Snoop Dogg Releases 2 New Flavors To Celebrate First Anniversary Of Dr. Bombay Ice Cream
Baked Blueberry Muffin and Peanut Butter Jelly Time are just the latest flavors in Snoop's ice cream line.
Snoop Dogg has been seemingly everywhere, even appearing at the Olympics in Paris this summer. Right before he embarked on doing his thing at the Olympics, the rapping entrepreneur celebrated the first anniversary of his Dr. Bombay Ice Cream products by introducing two new flavors, Baked Blueberry Muffin and Peanut Butter Jelly Time.
The ice cream line is available at Walmart and debuted July 2023, and expanded to many other retailers, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Kroger, Ralphs Market, ShopRite, Winn Dixie, City Market, Dillons, Pavilions, Star Market, Northgate Market, Cardenas Markets, and various other retailers.
The latest flavors were released to coincide with National Ice Cream Day on July 21 (the third Sunday every year in July):
Baked Blueberry Muffin: A throwback flavor that transports you to grandma’s kitchen. The Baked Blueberry muffin is a mouthwatering creation that ignites your taste buds with cinnamon sugar ice cream, crispy, crunchy streusel, and decadent blueberry jam swirls. Baked Blueberry was inspired by Cordell Broadus, Snoop Dogg’s son and business partner.
Peanut Butter Jelly Time: A delicious twist on a classic favorite, Peanut Butter Jelly Time features the creamy goodness of peanut butter ice cream and a refreshing grape sherbet sprinkled with peanut butter chips and swirled with classic grape jelly for a perfectly balanced pint. A nod to the viral early 2000s song, taking a bite is guaranteed to have you dancing.
Earlier this year, Dr. Bombay dropped another new flavor, Strawberry Cream Dream.
When the ice cream company launched last year, Snoop, in a written statement, said, “Ice cream is more than just a snack to me; it’s a way to chill, relax, and get happy. That’s exactly what I want Dr. Bombay Ice Cream to do—bring a smile to your face and ease your mind. I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting these first seven flavors, and I can’t wait for my fans and the world to experience what I’ve created. Fans will also notice that my sidekick, Dr. Bombay, is the name, face, and persona of this brand. That’s because he’s like a son to me, and you always want your kids to be more successful than you are. That’s my goal in building this lifestyle brand –- starting with ice cream.”
Jenifer Lewis, Danielle Brooks, Pinky Cole And More Are Mobilizing Support For Kamala Harris As Part Of ‘Win With Black Women’
Jenifer Lewis is among a group of Black women in Hollywood who are mobilizing their power to support Kamala Harris's campaign.
Jenifer Lewis is among a group of Black women in Hollywood who are mobilizing their power to support Kamala Harris’s campaign.
Lewis was among the 44,000 Black women who participated in the history-making Win With Black Women Zoom call that raised over $1.5 million to support the vice president’s candidacy as the Democratic presidential nominee. On Sunday, Aug. 18, Win With Black Women held another Zoom call, where stars like Danielle Brooks, Andra Day, and Slutty Vegan owner Pinky Cole discussed ways to continue mobilizing their power ahead of the 2024 Democratic National Convention taking place in Chicago on Aug. 19-22.
“Often we think about people in the entertainment industry as something separate — yes, they have incredible talents, but they are American voters, too,” Win With Black Women Founder Jotaka Eaddy tells The Hollywood Reporter.
“They have families and lives they carry to the ballot box, and it’s always important to remember that they, too, are equally a part of this country and participate in this democracy, and it’s great to see them speak publicly and boldly about that.”
As part of their efforts, activations will be held throughout the DNC to unify voters and encourage them to make groundbreaking changes this election season. Win With Black Women is partnering with other Black women-led organizations to host a Sisterhood Lounge at the McCormick Center. Higher Heights For America, Sisters Lead Sisters Vote, and the Black Women’s Leadership Collective will all host talks with various Black women government leaders. Meanwhile, A-listers like Kerry Washington, Mindy Kaling, Tony Goldwyn, and Ana Navarro will serve as DNC hosts.
