LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Feb. 8 /PRNewswire/ — Singer/producer/actress Mary J. Blige, the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” will be the Keynote Speaker as part of the third annual Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey. The event will be held Feb. 11-14 at Walt Disney World Resort.

In partnership with nationally syndicated radio personality Steve Harvey, Walt Disney World Resort will host 100 high school students from across the nation at this year’s academy – giving them unprecedented access to the magic behind Walt Disney World Resort and creating unique, interactive seminars with a wide range of enriching and inspiration topics from “the unseen jobs of entertainment” to “the business of sports” to “the power of networking.”

Blige, whose latest album “Stronger withEach Tear” hit No. 2 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts, will speak at the academy’s Commencement Ceremony, a graduation of sorts for the students. Past Keynote Speakers include Judge Greg Mathis and BET Founder Bob Johnson.

Other celebrities scheduled to share their blueprints for success at this year’s academy include R&B star Cupid; actor Roshon Fagen (“Camp Rock”); CNN correspondent Christopher Lawrence; actor Daniel Curtis Lee (“Disney’s Zeke & Luther”); songstress Kimberley Locke; actors Chris (“Zoey 101″) and Kyle (“Cory in the House”) Massey; actress Tamara Mowry (“Sister, Sister”); producer Will Packer (“Stomp The Yard”); singer Ruben Studdard; gospel group Trin-i-tee 5:7; and celebrity trainer Harvey Walden. As in 2009, Sherri Shepherd, actress and co-host of “The View,” will return to host the celebrity conversations. Contemporary gospel star Yolanda Adams will speak at the event’s opening ceremony.

Special sessions for this year’s academy include a unique look inside the newest Disney animated hit “The Princess and the Frog” with Disney animators Bruce Smith and Marlon West. Dwayne Edwards, designer of celebrity shoes for Nike, will share his vision for non-traditional careers in sports. Students with culinary aspirations will get a hands-on tutorial from celebrity chef Jeff Henderson in the Walt Disney World kitchens, and the aspiring gamers of the group will learn practical tips for video game design from digital media expert Jacqueline Beauchamp.

As part of their experience, Disney cast members and executives, along with executives from sponsors Eastman Kodak Company and Jostens, will provide insight and impart real-world experience from corporate America. They will offer an honest, straightforward look at what it takes to get a job in the New Millennium including the importance of technology; the ever-shrinking global workplace and how the combination of hard work and belief in your dreams can accomplish almost any goal. And, of course, the students will get free time to explore Disney’s world-class theme parks and attractions.

“We are very excited and truly honored to have Mary J. Blige as our Keynote Speaker and all of our celebrity participants,” said Tracey Walters, executive champion for Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey. “This year, Walt Disney World is celebrating the volunteer spirit of families throughout the country; and their words will hopefully inspire our students to think about their dreams as conduits not only to help themselves achieve, but to help others as well.”

The Search for 2010’s Dreamers

In conjunction with “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” Walt Disney World Resort conducted the Dreamer’s Contest to identify the participants, grades 9-12, in Disney’s Dreamers Academy. This program was created for high school students who show promise – but may need additional motivational support to excel. However, all of the selected students share a trait: the power to DREAM. Parents, teachers, school administrators, church groups and even the students themselves nominated thousands of aspiring dreamers from across the nation for the program.

“Each year we strive to find young people who may have a will or passion, but may not have the courage to explore their dreams,” said Harvey. “So we hope to unlock the power that will allow them to pursue their heart’s desires. Walt Disney World and I both are excited to be a part of these young dreamers experience that will encourage them to bring their dreams to life.”

Participants in this year’s Disney’s Dreamers Academy class were selected by a distinguished panel of judges including: Harvey; Rushion McDonald (executive producer of “The Steve Harvey Morning Show”); Jasmine Guy (actress, singer and dancer); Sherry Paramore (executive director, UNCF); Rilous Carter (vice president, Disney’s Hollywood Studios); Tracey Walters (director, Theme Parks & Resorts Pricing / executive spokesperson); Nicole Ari Parker Kodjoe (actress/former model); Eduardo Correia (director, Multicultural Marketing, Eastman Kodak Company); Cassi Davis (actress, “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”); Carla Willis (vice president, Community Relations, Florida A&M University); Will Packer (film producer, co-founder and chairman of Rainforest Films); Stephen A. Smith (sports writer & media personality); Tracy Brown (editor, features/family/education at Atlanta Journal Constitution).

