(Image: File)

President Barack Obama visited the landmark Apollo Theater in Harlem on Thursday.

Obama joined singers Al Green and India.Arie, as well as more than 1,400 supporters who spent between $100 and $5,000 per ticket for a fundraising event at the legendary theater.

The president surprised the crowd by singing a couple of lines from the soul singer’s classic hit “Let’s Stay Together.”

Read more at Newsday…

Headlines from around the web (Image: File)

• Southern Baptists Elect First African American into Leadership

The predominantly White Southern Baptist Convention has elected an African American to preside as first vice president of the nation’s largest Protestant denomination. Reverend Fred Luter’s appointment was made during the church’s annual conference in Phoenix.

• Stevie Wonder Inducted into Apollo’s Hall of Fame

Stevie Wonder joined musical greats Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin and James Brown, to name a few, in the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame Monday night. The legendary singer was recognized during the historic theater’s famed spring gala, which raised over $1.2 million.

Tony Bennett presented Wonder with the honor. “It’s a moment to cherish and remember, relishing in the memories of the times that I’ve been at the Apollo, as well as this night, the great people that came out to support me being here,” the activist said in an interview. “It’s a great thing to be one of those people in the Hall of Fame for the Apollo.”

• President Obama and Job Council Map Out Ways to Increase Employment

President Barack Obama met with his Jobs and Competitiveness Council, led by General Electric Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Immelt, Monday at Cree, Inc. in North Carolina. The jobs council advised the commander-in-chief on ways to create one million jobs over the course of two years.

In an opinion piece published Monday in The Wall Street Journal, council members Immelt and American Express chairman and CEO Ken Chenault unveiled a series of the committee ideas, ranging from supporting energy efficiency in public buildings to helping small business employers receive loans and greater assistance from the Small Business Administration.

• CareerBuilder Survey Reveals 25% of Blacks Feel Discriminated Against on the Job

A recent CareerBuilder survey uncovers that one in four African Americans reports feeling discriminated against at work. The 2011 Diversity in the Workplace survey, which looked at over 1,300 workers and the top 20 markets in the U.S., by population, discovered continued discrepancies in pay, career advancement, and feelings of intolerance.

The corporation gathered information for six diverse backgrounds, including African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, women, workers with disabilities and lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender (LGBT) between February 21 and March 10 of this year.

“While companies have made strides in creating an inclusive workplace for all workers, there is still work to be done, especially in the areas of hiring, compensation, and career advancement,” said Dr. Sanja Licina, senior director of Talent Intelligence and Consulting at CareerBuilder.

• McDonald’s Feeling the Heat After Racist Sign Hoax

Over the weekend, this fake sign made its way around the Twitterverse. It’s an old online hoax that has found new legs as it gets passed around with the hashtag #seriouslymcdonalds. Chalk up another PR foible for the fast-food empire. Claiming that McDonald’s is charging African American customers an extra $1.50 as an “insurance measure due in part to a recent string of robberies,” first appeared on the Internet’s notorious 4chan bulletin board last June. But for reasons unknown, the pic appears to be stirring controversy once again.

Read more at AOL Black Voices…

In celebration of our 40th anniversary, Black Enterprise is taking a look both forward and backward at the world of black business. Our list of 40 “Titans: The Most Powerful African Americans in Business–and How They Shaped Our World” recognizes and pays homage to the entrepreneurs and business men and women who paved the way for all of us. Follow our countdown of the most important black business leaders of the four decades since Black Enterprise Magazine was founded in August 1970.

These are the men and women who fought the odds, suffered setbacks, regrouped, and eventually emerged victorious. Whether they conducted business from their own offices or the executive suite, their professional excellence, deal-making prowess, and unwavering advocacy converted promise into channels of prosperity and levers of power. These are the pioneers who withstood the elements—institutional racism, resistance from the business establishment, and lack of resources—to plant a flag on their own patch of territory.

These are the Titans: bold leaders who shattered conventional modes of commerce. Because of their contributions over the past 40 years, the world of business has been transformed forever.

Be sure to pick up the commemorative 40th anniversary August 2010 issue of Black Enterprise, which contains the entire Titans list.

