Rihanna
by Stacy Jackson

February 8, 2023

Madame Tussauds Unveils New Rihanna Wax Figure Dressed in 2018 Met Gala Look

A new wax figure is dazzling bright in this museum ahead of the Super Bowl.

Rihanna was recently celebrated with a new wax figure that was unveiled by Madame Tussauds in New York City ahead of her highly anticipated appearance as the Super Bowl LVII halftime performer.

According to Entertainment Tonight, the figure graces the museum’s Glow Room, decked out in the singer’s 2018 Met Gala look that caught the attention of the public as she walked the red carpet, dressed as the pope in a Maison Margiela design by John Galliano.

The fashion ensemble features the diamond and crystal encrusted skirt and overcoat, worn by the superstar, who matched the look with a diamond-encrusted manicure.

“Rihanna is sure to make history with her upcoming live show this Sunday so the timing is perfect for us to reveal her new figure exclusively at Madame Tussauds New York where fans can admire and pose with the icon,” Joerg Hanel, General Manager at Madame Tussauds New York, said in a statement.

The Museum also teased an upcoming figure of Rihanna that is being constructed to feature the “Work” singer’s Super Bowl LVII halftime look. The figure will be placed at the Madame Tussauds in Orlando, FL later this year.

As Rihanna’s performance date for the Super Bowl LVII halftime show swiftly approaches, reveals like the wax figure unveiling and other news for the artist have been dropping back to back.

As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, sources revealed that Rihanna will be announcing dates for a new North American tour for 2023, following her Super Bowl performance. Sources also teased that dates for a 2024 European tour are in the works.

“Her plan is to set up mini residencies in major cities rather than visit multiple places,” an inside source said, adding that “She wants her next global outing to be swift and easy as she plans to refocus on Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty after her brief return to music.”

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 8, 2023

Ellen DeGeneres’ Rwanda Campus Plants Tree to Honor Stephen “tWitch” Boss

Ellen DeGeneres’ Rwanda campus is celebrating its one-year anniversary by honoring Stephen “tWitch” Boss with a tree planted in his honor.

The Ellen Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund posted a photo of the tree on Monday, while paying tribute to the late choreographer who passed away in December 2022 at the age of 40.

“In Memory of Stephen “tWitch” Boss and the light he brought to the world,” the plaque planted in the ground reads.

“As we celebrated the one year anniversary of our Ellen Campus this past week, we took a moment to recognize a very special person who left us too soon,” the post’s caption read. “tWitch brought light to so many and was a wonderful friend to @ellendegeneres In his honor we planted this tree so he will be forever remembered on the campus.”

DeGeneres shared a special friendship with Boss, whom she met in 2010, and he became the house DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show from 2014 to the series’ end in 2022, ET reported. The So You Think You Can Dance winner shocked many when he died by suicide weeks before the Christmas holiday.

DeGenres has shared a number of tributes to Boss in the wake of his passing, including an emotional video she posted detailing the tribute she had planned for him during the holiday.

“I just wanted to say, the past 11 days have been really tough for everyone,” DeGeneres said at the time. “Everyone is in pain and trying to make sense of it, and we’ll never make sense of it. And the holidays are hard, I think, anyway.”

Boss was recently honored in the capsule collection of Gap and The Brooklyn Circus. The professional dancer was good friends with Ouigi Theodore, founder and creative director of The Brooklyn Circus, and appeared in a spot filmed prior to his passing.

“If I can put light and joy on people’s timelines, even if you’re watching a 15-second clip and you just enjoy that dance, that little bit of light can go a long way,” he said in the short clip.

https://twitter.com/DionneGrant/status/1623064573384310784?s=20&t=eyoRUnQZphZpjzzfcaMVLA

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 8, 2023

Black Rappers, Actors and Athletes Show Off Their Many Talents In Expensive Upcoming Super Bowl Ads

This year’s Super Bowl commercials are costing corporations pretty pennies.

