Express Newark, Jasmine Mans, Poetry
by Stacy Jackson

June 25, 2024

Resident Poet Jasmine Mans To Showcase Poetry In 2-Night Performance

Mans is the first resident poet at Express Newark and her work is deeply influenced by her upbringing in Newark's South Ward.

Jasmine Mans, the inaugural resident poet at Express Newark, has garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success with her 2021 poetry collection, Black Girl, Call Home.

On June 27 and 28, Mans will showcase her artistry in a two-night poetry performance at Express Newark, supported by New Arts Justice, a public arts initiative founded by Pulitzer Prize-winning Rutgers-Newark Professor Salamishah Tillet in 2018.

According to Rutgers University, Mans’ collection, published by Berkley-Random House, delves into her queer Black identity, Newark roots, and the intricate dynamics between mothers and daughters.

Many poems in Black Girl, Call Home focus on Mans’ mother, exploring adolescent conflicts and the complexities of their relationship. Her work is deeply influenced by her upbringing in Newark’s South Ward, where her great-grandparents settled in the 1920s after migrating from Georgia.

“As a Black woman, you’re taught to think there’s something wrong with yourself, and if you’re from the so-called hood, to think there’s something wrong with where you grew up,’’ Mans said. “But even though I don’t come from a place of financial wealth, I inherited a sense of music, style, and food. My family is thick in love and culture.’’

In homage to Newark’s literary giant LeRoi Jones, later known as Amiri Baraka, Mans crafted a poetic tribute inspired by his seminal 1963 work, “Blues People.” This piece served as a cornerstone for the exhibition’s debut. Building on this foundation, Mans has embarked on a creative journey with Express Newark, producing a series of bi-weekly video releases showcasing her latest compositions. Her upcoming performances at Express Newark promise to be a rich exploration, delving deeper into the cultural tapestry woven by “Blues People.”

As artist-in-residence, Mans has created “Daughter,” a piece exploring voice, memory, and reclamation, accompanied by a live band. “It’s a big deal to be the only poet in this space…writing to build out a show and a portfolio of poetry that represents not only ‘Blues People,’ but the people of Newark,” she said.

Mans is preparing her next poetry collection for 2026. Additionally, she’s editing a coffee table book titled Buy Weed From Women, slated for publication by Penguin Random House in 2026. This project celebrates women’s roles in the cannabis industry, from farmers and entrepreneurs to those navigating the intersection of profit and criminality.

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Diddy,plea deal, trial, Aubry O'Day
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 25, 2024

Diddy Drops Sean John Lawsuit As Other Legal Battles Continue

Diddy and Global Brands Group agreed to the voluntary dismissal of the claims and counter-claims on June 21.

Sean “Diddy” Combs has dropped his lawsuit against self-founded Sean John for using his name, as his other legal battle continues. Diddy originally founded the clothing brand in 1998.

Diddy’s lawsuit was against Global Brands Group (GBG), to which he sold his 90% stake in Sean John for $70 million in 2016. However, the media mogul accused the company of using his name and persona to boost sales. He has filed multiple lawsuits since February 2021, per AllHipHop.com.

Diddy won back the company in a $7.5 million bid in 2021 but his quest for a payout from the now-bankrupt GBG continued. In one instance, Diddy claimed that the GBG-owned Sean John’s collaboration with fellow clothing brand Missguided used his image as a promotion without his consent.

The two parties agreed to the voluntary dismissal of the claims and counterclaims on June 21. In the legal filing, he originally sought $60 million. However, lawsuits against him have forced Combs to drop the case.

This slew of lawsuits began with the November 2023 lawsuit filed by his ex-partner, Cassie Ventura. Ventura agreed to a settlement the day after filing, which led to other women coming forward with accusations against Combs.

Moreover, a 2016 video released to the public in May proved Ventura’s allegations against him. The clip further disgraced the entertainer, who has recently shied away from the limelight. Other lawsuits, including claims of sexual harassment and sex trafficking by his former producer, remain ongoing.

Diddy has also stepped down from his role at Revolt, while other entities have distanced themselves from the now-infamous producer. Most recently, Howard University revoked his honorary degree, and New York City also rescinded his key to the city.

While currently dealing with numerous lawsuits, Diddy can sue GBG again for the same claims in the future.

