Jeezy, Jeannie Mai, Custody, primary, gun, staged photo, guns, daughter, divorce,
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 12, 2024

Jeezy Demands Primary Custody Of Daughter After Accusing Jeannie Mai Of ‘Staged’ Photo With Guns

Jeezy and Jeannie Mai's divorce battle is heating up as the rapper/entrepreneur demands primary custody of their 2-year-old daughter Monaco.

Jeezy and Jeannie Mai’s divorce battle is heating up as the rapper/entrepreneur asks for primary custody of their 2-year-old daughter, Monaco.

The Grammy Award-winning rapper filed a motion on Wednesday, April 10, accusing Mai of staging a photo of their daughter near one of his guns and using the photo to prevent his recent visitation from happening, Radar Online reports. Jeezy (real name Jay Wayne Jenkins) went into detail on how he moved into his home’s basement after filing for divorce from Mai in September 2023.

“When the Petitioner [Jeezy] moved into the basement of the Marital Residence in September 2023, Petitioner kept one of his firearms in the basement in the event of any possible intruder in order to protect his family,” the motion states. “This occurred a month before Respondent [Mai] moved out of the Marital Residence.”

However, after moving into the basement, he caught wind of a photo of his firearms that he says were placed in an area that could not be located by their daughter. Not only that, but Monaco has never been able to reach the basement on her own.

“There has not been a single incident with his firearms and the parties’ minor child,” the filing states.

“At no times relevant hereto has the minor child had the ability to wander into the basement in the Marital Residence because there was a gate to keep the toddler from doing so, and the minor child was monitored at all times.”

Jeezy believes either Mai or her brother staged a photo of their child near the firearm while he was in the shower.

“Apparently, when the Petitioner was staying in the basement, either the Respondent or her brother went into the bedroom where the Petitioner was staying and took a photograph of the Petitioner’s firearm while the Petitioner was in the shower,” the motion implies.

He also notes a time when he was preparing to leave town and brought his licensed firearm with him. He left his bag at the front door to go upstairs and grab a hat. Jeezy believes it was at this moment when Mai placed their toddler daughter near his bag with the firearm and “staged” a photo.

“In that moment, the Respondent ‘staged’ a scene by placing the parties’ 2-year-old daughter next to the bag and took a photograph,” the filing states.

The “Put On” rapper accuses his ex-wife of placing their daughter near his bag with the firearm because that is the only way the toddler could get in the area.

“The only way that the minor child would have been by the door is that she would have had to be placed there by the Respondent,” he states.

To make matters worse, Jeezy had a scheduled visit with Monaco in California on April 2. However, when he sent his caretaker to pick up the child, they received a text message from Mai saying she would not turn over their daughter “because the Petitioner owns firearms,” the motion states.

Jeezy is also calling out Mai for how much she’s moved with their daughter since his divorce filing. Jeezy’s filing states that since Feb. 26, Mai has had their daughter in Vietnam for a month, Los Angeles, New York, Texas, and Massachusetts.

The rapper alleges that “to date, the Petitioner does not know where the Respondent is living with the parties’ minor child.”

RELATED CONTENT: Jeezy Wants Divorce Documents With Jeannie Mai Sealed To Protect Daughter From ‘Contentious’ Split

High School Teacher, Kedria Grigsby, Arrest, Prostituting Students
by Rafael Pena

April 12, 2024

High School Teacher Kedria Grigsby And Son Arrested For Allegedly Prostituting Students

Kedria Grigsby, an instructor at Klein Cain High School, found herself in handcuffs Apr. 8, facing a charges for prostitution of minors.

The New York Post reported that a high school teacher in Texas, along with her son, stands accused of prostituting her students. Kedria Grigsby, a 42-year-old cosmetology instructor at Klein Cain High School, found herself in handcuffs on Apr. 8, facing a barrage of charges, including three counts of child trafficking and three counts of compelling prostitution of juveniles, as disclosed by Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

According to prosecutors, Grigsby allegedly partnered with her 21-year-old son, Roger Magee, in what authorities describe as a “prostitution enterprise,” targeting troubled youths under the guise of offering refuge. Sheriff Gonzalez elaborated, stating, “It appears Grigsby recruited troubled juveniles from local high schools by offering them a place to stay, which would be a hotel.”