Percy Sutton

Percy E. Sutton never met a challenge too great for his boundless energy and intrepid spirit. The founder of Inner City Broadcasting Corp. died Dec. 26, 2009. He was 89.

Although he was born in San Antonio, on Nov. 24, 1920, it was in New York City where Sutton sowed seeds of success. The youngest child of a former slave, Sutton made his way to New York before joining the Tuskegee Airmen in World War II. Following a stint in the Air Force, Sutton and his brother Oliver opened a Harlem law office in 1953, representing slain activist Malcolm X, among others.

“At a time when few African Americans went into the law, Sutton opened up his own practice that aggressively defended civil and human rights activists in New York and elsewhere around the country,” says friend Rep. Charles Rangel in a statement on his Website.

But it was his business acumen and foray into New York City politics that burnished Sutton’s legacy. In 1972, he and his brother founded New York-based Inner City Broadcasting Corp. (No. 80 on the BE Industrial/Service companies  list with $50.6 million in revenues), which began with a single radio station, the first to be African American-owned, purchased for $1.9 million. It eventually went on to add stations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Antonio.

In the 1970s, Sutton, who served in the New York State Assembly, was a member of a group of black politicians from Harlem dubbed the “Gang of Four.” He was the longest serving Manhattan borough president, holding the position from 1966 to 1977. Despite a failed 1976 bid for mayor, Sutton still exercised influence in local politics and business.

A fixture on the legendary 125th Street as a young man, Sutton was able to give back to the community when he purchased a financially beleaguered Apollo Theater for $250,000 in 1981. Sutton also headed a group that owned the New York Amsterdam News, the second largest black weekly newspaper in the country.

“[Sutton’s] lifelong dedication to the fight for civil rights and his career as an entrepreneur and public servant made the rise of countless young African Americans possible,” remarked President Barack Obama.

black enterprise recognized Sutton with the Arthur G. Gaston Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000, one of many awards, including the 1987 NAACP Spingarn Medal, to his credit. Also in 2000, be readers named Sutton one of the “10 Most Important Black Business Luminaries” of the 20th century.

“Tuskegee Airman; civil-rights activist; first black Manhattan borough president; be 100s CEO—any one of these designations would make Percy E. Sutton a giant among men,” says black enterprise Publisher Earl G. Graves. “The combination of these, only a sampling of his achievements, stamps Sutton as a true titan. He lived a life full to overflowing, setting a standard truly worthy of emulation, and I am blessed and proud to have been his friend.”
Sutton is survived by his wife, Leatrice; his son, Pierre; and daughter, Cheryl.

This article originally appeared in the March 2010 issue of Black Enterprise magazine.

Percy Sutton

“Mentor, leader, media mogul, entrepreneur, friend, WWII fighter, champion, “The Chairman,” or just simply Dad or Uncle Jimmy are all ways in which family and friends remembered Percy Ellis Sutton during his funeral service at Riverside Church on Wednesday.

Sutton passed away on Dec. 26. He was 89.

In a time when the civil rights and civil liberties of African Americans were limited, Sutton defied the odds and worked hard against obstacles to educate himself. For more than 50 years Sutton’s numerous achievements would make him an iconic figure in New York and his legendary stature would inspire and motivate many far beyond Harlem. The pioneering civil rights attorney represented Malcolm X, served as Manhattan’s borough president, was elected to the state Legislature, served as a member of the NAACP, resurrected Harlem’s 125th street by saving the Apollo Theater, and built a media empire making WBLS the No. 1 radio station in the country. Even with all his accomplishments, Sutton still made time for his family and mentored politicians, entrepreneurs and every day people. Today, all whom he touched celebrated his life and legacy.

President Barack Obama called Sutton “a true hero to African-Americans in New York City and around the country. We will remember him for his service to the country…His life-long dedication to the fight for civil rights, and his career as an entrepreneur and public servant made the rise of countless young African Americans possible.”

U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) said “We all have an obligation to continue this great man’s work. … We all cannot be Percy Sutton, but there is a little of Percy in all of us. Part of my life is to make sure that Percy Sutton never dies.”

