Meet What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#1. Angelo Ellerbee, President and CEO of Double XXPosure Media Relations and author of the new book, Ask Angelo

Angelo Ellerbee, President and CEO of Double XXPosure Media Relations and author of the new book Ask Angelo, tops What's The 411TV's list of 25 People to Watch in 2017.

A designer by training, Angelo Ellerbee started his entertainment-oriented business 46 years ago, and his life is a clear example that relationships matter.

Angelo got his start in entertainment publicity working on the film, Native Son, which starred Oprah Winfrey. The Native Son gig came about because of his association with James Mtume, a Grammy Award-winning R&B musician, songwriter, and radio personality, who created the music for the film. Angelo met James Mtume because Mtume's wife, also a designer, often attended Angelo's shows. From film publicity to recording artist publicity, Angelo’s business took off when he became the “go to” publicity firm for record companies’ Black music divisions, particularly from the 1980s to the early 2000s.

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#2. Marian Wright Edelman

Marian Wright Edelman is an American activist for the rights of children; and the president and founder of the Children's Defense Fund. Ms. Edelman has been an unapologetic voice for and advocate for disadvantaged Americans for her entire professional life.

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#3. Dr. Riley J. Williams III

Dr. Riley J. Williams III (center) is an Orthopedic Surgeon and specialist in knee, shoulder, and elbow surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Dr. Williams is the Knee Group Leader of the Sports Medicine & Shoulder Service at HSS. He is also an Associate Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College.

Dr. Williams has a robust sports medicine practice, as the Medical Director and Head Team Orthopedic Surgeon for the Brooklyn Nets (NBA) professional basketball team, the New York Red Bulls (MLS) professional soccer team, and the Iona College Department of Athletics. He is also Team Physician for USA Basketball. Additionally, Dr. Williams is the Director of the FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence at HSS specializing in the care of soccer injuries. He has also worked with both the New York Mets and New York Giants sports clubs.

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#4. Carl Clay

Carl Clay; Writer, producer, filmmaker, and visionary

Writer, producer, filmmaker, and visionary, Carl Clay, founded the Black Spectrum Theatre in 1970, to bring African-American cultural expression and American contemporary theater and film to the community in southeastern Queens, NY.

With its roots as a traveling theatre troupe, under Mr. Clay’s leadership, the Black Spectrum Theatre moved into its state-of-the-art 325-seat theater in 1986. Now in its 47th year of operation, The Black Spectrum Theatre is a full-service community-based professional theatre and film company with programming from October through August. As one testimonial on his LinkedIn page states, "he (Carl Clay) combines art and social responsibility using his gift of creativity and marketing”.

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#5. LaTanya Richardson Jackson

LaTanya Richardson Jackson is an actress, producer, and philanthropist. She and her husband, Samuel L. Jackson, are huge supporters of the Children's Defense Fund, and were awarded for their support.

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#6. Vera Moore

Vera Moore is President & CEO of Vera Moore Cosmetics, a 37-year-old family-owned business in the highly competitive cosmetics industry. A former actress, Ms. Moore has taken her company from a kiosk in Green Acres Mall to national distribution through Walgreen's Look Boutique. Vera Moore is an active participant in the community through churches and nonprofit organizations; and the company that bears her name is a reflection of her spirit.

The Athletes

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#7. Carmelo Anthony

Carmelo Anthony is a professional basketball player for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Since entering the NBA in 2003, Anthony has been named an All-Star nine times, an All-NBA Team member six times, has represented the United States at four Olympic Games, and in 2016, he showed his leadership abilities off the court by using his celebrity for the cause of human rights.

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#8. Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler is a shooting guard/small forward with the Chicago Bulls. An exciting player to watch, Butler had 40 points and 11 rebounds on December 28, 2016; he scored 52 points, 12 rebounds on January 2, 2017; and when the clock hit zero on January 7, 2017, Butler tallied a 42-points and 10-rebounds. It won't be long before Butler is in the NBA MVP conversation.

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#9. Sean Kilpatrick

Sean Kilpatrick is a shooting guard with the Brooklyn Nets (NBA). After going undrafted during the 2014 NBA Draft, Kilpatrick saw his share of NBA D-League teams and 10-Day NBA contracts. Kilpatrick is the epitome of never giving up and is emerging as one of the leaders of the Brooklyn Nets team. On November 29, 2016, Kilpatrick's career-high 38 points helped the Nets to a 127–122 double-overtime victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#10. Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez

Brook Lopez is not your typical catch-and-shoot big. Lopez can put the ball on the floor and finish at the rim. Unlike a lot of NBA centers, he's got a 3-point game. And, don't sleep, because he can drop in floaters, too.
What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#11. Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin

Most of us remember Jeremy Lin from the "Linsanity" period when he led the NY Knicks through a winning streak in 2012. However, now, Lin is a starting guard with the Brooklyn Nets. Even though he's been sidelined with a hamstring injury, Lin still brings a level of excitement to Brooklyn.
What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#12. June Ambrose

Although celebrity stylist and fashion designer June Ambrose has worked with some of the biggest Hollywood stars in the business, she hasn't forgotten about those who are less fortunate. Ambrose is also one of the many supporters of the Children's Defense Fund.

