Shari Headley

Also, Shari spent time speaking about the problems social media can present with teens and, if not careful, how this media tool can really damage your life and your career in any business.  Also, Shari took time to sign the special Wall of Dreams at the club, as well. (photo above)

The special event was coordinated by Executive Director of Boys & Girls Club of East Los Angeles, Anna Araujo, and Executive Director of Saving Our Daughters, Curtis Benjamin.

About The Dance Club

The idea for the Dance & Drama program was birthed in 2012 when R&B singer/actress Ms. Shanna visited the Boys & Girls Club of East Los Angeles.  She was so excited about lending her talent and support to the Club that she organized a roster of talented friends to create and teach weekly Salsa and Hip Hop Dance workshops. Each week, this the dancers made sure someone was there to instruct the group of teens.  The Dance & Drama program have been working very hard toward their upcoming culmination performance in June.

The team consists of: Shaymari, Andy Cruz, Naomi Wisely, Alley Jenkins, Gilbert Saldivar, Tye Meyers and Max Arcienega.

The team all has claims to fame.  Gilbert Sadivar dances with Madonna and J. Lo.  Shaymari dances with Mary J. Blige.  Most of the dancers have performed on various awards shows and tour with a variety of artists.

Members of the Boys and Girls Club of East Los Angeles are totally engaged and are loving every minute of the Dance & Drama Program!!

Shari was introduced to Saving Our Daughters last year through her very best friend and publicist, Ms. Gabrielle Turner, who thought Shari would be an awesome activist for the cause as well as working with young girls who have interest in being a successful actress with their male counterpart in the entertainment business.

In late April & May, Shari will be partnering with some of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Los Angeles and participate in some of the Saving Our Daughters Yell Lunch N Learns at TGI Fridays, which will involve a selected group of inspiring up & coming actresses from the B&G clubs, who also might be suffering from low self-esteem issues as well.

Shari will be joining a growing list of the most seasoned women in the music industry for the organization’s Yell initiative as well such as Mc Lyte, Monica, Kelly Rowland, Keke Wyatt and Spinderella, just to name a few.

Shari Headley

ABOUT OUR SHARI HEADLEY Since the day that Shari Headley received a personal call from Eileen Ford, saying that Shari had beat out thousands of hopefuls in the prestigious FORD Modeling Agency’s Supermodel of The World Contest, her star has continued to rise. Soon after, the Queens, New York native got commercial offers to promote such companies as L’Oreal, Burger King, Macy’s, and Avon, to name a few. Then network television shows began to knock on her agents’ door with guest starring roles in Miami Vice and The Cosby Show.

In 1988 Shari won the lead over two thousand actresses to make her film debut starring opposite Eddie Murphy in the blockbuster hit Coming to America. This film has become an internationally known cult classic that has managed to cross all ethnic barriers and remains a favorite with each generation.

Roles opposite veteran actors Andy Griffith on Matlock, and Telly Savalas on Kojak would help Shari continue to sharpen her acting skills. She was asked to try her hand at singing when she guest starred alongside Scott Bakula in the classic television series Quantum Leap where she showed off her vocal ability playing the role of Violet Waters-a club owner in the 1950′s.

A lead role as the daughter of Academy Award winning actor Louis Gossett Jr. in the ABC Television Series Gideon Oliver was good training for Shari to win future parts, with a 3-year contract role on All My Children as well as the lead actress role of Juanita Barnes on the critically acclaimed Fox series 413 Hope Street starring Jesse Martin, Richard Rountree and produced by Damon Wayans.

Other roles on New York Undercover, Malcolm and Eddie, The New Love Boat, Walker Texas Ranger, and The Wayans Brothers Show would also become an addition to Shari’s resume, and the opportunity to work with Academy Award winner Denzel Washington in The Preacher’s Wife, and Will Smith in The Wild Wild West music video would become incredible experiences in an already seasoned career.

Recently Shari appeared as a guest star on Castle as well as the popular teen show 10 Things I Hate About You, in addition to two appearances on the hit reality show L.A. Hair with Kim Kimble on WeTV.

