Robin Thede Donates ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ Wardrobe To Nonprofit For Unhoused Women
A Los Angeles-based nonprofit received an unexpected gift from Hollywood’s own Robin Thede.
Shirley Raines, founder of Beauty 2 The Streetz, posted a video on Instagram of boxes of clothing donated from HBO’s recently canceled A Black Lady Sketch Show. Raines says her organization received all the show’s products, including wigs, purses, and costumes and thanked the show’s creator, Robin Thede, for them.
“Got a call from @hbo@ablackladysketchshow ended after 4 seasons and they donated ALL OF THE wardrobes, shoes, purses, wigs, lashes, and more to us,” Raines wrote. “They also delivered the very next day to our warehouse Thx u Robin Thede @robinthede.”
The 501c3 nonprofit serves unhoused women of L.A.’s Skid Row and more with makeup, showers, hair color, and clothes. Thede commented on the touching video, saying she was “thrilled” to make the donation.
Others’ comments recognized the donation as a big deal for her and Hollywood. “You are showing the power of community!!” one fan wrote. “God bless your work and everyone that you come in contact with.”
The Emmy-winning show was canceled after four seasons, according to Vulture. In a statement, Thede announced the cancellation and thanked her team for all their success. “I especially want to recognize the Black women and other women of color who excelled in every department at ABLSS,” she wrote. “I am also eternally grateful for the support of Issa Rae and Jax Media, Amy Gravitt, Casey Bloys, and the entire team at HBO, Max, and Warner Bros. Discovery.”
Season four of the show premiered in April 2023, and Thede made sure she thanked those who inspired her throughout her career. On an episode of The View, she tearfully thanked host Whoopi Goldberg for paving the way for Black women in sketch comedy.
Blac Chyna Scores Fashion Deal After Life Transformation: ‘Best I’ve Felt My Whole Life’
Angela “Blac Chyna” White has scored her first fashion deal to go with the new look she’s been sharing as part of her personal rebrand.
The model and entrepreneur is set to design a clothing line with the global apparel brand Ethika, Page Six reports. The line will include a variety of fitness and underwear pieces inspired by Chyna’s new life direction.
“Outside of the body transformation, the spiritual and fitness journey played a major part,” she said. “When you’re making a transformation, it takes a lot of discipline.”
This is the first major brand deal for Chyna since undergoing a major transformation to revamp her look. Chyna has been transparent with her surgeries to reduce her breasts and butt augmentations, dissolve the fillers in her face, and remove several tattoos she deemed “demonic.”
Chyna also returned to using her birth name, Angela White, got baptized, and earned an honorary degree from a religious institution. Last month, Chyna shared a video clip of the emotional speech she gave while accepting her honorary degree from Sacramento Theological Seminary and Bible College.
“The degree of Doctor of Humanities is an honorary degree awarded to those who have distinguished themselves through humanitarian and philanthropic contributions to society,” she shared in her Instagram caption.
The mother of two, who deactivated her OnlyFans account as part of her rebrand, says her transformation has been “very successful” and she continues to “improve by the day.”
“Hotter isn’t even the word!” Chyna said of her new look and feel. “Refreshed and superior is what I would say.”
“This is the best I’ve felt my whole life. My confidence is through the roof, and I’m loving the woman I’m becoming.”
Chyna built a brand and fanbase for herself through her former work as an exotic dancer at Miami’s King of Diamonds. She rose to prominence in 2010 as the stunt double for Nicki Minaj in the music video for the song “Monster” by Kanye West.
She has two children: son King Cairo, shared with rapper Tyga, and daughter Dream Kardashian, shared with reality star Rob Kardashian.
Tina Knowles And Richard Lawson Call It Quits After 8 Years of Marriage
Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles, is headed for divorce for a second time after filing for divorce from her husband, Richard Lawson.
Knowles went to court on July 26 to make the filing and cited their date of separation as July 25, TMZ reports. The family matriarch cited irreconcilable differences as the cause for the split and wants the court to deny any spousal support to Lawson.
Mama Knowles had her name changed to Celestine Lawson after marrying Lawson in 2015. But now that the marriage is over, she wants her name changed back to Celestine Knowles, the last name of her first husband, Matthew Knowles.
