( BLACK PR WIRE) ( August 23, 2008) The nation is mourning the loss of three Black Power Players who each made an indelible mark in their respective industries: Isaac Hayes, Bernie Mac and U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. Black PR Wire takes time to remember each of these individuals and salutes them in this special tribute.

Isaac Hayes

Many of us know him as the cool, smooth voice of the “Shaft” movie soundtrack. And many of us remember him as the guy who shot himself up in the movie, “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.” Born in Covington, Tennessee, Isaac Hayes rose to artistic success as an accomplished Grammy, Golden Globe and Academy Award winning composer/musician, paving the way for his fellow African Americans in the arts and entertainment world. He was also a published author, actor and radio personality. Additionally, Hayes was a coronated King of Ghana in western Africa. Instead of a palace, he built an 8,000 square foot educational facility, as he felt that education and literacy is the key to a successful life.

A man of many talents, Isaac Hayes was one of the most versatile power players in history. He won both an Oscar and Grammy awards. His voice was on an animated TV series, he had #1 gold records, a radio show, two restaurants, a best-selling cookbook, and top secret barbecue sauces.

Bernie Mac

A native of Chicago, Bernie Mac grew up in a rougher neighborhood than most others, with a large family living under one roof. This situation provided him with great insight into his comedy, as his family, and the situations surrounding them would be what dominated his comedy.

Known for his hilarious stand-up acts, Bernie Mac was a featured comedian in The Original Kings of Comedy. This performance made him more of a household name, and led to many more major parts. One of his biggest successes was “The Bernie Mac Show,” which debuted in 2001 to instant acclaim.

Bernie Mac was a comedian that refused to change his image for Hollywood and said that his life in Chicago was who he was and there was nothing that could change that. He was a mature comedian who was very intelligent and very engaging in his TV, movie and stand-up appearances.


U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones

U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a lifelong resident of Ohio (the 11th District), which includes the East Side and parts of the West Side of Cleveland, as well as 22 suburbs. Representative Tubbs Jones attended Cleveland Public Schools and Case Western Reserve University, where she earned both an undergraduate degree in Social Work and a Juris Doctorate.

Congresswoman Tubbs Jones was in the prime of her political career. At 58, she was in her fifth term in Congress. A lawyer by training, she championed the interests of the urban poor. She was a strong advocate for many issues including wealth building and economic development, access and delivery of health care, and quality education for all.


Isaac Hayes, Bernie Mac and U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones were three power players who made a remarkable difference in the lives of all they touched. Black PR Wire salutes each of you – your legacy will last a lifetime and be remembered by all.