This arrest follows in the wake of her son’s own legal entanglements, with Magee having faced similar charges nearly two years prior, including child trafficking and sexual assault of a child. Reports from KHOU detail further unsettling accounts, alleging that Grigsby financed a motel room where one of the victims was observed entering and hastily fleeing, seeking refuge in Grigsby’s vehicle, where another purported victim was present.

On Tuesday, Grigsby chose to waive her right to appear in court, with her bond set at $750,000 — $125,000 for each charge of sex trafficking and compelling prostitution. Additionally, stringent conditions were imposed, barring any contact with the alleged victims and mandating no unsupervised interactions with minors, as reported by Fox 26.

This is not the first time this year a teacher has been involved in accusations of sex trafficking and prostitution. Back in January 2024, a Florida human trafficking police force arrested 123 people in an undercover operation. Among the group was a 5th-grade science teacher, James Villacorteza, according to ABC 15 News. Villacorteza allegedly told what he presumed to be a 15-year-old boy that he wanted to have sex with them. The deputies who were posing as the minor, arrested the science teacher the next day at the elementary school.

RELATED CONTENT: Former Virginia Elementary School Assistant Principal Faces Eight Felony Charges After Teacher Shot By 6-Year-Old 

alcohol awareness month, health and wellness, spring break, alcohol abuse
by Daron Pressley

April 12, 2024

National Alcohol Awareness Month Aims To Educate And Promote Responsible Choices

Every April, communities across the United States meet to observe National Alcohol Awareness Month to reduce the stigma surrounding alcoholism while providing vital information about alcohol, alcoholism, and recovery.

Every April, communities across the United States meet to observe National Alcohol Awareness Month. Founded and sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), this monthlong initiative, established in 1987, aims to reduce the stigma surrounding alcoholism while providing vital information about alcohol, alcoholism, and recovery. As we embark on another Alcohol Awareness Month, it’s crucial to understand its goals and significance in addressing one of the nation’s most prevalent public health issues in the African American community.

At its core, National Alcohol Awareness Month seeks to educate the American public about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, promote responsible drinking habits, and support those struggling with alcohol addiction on their path to recovery. 

Responsibility.Org, a national not-for-profit that aims to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empower adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices, is at the forefront of encouraging Americans to look at our relationships with alcohol. 

Findings from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health concluded that binge drinking among African Americans (23%) is slightly less common than among Hispanics (24.6%) and Caucasians (25.7%). The rate of heavy drinking among African Americans (4.3%) is much less than the general population (6.1%) and Caucasians (7.2%). Despite binge drinking being less common, more negative social consequences from drinking are reported, including higher rates of alcohol-related illness and injuries. 

BLACK ENTERPRISE spoke with Responsibility.org about educational resources, empowering our community to make smart choices about alcohol, and progress made.  

Responsible Drinking Choices

One of the primary objectives of Alcohol Awareness Month is to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of alcoholism on individuals, families, and communities. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately 14.5 million adults in the United States aged 18 and older had Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in 2019.

Executive Director of Responsibility.org Leslie Kimball shares, “We always remind parents, you’re not done yet, and offer some methods to mitigate risks associated with drinking alcohol when their college-aged child is away from home. And not just during spring break!” 

Another critical goal of Alcohol Awareness Month is to promote responsible drinking behaviors and prevent underage drinking. The influence of alcohol marketing, peer pressure, and societal norms can contribute to underage drinking, which can have severe consequences for young people’s physical and mental health, academic performance, and future opportunities.

“It’s important to discuss the differences between low-risk and high-risk drinking and for parents to remind their kids that any underage drinking is risky behavior and illegal,” emphasizes Kimball. 

By providing parents, educators, and young people with information about the risks of underage drinking and strategies for prevention, this initiative works to create a safer and healthier environment for youth.

Education begins early

Throughout April, communities nationwide participate in various events and activities to raise awareness about alcoholism and promote positive change. From educational workshops and seminars to community rallies and fundraising events, Alcohol Awareness Month provides opportunities for individuals and organizations to unite in solidarity and support.

According to a national study, alcohol use and abuse may not be as prevalent for African American high school and college students, but once drinking has begun, adolescent females and African Americans tend to demonstrate a faster progression to heavy drinking and alcohol-related problems. These risk factors indicate a need to target these students specifically and as early as 10 years old.