Sutton’s granddaughter Keisha Sutton James called her grandfather her “Einstein and Superman. He was brilliant and infallible. He taught me to love truly and made sure that this little black girl knew she was amazing.”

Rev. Al Sharpton, who delivered the eulogy, said “Percy Sutton didn’t die, he just passed away. Every time a black politician walks in a Legislature hallway, that’s Percy Sutton. Every time a black radio station plays black music, that’s Percy Sutton. Every time talk radio registers voters and mobilizes those that fight for justice, that’s Percy Sutton. He took the megaphones out of our hands and gave us a radio station…he made us important.”

Former Mayor David Dinkins called Sutton his “personal hero.” “Had there been no Chairman Sutton there certainly would be no Mayor Dinkins. Percy was more than the architect & engineer of the Gang of Four. He was our inspiration.”

Hazel N. Dukes, president of the New York State Conference of the NAACP praised Sutton as her “fearless mentor.” “He was always willing to give his guidance and support.”

New York Gov. David Paterson remembered Sutton in a video statement for being “fiercely loyal, compassionate and a truly kind soul. He will be missed, but his legacy lives on through the next generation of African Americans he inspired to pursue and fulfill their own dreams and ambitions.”

Rev. Jesse Jackson said “The tallest tree in our forest has fallen.”

Tuskegee Airman Dr. Roscoe Brown said “Percy would dream the impossible and make it work.”

Stevie Wonder took a red-eye flight from Los Angeles to pay his respects. Before singing “I’ll Be Loving You Always,” he told the family “they were blessed to have a king in their family.”

Clarence B. Jones, former speechwriter and counsel to Dr. Martin Luther King, said “Percy was black and proud before James Brown asked us to be.”

Attalah Shabazz, eldest daughter of slain civil rights leader Malcolm X, said “Not even I could be who I am today if it were not for the friendship, wit, and counsel that Percy had for my dad when no one was looking. Even when things didn’t seem to be on his side, he was always on ours.”

Honorable Inez E. Dickens credited the tenacity of Sutton and the Gang of Four. “I am the first black woman to be in leadership in the New York City Council because of them. … Percy had unmatched eloquence, he was brilliant, a visionary, prolific writer, and civil rights champion.”

After the service, a motorcade drove through Harlem passing Sutton’s office on 125th street and pausing at the Apollo Theater for a moment of silence. He will be cremated and his ashes flown to Texas. Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that a complex of three schools in Harlem will be renamed the Percy Ellis Sutton Educational Complex.

Percy E. Sutton never met a challenge too great for his boundless energy and intrepid spirit. The founder of Inner City Broadcasting Corp. (which operated the first African American-owned radio station), a Tuskegee Airman, and lawyer, Sutton’s shrewd business sense and iron will made him a force to be reckoned with.

The pioneering figure died Saturday. He was 89. Sutton’s family will hold his memorial service Wednesday, January 6, 11:00 a.m. at Riverside Church in Manhattan.

Although he was a San Antonio, Texas native, it was in New York City where Sutton sowed seeds of success cultivated with integrity and indomitable will. The youngest son of a former slave, Sutton made his way to New York before joining the Tuskegee Airmen as an intelligence officer in World War II after being rejected by white Southern recruiters in his hometown. Following a stint in the Air Force, Sutton and his brother Oliver opened a Harlem law office in 1953. His firm represented slain activist Malcolm X, his wife, Betty Shabazz, and the Black Panthers, among others.

“At a time when few African Americans went into the law, Sutton opened up his own practice that aggressively defended civil and human rights activists in New York and elsewhere around the country,” says friend, U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel.

But it was his business acumen and foray into New York City politics that burnished Sutton’s legacy. In 1972, he and his brother founded New York-based Inner City Broadcasting Corp. (ICBC) (No. 80 Black Enterprise Industrial/Service 100 with revenues of $50.6 million), which began with a single radio station, WLIB-AM. With 50 original shareholders, including Jesse Jackson, future New York City Mayor David Dinkins, and Betty Shabazz, the group purchased the station for $1.9 million, with the Suttons owning more than 51% of the company. It eventually went on to add WBLS-FM, one of New York City’s top ranked radio stations, along with stations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Antonio.

