Bay Area's Own Christopher Rockefeller - Berry Gordy Scholarship Recipient

Christopher Xavier Earl-Rockefeller

Berry Gordy Family Foundation

Scholarship Recipient

 (Hollywood, CA/Oakland, CA) This year’s The Heroes And Legends (HAL) Awards were presented at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, CA and Christopher Xavier Earl-Rockefeller, age 16, San Leandro, CA was honored and awarded with the Berry Gordy Family Foundation Scholarship for his work in the performing arts through television and poetry. Christopher received his award to a sold out banquet room including, Mr. Berry Gordy and a host of music legends, celebrities and guest.

 

Christopher Xavier is the anchor of “The Adventures of Mr. Christopher” a youth television program dedicated to youth and teen awareness and education through interviews, entertainment and interactive activities. Christopher is a bay area teen embarking on a mission of youth empowerment and awareness with vital topics and intriguing conversations while keeping with current interest. Christopher is known as a sponge for information that complements his experienced and charismatic delivery. Christopher, at a young age showed an interest in the family business of television and broadcast media. He’s hosted interviews with many notable entertainers and is a young leader who moves by example.

 

Sharing hosting duties on “The Adventures of Mr. Christopher” are Amari Chatmon and McKinley Clemons also known as “The Cronies”. These dynamic young men exude knowledge while bringing their own “swagger” to the program. The three best friends are involved in youth programs and performance groups and have traveled and performed in many cities, states and countries. Together, Christopher, Amari and McKinley will indeed motivate youth to be more social and energetic. Christopher shares this award with the support of his parents, Young, Gifted and Black, a poetry performance group whom he has traveled with and the office of African American Male Achievement. In his speech, he thanked Mr. Gordy and the HAL Awards for the esteemed honor.

 

About The Scholarship Fund

The Heroes And Legends Scholarship Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization devoted to helping talented young persons of the community achieve their dreams and their visions of careers in the performing arts, as well as spotlighting positive role models from many diverse backgrounds. The Heroes And Legends (HAL) Scholarship Foundation was created by celebrated songwriter and Motown Alumna, Ms. Janie Bradford to aid youth and to publicly recognize others who share her vision. Each year our scholarship honorees are selected from a diverse group of candidates who have earned a consistent grade point average of 2.0 or better and who exhibit an extraordinary amount of talent, drive and determination. For nearly 25 years, HAL has spotlighted positive role models and leaders in the fields of music, theatre, motion pictures and business at the Annual HAL Awards and Scholarship Dinner.

For more information contact: James C. Earl-Rockefeller, III, Executive Producer, VJTV The isual Radio NETWORK, 2970 Teagarden St., San Leandro, CA 94577, (510) 228-5355. www.vjvnetwork.com

Diverse & Dynamic - An Emmy Nomination Celebration

When TV stars and industry executives arrived to the Dynamic & Diverse 66^th Emmy Awards on August 12th, they were not only celebrating the year’s biggest small screen accomplishments but said they were welcoming the “new golden age of television.” The event, held at the Television Academy in North Hollywood, highlighted every form of diversity.  Jason George, who serves as chair of SAG-AFTRA’s diversity advisory committee said that the differences should be enjoyed rather than seen as something that keeps us apart.

The celebration not only highlighted actors, but also showrunners and executives who make their appearances on the show possible. Many pointed to “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal” creator Shonda Rhimes for expanding the opportunity for people of diverse backgrounds.  For many of the night’s attendees, more diversity could be achieved on both TV and film. “Scandal’s” Jose Morton said there have been strides but there needs to be greater diversity in the storylines.

The Dynamic & Diverse event is in its second year, sparked last year by Kerry Washington’s nomination for lead actress in a drama series. Organizers said they wanted to once again set aside an evening to take note of diversity on television.  George closed the night’s speeches by excitedly announcing that Dynamic & Diverse celebration would now become an annual event during Emmy season.

And go!