17 to watch in '97 - African-American celebrities

Ebony, Feb, 1997

Will Michael Jordan -- the greatest basketball player who ever lived -- retire from basketball? Will Vanessa Williams concentrate more on her personal life or return to Broadway? Will Shaq find love and fame and free-throw magic in Hollywood?

These and other intriguing questions may be answered in 1007, a year that promises to be big on surprise and wonder as African-American entertainers, civil rights leaders, athletes and others strive to capture media attention and the imagination of America and the world.

On the following pages, we take a look at 17 African-Americans who bear watching in 1997. The list includes many whose lives already have taken a new turn, and others whose lives will most likely head in a new direction in the months to come.

Although or list includes only 17, there will be others who will captivate the nation and the world. The list is only an example of those who will be undeniably hot in 1997. That's what makes them the 17 to watch.

Michael Jordan

This could be the year Jordan hangs up his magic patent-leather sneakers and calls it quits after more than a decade in the NBA. Experts say that's highly unlikely, especially if he continues leading the NBA in scoring and stays healthy. But following the success of his debut movie Space Jam, there are some who want MJ to pursue an acting career after his one-year, $30-million contract with the Chicago Bulls ends this summer. He has said he enjoyed making Space Jam and would love to do more movies. There are already rumors of a Space Jam sequel, but at press time, Michael and Warner Brothers hadn't committed on the possibility of another movie.

Vanessa Williams

This may be Vanessa's year. With a television special behind her and two movies coming out, this may be the year she breaks through to become a bona fide superstar. After a split from her husband/manager last year, expect the private life of the mother of three to be in the headlines in 1997. Also look for increased talk of her producing a new album and starring in another Broadway play.

O.J. Simpson

Whatever happens in the courts, the Hall of Fame running back will continue to dominate headlines this year as America's love-hate relationship with him continues and us he continues his starring role in the biggest and most controversial legal case -- and morality play -- in U.S. history. Will O.J. eventually decide to leave the U.S., or will h e stay in America, and perhaps push for greater acceptance among Blacks? How will he make enough money to support his children, himself and his lifestyle? There's talk that he will write another book and make another video.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey will continue to dominate daytime television in 1997, although there continues to be talk of her retiring from her talk show after the '97-'98 season. If she does, what will the richest person in show business tackle next? Nothing is definite, but she may choose to change the format of her show, concentrate on acting, produce movies or pursue book projects.

Shaquille O'Neal

Now that Shaq is in Los Angeles, he has many options. The powerful dunker has said one of the reasons he moved to L.A. was to make it easier for him to pursue his other interests, namely making music and movies. So will basketball be his top priority, or will his music -- he already has a new CD titled You Can't Stop the Reign -- and acting careers flourish, and his hoop-playing take a backseat? Shaq has a new movie coming out this summer titled Steel, in which he plays a live-action comic hero. He also will have a new shoe call "Junkmob." In addition, look for new commercials from Shaq, and expect headlines from his new TWIsM clothing company, and from his record company by the same name, which will debut its first hip hop artists in 1997.

Brandy

This will be a year of major adult decisions for the multifaceted entertainer. At the tender age of 18, Brandy will face a major crossroads, having to decide whether she will go to college full-time, continue her singing career, pursue an acting career -- or do all three. She will also have to decide how she will juggle all of her show business pressures and still find time to grow up. she has a new album coming out this summer, and her television series is scheduled to be renewed. Brandy has said that she gets "bummed out" when her mother/manager turns down projects, because she doesn't consider herself a star.

Whitney Houston

Bouyed by the success of The Preacher's Wife and Waiting to Exhale, 1997 will be another busy year for Whitney. Her second baby is due in July, her Dorothy Dandridge project will go into production, a greatest hits collection is planned, and she hopes her Glamour Girls series will be on television this fall. Despite rumors of marital discord, she says she and Bobby are happy.

Mike Tyson & Evander Holyfield

They will make headlines separately in 1997, and if promoter Don King has anything to do with it, they will also make headlines together. The world will be waiting for the much-anticipated rematch between the two fighting foes. But will it happen? there is talk that a buttered and bruised Holyfield might pass on the possible $100-million payday to fight Tyson. Will Holyfield fight someone else, or will he decide to retire -- something, insiders say, h is wife, Dr. Janice Itson Holyfield, has encouraged him to do. As for Tyson, will he marry?