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Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph will visit Baton Rouge for booksigning

Actress Sheryl Lee Ralph will visit Baton Rouge for booksigning

Actress redefines ‘diva’, brings book to Baton Rouge

By Candace J. Semien

”DIVA is an equal opportunity word and a way of life! Live it!,” writes actress Sheryl Lee Ralph in her new memoir Redefining DIVA, published by Simon and Schuster’s Gallery House division. Ralph will be in Baton Rouge, Thursday, June 21, at Books A Million, 10533 South Mall Drive off Siegen Lane.

The book signing begins at 5pm. Store managers said 300 copies of Redefining Diva will be available at the store. However, with the city’s large numbers of HIV advocates and one of the nation’s largest population of Delta Sigma Theta sorors, Baton Rouge readers are expected to turn out in droves to see Ralph who has a career of HIV/AIDS activism.

“Soror Ralph takes back the word ‘Diva’. She owns it, and in doing so, encourages Divas from all walks of life to embrace the title that is truly and rightfully their own,” said Cynthia M. A. Butler-McIntyre, national president, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Renaissance Hotel showcasing Louisiana art

Louisiana Blue Crabs. The State Pelican. Swamps. Lily Pads and frogs.

And don't forget our alligators, our beautiful azaleas, and our tasty fruit.  It's all about Louisiana art.

But these beautiful paintings and photographs are not at an art gallery. They can be seen at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge. 

Ann Connelly is the coordinator of the project showcasing local art.

"It's great support because we all want to celebrate the best of Louisiana and our culture," Connelly says.  "We're known for our great art and it's a great way to celebrate what we have."

The artwork is displayed in public spaces like the bar, the hallways, and even guest rooms.

Fifteen artists--all from Louisiana--participated.

David Humpreys' work features pretty Louisiana flowers like azaleas and magnolias. Photography turned into art. The Baton Rouge artist says you can't buy this kind of exposure.

"The actual process of doing the work for the hotel has  increased awareness of what I do not only in Baton Rouge but across the state and hopefully the country," Humphreys says.

And that awareness continues around the clock.

A Taste of Health Summer Enrichment Academy

A Taste of Health Summer Enrichment Academy

The Big Buddy Program is offering a Taste of Health Summer Enrichment Academy. For  more information call, (225) 388-9737.

PROGRAM HOURS
            Monday, June 4th - Tuesday, July 3rd

            Mondays-Thursdays; 8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.

Children can be dropped off as early as 7:30a.m.

            *Children MUST be picked up by 4:00p.m.

            **Transportation may be provided.

 

            Locations include: The Dufrocq School, Lanier Elementary, St. Francis Xavier Elementary

 

Baton Rouge Pride Fest

Baton Rouge Pride Fest

Plans are in place for a great celebration when the sixth annual Baton Rouge Pride Fest takes place June 23.

The 2012 Baton Rouge Pride Fest is set for noon until 6 p.m. inside the LSU Student Union Building in Baton Rouge, and there’s a great lineup for the community resource fair and an entire afternoon of entertainment.

“The 2012 Baton Rouge Pride Fest will be another great event for everyone,” said Tom Merrill, chair of the Pride Fest team. “We’ve got a great place to hold it, which is even bigger than before, and we can enjoy all the amenities of the university campus.

“It promises to be a wonderful celebration – with a fantastic lineup of entertainment and special guests, as well as the community resource fair that serves as our centerpiece each year.”

Organizers have invited back all 50-plus nonprofit organizations, groups and businesses that participated in last year’s community resource fair, and they’re seeking any others interested in participating.