Jackie Aina, Crown Royal, Black Girl Ventures
by Stacy Jackson

June 25, 2024

Jackie Aina Collaboration Ignites $50K Donation For Black Girl Ventures

Aina's candle collaboration with Crown Royal supports a cause close to the beauty creator's heart.

Jackie Aina’s FORVR Mood brand has teamed with Crown Royal to create a limited-edition candle inspired by the whisky brand’s new Blackberry blend, which had led to Black Girl Ventures Foundation receiving a hefty donation.

The candle, aptly named “Berry On Top,” debuted at the Crown Royal Blackberry Stand in Los Angeles in mid-June. The stand provided a platform for rising founders through the brand’s partnership with Shelly Bell’s Black Girl Ventures Foundation.

According to a press release, attendees learned about Bell’s organization as they sipped signature cocktails and checked out Aina’s new candle.

The exclusive candle scent features a blend of blackberry, whisky accord, and vanilla notes.

“Finding new ways to flex my creativity to craft something that I know my supporters will love is exciting for me,” Aina said. “So, when I was approached by Crown Royal for this partnership, it was a no-brainer for me, especially after seeing all the hype for their new Blackberry Flavored Whisky and learning they’re supporting a cause close to my heart with Black Girl Ventures. I’m excited to partner with a brand that shares my values!”

https://twitter.com/Forvrmood/status/1802038108063678881

Crown Royal is donating $50,000 to the Black Girl Ventures Foundation, with half supporting the BGV Pitch Program. The FORVR Mood website further affirmed its commitment to the organization on its website.

Hadley Schafer, vice president of Crown Royal, praised its new offering, calling the whisky “one of our most flavorful yet!” The whisky, with 35% ABV, is available nationwide for a limited time at $26.99 for a 750mL bottle.

Priced at $42, the “Berry On Top” candle represents more than just a fragrant accessory. By supporting the Black Girl Ventures Foundation, this partnership aims to foster inter-generational wealth and contribute to a more equitable society.

FORVR Mood is an award-winning luxury home and fine fragrance brand founded in 2020 by Aina and co-founder Denis Asamoah.

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Lifetime, Terry McMillan
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 25, 2024

Garcelle Beauvais, Lela Rochon, Loretta Devine To Star In First ‘Terry McMillan Presents’ Film For Lifetime 

Looked for 'Tempted by Love' in August.

The first entry of the “Terry McMillan Presents” film series for Lifetime, slated to premiere this summer, has a title, cast reveal, and release date.

Actress Garcelle Beauvais will star and executive produce Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted By Love, premiering on Lifetime on Saturday, August 17, at 8 p.m. Eastern, Deadline reports. Rounding out the cast are Vaughn W. Hebron, who serves as co-producer, Lela Rochon, Emmy award-winning actress Loretta Devine, and Donna Biscoe.

Beauvais plays Ava, a renowned chef who lives in Europe but swiftly returns to South Carolina to care for her elderly aunt (Biscoe) following her fall. Ava is greeted by Luke (Hebron), a handsome driver 20 years her junior, and they quickly form a passionate connection through their shared interest in food, family, and fun.

Ava and Luke appear to be the perfect match despite her growing feelings that Luke still has much to experience in life. As a seasoned professional with a whole other life overseas, Ava must decide between love and what is best for her career and relationships.

The made-for-TV film serves as a reunion for Rochon and Devine, who starred alongside each other in McMillan’s 1995 box office hit Waiting to Exhale. McMillan is best known for her celebrated novels turned hit films, including How Stella Got Her Groove Back.

The Terry McMillan Presents film series will see the best-selling author introduce a lineup of branded movies focused on the love and lives of African American women.

“As women, we can be messy. We can be complicated. We can be so many things,” McMillan said when the Lifetime partnership was announced in February. “Life is never tied up in a bow, so it’s thrilling to be back in business with Lifetime, which allows women to tell their own stories in an authentic way.”

Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted by Love is executive produced by D’Angela Proctor for Undaunted Content in association with GroupM Motion Entertainment. McMillan and Beauvais serve as executive producers alongside Richard Foster and Chet Fenster for GroupM Motion Entertainment. Taliah Breon directed the film from a script written by Tamara T. Gregory.

