For those wondering what ever happened to Jada Pinkett, now Jada Pinkett Smith, well, she’s alive and well, but not on the big screen. She’s on TNT. She’s the star and executive producer of “HawthoRNe” a hospital series, in its second season, which focuses on the nurses. If you can’t get producers to cast you, then produce your own. That is what she’s doing.

HAWTHORNE CAST OF NURSES—From left: David Julian Hirsh, Christina Moore, Jada Pinkett Smith, Michael Vartan, Hannah Hodson, and Suleka Mathew.

TNT is making a strong bid for Black viewers with programs like Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne” and “Meet the Browns” along with several programs featuring Blacks as stars and co-stars. Blacks who are hungry to see Black faces on the tube helped make “HawthoRNe” a solid success in its first season which has led to the premier of the second season June 22.

This week I visited the Oceans at the River Casino on the North Shore, the William Pitt Student Union in Oakland, Calvary Baptist Church in the Hill District, Club 21 in the Strip District and YaMomz House Recording Studio in East Liberty.

My first stop was Club 21 in the Strip District. Hip-hop recording artist Mista Scrap and the crew held it down by presenting an event called “Proud To Be Local” featuring local artists from around the Pittsburgh area. B-Flames and other artists performed for the crowd and ripped up the stage.

The party was hot at Jai Legacy’s event at the River’s Casino at Ocean’s Drum Bar.

The Fair ­Housing Partnership presented its fourth annual Poetry Slam entitled “From Words to Actions: Remaking Communities for Everyone” at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater.
Local poets speak out about the need to create communities that are built on inclusion, diversity and fairness; that are free of discrimination and intolerance; and embrace change that is citizen driven.

WINNERS AND JUDGES—Angela Reynolds, Shawnetae Spencer, Ranikaa Chaney, David Jones, Natassia Howard, Tene Croom, and Adrienne Walnoha.

Dear Gwendolyn:

After 10 years of marriage, my husband left.  Before leaving he went to the bank and withdrew $6,000 from our savings account leaving me with only $6. I was devastated. It had taken me three years to save that money. It was to be for hard times. Well, hard times hit. The company I had worked for since coming out of high school closed. I needed the savings to pay the mortgage and other bills. I know this is strange Gwendolyn, but I want him back. I miss my husband. There were no warning signs he was going to leave.—Sarah