Associated Press reports businesses from Netflix to Google have spent close to $7 million each on ads premiering during Sunday’s big game. The 30-second, and some 90-second ads, capture the attention of an estimated 100 million viewers every year. Some of Black Hollywood’s elite will be making an appearance in some of these ads.

Comedian Kevin Hart, who is a spokesperson for the sports gambling outlet DraftKings, will be hosting a party at his house in a commercial for the brand. According to AP, rapper Ludacris will be featured in the commercial as well. NBA star Giannis Antetekoumpo and singer/rapper Doja Cat will be making an appearance, promoting the Pixel photo editing tool “Magic Eraser,” in an ad for Google.

Uber One is booking some heavy hitters for their Super Bowl ad. Bad Boy mogul is set to be creating a hit song for the brand’s commercial titled, “One Hit For Uber One,” and working with hit singers Montell Jordan and Kelis. West coast icon, Snoop Dogg, is getting another check as TMZ reports the rapper is appearing in a commercial for Skechers Slip-Ins sneakers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnySyKAoLpI

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee Missy Elliot has been hinting at working with hip-hop newcomer Jack Harlow for a few weeks. Now fans will know why. The two stars will be featured in the upcoming 90-second Doritos Super Bowl ad titled, “Jack’s New Angle.” Media personalities Sway Calloway and Heather B. from “Sway In The Morning” also step in on the fun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYPYfEVU62U&t=5s

While waiting for Rihanna’s performance, other brands will be bringing out the big stars for their ads. Tennis star, Serena Williams, shows off her golf skills in an ad for the beer brand Michelob Ultra.

Sunday’s Super Bowl will be the first time two Black quarterbacks, Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts and Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes, will battle it out on the field. Stay tuned!

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 8, 2023

Lil Wayne Sells Miami Mansion For $28 Million

Lil Wayne sold his Miami mansion for $28 million just five months after putting the home on the market.

The YMCMB frontman initially listed the half-acre property last September for $29.5 million, TMZ reported. After lowering the price by one million, Weezy was able to sell the home on February 3.

Wayne had the Biscayne Bay home custom-built in 2017 for $16.8 million. The “A Milli” rapper took his time perfecting the 7-bedroom, 11-bathroom castle, with lavish amenities including an open-air cabana, outdoor kitchen, and a reflecting pool.

The mansion sits on 110 feet of private waterfront on Miami’s Allison Island, Forbes reported. The area is known to attract entrepreneurs, businesspeople, athletes, and celebrities looking for privacy in the exclusive area.

DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REALTY

Wayne’s home sits on a 35-acre island that connects to Biscayne Bay’s mainland via West 63rd Street. The home has floor-to-ceiling windows throughout to capture the perfect amount of sunlight.

Other amenities include 22-foot ceilings in the two living rooms, lavish lounge areas, a kitchen with custom Italian cabinetry, and a chef’s kitchen with separate staff quarters. The largest room in the house is the primary suite, which comes with dual primary bathrooms, a walk-in closet, sitting area, and a private terrace that overlooks Biscayne Bay.

DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REALTY

There’s also a junior suite with its own outdoor space, as well as a movie theater, wine room, three-car garage, and an elevator, People reported. Lil Wayne sold the home to relocate to an area of Los Angeles where he has Kylie Jenner as a neighbor.

Wayne has been raking in blessings as of late. His latest financial come-up comes after he was honored at the second Black Music Collective Ceremony with the inaugural Global Impact Award. The Young Money founder received the honor along with Dr. Dre, Missy Elliot, and Epic Records Chairman-CEO Sylvia Rhone.

Wayne thanked his family, Cash Money label, his children, and their mothers while accepting his award, as noted by Variety.

“Where I come from, we don’t get honors,” he said. “I ain’t shit without y’all — thank you, thank you, thank you.”

Police Arrest, Strip Nude, Elderly Black Woman Over $600 ATM Discrepancy at MidFlorida Credit Union
by Stacy Jackson

February 8, 2023

Police Arrest, Strip Nude, Elderly Black Woman Over $600 ATM Discrepancy at MidFlorida Credit Union

This senior woman was allegedly mistreated during her overnight stay in jail.

