Steve Harvey: Doing the Right Thing and Still on Top

Steve Harvey has a lot he should be proud of.

The beloved comedian is the host of a top-rated syndicated show on black radio, 'The Steve Harvey Morning Show,' heard on more than 60 stations in cities across the country, including New York; Los Angeles; Washington D.C.; Philadelphia; Dallas; and Miami, with close to 7 million listeners. The brazen broadcasting dynamo, who has starred in a string of TV and movie projects over the past 15 years, also topped the New York Times Best Sellers list – for the sixth consecutive week – with his debut literary outing 'Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man' (Amistad/Harper Collins).

"It's pretty amazing," he told BlackVoices.com about the book's meteoric success. "To be honest with you, I really can't explain the success of this book ... how this book jumped as rapidly as it did."

"I had hopes [but] my goal was – to be honest with you – was to get on the list, because I knew it would be major to get on it," he added. "But for it to be number one, for a first-time author, it not only caught me off guard, it caught Harper Collins off guard, too."

"It really has to be some amount of favor from God, because I have no experience at writing a book," he continued. "It ain't like I've been there, done that. It's got to be favor from God. It's gotta be something that he has planned for me bigger than I could see, because I just wanted to write a book so the women on my show could quit asking me to write a book."

According to Harper Collins Executive Editor Dawn Davis, the success of 'Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man' is largely due to Harvey's "incredible promotional platform and loyal followers." Those elements, she said, counted for success out of the gate.

A massive media campaign, including stops on major TV shows such as 'Oprah,' 'The CBS Morning Show,' 'Ellen' and 'The Today Show' also helped bolster the tome into the mainstream zeitgeist.

BUY IT, TRY IT: Steve Harvey's 'Act Like a Lady' For $13

"But, ultimately, it all comes down to content, and the book delivers," Davis noted. "As women, we may not always want to hear it, but it's incredibly sound advice. You read it and you just want to pass it on to a girlfriend, married or single."

Passing it on is nothing new in the black community. For Harvey, a 53-year-old father of seven, his message doesn't only stop at relationship advice for women; he's standing out as an emblem of true humanitarianism and philanthropy via his major part in Disney's Dreamers Academy, which commenced last month at the Walt Disney World Resorts in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

A four-day retreat with the goal to uplift and instill positive messages of hope, inspiration, empowerment and encouragement to underprivileged high school students from across the country, the inventive program is in its second year and consists of mentoring workshops, networking seminars, music performances, motivational speeches and empowerment symposiums.

"I said it 100 times, and people get upset sometimes when I say that your dreams are more important than your education," the 'Original Kings of Comedy' star shared. "This is why I say that: The dream propels you. It causes you to go to school, your dream causes you to stay to school. If you didn't dream of being a lawyer there would be no need to go to school, go to law school and pass the bar. It's the dream that keeps you going in the difficult times. It is the most important component in your success -- in your person. It's what gets you out of those neighborhoods that seemingly nothing good comes out of. It's the things that help you overcome when your parents aren't the best parents. It's the thing that makes you win when economically there is no way you should be winning. It's all the dream. There's nothing bigger than the dream. If you think there's something bigger than the dream -- outside of your relationship with God -- let me know."

The former 'Showtime at the Apollo' host said he's been working on developing a similar project, which initially involved an all-boys mentoring initiative ("because nobody can't teach [him] nothing about manhood"), but because the Walt Disney Organization has a broader, inclusive approach with its programming, the Dreamers Academy took new shape as a career-oriented program for both boys and girls.

Joining Harvey on his crusade were a bevy of notables from the worlds of entertainment, sports, business and even Disney.

Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey

MORE DREAMING IN 2009: Famed television and radio entertainer Steve Harvey returned to Walt Disney World for "Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey" -- a motivational event for teens which took place at Walt Disney World in Florida Feb. 12-15, 2009.

