The History of African-Americans in Washington

As Barack Obama prepares to become the country's first black president, the AP looks back at the long history of African-Americans in the nation's capitol.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 02.15.08

"The Great Debaters" wins big at NAACP Awards.

"The Great Debaters" took top honors at last night's NAACP Image Awards. The film, starring and directed by Denzel Washington grabbed four awards including best motion picture. Washington scored best actor and his co-star Jurnee Smolett took best actress. Denzel Whitaker was honored with best supporting actor. But it was Janet Jackson who took best supporting actress for " Why Did I Get Married."

In TV, Tyler Perry's "House of Paine" took the trophy for best comedy and "Grey's Anatomy" won best drama. "Ugly Betty" stars also did well with America Ferrera taking best actress in a comedy and Vanessa Williams winning best supporting actress. And in the music category, Alicia Keys won best female artist and former "American Idol" winner Jordin Sparks took best new artist. Special honors also went to Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and actress Rubie Dee.

Britney Spears' family is holding onto control of her finances for now. A Los Angeles court reportedly extended her father's role as co-conservator yesterday...that means he'll share control with an attorney over her estimated 100 million dollar fortune. Her brother Bryan has also been ordered to monitor her day to day spending, including her food, medicine and psychiatric treatment.

Beyonce's Dad is firing back at Aretha Franklin following her comments about his daughter. Matthew Knowles called Franklin's remarks at the Grammy's "ridiculous." Franklin was reportedly upset that Beyonce referred to Tina Turner as the queen during the pairs' performance at the awards ceremony. Franklin has long been referred to as The Queen of Soul.

Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher has tied the knot. The singer reportedly married his longtime girlfriend singer Nicole Appleton on Thursday. It was apparently a secret wedding. There's no word on any of the details. The pair have been together 8 years and have a six year old son named Gene.

Martin Luther King "I HAVE A DREAM"

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 12.20.07

Josh Groban's new holiday album is the top selling release of the year. "Noel" beat out "High School Musical" for top sales in 2007. The Christmas CD has led Billboard's top 200 album chart for 4 weeks in a row. That's the first holiday CD to take the top spot for so long. This week, Alicia Key's "As I am" followed behind in second. And in third is the Eagles' "Long Road Out of Eden."

British singer Lily Allen is going to be a mom for the first time. She and boyfriend Chemical Brothers' band member Ed Simons are reportedly expecting. There's no word on when the baby is due. Allen and Simons first started dating in September. The singer's rep says they're thrilled wiith the news.

One magazine is reportedly paying big bucks for pictures of Jamie Lynn Spears' baby. TMZ.com says OK! Magazine is forking over a million dollars for the photos of her newborn. The 16-year-old actress and her mom confirmed her pregnancy to OK!. She's apparently 12 weeks along with her longtime boyfriend Casey Aldridge.

Queen Latifah is signing on to be a spokeswoman for Jenny Craig. The singer and actress is reportedly the most recent addition to the celebrity endorsements for the weight loss company. Valerie Bertinelli and Kirstie Allie are also part of the ad campaign. A spokesman for Jenny Craig says Queen Latifah will begin the program in January.

Denzel Washington's new film "The Great Debaters" is making its way to the big screen. The movie, starring and directed by Washington premiered in New York last night. The film's other stars like Forest Whitaker and Jurnee Smolett were there as well. Young star Denzel Whitaker was at the event as well. The drama, about a college debate team, hits most theaters December 25.