Actress Holly Robinson Peete shared her thoughts on the untimely death of actor Michael Clarke Duncan. In addition to being friends with Michael’s fiancé, Omarosa Manigault, Holly’s mother represented the actor for several years. “He was like a brother to me,” she said. She also spoke about how Omarosa never left Michael’s side. “Anybody who thinks that love wasn’t real, all you had to do was be around them. They loved each other so much. They referred to each other as, “˜My Love,'” she said. “They had something really magical. They were planning a wedding in Africa. They were putting it all together, then this tragedy just happened.” [S2S]
President Obama responded to criticism that he and First Lady Michelle Obama don’t attend enough evening social events saying: “Sometimes Michelle and I not doing the circuit and going out to dinners with folks is perceived as us being cool. It actually really has more to do with us being parents. When we’re in town here in Washington in the evenings, 6:30 we want to be at the dinner table with our kids. And I want to be helping with their homework.” He also spoke about growing up in a fatherless household and feeling his father’s absence being his motivation in being such a good father to his kids. [Black Celeb Kids]
Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Jay-Z are backing the new documentary “Free Angela and All Political Prisoners,” a film by director Shola Lynch focused on the life of activist Angela Davis. The Pinkett-Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment company and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation will become executive producers of the film that will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. The documentary, which marks the 40th anniversary of Angela Davis’ acquittal on murder, kidnapping and conspiracy charges, chronicles her entire life but focuses on her activism, trial and time spent in hiding. [Deadline]
Will Smith also took time for a guys night out with buddy Duane Martin and actor Denzel Washington. The three were photo’d outside of Duane’s Xen Lounge in Studio City, CA. [Madam Prezident]
Beyonce celebrated her 31st bday this week with hubby Jay-Z and baby Blue Ivy on a yacht in the south of France. Later, the Carters got some alone time with date night out at a French restaurant. [MTV]
Actress Nicole Ari Parker joined fellow actors Alfre Woodard and Hill Harper in hosting the UFuture Summit, a seminar for college students focused on technology, finance and science in today’s marketplace. The summit was held at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC and drew more than 250 students. [Charlotte Observer]