Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers, MLK

January 23, 2024

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell Displays MLK Tribute Sneakers

The title of Dr. King's most enduring speech, "I Have a Dream," appeared on the back of the sneakers.

The celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is an acknowledgement of the great work that the civil rights leader did to obtain equal rights in this country. Every year in January, people find ways to memorialize a great leader, and last week, according to ESPN, NBA player Donovan Mitchell did so while taking to the basketball court for a Jan. 15 game.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell put on a pair of sneakers that honored Dr. King in celebration of his birthdate. The footwear was a pair of his signature sneakers with Adidas, D.O.N. Issue 5s. The title of Dr. King’s most famous speech, “I Have a Dream,” which was delivered during the March on Washington in 1963, appeared on the back of the sneakers, along with the words “Respect, Peace, Love, Equality, Justice, Peace.” The sneakers he wore had a black-and-white color colorway with gold accents.

The Cavaliers, who are currently fourth in the Eastern Conference, played against the Chicago Bulls, who are in ninth place and out of the playoff picture, and beat them 109-91. Mitchell, the leading scorer on the Cavaliers’ team, scored 34 points with seven assists while going 11-for-21 from the field (52.4%) and hitting eight free throws out of eight attempts.

The sneakers, and the way he’s been playing lately, helped Mitchell reach a milestone two days after that game, according to Sportskeeda. When he scored during a 135-95 rout against the Milwaukee Bucks on Jan. 17, Mitchell made his 11,000th career NBA point. He had a game-high 31 points, pulled down five rebounds, and dished out seven assists. The numbers were a little higher than his per-game average of 28.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists this season.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 23, 2024

Alicia Keys Announces ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Broadway Show Fellowship To Add Representation To Theater Workforce

Alicia Keys is launching a groundbreaking fellowship initiative on behalf of her Broadway show, Hell's Kitchen, that will bring diversity and representation to the Broadway workforce.

Alicia Keys is launching a groundbreaking fellowship initiative on behalf of her Broadway show, Hell’s Kitchen, that will bring diversity and representation to the Broadway workforce.

The program is dedicated to cultivating and securing the Broadway employment pipeline by actively involving individuals from historically overlooked communities. The aim is to integrate them as continuous contributors to the Broadway workforce.

The fellowship program will position fellows in nine departments: direction, choreography, scenic design, costume design, lighting design, sound design, projection design, company management/executive producing, and public relations.

The initiative is driven by a commitment to representation in today’s theater landscape and draws inspiration from the intersectional experiences of BIPOC theater creators and administrators. Fellows will gain insights into the inner workings of large-scale Broadway musicals, receive mentorship in their chosen department, and undergo comprehensive training aligned with their interests and talents.

Networking opportunities with industry experts, private and group coaching sessions, and engagements with Broadway’s leading creative and management teams are also available. To top it off, each fellow will receive a weekly salary during a fellowship period lasting between seven to nine weeks.

“In bringing Hell’s Kitchen to Broadway, I’ve experienced firsthand the collaboration across the many disciplines of theater that goes into creating a big, new Broadway musical,” Keys said.

“I’m also aware of the lack of representation across our industry and it quickly became a priority to establish this fellowship program to offer guidance to underrepresented theater makers and create opportunities to deepen the impact of the art we are creating. We want to continue to challenge our industry to make a commitment to change and we are starting at home, at Hell’s Kitchen.”

The fellowship is in partnership with Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen, her official Broadway musical based around her coming-of-age story in New York City. With music and lyrics by Keys, a book by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz, music supervision by Emmy and Grammy Award winner Adam Blackstone, and general management from Foresight General, Hell’s Kitchen is poised to make Broadway feel brand-new.

“Partnering with Alicia Keys to bring Hell’s Kitchen to Broadway has been a consistently inspiring experience, and we couldn’t be more proud to play our part in this vital program,” Aaron Lustbader, partner, foresight theatrical, told BLACK ENTERPRISE.

“We strive to find meaningful ways to increase representation on and off stage with every show we manage and hope to establish a program here that can be replicated by shows often future seasons.”