Ahead of the DNC, Jenifer Lewis shared a video of herself singing one of her original tunes inside her living room. In it, she called out superstars like Beyoncé, Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Jay-Z, Keke Palmer, and more to motivate their young followers to get out and vote.
“It’s Aunty!” Lewis crooned in a video shared online. “I need y’all to help me spread my quote. I need y’all to get these kids out and vote!”
For those wondering why? Lewis sang her reasoning.
“Because this election ain’t no joke. We gotta take this b*tch by the throat!”
Lewis has participated in the Win With Black Women calls and #CaregiversForHarris Zoom meetings. She will also travel with Black Women in Entertainment for Kamala (BWIE4Kamala) to Atlanta for activations at the historically Black colleges and universities of Spelman, Morehouse, Morris Brown, and Clark Atlanta University.
“I have a wonderful connection with the Gen-Zers and the Millennials because they sat on their couches and watched me as the auntie and the mother on all the Black movies [and TV shows], from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to A Different World and now as the Black-ish grandmother,” Lewis says. “They’ve grown up with me, so there’s a bond and a trust. They not only see me, but they can feel that I care.”
The veteran actress plans to do some serious canvassing before the November election and is using her near-fatal 10-foot fall from a balcony while traveling throughout Africa in 2022 as motivation.
“I’ll also be going down south to these battleground states to go door-to-door, post flyers on the corner, whatever I can do,” Lewis says. “I was too young in the ‘60s to fight, but what else do I have to do but give back at this point? That’s how I live now.”
Other Black women in Hollywood who are mobilizing their power include Evan Seymour Bain, who attended the Win With Black Women Zoom call and was inspired to create a WhatsApp group to share information and resources among women in the industry. Three weeks after the call, membership in the Black Women in Entertainment for Kamala (BWIE4Kamala) grew from 10 individuals to over 500 actresses, executives, journalists, content creators, and media figures.
“I wanted to create a way in which everyone can be engaged in ways that resonate most with them, from grassroots [efforts] up to writing $50,000-plus checks so that we can all do our part to help ensure that Kamala Harris is the 47th president of the United States of America and that Donald Trump stays the f*ck out of the White House,” Seymour Bain said. “We’re not going back.”
Harley-Davidson Clarifies They Have No DEI Initiatives In Social Media Post
The Milwaukee-based company announced in a statement posted to X on Aug. 19 that despite ditching diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, it is still committed to a broad customer base.
Harley-Davidson has become the latest company to buckle to a targeted campaign by conservative anti-diversity critic Robby Starbuck. The Milwaukee-based company announced in a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Aug. 19 that despite ditching diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, it is still committed to a broad customer base.
We remain committed to listening to all members of our community as we continue on our journey together as one Harley-Davidson. United We Ride. pic.twitter.com/0feGYhTUMh
According to CBS News, Starbuck began his campaign against the motorcycle company in July, writing on X that Harley-Davidson had “gone totally woke.” Of course, Starbuck was pleased that Harley-Davidson decided to end its policies aimed at ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion, posting a meme underneath the company’s statement captioned “We’ve done it again.”
In its statement, Harley-Davidson acknowledged that the attacks were designed to divide the Harley-Davidson riders’ community but clarified that there were no longer any official DEI programs at the company.
“We are saddened by the negativity on social media over the last few weeks, designed to divide the Harley-Davidson community. As a Company, we take this issue very seriously, and it is our responsibility to respond with clarity, action, and facts.”
The statement continued, “That said, we have not operated a DEI function since April 2024, and we do not have a DEI function today. We do not have hiring quotas, and we no longer have supplier diversity spend goals. Training provided will be related to the needs of the business and be absent of socially motivated content. Only legally required training has ever been mandatory at Harley-Davidson.”
The statement concluded, “We believe having both a broad employee and customer base is good for business and that, ultimately, everybody should experience the joy of riding a Harley-Davidson. We remain committed to listening to all members of our community as we continue on our journey together as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world.”
