivesMatter and how people should #StayWoke. 

For the sake of peace, Kindred's vocalists Fatin and Aja use their music to help listeners focus on the big picture: "One Love". 



"Legacy of Love" will be released on Tuesday, August 30, 2016. It is available on The Kulture Shop, iTunes, Google Play, and other digital outlets. 


[FTC Disclosure: I wrote this blog on my own without any compensation.]

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From Actor To Journalist, Tom Jay Jones Stays Current

For Cleveland native Tom Jay Jones, "all jobs matter". Since 1995, he has been active in the Los Angeles as an actor, volunteer, and fitness coach. 

Recently, Jones added a new job to his employment repertoire: independent journalist. A few years ago, he hosted entertainment segments for various production companies. Now, the ball is in his court. 

He's currently working on news segments about police brutality and community activism.

Check out his report below:

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Ronald "Kwesi" Harris, Renowned College Advisor, Dies At 56

UPDATE: 
Visitation will be Friday, June 24, 2016 at Leak & Sons Funeral Home (18400 S. Pulaski, Country Club Hills, IL) 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

A public memorial will be held Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the Emil and Patricia A. Jones Convocation Center on the campus of Chicago State University. 

You may enter at 95th and St. Lawrence or 99th and King Drive. 

10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. (Early arrival is encouraged) 

Source: The Family's Official Page 
   
He was committed to creating new opportunities for black males on Chicago's South Side.

Ronald "Kwesi" Harris, 56, director of the African-American Male Resource Center at Chicago State University, passed away after a battle with cancer. Known as "Baba Kwesi" to his students, family, and friends, the energetic Harris worked tirelessly to improve academic possibilities for countless men of color. 

Born and raised in Chicago, Harris became a successful product of the public school system. He graduated from Simeon Vocational High School in 1977 and completed a Bachelor's degree program at Central State University in 1981. 

(Ronald "Kwesi" Harris speaks to 2CN (now Big Zack TV) in 2011)

Ayesha Jaco, Lupe Fiasco, and Ronald Kwesi Harris

Baba Kwesi's work attracted the attention of big names in entertainment-- including rapper Lupe Fiasco and TV actor John Marshall Jones ("Smart Guy"). In fact, Lupe Fiasco dedicated song lyrics of "Mission" to Baba Kwesi in 2014.
  
For this writer, "Baba Kwesi" was an influential source of encouragement. He invited me to film news segments when the university still preferred larger media outlets to film on campus. He would compare my media outlet to "CNN" because he supported young men who dreamed. 

What consoles me is that Baba Kwesi changed the world. He fought to turn his institution into "The Chicago State University". Because of his works, black men with the greatest challenges were able to able to achieve great triumphs. 

Baba Kwesi will be missed. However, his work continues. He planted a seed in so many of his supporters that will grow into fruits of his legacy. 

Rest well. 

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Overlooked Actors, Vol 1: The Cool Guys

If you're tired of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Kevin Hart, and Steve Harvey starring in every movie or TV show-- you are not alone. There are thousands of overlooked, under appreciated actors who deserve an international spotlight. Unfortunately, the entertainment business has a Catch-22: you need experience to get work but you can't find work without previous experience. 

Thankfully, I have noticed a few men who found a way around the Catch 22 by creating their own opportunities.

(Don't worry, ladies. I will profile my favorite female actors in the next post.) 

JAS ANDERSON
(Follow him on Facebook) 


Check out his demo reel:




Anderson is one of my favorite "overlooked" actors. I enjoyed his work on the hit web series, "For Colored Boys". From there, he has landed roles on "Law & Order: SVU" , and "Blue Bloods". 
While I dislike seeing him play characters who are always thugs, prisoners, or rappers, I admire his tenacity and stage presence. He delivers great monologues and will eventually land an award-winning role one day. 

SHAUN VAN PRUDE
(Follow him on Facebook)

As a product of the U.S. Military, Shaun Van Prude embodies strong values that can help him in other fields-- including acting. 

Prude is a versatile actor who can play a variety of roles and works well with directors. Yet, Prude faces the same challenge as Anderson above: the temptation of giving in to "typecasting". Due to his height (6'4) and inner-city background, some casting directors might see him only as a detective or an athlete.  
Fortunately, he knows how to produce his own YouTube videos and creates his own images.  

Check out this monologue that I wrote for him:  





MICHAEL MAPONGA
(Follow him on Facebook) 

Michael Maponga is putting his own twist on "The American Dream". He was born in Zimbabwe but grew up in Texas. Now, he is trying to bring the best of both worlds together to reach large audiences. 

Maponga's work ethic is incredible. In addition to acting, he is an entrepreneur. His current project, AfroLandTV, is expected to be a Netflix-type entertainment source. 

Check out his comedy audition tape below: 




 




Stay tuned for Overlooked Actors, Vol 2: Wonderful Women -- a profile of some amazing female actresses.

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Fantasy Casting | "The Good Times Movie"

For years, the concept of a "Good Times" movie was been floating around.

Recently, I have been wondering about who would play the Evans family in the film. If I could cast the film, the following actors would be chosen:

Uzo Aduba as "Florida Evans"

Uzo is hot right now. From "Orange Is The New Black" to "The Wiz: Live", the 34-year-old powerhouse has the dramatic range to pull off this role.

Lamonica Garrett as "James Evans"

Currently, Lamonica is the "boyfriend" of Hollywood. He's played the role in "black-ish" and "Mr. Robinson" and he needs an upgrade. As soon as I saw him, I immediately thought of James Evans.

In my movie version, I would imagine the alternative: James returns from Mississippi and surprises his family who thought he was dead. 

Marcus Scribner as "Michael Evans"

Marcus is already 5'11 but he could still pull off Michael Evans. 

Drew Sidora as "Thelma Evans" 

Drew's in her 30s but she's youthful enough to pull of this role. Plus, she is gorgeous. 

Jerrod Carmichael as "JJ Evans"

Jerrod would definitely be "Dyno-mite" in this role. He's funny and likable on the screen. 

The "Carmichael Show" star has the comedic timing and confidence to get the job done. 

Who are your picks?

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