Knowles and Lawson were married for eight years before pulling the plug. They didn’t welcome any children together but would bring their blended family together at times: Knowles’s two daughters, Beyoncé and Solange, and Lawson’s daughter and son, Bianca and Ricky.
The pair shared a long history dating back to when they first met while Tina was pregnant with Beyoncé. Lawson recalled the 32 years it took for him to reconnect with Tina and the stars aligning again.
“You were pregnant with Beyonce at the time, and married, so my incredible attraction for you then, could only live in my fantasy,” he wrote next to a photo from their wedding.
“As we remained friends throughout the years, I took great pleasure in observing you become the ultimate mother, especially for your own daughters, but also for the way you care for and nurture women all over the world.”
This is the second divorce for Tina Knowles, who was previously married to Beyoncé and Solange’s father, Matthew, from 1980 to 2011. Richard Lawson was married to Denise Gordy from 1978 to 1989.
Custom Ring Designed and Worn By Tupac Shakur Sells At Auction For $1.2M
A custom ring designed by the late rapper Tupac Shakur was sold for a hefty amount at a recent auction.
CNN reports that the gold, ruby, and diamond crown ring sold for $1.2 million at the hip-hop-themed Sotheby’s Auction on July 25. The sale makes the ring the most valuable hip-hop artifact ever sold at auction. Worn by the “California Love” rapper at his last public appearance at the 1996 Video Music Awards, the ring—described as a diamond-encrusted gold band topped with a gold circlet studded with a cabochon ruby and two pavé-cut diamonds—went for more than three times the auction house’s estimate.
It was inspired by the crowns of Europe’s medieval kings and was designed months after Shakur signed with the infamous Death Row Records following an eight-month prison sentence. Shakur’s godmother, Yaasmyn Fula, says she and her godson worked with jewelers in New York on the piece as “an act of self-coronation,” as he’d survived a “tumultuous” period of his life. Inscribed in the ring is “Pac & Dada 1996,” referencing his engagement to Kidada Jones, the actress, model, and daughter to super-producer Quincy Jones.
Other elite hip-hop members, including De La Soul’sKelvin Mercer, attended the auction. Mercer said the piece contained more than meets the eye. “What’s so special about this ring is that it shows him in a moment where he was not necessarily on the front lines as an artist, but just a man expressing his love for another person, and that’s beautiful to see,” Mercer said.
According to Insider, originally, the ring was estimated to sell between $200,000 and $300,000.
Other pieces that were up for auction included handwritten notes for Wu-Tang Clan’s album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) by RZA, original artwork by Bill Sienkiewicz for EPMD’s first Def Jam release, Business as Usual, and a wooden box painted by American artist KAWS which sold for an estimated $76,200.
AT&T Dream In Black Block Party Celebrated At Essence Festival
AT&T Dream in Black held a memorable place at the jam-packed Essence Festival, in the city of culture that is New Orleans. The telecommunications company, which has been a proud partner of the festivities for years, brought back its block party experience to add to the weekend-long celebration.
AT&T Dream in Black facilitated a hub where creativity, culture, and game-changers connect, hosting trailblazers from entertainment, tech, and fashion. Attendees were encouraged to talk about their ideas and experience in order to see where their paths aligned.
Essence Fest curated panels, activations, and shows highlighting Black excellence. Emerging voices in the arts and up-and-coming entrepreneurs were invited to collaborate and share with one another on how to advance as a community.
“Essence Festival of Culture is an iconic celebration of Black culture, excellence, and empowerment and it aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the communities where we live, work, and play,” said Sabina Ahmed, assistant vice president of sponsorships and experiential at AT&T.
In collaboration with Brandice Daniel and Harlem Fashion Row, AT&T Dream in Black curated a fashion show that spotlighted hip-hop’s impact on culture in honor of its 50th anniversary. Through art installations and tech engagements, the immersive block party showcased multiple ways to pay homage to the musical art form.
Essence Fest is a multigenerational event, and the partnership invested in younger attendees by creating spaces to showcase the 2022 Class Of Rising Future Makers. The opportunities for them to present at panels and impactful in activations instilled the confidence and experience for them to be influential leaders in their future professions.
