Posted Feb. 8, 2008 -- Best-selling author Terry McMillan is picking up a lifetime achievement award from Essence magazine for her novels about the everyday struggles of modern African-American women.
"No single writer today has documented the African-American experience from a contemporary black women's point of view like Terry McMillan," said Patrik Henry Bass, a senior editor at Essence for books and art.
The author is best-known for books "How Stella Got Her Groove Back" and "Waiting to Exhale," which were both turned into full-length features. McMillan, 56, has a long history with Essence. As a journalism student at the University of California at Berkeley, McMillan won an Essence essay contest in 1974 for a piece on Black male-female relationships.
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The award-winning author and nominees in eight other literary categories were nominated by the editors of Essence. Afterward, a panel of experts in the Black publishing field selected the winners. McMillan and the other winners were to attend the Essence Literary Awards ceremony Thursday evening.
Scorsese to Make Marley Doc
Martin Scorsese, Steve Bing's Shangri-La Entertainment and international sales agent Fortissimo Films will reteam for the helmer's next musically themed effort -- a yet-to-be-titled documentary about legendary reggae star Bob Marley, reports Variety.
The trio were behind the director's Rolling Stones documentary "Shine a Light," which opened the Berlin Film Festival on Thursday. Tuff Gong Pictures and Shangri-La are producing the pic, which has been authorized by Marley's family. Docu is set for release on Feb. 6, 2010, on what would have been Marley's 65th birthday.
"I am thrilled that the Marley family will finally have the opportunity to document our father's legacy and are truly honored to have Mr. Scorsese guide the journey," son Ziggy Marley said.
Williams an "Ally" for Human Rights
The Human Rights Campaign has selected "Ugly Betty" star Vanessa Williams as this year's Ally for Equality. Williams, a Grammy-nominated recording artist and former Miss America, has publicly supported marriage equality and same-sex adoption. HRC president Joe Solmonese said her contributions to gay rights and work on "Ugly Betty" have "helped to change the culture of our country for the better." The organization will present the award Feb. 23 at its annual gala dinner in New York.
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