Shari’s has just completed two films for release in 2013. The first was penned and directed by the multi-talented director/producer Dan Garcia entitled Act Like You Love Me. The film stars Essence Atkins, Christian Keyes, Lynn Whitfield, Glynn Turman, Chico Benymon and more…The film is a hilarious look at love and relationships.

The second film was directed by actress/director Troy Byer Bailey. In the film entitled Ex-Free, Shari joins a wonderful cast of characters including Tomiko Frasier Hines, Daphnee Duplaix, Chris Bailey, Leon, Darrin DeWitt Henson, and JD Lawrence in a comedy about freeing yourself of emotional baggage.

With two NAACP Image Award nominations under her belt, Shari continues to follow her dreams as an actress and writer in Hollywood. As a single parent she has continued to raise her 18 year old son Skyler and cares for her 87 year old mother Sarah. Shari presently lives in Los Angeles, California.

You needn’t go further than a line recited by Shari’s character Lisa McDowell in Coming To America…”The children are our future…” Shari believes the same goes in real life. Her involvement with youth spans decades. She has been to countless public schools volunteering to speak to kids about the importance of education and to encourage them to follow their dreams.

It was in the late 90′s that she was exposed to the effects of bullying on students’ self-esteem when visiting a middle school in Brooklyn, New York. Shari single handedly faced two girl gangs and a problem that even school personnel could not work out. In a matter of weeks she extinguished the issues, the gangs were dismantled and a program for self-esteem began. The young women became accountable for their actions and learned to love themselves and to respect one another.

Shari has recently joined forces with Saving Our Daughters, Inc.’s Oath Project and the YELL initiative. She is committed to lending her time, energy and voice to help prevent bullying and domestic abuse by connecting with youth, women and girls around the country on behalf of Saving Our Daughters, which she embraces as one of the “most powerful organizations of our time and crucial for the lives of our future generations.

TAKE THE SHOW ON THE ROAD

Over the years, Saving Our Daughters has worked faithfully with many of the industry’s most recognized women from film, television and music; but starting in April, the organization will now include the elite women of the WBNA, Atlanta Dream with selected players of the team.

Ms. Beth, Account Executive of the Atlanta Dream, reached out to the organization and met with Social Media & Event Coordinator, Brittany Barry of Saving Our Daughters in March and both felt that it will be an incredible partnership this season to help inspire the organizations’ causes of Yell Confidence and Take The Oath.

Quick peak below that will launch the partnership this WNBA season.

TAKE THE SHOW ON THE ROAD

Take the Show on the Road, presented by Walmart, gives teens the chance to watch the pros practice and so much more!

Each admission includes:
•  A ticket to a Dream game of your choice
•  Chance to win an autographed jersey
•  Giveaways and Prizes
•  Drawing for WNBA replica ball & autographed items
•  Q&A with Dream players
•  Team Autograph Session

SPIN & DOUG E. FRESH AND DMC

Most recently, Hip-Hop icon Spinderella of the legendary women rap-group duo, Salt N Pepper, joined the Saving Our Daughters family; and during the March 22nd weekend spoke on a very empowering panel with Hip Hop legends DMC and Doug E. Fresh at the annual Boys & Girls Club of America Keystone Conference.

“It was a pleasure having Spinderella participate in the annual Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Keystone Conference Super Session:  Girls On Fire: Women Blazing Trails in Male Dominated Careers and Hip Hop Summit:  Y.O.L.O……You Only Live Once as the conference took place at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Atlanta Georgia”, stated Frank Sanchez, Vice President, Sports, Entertainment & Alumni Development of Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

This amazing group spoke to over 1,500 teens who represented hundreds of BGCA clubs across the country and who also were mesmerized with the Hip-Hop moguls old school songs that were played during their speaking points on success and overcoming circumstances in life so you can make a difference in the world.

Also Doug E. Fresh gave an emotional tribute to his mom during the panel discussion as he left the audience of teens and adults in tears with his touching speech his mother.

Tia Norfleet

When good friend, supporter and African American Professional Race Car driver, Mr. Sherman Carter, approached chief executive director, Curtis Benjamin about involving the Saving Our Daughters’ new cause Yell Confidence with Sherman Carter  over 30 years of experience driving against child abuse, bullying and stopping the violence. he never knew this invitation would include the first African American women race car driver, Ms. Tia Norfleet to join the cause.