Those interested in the Hell’s Kitchen Fellowship can apply HERE. The first preview for Hell’s Kitchen is set for March 28, 2024, and opening night is April 20, 2024, at Broadway’s Shubert Theatre. Tickets start at $58 and can be purchased HERE.

by Atiya Jordan

January 23, 2024

White House Press Secretary Honors 2 Trailblazing Black Female Journalists

The first Black female journalists to cover the White House, Alice Dunnigan, and Ethel Payne, were recently honored in the press corps briefing room by Karine Jean-Pierre for their pioneering voices and persevering pens.

Late last year, Jean-Pierre, the first Black woman to serve as White House press secretary, stood proudly from a brand-new press toast lectern and announced its new name: The Dunnigan-Payne Lectern. The New York Times reported that Jean-Pierre recognized the late trailblazing journalists with a podium dedicated in their honor. The occasion called to memorialize their service to the American public.

Today we unveiled our brand new press toast lectern. I am proud to name the lectern in honor of Alice Dunnigan and Ethel Payne, the first two Black women in White House press corps. pic.twitter.com/45bEb7NMYa
— Karine Jean-Pierre (@PressSec) November 30, 2023

“This lectern, a blend of modernity and tradition, is to embody the essence of our country’s stature, built using a harmonious combination of metal and black walnut,” Jean-Pierre explained during the tribute. “The metal speaks to the resilience and strength of our nation, while the black walnut represents the rich history and the deep-rooted foundations upon which this country stands. The blue paint signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice.”

Jean-Pierre also presented the annual White House Correspondents Association Award in the duo’s name. It symbolizes Dunnigan’s story, one that sought to inspire future generations despite racist policies that segregated Black journalists and sexist attitudes that severely limited opportunities for women in a male-dominated workplace. Dunnigan was the first to be credentialed during the Truman presidency, for the Associated Negro Press.

“The significance of that podium — I’m sure she never could’ve conceived of something so prominent and permanent, to stand as a beacon in that room, in her name,” Dunnigan’s granddaughter Alicia Dunnigan told The New York Times of the late journalist.

The tributes also celebrated the “First Lady of the Black Press,” a moniker used for Payne. She was a Washington correspondent revered for her fearlessness as a journalist and a civil rights activist. During her 25-year career at The Chicago Defender, Payne was driven to ask the “tough questions” about racism and segregation, including challenging President Dwight D. Eisenhower on his stance on banning segregation in interstate travel.

It didn’t stop her from covering racial injustices all over the world.

ludacris, Rock the country, MAGA, Kid Rock

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 23, 2024

Ludacris Developing New Dramedy With BET+

The "Fast & Furious" actor will be teaming with the network to develop a series that draws inspiration from his career as a DJ before he became a rapper

We shall be seeing something from Atlanta-bred recording artist and movie star Chris “Ludacris” Bridges on the streaming service BET+ very soon, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

BET+ announced that it would be teaming with the Fast & Furious actor Ludacris to develop a series that draws inspiration from his career. The half-hour show will be a dramedy based on the entertainer’s “experience coming up in the competitive music scene in Atlanta as DJ Chris Lova Lova. The series follows the misadventures of a sharply drawn ensemble who are willing to do anything and everything to bolster ratings at their hip-hop radio station.”

The project is being done by Luda’s company Disturbing tha Peace, and his partner and longtime manager Chaka Zulu will be an executive producer, along with Larry Wilmore, Malcolm D. Lee, Jeff Dixon, Dominique Telson, Josh Bratman, David Blackman, and Noah Gardenswartz. Luda will serve as the music supervisor, and Gardenswartz is writing the script for the untitled show.

For those who didn’t know, Ludacris started his career as a DJ personality, calling himself Chris Love Lova at Atlanta radio station Hot 97.5, which is now Hot 107.9. While working there, the talented showman released the single “What’s Your Fantasy” and a debut album, Incognegro, under the moniker Ludacris, which led to his getting a deal with Def Jam. His breakout single and video, “Southern Hospitality,” brought him to the masses, and after putting out the album Back for the First Time, his career took off.

Because of his remarkable career, Luda had his star embedded on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6426 Hollywood Boulevard on May 18, 2023. The “Area Codes” rapper was the recipient of the 2,756th star on the famed stretch of road in California.

In his recording career, Ludacris has sold more than 24 million albums worldwide.

