New York, NY (August 25, 2010) – On Tuesday August 17th ,Chillin on da Corner and beyond (CODC), LightUp Films & The NYC Parks Department came together along with Stuart Films to bring the “Life is Precious” special event screening and panel to Herbert Von King Cultural Arts Recreational Center in Bedford- Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The event featured a screening of the Academy Award winning film “Precious” along with a panel that comprised of some of the cast of the film including Academy Award Nominee Gabourey Sidibe. Along with the panel and film presentation there were guest speakers and free health screenings offered.
CODC founder and actor, Ephraim Benton who appears in the film “Precious” said “When I look around and see the statistics regarding HIV/AIDS and the other health issues that are so prevalent in this community, I feel compelled to do something. Precious offered an opportunity and platform to bring informative, inspirational people right here to Bed-Stuy up close and personal. When Benton speaks of inspirational people he is speaking of his cast mates Gabourey Sidibe, Angelic Zambrana, Amina Robinson, Chyna Layne and Xosha Roquemore, who went out of their way and cleared schedules to offer support to the event. The “Life is precious” event was not only meant to inspire with star power but more importantly to inform. The evening’s stage was opened by guest speaker Monica Sweeney MD, MPH, of the Bureau of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene who spoke about statistics and prevention to an audience that ranged from adults to children. Dr. Sweeney named by the Network Journal as one of NY areas best black doctors is a staunch advocate of prevention. She was an invaluable contributor to the evening’s proceedings. Woodhull Hospital offered mobile units for on the spot testing for HIV, diabetes, high blood pressure as well as cholesterol screening and Turning Point was present to offer information and giveaways.
Benton and event sponsor Emelyn Stuart of Stuart Films presented Gabby Sidibe with the “Inspiration Award” and Benton himself was surprised with a recognition award from the Brooklyn Borough President’s Marty Markowitz office for his accomplishments and support of the Bed-Stuy community. “I’m proud that people recognize and support what we are trying to do here in this community, it let’s me know that we are slowly but surely making an impact.” asserts Benton. Benton and his “Chillin on da Corner” series seem to have a growing fan base and list of supporters and in classic “Ephraim Benton” fashion he brings that support directly to his community by having companies enrich the opportunities with giveaways for the audience. The “Life is Precious” event had gift sponsorship and audience giveaways from Flud Watches, Waterlicious, Anvil Bags, Deuce Watches, Avon Cosmetics, Mr.Softee, Sarah James Restaurant, Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union, Stoli and many more. “I’m glad that companies like City Limo’s and others are looking at what we are doing and wanting to help make it that much better.” says Benton. From the looks of things it seems as though the best is still yet to be seen from Ephraim Benton and CODC and Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn and beyond have a great champion on their side.
ABOUT CHILLIN On Da CORNER & BEYOND
Chillin on da Corner & Beyond is an outdoor film screening series that showcases feature length, documentaries and short films in the Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn community. The goal is to empower this community to bridge the gap that divides socially & economically from other communities. Chillin on da Corner has made a commitment to showcase films that visually stimulate minds, inspire change within and transform the perceptions of the entire community. The mission is to go beyond merely showcasing films and to provide an overall experience in arts, culture, health, education, job training, self empowerment and other resources that deprive underprivileged communities. For more information please visit www.chillinondacorner.com
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Media Contact:
Chillin on da Corner & Beyond
Nicole Stoll
(917) 701.4550 (m)
Nicole@chillinondacorner.com
(Via Hip Hop Press)