Christopher Rufo, another anti-diversity critic, chided conservatives to show their support of Harley-Davidson’s new policies instead of attacking them in his own tweet, “Conservatives: Now is the time to praise, rather than attack, Harley-Davidson. We need to punish bad behavior, but we also need to reward good behavior. When a company dismantles its DEI program, tell them you support that decision.”
Harley-Davidson’s statement, both an affirmation of and a rejection of Starbuck’s claims, reflects the conflict in Americans’ opinions about DEI initiatives. According to Fortune, although 61% of adults see DEI as a good thing, a majority of respondents in a survey conducted by Bentley University and Gallop also said that they didn’t want companies to take a stance based on current events, with the notable exceptions being Black adults, LGBTQ+ adults, and Democrats. The former groups tend to be targets of corporate DEI backlash, even if that is not a stated goal of conservative activists like Starbuck.
In April, Axiossummarized the rise and fall of recent DEI initiatives in response to the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in 2020 to the cascade of companies currently backing away from DEI due to their fear of conservative lawsuits or attacks, while others quietly stick with their efforts.
According to Johnny C. Taylor Jr., president of The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the reframing of DEI to just D&I reflects a reexamination of diversity initiatives. “A lot of companies were already doing this. There’s been the renaming, refocusing of, revisiting of, diversity pretty seriously over the last year. And I don’t think that’s a bad thing. We can’t come in and have a legitimate conversation with senior management when people are debating what the ‘e’ means.”
Others, like Alex Suggs, the co-founder of a DEI consulting firm, Different, postulated that SHRM’s stance could embolden more companies to back off of DEI commitments and investment due to its position as the leading human resources organization. “They’re in such a prominent position,” Suggs told Axios. “If they are backing away from equity, that’s giving a free pass to all the naysayers and giving more fuel to the fire of the backlash we’re seeing.”
Georgia’s Work-Required Medicaid Program Struggles To Register Members
Kemp's model remains the only one in the U.S. with the work mandate, first launched in July 2023 despite pushback from the White House.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp’s Medicaid Program, which has received flack for its work mandate, has struggled thus far with the number of sign-ups.
Kemp’s model remains the only one in the U.S. with a work mandate. It launched in July 2023 despite pushback from the White House. The Georgia Pathways plan requires participants to work 80 hours a month, including volunteer activity, school, or vocational rehabilitation. According to the Associated Press, Kemp remains adamant about pushing the venture despite falling immensely short of registration expectations.
The Republican lawmaker continues to promote the plan, most recently during a panel discussion on Aug. 19. He remarked that the controversial program would face hesitation yet emphasized his determination to get more Georgians on board.
“Being first is not always easy,” Kemp said. “We’re going to keep chopping and keep getting people signed up.”
However, its more than 4,300 members, counted in early June, misses the 25,000 member goal expected in the first year. Moreover, Kemp believes delays prompted by the Biden administration also contributed to the low numbers.
Pathways’ initial launch date in 2021 fell through after the White House objected and revoked the work requirement. Despite Georgia’s successful lawsuit to reinstate the work mandate, which a judge approved in 2022, the state still has a way to go before Pathways gets its footing.
Moreover, the Biden administration has denied thwarting Pathways’ efforts, stating it only intervened in the work requirement. Additionally, the federal government approved a plan to reduce premiums and increase competition in Georgia’s healthcare marketplace.
Notably, the program has struggled to market itself or reach eligible recipients. Despite this, state officials intend to combat this issue with a major campaign across Georgia, including on college campuses.
Opposers call for a full Medicaid expansion with no work requirement, which could help around 500,000 low-income Georgians. However, Kemp hopes to keep long-term costs down with his transitional plan. He intends for Pathways to be a stepping stone for recipients eventually getting private insurance.
Benedict College’s First Female President Gets Contract Extension In Historic Appointment
Artis will continue working on the college's B2 plan to take the South Carolina HBCU to new heights.
Benedict College, an HBCU in South Carolina, has extended the contract of its first female president, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis. Artis will continue in the role through June 2031.