“Check-ins from trusted adults should happen regularly to ensure kids feel safe, seen, and supported,” remarks Kimball. 

Responsibility.org supports responsibility through a checklist of teaching points, including reasons to say NO, such as values, expectations, and goals, practicing refusal strategies, having an exit strategy, always using the “buddy system,” and never driving drunk or impaired and never get into a vehicle with someone drunk or impaired. 

Kimball shares, “It is encouraging to note that not everyone drinks and that underage drinking levels are at record low levels.”

Awareness Takes Collaboration

Responsibility.org collaborates with various offices and individuals at colleges and universities, including college counseling centers, offices of student conduct, new student orientation directors, fraternity and sorority organizations, and offices of health promotion to assist institutions as they incorporate Alcohol101+ into their campus-wide alcohol misuse prevention efforts. Alcohol101+ is a free program that educates students about alcohol and its impact on the body, teaches responsible decision-making, and educates about blood alcohol content and standard drink sizes.

Kimball mentions, “Since its relaunch in 2021, Alcohol101+ has been used at over 120 colleges, universities, and fraternity and sorority organizations with over 15,000 students completing the course.” 

Based on recent program evaluations, students completing Alcohol101+ have reported feeling equipped with information to make responsible choices about alcohol and were less likely to engage in harmful drinking.

“Whether a college or university is using the program as a preventative tool or in response to incidents involving alcohol on campus, we work closely with them to ensure they can utilize the program in a way that fits the individual needs of their campus,” states Kimball.

National Alcohol Awareness Month serves as a reminder that through education, advocacy, and community engagement, healthier, more supportive communities for individuals and families are created, and we can further reduce underage drinking and promote responsible behaviors in adults.

Kendrick Lamar
by Rafael Pena

April 12, 2024

Kendrick Lamar To Release Comedy Film Project With South Park’s Creative Team

Rapper Kendrick Lamar and the ingenious minds behind “South Park,” Matt Stone and Trey Parker, will be releasing a comedy film in 2025.

Mark your calendars for July 4, 2025, as the dynamic collaboration between Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar and the minds behind “South Park,” Matt Stone and Trey Parker, hits theaters nationwide, according to Variety. Paramount Pictures announced the release date for the highly anticipated live-action comedy, promising audiences a hilarious and original cinematic experience.

The film, written by Vernon Chatman, remains shrouded in mystery, with Paramount keeping details tightly under wraps. However, expectations are sky-high, with a creative team boasting the likes of Lamar, Stone, and Parker. 

Paramount CEO Brian Robbins expressed excitement about the project during the CinemaCon presentation, “This script is one of the funniest and most original scripts we’ve ever read, and it’s certain to create some fireworks.”

Stone and Parker, renowned for their irreverent humor and satirical take on contemporary culture in “South Park,” have a stellar track record in the entertainment industry. In addition to their iconic television show, they’ve crafted hit films such as “South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut” and the cult classic “Team America: World Police.” Their collaboration with Robert Lopez on the Tony Award-winning musical “Book of Mormon” further underscores their versatility and comedic prowess.

The film’s release date coincides with blockbuster competition, with Universal’s “Jurassic World 4” and Warner Bros.’ “Superman” slated for release on the same holiday weekend.

This isn’t Kendrick Lamar’s first engagement in an outside-the-box collaboration. After the release of his album “To Pimp A Butterfly,” he partnered with Gucci to release a special edition vinyl package valued at $2,500. Only 100 copies of the Gucci-designed vinyl edition were released. 

Al Sharpton, Alicia Keys, NAN, National Action Network, celebrate, 33 years, Alicia Keys, Al Sharpton
by Stacy Jackson

April 12, 2024

Al Sharpton Honors Alicia Keys, Other Black Women Luminaries At ‘Women’s Empowerment Luncheon’

The 2024 luncheon celebrates 33 years of fighting for justice and aligns with NAN's dedication to amplify the voices of Black women.

Rev. Al Sharpton’s signature National Action Network (NAN) Convention celebrated a remarkable lineup of Black women leaders during its annual “Women’s Empowerment Luncheon” on Thursday, April 11, with a surprise appearance by Grammy-winning artist Alicia Keys.

Sharpton honored the “Empire State of Mind” singer during the event, which aligned with NAN’s dedication to uplifting and amplifying the voices of Black women. “I’m so grateful to be surrounded by powerful women, and I think that’s exactly one of the secrets of the sauce is making sure that powerful women are uplifted and we are at the table,” said Keys, according to MSNBC.