“The people who initially invested in Inner City Broadcasting really did not expect us to make money on an AM daytime radio station in Harlem, but they were really interested in getting a piece of the media that had impact on the community,” Sutton’s son Pierre told Black Enterprise magazine in 1989. Pierre assumed chairmanship of ICBC in 1991.

In the 1970s, Sutton, who served in the New York State Assembly, was a member of a group of black politicians from Harlem dubbed the “Gang of Four,” which included Rep. Rangel; Gov. David Paterson’s father Basil, who became New York’s secretary of state; and Dinkins. He was the longest serving Manhattan borough president holding the position from 1966 to 1977.

Percy Sutton purchased and helped revive the famed Apollo theater in 1981.

Despite a failed 1976 bid for a mayoral seat, Sutton still exercised influence in local politics and business.

“As Borough President, Sutton advocated for and implemented programs that specifically targeted the City’s most vulnerable populations,” said Arva Rice, president and CEO of the New York Urban League.

A fixture on the legendary 125th St. as a young man, Sutton was able to give back to the community that helped shape him when he purchased a financially beleaguered Apollo Theater for $250,000 in 1981. With the acquisition, ICBC also acquired or launched a magazine, record and publishing companies, an artist management company, and several other related entities, including a syndicated television show, “Showtime at the Apollo.” Along with the purchase Sutton secured investors for an $18 million renovation of the theater.

In addition to his radio holdings, Sutton also headed a group that owned The Amsterdam News, the second largest black weekly newspaper in the country. The paper was later sold.

“[Sutton’s] life-long dedication to the fight for civil rights and his career as an entrepreneur and public servant made the rise of countless young African Americans possible,” remarked President Barack Obama.

Sutton’s achievements mark a staunch dedication to education instilled in him and his siblings by his father, Samuel, who was born into slavery just before the Civil War. Samuel went on to become a high school principal. Sutton, the youngest of 15 children, was born in San Antonio on Nov. 24, 1920. Samuel made sure that all 12 of his surviving children went on to attend college.

Black Enterprise recognized Sutton with the Arthur G. Gaston Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000, one of many awards, including the 1987 NAACP Spingarn Medal, to his credit. Also in 2000, Black Enterprise readers named Sutton one of the “10 Most Important Black Business Luminaries” of the 20th century.

“Tuskegee Airman. Civil-rights activist. Attorney for the family of Malcolm X. First black (and longest-serving) Manhattan Borough President. BE 100s CEO and founder of Inner City Broadcasting Corp., one of America’s largest black-owned companies. Key strategist for the ground-breaking presidential campaigns of Rev. Jesse Jackson. Any one of these designations would make Percy E. Sutton, the youngest son of a former slave, a giant among men,” says Black Enterprise Publisher Earl Graves. “The combination of these, only a sampling of his achievements, stamps Sutton as a true titan. He lived a life full to overflowing, setting a standard truly worthy of emulation, and I am blessed and proud to have been his friend.”

Sutton is survived by his wife, Leatrice; his son Pierre, and daughter Cheryl.

Ray Chew (Photo by Jerry Jack)

Ray Chew

Title: Contemporary Music Director, Master String Arranger, Composer and Head of Contemporary Music for Carnegie Hall

Location: New York

Age: 50

Power Play: Along with a long career as musical director of the Apollo Theater and his own company, R.C. Music, Chew served as musical director for the 2008 Democratic National Convention and the network-televised Neighborhood Inaugural Ball

Typically it’s a struggle for creative professionals to manage both their craft and the business aspect of their career. Has that been your experience?

We’ve learned from the mistakes of our jazz ancestors; people who were told that they should do the music and leave the business to others. That was a mistake. A lot of our jazz greats wound up dying penniless. I’ve focused on having a good grasp on my business, learning how to navigate and manage my time, and also trying to be aware of where the business itself is going and how to put myself in a position to succeed.

What have been some strategic moves that have enabled you to get where you are now?