According to WLTX, Artis began her tenure in 2017. Her accolades include completing Benedict’s The B.E.S.T. five-year strategic plan within three years. Of her ongoing service to the college, Artis will remain a critical figure in its growth. Under her leadership, she hopes the current B2 plan will forge an even brighter future for the HBCU.
“The DNA of Benedict College is what makes all the difference. For more than 152 years, Benedict has served culturally, academically, financially, demographically, racially, and socially diverse people,” Artis wrote in the President’s letter.
“Our 2023-2028 Strategic Plan, B2: Focus on the F.U.T.U.R.E., is a bold vision that encourages our community to think beyond disciplines and differences: not as a set of things to do, but more of a reflection of who we are, and defining what we should be doing; –a document that states what we will do while being an example for other institutions to follow.”
The plan includes building a more inclusive campus, boosting student engagement, and ensuring its academic programs provide the necessary tools for students’ futures. Moreover, this plan intends to elevate campus facilities and resources.
The college, founded in 1870 by Bathsheba A. Benedict, will continue embarking on its new era while remaining true to its legacy as a woman-founded institution. The chairman of Benedict’s Board of Trustees also shared their pride in Artis’ leadership.
“We are exceptionally proud and fortunate to have such a strong leader guiding the College to higher heights and through the numerous challenges facing higher education institutions today,” said Chairman Charlie W. Johnson in a statement. “President Artis is keenly aware of the current issues students face, and she has demonstrated a deep commitment to providing students with formative learning experiences that prepare them to lead and succeed professionally and personally.”
With this contract extension, Artis hopes to fulfill her latest mission to advance Benedict College and its place among HBCUs.
Mizzou Students Told To Change Name Of ‘Welcome Black BBQ’ For More Inclusive Event
After months of fighting the issue, the group will proceed with the new name of "Welcome Black and Gold BBQ."
A student group at the University of Missouri (Mizzou) was forced to change its “Welcome Black BBQ” event to a more inclusive name despite being catered to Black students.
The school’s Legion of Black Collegians shared an update on the matter on Aug. 17. After months of fighting the issue, the group will proceed with the new name of “Welcome Black and Gold BBQ.” They wrote how “heartbroken” they were that the university would not let them keep the original title.
“The Legion spent several months fighting this decision and finding a way to preserve the original title and message,” detailed the post. “Although this is not the desired outcome, we still want the barbecue to remain a staple for incoming and returning Black students to make connections and find their space at Mizzou.”
According to ABC News, The Legion was established in 1968 following a racially charged incident at a football game. The song “Dixie,” which holds racist origins, played as students waved a Confederate flag. Since then, the Legion has provided a space for Black Mizzou students, describing itself as the “only Black Student Government in the nation.”
They added, “We are looking into all avenues to NEVER allow this to happen again. If it does, rest assured the Legion will have nothing to do with it. The erasure of the names and visibility of our events will continue to erode our presence on this campus, and we plan to do everything we can to divest from that.”
However, a school spokesperson emphasized that the name change better promotes an “inclusive university.”
“In striving for an inclusive university, we must not exclude (or give impressions that we are excluding) individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives,” shared spokesperson Christopher Ave.
However, this inclusive reasoning may stem from anti-DEI sentiment, which has condemned any upliftment of specific demographics, regardless of historical barriers. The current barbecue flyer explicitly states that all students, faculty, and staff can attend the event.
Mizzou also has a more recent history of racial tension on campus. Following racial slurs and other acts, such as cotton balls left at a Black student center on campus, protests erupted across Mizzou in 2015. One student went on a hunger strike, while many boycotted the school’s football team, including some of its own Black players. The school’s then-president, Timothy Wolfe, resigned after pressure from the demonstrations, as did the chancellor.
Perdue Foods Recalls Over 167,000 Pounds Of Chicken Over Potential Metal Contamination
Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Perdue Consumer Care at 1-866-866-3703.
Perdue Foods LLC, a Perry, Georgia-based establishment, has taken proactive measures by issuing a recall for approximately 167,171 pounds of frozen, ready-to-eat chicken breast nuggets and tender products that may be contaminated with foreign material, specifically metal. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) made the announcement today.
