Saturday Mornings with Joy Keys

Special Guest: Actress Kimberly Elise. Four Time NAACP Image Award winner. She currently plays Sloan Hayes on VH1's Hit The Floor show. Elise has been seen in films, such as, Beloved, The Diary of a Mad Black Woman, & For Colored Girls. She has been seen on TV in Close To Home, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story, Soul Food, & Grey's Anatomy. Elise will be playing the lead role of Angela Logan in UP TV's Original movie Apple Mortgage Cake. Directed by Michael Scott. Produced by Entertainment One.  Apple Mortgage Cake: This is the true story of a Angela Logan who decides to bake 100 apple cakes and sell them at $40 each in order to save her home – and how this idea completely changes her and her family.  As word of her “bake sale” ripples out through neighbors, friends, her church and even old flames, the story soon spreads to the news, locally, nationally and internationally.  Orders fly in from all over the world.  Angela is taken off guard by the overwhelming support.   http://www.uptv.com/applemortgagecake

Special Guest: Author, Activist , PRofesor, & Lawyer Thomas Nazario-. Tom is a California attorney, child advocate and law professor. His expertise in children's legal issues has led him all over the world documenting human rights violations involving women and children, as well as working with inner-city kids in the Bay Area for over 30 years.  Special Guest: Pulitzer Prize winning Photographer Renee C.Byer-senior photojournalist at The Sacramento Bee. She won a Pulitzer Prize in 2007 for her "A Mother's Journey" feature photo. "A Mother's Journey" was a series of photos, over the course of a year, about a boy at the age of 10 who was battling cancer. Byer was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2013. Living on a Dollar a Day shares the personal stories of some these poorest of the poor, honoring their lives, their struggles, and encouraging action in those who can help. In making this beautiful and moving book a team traveled to four continents, took thousands of photographs, conducted numerous interviews, and researched information on the agencies around the world that strive to help the destitute. The resulting stories and photographs offer a heartrending glimpse into the everyday realities of individuals and families facing extreme poverty.  http://www.theforgottenintl.org/

Misty Copeland joined ABT's Studio Company in September 2000 and then joined American Ballet Theatre as a member of the corps de ballet in April 2001. In 2007, Misty Copeland made history by becoming the third African American female soloist and first in two decades, at American Ballet Theatre. Her roles with American Ballet Theatre include: Muse-Duo Concertant, Gulnare-Le Corsaire, Flower Girl-Don Quixote, The Peasant Pas de Deux-Giselle, Lead Harlot-Romeo and Juliet, Fairy of Valor-The Sleeping Beauty, Princess Florine-The Sleeping Beauty, Pas de Trois and a Cygnet-Swan Lake, The Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux, Sinatra Suite-Twyla Tharpe, workwithinwork-William Forsythe, Overgrown Path-Jiri Kylian, Gong-Mark Morris, Company B, Airs-Paul Taylor, Milkmaid-The Bright Stream, a Principal role created on her in Alexei Ratmansky’s Dumbarton and Misty premiered the title role of The Firebird in the Spring of 2012, featuring new choreography by world renowned in house American Ballet Theatre choreographer Alexi Ratmanski. In 2008, Misty was honored with the Leonore Annenberg Fellowship in the Arts. This two year fellowship is awarded to young artists who exhibit extraordinary talent, providing them additional resources in order to attain their full potential. Misty was honored with induction into the Boys and Girls Club National Hall of Fame in the Spring of 2012. website: www.mistycopeland.com  

Special Guest: Aaron D. Spears His stars as "Mark Bradley" in BET's Being Mary Jane, the drama series produced by Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil (The Game, Jumping the Broom). Aaron’s co-stars are Gabrielle Union, Richard Roundtree, Margaret Avery and Omari Hardwick. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- At the insistence of one of his college professors, Aaron tried out for a part in the school play. One small part turned into six and the acting bug had taken effect. After graduating from Delaware State University and turning down an opportunity to make the New York Jets roster, Aaron moved to Los Angeles, California to pursue his acting career. Aaron has appeared in guest starring roles on television shows NCIS, Castle, Boston Legal, Lincoln Heights, Bones and Criminal Minds. His film credits include the Academy Award nominee Babel; blockbuster hit I Love You, Man and independent films 35 and Ticking, Disrupt/Dismantle. In 2007’s The Mannsfield 12, he not only starred in the film, but donned the Executive Producer hat as well. He portrayed “Justin Barber” on the cast of CBS' Emmy Award winning, The Bold and the Beautiful, which reaches 35 million + viewers worldwide. He is a 2010 and 2011 NAACP Image Award nominee for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama.