Ebony Breauna Chillous, Department of Justice, William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility, Alabama, Bessemer, correction's officer, Alabama Corrections

by Rafael Pena

January 23, 2024

Alabama Corrections Officer Arrested For Allegedly Accepting Payments From Inmate

An Alabama corrections officer, Ebony Breauna Chillous, has been arrested and faces criminal charges for reportedly receiving payments from a state inmate.

On Jan. 18, an Alabama corrections officer, Ebony Breauna Chillous, was arrested and faces criminal charges for allegedly receiving payments from a state inmate, according to WSFA12. The charges include “use of official position for personal gain” and an “attempt to commit a controlled substance crime,” as revealed by the Alabama Department of Corrections.

The allegations suggest that on Nov. 30, 2023, Chillous accepted payments from an inmate at the Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, utilizing Cash App, a popular mobile payment application.

The court records did not divulge the specific details of the payment, including its purpose and the amount involved.

Alabama Department of Corrections spokeswoman Kelly Betts provided insight into the case, stating, “Chillous resigned her position following her arrest.”

This comes after another incident in December 2023, when Alabama corrections officer Mohammad Shahid Jenkins was sentenced to more than seven years in prison, according to the Huffington Post. Jenkins violently assaulted a restrained inmate at the William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility near Bessemer. Jenkins, who pleaded guilty in September, was charged with using excessive force, including physical violence and chemical spray, on an inmate identified as Victor Russo.

The Department of Justice revealed that on Feb. 16, 2022, Jenkins entered Victor Russo’s cell and subjected him to a relentless five-minute assault. The victim, identified as “V.R.” in official statements, was restrained inside a holding cell and posed no threat at the time of the attack. Jenkins repeatedly kicked, hit, and sprayed Russo with chemical spray, even striking him with a can of the spray and a shoe.

The DOJ’s statement emphasized that Jenkins willfully deprived the inmate of his right to be free from excessive force. Shockingly, Jenkins left and reentered the cell multiple times, conducting further assaults outside the presence of other officers and inmates.

keke palmer, Jackson, sarunas, Jackson, restraining order,

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 23, 2024

Keke Palmer And Her Mom At Center Of Restraining Order At The Request Of Actor Sarunas Jackson

Keke Palmer’s issues with her ex-boyfriend/baby daddy are only growing as his brother jumps into the mix with a restraining order against the actress and her mother.

Actor Sarunas Jackson, the brother of Palmer’s ex Darius Jackson, filed for a restraining order on Monday, January 22, accusing Keke and Sharon Palmer of harassment, Radar Online reports. According to the “Insecure” actor, Keke allegedly sent him a threatening email on January 11 that was filled with false accusations.

“She has made foul claims that I have sexual abuse claims on me when I do not. I have never done such a thing,” Jackson states in the filing.

“She has gone to the media [and] has used her celebrity to publicly lie on my family and myself, which has resulted in death threats by the public.”

Jackson is requesting protection for himself, his mother, and his brother Daulon. He accuses the “Nope” star of harassing him and his social circle and damaging his acting career.

“She has harassed and stalked my friends and family’s social media,” he wrote in the filing. “She has reached out to people in relation to me to lie on me and my family. Has caused career damage.”

Elsewhere, Jackson claims Sharon Palmer “threatened and harassed” him, his family, and friends.

“[Sharon Palmer] has made threats to my family that involve shooting [and] rape,” Jackson alleged in his filing. “I have the audio my brother recorded to prove.”

“She has publicly lied on me and my family, so we are now receiving death threats,” he continued. “She threatened to put a bullet in my brother’s head.”

Keke Palmer’s mother Sharon points out “California is a consent state” in reference to “illegally recorded phone call” that was just leaked by Akademiks

In audio, you can hear Sharon blasting Jackson with insults over the phone for harassing Keke, as he repeatedly asks for his… https://t.co/Ur0y3qcPdQ pic.twitter.com/m9fcU9l1oi
— Glock Topickz (@Glock_Topickz) November 15, 2023

Sarunas was requesting for Keke and Sharon to stay 150 yards away from him, his family, his home, and his workplace. He also requested for the actress not to “speak publicly or privately about [him] or [his] family.”