Disney’s Dreamers Academy and Kodak

Disney’s Dreamers Academy events are also made possible by the generosity of Kodak. Kodak sponsors the career workshops “Each One, Teach One!” and provides each participant with a Kodak EasyShare digital camera. As the world’s foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives. To learn more, visit http://www.kodak.com and follow our blogs and more at http://www.kodak.com/go/followus. Known for helping people worldwide capture Kodak moments, the company’s current messaging reminds consumers that “real Kodak Moments happen when you share.” More than 75 million people worldwide manage, share and create photo gifts online at KODAK Gallery – join today at www.kodakgallery.com.

Disney’s Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey was launched in 2007. For more information visit http://steveharvey.com/disneysdreamersacademy/.

SOURCE Walt Disney World

RELATED LINKS

http://steveharvey.com/disneysdreamersacademy

If you missed it, the video is below.

Company CEO takes HBCU football to next level
By Marcia Wade Talbert – November 20, 2009

Some people sit and watch on the sidelines, while others play the game. Jacqueline S. Beauchamp plays the game. Not satisfied with the dearth of diversity in the video gaming industry, in 2004 Beauchamp partnered with three colleagues to start Nerjyzed Entertainment Inc. to not only put more African American players in games, but also to increase the number of developers in the field.

“I kept saying for about two and a half years [that] someone needs to… bring some different products and different experiences to the market segment,” says the former Motorola executive. Then she realized that she was that someone.

With the release of “The Black College Football Experience: The Doug Williams Edition” Nerjyzed has done what no other company has done before: It has created the first game published by a black-owned interactive digital media company for high-end video game consoles.

Over the years, Beauchamp, now Nerjyzed CEO, and her three co-founders– all graduates of HBCUs–were able to raise $8 million in seed money and hire 45 programmers and video game developers to work toward their goal of creating a sports video game that focuses on the football leagues of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

The endeavor has been five years in the making and the Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based company has seen its share of ups and downs. But now, after the game’s autumn release, Beauchamp, 47, a former manager with experience working at Motorola and IBM, is ecstatic that BCFx is finally taking up shelf space at Wal-mart, GameStop, and Amazon.com.

BCFx features more than 40 teams from HBCUs that battle on the football field using not only their players but their drumlines. It also has interactive halftime shows complete with drum majors, cheerleaders, and bands. The drumline portion of the game allows players to compete against other players in a rhythm-based competition. Using a drum pad, gamers can choose to perform one of over a 120 songs ranging from artists like Beyoncé to Frankly Beverly and Maze.

Beauchamp spoke with Black Enterprise about Nerjyzed’s false starts, the support the company received from HBCUs, and explained why it is important to honor NFL legends who have roots in black college teams.

BlackEnterprise.com: Why did it take such a long time to obtain the certification to produce the games on Xbox and Sony Playstation consoles?

Jacqueline Beauchamp: Our product is very different. We have integrated two of the top tier genres in the video game industry into one product: football and head-to-head, rhythm-based competition on one game. We were the first to be able to do that.

The integration of two different genres [created] a different class of product, which took a little bit longer than we had anticipated. It was just a little bit more challenging. There were some rules that actually changed in the middle and we literally had to go back and redo a number of things that we had previously met the requirements on.

What other hurdles did you have to overcome to produce the video game?

The process for obtaining licenses from the schools took a little bit longer than what we would have really liked. Those institutions are very accustomed to licensing their brands for t-shirts and cups but licensing for a video game was very new. So we had to spend a little bit more time in educating them and getting them comfortable with the entire video game industry model. Once we got to that point the processes for getting the licenses and closing contracts went a little bit faster.

How much in sales do you need to make in order to consider the project successful?

Success for us is going to be achieved [by reaching] $14 million in revenue. Now we are in the process of making sure that everybody is set, ready, and prepared for the Christmas push on marketing and promotions, and making sure we have enough inventory in the [retail] channel, which is why I’m spending direct time with retailers like Walmart.

What role did HBCUs play in getting the game launched?

