President Barack Obama, Russell Simmons & Bill Cosby Wine & Dine Amidst Possible Government Shutdown

There may be a total government shutdown looming in DC and beyond--the first since 1995--but President Obama was among the high profile attendees at The 20th Annual Keepers Of The Dream Awards Gala in New York at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers.  Come inside to see the President, Al Sharpton, Spike Lee and Bill Cosby and the drama about the potential government shutdown ....
 

 

Some very high profile YBFers were in Manhattan last night to raise money for the 20th Annual Keepers Of The Dream Awards Gala.

And it doesn't get more high profile than the President of the United States.

 

President Obama recently kicked off his re-election campaign which might explain why he's been seen posing for pics with Al Sharpton recently. 

The Keepers of the Dream Gala is a program started by Al's National Action Network.


 

He presented an award to Richard Parsons who posed with Sylvia Rhone.

Spike Lee came out in his suede shoes to support Al's NAN.

And Russell Simmons was there.  Hmm...wonder if he and Bill Cosby are back on speaking terms?

Roland Martin and Kedar Massenburg posed together.

Tamika Mallory and publicist Marvet Britto were on hand.

Richard and Kedar posed with Marth Luther King III.

Stevie Wonder came out!

Magic Johnson spoke to the audience.

Al Sharpton posed with Dominique Sharpton and LaTanya Jackson.

 

Music honcho Andre Harrell was also there.

 

 

Also, the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus released a statement today about the potentional government shutdown.  It reads as follows:

" A government shutdown is a lose-lose situation, and a distraction
from the real issues-responsibly reducing the deficit and balancing
the budget. It is also a waste of time and even Speaker Boehner has
admitted that a government shutdown will actually cost more than it
saves. Most importantly, it affects the very people we were sent here
to serve and protect. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers who are
the primary bread winners in their homes-many of whom are
disproportionately in CBC Member districts-will be gravely impacted by
a shutdown.

"Our nation is desperately trying to overcome a recession that began
well over two years ago. Upon learning last week that more than 1.8
million jobs have been created in a little over a year, the Republican
leadership is leading us to a government shutdown which would
devastate the progress we have made. It is beyond irresponsible to
allow a shutdown just as our economy is starting to recover. It is my
hope that the Congressional leadership realizes that in order to
prevent a shutdown, compromising is an essential part of the equation.
Stop playing politics with the livelihood of the American people."


- Chairman Emanuel Cleaver II

 

Photos via WireImage/Nunez

Source: http://theybf.com/2011/04/07/president-barack-obama-russell-simmons-bill-cosby-wine-dine-amidst-possible-government-sh

Adriana Lima

Happy Birthday Justin Bieber!

justin Bieber and Selena Gomez

On Tuesday (March 1), Justin Bieber enjoyed a loved-up outing withJustin Bieber in Beverly Hills for the romantic birthday excursion. The cute couple spent the 17th b-day at a local shopping center as they picked up purchases at Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton - where the two shared a few intimate hugs giving Justin a big birthday boy smile. Enjoy the pictures of Justin Bieber celebrating his 17th birthday with Selena Gomez. [gallery=753]

Source: http://www.celebritygossiphollywood.com/general/celebrity-couples/happy-birthday-justin-bieber/

Ana Hickmann

Nikki Reed Dating American Idol's Paul McDonald?

Nikki Reed Dating American Idol's Paul McDonald?

Talk about the perks of being an American Idol contestant! Raspy-voiced crooner Paul McDonald is reportedly dating Twilight star Nikki Reed.

The two met on the red carpet at the premiere of Red Riding Hood in March, where Reed (who plays Edward Cullen's vampire sister Rosalie in the Twilight films) fawned over the Idol finalist. But McDonald didn't even know who she was.

"You're amazing. I'm blushing, I should go," said the 22-year-old actress. McDonald, 26, responded, "Wow, thank you," before the two hugged goodbye. After Reed made her exit, an obviously out-of-the-loop McDonald turned to the camera crew and asked, "Was she a famous actress or something? I'd hang out with her!"

Well, dreams do come true, as these two have reportedly been actively pursuing each other since. Their courting has been more virtual than anything else, since Reed is currently filming Breaking Dawn in Canada and McDonald has been singing (and dancing!) his way to the American Idol Top 8 in L.A. But sources tell E! News that they are totally into each other, keeping in contact via Skype. In fact, Reed is even referring to the up-and-comer as her boyfriend!

Reed's rep didn't return requests for comments on the new relationship, but sources say things are getting steamy between these two! And now we're wondering if their status will have any effect on the Idol competition. Will Reed use her fame -- and her giant Twilight fanbase -- to steer votes in Paul's favor? We'll have to wait and see!

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/nikki-reed-dating-american-idols-paul-mcdonald/1-a-339170

Alicia Keys

Christina Aguilera & Her Flyboys

Christina Aguilera, looking newly-tanned, cheerfully toted her 3-year-old son Max as she and boyfriend Matthew Rutler arrived at LAX in Los Angeles, Calif. on Friday (April 8).

The Candyman singer recently talked about how she is coping with her recent setbacks, including flubbing the lyrics to the National Anthem at the Super Bowl and her divorce from Jordan Bratman.

Top Story? (feature beneath menu): 
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Source: http://celebritybabyscoop.com/2011/04/08/christina-aguilera-her-flyboys

Claudette Ortiz

Gollum's Helping Peter Jackson Direct The Hobbit!

Wow! This must be such a cool opportunity for him! Andy Serkis will not only be reprising his role in The Lord of the Rings trilogy as Gollum in the upcoming Peter Jackson-directed prequel, The Hobbit, but this time around, he'll also be the second unit director on the fantasy epic! He revealed: "There is [...]

Source: http://perezhilton.com/2011-04-08-andy-serkis-second-unit-director-of-the-hobbit

Elisha Cuthbert

Pia Toscano Gets The Boot On ?American Idol?

Songbird Pia Toscano was eliminated from “American Idol” on Thursday, leaving the judges who had lavished praise on her in despair over the audience’s decision. Randy Jackson covered his head and mouthed a repeated “No” after host Ryan Seacrest announced that Toscano received the lowest number of viewer votes after her performance Wednesday of “River [...]

Source: http://www.celebritymound.com/pia-toscano-gets-the-boot-on-american-idol/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pia-toscano-gets-the-boot-on-american-idol

Coco Lee

David Burtka Does Solo Daddy Duty

New daddy David Burtka, who is father to twin babies with his partner Neil Patrick Harris, was spotted out with his gorgeous baby daughter Harper Grace here in SoCal yesterday doing solo daddy duty. David and Harper paid a visit to a pediatric medical center but it is not known if little Harper is sick [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/pinkisthenewblog/~3/ljbaNlbBP3o/

Giulianna Ramirez