However, on Friday, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied the petition and set a hearing for February where Sarunas can make his case for a permanent order.

by Derek Major

January 23, 2024

Joel Embiid Scores 70, Leads Big Night For NBA Stars

Joel Embiid had a big night on the anniversary of Kobe Bryant's big night.

Philadelphia 76ers Center Joel Embiid led a big night for NBA stars, scoring 70 points against the San Antonio Spurs and rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama.

Still, he wasn’t the only one who had a big Monday night.

On the 18th anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s 81-point game for the Los Angeles Lakers—the second highest scoring game in NBA history, Embiid shot 24 of 41 from the field, including 1 of 2 from 3-point range, and made 21 of 23 free throws. For good measure, he added 18 rebounds in the Sixers‘ 133-123 victory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYkudHdPvHA&list=RDNSuYkudHdPvHA&start_radio=1

“From the time I started playing, Kobe was my guy,” Embiid said after the game. “He’s the reason why I started playing basketball. It’s funny, on the same night, he got 81, and that was my favorite player.”

Embiid’s 70 points set the 76ers’ record, breaking Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain’s 76ers record of 68 points on Dec. 16, 1967.

In Minnesota, Timberwolves center Karl Anthony Towns scored 62 points against the Charlotte Hornets, setting a new career high. “KAT” shot 21-of-35 from the floor, including 10-of-15 from the perimeter, and pulled down 10 rebounds.

However, the Hornets pulled out a 128-125 win, which infuriated Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, who tore into his team for their selfishness in his postgame press conference.

“We totally disrespected the game”

Timberwolves Head Coach Chris Finch was beyond disappointed with his team tonight… and confirmed KAT was simply “hunting a big number”

pic.twitter.com/5SvyclCrG5
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 23, 2024

“It was an absolutely disgusting performance of defense and immature basketball all the way through the game,” Finch said. “This is what happens when you have this type of approach. We totally disrespected the game.”

Those were not the only big nights in the NBA.

Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant collected 42 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. Boston Celtics forward Jason Tatum scored 38 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. And Dallas Mavericks star Luca Doncic, netted a triple-double (33 points, 13 rebounds and 18 assists).

Brooklyn Bodega, new york city, Sanyia, Samyia Spain

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 23, 2024

Driver Crashes Into Truck After Allegedly Doing Stunts In The Bronx, Killing 2

Twenty-one-year-old Gilvante Roberson and 15-year-old Sabrina Villagomez were killed in the deadly Bronx crash after the driver lost control, allegedly trying to perform stunts.

Two passengers in a Chrysler 300 died after the driver was allegedly doing stunts before crashing into a truck in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx in New York City.

According to The New York Post, 21-year-old Gilvante Roberson, who was seated in the front passenger seat, and 15-year-old Sabrina Villagomez, who was in the back, were killed in the deadly crash at about 3:30 a.m. Sunday morning, Jan. 21. The two young ladies were taken to Lincoln Hospital, where they both were pronounced dead.

An unidentified 23-year-old man was driving the vehicle and was taken to Harlem Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition. Another passenger, 17, who sat in the back seat, was also injured and taken to St. Barnabas Hospital, where she was listed in critical condition.

The truck was unoccupied when the crash took place.

Surveillance video showed the force into which the car ran into the tanker truck. The driver wasn’t immediately arrested, and police are investigating the accident and will determine if charges will be made against the 23-year-old.

The truck’s owner spoke to the New York Post, stating that he saw the aftermath of the car crash that night.

“There was salt on the road, and there’s a dip, so when he hit that, he started losing control,” said the truck owner, who gave his name as Chip. He stated that the driver tried to do some stunts but didn’t consider a slump in the street. “I saw what happened. I saw what happened right after the accident; I saw how many kids were outside trying to open the doors.”

People from the neighborhood also remarked that this street has had several incidents involving cars racing and doing donuts in the area.

Some people who work at Bronx Junk Car Depot also said there was another accident there recently. “It’s pretty normal for them to race and do donuts over here — especially on the weekends and midnights,” said an unnamed worker.

“In the summertime, it gets really bad,” he added. “We see it all the time.”

An Amazon worker named Paul said he always sees people speeding near the crash site.

“I have to double-take before I pull out the trucks because they come out of nowhere,” he said. “During the day, not so much. But at night, especially when it’s warm outside … it gets crazy.”