RELATED CONTENT: Garcelle Beauvais Becomes Official Cybersmile Ambassador After Son Faces Racist Cyberbullying

Unequal Pay, The Acolyte, Amandla Stenberg, Jodie Turner-Smith
by Sharelle B. McNair

June 25, 2024

Star Wars’ ‘The Acolyte’ Labeled The ‘Most Diverse’; But Is It Too ‘Woke’ For Fans? 

This isn't the first time Black actors engulfed in the 'Star Wars' franchise have faced a racist backlash.

The new Star Wars spinoff series, The Acolyte, has been praised for its diverse cast but the Black-female leads still aren’t holding a force with the audience. 

Streaming on Disney+, the series stars Amandla Stenberg in the dual roles of Osha and her evil twin Mae. Co-starring is Jodie Turner-Smith as the twins’ mother and lead of witches seeking to induct them, Aniseya. With only four of the eight episodes premiering since its launch earlier in June, the show has received negative feedback. Its 14% audience score is even lower than the Star Wars franchise’s much-panned 2008 film, The Clone Wars. 

While labeled “the most inclusive and diverse live-action Star Wars project ever,” critics deemed the series “simply underwhelming” on top of feeling “woke.” 

Showrunner Leslye Headland is the first openly queer person to lead a live-action project set in a galaxy setting. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Headland assured members of the LGBTQ+ community that they would be well represented in the series and instantly thought of Stenberg— who ​​identifies as nonbinary and gay—for the lead role. 

Critics, including Tesla founder Elon Musk, feel the legendary franchise is pushing “woke” propaganda. “She’s more deadly than the Death Star!” Musk wrote on X in response to a photo of Headland.

As Headland was fighting off a certain demographic of criticism, Stenberg battled “intolerable racism” from the franchise’s fanbase, which she responded to with a music video posted on Instagram. Comments on the video continued to reflect negative feedback for the actress’ performance and pushed on The Acolyte simply not being as good as previous Star Wars series.

“Dear @amandlastenberg … I am black and a #StarWars fan (well… a fan of everything before Kathleen Kennedy). My point is, I have tried being positive with the #Acolyte but I am not a fan…,” @ksadmusic wrote. 

“It sucks storywise and I do not blame you but your performance so far as well does not even help the situation. So now that I am outright saying I do not like your show… does that make me racist as well? All my black friends seem to agree.”

This isn’t the first time Black actors engulfed in the Star Wars franchise have been riddled with racist backlash. In 2015, John Boyega made headlines after it was revealed he would be the lead as Finn in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. He spoke out about the backlash, even calling Disney out in an interview with GQ Magazine. “You get yourself involved in projects, and you’re not necessarily going to like everything,” Boyega said. 

After Moses Ingram was cast as a villain in the 2022 film, Obi-Wan Kenobi, she was flooded with racist comments on social media, including use of the n-word. After responding, saying, “there’s nothing anybody can do about this,” the official Star Wars Twitter account took a stand posting, “If anyone intends to make her feel in any way unwelcome, we have only one thing to say: we resist.”

RELATED CONTENT: Amandla Stenberg Releases Diss Track About Racist Response To Star Wars ‘The Acolyte’

Former Baltimore Mayor, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake , lawsuit
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 25, 2024

Black Family Sues White Neighbors For Racially-Motivated Discrimination, Harassment

A Black family in a predominantly white community in Maryland is suing their neighbors for the "blatant disregard" of their civil rights.

A Black family residing in a predominantly white community in Accokeek, Maryland, is suing their neighbors for the alleged “blatant disregard” of their civil rights.

Angela and Prince Floyd are being represented by Justly Prudent, which filed the lawsuit on Juneteenth in response to the alleged harassment and discrimination the Black family has been subjected to by way of their white neighbors. According to a press release, the Floyds have been targets of continuous acts of racially motivated discrimination, harassment, and intimidation by other residents in the Calvert Manor neighborhood of Accokeek, Maryland.

Since becoming one of the first Black families in the community, along with becoming the first to own a waterfront property, the Floyds accuse their neighbors of filing over 100 police complaints against them where they were constantly referred to as “criminals.” Many of the complaints were filed when the Floyds hosted private gatherings at their home but noticed other White residents in the community faced no scrutiny or backlash when routinely hosting private gatherings at their respective residences.