The Historically Black Colleges and Universities have supported the roll out of the product. They have participated with us in some of our TV show airings, and allowed us to come on their campuses and promote the game. Their bands got involved in recordings, and we recruited their cheerleaders and band members to do motion capture [to create animation in the game]. So they were an integral part in not just creating the product, but helping to promote it and drive sales and we’re providing royalties [from the game back to them].

Why is the game called the “The Doug Williams Edition”?

He’s been the first in so many categories — first African American quarterback to not only start in and win a NFL Super Bowl but then to be named MVP [of the game]. Doug is a huge proponent and spokesperson for Black college football. He and James Jack Harris, [who both played for Grambling State University,] just announced the formation of the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame.

There are so many greats that came from these institutions—like Jerry Rice and Walter Payton — and a lot of people really don’t know that they did. We want to pay respect to all of these individuals that have made an enormous impact on not just collegiate football, but on the entire game of football, even at the NFL level.

Kids from age 7 to 77 saw the BCFX Road Tour Bus in the tailgate area and came to see and play BCFX. Our very own CEO, Jacqueline Beauchamp, was on hand as well to meet, greet, and even beat some contestants in the Drum Line Challenge.

Inside the BCFX Bus was filled to capacity from 12 noon until way after the 5th Quarter. We had a number or Youth Football Teams come out in uniform and get on the bus to play the game on one of our 12 flat screens inside the bus.

With the Drum Line challenge staged under our 20 foot fully branded tent outside the bus, alumni, parents, students, staff, greeks (shout out to the Kappas, Alphas, Ques, Sigmas, Deltas, AKAs and any others I may have missed) and even Mr. and Miss Spellman came by to play the Drum Line Challenge and meet our CEO.

Everyone had a good time. Remember, BCFx is in-stores now! It can be found at Gamestop, Wal-Mart, and online at Amazon.com.

For more information about BCFX, please go to BCFX Game Site

For more information about Nerjyzed Entertainment, please go to Nerjyzed Company Site

Be sure to follow us on twitter at @MrBCFx and @Nerjyzed

Make sure you join our Facebook Group – Facebook BCFX Page and our fan page Nerjyzed Fan Page – Facebook Fan Page

For Press and Media Requests, please contact Lisa Sorensen at lisa@ls-pr.com

Next Stop: Southern University Homecoming on Saturday 10/17/2009

Press Release
Contact: Jeff McKenzie
646-246-2480
Jeff@CoachingCharities.com

Football Pioneers Pro Bowl MVP James “Shack” Harris and Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams to Establish Black College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta

—————

Ambassador Andrew Young to Serve as Honorary Chairman for Inaugural Enshrinement Ceremony in February

October 9, 2009 (Atlanta, GA) — Black College football and National Football League quarterback pioneers Pro Bowl MVP James “Shack” Harris and Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams today announced the establishment of the Black College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, GA. The Hall of Fame will honor the greatest football players and coaches at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The Inaugural Enshrinement Ceremony will be held in Atlanta on February 20, 2010, in conjunction with Black History Month. Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Statesman Andrew Young will serve as an Honorary Chairman for the Enshrinement Ceremony. The Four Seasons Hotel has joined as the first Platinum Sponsor for the event, which will be held at their property in midtown Atlanta (75 Fourteenth St. NE). A total of eight individuals will be inducted in the inaugural class — seven players and/or coaches, plus one contributor. Sponsorship and ticket information is available online at www.BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org.

“Players and coaches from Historically Black Colleges and Universities have played a significant role in the history of college football.” said Doug Williams. “Shack and I remain committed to preserving this legacy. The City of Atlanta, with its central proximity to more than half of the nation’s HBCUs, is the perfect home for the Hall of Fame.”

New York Times columnist and author William C. Rhoden will serve as Chairman of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee, which additionally is comprised of the following prominent journalists and football executives:

Ernie Accorsi — Former General Manager of the New York Giants, and Senior Bowl Analyst, NFL Network

Charles Bailey — Former NFL Player Personal Executive with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints and Jacksonville Jaguars

Gil Brandt — Former General Manager, Dallas Cowboys, and contributor for NFL Radio and NFL.com

Charles Garcia — NFL Scouting Pioneer, namesake of Fritz Pollard Alliance’s Annual Charles Garcia Scouting Award

Michael Hurd — Former USA Today sportswriter, and author of the books Black College Football, 1892-1992 and Collie J., Grambling’s Man with the Golden Pen

Ty Miller — Director of Sports, Sheridan Broadcast Network

Roscoe Nance — Former USA Today sports writer and President, SWAC Alumni Assoc.

