BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (Reuters) -“Black Panther” actress Angela Bassett won a supporting actress award on Tuesday at the first Golden Globe awards since a scandal knocked the glitzy Hollywood ceremony off television.

Bassett was honored for playing Queen Ramonda in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” a sequel that was rewritten after the death of star Chadwick Boseman.

“We showed the world what Black unity, leadership and love looks like beyond, behind and in front of the camera,” Bassett said as she held her trophy.

Ke Huy Quan was named best supporting actor in a drama film for his role of Waymond Wang in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”

Celebrities and broadcaster NBC abandoned the 2022 Globes because of ethical lapses at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), the group that hands out the awards.

A larger, more diverse membership and other changes by the HFPA persuaded many of the biggest movie and TV stars to support this year’s ceremony, which provides publicity for winners and nominees and often boosts their chances at the Oscars.

Comedian and host Jarrod Carmichael opened the show joking, “I’m here because I’m black.”

“One day you’re making mint tea at home. The next day you’re invited to be the Black face of an embattled white organization,” he said at the ceremony, which was broadcast live on Comcast Corp’s NBC network and streamed on Peacock.

Big names in attendance included Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Viola Davis and “Elvis” star Austin Butler, a favorite for a best actor trophy.

A flashy “Elvis” biopic and sci-fi blockbuster “Avatar: The Way of Water” were vying for the top honor of best drama film against Steven Spielberg’s coming-of-age movie “The Fabelmans” and “Tar,” starring Cate Blanchett as a conniving orchestra conductor.

“Top Gun: Maverick” also was in the mix, though the military action film’s chances were likely hurt by star Tom Cruise returning his Globe statues in protest in 2021, awards experts said.

Cruise was reacting to a Los Angeles Times investigation that revealed the HFPA had no Black journalists in its ranks and accused members of soliciting favors from celebrities and movie studios.

“The Banshees of Inisherin,” a darkly comic tale set on an Irish island, was seen as the leading contender for best comedy or musical film.

In TV categories, “Abbott Elementary” racked up the most nominations and was considered a leader for best comedy.

Roughly 200 journalists and others from the international film industry voted on this year’s Globes. Among those voters, nearly 52% are racially and ethnically diverse, including 10% who are Black, according to the HFPA.

(Reporting by Lisa Richwine and Danielle Broadway; Additional reporting by Rollo Ross; Editing by Mary Milliken, Cynthia Osterman and Jonathan Oatis)

• Sports

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

January 10, 2023

Deion Sanders is First of Three Iconic Figures to be Inducted Into GQ’s First Sports Style Hall of Fame Issue

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With his recent accomplishments, NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders received another accolade at the start– of the new year.

With the introduction of the GQ Sports Style Hall of Fame, Sanders joins two iconic men from two other sports, Allen Iverson and Derek Jeter, to be the first three inductees.

GQ just released the first of the three covers honoring the three legendary men for the new GQ Sports Style Hall of Fame. The initial honoree is none other than reality TV superstar and collegiate football coach Sanders.

“Presenting the first of our three @GQSports Style Hall of Fame cover stars: @deionsanders. Hit the link in bio to read the story by @donovanxramsey and see all the photographs by @adrienneraquel. Styled by @mobolajidawodu. #SHOF”

 

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The magazine covers the beginnings of Sanders’s career from a dynamic college football player to the NFL while also playing in Major League Baseball, performing at high levels for both leagues before putting the cleats away and becoming a reality TV star.

It then turns to his foray into coaching and elevating himself to raise the stature of HBCUs, eventually succeeding to the level by becoming a head coach in the best college division in the NCAA.

According to BuffZone, the contract Sanders signed to leave Jackson State University has been approved by the University of Colorado Board of Regents. The head coach is leaving JSU after being offered a five-year, $29.5 million contract to take on the role of CU’s 28th full-time head football coach.

After a stellar college and professional career, Sanders is a member of both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. He won two Super Bowls while playing 14 seasons in the National Football League. Sanders also played professional baseball from 1989-2001 in Major League Baseball.

Fans won’t have to worry about finding new drip to wear to the Super Bowl this year.

Savage X Fenty recently dropped its limited-edition “Game Day” collection on Jan. 8, ahead of CEO Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance, her return to the live stage since 2018.

The superstar released photos on the lingerie company’s Instagram page with a caption that said, “We heard there’s a football game? #SavageXGameDay.”

 

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According to Harper’s Bazaar, the line is a 17-piece collection featuring jerseys and sweats that flaunt a varsity-style Fenty logo.

