Mario Van Peebles featured in August EM

Jet, August 7, 1995

Mario Van Peebles, the actor-director who has taken Hollywood by storm, takes center stage in the August EM (Ebony Man).

Van Peebles told EM, "As a director I've made the films I have to make. As an actor I've made the films I want to make."

He says he has prepared himself to take the criticism that often comes with the entertainment industry.

"Don't step into the boxing ring if you're not ready to get hit," he states. "I'm just happy when we (African-Americans) win."

Van Peebles must be doing something right because superstar celebrities including Quincy Jones, Maya Angelou and Spike Lee, as well as some 35 other Prominent Black Americans have run full-page ads in Hollywood trade publications supporting his films.

"Each of my films has an identity," he says. "Whether they (his films) were good or bad, whether you agreed with them or not, you'll never forget them," Van Peebles maintains.

This month's EM also focuses on relationships and educational issues like the informative article "Black Issues In Education: High School And College."

Another story not to be missed explores the "Five Biggest Complaints Men Make About Women."

In addition, the August EM spotlights FOX-TV sportscaster James Brown, one of the few Blacks to cover both pro-football and hockey.

Fashion features inside the new EM include "EM Junior" and "Back-To-School Fashions."