Names and faces

— The House’s No. 2 Democratic leader said Sunday that comedian Stephen Colbert’s testimony last week on immigration was “inappropriate” and “an embarrassment.” Democratic Rep. Zoe Lofgren of California invited Colbert to appear before the House Judiciary Committee. But other Democrats weren’t happy about her decision. The committee chairman, Rep. John Conyers, DMich., asked Colbert to leave the room at the beginning of the hearing because the comedian had no expertise in farm labor issues or immigration policy. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland told Fox News Sunday he thought the episode was more of an embarrassment to Colbert than to the House. But, he added, “I think it was inappropriate” that he testified. Lofgren spokesman Pedro Ribeiro declined comment Sunday.

Nine-time Grammy winner Mary J. Blige gave student Camry Rosario of New York a combined check that represented a $50,000, four-year scholarship from Blige’s charity, the Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, and the Urban League at halftime of the New York Urban League football game between Howard and Morgan State on Saturday. Rosario will use it to attend Mercy College and major in physical therapy.For the 39-year-old recording artist, it was a matter of giving girls a chance she never had. “It’s important for me to give back because I never had the chance to get what I wanted out of the educational system,” said Blige, whose commitment to the Urban League included participation in a panel discussion for 150 young women in May. “It’s what I didn’t have. But what I did have was a second chance at life.” Blige made the presentation with Urban League president and CEO Arva R. Rice. This was Blige’s first year of commitment to the Urban League, following other luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey and the late George Steinbrenner. “For her to give back is wonderful,” Rice said. “She’s a woman who’s struggled, and so many of these kids are like her.” Blige, whose album No More Drama topped the charts in 2001, spoke of second chances Saturday. “I am these young women,” Blige said. “A lot of women think they’re not smart enough or strong enough to get the life. I want to give them a second chance. That’s been my message since the beginning of my singing career. When you’re educated, you know where you’re going, and you know you can go further.”

Front Section, Pages 2 on 09/27/2010

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