Pieces in the collection include football-print boxers, beanies, bandanas, and the LVII Surprise Tee, a white shirt that reveals a Rihanna graphic when pulled overhead. A message on the shirt reads, “Rihanna concert interrupted by a football game, weird but whatever.”

 

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As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, the singer was confirmed as the performer for the Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show that is dated to take place on Feb. 12, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rihanna to the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show stage. Rihanna is a once-in-a-generation artist who has been a cultural force throughout her career,” NFL Head of Music Seth Dudowsky said in a confirmation statement in September 2022. “We look forward to collaborating with Rihanna, Roc Nation and Apple Music to bring fans another historic Halftime Show performance.”

Last November, Rihanna shared with Entertainment Tonight that she would incorporate a lot of culture into her set.

“I want to incorporate different aspects of entertainment and things that I just enjoy and bring it to the stage,” she told the outlet. “I want to celebrate the music that I’ve made.”

The collection is available for purchase on the Savage X Fenty website. Reportedly, the launch includes a three-day pop-up in Los Angeles from Jan. 27 to 29.

• News

by Atiya Jordan

January 10, 2023

Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Patrisse Cullors’ Cousin Killed — She Blames LAPD

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Black Lives Matter (BLM) co-founder, Patrisse Cullors, has shared some sad news about her cousin, claiming that he was recently killed by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

According to KTLA 5, 31-year-old Keenan Anderson died on Tuesday, Jan. 3, after police officers used a taser on him for allegedly trying to flee and resist arrest. LAPD claims Anderson was responsible for a car crash in the Venice area and was in the middle of the street “exhibiting erratic behavior.” This prompted officers to conduct an investigation of driving under the influence (DUI).

 

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The news outlet reported that the English teacher was cooperative until additional police units arrived at the scene. He then led officers on a foot chase before being apprehended.

“Officers struggled with Anderson for several minutes, utilizing a TASER, bodyweight, firm grips, and joint locks to overcome his resistance,” the LAPD said in a statement, according to the Daily Mail.

“Anderson was subsequently handcuffed and hobbled at the ankles.”

After Anderson was arrested, the Los Angeles Fire Department reportedly provided medical aid to him for the taser use. He was later transported to a Santa Monica hospital, where he died after experiencing cardiac arrest.

A week after her cousin’s passing, Cullors took to Instagram to post a tribute and a photo of Anderson with his six-year-old son.

 

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She wrote, “This is my cousin Keenan Anderson. He was killed by LAPD in Venice on January 3rd, 2023. My cousin was an educator and worked with high school aged children. He was an English teacher.”

“LAPD has killed three people this year. One of them is my family member,” Cullors continued.

She concluded, “Keenan deserves to be alive right now, his child deserves to be raised by his father. Keenan we will fight for you and for all of our loved ones impacted by state violence. I love you.”

The fatal incident remains under investigation.

Last year, Cullors discussed her exit from the BLM group and movement on Hollywood Unlocked With Jason Lee, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported. Her departure would come after allegations about Cullors and BLM using $6 million in donations to purchase a mansion for her personal benefit.

BLM Los Angeles stands in solidarity with Anderson, rallying its supporters to demand justice in his name.

Keke Palmer appears to be over the moon after the actress announced that she was expecting her first child with partner Darius Daulton last month during her appearance on Saturday Night Live. The couple has been dating since 2021. 

Following the reveal, Palmer gave fans a glimpse into her pregnancy by sharing intimate moments on social media and talking about the various things she’s done to help her maintain a balanced life, including taking a much-needed vacation with Daulton. 

Since then, Palmer kept a relatively low profile on her account aside from cracking jokes until Jan. 9 after the Nope star dropped the image of her maternity photoshoot, shot by celebrity photographer David LaChapelle, on Instagram. 

In the photo, Palmer showed off her baby bump by wearing a yellow cut-out ensemble and posing on top of a prop. At the same time, a sitting Daulton looked at the expectant mother in awe as he rocked a white top and pink pants. 

 

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In addition to the snapshot, Palmer expressed in the caption how she and Daulton can’t wait to meet their “little one.” The 29-year-old wrote, “It’s giving poetry. It’s giving Michael Angelo. It’s giving Sistine Chapel. It’s giving masterpiece. Behold, a mother, a father, and the blessed baby, we await in pure awe. The greatest gift from above we could ever dream [of]. We can’t wait to meet you, little one! We are so glad to be your earth parents as God’s hands are placed so gently over your life.”

