June 17, 2008   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: DeShuna Spencer Phone: 703.328.5522 Email: deshuna@liukarama.com   Sheryl Lee Ralph Discusses HIV/AIDS Philanthropy In Premiere Issue of Black News Magazine (Alexandria, VA)—In the premiere issue of emPower magazine, Sheryl Lee Ralph candidly discusses her work to combat HIV/AIDS among African American women in the publication's Star Power section. For more than 20 years, Ralph, the acclaimed veteran of film, television and the Broadway stage, has been using her "Star Power" to bring awareness to the disease that affects millions of Black women around the world. In the debut issue, she also shares why combining celebrity and activism is sometimes a hard act to follow, why DC is the place to be in September, and what makes Barack Obama her choice for the next President of the United States. Published by Liu Karama Productions LLC, emPower (www.empowernewsmag.com) is the strong, upbeat, voice that tackles the day-to-day challenges facing the African American community, praises community organizations and individuals who are giving back, and publishes motivating columns and relevant national and international Black news. Exclusively online in 2008 and 2009—with a print version launching in 2010—emPower is an unbiased online source offering content on politics, education, business, technology, science, sports, nutrition/fitness, stimulating books, film and music, the environment, mental wellness, the spirit and grassroots initiatives from expert writers and columnists. In addition, a multimedia section of the site will host a blog, a social network, a forum, a news-related poll and a video library, which showcases seasoned or amateur videographers’ short documentaries. A “lighter-side” section of the site, called Literary, will highlight poetry, readers’ travel experiences and first-person narratives. Podcasts and video casts, along with other exciting content will be added to the site next year. About Sheryl Lee Ralph With continued success on stage, screen, television and music along with her philanthropic endeavors, Sheryl Lee Ralph has never been one to rest on her laurels. A triple threat dreamgirl, Ralph is an acclaimed veteran of film, television and the Broadway stage.  Her award-winning work includes creating the role of Deena Jones in the legendary Broadway musical, “Dreamgirls,” and earning Best Actress nods for Tony and Drama Desk Awards.  She returned to Broadway for a 12-month stint in the Tony-award winning musical, “Thoroughly Modern Millie,’ portraying the sassy chanteuse Muzzy Van Hossmere. No stranger to television, Ralph credits include “It’s a Living,” “Designing Women,” “The District,” “Barbershop,” and most notably, the UPN hit “Moesha.” On the big screen, she has worked with some of Hollywood’s leading and award-winning men with film credits that include “The Mighty Quinn” with Denzel Washington; “Mistress” with Robert de Niro; “To Sleep With Anger” with Danny Glover and “The Distinguished Gentlemen” with Eddie Murphy. Ralph picked up a win for Best Supporting Actress at the Independent Spirit Awards for her performance in “To Sleep With Anger.” Finding success in writing and directing, Ralph’s award-winning short film, “Secrets,” co-starring award-winning actress Alfre Woodard and Robin Givens was a finalist in the HBO Film Short Competition, Showtime’s Filmmaker Award Series, and the BET Filmmaker Award Competition. The film was also selected as the audience favorite at the Outfest Film Festival. “Secrets” was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, as well as the Hollywood Film Festival, the Acapulco Film Festival and the Urban World Film Festival. Ralph is also the creator of the Jamerican Film and Music Festival. Visit  www.SherylLeeRalph.com. About Liu Karama Productions LLC Liu Karama Productions LLC is multimedia company whose mission is to enhance knowledge, encourage self-empowerment, and promote positive change within the African-American community through challenging, inspiring and thought provoking publications, books and films. To learn more about how to join emPower's mailing list, click here. To learn how you can contribute to emPower as a writer, videographer or blogger, click here. June 1, 2008   MEDIA ADVISORY Contact: DeShuna Spencer Phone: 703.328.5522 Email: deshuna@liukarama.com   Multimedia News Magazine Geared To Black Americans Launches in June (Alexandria, VA)—With the pending presidential election, the unstable economic condition of the country, and young Black men dying on the street in record numbers, now more than ever do African-Americans need a publication that dissects and distributes pertinent issues important to the community. A new magazine has been launched to fill that void. Published by Liu Karama Productions LLC, emPower (www.empowernewsmag.com) is the strong, upbeat, voice that tackles the day-to-day challenges facing the African American community, praises community organizations and individuals who are giving back, and publishes motivating columns and relevant national and international Black news. Exclusively online in 2008 and 2009—with a print version launching in 2010—emPower is an unbiased online source offering content on politics, education, business, technology, science, sports, nutrition/fitness, stimulating books, film and music, the environment, mental wellness, the spirit and grassroots initiatives from expert writers and columnists. In addition, a multimedia section of the site will host a blog, a social network, a forum, a news-related poll and a video library, which showcases seasoned or amateur videographers’ short documentaries. A “lighter-side” section of the site, called Literary, will highlight poetry, readers’ travel experiences and first-person narratives. Podcasts and video casts, along with other exciting content will be added to the site next year.   The first issue, launching June 18, will feature Sheryl Lee Ralph for emPower’s “Star Power” section, which highlights celebrities' philanthropy and non profit initiatives. Ralph discusses the Diva Foundation, “Sometimes I Cry,” her one-woman show, and Divas Simply Singing—in which she all established to bring awareness to HIV/AIDS. “We are at a time in history were it is pertinent to have an online portal where African-Americans can become educated on various matters and thus become empowered to take action and give back,” said DeShuna Spencer, owner of Liu Karama Productions and editorial director of emPower. “I am excited to witness how the magazine will help shape how we (African Americans) view ourselves and the world around us.” Liu Karama Productions LLC is multimedia company whose mission is to enhance knowledge, encourage self-empowerment, and promote positive change within the African-American community through challenging, inspiring and thought provoking publications, books and films. To learn more about how to join emPower's mailing list, click here. To learn how you can contribute to emPower as a writer, videographer or blogger, click here.