The affected products were produced on March 23, 2024, and include:
22-oz. vacuum-sealed plastic packages of “PERDUE Simply Smart ORGANICS Breaded CHICKEN BREAST NUGGETS” with a Best If Used By date of “03 23 25.”
29-oz. vacuum-sealed plastic packages of “PERDUE CHICKEN BREAST TENDERS” with a Best If Used By date of “03 23 25.”
22-oz. vacuum-sealed packages of “BUTCHERBOX Organic Chicken Breast Nuggets” with a Best If Used By date of “03 23 25.”
These products bear the establishment number “P-33944” on the back of the package and were distributed to retail locations nationwide and sold online directly to consumers.
The issue came to light after Perdue received consumer complaints regarding metal wire found embedded in the products. FSIS has reported no confirmed adverse reactions related to the consumption of these items. However, consumers who have purchased the affected products are strongly advised not to consume them. Instead, the products should be discarded or returned to the place of purchase.
FSIS emphasizes concern that some products may still be in consumers’ freezers. As part of the recall process, FSIS will conduct recall effectiveness checks to ensure that the recalling firm informs its customers that the affected products are no longer available for purchase. Retail distribution lists will be posted on the FSIS website as they become available.
Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Perdue Consumer Care at 1-866-866-3703. Media inquiries should be directed to Andrea Staub, senior vice president at Perdue Foods, at 443-493-3522 or via email at andrea.staub@perdue.com.
For food safety inquiries, consumers can contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov. Issues related to meat, poultry, or egg products can also be reported through the FSIS’s online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System, accessible 24/7 at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
Joe Biden Receives Thunderous Applause, Gives VP Kamala Harris A Passionate Endorsement At DNC
Biden received his flowers from the crowd of thousands of supporters while reflecting on his almost 50-year-long political career.
The Associated Press reports that day one of the 2024 Democratic National Convention started with President Joe Biden passionately endorsing his Vice President and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Kamala Harris.
During his valedictory address on Aug. 19, Biden received his flowers from thousands of supporters while reflecting on his almost 50-year-long political career. “I made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you,” Biden said. With tears in his eyes, the President was greeted by a more than four-minute-long ovation and chants of “Thank you, Joe” after being introduced by his youngest daughter, Ashley.
What I admire most about Joe is his decency, his resilience, and his unshakable belief in the promise of our country. Over the last four years, those are the values America has needed most. I am proud to call him my president, and I’m so grateful to call him my friend. pic.twitter.com/7eI4pc5VOQ
Despite protests from pro-Palestian demonstrators outside the United Center on the opening night of the DNC in Chicago, it seemed designed as an enthusiastic exit for Biden while setting up a successful transfer of power to Harris. He reminisced about his thought process in selecting the California senator as his running mate, calling it “the best decision” he had made in his career.
“She’s tough, she’s experienced, and she has enormous integrity, enormous integrity,” he said. “Her story represents the best American story. And like many of our best presidents, she was also vice president.”
According to Politico, the President took some of the attention off of him as the crowd thanked him. “Thank you, Kamala, too,” Biden said at one point. “We’ve had the most extraordinary four years of progress ever. When I say ‘we,’ I mean Kamala and I.” Once the applause died down, it wasn’t long before Biden started to rip into his former presidential opponent, Republican nominee Donald Trump, warning Dems of the dangers he would bring if elected again. “Donald Trump calls America a failing nation. He says we’re losing,” Biden said.
“He’s the loser. He’s dead wrong.”
Several Democratic speakers and supporters highlighted similar fears during their remarks. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) geared his remarks toward GOP VP nominee J.D. Vance, reminiscing on the horrific Jan. 6 insurrection where “patriots” were calling for former Vice President Mike Pence to be hung for not supporting Trump’s rhetoric. “JD Vance, do you understand WHY there was a job opening at the top of the ticket? They tried to kill your predecessor,” Raskin said.
Jamie Raskin: “JD Vance, do you understand WHY there was a job opening at the top of the ticket? They tried to kill your predecessor.”
