Press Release Samples

Dateline.....North Hollywood. Steve and Ruth Bryant White, founders of A Place for Us - National, a multiracial support organization promoting racial harmony, were the consultants on the upcoming Showtime production of "Mr. and Mrs. Loving," (starring Timothy Hutton and Lela Rochon), a docudrama about a real life interracial marriage that took place in Virginia in 1958.

The movie, about a white/black marriage which ultimately caused the couple's arrest on their wedding night for defying Virginia's miscegenation law, chronicles their personal story from banishment to triumph as they help to change antiquated miscegenation laws in the U.S. (struck down by the Supreme Court in 1967). It debuts on Showtime March 31 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT); additional air dates are: April 1, 9, 17 and 25.

The Whites, (he's white, and she's black), married in 1980 despite strong resistance from family, friends, and the church, have had their own struggles with prejudice. It spurred them to found A Place for Us in 1984. The organization has grown since its founding to a membership of over 3,000 with numerous chapters in cities throughout the United States and a chapter scheduled to start soon in Japan. The Whites continue to be active in promoting communication and breaking down the barriers of prejudice between cultures.

In 1989 the Whites co-wrote and self-published Free Indeed, The Autobiography of an Interracial Couple. The book is scheduled to be re-released this year.

The Whites are active in their mission for racial harmony. Their work has been covered in numerous magazines and newspapers such as the Los Angeles Times and USA Today, and they have personally appeared on many radio and television programs including: Donahue, Sally, Montel, Hard Copy, Leeza, and CNN News. The Whites called for peace via radio, KJLH (Compton) during the 1992 LA Riots, and testified before the Christopher


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Commission regarding the Rodney King/L.A.P.D. misconduct. They served as interracial experts on E! Entertainment during the O.J. Simpson Trial, and the demand for them on the school and college speaking circuit is growing.

The Whites have received numerous awards for their efforts including a proclamation by the Arkansas governor during Racial Harmony Week, and the Appreciation Award from the Orange County Human Relations Commission.

For further information, call Pat Barnes at (818) 980-2744. (24-hour info line [213] 779-1717).

Located on the edge of the gently curving slopes of the Santa Monica Mountains and featuring the best in patio dining in a garden atmosphere, Adobe Cantina & Seafood Grill, at 29100 Agoura Road, will open in January.

Owned by restauranteur Bruce Spencer, founder of six Pelican's restaurants in Southern California including Pelican's Retreat in Calabasas established in 1981, Adobe Cantina & Seafood Grill will offer an unbeatable outdoor ambience and an outdoor grill. The menu will feature tri-tip, chicken, seafood and Mexican entrees; a fresh fish case will offer diners a premium variety of fresh seafood. On tap will be 11 micro-brewed beers, and top-quality California Central Coast wines will be served.

Across Agoura Road from the Mann Theatre complex, this cozy Southwestern-decor eaterie will have seating both inside and out. Inside, the wooden-beamed dining room has a skylight and flagstone floor; walls will be decorated with original Southwest artwork. Outside, shaded by trees and highlighted with lush landscaping, there are two patio areas with ample seating.

Contact: M. Eisenberg (805) 531-4005

Operatic tenor Matthew Eisenberg will perform in concert singing both opera and songs from the musical theater on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. at the Westlake Church, 2649 Townsgate Rd., Suite 500, Westlake Village.

Eisenberg, a featured singing waiter at Cafe Bellissimo in Thousand Oaks, trained with renowed voice teacher Seth Riggs (whose clients have included Madonna, Natalie Cole and Michael Jackson). He has given solo performances and performed in musical theater from the Catskills to Las Vegas and in venues all over the U.S.

A vocal technician and coach for all styles of music, Eisenberg gives voice lessons at Instrumental Music in Thousand Oaks. He has performed as a Cantor in Las Vegas and sung in various synagogues around Los Angeles.

Comedian Shecky Greene, a fan of Eisenberg's finely trained voice, considers him a protege and says: "He truly has a 'legit' voice." KFI radio talk show host Dr. Laura Schlessinger adds, "Matt's ability to go from opera to big band to pop is remarkable. This guy can change vocal styles faster than I can change lipstick!"

Tickets for the concert are $15 per person in advance and $18 at the door. Group rates, for eight or more, are available. For information call (805) 531-4005.