A Florida woman, Linda Stephens, has filed a civil lawsuit against MidFlorida Credit Union after a dispute about a $600 ATM deposit landed her in jail.

According to Credit Union Times, the Black woman is a 70-year-old retired teacher and has been a member with the credit union for almost five decades. The lawsuit named the woman as a victim of racial discrimination from the credit union’s branch in Bartow.

Civil rights leader and Stephens’ legal representative, Ben Crump, held a press conference last week outside the Orange County courtroom in Orlando to address the incident where his client was allegedly mistreated and abused by police officers after they were called to the scene about Stephens’ “disorderly conduct.”

Banking Dive reported that Stephens spent the night in jail after visiting the MidFlorida branch in April 2021 to address unavailable funds that she reportedly deposited into her account the day before.

She was told the funds were not posted as a result of a mechanical issue the branch said was being handled by a technician, informing her the funds would be posted within hours.

Stephens returned to the credit union multiple times because the funds still weren’t posted. After questioning the bank again, she was led into a room where a technician was able to locate her funds in the machine. After asking for access to her funds, a manager called the police, who arrived with their hands on their guns.

The police report described the situation differently from the lawsuit, claiming Stephens was yelling “‘gun, gun, gun …’ over and over” and acting disorderly, leading to her arrest.

The lawsuit stated Stephens was dragged out of the police car, thrown to the ground, and placed in a holding cell before four cops threw her into the back of a police vehicle and transported her to jail, where she was allegedly stripped nude and forced to sleep on the jail floor.

Reportedly, the day after she was released, a MidFlorida regional manager visited her home to offer a $300 voucher for the situation being handled incorrectly.

“We’re sorry for any wrongful treatment that Ms. Stephens may have encountered while in police custody. Police were contacted to calm an escalating situation with an irate customer because we have an obligation to provide a secure environment for all members in the branch conducting financial transactions,” a MidFlorida representative said in a statement. “MidFlorida Credit Union is proud of our culture of inclusivity and equality as well as the high level of service we provide to all our members.”

Hall of Famer Michael Irvin Removed from Super Bowl Duties After Accusation from Local Woman
by Sharelle B. McNair

February 8, 2023

Hall of Famer Michael Irvin Removed from Super Bowl Duties After Accusation from Local Woman

The Super Bowl is a few days away but the real drama is brewing off the field.

Fox News reported that NFL Hall-of-Famer Michael Irvin has been relieved of his Super Bowl coverage duties due to a complaint filed against him by a woman. The woman alleges that she had an inappropriate encounter with the sports commentator on Sunday in Glendale, AZ, where the big game is being held.

Irvin defended himself to The Dallas Morning News, saying the encounter was “brief and public” after having dinner and drinks with former NFL player Michael Brooks. He described the interaction as non-physical, other than a handshake before parting ways in the lobby of the hotel he was staying at. NFL Media VP of Communications, Alex Riethmiller, made a statement regarding Irvin’s dismissal. “Michael Irvin will not be a part of NFL Network’s Super Bowl LVII week coverage,” Riethmiller said, according to The Dallas Morning News.

The former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver claimed to be “baffled” by the accusation, telling The Dallas Morning News he barely remembers the conversation. “Honestly, I’m a bit baffled with it all,” the 56-year-old said. “This all happened in a 45-second conversation in the lobby. When I got back after going out…I came into the lobby, and I talked to somebody. I talked to this girl. I don’t know her, and I talked to her for about 45 seconds.”

Local police authorities said they don’t even have knowledge of an incident involving Irvin. According to Fox News, Irvin claims there “absolutely was no sexual wrongdoing,” adding, “We shook hands. Then, I left.…That’s all I know.”

Being in Arizona for Super Bowl activities before Sunday’s game, Irvin covered the annual Super Bowl Opening Night ceremony on Monday, with players and coaches from the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. Irvin said in an interview with DMN that NFL Media officials approached him, off-air,  shortly after, regarding the events that allegedly occurred the night prior.