Sharpton also honored political leader Stacey Abrams with an award, who said, “We are in a moment where representation and identity are under threat because we are not respected.” The voting rights activist reminded the room to reclaim the term DEI “as a celebration of who we are.”

Other honorees on Thursday included Lisa Price of Carol’s Daughter, Michelle Stoddart of Resorts World New York City, and Holy Redeemer Institutional COGIC’s Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter.

“Black women have long been the backbone of our communities, driving change and progress despite facing immense challenges,” Sharpton said in an April 2 press release. “The Women’s Empowerment Luncheon is not only a celebration of past achievements but also a call to action for future generations. It is a reminder of the importance of empowering Black women, supporting their endeavors, and amplifying their voices in a society where they have to work twice as hard to be half as good.”

NAN’s Women’s Empowerment Luncheon was emceed by award-winning journalist and TV host Mara S. Campo.

According to Page Six, Sharpton honored The View host Whoopi Goldberg with NAN’s Keepers of the Dream award the previous night.

Goldberg reminisced about Martin Luther King Jr., saying, “If we’re not all fighting to make it better for all of us, none of it is going to work.” She thanked Sharpton and the audience, joking, “While I may have annoyed you, you never left me.”

The NAN convention, hosted at the Sheraton in New York City from April 10 to April 13, celebrated 33 years of “fighting for justice.”

RELATED CONTENT: Mellody Hobson Awarded Barbara Graves Award At Women Of Power Summit

A.J. Johnson, House Party, dance, scene, choreography, dance, movie, Burger King
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 12, 2024

‘House Party’ Star A.J. Johnson Made More Selling Rights To Movie Scene Than From Filming

"House Party" star A.J. Johnson is opening up about how much more she made selling her rights to a scene from the movie than from filming.

“House Party” star A.J. Johnson is opening up about how much more she made selling her rights to a scene from the movie than from filming.

Johnson starred as Sharane in the 1990 cult classic alongside Christopher “Kid” Reid, Christopher “Play” Martin, and Tisha Campbell (Sydney). The film follows a pair of high school students who throw the ultimate house party while Play’s parents are out of town.

One of the most popular scenes from Play’s epic house party features a dance battle between him and Kid against Sharane and Sydney. Choreographed by Johnson, who appeared throughout the film, the dance battle became one of the most iconic dance scenes in movie history.

Johnson recently appeared on Jemele Hill’s “Unbothered” podcast where she revealed the $4,000 she was paid to shoot the movie that took two months to film. Three years after the film’s release, Johnson and Christopher Martin were contacted by Burger King to have their scenes from the movie included in a televised advertisement.

That’s where the pair made real money for their work compared to the “four grand” they each received for starring in the Reginald Hudlin flick.

“Once the movie came out and it was such a hit, Burger King came and asked Play and I if we would sign the rights to one of our scenes for a commercial,” Johnson shared.

“We made more money on that commercial than we made doing the movie.”

Hudlin’s “House Party” was an instant hit. It grossed over $26 million at the box office from an estimated budget of $2,500,000. A franchise was born with “House Party 2” released in 1991 and “House Party 3” in 1994.

In 2023, LeBron James’ SpringHill company released a remake of the film that starred Jacob Latimore, Tosin Cole, and Kid Cudi, among others. The year before, The Library of Congress added the original “House Party” to the National Film Registry.

RELATED CONTENT: HERide Founders Secured Historic Partnership With Busiest Airport In The World

Ralph Yarl, Civil Lawsuit, Andrew Lester
by Rafael Pena

April 12, 2024

Missouri Teen Ralph Yarl Navigates Life After Being Shot In The Head 1 Year Ago

Ralph Yarl, the Black teenager who survived a gunshot to the head after ringing the wrong doorbell in April 2023, is still grappling with the profound impact of the traumatic event on his life.

NBC News reports that Ralph Yarl, the Black teenager who survived a gunshot to the head after ringing the wrong doorbell in April 2023, is still grappling with the profound impact of the traumatic event on his life.