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

13. Paulina Porizkova

Paulina Porizkova is a Czechoslovakian-born model, actress, author, and philanthropist. A co-chair and an awards presenter, at the Children's Defense Fund - New York Beat The Odds gala, we met Ms. Porizkova on the red carpet.

The Children's Defense Fund - New York Beat The Odds is one of Ms. Porizkova’s favorite charities and she is honored to support kids that have proven themselves as much as these kids have. Ms. Porizkova says the kids are amazing and she believes that they are going to run this country 20 years from now.

Meet The Money People

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

# 14. Eustace L. Greaves Jr.; LUTCF

Eustace L. Greaves, Jr.; LUTCF, is the owner of Greaves Financial Services & The Bridge Insurance Agency. Using insurance and related financial services, Mr. Greaves helps his clients create financial security programs which enable them to realize their chosen personal and business goals.
Mr. Greaves is on a mission to make sure every homeowner in New York City understands the real threat of floods. Far too many people think that because they don't live right near water that there homes won't be flooded. The truth is, our storm drains have limits, and with a torrential downpour for several hours, our homes could be severely damaged.
What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#15. Paul D. Jones

Paul D. Jones, known as the Financial Wiz, is an author of several money management books including, I QUIT...Being Broke. Mr. Jones' mission is to improve the lives of as many people as possible. He wants everyone to live a fulfilling life, and understands that in order to accomplish your goals, you must have a financial plan and intentionally, "schedule success".

The Millennials

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#16. Asha Boston

Journalist and documentarian, Asha Boston, is widely recognized for the documentaries, The Dinner Table, and A Time Before Kale. Ms. Boston's mission is to redefine the narrative for women of color in media.

VIDEO INTERVIEW:

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#17. Lisette Ffolkes

Lisette Ffolkes, president of Jam+Rico, a jewelry and apparel design firm.

Millennial entrepreneur, Lisette Ffolkes, is president of Jam+Rico, a jewelry and apparel design firm. Ms. Ffolkes started creating jewelry as a pre-teen, and attributes her direction as an entrepreneur to women business owners who mentored her, including celebrity designer, Tracy Reese. While in college, Ms. Ffolkes completed a fashion internship in Hong Kong.

#18.

The Producing Team of:

Cylla Senii

and

Brandon Brathwaite

Cylla Senii and Brandon Brathwaite are the producing team of the hit web series, Situationships, a smart and sexy dramedy exposing the twists and turns of millennial dating.

Cylla Senii, Creator, Executive Producer, Director, and Actress; Situationships

Cylla Senii is the creator, executive producer, director, as well as an actress in the hit web series, Situationships. Ms. Senii’s passion for the arts and production began during her early childhood. It was during that time that she fell in love with storytelling and all things creative.

Brandon Brathwaite, Producer; Situationships

Brandon Brathwaite, a recent graduate of Pace University, is the producer of Situationships. Mr. Brathwaite has a background in marketing and advertising.

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#19. Blushhh Music

Blushhh Music is a harmonically blended hip-hop and R&B trio from Mathew Knowles' Music World Entertainment, the man and company that brought us Destiny’s Child. The group consists of as pictured from left to right: Bunni Ray, Tali, and Sunnie.

Bubbling Under

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#20. Terrell "T-Rex" Simon; a vocalist, manager, musical director, and promoter.

Terrell "T-Rex" Simon may be working his first solo album, but he is no newcomer to the music industry. As a background vocalist, promoter, and manager, Terrell has worked with Lyfe Jennings, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo and more. As a musical director, he has helped countless people score gigs in the industry. Terrell's energy, enthusiasm, and talent will surely make him a household name.
What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#21.

Actors

Douglas Wade

Actor Douglas Wade

and

Sean C. Turner

Actor Sean C. Turner

Actors Douglas Wade and Sean C. Turner have worked together in many theatrical productions. What's The 411TV had the opportunity to interview them prior to an upcoming production of August Wilson’s Two Trains Running produced by the Black Spectrum Theatre.

Video Interview: Sean C.Turner and Douglas Wade

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#22. DJ Annie Red

Kid dynamo, Samirah Horton aka DJ Annie Red, is an 8-year-old inspirational kid rapper, DJ, artist, pianist, and athlete. At age seven, she wanted to write a song for kids, so that they would know how great they could be. So, what do boss seven-year-old songwriters do? They write songs. Yes, DJ Annie Red wrote her first song, DaBoss, about being a kid boss. DJ Annie Red's follow-up song and video is an ode to the anti-bullying movement, No You Won't Bully Me, which you can view below.
Follow DJ Annie Red on Instagram @dj_annie_red.