Scheduled to appear on First Take with hosts Stephen A. Smith and Molly Qerim on Friday, DMN reported an ESPN spokesperson said Irvin will no longer be participating.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 8, 2023

Drifters Singer and Hall of Fame Inductee Charlie Thomas Passes Away at 85

A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee recently passed away.

According to The Los Angeles Times, longtime member of the R&B group, the Drifters, Charlie Thomas, has died at the age of 85. Thomas’ friend, Peter Lemongello Jr. confirmed that the singer passed away on Jan. 31 at his home in Bowie, MD.

“He was aging, but he was active almost every weekend,” Lemongello told The New York Times. “Unfortunately, he went from being active to being at home and he started going downhill.”

He died after losing a battle with liver cancer.

The veteran performer was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 with his fellow Drifters Ben E. King, Bill Pinkney, Clyde McPhatter, Gerhart Thrasher, Johnny Moore, and Rudy Lewis.

According to U Discover Music, Thomas, who was born in Lynchburg, VA, started his singing career with a group named the Five Crowns. He and the other members of the group were recruited to become The Drifters after George Treadwell, who owned the group’s name, fired the original members in 1958.

Thomas performed with the group off-and-on for more than 60 years. The singer left the Drifters in 1967, but rejoined in 1988, when the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They recorded several hit records including, “There Goes My Baby,” “Under the Boardwalk,” “This Magic Moment” and “Save the Last Dance for Me.”

Thomas also recorded lead vocals on 1961’s “Sweets For My Sweet,” as well as the popular song, “When My Little Girl Is Smiling.”

He was also recognized with a Pioneer Award by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1999.

A memorial service for Thomas has been planned for Feb. 16 at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Landover, MD.

Thomas leaves behind his wife, Rita Thomas; his two daughters, Crystal Thomas Wilson, and Victoria Green; his three sons, Charlie Jr., Michael Sidbury and Brian Godfrey, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The Food Recovery Network will Be on Hand at the Super Bowl to Collect Leftovers to Donate to Those in Need
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 8, 2023

The Food Recovery Network will Be on Hand at the Super Bowl to Collect Leftovers to Donate to Those in Need

This weekend, football fans will gather in Glendale, Arizona, to witness the last two NFL teams battling to be the winner to take the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy back to their home state. With all the spectators gathered to celebrate and view the Super Bowl—and halftime performer Rihanna—food will be aplenty. One organization will coordinate “rescuing” the leftover food so it won’t go to waste. They will ensure the collected food will be donated to those in need.

According to CNN, this Super Sunday, Feb. 12, there will be volunteers in and outside of State Farm Stadium whose sole purpose is to gather surplus food to give to people and communities that may need it.

The rise of food insecurity occurred across the country before the start of the pandemic. Due to the shutdown of cities and states across America, the problem grew.

Regina Anderson, the executive director of Food Recovery Network, is rallying the troops to secure food that may be thrown out after the game. The organization will have refrigerated trucks, pallet jacks, and lift gates at and around the stadium. According to NFL estimates, there is the possibility of up to 140,000 pounds of donatable food and beverage that can be generated by events surrounding the Super Bowl, as well as the game itself.

This will be the third year that the Food Recovery Network will be on hand to combat the loss of food that can be donated to those who need it. The nonprofit organization has been around since 2011, when it was started to fight food waste on college campuses.

“This year, we’re still very mindful of the lingering impact that the pandemic has had for people and families across the country,” said Erin Price, program manager with FRN. She also stated that this year’s Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs offers a “great opportunity to increase food donations for people who are experiencing hunger and food insecurity in Glendale and the Phoenix area.”