“It’s definitely a bumpy journey,” Yarl stated to NBC News in his first interview since the shooting nearly a year ago. “Whenever there’s something that goes on that reminds me of what happened… I just have, like, such a negative wave of emotions, like anger, like disgust. It’s always a mix of good and bad days. And I feel like the good days are when I’m able to be around people that help me build myself up.”

The incident occurred last April when Yarl mistakenly approached the wrong house in Kansas City while attempting to pick up his younger brothers. A case of mistaken identity turned nearly fatal as shots were fired by the homeowner, Andrew Lester, 85, leaving Yarl with a bullet wound to the head and a traumatic brain injury.

Despite his remarkable resilience, Yarl’s life has been irrevocably altered. He shares candidly about the mental and physical challenges he faces daily. From struggling with cognitive functions to experiencing bouts of fear and anxiety, Yarl’s journey toward recovery has been marked by both setbacks and small victories.

Moreover, the shooting has amplified Yarl’s concerns about the rising tide of gun violence in his community. Living in a city plagued by escalating crime rates, Yarl grapples with feelings of guilt and frustration, wishing that his ordeal could have spurred meaningful change, according to the outlet.

Recently, Black Enterprise reported that Yarl was selected for the Missouri All-State Band Honors. He secured a spot as the second chair for bass clarinet, a testament to his musical talent and determination.

Despite being shot in the head and arm by Lester, Yarl, an honors student at Staley High School, persevered. His family revealed that Yarl had previously been recognized in the All-State Band, showcasing his ongoing commitment to his musical passion. Following his injuries, Yarl spent a few days in the hospital before embarking on an engineering internship during the summer. He resumed his studies at Staley High in August.

Ice Spice, Spike Lee, Denzel Washington
by Stacy Jackson

April 12, 2024

Ice Spice Makes Acting Debuts In Spike Lee’s Upcoming ‘High And Low’ Film

Critics and supporters debate whether or not the rapper's appearance in the upcoming Spike Lee film is a fair casting decision.

Ice Spice, the rising rap sensation, is set to make her acting debut in Spike Lee’s upcoming film “High and Low,” an English remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic.

According to E! News, the “Princess Diana” hitmaker has landed a small role, appearing in one scene. The rapper will appear in Lee’s film, which stars renowned actor Denzel Washington.

While her breakthrough single “Munch (Feelin’ U)” catapulted her to stardom, the 24-year-old artist’s venture into acting has sparked mixed reactions. Some critics question the wisdom of granting her such an opportunity with an A-lister like Washington so early in her career. “She’s famous for 2 seconds and gets to star next to Denzel Washington when Black actors who worked on their craft all they life will never work with him,” one user responded to the announcement on X. Another added, “Collabs with Taylor Swift then Denzel Washington this soon into fame. Her manager and team are elite.”

However, supporters praise the move, citing the long tradition of musicians excelling as actors and arguing that “performing is performing.”

In a June 2023 interview with Teen Vogue, Ice Spice revealed her long-standing desire to be a part of the film industry. “I love movies,” she confessed, “I always wanted to be a part of that, whether it was [starring in] or helping direct it.” She even harbored dreams of becoming “…the biggest director out of New York,” but her mother opposed her pursuit of performing arts, leaving her “mad salty” about it for years.

The upcoming film, which BLACK ENTERPRISE noted is a passion project for Lee and his fifth collaboration with Washington, follows the downfall of a businessman after making a ransom payment to kidnappers. A24, Escape Artists, and Mandalay Pictures have joined forces to develop and produce “High and Low,” with Lee and Alan Fox penning the screenplay.

High and Low will be released theatrically by A24 before a global launch on AppleTV+.

Doctor Uzodinma Iweala, The Africa Center, step down, Harlem, New York, city
by Rafael Pena

April 12, 2024

Uzodinma Iweala, Leader Of The Africa Center, To Step Down In December

Uzodinma Iweala, who has served as the chief executive of the Harlem institution for seven years, will depart at the end of 2024.

The New York Times reports that after shepherding The Africa Center through the challenging pandemic years and securing substantial funding for a major construction endeavor, Uzodinma Iweala, who has served as the chief executive of the Harlem institution for seven years, will depart at the end of 2024.

Under Iweala’s leadership, The Africa Center, formerly known as the Museum for African Art, underwent significant transformation and expansion of its programming. Despite the hurdles posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Iweala’s innovative approach broadened the institution’s outreach to include lectures, outdoor events, and collaborations aimed at fostering connections with the African diaspora and reshaping American perceptions of the African continent.