Toward the end of the caption, Palmer thanked LaChapelle for his work and rapper Nicki Minaj for introducing the pair. She said, “thank you so much, @nickiminaj, for connecting me to @david_lachapelle and making this happen! Thank you, @diandretristan for helping with everything. From this photoshoot to the baby shower, haha, I love you so much, friend!!!”

Despite the maternity shoot, there are no additional details regarding the gender of Palmer and Daulton’s baby and when the star is expected to give birth.

 

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As for Palmer, she credited pregnancy as the reason behind her skin clearing up and the cure for acne. The star said she would be KeKe Wyatt and be pregnant forever.

• Fashion & Beauty

by Diamond Jeune

January 10, 2023

CBS Anchor Gayle King Stuns in Same Yellow Dress on Jan. 9 Work Anniversary Each Year

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Whoever said that celebrities or public figures couldn’t wear an outfit more than once sure hasn’t met Gayle King.

The 68-year-old took a creative approach to commemorate her 11th work anniversary on Jan. 9 by wearing the same yellow dress every year. King joined the CBS network in 2012 as a co-host on CBS Mornings. Following the success of the morning show, her position expanded to doing high-publicized interviews for CBS News.

In honor of King’s special day, her co-hosts Nate Burleson and guest co-host Deborah Norville, and the company paid tribute to the mother of two by giving her cupcakes and sharing a video montage highlighting her career. The clip also featured a photo collage of each year King wore the iconic dress.

Happy anniversary, @GayleKing!

Today, we’re celebrating 11 years of Gayle at @CBSNews with some sweet treats, a special yellow dress and a look at some of her most spectacular moments from the past year. pic.twitter.com/WV0gF2Im4g

— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) January 9, 2023

In addition to the surprise, King told her co-workers that she feared the dress wouldn’t fit after expressing that she wanted to continue being a part of the CBS network for another 11 years.

She recounted her conversation with her stylist, “When I put it on this morning, James, our wardrobe guy said, ‘Did you try it on?’ I said no, I’m just praying to sweet Black baby Jesus that it fits. The seams are going help me, help me.'”

On top of everything else, the company showed its appreciation for King by writing a special message to her on CBS Mornings’ official Twitter page. The caption read, “Happy anniversary, @GayleKing! Today, we’re celebrating 11 years of Gayle at @CBSNews with some sweet treats, a special yellow dress, and a look at some of her most spectacular moments from the past year.” 

It’s a new year, and customers are seeing healthier options on the food aisles of their favorite stores.

Vegan foodie Tabitha Brown announced the launch of her new collection of kitchen supplies and vegan foods found on the shelves of Target stores.

Brown announced in a teaser video she shared with her Instagram followers on Jan. 4.

“Food is love, and how I love myself,” Brown said in the video. “Honey, I have already did the work, so you ain’t gotta worry about it.”

 

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“Family look at what the Lord has done🙌🏾🙌🏾,” she wrote in the caption.

“Y’all know that food changed my entire life!! When I went vegan 5 years ago I had no idea what I was doing, but every day I tried to make it easy and fun! I know how tough it can be to figure out what to eat when you first try a plant based lifestyle, so I wanted to help make the transition easier for you,” she told her foodie followers.

“I am so excited to announce my limited time vegan Food and kitchen collection @target 🥰,” the caption continued.

She shared a few product options for Target customers, adding, “Honey we got burgers, pasta, potato salad, popcorn, and even pickled okra to just name a few!! I can’t wait for you all to experience it all!!

According to Eating Well, Brown’s kitchen collection includes various cookware essentials such as tableware, food storage, botanical dip serving bowls, spatulas, and a cast-iron grill pan.

Shoppers can also pick up some vegan food choices, such as Brown’s planted-based sausages, garlicky veggie burgers, vegan popcorn, seasoned nuts, and other snacks. The collection also provides a selection of dips, including lemon-garlic-dill hummus, truffle-garlic spread, and a caramelized onion cream cheese-style spread.

 

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Brown followed up the new endeavor with a post where she appeared at Target for a tasting.

 

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Brown’s collection launched in Target stores on Jan. 8.

Years after receiving a major co-sign from none other than Beyoncé, designer Samantha Black is unveiling her official collaboration for Target’s Black History Month collection.

Black, the mastermind behind Sammy B Designs, took to Instagram on Monday to announce the Sammy B X Target collection available in stores nationwide and online.

“It has been a pleasure working with their team to bring this capsule to life, and how amazing @target was at wanting to highlight all things Sammy B and bring our energy to their followers,” she shared in her caption.

“Run please don’t walk to your nearest target as we are nationwide and online.”