Nearly 3,000 pounds of food is anticipated to be collected at this year’s “Players Tailgate” event, hosted by Bobby Flay of the Food Network. Several celebrity chefs will be on hand preparing meals for people who will attend the all-you-can-eat-and-drink affair. Entry into the event will set adults back $875 each and $499 for children who are 15 years old and younger.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 8, 2023

Moncler Announces Art of Genius 2023 Lineup Featuring Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, and Pharrell Williams

Moncler announced the lineup for their Art of Genius showcase at this year’s London Fashion Week.

According to a press release from Moncler, The Art of Genius event will take place on Feb. 20 in London and will also be streamed live on Moncler.com. 

The fashion company confirmed that several esteemed names and companies will be joining them in this fashion showcase: Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams, Salehe Bembury, and Jay-Z, along with Mercedes-Benz, Palm Angels, FRGMT, adidas Originals, and Roc Nation.

Rick Owens is also slated to appear at the event, where he will present the Moncler + Rick Owens collection.

According to Complex, Moncler Chairman & CEO Remo Ruffini said, “In 2023 we are entering a new phase for Moncler Genius. While our commitment towards creativity and innovative thinking does not change, we are moving from a collaboration model to a platform for co-creation, allowing us to interact, learn, think and create something that didn’t necessarily exist before. We will tap into new communities, creators and disruptors from the world of Art, Design, Entertainment, Sport, Fashion and Culture. I am always thrilled by the idea of finding new ways to not only create but also invite new worlds to experience the brand.”

Tickets for The Art of Genius are available via registration on Moncler.com, where visitors can access exclusive logged-in content.

“A platform for co-creation and imagination. A space for creativity to be appreciated for its beauty and emotional power.

“The Art of Genius is coming to London with a renewed lineup and unmissable live show. An evolved #MONCLERGENIUS goes beyond fashion, exploring the boundaries of creation at the intersections of Art, Design, Entertainment, Music, Sport, and Culture.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Moncler (@moncler)

 

Alabama Teachers and Parents Voice Frustration Over Cancellation of Author Derrick Barnes’ Visit for Black History Month
by Booker Jones

February 8, 2023

Alabama Teachers and Parents Voice Frustration Over Cancellation of Author Derrick Barnes’ Visit for Black History Month

Award-winning children’s book author Derrick Barnes had his invitation to speak and read his books at an Alabama school rescinded and many are not happy about it.  

Barnes, whose books feature Black children, had his scheduled visit to three Hoover City Schools, a school system just south of Birmingham, Alabama, canceled by school officials. According to CNN, Barnes’  it was due to contract issues and a parent’s concern regarding Barnes’ social media posts.

CNN also reported that parents, teachers, and citizens of Hoover raised $4,300 of the $9,900 Barnes would have been paid for the speaking engagements. 

Ashley Dorough, a parent of a 7-year-old student at one of Hoover City schools, launched a fundraiser.

“We are a transracial family, so when we found out Derrick Barnes was coming, we immediately cleared our schedule, asked the librarian if family can come, it was a very exciting, well-known event. It’s a rare opportunity for your child to get in a public school, so losing that was disappointing, hurtful, and frustrating,” Dorough told CNN.

“At the beginning, there was so much anger, and we were all asking, ‘Why, why, why?’” she added. “I realized we can no longer be angry or just move on with our lives. We had to take that energy and put it into something good.”

The district’s move to cancel Barnes’ visits triggered concerns of censorship amid controversial book bans in some parts of the country, specifically targeting titles related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Republican-led states, including Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas, have pushed statewide rules making it easier for critics to remove titles they dislike from school libraries.

In Alabama, the state’s board of education adopted a resolution in 2021 titled “Declaring the Preservation of Intellectual Freedom and Non-Discrimination in Alabama’s Public Schools,” which, according to the Legal Defense Fund, “prevents educators from teaching the full and accurate history of racial discrimination and civil rights in Alabama and the United States.”

CNN reviewed Barnes’ social media posts and found that most of the author’s posts feature photos of his family, writing, and music he enjoys as well as comments about news events and political issues—including police brutality.

 

View this profile on Instagram

 

Derrick Barnes (@authorderrickdbarnes) • Instagram photos and videos

×