“I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to build over the past few years, especially in a challenging environment,” he told The New York Times. “It’s the right time to leave for me and for the institution.”

During Iweala’s tenure, The Africa Center forged partnerships with other cultural institutions and universities, organized groundbreaking exhibitions, and initiated important discussions on Africa’s media representation. However, the institution faced ongoing challenges, including delays in construction.

Despite these obstacles, The Africa Center received substantial financial support, including $7 million in funding from New York City’s cultural affairs department and an additional $6 million from philanthropic organizations.

Looking ahead, The Africa Center is embarking on a search for Iweala’s successor, with a focus on finding a leader who can build on Iweala’s interdisciplinary vision and further strengthen the institution’s ties with the Harlem community and beyond.

As Jendayi E. Frazer, co-chair of the Center’s board, remarked, “We love Uzo and are sorry to see him go.” Frazer emphasized the importance of finding a candidate who can continue to advance The Africa Center’s mission and contribute to its ongoing success.

RELATED CONTENT: New York City May Be Getting A Civil Rights Museum

BernNadette Stanis, Good Times, Netflix
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

April 12, 2024

‘Good Times’ Star BernNadette Stanis Is Not Pleased With NETFLIX  Reboot 

A cast member from the original "Good Times" series is calling out Netflix's "progressive" animated reboot of the beloved family show.

A cast member from the original Good Times series is calling out Netflix’s “progressive” animated reboot of the beloved family show.

BernNadette Stanis, who played Thelma Evans on the 1970s family sitcom, is speaking out on Netflix’s new Good Times reboot that sees cartoon versions of the beloved original cast still living in the projects while making light of the daily adversity they face. With a baby who sells drugs, Stanis says the new animated series is nothing like what she and other original cast members previously pitched to Netflix.

She recalls actor Jimmie Walker, who played JJ Evans in the original, contacting Norman Lear’s office–the original show’s executive producer– to pitch a Good Times cartoon that would include everyone minus the late Esther Rolle.

“A few months later, I think six months later, they came up, and somebody said they had a cartoon coming,” Stanis told TMZ.

“My manager called up Norman’s office to see if we were included. I mean, if you’re gonna do that, let us know. They said, ‘Oh no, it’s going to be generations later and it’s going to be like progressive,’ or whatever,” she shared. “But [Netflix producer] Brent Miller loves us very much–loves me and Jimmie–I know that. He said, ‘I can give you a small role in there.'”

Described as an “edgy, irreverent reimagining of the TV classic,” the Netflix reboot sees a fourth generation of the Evans family living in a housing project while surviving “the system on the South Side of Chicago,” showrunner and executive producer Ranada Shepard says of the show.

“It’s about a Black family that comes together, laughs together, and survives the system on the South Side of Chicago,” Shepard said. “What you’ll get from that is a lot of social commentary, a lot of pushing the boundaries, a lot of feel-good television, but also a lot of things that may be in the vein of The Simpsons and South Park and Family Guy. When you’re looking back 10 years later, you’ll be like, ‘They said that on Good Times?’ Oh my gosh.’ ”

Also executive-produced by Stephen Curry, Seth MacFarlane, and Lear, the animated reimagining includes the voices of Yvette Nicole Brown, J.B. Smoove, Marsai Martin, and Jay Pharoah. But after seeing the trailer, Stanis called out Netflix for alluding to a more “progressive” version of the show but leaving out the fact the family still lived in the projects with a drug-dealing toddler.

“When you see something that actually is not progressive, it kind of brings you back into the projects two generations later,” Stanis said.

“Thelma had a baby, what happened to that baby? I wanted to be a surgeon, I guess I was. JJ was a famous artist. So you have positive images generations before that and then all of a sudden you see this?”

Stanis remains hopeful that after watching the new show, she might change her mind.

“Maybe they’ll bring it back to a more positive situation. But, when you have the name Good Times on top of that, our audience of 50 years has been really in our corner,” she said. “They’ve always supported us. So, they were disappointed that they didn’t have it more progressive as the way I was told it would be.”

Netflix’s animated reboot of Good Times premieres on Netflix on Friday, April 12.

RELATED CONTENT: Netflix Drops A Trailer For Animated ‘Good Times’ Reboot And Folks Have Opinions

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