Georgia Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock took viewers and attendees to church while highlighting how a Harris administration will promote peace and opportunity for all people around the world. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Tx.) shared her witty use of words to jab at Trump’s attack on voters’ rights. “The question is, will a vindictive vile villain violate voters’ vision…for a better America or not?” she asked while met with laughs and applause.
“We deserve better. We deserve a President who can be a bright light in darkness. One who will pull us forward because we won’t go back.”
Other standout moments included Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow carrying an oversized copy of “Project 2025” to the podium, civil rights activist and founder of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition Rev. Jesse Jackson making an appearance, and abortion rights activist Hadley Duvall making brave remarks on women’s reproductive rights.
NJ Bus Driver Arrested After Beating Passenger Who Allegedly Spat On Him
Toron Walker and the passenger were both arrested and charged with aggravated assault.
After a passenger allegedly spat on a New Jersey Transit bus driver, the driver purportedly retaliated by beating the man, and both the driver and passenger were arrested. The incident was caught on a passenger’s mobile phone.
According to RLS Media, the bus driver was seen on video taking down the individual after a confrontation at the front of the bus. The fight occurred in Newark, NJ, and a video clip posted to social media shows the bus driver, identified by the New York Post as Toron Walker, telling passengers at the front of the bus to back up as the man stands in Walker’s face. When the other passengers moved out of harm’s way, the confrontation ensues as one of them yells out, “What you gonna do?” In that instance, Walker is then seen striking the individual.
Walker continues to pummel him, and the man falls to the ground as the other passengers try to yell for the bus driver to stop, no one intervenes, and Walker is heard saying, “You f**ed up. What the f**k is wrong with you? You want to spit?” He continues to punch the passenger in the head multiple times before the video clip ends.
Bus driver absolutely demolishes a passenger after the man allegedly spit on him in Newark, New Jersey.
The driver could be heard directing people to the back of the bus to keep them out of harm’s way before he started walloping on the man.
The New York Post reported that in a statement to the media outlet, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé stated that the incident took place at Court Street near Broad Street, and police officers boarded the bus to stop the fight. Both men were charged with aggravated assault.
NJ Transit also released a statement in response to the incident.
“This matter is currently under investigation, and we’re unable to comment on any specific details at this time. We don’t condone any form of assault aboard any of our vehicles or within our facilities,” a NJ Transit spokesperson said.
“We can confirm that our driver was assaulted prior to the altercation. We want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that assaulting a transit employee is a serious offense and can result in a fine, jail time, and/or a ban from riding the transit system.”
The passenger reportedly didn’t suffer any serious injuries.
A Celebration Of Black Film And Excellence On Martha’s Vineyard
Filmmakers, elected leaders, celebrities, and influencers descended on the Island during the 2024 Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival
The 22nd annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) kicked off August 2 with nine days of programming, movie screenings, panels, and parties highlighting Black filmmakers, actors, and producers. At the backdrop of the festivities was Martha’s Vineyard, a quaint Massachusetts island on the Atlantic just south of Cape Cod marked by lighthouses, sandy beaches, and farmland.
Each year, the festival brings together vibrant celebrations of culture and community that spotlight successful Black professionals, creatives, and trailblazers. This year, about 70 shorts, features, TV series, and documentaries were screened at the MVAAFF. It was established in 2002 by Run & Shoot Filmworks principals Floyd and Stephanie Rance to amplify Black voices, storytelling, and culture and is now an Oscar-qualifying annual film festival in the short film category.
In addition to attending screenings, panels, and social events, festivalgoers reveled in the beauty of the Vineyard — a charming New England colony that has been a summer escape for Black vacationers and luminaries for generations. In the 20th century, when segregation barred Black Americans from beaches, pools, and resorts, they flocked to the island town of Oak Bluffs. The destination attracted Black families as well as prominent leaders and artists including Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Massachusetts Senator Edward W. Brooke, and Maya Angelou. Today, the small island is a haven for Black Hollywood and high-profile figures like Jennifer Hudson, Spike Lee, and the Obamas.
Here are some highlights of the events and programming that took place during the MVAAFF.