Special Guest: Dr. Nicholas LaRocca is a clinical psychologist who has worked in the field of MS for over 30 years.  He was an associate professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and New York Medical College before joining the National MS Society in 1997.  He currently serves as Vice President of Health Care Delivery and Policy Research in the Research Programs Department of the National MS Society.  In this role he has responsibility for Society funding of research to address the symptoms of MS, rehabilitation, epidemiology, psychosocial aspects of MS as well as health policy studies.  He has a longstanding interest in cognition and rehabilitation and co-authored a book on cognitive changes in MS that was published in 2006.   National Multiple Sclerosis Society http://www.nmss.org    

Special Guest: Dr. La Tanya Hines is a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist currently practicing in Los Angeles, California .She is the former CEO of Girlfriends Medical Group,Inc. (www.girlfriendsmedical.com), a private practice catering to the needs of women throughout Southern California. She received her doctorate of Medicine from the University of California, Irvine, College of Medicine. She completed her surgical internship at the University of Southern California. Her extensive training and experience in obstetrics and gynecology was obtained from the well-known King-Drew Medical Center in Wilmington, California. Dr. Hines currently practices at the Kaiser West Los Angeles Medical Center   where she has exclusive admitting privileges. She sees many High-Risk obstetrical patients in this capacity as well as routine OB and Gyn patients.  Special Guest: Heather C. Guidone, Surgical Program Director, Center for Endometriosis Care (CEC).Heather Guidone is a women's health educator and clinical writer with a dedicated focus on reproductive gynepathologies - specifically endometriosis and pelvic pain - who has served the clinical and consumer health industries for nearly 25 years in various capacities.  Heather joined the CEC nearly a decade ago, wherein she is responsible for management of the Center's disease education and advanced Laparoscopic Surgical Excision (LAPEX) treatment programs.  http://www.centerforendo.com

Tasha Smith is a multifaceted actress whose work brings style and intensity to the subjects she plays on the big and small screens. Smith can currently be seen in Tyler Perry’s television series “FOR BETTER OR WORSE” (OWN). Smith’s memorable portrayal of “Angela,” in Perry’s box office hits, “WHY DID I GET MARRIED?” and its sequel, “WHY DID I GET MARRIED, TOO?”, alongside Janet Jackson and Jill Scott, sparked the creation of the spin-off series which is focused around her relationship with onscreen husband, “Marcus”, played by Michael Jai White. Smith’s other film credits include Tyler Perry’s “DADDY’S LITTLE GIRLS” (Lionsgate), as “Jennifer” opposite Idris Elba and Gabrielle Union. Smith went on to co-star in the #1 box office film,“JUMPING THE BROOM” (Columbia), starring Paula Patton, Laz Alonso and Angela Bassett. She also appeared in the romantic comedy, “COUPLES RETREAT” (Universal), starring opposite Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Jason Bateman and Faizon Love. This year she received an NAACP Image Awards nomination for “Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series” Tasha is a Planned Parenthood Celebrity Ambassador. Website: http://www.tsaw.com