Elsewhere, the Floyds assert they were unfairly denied membership in the Calvert Manor Civic Association (CMCA), a neighborhood organization predominantly made up of white residents. Defendants Richard Wallace, Diane Wallace, Maria Femia, Thomas Cassidy, and Stephen Rannacher are accused of conspiring together to misuse their political connections to target the Floyds with unjustified law enforcement and code enforcement actions like issuing frivolous citations and installing “No Parking” signs along the Floyds’ property line.

“The actions taken against the Floyds are deeply troubling and represent a blatant disregard for their civil rights,” Jordan D. Howlette, Managing Attorney at Justly Prudent, said.

“No family should have to endure such egregious acts of harassment and discrimination based on their race, especially within their own community. This lawsuit seeks accountability for the substantial harm inflicted upon the Floyds and other families like them while also serving as a reminder that everyone has federally protected rights to enjoy their home without fear of racial bias and intimidation.”

According to the complaint, the defendants also wrongfully used the Prince George’s County Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE), the Nuisance Abatement Board (NAB), and other County agencies to further harass and intimidate the Floyds, including unlawfully limiting the Black family’s use and enjoyment of their home by subjecting them to treatment that white residents in the neighborhood didn’t endure.

The lawsuit cites multiple federal and state laws in describing how the Floyd’s civil rights were violated, including Sections 1981 and 1982 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, Section 1983 of the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871, and the Fair Housing Act. The Floyds are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, along with declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent further harassment and discrimination.

Brotherhood Awards To Celebrate Black Leaders During Men’s Mental Health Month
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

June 25, 2024

Brotherhood Awards To Celebrate Black Leaders During Men’s Mental Health Month

The Brotherhood Awards to honor nine remarkable Black male leaders in augural awards show during Men's Mental Health Month.

This Men’s Mental Health Month will feature a new awards show celebrating Black men committed to empowering Black men and boys.

Value Partnerships is using its What’s Good platform to introduce the inaugural “Brotherhood Awards” on Tuesday, June 25th. The ceremony will honor the exceptional men behind inspiring work in Black communities nationwide and honor those who set a remarkable example through their unwavering commitment and service.

The Brotherhood Awards will celebrate nine remarkable men whose profound dedication and visionary leadership have significantly uplifted and transformed their communities. The honorees encompass a wide array of professions and sectors, including innovative nonprofit leaders and influential digital creators to dedicated mental health experts and renowned celebrities.

Through their work, the awardees have presented transformative efforts that showcase the enduring strength and resilience of the Black community. Together, their steadfast dedication and transformative efforts have not only nurtured a supportive and thriving environment but also sparked a healing movement that has impacted millions.

Get to know the inaugural honorees below.

The Brotherhood Awards will be featured on What’s Good, a monthly digital town hall series spotlighting what’s next, what matters, and positive developments worldwide, reaching a monthly audience of over 2,000 community leaders.

Pizza, Black-Owned, Bird Pizzeria, food, TNT Pizza, Dough Boy Pizza, Clark Atlanta Grads
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 25, 2024

Black-Owned Bird Pizzeria In Charlotte Among New York Times Best Pizza Places

It was one of the 22 places the media outlet picked in the United States

The New York Times just released a list of 22 of the best pizza places in the United States, and a Black-owned pizzeria in Charlotte, North Carolina made the list.

The media outlet did not list it by numbers but in alphabetical order. Bird Pizzeria, which is located at 510 E. 15th St. is only open from Wednesday to Saturday, according to its Instagram page, with the hours being from 4-8 p.m. The restaurant is owned by Nkem and Kerrel Thompson and opened its doors in December 2021.

 

The media outlet reported that Bird Pizzeria started as a pop-up restaurant before becoming a takeout business and, as of next month, will be a sit-down restaurant. Kerrel’s pizza is a “New York style reminiscent of what he grew up eating in Cleveland.”

QCity Metro reported that Bird Pizzeria is one of the city’s most popular pizza spots. It was named Best Pizza by Queen City Nerve last year. With the expansion of the restaurant to allow dine-in seating as they obtained a space next door, the Thompsons are excited about the growth of the restaurant.

“We’re really excited to open our dining room literally as if it was, you know, an extension of our house,” Nkem said in an interview with The Observer.