World of Hyatt on the Vineyard
Source: Tyronne Stoudemire, SVP of Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, speaks at Hyatt’s Bar Noir event at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)
On August 8, the World of Hyatt held Bar Noir featuring an evening of cocktails, conversation, and community building at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum on Vineyard Haven. During the event, Tyronne Stoudemire, the Senior Vice President of Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Hyatt Hotels Corporation, talked about the hospitality brand’s commitment to advancing and supporting Black entrepreneurship.
“Many organizations either reacted or responded to the death and murder of George Floyd,” said Stoudemire, a recognized global DEI thought leader. “We responded with a program that’s called Change Starts Here.” Launched in 2020, Stoudemire touched on the initiative’s effort to address systemic racism through three key areas: who they employ, develop, and advance; the communities they support; and who they buy from and partner with. In addition to employment opportunities, the program also opens doors to further managerial advancement, community development, and supplier diversity. Furthermore, it has provided $1 million over three years to six community-based organizations located in Chicago, Atlanta, and Minneapolis.
“It’s just not about the money, it’s about care. It’s just not about care, it’s about helping people to grow [and] invest in businesses,” he added.
Source: Attendees at the World of Hyatt Bar Noir event at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)
The Black Excellence Brunch
Source: L-R: Janelle Stephens, founder of Camille Rose, actress Sanaa Lathan, and Trell Thomas, founder of The Black Excellence Brunch
Over 200 guests dressed in all-white ensembles gathered for The Black Excellence Brunch held at the Atria, an outdoor venue in Edgartown, on August 9. The invite-only affair honored actress and director Sanaa Lathan for her contributions to Hollywood over the past 20 years. During a live fireside chat with Trell Thomas, founder of The Black Excellence Brunch, the 52-year-old Love & Basketball star opened up about her family’s history with addiction and her own journey to sobriety.
“I stopped drinking six years ago,” Lathan revealed. “Addiction runs in my family. I just did Finding Your Roots and it was crazy because I found all these generations of alcoholics that had literally died.”
The Brown Sugar star also mentioned the impact alcohol had on her life. “It was affecting my health. The people that I was allowing to be around me wasn’t right. And so, I decided, this is something that’s in my family. I need to nip it in the bud.”
Rather than enrolling in Alcoholics Anonymous, Lathan says she quit drinking on her own shortly before the pandemic. She then went on to direct and co-star in On the Come Up on Paramount+ in 2022, where she played a recovering addict and mother.
Source: L-R: Nick Arrington, Trell Thomas, and Alex Tyree
The brunch, which was sponsored by Camille Rose and offered specialty drinks provided by Ciroc, also included notable attendees like filmmaker Will Packer, Orange is the New Black star Uzo Aduba, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Win With Black Women founder Jotaka Eddy, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Bravo’s Summer House: Martha’s Vineyard cast members Alex Tyree and Nick Arrington.
“The Black Excellence Brunch was beautiful,” said Arrington, likening the event to the vibrant sense of community felt at an HBCU homecoming or Black family reunion. “It was a beautiful thing, and everybody looked good,” he continued. “I think the best way to describe Trell’s brunches are, it’s a celebration. It’s a celebration of us.”
Source: Attendees at the Black Excellence Brunch on Martha’s Vineyard (Photo courtesy of the Black Excellence Brunch)
Founded in 2017, Thomas said he created the event series to foster community and connection while paying tribute to the legacy of Black excellence. The series reimagines the Sunday dinners he had with his family while growing up in South Carolina. What started as a local gathering in Thomas’ home has since morphed into a global celebration of under-recognized cultural figures from New York to New Orleans to South Africa and Ghana.
“Martha’s Vineyard is no stranger to excellent Black people, and it was amazing to join in on the celebration of Black Excellence hosting our first-ever Black Excellence Brunch on the Vineyard,” said Thomas, a seasoned media expert, in a statement to BLACK ENTERPRISE. “It was truly an honor to give flowers to so many amazing people and celebrate the cultural icon that is Sanaa Lathan.”