Runway model Sandra Bush dreamed of becoming the first African-American supermodel, only to struggle with addiction and despair. But she later achieved celebrity as Mama Bush, the model for some of the best-known and widely admired paintings by her daughter, acclaimed artist Mickalene Thomas. In her film directing debut, Thomas paints a poignant portrait of her mother and artistic muse, presenting a tender look back at a lifetime’s worth of hopes, regrets and redemption. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN debuts MONDAY, FEB. 24 (9:00-9:30 p.m. ET/PT), on HBO during Black History Month. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN was conceived and directed by Mickalene Thomas; produced by Tanya Selvaratnam; executive producers, the Lehmann Maupin Gallery, Mickalene Thomas and Lisa Cortés; distribution consultant, Sarah Lash; cinematographers, Shane Sigler and Omar Mullick; editor, Alex Meillier; music by Thomas M. Lauderdale. Check out the film trailer: http://www.hbo.com/documentaries/happy-birthday-to-a-beautiful-woman/index.html#/documentaries/happy-birthday-to-a-beautiful-woman/video/trailer.html Known primarily for elaborate paintings composed of rhinestones, acrylic and enamel, Mickalene Thomas holds an MFA degree in painting from Yale University. Centering on womanhood and the expanded definition of beauty in today’s society, her work is exhibited extensively both nationally and internationally, and can be found in several significant collections, including those of the Museum of Modern Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Brooklyn Museum of Art.

In  Salaam, Love: American Muslim Men on Love, Sex & Intimacy, Ayesha Mattu and Nura Maznavi provide a space for American Muslim men to speak openly about their romantic lives, offering frank, funny, and insightful glimpses into their hearts—and bedrooms. The twenty-two writers come from a broad spectrum of ethnic, racial, and religious perspectives—including orthodox, cultural, and secular Muslims—reflecting the strength and diversity of their faith community and of America.   By raising their voices to share stories of love and heartbreak, loyalty and betrayal, intimacy and insecurity, these Muslim men are leading the way for all men to recognize that being open and honest about their feelings is not only okay—it’s intimately connected to their lives and critical to their happiness and well-being. Check out the book trailer: http://vimeo.com/83403731  

Denise Vasi has made a name for herself as one of the top actresses to watch in Hollywood. Vasi currently stars as smart, savvy businesswoman Raquel Lancaster in VH1's hit, one-hour scripted series, "Single Ladies." The upcoming third season from Queen Latifah's Flavor Unit Entertainment, which chronicles three friends and their take on love, dating and female friendship, is slated to return on January 6, 2014.  Gaining recognition in Hollywood for her breakout role in ABC's longstanding daytime soap opera "All My Children," Vasi starred as Randi Morgan, former prostitute and wife of series veteran Frankie Hubbard from 2008-2011. Vasi relocated with production from New York to Los Angeles to further pursue her budding career. She was most recently seen as Ruby in the critically acclaimed Steven Soderbergh-directed feature film Magic Mike, opposite Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey, and in Charles Murray's debut indie drama Things Never Said.  A Brooklyn native of Puerto Rican, Dominican and Greek descent, Vasi signed to Ford Models at the age of 12. She went on to grace the pages of international campaigns for ELLE, Marie Claire, GQ Italy and more. She appeared in numerous on-camera and print campaigns for leading cosmetic, hair care and fashion brands including Olay, Bobbi Brown, Dove, Urban Decay, M·A·C, L'Oreal, Target, Doll House, American Eagle, Republic and more.  Vasi's helped raise over $500,000 for addiction recovery as co-chairman of Caron Renaissance's "Save A Life Event." 

An actor and model known as much for his on-screen charisma as he is for his strong athletic build, Harold House Moore is a promising talent most widely recognized for his series regular role on VH1’s Single Ladies. His additional portrayal of Jackpot, a rookie cop on Robert De Niro and CBS’s NYC 22, does not let us forget about other past work like a starring role as boxer Robert Brown on The Hammer. This breakthrough performance has been recognized by critics as a performance lead by one of Hollywood’s hottest new stars.  His face can also be seen on numerous television ads and major national campaigns for brands including but not limited to Expedia, Payless, Dunkin’ Donuts, Time Warner, Subway, Bally Total Fitness, Lincoln, Budlight, as well as national print ads for DiamondBack, Sketchers, Lincoln, Boost Mobile, K Swiss, Bacardi, and an editorial spread for XXL Magazine.  Outside of his entertainment career, House can be seen off the screen working as a strong advocate for youth development, exposure, and education, providing hands-on mentorship and coaching programs in connection with YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, and AAU Sports. 

