George Lucas recently stopped by The Daily Show to talk about his new film "Red Tails", which is about the trials and triumphs of the first all-black aerial combat unit, the Tuskegee Airmen.

Lucas, who is one of Hollywood’s biggest names, says that even he (despite his influence) had a difficult time trying to get this film made. Lucas has been working on the project for over 23 years trying to convince studios to give it a chance; however, many have been hesitant to back an action film because of its black cast.

Instead, Lucas poured $93 million of his own money into the film and forced the the studios to reconsider.

During the interview, Lucas explains why it’s so difficult for black films to find their way to box offices. As most of us already know, it boils down to one thing: money.

Studios do not want to invest the resources into high-quality films with black casts because they don’t think their investments will be returned in the form of large box office numbers, here or abroad. With "Red Tails", Lucas hopes to prove them wrong.

So why did George Lucas use nearly $100 million of his own money on this film? He said that he made "Red Tails" to show teenage boys that there are real, inspirational American heroes.

Although many black filmmakers don’t have $93 million to get a film made, perhaps the success of Red Tails will finally open the door (and the box office), to more well-crafted black films.

"Red Tails" will hit theaters Jan. 20.


www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-january-9...

"It is so important to support this film. We always say we want better films, well now we have one and it is VITAL that we show Hollywood we want more than the shuck and jive movies. If we fail to support this movie in big numbers, we will live to regret it! Opening weekend must be a WINNER! Families take your young sons to see this inspiring movie!"

STAR STUDDED BET HONORS

Last night I attended the BET Honors 2012 ceremony. The biggest highlight was when *First Lady Michelle Obama took the stage to introduce poet Maya Angelou. Also in attendance were performers and fellow honorees Stevie Wonder, Spike Lee, The Tuskegee Airmen, Beverly Kearney, Mariah Carey, and other African American celebrities who called the black community to civic action, starting with voting in the 2012 presidential election.

The politics-meets-glamour event fits in with the recently ramped up efforts by Obama to help her husband, President Barack Obama, win a challenging re-election bid in November.

Obama, in a crimson, one-shouldered gown, presented the Literary Arts award to Angelou and appealed to the crowd to follow Angelou’s example as an activist.

“It is not enough merely to seek greatness for ourselves, we must help others discover greatness within themselves. We need to reach down and reach out, and give back and lift others,” she said.

Others attending included singers Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin, as well as former Secretary of State Colin Powell and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder. Gabrielle Union did an awesome job as host. Other celebs included Jill Scott, Queen Latifah, Cicely Tyson, Kelly Rowland, Anthony Hamilton, Common, Jennifer Hudson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrance Howard and many more.

The taping of the award show, hosted by Black Entertainment Television was held at the historic Warner Theatre in downtown Washington, DC. The Show premieres Monday Feb. 13, at 9pm

Steve Harvey Makes Big Announcement

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Comedian Steve Harvey recently surprised listeners of  his “Steve Harvey Morning Show” with some startling news.

The “Family Feud” host said that he plans to retire from doing stand up—and that his last stand up routine will be performed next year at the 2012 Hoodie Awards.

Harvey disclosed the news after reading an email on the air from a listener who had heard rumors that Harvey was quitting his syndicated radio show.

“This is my Jamaican background,”Harvey joked.  “I don’t quit no job. No, sir. That’s not me.”

No doubt the Hoodies will be packed when Harvey performs his stand up routine for the last time.