The Director’s Brunch
Source: The Director’s Brunch on Martha’s Vineyard (Photo: Black Enterprise/Selena Hill)
On Saturday, August 10, MVAAFF, Comcast NBC Universal, and Black Experience on Xfinity teamed up to present “The Director’s Brunch” in celebration of storytellers of color. Held at the Atria, the soiree included a buffet-style brunch, live DJ, and a panel discussion featuring MSNBC president Rashida Jones, award-winning filmmaker B. Monét, director Gia-Rayne Harris, Robert Baltazar, NBCU Launch’s Vice President of TV Programming DEI, and moderator Loren Hudson, Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity & Platforms, Comcast. During the discussion, the panel touched on the challenges Black filmmakers face when trying to break into the business.
“I think the path of being a director, especially if that’s what you want to be, it’s not just cut and dry,” said Monet. It’s not “like you go to film school and then you’re just going to make it. You know? I mean, the rules, unfortunately, are different for us,” she said.
Rather than pursuing a linear path, Monet encouraged young filmmakers to try to explore alternative methods to break into the industry, such as producing short films and shadowing other producers and artists.
Fight Night
Source: L-R: Tiffany Cross, Will Packer, Shaye Ogbonna, Taraji P. Henson, Chloe Bailey, Don Cheadle at MVAAFF (Photo by: Arnold Turner/Peacock)
The MVAAFF ended with a punch featuring a special screening, star-studded panel, and after-party for Peacock’s limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist on closing night.
The evening kicked off with live music from DJ Trauma before the festival’s founders, Stephanie and Floyd Rance, introduced acclaimed filmmaker and the series’ executive producer, Will Packer, who participated in a one-on-one fireside chat with journalist Danielle Cadet on Roc Nation’s Lenny Santiago’s iconic gold couch.
“All kinds of interesting people have sat on and have had conversations on this couch. This is the kind of cultural thing that is for us [and] that we get to do at a Martha’s Vineyard film festival [and not] elsewhere,” said Packer to a sold-out audience.
Source: Danielle Cadet and Will Packer at MVAAFF (Photo by: Arnold Turner/Peacock)
The show, which will be released September 5 on Peacock, tells the story of a brazen armed robbery that took place in Atlanta on the night of Muhammad Ali’s famous return to the ring in 1970. Based on the acclaimed iHeart true-crime podcast, Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist chronicles how the infamous robbery ultimately transformed Atlanta into the “Black Mecca.”
The story centers on a hustler named Chicken Man (played by superstar comedian and actor Kevin Hart) who hosts an afterparty to celebrate the fight with a guest list of the country’s wealthiest and most notorious gangsters. However, the night ends with the most brazen criminal underworld heist in Atlanta’s history. Suspected of masterminding the crime, Chicken Man is hellbent on clearing his name but must convince his old adversary, J.D. Hudson (played by Don Cheadle), one of the first Black detectives in the city’s desegregated police force, who is tasked with bringing those responsible to justice.
Source: L-R: Taraji P. Henson, Chloe Bailey, Don Cheadle at MVAAFF on August 10, 2024 (Photo by: Arnold Turner/Peacock)
Following the screening, Packer returned to the stage with showrunner, creator, and executive producer Shaye Ogbonna and cast members Taraji P. Henson, Don Cheadle, and Chloe Bailey for a discussion moderated by journalist Tiffany Cross.
“I have always loved and admired working with Will, and to have this opportunity come to fruition was really, really cool,” said Bailey. “I’m an Atlanta native and I have never heard of this heist story. And then to hear that I get to work alongside Taraji and Don and Samuel (Jackson) and the most incredible actors in the game meant so much to me.”
Source: Guests at Peacock’s Closing Night Party at The Loft in Oaks Bluffs during the MVAAFF (Photo by: Arnold Turner/Peacock)
To close the evening, Peacock hosted the Closing Night Party of the festival at The Loft in Oaks Bluffs. The 70s-theme party was decorated with roses, disco balls, and plush red carpets. Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens, former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, songwriter Ledisi, actor Glynn Turman, President of MSNBC Rashida Jones, and Destiny’s Child singer LeToya Luckett were in attendance.
