Women

In honor of Women's History Month, we are proud to feature, just a few, of the extraordinarily powerful women who grace our roster. For each, "her story" is a lesson in life:

In "Kemba's Nightmare," Kemba Smith tells her sobering story of going from a sheltered middle class childhood to the penitentiary! Now a college graduate and criminal justice activist, Kemba awakens young and old audiences alike to the reality that no one is immune from the effects of drugs and crime

Mzuri, star of the movie, Sankofa, garnered a "Viv" at the AUDELCO Awards for Excellence in Black Theatre for her mesmerizing one-woman tribute to Civil Rights pioneer Fannie Lou Hamer in Rugged Road to Freedom.

Most widely recognized as Yvonne from her former role on the UPN comedy series, Girlfriends, Cee Cee Michaela offers audiences a truth-filled passionate message of being "Driven by a Vision".

Dr. Bertha Roddey is, indeed, a "living legend". A founder of the National Council for Black Studies and past National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she epitomizes her message proclaiming the power of wisdom, strength of spirit and compassion to change the world.

Performance Poet Extraordinaire Ge'ylah is perfect for any audience and any occasion. Her extensive repertoire of poetry, narration and drama can be customized for your event.

"Real beauty has nothing to do with bone structure, eye color or hair style. What is in your heart, spirit and character determines whether you are beautiful or not."

Dr. Debbye Turner

Charles "Roc" Dutton's debut as a feature film director opened in theaters nationwide on February 20th. Against the Ropes, starring Meg Ryan, Omar Epps and Dutton himself, is inspired by the life story of pioneering female boxing manager Jackie Kallen. Dutton also appears in the film, Secret Window, starring Johnny Depp, John Turturro and Maria Bello. The movie, based on a Stephen King novella, is in theaters as of March 12th. Dates are being accepted for Dutton's new one-man theater performance, HomeComing: An Evening of Black Theater.

We hope you didn't miss Tasha Smith-Arques' appearance on the UPN reality series, America's Next Top Model which aired on February 17th. Supermodel Tyra Banks introduced Tasha as "one of her best friends" and "one of the best acting instructors ever". Tasha proved to the contestants and the world just how good she is when she led the contestants in some "emotional" (to say the least) acting exercises. Tasha is currently accepting dates for both her professional acting workshops and her intense lecture recounting her own life story of "Overcoming the Odds".

Famed poet Nikki Giovanni was recently recognized as one of six Women of Strength and Courage by American Legacy magazine. Actress/Producer Daphne Maxwell Reid hosted the program honoring Nikki and the other remarkable women of achievement.

GRA President and Writer/Producer Sharon Reed was recently elected to a three-year term on the Board of Directors of the Carolina Film Alliance. The organization serves as an advocate for the promotion of the film industry in the Carolinas.