“It’s been a dream of mine to work with AT&T on this year’s, and my first, Essence Festival,” shared Tariah Hyland, a Class of 22 Rising Future Maker.
“It’s super exciting that AT&T saw me beyond my work within the political space and the legal space and were interested in also cultivating my talents as a model. Giving me the opportunity to walk in the Harlem Fashion Row fashion show for a super dope designer was amazing.”
AT&T Dream in Black continues to prioritize uplifting Black youth, artists, and business professionals to leverage their voice and power to spark change in their communities. Through another successful weekend with Essence Fest, AT&T has remained committed to amplifying the voices and ideas fostered by the Black community.
Amalgamation Dance Festival Helps Jamaica Tourism Soar, Leads Cultural Resurgence In Kingston
Jamaica’s tourism industry is experiencing a robust and promising post-COVID rebound as visitors flock back to the island rich in culture and history. According to travelpulse.com, Jamaica welcomed 3.3 million visitors into Jamaica last year. The tourism industry generated $3.7 billion, and is expected to pull in $4.2 billion for the fiscal year 2023 ending March 31.
Jamaica is focusing tourism efforts on more than the resorts and beaches tourists have grown to love. Stakeholders are investing in projects to fuel continued growth in the industry while highlighting the cultural landscape, artistic heritage, and its significant entertainment contributions worldwide.
Kingston, with its plethora of attractions such as golfing, beautiful beaches, vibrant art galleries, museums, lively markets, and the vibrant personalities of its people, offers an array of compelling reasons to visit.
Amalgamation, the international dance festival in Kingston, took place in July and showcased Jamaica’s rich arts, culture, and entertainment while impacting the local dance community. All proceeds generated from the event will provide scholarships for Jamaican dancers.
Amalgamation: The Global Explosion of Dance
Founded by PIlé for the Arts, this year’s Amalgamation Gala, “The Global Explosion of Dance,” featured American ballerina Michaela De Prince, currently dancing with the Boston Ballet.
Plié‘s founder, executive producer, and artistic director Marisa Benain continues to attract international attention with her production. “We never lower the bar to what’s possible,” says Benain. “We have the privilege of hosting world-class performers, and it’s only fitting that we provide them with a world-class venue!”
Janet Rollé, a distinguished leader in the entertainment industry, was named Patron for the event. Having served as the General Manager of Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment, vice president and chief marketing officer for CNN worldwide and BET, and the vice president and General Manager of AOL, Rollé was also the first African American CEO of American Ballet Theatre.
“As the daughter of a Jamaican mother, I am honored to contribute to the local dance scene,” says Rollé. “Jamaicans here and in the diaspora have played a major role in changing the landscape of the arts and culture, with outsized impact relative to the island’s size and access to resources.”
American ballerina, currently dancing with the Boston Ballet, and author Michaela DePrince. (Photo: Matthew Hann)
The New Kingston
For visitors seeking a deeper and more enriching cultural experience beyond the beach, the Jamaican capital offers a captivating option. With its redeveloped waterfront, the city has undergone a vibrant transformation, drawing in a wave of new hotels and businesses that add to its allure. Embracing the local culture and immersing oneself in the atmosphere of the capital, leads an unforgettable journey through the heart of Jamaica’s heritage and traditions.
At the heart of downtown Kingston, the ongoing Water Lane project, led by the non-profit organization Kingston Creative, seeks to ignite creativity and breathe new life into the area. The vibrant Water Lane district boasts over 60 murals crafted by Jamaican and international artists.
A visit to the Bob Marley Museum takes visitors through the life of the reggae superstar, from his humble beginnings to his untimely passing, through a vast collection of music memorabilia, photographs, news articles, and award-winning records. This captivating exhibition weaves a narrative celebrates the arist’s legacy and impact.
Standing as one of Jamaica’s most renowned historic landmarks, The Devon House represents the architectural vision of George Stiebel, the island’s first Black millionaire. This structure is a testament to his legacy and impact on Jamaican history and culture and offers visitors the chance to tour, shop, dine, and unwind.