Tia always had a positive role in supporting the cause, she has involve her number 34 racing show car against abuse towards children for years in stopping the violence and bullying and now will lend her driving talents for young girls & women against the violence of date abuse & domestic violence.

“We are so Excited on having Tia join so many of our women in film, television, and music to help inspire young women and help overcome this senseless abuse across the country” stated Curtis B.

Saving Our Daughters Yell Confidence’ logo for women will possibly be placed on one of Tia’s show cars this Fall to travel around partnering schools of Saving Our Daughters to help spread the powerful message of Yell as well.

More on Yell Confidence: YELL Confidence! (Youth Empowered Learning & Leadership), one of Saving Our Daughters’ core initiatives, sparks community engagement, public awareness, and the dedication to empower young girls, young women & single mothers.

YELL Confidence! Supports the Saving Our Daughters mission by working directly with celebrity women who have experience levels of domestic violence & date abuse, as the organization utilizes the powerful voices of women such as Grammy Award singer, Kelly Rowland, TV Ones’ R&B Diva, Keke Wyatt, Hip-Hop Mogul Trina, and the confident Nene Leakes from Real Housewives of Atlanta & The New Normal. The campaign also involves the young talent of TV ONES’ Rickey Smiley Show, actress Ajona Alexus who speaks with her peers on positive self image.

YELL! Confidence celebrity women groups are charged with using the powerful messages of public service announcements Produced & Directed by the phenomenal celebrity photographer, Derek Blanks. These public service announcements help share the artists’ unique personal experiences, to help millions of young women take power away from esteem slayers, grow a vigorous sense of self worth, and lead fiercely confident lives.

WELCOME ABOARD TIA!!

LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT OUR TIA

Tia loves what she does and she’s determine to work hard to make it happen.  Racing is her life. Growing up the daughter of a professional racecar driver (Bobby Norfleet), Tia was introduced to the sport of auto racing at a very young age.

A native of Suffolk, Virginia, but now lives in Augusta, Georgia where racing is not merely a hobby; it’s a way of life. As a second generation licensed NASCAR driver, Tia Norfleet understands what it is to break barriers and she well knows the low odds and risks involved with being a professional racecar driver. None of this matters though.

Female drivers are rare enough in NASCAR, but an African-American as well? It’s never been done. Tia Norfleet is the first and only African American female to be licensed by NASCAR.

Becoming a champion NASCAR driver is a goal she’s been aiming toward for quite some time.  “Around the age of 14 is when I really, really knew that this was what I wanted to do for a living; this was my passion,” she stated in an interview with the Huffington Post.

“My finest memory of my racing experience would be when I was about 5. I had a little Corvette car, and my dad put two car batteries in it. I literally drove that car until the wheels fell off. Ever since then, I’ve just been so enthused about motorsports.”

Her father, Bobby Norfleet was a fairly prominent driver himself throughout the ’90s, and is credited with helping the sport gain traction in the African-American community. He lists his three mentors as NASCAR champion Wendell Scott, Hall of Fame driver Alan Kulwicki and singer Gladys Knight, who told him: “Whatever I do for you, you better be willing to do it for somebody else.” Taking that advice to heart, when his daughter began to take a keen interest in the sport, he in turn shifted his focus.

“As a young girl, I knew she had the desire to do it,” Bobby says. “I sort of stepped back on myself and my driving to spend the time on her.” “The talent, that has to be groomed but [she had] the drive and the ambition to do it. [It was] nothing I or her mom ever pushed her into, so that’s half the battle right there. The rest of it is being taught the racing business, and then being taught the discipline of racing. Because racing is not just getting in the car and driving.” And for that, Tia is grateful. “I look up to my dad,” she says. I’ve seen the good and the bad through his eyes.” The “bad” can mean anything from leeches to fake promises to non-sports crises.

Bobby saw the sheer importance of this firsthand through his own career and has in turn educated his daughter the right way. “She understands what not to do,” he says. “She understands who not to be around and the nightmares of the sport. She understands that this is a business like any other business.”

