Orginal Dreamgirl Sheryl Lee Ralph on www.justbthat.com

Mark your calendars! Tuesday, June 24 at 7pm EST. Be sure to check out this exciting interview when original Dreamgirl Sheryl Lee Ralph talks candidly about issues many others work hard to avoid. As part of National HIV Testing Day, Mr. Ralph grants a one on one interview with Jonathan Perry.
If you have ever been in the presence of Ms. Ralph, you know she is outspoken, passionate and right on point...especially when it comes to the HIV epidemic.
Sheryl Lee Ralph is an acclaimed veteran of film, television and the Broadway stage.

Ms. Ralph's award winning body of work includes creating and originating the role of Deena Jones on Broadway in the landmark musical Dreamgirls, which earned her both a Tony and Drama Desk Award Nomination for Best Actress. Her television and film credits include: "Its A Living" "Barbershop" "Designing Women" "Moesha" "ER" and "Sister Act II".

An accomplished singer, writer, performer "Sometimes I Cry," her critically acclaimed one woman show, exposes the often absent voice of women with AIDS. In addition, her annual musical extravaganza, "Divas Simply Singing," has become one of Hollywood's most anticipated events.

I've had the honor to meet Ms. Ralph on a few occasions and she never ceases to amaze me with her grace, beauty and intelligence. This interview is not to be missed! For more info go to www.justbthat.com.


with Sheryl Lee Ralph in Washington D.C.

Chocolate City Fest in D.C.

Yes, the Memorial Day party pics keep rolling in. These are from the original Black Pride celebration which began in Washington D.C. years ago. Thank you Andre Allen for these pics.

Touring Turkey...My Trip To Istanbul!

I recently visited Turkey for the first time. We so often take for granted all of the amazing history in this part of the world. While much of the city is 'new' and modernized, a great deal of its rich history is still preserved.

Istanbul (historically Byzantium and later Constantinople--pull out your Bibles, heathens) is Europe's most populous city (the world's 3rd largest city proper and 20Th largest urban area) and Turkey's cultural and financial center.

With the warm weather, locals were certainly out and about enjoying life. I found the Turkish people friendly and joyous...though questionable drivers. During one day, I witnessed three different accidents, two involving pedestrians. So, if you can manage not to get hit by a car, you will discover excellent food and shopping and a city steeped deep in history and culture.

Of course I stuck out like a sore thumb. Many people think I'm Brazilian and play soccer/football. While visiting the famed Blue Mosque I was stopped by a group of young ladies who all wanted to have their picture taken with me. I found this to be hysterical, yet it continues to happen when I travel abroad. My travelling companions could not stop rolling their eyes.

The Youtube slide show features still pics and some video shot during my trip.

Amazing African Art on Chicago’s South Side

Have you ever been truly moved or inspired by a work of art? While incredible works often surround us, we far too often fail to appreciate their beauty and purpose. Fortunately this is not the case with Chicago resident Daniel Texidor Parker. Mr. Parker’s extensive collection is nothing short of amazing! Kind enough to give me a personal tour of his gallery, I cannot describe the awe I experienced in the presence of each masterpiece.

Daniel Parker resides in the famous Hyde Park neighborhood (home to Barack Obama, Louis Farrakhan, among others) and has spent 30 years acquiring more than 450 magnificent works by people of color—people whose common origin is African and who have dispersed throughout the world. His collection includes paintings, sculptures, reliefs, ceramics, photographs, prints and drawings. Works in the collection date back to over 1,000 years B.C., as well as artwork created by contemporary African-American artists living in Chicago.

Daniel Parker attributes his passion for collecting art from the Diaspora to his mother, as well as Dr. Margaret Burroughs, the founder of Chicago’s famous DuSable Museum of African-American History, Parker’s high school art teacher and renowned artist herself.

Mr. Parker graciously allowed me to photograph and share a few of the pieces in the collection. He also has an amazing book featuring these works available for purchase. You do yourself a disservice not to have a personal copy! For more information contact Mr. Parker at dtex5128@yahoo.com.

What a treasure Mr. Parker is to his community and the world. Talk about living your purpose and letting your light shine!

A Quick Hit to The Big Apple! Viva New York!!!!

I recently paid a visit to my former city of residence, New York. Stopping for dinner with my good friend, best selling author James Earl Hardy, we dished on "B Boy Blues The Movie" and his new anthology, "Freak Filez." More on both of those projects on a future post. Sorry, "Bboy" fans, you'll still have to wait until more info is released to the public!

Strolling through Midtown Manhattan, I also captured some footage of everyday life in the city. New York is truly about diversity! You either love it or loathe it...either way she's one of a kind. Enjoy!

Sizzle Miami Beach Party

This year’s Sizzle festivities have been met with mixed reviews. Regardless, those who made the annual pilgrimage partied and made the most of their Memorial Day Weekend. My friend Christian was kind enough to share photos he took at the beach party. As you can see the boyz gave body, beauty and of course swimsuit fashion!! Thanks Christian! Enjoy!