Charlie Neal — ESPN commentator for HBCU telecasts and former BET & TNT commentator

Michael Smith — ESPN NFL reporter, and frequent contributor ESPN Around the Horn, former writer for The Boston Globe

Lloyd Vance — NFL Writer, Analyst, Draft Expert, Researcher and Historian, and member of the Pro Football Writers of America

“This project would not be possible without the involvement of such a prestigious and knowledgeable Selection Committee,” said James “Shack” Harris. “This committee will determine the Hall of Fame selection criteria, review nominations and choose inductees. We are honored to have these individuals on board.”

An Advisory Committee also has been formed, led by Co-Chairmen Chuck Lewis, President, CEO & Founder of One Georgia Bank, and Chris Prince, King & Spalding. Others on the committee include: Evan Appel, Chorey Taylor & Feil; Phillip Bell, State Farm Insurance; Andy Berg, Homrich Berg Wealth Management; Tom Bishop, Georgia Power; Brian Doud, Sponsorship Marketing Solutions; Harold Franklin, King & Spalding; Llew Haden, Wales Business Management; Thomas Moorehead, BMW of Sterling; Sarah Lattimer, Lattimer Communications; Jerry Lopes, American Urban Radio Networks; Billy Lovett, One Georgia Bank; Paul Mannion, Street Capital; Rod Mullice, Newmark Knight Frank; James Patterson, Webb Patterson Communications; Chris Pumphrey, Georgia Department of Economic Development; and Frank Ski, V-103 Radio.

A call for nominations will be announced in the coming weeks. Nominations may be made by any member of the media, college or professional coaches and players, or the general public. A nomination form will be available at www.BlackCollegeFootballHOF.org.

The Black College Football Hall of Fame is sponsored by The Shack Harris & Doug Williams Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization.

# # #

Sidelines passes, on-air radio interviews and over all VIP treatment were perfect accommodations for Jay Right, Sidni, Granddaddy, J. Shorter and “Beam me up Scotty” Kirk who had the pleasure of providing complimentary BCFx game play for all to enjoy… and Enjoy they did!

With the Drumline challenge staged under our brand new 20 foot fully branded tent and 12 flat screen plasmas inside of the bus game attendees lost themselves within the Xbox Version of the Black College Football Xperience before entering the stadium to experience the actual game. It was awesome! Oh did we mention that this ESPN U broadcast caught a little bit of dead air after halftime due to an intense episode of lightening within close proximity which caused the game to be canceled, but the lightening was awesome!!!! Good ol mother flexed her mighty power but allowed us mortals to enjoy the halftime show before showing her strength.

By the way BCFx is in-stores now, sooooooo….what are you waiting for go get it and Do It Now!

The Greeks held it down on the grill and provided food for the event. The Ques were on the grill. The Iotas, Sigmas, and AKAs made sure everyone had a good time.

Hampton fans from 7 to 77 came out to the bus. The drumline challenge was played by all.

The Hampton Pep Squad came out and kept the BCFx Footprint festive by dancing and entertaining everyone that was in line waiting to play.

Overall it was a great time at Hampton.

BCFx in stores tomorrow 9/29!

Make sure you check out the Steve Harvey Show on 9/30 to get an exclusive interview with our very first BCFx Legend Doug Williams.

Next stop for the BCFx Road Tour is UAPB on Thursday 10/1 as Alcorn State travels to UAPB for a Thursday Night Football Game.

T-Shirts, Fliers, Posters and brand ambassadors reminded students and staff to get to the retail outlets early Monday night or Tuesday morning as to not be left standing without a fresh copy of BCFx.  GameStop managers have already informed us that this historical game will be “hard to keep on the shelves” and sense that many of their stores will be out of stock within the 1^st week.  So pre-order it at a GameStop location near you or log into www.bcfxgame.com to secure your order now!

Camera Crews captured B-Roll of the Drumline Challenge for inclusion on BET’s on-air Black College Tour’s on-air update.

Stay tuned for more updates from AAMU’s homecoming today.