“They need speed cameras or speed bumps here,” he continued. “Even though it’s mostly trucks in and out, it’s wide-open roads, so it’s the ideal race area. But at what cost?”

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

January 23, 2024

Black Disney Imagineer Inducted Into Inventors Hall Of Fame

Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot, who has more than 100 patents, has been inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot has been inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Smoot is responsible for bringing the Haunted Mansion’s Madame Leota floating head and Star Wars lifesavers to life off the screen. In over four decades of work with the Walt Disney Company, Smoot has become a Research Fellow who has impacted Disney Parks.

In an article on the company’s Parks website, Smoot expressed his delight at being the second person in the Walt Disney Company to receive this honor after Disney.

“As a lifelong inventor, I am excited, delighted, and humbled to be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame,” Smoot said. “To be included alongside my childhood hero, Thomas Edison, and my lifelong role model, Jim West—the inventor of the electret microphone—is both exciting and humbling. And as someone who’s had the privilege of working at The Walt Disney Company, it’s especially meaningful to know that Walt Disney himself is also an inductee.”

Smoot has more than 100 patents, mainly involving attractions at the diverse entertainment parks. His accomplishments in theatrical technology have earned him numerous Thea Awards from the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), leading to him becoming a TEA master in 2020.

“At Disney Experiences, we’re committed to world-class storytelling, creativity, and innovation in everything we do, and Lanny Smoot embodies every one of those ideals,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of the program. “As Disney’s most prolific inventor, Lanny continues to amaze all of us with his artistic ingenuity, technical expertise, and endless imagination.”

Smoot is continuing to advance guest experiences in the parks and beyond. His latest project, the HoloTile floor, “the first and only, multi-person, omnidirectional, modular, expandable, treadmill floor,” will allow attendees to share in the attraction with seemingly unlimited distance.

Kenya Barris to Trade Kansas for Inglewood In ‘Wizard Of Oz’ Remake

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

January 23, 2024

Kenya Barris to Trade Kansas for Inglewood In ‘Wizard Of Oz’ Remake

Kenya Barris has plans for a “Wizard Of Oz” remake set in Inglewood, California.

Quincy Jones introduced moviegoers to Black Dorothy in 1978’s The Wiz and set it in New York City. Now, Kenya Barris has plans for a new “Wizard Of Oz” remake set in Inglewood, California.

It’s been nearly two years since Barris closed a deal on a reimagined version of the iconic musical, but there were no details on what the black-ish creator had planned.

However, Barris recently spoke with Variety at the Sundance Film Festival and teased new details about three of his upcoming projects: a Richard Pryor biopic and remakes of the Wizard Of Oz and It’s A Wonderful Life. Barris confirmed the script for his reimagined World of Oz has been completed and will take place in the Bottoms, a huge apartment complex in Inglewood.

“The original Wizard of Oz took place during the Great Depression and it was about self-reliance and what people were going through,” Barris said. “I think this is the perfect time to switch the characters and talk about what someone imagines their life could be.”

Barris’ version takes on the age-old expression that “the grass isn’t greener on the other side,” a metaphor used to convey the notion that while things may seem better in a different situation, the reality might not be as splendid as anticipated.

“It’s ultimately a hero’s journey, someone thinks something’s better than where they’re at, and they go and realize that where they’re at is where they should be,” he explained. “I want people to be proud and happy about where they’re from. But I want the world to take a look at it and I hope that will come through.”

Barris’ latest reveal comes nearly one year after Daniel Richtman confirmed the new Oz would feature a person of color in the lead, World of Reel reports. Barris has similar plans for bringing diversity to “It’s A Wonderful Life,” the classic holiday film.

“It’s a guy who’s trying to help out his community and things are going to turn around on him,” he said. “I think that’s the perfect story to tell for a person of color—Black or brown—to get into that because our communities have some issues and someone trying to help that community out. I think that’s the perfect vehicle to tell that story from.”

Barris also revealed that his Richard Pryor biopic will be a 10-episode biographical series that follows the famed comedian’s life “from the cradle to the grave.”

“From his earliest upbringing—he grew up in a ho house, or a house of ill repute—and became, at one point, the biggest star in the world,” he shared.