"It hasn't stopped us from putting on quality theatrical presentations, but at this point my primary goal is to build a new theater so we rent spaces for now and I am taking my time - finding the right spot and raising funds," he said. "

Fisher received rave reviews for Dream Babies, a play that he first began to dream about after becoming involved with teens from different foster care agencies in New York City and listening to their stories.

"I realized that there is a real stigmatism attached to kids who grow up in the foster care system not to mention the hardship, growing pains and frustrations they face as they go after their desires," he said. "Their own stories motivated me to start writing and I soon learned that for those who do succeed that success is in great part due to the support and knowledge they receive from their teachers and counselors."

"That first class with Roy Thomas and Martin Henderson was a real turning point in my life," Mack said. "I was new to the stage then and I remember being extremely nervous.

But I learned and I grew and now I have chosen acting as my career. Getting into the mind of my character was a challenge but the more I studied the more I understood the anger and frustration that so many of my fellow young adults feel because of their unstable lives in foster care.

Each time I perform my goal is to set the standard for the other actors on stage and to be a role model for those who will come after me."

Fisher's Strawberry One-Act Festival, which began as a way for him to identify talented playwrights and give them a chance to develop their works, has grown from a local competition to an international phenomenon - drawing eager playwrights from as far away as Denmark and London.

The show has returned to Miami after breaking box office records and selling out in record time in 2007 and if the crowd of adults and children who are packing the Ziff Ballet Opera House at the Adrienne Arsht Center each night is any indication of its popularity, then Wicked is a must see for anyone - eight to 80-years-old.

It is the story of how two very different girls met in Oz and how these two unlikely friends become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. It's a tale of drama, disappointment and victory and with enchanting songs penned by Stephen Schwartz and exciting dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott, this production is, in a word, spectacular.

"When I watch the other more seasoned actors on stage I am in awe of their talent and this continues to be a great learning experience for me.

In terms of the play itself, I can't get over the fact of how much people love this show. Since I joined the cast a year ago I have come to realize that this is something much bigger than me and the other actors."

I have been dancing and performing since I was a little girl and while my parents were concerned whether I would be able to take care of myself after college, they always supported and encouraged me.

"We do the show eight times a week and believe me - sometimes it gets overwhelming and tiring. But then you meet the fans - some who are here for their very first time and others who have seen Wicked a dozen times and you know that what we do each night on stage really matters. It may be "wicked" but it feels a bit like heaven."

Wicked runs through Sunday, March 21st. For ticket information go to Arst Center.

"The animated version makes some things easier but when you are performing this live, you really have to bring out your emotions and your own personality."

Mulan, along with her misfit companion, the dragon Mushu, tell the story of their people (Chinese) whose destiny rests in their hands as they throw tradition to the wind while attempting to save Mulan's family and the Emperor.

The play is full of exciting scenes - from song-and-dance routines that electrified the audience to acrobatics, sword fights, and intricately staged choreographic presentations.

"Musicals are my favorite kinds of theater and I was dying to do this show," said Jones, a Morehouse College grad with a degree in theater who gave Eddie Murphy, the actor whose voice is heard in the film version, a real run for his money.

"I watched the movie over and over again and tried to get my character down - the attitude and the comedic flair that he has. It was important to me that I not try to be Eddie Murphy but it wasn't easy because I don't consider myself a funny person - I'm usually the one laughing at the antics of others."

Jones and Bellair were a perfect fit for their lead roles - she as the ultimate tom boy and he as the fun-loving sidekick. As Jones said, their on stage chemistry began with them spending time away from the lights and glamour of the theater.

Many may not agree with the ancient Chinese tradition that tends to define women based on the man they marry and their children, rather than their careers and service to their community, but that is one of our realities even in this 21st century. But Mulan shows us that despite traditions, leaders can and do come in all sexes and sizes.

It's a great show - don't miss it. Mulan runs through March 19th at the Alliance Theatre. For more information go to www.alliancetheatre.org

This story was written with the assistance of Cyril Mayes and Mary Gordon.

But this proud African-American father has had his own personal struggles - from skirmishes with the law as a youth to time in prison. Refusing to become another statistic, he turned his life around with blood, sweat, tears and plenty of hard work - a process that began during his incarceration.

"When I look at the obstacles I have faced and overcome sometimes I am led to say if I could do it you can do it too," he said. "At the end of the day that's the only answer I can give - you have to do it or it won't get done.

We only get one life and I was not willing to whither away in mediocrity. Of course there is a larger problem that exists within society - some things are just too much for us to tackle. People often get stuck because they misdiagnose the problems they're facing.

Romain adds that his art is one way that he engages people in conversations about touchy, complicated -even controversial subjects.

His new series of paintings reflects years of study and reflection about being a black man in America.

"I have been an avid reader on African-American history for over 20 years but this new project was the first time I actually sat down and did something that speaks to what I have been studying. I am often overwhelmed with how little we know about our past and that knowledge is crucial to understanding where and who we are today.