 

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Attention around Sammy B Designs has continued to grow since Black received free promotion from Beyoncé. In July 2017, Black received a call from Queen Bey’s stylist, Zerina Akers, who owned a pair of Sammy B’s wide-leg pants.

Akers thought the pants would be “dope” for Bey to wear, so she reached out to Black, who decided to make a skinny-leg version of the pants with a matching jacket. Months after Black sent the outfit to Beyoncé, she was surprised to receive a tag in a series of the singer’s posts displaying the fit.

 

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“Literally when I did not expect it,” Black told Refinery 29.

The pants and jacket sold out shortly after Bey’s post, and the rest has been a continued rise to the top for the New York City native. Black graduated from Pratt Institute and worked for Jill Stuart and Michael Kors before moving to London to work under the late Alexander McQueen.

Black launched Sammy B Designs in 2005. She describes the line as “chic, fun, funky-fresh, and unmistakably New York.”

• Entertainment

by Stacy Jackson

January 10, 2023

Mother Goes Viral After She Pulled Up on Daughter on Roblox, Told Her To Sit ‘Lasagna Out’

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This mother may have just given parents permission to pop up on their kids on Roblox.

Comedian and Chicago mom ChaCha Watson recently went viral after posting her strategy for contacting her 11-year-old daughter, Miracle, when she doesn’t answer her phone when she’s on Roblox.

According to Today, since the game logs you out if you answer a phone call, Watson said she had to meet her daughter in the game to tell her to take the lasagna and garlic bread out of the freezer to thaw it out before she cooks.

Watson shared screenshots of her gesture on Facebook, where her antics went viral.

“She just so happens to be in the beginning stage when you first pop up on the game. So when I popped up, she was just so happened to pull up,” she said, adding that she hopped in a car with her daughter’s avatar. “And I said, ‘You see me calling you!’ and then she was like, ‘I’m sorry mom.'”

Although the comedian’s intentions were not to go viral posting the Roblox screenshots, social media users were very entertained by her parenting technique, and some started to steal her joke.

“I was like, ‘People got to see what I go through to get in touch with my child,'” she said.

Watson shared that she plays the game with her daughter and younger family members as part of their bonding time.

“Being a single parent, you just want to make sure that you’re spending time with your kids. That’s really important to me — to make sure I’m spending quality time with her. So I downloaded Roblox and …that was just one of the best things ever.”

Roblox is a large online gaming platform where users can connect and create their own immersive experiences in other games inside the program.

Tennis great Serena Williams is now a Jehovah’s Witness, marking a faithful journey in her retirement.

On Sunday, the 23-time grand slam winner was initiated at the Jehovah’s Witness Assembly in West Palm Beach, Florida, Sportskeeda reported. Her baptism comes just five months after she announced her painful dilemma to move on from playing tennis.

Serena Williams, the famous Tennis player got baptized today at the Jehovah's Witness Assembly in West Palm Beach Florida.

According to the Governing Body of the religious sect in Watchtower 2019, study 40, paragraph 14, only baptised Witnesses will be saved. pic.twitter.com/wd9E897pFL

— Uptown Press NG (@RealMoshudKarim) January 8, 2023

In her younger years, Williams and her sister, Venus, were raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses, but the 41-year-old mother never really put it into practice in her adult years. Now she is reclaiming how she wants to move forward with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and five-year-old daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr.

“Being a Jehovah’s Witness is important to me, but I’ve never really practiced it and have been wanting to get into it,” Williams told Vogue back in 2017. “Alexis didn’t grow up going to any church, but he’s really receptive and even takes the lead. He puts my needs first.”

According to the official website for Jehovah’s Witnesses, the initiated identify as Christians, follow both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, and have a membership of nearly nine million people. Jehovah’s Witnesses do not see Jesus Christ as the “Almighty God” but instead as the son of God.

Among their many beliefs, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe in celebrating birthdays “because we believe that such celebrations displease God.” The website notes four reasons followers of the religion avoid birthday celebrations, including ties to paganism, and that the Bible says that “the day of death is better than the day of birth.”

At a press conference ahead of the U.S. Open in 2018, Williams explained why she and her husband did not plan to throw a party for their daughter’s first birthday, per People.

“Olympia doesn’t celebrate birthdays,” said Williams. “We’re Jehovah’s Witnesses, so we don’t do that.”

Despite this, Williams and her husband surprise their daughter with parties for fun, making every day as memorable as possible. As BLACK ENTERPRISE previously reported, little Alexis received a Moana-themed get-together from her parents without any occasion.