Preston Mack, The Walt Disney Company

Dreamer Interviews Washington Redskins player Antwaan Randle El – Student Phelicia Berry from East Point, Ga. practices her journalism skills and interviews Washington Redskins wide receiver Antwaan Randle El during Disney's Dreamers Academy 2009 with Steve Harvey. During the event, 100 selected high school students took part in an innovative, career-inspiration program that included interactive workshops, motivational talks, hands-on creative experiences and fun at Walt Disney World Resort.

Todd Anderson, The Walt Disney Company

Disney's Dreamers Academy Class of 2009 – High school students Justin Moore (left) from Columbia, S.C., Marquis Newman (center) from Philadelphia, Pa. and Rian Lowe (right) from Dallas, Texas share a laugh at Epcot during Disney's Dreamers Academy 2009. During the event, 100 selected high school students took part in an innovative, career-inspiration program that included interactive workshops, motivational talks, hands-on creative experiences and fun at Walt Disney World Resort.

Gene Duncan, The Walt Disney Company

Disney's Dreamers Academy Class of 2009 – High school students Quanyaria Story (left) from Winston-Salem, N.C., Toni Lynn Harris (l-center) from Detroit, Mich., Aquanetta Tyler (r-center) from New Orleans, La. and Domonique Hunter (right) from Detroit, Mich. take photos and share a laugh at Epcot during Disney's Dreamers Academy 2009. During the event, 100 selected high school students took part in an innovative, career-inspiration program that included interactive workshops, motivational talks, hands-on creative experiences and fun at Walt Disney World Resort.

Gene Duncan, The Walt Disney Company

Nuttin' But Stringz at Disney's Dreamer's Academy – Nuttin' But Stringz, a violin duo blending classical, jazz, R&B and hip-hop, perform and inspire participants at Disney's Dreamers Academy 2009. During the event, 100 selected high school students took part in an innovative, career-inspiration program that included interactive workshops, motivational talks, hands-on creative experiences and fun at Walt Disney World Resort.

Todd Anderson, The Walt Disney Company

During Disney's Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey 2009, 100 selected high school students took part in an innovative, career-inspiration program that included interactive workshops, motivational talks, hands-on creative experiences and fun at Walt Disney World. Food Network Celebrity Chef Jeff Henderson hosted an evening gala for the students, giving a glimpse of his exciting story where dreaming took him from prison the executive kitchens of one of Las Vegas' most high profile hotels.

Gene Duncan, The Walt Disney Company

Food Network Celebrity Chef Jeff Henderson goes "Behind the Seeds" with some of the 2009 class of Disney's Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey at Epcot's "The Land" pavilion greenhouses. Henderson worked with the Dreamers who had culinary aspirations, showcasing his exciting story from prison to executive chef and teaching them practical lessons they could apply to their own career paths. During the event, 100 selected high school students took part in an innovative, career-inspiration program that included interactive workshops, motivational talks, hands-on creative experiences and fun at Walt Disney World.

Gene Duncan, The Walt Disney Company

Garth Vaughan, The Walt Disney Company

Steve Harvey and Dreamers Experience Disney's Animal Kingdom Kilimanjaro Safaris During Disney's Dreamers Academy 2009 – Nationally syndicated radio personality Steve Harvey (left) enjoys Disney's Animal Kingdom Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction with his wife Marjorie, Lauren Sharpe (far right) and several other students during Disney's Dreamers Academy 2009. During the event, 100 selected high school students took part in an innovative, career-inspiration program that included interactive workshops, motivational talks, hands-on creative experiences and fun at Walt Disney World Resort.

Kent Phillips, The Walt Disney Company

Sherri Shepherd, co-host of ABC's 'The View,' hosted a "Conversations With" symposium featuring candid discussions with celebrities such as James Pickens and Audra McDonald (of 'Grey's Anatomy' and 'Private Practice'), Terrence J (of BET's '106 & Park'), 'American Idol' finalist Kimberley Locke, 'High School Musical' star Monique Coleman, movie producer Will Packer, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Warrick Dunne and Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell, among others.

"When they said this was the Dreamers Academy and it was young students and they wanted to do something for them to know about dreams, I said 'I have to be a part of that because these kids are going to be my future,'" Shepherd shared with BlackVoices.com.

