Look To The Stars News: Nate Parker

Actor-To-Actor: Nate Parker, Walking the Walk

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:00:00 +0000

There are those in Hollywood who have strong opinions, strong convictions, and passion for others; actor Nate Parker (The Great Debaters) is one. Nate and I first met about six months ago and recently we sat down to talk about what inspires, moves, and compels him not only in his acting work but also in his work within the community.

In the time that I have known Nate he has always been a pillar of strength in his values and respect for the craft of acting. He is moved by stories told through film that touch people’s hearts. In his off camera life Nate is another pillar of strength, a leader. He is one of the shining beacons of light that lead and support other actors, inspiring them to choose strong roles, stay centered and grounded, become the best that they can be, as well as provide support and guidance as any good leader does everywhere they go.

Once a dear friend of mine spent months working on writing a personal mission statement, when she was done she shared it with me and asked my opinion. Her mission was ‘to BE love so that OTHER’S may experience life’. Now I thought that was one of the most profound statements and life goals I had ever heard. When I see Nate Parker whether on screen or off he is a walking example of that love. It emanates from him and into everything he touches. This is because of his unwavering Christian faith that he fully ‘walks’, not simply ‘talks’.

Stars Pause For A Moment Of Silence For Bernie Mac

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:30:00 +0000

The stars were out in Beverly Hills August 7th through 10th for the 12th Annual American Black Film Festival.

The festival not only showcases independent film but also provides an opportunity for aspiring filmmakers and actors to learn about their craft from Hollywood’s accomplished celebs. Among the distinguished guests this year were Halle Berry, Angela Bassett, Sanaa Lathan, Mos Def, and many more.

During a Q&A panel session on Saturday evening, actor Micheal Ealy (Barbershop, Miracle at St.Ana_) made a request that everyone pause for a moment of silence for Bernie Mac. His fellow panelists were producer Wil Packer (_Stomp the Yard, This Christmas_), producer QD3 – otherwise known as Quincy Jones Jr. – and actor Nate Parker (_The Great Debaters) who worked with Bernie Mac in the film Pride. Parker learned of Bernie Mac’s Death via a text message and implored the audience never to deliver such grave news via text.

Black Eyed Peas Hold Charity Party

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:35:00 +0000

It was a balmy night in Hollywood, but that did not keep celebrities devoted to friendship and charity away from a birthday fundraiser for apl.de.ap (Allan Pineda Lindo) of hip hop group the Black Eyed Peas. The red carpet arrivals streamed into the Vanguard Nightclub on November 27 with their party shoes on and their hearts on their sleeves – they were there to have fun and raise money for charities in the Philippines.

Black Eyed Peas members Taboo and will.i.am organized the event to celebrate apl.de.ap’s 33rd birthday and to pay tribute to the charities that have helped him in the past. Will.i.am was the first of the group to arrive, and he spoke with the press about his holiday plans and new musical ventures with Mariah Carey and Michael Jackson. Will was excited about the fundraiser because it showed how far he and his friends had come – they were now able to bring their blessings full circle and give back to the communities that raised them.

Taboo was next to arrive. He was excited to be back in the States, and was happy to spend time with his fourteen year old son Joshua. He also said that events like this showed the love the Black Eyed Peas had for others. When they established The Black Eyed Peas Foundation in the early nineties, the band wanted to be sure to give something back to each of their diverse backgrounds – wil.i.am represents the USA, Taboo is of Mexican descent, and apl.de.ap was born and raised in the Philippines.