But there is still so much more I want to do. Life is not long enough to do all of the things that I dream about. I would love to travel the globe and share my art and my life story while at the same time absorbing the art and the stories of others. Art is more than just me painting a picture and selling it. Art is experiencing life in all of its abundance - that's the well from which my creativity evolves.

For more about Jonathon Romain go to his website at www.jromain.com. He can be reached at romainart@aol.com or 708/829-9578.

But does it really matter that we debunk myths about the ethnicity of Jesus? And isn't he more than just a "color?" Here's what the writers had to say.

"Jesus is definitely more than a color - he made the ultimate sacrifice in atoning for the sins of all mankind of every hue," they said.

"Though Jesus never cared about color, this has not been the case with man. Blacks have been much maligned and our contributions to Biblical and world history erased or altered, used to separate, suppress and to create a mental self-confinement of sorts.

So the truth matters in enhancing the lives of those affected by the false teaching that has been perpetuated, in addition to humbling those artificially elevated by these teachings and in passing on accurate information to the generations to come."

So what is this "real proof" that the two scholars say they have uncovered that illustrates the African heritage of Jesus?

"We wouldn't actually call the proof ours because for the most part, the detail identifying the Black heritage of Jesus is all contained in the King James Version of the Bible," the scholars noted. "We've simply taken what's there, matched it up with ancient artifacts and organized it in a way where viewers can use the genealogies in the Bible to identify many of those who were what we today call "black." In that process you will find several blacks in the family line of Jesus Christ.

"Scholars, theologians and students of the Bible worldwide have praised the work we've done. However, we realize that as with any work that is deemed controversial, there are a number of sensitivities to consider.

Darius Gray

Marvin Perkins

The true value of the Blacks in the Scriptures DVD series is that you don't have to be a scholar or theologian to be able to appreciate its merits.

Let's look at it this way - one of the more prevailing comments at the election of our nation's first black president was "can you imagine how many young black children now realize that they too can grow up to be president one day."

That being said, it is clear that understanding historical truths can lift the self-worth of adults and children of color throughout the world - you can imagine the impact it would have to know that you share ancestral heritage with Jesus Christ." 

To order the series or contact the writers, go to their website . The website also features news articles, pod casts and videos related to their topic of research.

And with his smooth black skin, devilish grin and chiseled abs he has tongues wagging with envy and desire.

But make no mistake - Max Philisaire has a game plan that includes a lot more than just being today's "eye candy."

He had to learn a new language and a new way of life.

"It only strengthened my character and I remained positive," Philisaire said.

Max's plan included a stint in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer, taking him to places like Germany, Kosovo and Iraq. But even in these dangerous situations, he maintained his workout regiment. After completing his tour of duty, he returned to South Florida with his eyes on becoming a full time fitness model and personal trainer.

Soon his body was being featured in everything from music videos and fashion shows to fitness and hip hop magazines. Now he is working on a line of inspirational and motivational posters as well as a calendar, fitness guide and workout videos. "The whole concept is to inspire and motivate others to be fair to themselves and others while maintaining a healthy lifestyle," he said.

"Above all, I plan to brand myself not only as a Haitian male sex symbol but most important as a positive role model." You can find more pictures and information about Max Philisaire on a variety of social networks including: www.Maxthebody.com or www.Maxphilisaire.net.

Make sure you check out his exercise videos too.

Outwrite's owner Philip Rafshoon set the mood for the tribute which included authors, publishers, LGBT community activists and several members of Harris' family. Far from being a session of sad songs, soliloquies of sorrow and tales of regret, the event was instead upbeat - almost a celebration. And that is how E. Lynn would have wanted it.

Philip Rafshoon: "I'm not sure if any tribute can attest to all that he did and represented for the community, writers and the world but we are certainly here to give our best. E. Lynn showed us that every life is a story worth telling and he was an inspiration for many gay writers who may have once been afraid to tell their own stories. It wasn't that he was the first black gay writer to come along with a great story.

But he took it to a whole new level - he opened up the minds of people, straight and gay. Many of us remember E. Lynn Harris when he wrote his first book, Invisible Life. We have had him with us in this store for every one of his book signings and it has been a fantastic journey that we have taken together. And until this country acknowledges our community with equal rights and equal respect, the journey will need to continue."

J.L. King, New York Times Bestselling author: "His influence on the publishing world was amazing - he really had clout. In terms of my own career, E. Lynn touched me and motivated me to write my book about the down low and then other projects.

And what was great about him is that he helped others get their foot in the door and their books into the hands of the public. Some people have debated about who will fill his shoes but I would say that no one really can. There will never be another E. Lynn Harris."

Cindy Barnes, College Friend: "We've been friends since college at the University of Arkansas and he and my brother pledged Alpha Phi Alpha together. When my brother died from AIDS in 1995, E. Lynn was there for him and for our family - he became my brother and an uncle for my children. He had a way of uniting people and had a heart as big as they come."