One Love
Jamaica’s tourism boom is expected to continue, with arts, culture, and entertainment playing a vital role in attracting visitors and enriching their travel experiences beyond the beautiful beaches. Upcoming investment projects will see the addition of 15,000 to 20,000 new rooms with an investment of $4 billion to $5 billion.
“Stakeholders are working together to build a tourism industry that is equitable, viable, and which generates opportunities for all,” says Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett.
Amalgamation, drawing in hundreds of tourists from around the world, has emerged as a prominent centerpiece, driving tourism and fascination into Kingston, Jamaica. He noted that “tourism will be the biggest driver of economic growth and prosperity in Jamaica for years to come.”
Though renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, Jamaica boasts a vibrant culture consisting of music, art, cuisine, and lively festivals. Jamaica has something for everyone.
A Black South Carolina Community Is In Jeopardy Of Being Destroyed By Highway Development Project
Bobbie Anne Hemingway Jordan, 82, was born in Sandridge, South Carolina, a small majority-Black community. Now, the homes of Jordan and other residents of Sandridge are in jeopardy of being destroyed in order to build the Conway Perimeter Road. According to The Guardian, the project is expected to result in a four-lane road that connects two highways to shorten the travel time for people traveling to a nearby beach.
A community rich in history and occupied by a majority of Black and elderly people, Sandridge is home to one of the first Black-owned grocery stores in South Carolina.
Jordan, who has lived in her home since she was born, reminisced about the time she has spent there and her grandkids running back and forth to a next-door park. “I thought it would be left to my children, and they could leave it to their children,” she said.
In 2021, she received an appraisal for her home that would only allow her to afford a one-bedroom apartment nearby. Jordan moved out in April 2023. “I didn’t think I’d ever have to leave that land,” she said.
Rev. Cedric Blain-Spain, who has been actively campaigning against the project since 2019, said, “They are destroying everything that was given to us […] by our parents and foreparents, who just wanted to give us a community, to give us a place to call home. Our legacy, it means nothing to them.”
Not only would the project demolish six homes, it would also increase the difficulty for residents to travel within the neighborhood, such as going to grocery stores or church. While Black residents will be affected, white, newly developed neighborhoods will be nearly untouched by the construction.
The Biden administration has made plans to fund the remediation of communities affected by highway development projects.
According to Julian Agyeman, an urban planner and professor at Tufts University, highway construction has disproportionately affected Black communities and is used as a device to divide those communities. “These highways were not accidents,” he said. “Urban planning is the spatial toolkit of racial segregation.”
The South Carolina chapter of the NAACP has filed a Title VI complaint attesting that the state and county have violated the civil rights of Black residents.
LeBron James And Family ‘Feels The Love’ After Son’s Health Scare As Bronny James Discharged From Hospital
After dealing with his son’s health scare, LeBron James finally broke his silence.
The four-time NBA champion provided an update on his eldest son, Bronny James, who suffered cardiac arrest during basketball practice at the University of Southern California. James took to Twitter to thank fans for sending love and prayers for his family. “Everyone doing great. We have our family together, safe and healthy, and we feel your love,” James wrote. “Will have more to say when we’re ready but I wanted to tell everyone how much your support has meant to all of us! #JamesGang”
I want to thank the countless people sending my family love and prayers. We feel you and I’m so grateful. Everyone doing great. We have our family together, safe and healthy, and we feel your love. Will have more to say when we’re ready but I wanted to tell everyone how much your…
In a statement seen on Twitter, 18-year-old freshman Bronny James was released from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and is home resting. Merije Chukumerije, MD, wrote that James arrived to the hospital “fully conscious, neurologically intact and stable,” opposite of reports stating he was unconscious upon his arrival. “Mr. James was cared for promptly by highly-trained staff and has been discharged home, where he is resting,” Chukumerije wrote. “Although his workup will be ongoing, we are hopeful for his continued progress and are encouraged by his response, resilience, and his family and community support.”
James is the second USC player who suffered from this condition in the past year while at practice.