Gospel singer Latice Crawford and Dr. Rani Whitfield will share information about Most Powerful Voices gospel singing competition and stroke, the nation’s fourth leading cause of death and No. 1 preventable cause of disability. The gospel singing competition is part of the American Stroke Association’s Power to End Stroke cause campaign aimed at African-Americans, who are disproportionately affected by stroke. For more information please visit www.mostpowerfulvoices.org  A storefront preacher's daughter, Latice Crawford got her start singing in her cousin's choir. The New York landscape, where she often times gathered inspiration, allowed her to explore her creative capacities - writing, designing fashion and perfecting her signature sound.  Latice is gearing up for her highly anticipated debut release with RCA Inspiration which was released on January 28, 2014. Dr. Rani G. Whitfield, is a Board Certified Family Physician with a Certificate of added qualification (CAQ) in Sports medicine, and a national volunteer spokesperson for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. He currently owns a private practice in his native Baton Rouge, LA. 

Yolonda Ross is currently starring in the John Sayles film “Go For Sisters” for which she has just been nominated for an Independent Spirit Award in the category of Best Supporting Actress. She also stars in the short film “Afronauts,” a film based on true events, which was just accepted into Sundance 2014. Yolonda made her feature film debut in the Award winning independent film “Stranger Inside” in 2001. She went on to win an IFP Gotham Award for Best Breakthrough Performance for the role as well as receiving her first independent Spirit Award nomination in the category of Best Debut Performance.  Yolonda also appeared in “Antwone Fisher,” “Yelling To the Sky,” “Whatever Works,” and “FOUR.” In television, Yolonda is best known for her role as documentarian Dana Lyndsey on Treme, and appeared in the HBO/David Mamet, Phil Spector biopic. She just completed a pilot for Showtime entitled, “Trending Down” with Philip Seymour Hoffman and Kathryn Hahn, directed by John Cameron Mitchell. In 2008 Yolonda became a member of the prestigious Labyrinth Theater Company in New York after making her stage debut in the play UNCONDITIONAL at The Public Theater. 

Hair Story  is a chronological exploration of the tremendous influence Black hair has had on American popular culture from the 15th century until the beginning of the 21st century. The book covers the history, politics, culture and business of Black hair.  Ayana D. Byrd graduated from Barnard College and is the co-editor of the anthology Naked: Black Women Bare All About Their Skin, Hair, Hips, Lips and Other Parts. Her work has also appeared in numerous anthologies.  Lori L. Tharps is an assistant professor of journalism at Temple University. A graduate of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, she is also the author of the memoir Kinky Gazpacho. 

Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor was born in Nairobi, Kenya, and educated at Jomo Kenyatta University and the University of Reading.  She received the 2003 Caine Prize for African Writing for her short story, “Weight of Whispers,” described by the BBC as a “subtle and suggestive work of fiction that dramatises the condition of refugees.” She has worked as a screenwriter and was the Executive Director of the Zanzibar International Film Festival from 2003 to 2005.  Her writing has appeared in numerous publications worldwide including Kwani? and McSweeney’s, and her story “The Knife Grinder’s Tale” was made into a short film in 2005.  She lives in Nairobi. DUST is a novel about a splintered family in Kenya—a story of power and deceit, unrequited love, survival and sacrifice. Odidi Oganda, running for his life, is gunned down in the streets of Nairobi. His grief-stricken sister, Ajany, just returned from Brazil, and their father bring his body back to their crumbling home in the Kenyan drylands, seeking some comfort and peace. But the murder has stirred memories long left untouched and unleashed a series of unexpected events: Odidi and Ajany’s mercurial mother flees in a fit of rage; a young Englishman arrives at the Ogandas’ house, seeking his missing father; a hardened policeman who has borne witness to unspeakable acts reopens a cold case; and an all-seeing Trader with a murky identity plots an overdue revenge. In scenes stretching from the violent upheaval of contemporary Kenya back through a shocking political assassination in 1969 and the Mau Mau uprisings against British colonial rule in the 1950s, we come to learn the secrets held by this parched landscape, buried deep within the shared past of the family and of a conflicted nation.