Jessie Phillips (Aunt "G"), Aunt: "He was more than a nephew to me - he was more like another one of my sons. Lynn was a compassionate man and loved people. He especially enjoyed taking me and my sister [Harris' mother] to one new city a couple of times a year that we had never visited.

I remember one time we were in Philadelphia and a young man shared how much he [Harris] had inspired him. The young man admitted that before reading Lynn's novels, he had never read a complete book in his life - and he enjoyed it!

He had it rough growing up and his stepfather tried to beat his "gayness" out of him. His mother never knew that but if she had known, there would have been real trouble. With all of that it's amazing to me how beautiful a person he became.

"I remember when he quit his job at IBM - he was very unhappy and said he wanted to write. I told him if that was his passion then he needed to write but I also told him that he would have to be willing to sacrifice in order to make that dream come true. Then I made a deal with him - I told him he could stay with me and work on his book. He would read a few chapters to us at a time and I was amazed at his talent.

"That first book was tough for him. He lived at Kinko's getting it printed and could not find a publisher so he did it himself. He carried books in his car and went to barber shops and beauty salons and house parties. I even took books to my office.

He had some hard knocks along the way and some friends let him down. But his mother and I both reminded him that sometimes people will let you down - but you have to keep going.

"We had many memorable family gathering and while he was always on a diet, that boy could put some food away. I am grateful that God game him to us for 54 years. That was a true blessing. I have three sons - but E. Lynn Harris was my fourth son."

Christopher Bennett, Author: "If it had not been for E. Lynn Harris, I would never have become a writer. His memoirs actually touched me - it was like I knew some of the people in his books and after reading his first book, I began to write my own.

I wanted to write the first great American novel and just the thought of him left me star struck. I reached out to him when I was close to finishing my first book - well, I only had three chapters really done, but he actually read them.

He sat down, read carefully and told me that while he expected it to be mostly trash, that he was very impressed. As I continued to write, he would reach out to me periodically to see how things were progressing. That meant so much to me. Today is like closure for me."

He told me he believed in me. I mailed my mother a copy of Invisible Life and told her that the main character was her son. I could not have done that without E. Lynn Harris in my life. "

Fiona Zedde, Author: "I came to the United States from Jamaica and lived with my aunt during my teen years when I was beginning to understand that I was attracted to women. My aunt knew what I was going through and she actually gave me a copy of Invisible Life to help me with my coming out process.

It was the first time I had ever read a book with characters that were experiencing the same highs and lows that I was. Reading his book helped me overcome my own challenges and when I started writing he was my inspiration."

Clarence Nero, Author: "E. Lynn Harris gave me my start in mainstream publishing. He opened the door for me and he encouraged me and was kind. I knew I had to be a part of this tribute to tell the world how special he was to so many writers like me."

Laura Gilmore, Adopted Mother: "I was so touched when Lynn told me that he was going to dedicate his last book to me. But that was just Lynn. He loved to spend time with his family and I had the pleasure of working with him for five years as his personal assistant.

His mother was always foremost in his mind and I was always included with her and his Aunt Jessie. We miss him so much that I cannot tell you how much it pains me to know he is no longer here for me to talk to. I still have the last message he left for me on my answering machine - I will never erase it."

R.M. Johnson, Award-winning Author: "We met in 1999 at a book signing event for Omar Tyree in Chicago. My first book, The Harris Men, had not come out yet and I really wanted to talk with him about it. But I was really hesitant because I figured he would flick me away like a fly. But he was so gracious - it was the start of a 10-year friendship. He was the only person to give me a blurb for my book and that was really helpful. There are so many new and emerging authors that he helped like me. During those ten years we took road trips together and had some candid conversations. He was really cool people and I am going to miss him - and the black man could write!"

Eric Jerome Dickey, New York Times Bestselling author: "I still miss E. Lynn Harris - hearing his voice on the telephone saying 'what's up frat?' He was a funny man and a real card. There are so many stories that most people do not know of how he helped writers get started in the business.

For me I have said it before and I will say it again - E. Lynn Harris sent me out on my first book tour when I was barely making ends meet by working as a substitute teacher.

I didn't even know him then. But he footed the bill so I could go to three cities - something that my publisher at that point wasn't even willing to do."

Etta Mae Harris, Mother: "Lynn was my only boy and my first child and he always signed his cards 'your number one son.' After the divorce he became the man of the house for me and his three younger sisters. He was a blessing to us all."

Harris' mother, who was the final speaker, chose to end her comments at that point, clearly overcome with emotion.

E. Lynn Harris introduced us to Yancey, Basil, Kyle, Raymond and the irascible Ava - characters that reminded us of ourselves, our friends and our lovers. He showed us that love should not be defined by the narrow parameters of a close-minded world. He illustrated how there can be victory and joy even in the painful process of "coming out" - admitting to others that we are different than they may have imagined. He helped us see that the only box we need to fit in is the one the Creator planned for us.

Years from now his stories will continue to live on, inspiring future generations of straight and gay youth to love themselves and to have the courage to openly love the man or woman that makes their hearts skip a beat and brings them joy.