The Politicians

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#23. Roxanne Persaud

Roxanne Persaud is a New York State Senator representing the 19th Senatorial District. The district includes portions of Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Mill Island, Georgetown, Ocean Hill, and Starrett City in Brooklyn.

Senator Persaud spoke with What's The 411 host, Kizzy Cox; and Kings County Politics publisher, Stephen Witt, about a number of issues affecting the 19th Senatorial District. Some of the issues included: New York City Housing Authority security, the impending redevelopment of East New York, Pokemon goes to a church in Canarsie, community policing, and more.

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#24. Mercedes Narcisse

Mercedes Narcisse is a community activist, and former candidate for the 19th Senatorial District in the New York State Senate. A mother and registered nurse with 20 years of experience, Ms. Narcisse has worked tirelessly to improve the quality and delivery of healthcare.

Additionally, Ms. Narcisse has sought to bring all people – regardless of class, racial backgrounds, economic status, sexual orientation or social position – into what she calls the “Family of People.”

Motivational Spiritualist

What's The 411TV's 25 People to Watch in 2017

#25. Natasha Leath, Motivational Spiritualist

Natasha Leath is a Motivational Spiritualist, who has a gift to read people's past, present, and future. Ms. Leath uses her gift to motivate, empower and inspire people to propel in life, to have clarity, to live a purposeful life and to be inspired.

Congratulations to our very own Courtney Rashon!

A special Shout out to Courtney Rashon!
Courtney Rashon is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty consultant; owner of Pretty Girl Gang Cosmetics; television host with the award-winning television show, What’s The 411; and now, Courtney is the author of the new book, Giving Face: The Art To Looking Flawless For Every Occasion.
We love you Courtney and continued success!

READY FOR YOUR CLOSE-UP?

CONTACT US:

What’s The 411TV

Ruth J. Morrison

646-303-4770

Email: rjmorrison@WhatsThe411.com

Special Thanks to the What's The 411TV Team:

Aaron Eaton

Courtney Rashon

Essence Semaj

Gregory Alcala

Jasmine Blake

Justo Arturo Amastal

Keisha Wilson

Kizzy Cox

Luvon Roberson

Mike McDonald

Onika McLean

T.A. Moreland

Steven Witt; Publisher, Kings County Politics, thanks for joining us for the interviews with Senator Roxanne Persaud and New York state Senatorial candidate, Mercedes Narcisse. We look forward to working with you in 2017.
Thanks to BRIC Arts Media and its staff for use of the television studios.

Credits:

Angelo Ellerbee -Photo Courtesy of Angelo Ellerbee; Marian Wright Edelman - Photo Credit: What's The 411TV; Dr. Riley Williams, III - Photo Credit: What's The 411TV; Carl Clay - Photo Courtesy of Carl Clay; LaTanya Richardson Jackson - Photo Credit: Alexis Williams/What's The 411TV; Vera Moore - Photo Credit: Alexis Williams/What's The 411TV; Carmelo Anthony - Photo Credit: Alexis Williams/What's The 411TV; Jimmy Butler Photo Credit: Bill Smith/Chicago Bulls; Sean Kilpatrick - Photo Credit: What's The 411TV; photos in the video: NBA; Brooklyn Nets; YES Network; Eustace Greaves, Jr. - Photo courtesy of Eustace Greaves; Paul D. Jones - Photo Courtesy of Paul D. Jones; Asha Boston - Photo Courtesy of Asha Boston; Lisette Ffolkes - Photo Courtesy of Lisette Ffolkes; Cylla Senii - Photo Courtesy of Cylla Senii; Brandon Brathwaite - Photo Courtesy of Brandon Brathwaite; Blushhh Music - Photo Courtesy of Music World Entertainment; Terrell "T-Rex" Simon - Photo Courtesy of Terrell "T-Rex" Simon; Douglas Wade - Photo Courtesy of Douglas Wade; Sean C. Turner - Photo Courtesy of Sean C. Turner; DJ Annie Red - Photo Courtesy of Sonya Sealy-Horton; Senator Roxanne Persaud - Photo Courtesy of Senator Roxanne Persaud; Mercedes Narcisse - Photo Courtesy of Mercedes Narcisse; Natasha Leath - Photo Courtesy of Natasha Leath; Courtney Rashon - Photo Courtesy of Courtney Rashon

Made with Adobe Slate

Make your words and images move.

Get Slate

Report Abuse

If you feel that this video content violates the Adobe Terms of Use, you may report this content by filling out this quick form.

To report a Copyright Violation, please follow Section 17 in the Terms of Use.