Two back-to-back episodes with Whitney Houston in a candid, revealing, no-holds barred world exclusive interview launches the 24th season of "The Oprah Show" Monday.

A special performance by Blue Nefertiti’s “Paris@Night,” a French cabaret solo act by Celia, the younger sister from Les Nubians, highlights Wednesday’s Gala & Awards Ceremony. The event kicks off the 20th annual Chrysler Financial African Festival of the Arts to be held Labor Day weekend, Sept. 4 -7.

Newsy Names – Insiders and those in the know are predicting “a sell out” when Marilyn Stewart, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, addresses the City Club of Chicago’s Public Policy Luncheon on Oct. 1 at Maggiano’s Banquets, 111 W. Grand.

Performances by world-renowned jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, South African songstress Lorraine Klaasen, vocalist Julia Huff, musician Booker T. Jones, Congolese touring ensemble Soukous Stars, the first U.S. tour of the Cuban group Los 3 de la Habana, the dance group Spirit and more highlight one of the largest events focusing on Africa – the “must attend” 20th annual African festival of the arts that promises to “rock” Washington Park the Labor Day weekend.

Hats Off – to the Comcast Foundation on its second installment of $40,000 to the Chicago Urban League NULITES, a youth leadership program that enhances middle school students’ skills in academics, financial literacy and social development.

Move over, Bud Billiken! Make room for several residents of Pioneer Gardens! They’ll be honored on Saturday at the inaugural Senior Citizen Wheelchair Parade in Bronzeville.

Pass It On! – Emil Jones Jr., retired president of the Illinois Senate, will bestow his distinguished mantle of leadership upon his son, Sen. Emil Jones III, when the Black United Fund of Illinois presents its ninth annual “Living Legends/Passing the Torch” awards on Sept. 26 at the Museum of Science & Industry.

The Honorable Arnette Rhinehart Hubbard, a judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County, receives a coveted and distinguished achievement honor at the 19th Annual Margaret Brent Awards Luncheon on Aug. 2 at the Fairmont Hotel during the American Bar Association’s Annual Meeting here in Chicago.

A gala tribute to and works by acclaimed award-winning director, actor, producer, writer and film mentor Bill Duke tops the Third Annual Bronzeville Cultural Festival, June 18- 21, hosted by Third World Press Foundation.

Talented artisans, vendors and musicians come together when the revitalized Lake Meadows Art Fair celebrates its fifth anniversary June 20–21 in Lake Meadows Shopping Center, 35th and King Dr. This free, fun-filled family-oriented event is organized by Helen Y. West, Bronzeville art dealer and former gallery owner.