Since the incident, theories on how this happened to LeBron Jr. started to spark conversation on social media. Fellow college basketball player and Shaquille O’Neal’s son, Shareef O’Neal,jumped to his friend’s defense as people poked disrespectfully at James’ condition. O’Neal, who had open-heart surgery to correct a right anomalous coronary artery in 2018, checked one fan’s mean tweet: “Bronny started hanging with Shareef and now look.”
With a tasteful response, the former LSU player said, “I’ve been around Bronny for a very long time before this happened … I’ll pray for you. You need help … sick that you would even say something like that #dummy.”
Breaking: DOJ Opens Civil Rights Investigation After Reviewing Tyre Nichols’ Death
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has opened a civil rights investigation into the Memphis Police Department (MPD), citing concerns of excessive force against people already restrained in custody as well as often deadly encounters, including the murder of Tyre Nichols.
Kristen Clark, who leads the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, made the announcement on July 27 during a press conference in Memphis, Tennessee, and said that information studied by her division showed that the MPD might be taking an approach to policing that could be unlawful, according to FOX 13 News. One of the major concerns for the DOJ is what seems to be a disproportionate use of violence against Black people stopped for non-violent offenses, including traffic citations. MPD is also believed to be biased in how often unlawful stops, searches, and arrests are made on Black residents. “Community trust makes policing more effective and less dangerous for both officers and the people they protect. Pattern-or-practice investigations help build and maintain that trust by ensuring law enforcement agencies do their jobs lawfully. I welcome this opportunity to let the facts lead in what will be an ongoing and important discussion about civil rights in our city,” Clark said.
The investigation is federal; however, it will not coincide with any criminal investigations against the MPD.
Once the investigation is complete, the DOJ will issue an official report. If systemic violations have occurred, the division would work with the MPD to “effectively and sustainably remedy any unlawful practices” by way of a negotiated agreement, according to FOX 13 News. If the MPD fails to comply, the DOJ would have grounds to sue the department.
And though the death of Tyre Nichols is a separate criminal investigation into the Memphis PD, his murder is one the civil rights division is looking into as part of its overall case against the department. “I know this community is still hurting after the tragic death of Tyre Nichols,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “At the Justice Department, we are committed to using all our tools to help ensure that Memphis residents have a safe community and can trust in the actions of law enforcement. In addition to our pattern or practice investigation, we will continue to deliver technical assistance resources through CRI-TAC and our COPS Office, to help the city and Memphis PD address issues related to use of force, de-escalation, and specialized units in the more immediate term.”
House of Rebirth Serves As A Safe Space For Black Transgender Women In Dallas
The deaths of two transgender women in Dallas inspired a rebirth house for others like them.
21Ninety, via Yahoo, reports that Robyn “Pocahontas” Crowe started the Dallas House of Rebirth after Muhlaysia Booker and Chynal Lindsey were killed. The house is a refuge for transgender women and provides useful resources, including housing, case management, and HIV prevention.
The Dallas organization’s website states, “We work to build the safety and self-determination of Black trans communities through advocacy, housing, resource navigation, and intercommunal programs.”
The house carries out its mission “through a coalition of allies, advocates, organizations, donors, and community members who extend time, expertise, and access,” the Dallas House of Rebirth’s site notes.
Transgender women can find community and build lasting relationships at the House of Rebirth. According to its website, the “House of Rebirth is a network of communities, families, and friends, bridging barriers to access alongside Black transgender women and femmes.”
Crowe considered Booker a granddaughter.
In 2019, Booker was found shot and killed on the road, according to The Dallas Morning News. Booker was also reportedly involved in a car accident that later led to the arrest of Edward Dominic Thomas, who was captured on video hitting Booker. The transgender woman suffered injuries from the attack.
The Dallas Morning News interviewed civil rights attorney Lee Merritt. Merritt, according to the paper, felt Booker’s slaying was “doubly concerning for members of minority communities who fear retaliation for reporting crimes against them.”
Merritt added, “There is a legitimate concern that the community doesn’t take seriously.”
That same year Lindsey was found beat and choked to dead in a lake, according to the The Dallas Morning News.
Prosecutor Melody Louis said then, “This case is not about her choice to live as a female. This is about a human life.” Ruben Alvarado was arrested later in connection to Lindsey’s death.