In an interview right after Bird Pizzeria opened, Nkem said that she and her husband’s first date was over pizza. They were inspired to open the shop as they reflected on the COVID-19 pandemic. She also mentioned that the restaurant was named Bird Pizzeria due to Kerrel’s love of birds.

“He can name like all of the birds in North America, so it’s kind of like always been a thing with us,” Nkem said.

When the restaurant opens the expanded space, it will have longer hours and a lunch menu.

RELATED CONTENT: NPR’s Tiny Desk Is Putting On For The Ladies For Black Music Month

Devin Haney, Lawsuit, Ryan Garcia, Boxing
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 25, 2024

Devin Haney Reportedly Plans To Sue Ryan Garcia After Boxer’s Suspension For Drugs

Haney stated that due to the fight with Garcia, his reputation has suffered and he had to take less money for his next fight.

Although the fight is over, the saga continues between boxing opponents Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia. The latest news is that Haney is pursuing legal action against his last opponent.

According to SB Nation, after news that Garcia accepted a one-year suspension after two positive drug tests revealed he tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance, Ostarine, Haney threatened to sue the boxer because he ended up losing money after the defeat despite the subsequent “no contest” decision.

Haney experienced his first defeat at the hands of Garcia, who came into the fight over the weight limit required for the boxing match. Garcia dropped Haney three times during their fight on April 20 and won the contest by a majority decision (112-112, 114-110, and 115-109). Garcia weighed 143.2 for the 140-pound match, according to Yahoo! Sports.

After the suspension, Garcia forfeited his $1.1 million purse and paid an additional $10,000 fine.

Due to Garcia’s missteps, Haney stated that the public witnessed him losing the fight. Although that defeat is now off his record, his reputation has suffered because of it. He claimed he had to take less money for his next fight due to the last bout.

Haney discussed the possible litigation with Title Sports Network.

“[The bout] definitely had a major impact,” Haney said. “I haven’t made a million and a half since my beginning days of signing with Matchroom. So it affected me. My lawyers and my team will do what they gotta do to prove that in court against Ryan Garcia, and we will take legal action because it has affected me. Not only financially but mentally and everything.”

Haney’s record was 31-0, while Garcia posted a record of 24-1. After the latest decision, Haney is back to being listed as an undefeated fighter.

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Ice Cube, Last Friday
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 24, 2024

Ice Cube Reveals ‘Last Friday’ Movie Might Be On The Way

'We finally got some traction with Warner Brothers. They have new leadership,' said Cube.

After the success of the fourth installment of Will Smith and Martin Lawrence’s “Bad Boys” series, we might be in line for the sequel to Ice Cube’s “Friday” series after years of setbacks and false hope.

In a recent episode on Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav’s Sirius XM show, “Flavor of the Week,” Cube discussed the possibility that the fourth “Friday” movie is closer to fruition.

Less than two years ago, Cube was on “Drink Champs” talking about how Warner Bros. rejected the script for what is tentatively titled “Last Friday.” Now that there is new leadership at the studio, Cube has revealed that it should happen soon.

“We finally got some traction with Warner Brothers,” Cube stated. “They have new leadership. My man Mike DeLuca, who used to be at New Line [Cinema] when I first started, when I first did the first ‘Friday’ and ‘Players Club’ and ‘All About the Benjamins.’ Mike DeLuca was there, so now he’s running Warner Brothers.

“Mike DeLuca was there, right, so now he’s running Warner Brothers, and him and my man Michael Gruber was like, ‘Yo, what the f**k is going on with Friday? Man, let’s get this sh*t back online.”

Cube reiterated his frustrations with Warner Bros. and stated that some key actors from the movie passed away over the years, such as John Witherspoon, Tiny “Zeus” Lister Jr., and Anthony Johnson.

“I was a little hot ’cause they had took so long,” he continued. “Because John Witherspoon passed away, Tiny passed away, A.J. Johnson passed away. Man, we keep losing people. And y’all keep d**king around not doing the movie the way it need to be done.”

But it looks like that barrier has been broken, and we could be viewing “Last Friday” soon.

“They want to do it. But the key is it gotta be done,” he said. “So, they finally came to their senses.”

The original “Friday” was released in theaters back in 1995. The sequel, “Next Friday,” came out in 2000, and two years later, in 2002, the last movie in this series, “Friday After Next,” was seen by the world.

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