Of course in racing, you can do all of the right things and it just takes but one instance — just one split second — for it all to slip away. With the risk of concussions, spinal injuries and even fatality, this is one of the most dangerous professions a person can choose. Car-accident-advice.com clearly states that: “NASCAR Safety Regulations do not always prevent accidents at race tracks.” The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has had 56 deaths alone, so merely understanding safety equipment doesn’t guarantee safety.

For Tia though, the fear factor simply doesn’t exist. “I don’t focus on getting hurt,” she says. “I don’t pay attention to the crashes. I believe in God and that everything happens for a reason. I say my prayers, I thank him and I just go for what I know.” Safety is a vital element to any driver, really. But in the case of Tia and her father, it plays even more of a role. Bobby is quick to point out that while she is his driver (for Bobby Norfleet Racing), she’s also his child, and that he always errs on the side of caution when possible. “We still have the father daughter,” he says

With that in mind, Bobby and Tia have begun to build something very special together, a father daughter duo that extends far beyond the track. Despite her hectic schedule, the duo remains extremely active in the community, with the sole purpose of educating and inspiring youth.

What a way to begin the month of March, as women of the ATL drove for miles to get together to give their personal and intense testimonies against domestic violence with TV One’s R&B Diva star, Keke Wyatt, on Friday March 1^st at sponsored TGI Fridays, Jackmont Hospitality of Southlake.  This is the 2nd Yell Confidence event presented by Saving Our Daughters at TGI Fridays that brought women of all races as they team up with artists, to discuss serious issues they have faced within their relationships.

Each young lady attending had an opportunity to give their own personal experience on overcoming their dramatic and dangerous situations with their significant other at the time.

The event was kicked off by Russell Simmons Def Jam Spoken Word Poet, Georgia Me and followed by school counselor, Jamilyne Lorme of Elite Scholar Academy, with a special personal poem for the ladies. One of the lady’s situation had the women share tears and inspirational words of wisdom for her.  As one of the women also stated; “It was nice to also have Ms. Keke share with us her true feelings of overcoming her negative situation with her ex and now moving forward with her new, great husband and manager, Michael”.

“It felt good being with other ladies that have similar stories as mine and we Made it out. Thank You” stated Keke Wyatt.

Women attending the Yell Confidence Luncheon involved, Saving Our Daughters community partners Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, bestselling author, Lavon Grant and special reality show guest, Pastor Sabrina McKenzie of Big Rich Atlanta on the Style Network, whom participated in this tremendous event of powerful women.

Also special gifts were provided for all of the women.  We would like to thank Kelly Gilchrist and Katrina Guerrier, Managers of Godiva Chocolates in Kennesaw Georgia; Mary Kay beauty consultant, Tamika Riley; and special designed candles and jewelry from Rosalind Bell of Candle Couture and Dionka Sims of Art of Healing Designs.

Nene continues to Bless Saving Our Daughters’ efforts to help the initiatives’ domestic violence cause of Yell Confidence against domestic violence & date abuse. Nene started last year on raising money for her charity with her new shoe line Nethia, with Shoe Dazzle that was announced on her reality show Real House wives of Atlanta and now, Nene will join other celebrities to raise money for their favorite charities of choice on the acclaimed game show, Price Is Right.

FULL STORY BELOW FROM CBS ENTERTAINMENT PRESS

http://www.cbspressexpress.com/cbs-entertainment/releases/view?id=34498

Sharon Osbourne, Demi Lovato, Drew and Nick Lachey, Charles Barkley and NeNe Leakes Play Alongside Contestants to Raise Money for Their Chosen Charities

 THE PRICE IS RIGHT, daytime television’s most-watched program, says “come on down” to “The Talk” host Sharon Osbourne, singer and actress Demi Lovato, NBA Hall of Fame inductee and sports commentator Charles Barkley, musicians Drew and Nick Lachey, and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star and actress NeNe Leakes when the show presents its second annual Celebrity Week, Monday, Feb. 18 – Friday, Feb. 22 (11:00 AM-12:00 Noon, ET; 10:00-11:00 AM, PT) on the CBS Television Network.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT Celebrity Week features the stars playing alongside contestants, with the celebrities’ winnings going to their favorite charities.  Osbourne, Lovato, Barkley, the Lachey brothers and Leakes will each participate in six of the show’s popular games as they help contestants vie for spots in the Showcase.  Also, each celeb gets to spin the famous wheel for charity as well as present special showcases full of their own personal favorite prizes. Combined, the celebrity contestants raised more than $250,000 for charity, and one of the celebrities manages to break last year’s individual record, when Snoop Dogg raised $72,585 for the Snoop Youth Football League.