There’s a lot of planning and focusing. I remember touring at a very young age. While a lot of my friends were hanging out and partying I was inside learning about production. I toured with the Commodores and they had these huge arena shows. I learned a lot about lighting and every job out there. When it came time for me to get involved in television production, I knew a lot and was able to put that into effect. I was the artistic production director on Alicia Keys’ first big tour because I was knowledgeable about every job out there. Research and commitment enabled me to do a job that wasn’t specifically designed for someone who just plays the piano.

What have you learned from other creative professionals that has furthered your own career?

Quincy Jones told me on numerous occasions about commitment not only to your craft but also taking chances. If you want something that’s special you have to reach for it. And in the process of reaching for it you might have to leap without a net. That means you have to believe in yourself and be prepared. Continue to be a student of the craft and a student of the business. I’m always learning something new from every experience, and then I evaluate what’s gone right and what may not have gone the way we wanted.

What business strategy would you share with someone who wants to pursue a creative career?

The first thing that I would say is to arm yourself with as many high-end focused skills as possible. If you’re an instrumentalist, also study the things that are connected to the industry: computers, software, audio components. If you’re in it for the long haul then you need to prepare yourself. It’s not a sprint—a career is a marathon.

This article originally appreared in the the October 2009 issue of Black Enterprise magazine.

Darius Weems was one youth among several honored June 4 at the Apollo Theater in New York for their social activism pursuits.

More than 1,000 supporters gathered at Harlem’s Apollo Theater June 4 to honor five outstanding youth at the Do Something Awards “Sweet 16” annual celebration.

The big winners of the evening were Marvelyn Brown, 25, an HIV/AIDS activist; Eric Glustrom, 24, the founder of Educate! which teaches leadership across Uganda; Maggie Doyne, 22, a human rights activist who assists orphans and displaced children in Nepal; David Burstein, 20, a voting activist; and Darius Weems, 19, an advocate for disability rights and Duchene Muscular Dystrophy funding. Each of the nominees won $10,000 for their cause. Doyne won the $100,000 grand prize, which she plans to use toward building a school in Nepal.

“This is something that should be around forever,” says Do Something co-founder and former “Melrose Place” actor Andrew Shue. “Young people will always be the inspiration for change in this country so we need to help facilitate that kind of action by giving them the inspiration, tools, and education they need.”

BlackEnterprise.com caught up with two of the nominees: Darius Weems, a Duchene Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) advocate who, along with friend Logan Smalley, created an awareness film called “Darius Goes West”; and Marvelyn Brown, 25, an HIV-positive speaker and activist. Each discussed their goals, shared why they’re motivated to spread awareness, and explained how they plan to spend their grant money.

BlackEnterprise.com: Why is it important for you to share your story and educate people about DMD?

Darius Weems: This disease is 100% fatal and not that many people know about it. It’s hard to raise funds for it when people don’t know the disease. People know about AIDS and cancer but they don’t know about Duchene Muscular Dystrophy. I want to make it a household-name disease so that people will know about and care about it. It is the most common and most severe form of muscular dystrophy and is the number one genetic killer of children in the world.

Did you think your DMD would have such a huge impact on viewers?

When we decided to go on the trip it was just a way to celebrate my life, but when I was on the road I started getting really getting inspired, and that made me want to do more. I started thinking, ‘Wow I can really raise awareness about my disease through this movie.’ We had a couple of screenings and people fell in love with the cause. That showed me that I had to keep on pushing.

Do you feel that this was your intended purpose in life?

Yes. It’s my purpose to change other people’s lives. My mother has told me my whole life to never give up. I just appreciate life so much. Life is all I’ve got so even when it’s hard, I’ll never give up. People with DMD will die in their teens or early 20’s. I’m working to make the life expectancy better than that, or cure the disease, or even help extend the time that a person can be without a wheelchair.

Logan [Smalley], although there is no cure for the disease, have any drugs shown any promise?

Yes. Darius has invested in five or six experiments that are showing promise. So far he has raised $2 million that has been donated to research. His project has funded [programs aimed at extending] the life of children with DMD from the time they walk to later in life. The money he raised helped develop a pill called PTC 120, which hopefully will prevent the muscles from weakening so rapidly. It’s currently in a human clinical trial.