"These kids are going to decide whether or not I got a great nursing home to be in," she quipped, adding, "Anything I can do to help further their dreams and make their dreams into reality, I'm there."

The young people responded well to the jovial funnywoman, a Chicago native who is also widely respected as a Christian comedian, with rapturous rounds of applause and standing ovations throughout the afternoon.

"I think [the kids] really appreciated the fact that all of these people came out because they wanted to give something back. All of those people who were on that podium had somebody help them," she said. "I had somebody help me. So if we could do that, that's so wonderful."

And just because Steve Harvey is known prominently for entertaining the masses, Disney's Dreamers Academy focused on far more than that.

A "Career Rotation" program included three sessions, including business professionals interacting with Dreamers and presenting skills to help them achieve their dreams. Expertise and know-how were presented by Disney animators Marlon West and Bruce Smith and teen inventor Kristyn Heath, among others.

Elsewhere in the expansive effort, best-selling author and Food Network personality Chef Jeff Henderson (pictured right) took a handful of teen hopefuls to the kitchen to help prepare a feast.

"It was a great experience for me to come back and bring my message of change, my message of hope and inspiration to these young dreamers who came from around the country," said Henderson, who turned his life around after spending nearly a decade in prison on drug charges. The married father of two said he was "honored" to be a part of the program for the second year in a row. "The reason why it's important for me is because my generation took so much from the inner-city communities around the country and influenced these kids to negative lifestyles. Not only do I owe it, it's a part of my life. This is a movement to me."

One of the teens affected by the "movement" was Delmonty Christopher Jordan Jones (pictured left with his aunt and weekend chaperone Audra Washington), a Charlotte, N.C.-based high school senior with a professional interest in broadcasting. "I've never really communicated with people outside of my circle like I should've been," the 17-year-old revealed. "Meeting all of these different people and learning about different things that I've never even known about, my networking has gone up. I'm giving my information and getting information in return."

Jones was one of 100 high school students from across the U.S. selected to be exposed to creative and nontraditional career opportunities.

"With the nation's attention on change and a spirit of renewed hope, we were overjoyed with the excitement centered on this year's Disney's Dreamers Academy and the overwhelming enthusiasm it has generated from young people spanning America," said Lara Montilla, director of multicultural marketing and resorts marketing at the Walt Disney World Resort. "We set out to educate and open doors for our young dreamers by helping them to realize the power within and inspiring them to discover their dreams and follow them wherever they lead."

Harvey added, "Together, we enhanced the lives of these deserving kids by showing them that there are many ways to follow your dreams."

MORE ABOUT THE DREAMERS

Mel B Pictures

In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl "Mel B" poses for a photo wearing a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness, after a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**

In this undated image released by Oxfam Tuesday Sept. 23, 2008, British singer Mel B participates in the 'In My Name' global campaign calling for action against poverty and demanding world leaders keep their promises on millennium development goals. (AP Photo/Oxfam, HO) ** NO SALES **

In this photo provided by Kraft Foods, Spice Girl Mel B, left, serves as the emcee at a fashion show and launch of "Pose for the Cure" web site to help Kraft Foods raise money for the 'Susan G. Komen for the Cure' fight against breast cancer in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008. Mel B wears a T-shirt she designed based on the classic pink ribbon used for breast cancer awareness. The shirt is for sale on the web site and the net proceeds will benefit the foundation. The woman at right is unidentified. (AP Photo/Kraft Foods, Ray Stubblebine) **NO SALES**

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Ultimo Scottish designer lingerie brand founder Michelle Mone (L) and pop singer Melanie Brown pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard (R) pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown and singer Aubrey O'Day (R) poses backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 09: Pop singer Melanie Brown, Olympic-level swimmer and model Amanda Beard, singer Aubrey O'Day and TV personality and designer Khloe Kardashian pose backstage at the Mel B With Ultimo Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Metropolitan Pavilion on September 9, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images )

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