Alfre Woodard will be one of the stars attending the 16th annual Sisterhood Showcase taking place this weekend in Memphis, TN. The Showcase offers the best in entertainment, health and wellness, civic awareness and spirituality all in one fun-filled weekend. This year’s theme is “Empower Yourself.”
Thanks to @edieeverson
Back in 2009, Alfre Woodard, who plays Lafayette Reynold’s mom Ruby Jean, recorded an audiobook that benefits AIDS afflicted orphans in South Africa. The audiobook, Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales also features the voices of Helen Mirren & Matt Damon and can be purchased on Amazon, iTunes and more.
National HIV Testing Day is June 27th – a perfect time to get this audiobook and help the cause.
“The sale of just one book can support a child for an entire month,” says Woodard, who credits her father with teaching her that doing for others is a privilege, not a burden. “If you’re not on the giving end, then you’re going to be on the receiving end. And I’m grateful to be on the giving end.”
“You learn as a young black person that you’re part of a continuum,” says Woodard of her passion for the people of South Africa. “People who came before me did things that made it possible for me to have the life I have now. So you do the right thing and you might not see it at the end of the day, but you’re paying it forward.”
ANSA (Artists for a New South Africa, A nonprofit org that Alfre, Danny Glover and Mary Steenburgen started in 1989) has has raised more than $9 million in donations, has sent 70 tons of books to South Africa, and since 2005 has helped local communities care for more than 3,500 AIDS orphans.
Check out Alfre Woodard, who plays the lovely oracle that is Ruby Jean Reynolds, at the TBS/TNT Network Upfront event at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC today.
I don’t know about you, but I’m digging the shimmery fabric and yes, even the yellow glittery shoes look cool. Well done Miss Lady!
PC: wireimage
Check this out! Lafayette’s mom, Ruby Jean Reynolds (the magnificent Alfre Woodard) is invited to Michelle Obama’s celebration of Women’s History Month at the White House. Way to go Miss Lady!
On Wednesday, March 30th, First Lady Michelle Obama will host a special event during the annual celebration of Women’s History Month at the White House. Mrs. Obama will bring together more than twenty accomplished women, each paving their way in a variety of fields, to serve as mentors and share their experiences with students in the Washington, D.C. metro area. These women will showcase the important role mentoring can play in the lives of young people as they encourage all students, particularly young women, to pursue their dreams.
Also invited are Hilary Swank, Geena Davis, Anna Deavere Smith, Michelle Kwan and more. Go see the source for full listing.
The Oscar Gift lounges started on Thursday, and True Blood stars will be enjoying them throughout the weekend. Keep an eye on this post as we’ll be updating the gallery as soon as we find new pics.
So far, Alfre Woodard attended GBK Oscar Globes Gift Lounge while Ashley Jones was seen at Kari Feinstein’s Academy Awards Style Lounge in Beverly Hills. Natasha Alam attended the QVC red carpet style party held at the Four Seasons Hotel.
Joe Manganiello stopped by the LG Cinema 3D HDTV lounge backstage at the 2011 Film Independent Spirit Awards at Santa Monica Beach on February 26, 2011 in Santa Monica, California.
PC: Wireimage
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Rutina Wesley, PC: Jen Lowery / Splash News
Rutina Wesley attended the 4th Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon yesterday, February 24th, at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Looks like she was caught mid blink, but still she looks gorgeous in her Max & Co ensemble.
Also, I want that necklace!
Lafayette and his mom, Ruby Jean
Alfre Woodard, “Ms. Lady” herself, has been honored with a 2011 Gracie Award! The Gracie Awards are presented by the Alliance for Women in Media and celebrate programming for women, by women and about women.
Woodard is honored for Outstanding Female Actor in a Supporting Role-Drama Series or Special for “Delta Blues” (on TNT). The Gracie Awards gala will take place May 24th in Los Angeles with a luncheon following on May 25th.
Congrats Ms. Woodard! Now if we can only figure out how to get you on every episode of True Blood! We need more of that Lala loving, prophecy spewing oracle in season4!