Unfortunately, only young kids can take the pill. Once you get past a certain age your muscles are too weak.

here is no medication Darius takes for this. Although the best DMD specialist in the country sought him out and wanted to treat him, Darius’ Medicaid won’t allow him to get the best cutting edge treatment.

How will you spend your grant money?

I plan on putting it towards the cause. We’ll donate it to the Charley’s Fund and they’ll give it to people who know best about distributing the money to scientists. This money is really big for us. The cure is close but hard to find.

What’s your goal?

Even if they can’t find a cure, I hope that I can help extend the life of a child. We also want to sell a million DVDs by my 20th birthday which is Sept. 8. Since last September we have already sold 25,000. The DVDs cost $20 and $17 goes towards the fund and $3 goes towards traveling and making more DVDs. I know one day that death is going to come, but I’m not worried about that. I just want to make sure that my story lives on and
resonates.

BlackEnterprise.com: What prompted you to get an HIV test?

Marvelyn Brown

Marvelyn Brown: I didn’t go voluntarily. I was actually on my deathbed in the hospital for pneumonia and while I was unconscious the doctor performed an HIV test. When I regained consciousness I was told that I had tested positive for HIV. It shocked me. I couldn’t believe that I contracted a virus that I felt immune from getting. It was something that I thought could never happen to me.

You contracted it from your partner at the time. Did you confront him?

When I called him he just said he was sorry. The conversation didn’t last much longer after that. He hung up. This was the guy that I put before myself. I realize now that when I laid down and had unprotected sex with him, I let myself go in that moment. I gave him the power to determine my life and my future.

How did your family, friends, and community react?

[My mother] told me to tell people I had cancer. I felt like a leper in my own home. I had to use plastic plates, utensils, and I had to wash my clothes separately. If I coughed or touched something they sprayed Lysol and would constantly wipe things down. I felt so uncomfortable that I ended up living in my car because that was the place where I felt the most comfort.

My community and friends also turned their backs on me. I was supposed to be my friend’s child’s godparent, but when I told her I was HIV positive she told me she didn’t want anything to do with me. She couldn’t see that it could have been her. We both had unprotected sex, but she just got pregnant and I got HIV. Our roles could have easily been switched or we both could have easily gotten both pregnant and HIV. People always look at someone infected with HIV and say they must be promiscuous. But that’s not the way HIV happened; I got the disease from one guy one time.

What motivates you to share your story?

I was alarmed at the HIV statistics of youth. People ages 13-24 make up half of the new HIV infections. That was me. That was my peers. I’ve made it one of my sole issues to educate. I couldn’t really be mad at my community for how they felt about me because we all had the same education. Before being diagnosed, I was just like them — ignorant and uneducated. So I decided to use my story to help break that down.

What’s your goal?

In the next five years or maybe before then I hope to get a million and one people tested. So far I have already helped 200,000 people get tested for HIV and have talked to 525,000 people around the world in crowds ranging from 32,000 to five people in a room. I speak opening and honestly from my experience. There’s not a cure for AIDS, we haven’t even figured out a cure for the common cold, but the cure can start with me spreading the message.

How do you plan on spending your grant money?

I created “The Marvelous Connection Tours.” It is going to be a two-month United States tour to visit 20 Colleges and Universities [hardest hit by HIV and AIDS]. I’m traveling to Birmingham, Tennessee, Atlanta, several cities in North and South Carolina, Washingoton D.C., and New York. HIV/AIDS numbers are high in the big cities, but it’s on the rise in the South, and the younger people who are contracting it are coming from the historically black colleges and universities. I just have to go. There’s so much work to be done.

The tour is going to spread the importance of HIV testing and education while reducing stigma and dispelling the myths of HIV.

Did you ever imagine that after being diagnosed that you would become a nationally recognized spokesperson for HIV/AIDS?

When I first told my story in the Tennessean [newspaper] I thought it would be a local thing. The response was so overwhelming. I was changing people’s perspective and I was encouraging people to get tested. It made me want to do more. To be awarded chokes me up. People said I wouldn’t be anything because I have HIV. I proved them wrong.