The Celebrity Week schedule will be:

Monday, Feb. 18 – Nick and Drew Lachey playing for Camp Joy

(http://www.camp-joy.org/)

Tuesday, Feb. 19 – NeNe Leakes playing for Saving Our Daughters

(http://savingourdaughters.org/)

Wednesday, Feb. 20 – Sharon Osbourne playing for The Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program (http://www.sharonosbourne.com/support.html)

Thursday, Feb. 21 – Charles Barkley playing for The Mustard Seed School
(http://www.sacloaves.org/programs/mustardseedschool)

Friday, Feb. 22 – Demi Lovato playing for Free the Children

(http://www.freethechildren.com/)

THE PRICE IS RIGHT, the longest-running game show in television history, is hosted by Drew Carey.  Produced by FremantleMedia North America, THE PRICE IS RIGHT is broadcast weekdays (11:00 AM-12:00 Noon, ET; 10:00-11:00 AM, PT) on the CBS Television Network.

CBS Daytime has been #1 in the daypart for 26 consecutive years, featuring a lineup that is a balance of dramas, game shows and talk. The network’s daytime lineup includes television’s #1 daytime program and longest-running game show THE PRICE IS RIGHT, the #1 daytime drama THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, as well as THE TALK, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL and LET’S MAKE A DEAL.

The Yell Confidence Initiative under-side Saving Our Daughters Organization, has enlisted most of the music industry’s dynamic women. These elite icons are prepared for the 2013 Yell campaign, to help inspire young girls and women who have gone thru abusive relationships and overcoming death.

One of the most influential women in R&B\Pop in our music era, Kelly Rowland, will now join other powerful women in music & entertainment  such as;  Hip Hop Mogul, MC Lyte, Monica, “TV Ones R&B Divas” Keke Wyatt, “BET Sunday Best Winner” Y’Anna Crawley, Spinderealla and Trina. These women will lend their influential voices, personal experience & triumphs for the Yell Confidence Campaign, with celebrity photographer & Director Derek & Eric Blanks.

FULL MTV STORY LINK BELOW

http://act.mtv.com/posts/interview-kelly-rowland-domestic-violence-dating-abuse-psa-yell-confidence/

The NAACP has teamed up with WE TV to promote the social justice organization’s “Usung Heroes” campaign.  During Black History Month, those who have stepped out to help others and shape Black History in some way be honored. Celebrities are also coming out to speak on those who’ve inspired and influenced their lives.

Toni Braxton and the rest of her family are promoting the campaign by sharing who their heroes are and why they’ve been such a positive force in their lives. Towanda shines a spotlight on “Saving Our Daughters”  founder Curtis Benjamin, Traci chooses singer Melba Moore and Trina honors their mother, Evelyn, while Toni encourages the public to share more untold stores in the project’s PSA.

TAKE A LOOK AT THE LINKS BELOW

http://www.wetv.com/galleries/naacp-unsung-heroes/naccp_uh_towanda

Please support our Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence Partners’ post below!!

The U.S. Senate voted last night to move S. 47 forward, the bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act! Please take time to contact Senator Saxby Chambliss’s office at 202-224-3521 or via the web form athttp://www.chambliss.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/email to thank him for voting YES to move the Violence Against Women Act forward.

Please also take time to contact Senator Johnny Isakson’s office at 202-224-3643 or via the web form athttp://www.isakson.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/email-me to let him know that you noticed that he did not file a vote on the measure and to let him know he can contact GCADV at 404-209-0280 with any questions about the bill. (FYI – Not filing a vote does NOT mean he does not support. Senators sometimes have scheduling conflicts that prohibit them from being present for every vote.)