In November, 2008, Jeff Parshley and his partner, photographer Adam Bouska, watched as Proposition 8 passed into law in California, banning same-sex couples to marry. Instead of taking their heartache and anger in protest, the couple went back to their apartment and took the first NOH8 photo. Bouska had Parshley pose in front of a white background with the words “NOH8″ written on his cheek and duct tape on his mouth, symbolizing Prop 8 and similar legislation’s attempt to silence the voices of the LGBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender) community. Although it started as an artistic expression for their social networks, Bouska and Parshley’s “NOH8″ began to explode into a grassroots campaign for equality. The campaign has gained recognition not only locally but also on a national level as over 4,400 NOH8 photos have been taken featuring members of the LGBT community, heterosexuals, families, and celebrities.
Kimberly Caldwell – Worth the Wait
American Idol’s season two finalist Kimberly Caldwell has an innate gift of staying in the media spotlight. Although it has been seven years since Idol, Caldwell’s infectious humor and undeniable confidence has made her a regular as a television personality for networks like Fox Sports, MTV, and the TV Guide Network. Hosting not only allowed Caldwell the opportunity to redefine herself as a host but when the time was right, to debut her music as a new artist and not just another product of the Idol machine.
Don Lemon – CNN’s Breaking News
I was beyond excited when Don Lemon invited me to spend a day with him on the temporary Los Angeles set of his weekend prime-time show, CNN Newsroom. Lemon and his show are based at the network’s world headquarters in Atlanta, where he also serves as a correspondent across CNN/U.S. programming. He has covered many breaking news stories including the Inaugural of the 44th President in Washington, D.C., Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana in 2008, and the Minneapolis bridge collapse in 2007. Last year it was no surprise when Ebony Magazine named Lemon as one of the most influential African American men in America.
