By Eunice Moseley
A true urban drama comes to life in American Violet, opening in theatres April 17th
"I did it for my kids," Regina Kelly said of the Samuel Goldwyn Film, American Violet, that was made based on her
life experiences as a single mom who was falsely accused of drug dealing. "It's 98% accurate. You never know what you
would do in this situation...it was my faith."
American Violet
is directed by Tim Disney and stars new-comer Nicole Beharie as Dee Roberts (Regina Kelly), Alfre Woodward (Alma Roberts,
her mother), Charles Dutton (Rev. Sanders, her pastor), Xzibit (Darrell Hughes, her ex-boyfriend and father of two of her
four children), Michael O'Keefe (as the ruthless District Attorney), Tim Blake Nelson (David Cohen, the ACLU representative)
and Will Patton (Sam Conroy, a former narcotics officer).
"Everyone
has been impacted because of the war on drugs," said Bill Haney, producer and writer of the power-packed Urban drama,
about the subject matter that was the reason why an innocent single mother of four was targeted. "It's become a war on
people."
American Violet is about Dee Roberts who was placed on a raid list by an informant who happen to be the
cousin of Roberts' ex-boyfriends' current girlfriend. This arrest without cause was possible because of a law that said it
only took one accusation for you to be arrested. The arrest sweep was one of many normal arrest raids by the small Texas city's
District Attorney who was out for high arrest numbers more than he was out for justice.
Dee was not going to do what
most arrested in those situations did and that was taking a plea. For her that would only lead to a loss of federal help she
needed for her kids. For the ACLU it was even deeper than that, those raids, arrest and plea deal's were taking the right
to vote from the people. So with Dee as their defendant, the ACLU (Tim Blake Nelson) sued the District Attorney for false
arrest, that began a six year journey.
"I was raised by a single mom and my sister is a single mom, so that is
a strong point to draw from," Nicole Beharie said about how she was able to get into character for the role of Regina
Kelly. "
"Nicole is tiny but she has a lot of steel and grace," veteran actress Alfre Woodward said about
working with such a newcomer. "She breathed and paced herself...she is going to be amazing."
Amazing can be
said about everyone's performance from Xzibit to Michael O'Keefe as the heartless District Attorney, who so happened is still
reaping his havoc in that small Texas town.
"Everything in the movie is better because of Alfre," Producer
Bill Haney points out. "She added humor and a level of professionalism she infused in the character."
America
Violet made me cry throughout but it also gave me hope that what I see in my hometown may one day give birth to a Regina Kelly
that will slow down the wheels of injustice before it gets away from us, as a nation. Rated PG, American Violet will be at
theaters April 17, 2009.
Ann
Nesby does it again with a powerful new CD, ‘The Lula Lee Project'
The newest project from Ann Nesby, "The Lula Lee Project," is hot hot hot! I think she wants to wake us all up so
we can feel the rush that God gives us when we let Him take control. The album, on Time Child/Tyscot Records, features production
assistance from Tonex, Herb Middleton (Mary J), J. Isaac (Julez Santana) and Debra Killings (TLC).
"I had the opportunity to reach out to... young producers," Nesby points out
about why there is such an Urban flavor to the CD.
Her message
is about love, as she says, about sowing more love. Of course love is the theme of this CD - God's love, that is - and that
so happens to be the theme on all of my favorite songs on "The Lula Lee Project," album, songs such as "Sow
Love," a ballad with a powerful message of the Gospel; "Sky is the Limit," a great story-telling testimony;
"Too Late," a funky/soulful "wake you up in the morning" song; "I Trust You Lord," which as
an awesome choir; "Pressure Makes Diamonds," a great message of hope; "Went through Hell," a very deep
ballad of a testimony, and "So Much Joy," a head-bobbing song of rejoicing.
"I know God was giving us ideas," she said.
You can hear more on the new CD release at wwwmyspace.com/annnesby and www.annnesby.com.
